General Legislative Session - Regular Meeting

Good morning, everyone. We'll call to order the Snohomish County Council for our administrative agenda. Today is Tuesday, 05/05/2026 at 9AM. We're meeting in the Jackson Boardroom and also remotely. I'll read the script for public comment, and then our clerks will take role. So we'll take public comment beginning in person and then remotely. On Zoom, click on the hand icon to raise your hand. If you're calling in by phone, press 9 to raise your hand and 6 to unmute. And each speaker will have three minutes to speak, and please start your comment with your name and city of residence. Next is roll call. Chair Dunn? Here. Vice Chair Lo?

Present.

Councilmember Nearing?

Here.

Councilmember Mead?

Here.

Councilmember Peterson?

Here.

Chair, we have five members present. Thank you.

First up, we have, special reports, and then we have public comments. So our special report is resolution 26 dash zero two zero.

Council considers resolution 26 dash zero two zero recognizing 05/05/2026 in celebration of Cinco de Mayo in Snohomish County.

Thank you. So, was there any were there any council comments on the resolution? Councilmember Nearing?

Yeah. Thank you, chair Dunn. Just really appreciate the opportunity to recognize, Cinco de Mayo again this year. And a big thank you to Julieta for working with us on this resolution, for the council for joining us and for executive summers for joining us as well as, as well of our all of our guests. So we appreciate you being here today.

Thank you. Any other council comments or comments online? Okay. So we'll take speakers to the resolution, and then we'll consider the resolution. So were there any speakers today? Welcome, Julieta. You can come to the podium.

Good morning. My name is Doctor. Juliet Altamirano Crosby. I'm Snohomish County PUD Commissioner and former Lingwood City Council Vice President. I would like to begin to by taking thanking Council Member Nay Nerin and all members of the council for the invitation and for their leadership in bringing us together today.

I would also like to extend a special thank you to Snohomish County Executive Day Somers for his continued commitment to our community. Thank you so much. I also extend my sincere appreciation to Deputy Consul Gerardo Javier Giza Vargas of the Mexican Consulate in Seattle. Your presence honors this moment and strengthens the connection between our communities. Today, we gather to commemorate Cinco de Mayo not as a broad celebration, but as an important moment in history.

Cinco de Mayo marks the victory of the Mexican army over French forces on 05/05/1862 at the Battle of Puebla. This was not just a military victory. It was a powerful act of sovereignty. At a time when Mexico faced foreign intervention, limited resources, and great uncertainty, its people stood strong in defense for of their nations. Against all odds, a smaller and less equipment force prevailed, showing courage, unity, and determination.

This that victory become a lasting symbol not of power, but of dignity, resilience, and the will to protect one's homeland. For me, this recognition is deeply personal. In May 2022, I had the honor of advocating for the official recognition of Cinco de Mayo in Esnohomish County. What began as a conversation about history became a commitment to visibility, respect, and inclusion. Today, thanks to the leadership of this council and the support for our community, that recognition continues to honor the Mexican and Mexican American experience.

But today, it's not only about the past, it is also about the people who carry these values forward every day. I would like to recognize and that a special guest, Blanca Vazquez, Professor from the University of Guerrero State. Kathy Liu Scott, former President of the League of Women of Borders of Snohomish County, for her leadership and commitment to civic engagement. Zachary McCon, representing the North Coast Estates Carpenters Union, along with Victor Ochoa, Sergio Jimenez, Rafael Samora, and Bissen Escalante, whose work reflects the strength, dignity and dedication of our workforce. Melbourne and Delaine, Library Manager of the Lingud branch of Snow Eye Libraries, for his commitment to education, literacy and access for all.

Marineses Caramassa, Executive Director and Jose Luis Gonzalez, Executive Producer of Latino Herald, for amplifying the voices and stories of our community. Felipe Hernandez and Antonio Hernandez and owners of the Los Gabilanes Mexican store for strengthening our local economy and community. And Martin Luis Cristobal and Sylvia Luis Gonzalez, owners of Casa Oaxaca restaurant for sharing the richness of Mexican culture through food and tradition. Each of you represent the spirit of what we honor today, hard work, resilience and a deep commitment to our community. As someone born in Guerrero, Mexico and now honored to serve this community, I carry a strong sense of pride and responsibility.

I stand here today with gratitude for this journey, for this recognition, and for the opportunity to continue building bridges across cultures. Cinco de Mayo reminds us this history is not only something we remember. It is something we continue to shape through our actions, our values and our commitment to one another. Let us move forward with unity, purpose and pride. Thank you so much, and Felicinco de Mayo. And I would like to extend the invitation to Deputy Gerardo, Mexican Counsel, please.

Good morning, everyone. It's an honor to be here. I have become almost at this court staple. I've come here three or four times, and I really appreciate being here and having these type of events that help us bring us closer to our communities. And it's they are testimony on how the Sonamis County, it's close to these communities that they serve.

Well, it's a great honor to join you here today for this proclamation of Cinco de Mayo. Allow me to express my gratitude to County Executive, Sam Dave Summers, for his leadership and commitment in celebrating our richness of our communities. I'd also like to thank the members of the Tsunami County Council, especially Chair, McEntunn Council members, Nate Herring and Jarrett Met for this meaningful recognition. Well, ladies and gentlemen, Damaci Caballeros, Cinco de Mayo commemorates a very specific, event, the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Cinco de Mayo's 1862, that's when the Mexican army achieved an unexpected victory against one of the most powerful military armies of the time, Napoleon's French army.

In Mexico, this state honors a moment of courage, determination, but it was not the end of the conflict. It was just the beginning. It was a powerful affirmation of sovereignty and dignity for us Mexicans. In Mexico and well, in The United States, however, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into something broader. Today is also a celebration of culture, diversity, and contributions of Latino and Hispanic community to these nations.

From Los Angeles to Chicago to New York, cities like Houston, Denver, and Seattle, and, Everett now, this day has become an opportunity to recognize the richness and vitality of our communities. It is very important to say now that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That's the September 16. Okay? But Cinco de Mayo does carries a profound meaning.

And I have to say that Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more here in The United States, ironically, than than in Mexico. You know? Mexico is holiday, so that's what people celebrate. Well, the meaning is actually that, Cinco de Mayo represents the spirit of the unexpected. It remind us that in the face of, adversity, conviction, unity and determination can change the course of history.

That same spirit lives today in millions of people from Latin heritage across The United States. In entrepreneurs, workers, students, artists, public servants, who contribute every day to economic and social and cultural strength of this country. Now like the victory of Puebla, many of these stories are terms once are terms that once seemed unlikely. And now, if you allow me take me just a brief moment to speak directly to the Mexican and Latin community assembled here. Cinco de Mayo, as I said, is not only a celebration of history, it's a reminder of who we are and the traditions that connect us across generation.

Keeping those traditions alive is essential because they carry our values, our identity and our sense of belonging. At the same time, many of you have chosen to make The United States your home. This country has welcomed you, your families and your aspirations. Embracing that opportunity also means becoming fully engaged in the life of your communities. Integration is not something, about leaving something behind.

It's about building stronger, something stronger. It means participating, contributing and making our voices heard in civic life. It means understanding your rights and responsibilities. And for those who are eligible, considering a path towards citizenship as a way to fully take part of the future of this country. Many of your children, especially the ones born here, already live this reality.

They grew up with deep connection to both Mexico and The United States. They are, in many ways, the living bridge between the two nations. And this is something that you should be proud of. You would always carry Mexico on your heart, on your culture, your language, your traditions. But it's important to remind you that you helped to shape that communities that you live today.

Being part of the of both worlds is not a contradiction. It's a strength. And I say this, it's very important that even though a broader Mexican flag that you see out there, you are, as Americans, living in this country. And me as a Mexican representative here, you know, take my hat off and and say, well, embrace the country you live in. Be true really Americans that as immigrants that you have both nationalities.

But here, remember that always do pay respect to the American traditions, American life and being close to your community. As I said, being part of both worlds is not a contradiction. It's a strength. So let's all celebrate who we are, honor where we come from and also embrace the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being a part of this great nation, because strong communities are built when people participate, contribute, and engage. And in that share effort, we must move together. Today, we celebrate the communities that continue to shape our shared future between Mexico and The United States. Viva, Cinco de Mayo. Thank you very much.

Thank you for your comment. I think, yeah. Next, we're going to recognize, Executive Summers. He has a proclamation.

Thank you, chair Dunn. Council members, a pleasure to be here, and very happy to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with you know, these classes, they don't seem to work at any distance, but maybe it's better. I I do have a proclamation I'd like to read and probably says it better and then just a few short words. But so this is a proclamation recognizing 05/05/2026 in celebration of Cinco de Mayo in Snohomish County. Whereas Cinco de Mayo is celebrated annually as a date of great significance by the Mexican and Mexican American communities in Snohomish County and across our nation.

And whereas Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of Mexican army over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 during the Franco Mexican War. Whereas Snohomish County is home to a large Latinx population who observe the Cinco de Mayo holiday as a celebration of individual bravery and patriots patriotism of all Mexicans and Mexican Americans who fought for freedom and independence against heavily armed invading French military forces, whereas Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder that The United States is comprised of people from around the world with diverse cultures who are willing to fight and die for freedom, And whereas Cinco de Mayo also underscores the close familial cultural, spiritual, and economic ties between the people of Mexico and the people of The United States. And whereas Snohomish County recognizes the strong commitment to carry forward this annual tradition to honor Mexican identity and promote cultural awareness. Now, therefore, I, Dave Summers, Snohomish County executive, do hereby proclaim 05/05/2026 to be a day for celebration of Cinco de Mayo in Snohomish County, and I encourage all Snohomish County businesses, institution, residents, and visitors to celebrate and recognize its day in honor of Mexican American culture and heritage.

Signed this day, May 2026. So thank you. I'm was had the pleasure of being in San Diego last week with the Seattle chamber and was reminded, almost half of our country was part of Mexico at one time. And, we, share such a rich history. We our our histories and our cultures are interwoven, and we are stronger for it. As some of the speakers have said, I'm very pleased to celebrate this day. So thank you. And do you have other people? Oh,

thank you, executive. So if there's no other speakers to the resolution, we will turn to council for a motion.

I move approval of resolution 26 dash zero two zero.

We actually do have a couple other speakers, it sounds like. Okay. Okay. Do you want to second the motion, and then we'll hear a couple more speakers? I'll second the motion. Okay. Other brief speakers? Thank you.

Hi. Zach McKellen. Just wanted to say this is an amazing day, and I appreciate the invite. The union is similar to this country as we are a mixture of all different walks of life with people who really want to just find the purpose and meaning and come together no matter where you come from, no matter what your background is. And I see Everett, Snohomish County as a place where the arms are open.

And I'm proud to call this a place that we represent, and I'm proud to call this a place where we've had the most real gains of just people who buy in. So thank you. Thank you, Julieta. Thank you, council members. Thank you, executive, and appreciate it.

Other speakers? Okay. A motion has been properly made and seconded to approve resolution 26 dash zero two zero. Were there other comments from counsel? Okay. Hearing none, all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Chair votes aye. Any opposed? So that passes unanimously. Do we have five do we have two people online? Okay. So that passes five to zero. Now we'll take a brief, two minute recess for quick photos. So council's now in recess.

Okay. Council has returned from a brief recess. And next, we'll move on to public comment. Was there anyone here to provide a public comment? You can come to the podium in the center of the room. And then any hands raised online? No hands are raised. Okay. So we will close public comment and move on in our agenda. We have introduction and assignment of legislation to committees.

I will go ahead and read through for Committee of the Whole. So we have items for reassignment, item a for reassignment, and to move to May 6 to set time and date for a public hearing unless there's objection. Items b and c are for reassignment to move to May 6 for consideration. And item d and e are also for reassignment to move to tomorrow for recon for consideration. Any, unless there's objection. So seeing none, we'll move on in our agenda. We have the clerk report on, pending legislation. There's no report. Reports from council committees, you can see the dates and times of upcoming committees. Reports from outside committee, do we have any outside reports?

Any online? None online. Okay. So I attended the June last week, there was a joint PSRC meeting on underserved communities. And then we also had our tribally quarterly tribal meeting with the Tulalip tribes. And so any updates we can share with staff. Next is our chairperson or our no chairperson report. Next is chief of staff report. Thank you.

For the record, Heidi Vazizo. First of all, I just wanted to extend thanks to the council members, the council staff, who participated and put on the council legislative page week last week. I forwarded you the evaluations from the students who participated. And across the board, all of them indicated they would recommend it to a friend, which I feel like is a very high praise from a 14 to 17 year old. So, that was wonderful.

So, for those of you that are interested, I did send out the recording of the mock hearing for you to watch. Additionally, I emailed you a proposed draft letter of support for the Everett Tacoma Regional Link Extension for mailing to the Board of Sound Transit. So my request is that you let me know if you're willing to affix your signature to the support letter. And that concludes my report.

Thank you. Questions from counsel?

I'm good at adding my signature to that. Okay.

Same.

I'm good at adding mine.

Those kinds of things go

Likewise.

Thank you. Same for me.

I'll process it and send it to the executive's office.

That's

great. Thank you. Yep. Next is full council actions on items from committee of the whole. So there was no action under that section. And then other business, please review motion 20 six-one 188. And then next, we have, two executive sessions.

Counsel has the need for two executive sessions, one for potential litigation and one related to a quasi judicial matter, both pursuant to RCW 42.30.140, 42.30.140 Paragraph two. Estimated duration for both e sessions is ten minutes, with extensions announced in this admin session. And we will begin with the e session staffed by Legal Counsel Joe Bennett. There is anticipated action to follow the conclusion of both e sessions, and anticipated end time with ten minutes is 09:36 a. M. Thank you. Council is now in Executive Session.

Council chair has extended the executive session five minutes to 09:41. Thank you.

Okay. Council has returned from executive session, and we have an oral motion.

I move approval of motion number twenty six dash one nine five in order dismissing the closed record appeal of Meadowood Eastroll Cluster Subdivision file number 22Dash104584PSD. Whereas on 04/21/2026, the Snohomish County Council received an appeal from the 04/07/2026 decision of the Snohomish County Hearing Examiner in the matter of Meadowood East Royal Cluster subdivision, file number two two dash one zero four five eight four PSD. And whereas chapter 30.72 of the Snohomish County Code SCC, establishes the procedures for appealing a Snohomish County Hearing Examiner decision to the county council and whereas the appellant Robinette Investment Company LLC previously sought reconsideration of the Hearing Examiner's 08/05/2025, decision approving the preliminary rural subdivision with conditions and whereas the appellant sought reconsideration of conditions C. 28 and C. 42 requiring the construction of an extension of 146th Avenue Northeast to the north to connect to the existing right of way And whereas on 10/30/2025, the hearing examiner granted appellant's petition for reconsideration, vacated the 08/05/2025 decision, and remanded the application to the Department of Planning and Development Services to reevaluate the requirement to extend 146th Avenue Northeast.

And whereas on 04/07/2026, the hearing examiner issued a decision conditionally approving roll cluster subdivision after remand, eliminating the requirement to construct an extension of 146th Avenue Northeast to the north and whereas the hearing examiner's decision excuse me. And whereas the hearing examiner's 04/07/2026, decision includes text stating that further petitions for reconsideration will not be considered because SEC thirty point seven two point zero six five five allows only one petition for reconsideration. And whereas under Sonoma County Code thirty point seven two point zero seven zero two, if a petition for reconsideration is filed, issues subsequently raised by a petitioner for reconsideration on appeal to the county council are limited to those issues raised in the petition for reconsideration. And whereas in the present appeal to the appellant appeals conditions A. Eight, C.

20, C. 21, C. 31, D. 37, D. 43, D.

48, D. 49, and D. 50, which concerns school impact fees, park and recreation impact fees, requirements related to fire sprinklers and fire flow, and the requirement to have tracks be owned by a homeowners association and have bylaws be recorded. And whereas none of the issues raised in the present appeal were issues raised in the petition for reconsideration for the hearing examiner. And whereas Snohomish County code thirty point seven two point zero seven five provides that the county council may summarily dismiss an appeal in whole or in part without a hearing if it determines that the appeal is beyond the scope of the council's jurisdiction and whereas the county council determines that it lacks jurisdiction to consider the issues raised in this appeal because they were not raised in the appellant's petition for reconsideration before the hearing examiner.

Now, therefore, on motion, the county council dismisses and hold the appeal under Sonoma County code 30 dot 72 dot zero seven five one because the appeal is beyond the scope of the county council's jurisdiction under Sonoma County code 30 dot seven two dot zero seven zero two.

Second. Okay. Motion has been properly made and seconded. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all in favor of motion 26 Dash one nine five, please say aye. Aye. Chair votes aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, that passes, five to zero. And then that concludes our agenda for the day, and we have no other committee meetings. So council is adjourned for the day. Thank you.