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Engineering director outlines staffing and inspection plans, council pushes for stronger permit enforcement on Ferry/Elm work
Summary
Eric Swanson, Everett's director of engineering, told councilors the department is stretched by development and infrastructure demands, acknowledged enforcement and staffing gaps, and committed to drafting stronger permit language and inspection procedures; councilors pressed about persistent problems and sought clearer claims and contractor‑recourse paths for businesses affected by Ferry Street construction.
Everett’s director of engineering, Eric Swanson, told the City Council that rapid development and major reconstruction projects have stretched the department’s capacity and that he will work with the council and city solicitor this winter to strengthen permit language, inspection procedures, and enforcement mechanisms.
Why it matters: Businesses and residents repeatedly said state‑led Ferry Street construction has caused repeated closures, dust, and damage, and some described having to reopen or repair work that was done poorly. Councilors said these ongoing issues are harming local commerce and eroding trust; they asked the city to be proactive in ensuring contractors correct defective work and to explore whether the city can take contractual recourse.
What Swanson said: Swanson detailed his 25‑year engineering background, explained his current staff shortages (including an unfilled junior engineer position), and described plans to develop formalized workflows for tracking permits and inspections and for improving capital project briefings to the council. He acknowledged there is no single formalized process across private development and city projects for final inspection and release and said he will coordinate with planning, building, and legal staff to strengthen requirements and bring proposals to the council.
Council concerns and remedies: Councilors asked whether the city can pursue claims against contractors or the state for repeated rework and business losses, and requested clearer instructions for residents who have property damage. Swanson said contractors have had to replace defective work at their expense when inspectors or the state rejected substandard work, and that the city can advertise and complete remaining work as needed. He agreed to investigate other potential remedies and to improve responsiveness when claims are filed.
Action taken: Council voted to refer Item 16 (creating a standardized final‑inspection/punch‑list process for construction sites and pre‑payment verification) back to the sponsor for redrafting and to work with the engineering department on ordinance changes.
Next steps: Swanson said he will work with council committees and the solicitor’s office to draft stricter permit conditions, propose inspection and acceptance language to reduce repeated rework, and pursue staffing adjustments to increase inspection capacity.
