On the agenda: Mount Vernon meeting — ALPR (Jul 8)

CITY OF MOUNT VERNON
COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
July 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m.

Police Court Campus, 1805 Continental Place

To virtually attend the meeting, the public may:
1. Watch the meeting live on TV10: Comcast/Xfinity Channel 10

2. Watch the meeting live, online:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUob_hcQUmd4S93YkletdrA

1. OPENING CEREMONIES
A. Call to Order
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Roll Call of Councilmembers
2. AGENDA REQUESTS
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. COMMUNITY COMMENTS
(This is an opportunity for Mount Vernon residents to address their
City Council. Please provide your information on the guest sign-in
sheet located on the table near the entrance to the Council Chambers
prior to speaking, and limit comments to three minutes or less. Under
normal circumstances, the Mayor and Council will not respond
immediately to Community Comments. If you would like someone to
follow up with you regarding the topic of your comments, please
leave your name and contact information on the form at the entrance
of the Council Chambers. If you are unable to attend the meeting
and would like to make your comments via Zoom, please submit a
request
to
speak
via
email
to
[email protected] or by telephone at
360-336-6211. Requests must be received by 4 p.m. on the meeting
date.)
Interpretation services for Community Comments are available on
request. Please contact the City at [email protected]
or 360-336-6211 at least two business days prior to the meeting if
you would like an interpreter to share your comments with City
Council.

Mount Vernon City Council Agenda
July 8, 2026
Page 2 of 2

Servicios de interpretación para los comentarios de la comunidad
están disponibles previa solicitud. Por favor, comuníquese con la
Ciudad a través de [email protected] o llamando al
360-336-6211 con al menos dos días hábiles de antelación a la
reunión, si desea contar con un intérprete para compartir sus
comentarios con el Concejo Municipal.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of June 16, 2026, Special Council Meeting minutes
B. Approval of June 17, 2026, Development Services Committee
minutes
C. Approval of June 24, 2026, Finance and Parks & Recreation
Committee Meeting minutes
D. Approval of June 24, 2026, City Council Meeting minutes
E. Approval of July 2, 2026, Payroll
F. Approval of July 8, 2026, Claims
G. Approval of Agreement – Mount Vernon School District
H. Approval of Agreement – Specialty Equipment, Inc.
6. REPORTS
A. Councilmember Comments
B. Mayor’s Report
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of Resolution – Membership of the 2026-2027 Citizens Advisory
Committee
(Staff is requesting approval of Resolution 1105, establishing a 2026-2027 Citizens
Advisory Committee to provide input on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update.)
(required action – resolution)
(staff contact – Steve Sexton)

B. Motion to Censure

(Motion to censure Mayor Donovan for conduct inconsistent with MVMC 2.12.080(B)(2)
(council standards of decorum, prohibiting personal attacks and impugning the integrity or
motives of fellow officials), in connection with his public statements following the June 24,
2026 council vote on Flock ALPR cameras.)
(required action – motion)
(staff contact –Kevin Rogerson)

8. EXECUTIVE SESSION
9. ADJOURNMENT

CONSENT ITEM: A

City of Mount Vernon
City Council Joint Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2026
Public Health Chinook Conference Room
301 Valley Mall Way, Suite 100, Mount Vernon, WA
Chair Wesen convened the special joint meeting with the Cities of Anacortes Mayor
Ryan Walters, Burlington Mayor Bill Aslett, and Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan
at 6:15 p.m.
Councilmembers present from the City of Anacortes included Christine Cleland
McGarth, Marcia Hunt, and Carolyn Moulton.
Councilmembers present from the City of Burlington included Brian Steen, and
James Stavig.
Councilmembers present from the City of Mount Vernon included Navor Tercero,
Mary Hudson, Randy West, Hannah Oliver, and Demi Daman.
Councilmembers present from the City of Sedro-Woolley included Paul Cocke, and
Nora Pederson.
Other staff in attendance included Skagit County Public Health Director Monica
Negrila, Skagit County Assistant Public Health Director Sarah Hinman, Skagit
County Senior Public Health Analyst George Kosovich, Skagit County Community
Health Coordinator Kasandra Church, Skagit County Communications Coordinator
Andrea Harrison, Skagit County Julota Data Specialist Astha Patel, City of Mount
Vernon Special Projects Manager Adam Pearson, City of Burlington Community
Development Director Brad Johnson and Clerk of the Board of Skagit County
Commissioners Linda Hammons.
1. Meeting Goals and Agenda Overview:
Ms. Negrila reviewed the meeting goals which included: continuing to build rapport
and collaboration across jurisdictions; learn about current programs and services at
Martha’s Place, discuss opportunities to engage in shared funding for housing and
behavioral health services; learn about next steps for the North Star Strategic Plan;
and share updates across jurisdictions.

Mount Vernon City Council
June 16, 2026
Page 2 of 3

2.

Public Comments:

No public comment was provided.
3.

Martha’s Place - Presentation:

Martha's Place Director of Housing Ariell Wright and Martha's Place Regional
Director Rita Jo were present to provide updates. Ms. Wright shared details about
the project's funding, including contributions from the cities of Mount Vernon and
Burlington, as well as state and federal funding. She also provided an update on
their permanent supportive housing program, detailing their services for chronically
homeless individuals with disabilities, including supportive services, on-site
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) professionals, and community engagement
activities. The presentation highlighted positive outcomes including 35 successfully
housed households with a 50% retention rate, 8 had graduated to fair market
housing, and the recent launch of a Lived Experience Advisory Board with 13
engaged members. Discussion followed which touched on the challenges of serving
the most vulnerable populations and the need for additional housing services in the
area.
4. Coordination on Housing and Behavioral Health Funding:
Senior Public Health Analyst George Kosovich provided information about funding
collaboration and welcomed each city to provide information about their primary
sources of funding.
City of Anacortes:
Affordable housing was supported through affordable housing sales tax money
(approximately $750,000-800,000 annually) and receives a smaller amount from
the 1406 state rebate program ($46,000 annually). The city contracted with the
Anacortes Housing Authority and The Anacortes Family Center to fund specific
housing projects, including two completed developments and a planned third
project, with funds distributed quarterly on a 50-50 basis. Additional funding
sources include Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money ($107,000
annually), general fund allocations for social services, and opioid settlement funds.
City of Burlington:
Affordable housing was supported through 1590 and 1406 sales (approximately
$1.3 million annually). The city also used fee waivers, distributed grants to
recipients, Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) funding
(approximately $1.4 million) and were potentially considering using funds from
surplus public lands.
City of Mount Vernon:
Affordable housing was supported through CDBG 1406 and1590 (approximately
$3.5 million had been distributed to date).

Mount Vernon City Council
June 16, 2026
Page 3 of 3

Ms. Negrila proposed the following funding options for discussion:
Option 1: Separate processes (no change)
Option 2: Joint applications, timelines, and reports.
Option 3: Joint priorities set-up front.
Option 4: Pooled funding.
Discussion followed about the advantages of each option. Participants expressed
strong support for implementing joint applications with standardized timelines and
reporting requirements to reduce the burden on nonprofit organizations. The group
acknowledged the need for consistent criteria across jurisdictions and discussed the
potential benefits of pooling resources for large projects like the First Step Center
and Martha's Place. The group addressed concerns about coordinating grant
applications across the county, suggesting that some services should be
coordinated county-wide while others might work better at the local level based on
community needs.
5. Next Three-Year Strategic Plan:
Consultant with Nexis Health Strategies Mike Bonetto presented a proposed
timeline for updating the three-year Strategic Plan, outlining key steps from June
through December 2026.
Discussion followed about how city councils could be involved in the planning
process, Ms. Negrila proposed that councils could review the Plan at steering
committee meetings throughout the year rather than requiring formal approval
from each city council.
6. Updates, Summary and Next Steps:
Ms. Church provided updates on the North Star Symposium and the launch of the
North Star Collective Program, which had already attracted 28 new organizations
and individuals.
Each jurisdiction provided updates including the upcoming 5-year anniversary of
the First Step Center.
7.

ADJOURNMENT:

Chair Wesen adjourned the proceedings at 8:00 p.m.

Submitted by: Becky Jensen, City Clerk
Approved: July 8, 2026

CONSENT ITEM: B

Development Services Committee Minutes
June 17, 2026
Police Court Campus, 1805 Continental Place

Present
Mayor Donovan
Councilmembers:
Staff:

Beaton, Daman, Oliver, Tercero, West
Development Services Director Sexton, Principal Planner
Lowell, City Attorney Rogerson, Special Projects Manager
Pearson, Executive Assistant Grechishkin

1. Opening Ceremonies
Councilmember Beaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Development Services
A. Update on 6/2/26 Planning Commission Meeting
Ms. Lowell explained subarea plans and shared the Planning
Commission’s first draft of a new sub-area map for the Land Use
Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission will
next look at existing subarea plans, whether to recommend that
some be removed from the Comprehensive Plan, and potentially
identify additional sub-areas as they have in this mapping process.
B. Update on 6/6/26 Kulshan Community Meeting:
City representatives including Councilmember Tercero, Mr. Sexton,
Ms. Lowell and Mr. Serrano shared information with the Kulshan
community group and received feedback on the Comprehensive Plan
update. Facet consultant Donna Keeler presented in Spanish and
provided translation along with Mr. Serrano and others. The group
was very receptive and communicated several ideas on what they’d
like to see and improve in their community.
Additional community meetings will be scheduled and a dedicated
webpage with information on how to participate in the Comp Plan
process will be highlighted on the City’s homepage. It was
suggested that Ms. Keeler share information on the local Spanish
language radio program. Council also invited staff to future Ward
meetings.

Development Services Committee
June 17, 2026
Page 2 of 3

C. Staff presentation of the 2026 Development Services
workflow:
Mr. Sexton went over the department’s current projects to provide
background for a future discussion on work prioritization. Workload
related to hiring and training staff, consultant management, grant
management, permits and approvals, legislative work,
comprehensive plan adoption, efficiency improvements, updating
engineering standards, code enforcement, and archiving work were
discussed.
3. Miscellaneous
 Mr. Rogerson spoke about legislative workload and the increasing
volume of state mandates.


Mr. Rogerson discussed a presentation and model ordinance on ebikes sent to Council earlier. The draft ordinance will serve as a
framework for discussion on e-bike regulation at the June 24th Parks
and Library Committee Meeting.
A state law took effect on June 11 defining e-bikes and emotorcycles. Further e-bike regulations are being studied at the
state level and a report is expected at the end of the year.
General discussion on e-bikes and potential regulations followed.



Mr. Rogerson provided information on the Flock contract. The
contract was signed in November 2024 and services began in May
2025. The two-year contract started when services were rendered,
making the contract end date May 2027. It will automatically renew
if not terminated at least 30 days prior to the end of its term. There
is no termination for convenience clause and amendments we are
negotiating will not affect the term unless both parties agree to
such.



Mr. Sexton provided an update on reengagement of the Comp Plan
Citizens Advisory Committee. The Committee will attend a joint
meeting with the Planning Commission on July 7 and a Resolution
establishing an updated committee roster will come before Council
on July 8. A separate development regulation workgroup will also be
established.



Mr. Sexton went over the Comp Plan calendar for the upcoming
month.

4. Agenda Requests

Development Services Committee
June 17, 2026
Page 3 of 3



Recording of Council Committee meetings; to be scheduled for the
July 29th Committee of the Whole or earlier.



Banning ICE from City facilities; to be scheduled for a future Public
Safety Committee.

The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
Action Items
Mayor’s Office
•
Add link to Comprehensive Plan Update web page on City home
page
Development Services
•
Provide Comp Plan update information on Spanish language radio
station
•
Attend and provide Comp Plan update information at future Council
ward meetings
City Attorney
•
Prepare for Council Committee discussion on banning ICE from City
facilities
Submitted by: Kerri Grechishkin, Executive Assistant

CONSENT ITEM: C

Finance and Parks & Recreation Committee Minutes
June 24, 2026
Police Court Campus, 1805 Continental Place

Present
Mayor Donovan
Councilmembers:
Staff:

Daman, Oliver, Tercero, Vander Stoep, West
Parks and Recreation Director Berner, City Attorney
Rogerson, Police Chief Christman, City Clerk Jensen

1. Opening Ceremonies
A. Councilmember Daman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. PARKS AND RECREATION
A. E-Bike Discussion: Mr. Rogerson reviewed the current state law
regulating e-bikes which provides local jurisdictions broad authority
to regulate the three e-bike classifications. Recent changes to the law
narrowed the definition of e-bike to exclude bikes that can exceed 20
mph using only its motor, bikes that can be easily configured in order
to not meet regulations, pedal and motor regulations. The City’s
current regulations outlined in MCMC Chapter 10.56 were discussed,
as well as other jurisdictions' use rules. A proposed Model Code was
presented and includes categorizing e-bikes, motorized foot scooters,
and motorized skateboards as Motorized Person Transportation
Devices, prohibition of skateboards and roller skates in certain
areas, and where each e-bike classification is allowed to be used.
Additional topics of discussion were penalties, tailoring rules of the
road, speed limits, geographical areas of concern, and enforcement.
B. 4th of July Celebration: The 4th of July celebration will take place on
the River Plaza beginning at 8 pm with fireworks at approximately 10
pm. The festivities will feature live music and the Kona Shaved Ice
truck. Edgewater Park will also be open for fireworks viewing.
C. Hillcrest Park Playground: Equipment delivered last week and
installation work has begun.

Finance and Parks & Recreation
June 24, 2026
Page 2 of 2

D. New Trail Signage: New trail signs will be installed at city parks
displaying trail name, use, length and trail connections. The Arts
Commission is financing signal box wraps at five locations.
E. Youth Mentoring Program: Staff completed the sixteen-week Learn,
Engage, Aspire, Develop (L.E.A.D.) Middle School program focusing
on self-esteem, honesty, responsibility, positive role models, peer
pressure, and self-care activities.
3. Miscellaneous


4. Agenda Requests
 Continue e-bike discussion at committee of the whole 7/29
5. Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
Action Items
Jennifer Berner
•
Post 4th of July event map on website

Submitted by: Becky Jensen, City Clerk

CONSENT ITEM: D

City of Mount Vernon
City Council Meeting Minutes
June 24, 2026
Police Court Campus, 1805 Continental Place

Present:
Mayor Donovan
Councilmembers:
Absent:
Staff:

Daman, Oliver, Tercero, Vander Stoep, West
Beaton, Hudson
City Attorney Rogerson, Public Works Director Phillips,
Capital Projects Manager Reinart, Police Chief Christman,
Library Director Huffman, Human Resources Director
Keator, IT Director Thomas, Special Projects Manager
Pearson, Development Services Director Sexton, City Clerk
Jensen

1. OPENING CEREMONIES
A. Mayor Donovan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
B. Mayor Donovan led the pledge of allegiance
C. Ms. Jensen called roll of Councilmembers

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Tercero moved to approve the agenda
as presented. Motion seconded by Councilmember
Daman. Motion passed 5-0.
3. COMMUNITY COMMENTS




Andrea Mesple, spoke about ALPR cameras and Flock agreement.
Submitted petition and additional comments.
Linsey Kitchens, Mount Vernon resident, spoke about traffic and Flock
cameras, contract and data.
Gavin Birch, Alger resident, spoke about Flock cameras and crime
statistics.

Mount Vernon City Council
June 24, 2026
Page 2 of 4









May Gott, Skagit County resident, spoke about Flock cameras.
Sam Irons, Mount Vernon resident, spoke about Flock cameras.
Karen Russell, Mount Vernon resident, spoke about Flock cameras
Harrison, Alger resident, spoke about data collection and the Flock
contract.
Nikki, Mount Vernon resident, spoke about Flock cameras and ICE.
Alexander, Anacortes resident, spoke about Flock cameras.
Jack, Mount Vernon residents, spoke about e-bike regulations.

4. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of June 10, 2026, Council Meeting minutes
B. Approval of June 10, 2026, Public Works and Library Committee
Meeting minutes
C. Approval of June 18, 2026, Payroll
D. Approval of June 24, 2026, Claims
E. Approval of Project Acceptance – Lydig Construction
F. Approval of Agreement Amendment – Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC
G. Approval of Resolution 1103
H. Street Closure Request – Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation,
Touch a Truck
I. Street Closure Request – Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation, 4th of
July
J. Street Closure Request – Mount Vernon Downtown Association,
Outdoor Cinemas
Councilmember Tercero moved to approve Consent
Agenda Items A – J. Motion seconded by
Councilmember Daman. Motion passed 5-0.
5. REPORTS
A.

Councilmember Comments
 Councilmember Daman thanked commenters, spoke about the
recent Ward 3 meeting and thanked all for their patience during
the bridge painting project.
 Councilmember Oliver thanked the community members in
attendance and requested an agenda amendment adding a Flock
discussion.
Mayor and Council expressed their opinions for and against the
proposed amendment.
Councilmember Oliver moved to amend the agenda
to add a flock discussion. Motion seconded by
Councilmember West. Motion passed 4-1.

Mount Vernon City Council
June 24, 2026
Page 3 of 4

B.

Mayor’s Report
 The City has launched new Facebook and Instagram accounts to
include all City departments.
 Mayor Donovan invited residents to the Fabulous 4th of July event
at Skagit Riverwalk Park beginning at 8 pm, to enjoy live music
and fireworks.

6. NEW BUSINESS
A.

Approval of Agreement – Miles Resources, LLC: Mr. Reinart requested
approval of an agreement with Miles Resources, LLC for the 2025
Overlay project in the amount of $754,295.35
Councilmember Tercero moved to approve an
agreement with Miles Resources LLC for the 2025
Overlay project, in the amount of $754,295.35.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Daman. Motion
passed 5-0.

B.

Approval of Resolution – 2027 – 2032 Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP): Mr. Reinart requested approval of the 2027-2032 TIP
with Resolution 1104 and described the process for amending the TIP.
Council discussed removal of cameras from the Kulshan Lighting Project.
Councilmember Daman moved to approve the 20272032 TIP with Resolution 1104. Motion seconded by
Councilmember Tercero. Motion passed 4-1.

C.

Flock Cameras Discussion: Council discussed whether to move forward
with a Flock camera discussion or to continue the conversation next
week as it is a Public Safety Committee agenda item and was not on
tonight’s published agenda.
Councilmember Oliver moved to turn off and cover
Flock cameras. Motion seconded by Councilmember
West. Motion passed 4-1.

7. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The meeting was adjourned into Executive Session at 8:08 p.m. for a period of
fifteen minutes, to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency, matters
related to enforcement action agency litigation or potential litigation to which
the agency, the governing body, or a member acting in an official capacity is,
or is likely to become, a party, when public knowledge regarding the discussion

Mount Vernon City Council
June 24, 2026
Page 4 of 4

is likely to result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency,
pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). The regular meeting will reconvene at 8:23
p.m. There will be no action following the session.

8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.

Submitted by:

Becky Jensen, City Clerk

Approved: July 8, 2026

CONSENT ITEM: G

CONSENT ITEM: H

NEW BUSINESS: A