HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Signed Minutes 01-26-26_WorkshopMinutes of the Arlington
City Council Workshop
Council Chambers
110 East 3rd Street
Monday, January 26, 2026
Councilmembers Present: Heather Watland, Rob Toyer, Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam,
Michele Blythe, Nathan Senff, Tim Abrahamson, and Leisha Nobach.
Council Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Mayor Don Vanney, Paul Ellis, Jim Kelly, Kris Wallace, Amy Rusko, Jen Haugen,
Ameresia Lawlis, Peter Barrett, and Chelsea Brewer.
Also Known to be Present: Kathy Vanney, Randy Nobach, Stephanie Abrahamson, Kim
Casteel, and others.
Mayor Don Vanney called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm, and the Pledge of Allegiance and
roll call followed.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tern Michele Blythe moved to approve the agenda as presented. Councilmember
Leisha Nobach seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous vote.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
None.
WORKSHOP ITEMS - NO â–ºACTION WAS TAKEN
Ordinance Approving Lindsay Subarea Plan and Establishing a Planned Action
Community and Economic Development Director Amy Rusko reviewed an ordinance
MJS Investors, in partnership with the City of Arlington, initiated the community planning
process for the Lindsay Subarea. The process developed a vision, plan, and implementation
strategies for the subarea. The process addresses planning elements such as future land use,
transportation, environmental stewardship, parks and trails, utilities, and public services.
The Lindsay Subarea Plan articulates a long-term vision that reflects the subarea's unique
character, identifies critical infrastructure and service needs, and outlines strategies to
advance citywide goals and community priorities. The plan establishes a clear framework to
shape the subarea into a peaceful, connected community by cultivating spaces that support
well-being and welcome all who call it home.
The Planned Action Ordinance was developed under RCW 43.21C.440 and associated SEPA
rules in WAC 197-11 based on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Future proposals
consistent with the Planned Action Ordinance, subarea plan, and development regulations
will have a streamlined environmental review and permitting process.
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Workshop January 26 2026
The Lindsay Subarea Plan includes development standards that address zoning
designations, permissible uses, density and dimensional standards, street design standards,
parking standards, landscaping standards, building design, pedestrian access, trails, parks,
open space and neighborhood amenities.
The City proposes adopting a Lindsay Subarea Plan and Planned Action Ordinance. These
documents will provide the groundwork for continued, coordinated, and efficient growth of
the neighborhood. The subarea plan was developed for consistency with the Growth
Management Act, County -Wide Planning Policies, and the City of Arlington Comprehensive
Plan.
The Lindsay Annexation was completed in 2022 under Ordinance 2022-003, officially
bringing Lindsay into the City of Arlington, where it is now one of the neighborhoods within
the Hilltop Subarea. In November 2023, Ordinance 2023-016 amended AMC Section
20.44.032 Subarea Plans. This amendment reflected community priorities identified through
the 2024 Comprehensive Plan engagement process and emphasizes the importance of
coordinated land development through subarea planning. In 2024, MJS Investors, in
partnership with the City, initiated the community planning process for the Lindsay Subarea.
In December 2025, City Council approved a Development Agreement with MJS, Investors
vesting critical area stream buffers and regulations, park requirements, 79th Avenue
dedication and creek crossing, utility infrastructure improvements, cost
recovery/latecomers' agreements, phased development, modifications process for the
conceptual site plan, and terms of agreement. Discussion followed with Ms. Rusko answering
Council questions.
Ordinance Amending Arlington Municipal Code Chapter 2.52 Planning Commission
Community and Economic Development Director Amy Rusko reviewed an ordinance
The proposed amendments to AMC Chapter 2.52 Planning Commission include updates to
modernize the commission through regulations that provide order, efficiency and
functionality.
The regulations of this chapter were implemented 83 years ago, with approximately half the
sections updated 31 years ago and additional updates 17 and 10 years ago. This chapter is
in desperate need of updates to include current practices and regulations to ensure a modern
and functional Planning Commission. Discussion followed with Ms. Rusko answering Council
questions.
Ordinance Repealing Arlington Municipal Code Chapter 2.104 Design Review Board
Community and Economic Development Director Amy Rusko reviewed an ordinance
repealing Arlington Municipal Code Chapter 2.104 Design Review Board.
The repeal of AMC Chapter 2.104 Design Review Board proposed to remove the chapter in
its entirety. The city now has design standards instead of guidelines with the Development
Design Standards, Mixed -Use Development Regulations, and in adopted subarea plans. In
addition, there are multiple state regulations that limit design review board involvement for
certain types of projects. These state laws include RCW 36.70A.030, RCW 36.70A.630, RCW
36.70A.635, RCW 36.70A.815, RCW 36.70B.120, and RCW 58.17.145.
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Workshop January 26. 20 26
The City currently utilizes the Planning Commission as the Design Review Board. Recent
state regulations and the conversion of design guidelines to design standards in 2018, with
updates in 2022 and 2024 have resulted in the development of strong design standards
where the Design Review Board does not provide the same oversight that was once
necessary to ensure compliance. Discussion followed with Ms. Rusko answering Council
questions.
Quarterly Community and Economic Development
Community and Economic Development Director Amy Rusko reviewed the 4th quarter
report.
Construction Funding Agreement with the Public Works Board
Public Works Director Jim Kelly reviewed the construction funding agreement with the
Public Works Board.
Staff is requesting authorization to sign Public Works Board Funding agreement for the
Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Expansion Project.
The City of Arlington has been seeking funding for the final phase of a multi -year project to
expand the Arlington water treatment filtering capacity to meet its available water rights at
Haller South Wellfield. This final phase entails construction of an expansion onto the City's
existing water treatment plant.
Staff applied for funding through the Public Works Board in 2025 and the City of Arlington
has been selected for a $10,000,000.00 low interest loan for this project. Staff are now
requesting authorization for the mayor to sign the funding agreement. Discussion followed
with Mr. Kelly answering Council questions.
Title VI Language Access Plan (LAP)
Public Works Director Jim Kelly reviewed the Title VI Language Access Plan (LAP).
Title VI Language Access Plan (LAP) complies with WSDOT Title IV Plan and USDOT Standard
Title VI/Non-Discrimination Assurances.
Compliance with federal non-discrimination policies and laws are required for the City to
receive federal transportation funding. Entities that receive federal financial assistance are
required under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d) to take reasonable
steps to provide meaningful access to their programs and activities regardless of race, color,
or national origin.
Since WSDOT is Arlington's Certifying Agency, we comply with the WSDOT Title VI Plan. The
city is now required as part of this process to have a Language Access Plan in place assuring
that we will continue to comply with their Title VI Plan and certify to the federal government
that we will comply with the USDOT Standard Title VI/Non-Discrimination Assurances.
Discussion followed with Mr. Kelly answering Council questions.
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Workshop January 26 2026
Utilities and Transportation Quarterly Report
Public Works Director Jim Kelly reviewed the 4th quarter report.
Monthly Financial Report
Finance Director Shelby Burke reviewed the December 2025 Preliminary Close Financial
Report.
ADMINISTRATOR AND STAFF REPORTS
None.
MAYOR'S REPORT
None.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam attended a ribbon cutting for Skookum
Brewery's new ownership. Hubb's Pizzeria, formerly Hubb's Pizza and Pasta is reopening
under new ownership. The library has great family events.
Councilmember Tim Abrahamson did a police ride along with Sgt. Olson's team and enjoyed
the time he spent.
Councilmember Michele Blythe thanked Paul Ellis for a great retreat last Friday.
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Councilmembers had nothing to report this evening.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Councilmembers discussed and agreed to put items 2 and 3 on the consent agenda for the
February 2 Council meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
jjaJ ney, Mayor
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