Sequim council waives second touch on surplus‑property code amendment, directs ordinance to consent calendar

City Attorney Christina Nelson Gross presented proposed changes to Sequim Municipal Code chapter 3.14 on March 9, describing the edits as largely housekeeping to update purchasing policies and surplus‑property procedures while keeping the program’s substance unchanged.

Gross said the item was presented as a first touch to allow council questions and input. Council members asked for clarification about how the city calculates "aggregate value" when surplusing grouped items, and whether the council could receive an annual report summarizing items surplused and values that fall under the city manager's authority (items below $50,000). Gross and staff described current practice: departments submit an application with photos or comparable items, staff estimate value (e.g., by searching online marketplaces) and document due diligence for auditors; department and clerk signatures are required as part of internal review.

After discussion, a council member moved "to waive the second touch on this matter and direct staff to present an ordinance adopting the amended code chapter SMC 3.14 on the consent agenda of the next available meeting." The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous consent.

Outcome: The council approved waiving the second touch and instructed staff to bring an ordinance adopting the SMC 3.14 amendments on a future consent calendar. No final ordinance text was adopted at this meeting.

What’s next: Staff will prepare the ordinance for placement on the consent agenda at the next available meeting and can provide the council with procedural documentation or a tailored annual report if the council requests it.