HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Signed Minutes 08-03-26_MeetingMinutes of the Arlington
City Council Meeting
Council Chambers
110 East 3rd Street
Monday, August 3, 2026
Councilmembers Present: Heather Watland, Rob Toyer, Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam
Michele Blythe, Nathan Senff, Tim Abrahamson, and Leisha Nobach.
Council Members Absent:
Staff Present: Mayor Don Vanney, Paul Ellis, Raelynn Jones, City Attorney Oskar Rey, Chelsea
Brewer, Shelby Burke, Jim Kelly, Jonathan Ventura, Thad Newport, and Sheri Amundson.
Also Known to be Present: Kathy Vanney, Randy Nobach, Kimberly Casteel, and Drew Bono.
Mayor Don Vanney called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and the Pledge of Allegiance and
roll call followed.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Michele Blythe moved to approve the revised agenda as presented.
Councilmember Rob Toyer seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous vote.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jay Lindberg, Arlington, provided comment.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Michele Blythe moved, and Councilmember Tim Abrahamson seconded the
motion to approve the Consent Agenda that was unanimously carried:
1. Minutes of the July 20 and July 27, 2026 Council meetings.
2. Accounts Payable: Approval of EFT/ACH Payments and Claims Checks #116384
through #116504, dated July 7th, 2026, through July 20th, 2026, in the amount of
$1,188,136.83.
3. 2026 City of Arlington Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP)
4. Ordinance Approving New Arlington Municipal Code Chapter 6.12 Mobile Food
Units
PUBLIC HEARING
None.
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Meeting August 3 2026
NEW BUSINESS
2027 Lodging Tax Distribution
Fifteen (15) grant applications were received totaling $220,191, explained Finance Director
Shelby Burke. The total amount that could be awarded was $185,000. The committee
focused on the following priorities in addition to using the scoring matrix; new projects,
off-season events and events that had other sources of funding (like admission fees or
sponsorships). The committee met on July 15, 2026 to review the scoring each committee
member completed of each application and to come to a consensus on the funding
recommendations. Discussion followed with Ms. Burke answering Council questions.
Councilmember Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam moved, and Councilmember Tim Abrahamson
seconded the motion to approve the 2027 funding distribution as recommended by the
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. The motion passed unanimously.
WSDOT Agreement for Water and Sewer Utility Relocation Costs for the SR-531
Widening Project
Public Works Director, Jim Kelly explains that the City has been working with WSDOT for
many years on the SR-531 Widening Project; the project is ready to advertise for
construction on Sep 14, 2026. The City also has several water and sewer utilities that have
to be relocated to accommodate the SR-531 Widening Project; and since this is a public
improvement project, the City has an obligation to relocate its utility infrastructure within
the WSDOT ROW as necessary to accommodate the public project.
This agreement allows WSDOT to add the utility relocation work to the overall project bid
so that it can be completed by the winning contractor. The City's Water and Sewer utilities
will pay their proportionate share of the relocation costs. Discussion followed with Mr.
Kelly answering Council questions.
Councilmember Rob Toyer moved, and Councilmember Leisha Nobach seconded the
motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement with WSDOT for utility relocation
costs associated with the SR-531 Widening Project. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam reminds the public to attend the National Night
Out event and the Fiesta in the Park event.
Councilmember Michele Blythe thanked Public Works Director Jim Kelly for managing the
188th Roundabout project that is now open.
Councilmember Michele Blythe also expressed interest in supporting animal welfare efforts
and making sure the city code is aligned with State regulations. Other Councilmembers
indicated general support by consensus for Staff to explore the matter further and report
back with additional information or potential next steps.
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Meeting August 3. 2026
Council Members individually acknowledged City Administrator Paul Ellis, expressing
appreciation for his leadership, service and ongoing contributions to the City.
ADMINISTRATOR & STAFF REPORTS
City Administrator Paul Ellis reminds Council and the public that Council is on break until
September.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Don Vanney encourages the public to attend the National Night Out event occurring
August 4, 2026.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council a meeting was adjourned at 6:2S p.m.
Don E. Vanney, Mayor
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