Everett council honors outgoing members and chief, confirms appointments, approves package of ordinances
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Summary
The council heard flood-response updates, paid tribute to retiring Police Chief John Deroos and departing council members, confirmed two Everett Public Facilities District appointments, and unanimously approved several capital and park improvement ordinances after public comment praising city response and local programs.
Everett City Council used its Dec. 17 meeting to recognize outgoing leaders, confirm board appointments, and approve a series of ordinances and resolutions affecting parks, drainage, and downtown programs.
Mayor Franklin opened by briefing the council and public on the Snohomish River flooding response, noting the city stood up its emergency operations center, sandbagged critical sites including the animal shelter, and coordinated with Snohomish County and state/federal partners to secure FEMA support. Mayor Franklin also announced Police Chief John Deroos’ retirement at year‑end and thanked him for more than 27 years of service, saying the city “will certainly miss you, Chief Deroos.”
Board appointments and confirmations: The mayor asked the council to confirm Scott Pattison (position 4) and Daniel Leach (position 5) to the Everett Public Facilities District Board (terms through 12/31/2029). Motions to approve were made and seconded and the nominations were confirmed by roll call.
Votes and ordinances: Council conducted third/final readings and roll‑call votes to adopt and close multiple special-improvement projects, including Smelter Drainage, the WFP air-scour blower building replacement, citywide bicycle wayfinding improvements, and the Garfield Park playground renovation. Votes were recorded as unanimous 'yes' among present councilors.
Historic preservation and right-of-way action: The council approved a resolution adding 1702 Rucker Avenue to the Register of Historic Places (excluding a later-added garage as non‑contributing) and authorized the mayor to file a petition to vacate a portion of Monroe Camp Road and remit payment to Snohomish County for the appraised value of the vacated property.
Public comment highlights: Dozens of residents and organizational representatives spoke during public comment. Snohomish County Legal Services’ executive director Jane Pack reported her program used City COVID‑impact funds to run an expanded housing-justice program and said the program served 70 people — exceeding a 25-client goal by 280% — with 45% of housing cases coming from Everett. Downtown business and civic leaders urged the council to extend the downtown enhanced-security partnership with Risk Solutions Unlimited (RSU), citing a 27% reduction in police-reported incidents during RSU operational hours and other drops in late-night incidents and substance-abuse calls.
Closing and next steps: Council members offered tributes, presented plaques to outgoing councilors Fosse and Voguely, and requested staff follow up on operational and policy items discussed. The council recessed into a 20‑minute executive session earlier in the evening under state RCW provisions; no action resulted from that session. The meeting adjourned with the council scheduled to return on Jan. 7, 2026.
