Arlington Council approves lease amendment, cooperative purchase, and annual docket; authorizes negotiation after executive session

The Arlington City Council approved several routine yet consequential items at its meeting.

Lease amendment: The council approved a first amendment to the lease agreement with Arlington United Church that would extend the city's use of part of the church's parking lot on Third Avenue for another 20 years. Paul, a city staff member, said the city and church maintain the lot between them and "no money changes hands." The amendment authorizes the mayor to sign the document.

Cooperative purchase: The council authorized joining a King County cooperative purchasing agreement to acquire light poles, which staff said offers cost savings compared with bidding separately. The motion authorized the mayor to sign the agreement between Arlington City and King County.

2026 annual docket: Planning staff presented the 2026 final annual docket, which staff described as containing 18 city-initiated proposals, including one rezone and 17 code amendments. The council voted to adopt the resolution and authorized the mayor to sign it.

Post-executive-session authorization: After recessing into executive session to consult with legal counsel on pending litigation (meeting materials cite "RCW 42 31 10 1"), the council returned and voted to authorize the city attorney and city administrator to negotiate with Mr. Rodriguez on terms discussed during executive session.

Other business: Councilmembers also reported on ongoing discussions with the county and Miles Sand and Gravel regarding a local project, and welcomed Shelby, the city's new finance director, who started that day.

All listed motions carried with the council recording 'Aye' and noting no opposition during the meeting's voice votes in the transcript.