EVERETT JUNE 12: The Everett City Council welcomed 15 firefighter recruits to the Everett Fire Department and heard concerns from local business owners regarding the potential minimum wage increase.
Mayors Comments:
Mayor Cassie Franklin proclaimed the month of June as ‘Ride Transit Month’. The Everett station is the largest transit hub in Snohomish County connecting more than 10 transit services including Sound Transit, Franklin said.
August 30 is the grand opening of the Light Rail service to Snohomish County going into Lynnwood.
Franklin thanked The Shack Art Center, Downtown Everett Association, Skotdal Real Estate, Williams Investment, Sunnyside Nursery, and city teams for their work with Sorticulture.
Everett Pride Block Party is happening 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. in downtown Everett.
Paul Gagnon, Assistant Fire Chief, introduced a class of 15 firefighter recruits to the Everett Fire Department.
Public Comments:
Lake Stevens resident and business owner Josh Hershlip voiced concerns about the potential minimum wage increase that the City of Everett mentioned in last week’s council meeting.
He asked the council to ensure that they discuss with local business owners and the community before making any decisions regarding minimum wage increases.
Kerri Lonergan Dreke CEO of Lombardi’s Restaurant in Everett also expressed concerns about the “large increase of minimum wage.”
“If we end up having a 25% increase in minimum wage I really fear for many small and medium-sized restaurants being able to continue business in Everett,” Dreke said.
Councilmember comments
Councilmember Paula Rhyne shared that the Everett Station District is getting ready for Town Hall Day 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, in front of the train station. There will be vendors, food trucks, and a bouncy house. For more information on this event see here: https://www.everettstationdistrict.com/calendar/2024-town-hall-day
Councilmember Liz Vogeli shared that there will be a Comprehensive Plan Expo on June 28, 5-7 p.m. at Everett Station Warehouser Room fourth floor, and on June 29, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the Evergreen branch of the Public Library. At this event, you can engage with City of Everett staff and learn about key issues facing the city.
Other:
Economic Development Pacemaker Tyler Chism gave a presentation to the council addressing the need for a standalone Everett Chamber of Commerce. Chambers act as the voice for businesses and business advocacy Chism said. Chism is requesting $500,000 of COVID Relief Funds to be used for the next three years to relaunch the Everett Chamber of Commerce.
Chism shared a quote from a local business owner saying “Small businesses in South Everett are underserved and require tailored support. Current resources often favor large manufacturing firms or downtown small businesses.”
Annual Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Update for 2025-2030:
Public Works Assistant Director Tom Hood briefed the council on a resolution adopting projects to the Annual Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is a list of anticipated projects that the city may pursue during the next six years (2025-2030). The city is required by state law to update and adopt TIP every year.
This year’s update has two new projects, the first being the Everett transit project. This plan includes repaving the parking lot at 33rd and Cedar, Hood said. The reason is the need for more parking for electric buses.
The second project the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan, is a federal program for local jurisdictions to improve road safety Hood said.
The Park District Development:
The council meeting was briefed on three new ordinances regarding The Park District Development plan, which aims to design 1,500 homes and 45,000 square feet of civic and commercial space. This redevelopment will be completed across several phases over the next 10 years.
Interim Executive Director of Everett Housing Authority Mary Swenson explained the housing authority’s commitment to working with the Delta Neighborhood Association and the residents in the area that will be affected.
“The overall need for this project is housing. We have lots of folks that are unhoused, and we have the need for additional residential units…,” Swenson said.
To learn more about The Park District Development and all the proposed updates made, see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKaGX8k01L4
