The Edmonds City Council on Sept. 23 confirmed Michael Clugson as the city's Planning and Development Director and approved a corresponding employment agreement that places him at a $172,733.91 salary step.

Why it matters: The planning director oversees code development and permitting at a time when the council is considering revisions to the city's tree code and other planning work.

The packet before council included a memorandum summarizing the recruitment and the proposed employment agreement. The memorandum called out a director-level severance provision, the salary step at $172,733.91, and provisions addressing furlough days for 2025. City staff said there would be no change to the individual's benefit package.

Council President Tibbitt moved to confirm the appointment and approve the employment agreement. He praised Clugson's consistency and communication, saying those qualities would benefit the city. "We've had a lot of experience over the last couple of years with planning directors in different styles and one of the things that we've observed in Mr. Clugston was consistency and one of the things that we've appreciated the most as a council is his clear communications," Tibbitt said.

Council member Nand also expressed support and asked a procedural question about protecting home addresses in future personnel packets; City staff (Director Maris) responded that adopting a redaction policy would be a prudent step for personal safety.

The motion to confirm Clugson and approve the employment agreement passed unanimously.

Ending: Council members said Clugson's leadership will continue during ongoing planning efforts; no additional conditions were attached to the confirmation.