Councilmember Champion asks council to revisit surface-water plan and $86,000 tree-canopy mapping contract

Councilmember Champion asked the Mukilteo City Council on April 6 to add a new business item to reconsider the surface water comprehensive plan and the fees residents will pay under its schedule.

Champion said the city is scheduled to pay roughly $86,000 for tree canopy mapping and policy work and that the plan’s prescribed "service level 3" represents an expensive package of services. "When you read it, it's basically like buying a Maserati," Champion said, arguing the city should review whether residents are getting the services they pay for and whether the fee schedule needs adjustment.

Champion cited projected rate increases in the plan—he said residents face a roughly 24.5% increase in 2026 and an additional 15% in 2027—that would raise typical charges substantially. He asked the council to open an action item to reexamine the comprehensive surface water plan and associated funding.

City staff member Myring responded to clarify that an item mentioned in the comprehensive plan—pursuing Tree City USA status and holding an Arbor Day—was not part of the tree-canopy mapping contract being discussed. Myring said the Arbor Day item was a longer-term action related to the stormwater division's broader plan and not included in the current contract.

The council moved on to approve the consent agenda, which included the tree-canopy mapping and policy contract; the consent agenda was moved 'as presented' with no detailed roll-call vote recorded in the transcript.

Champion asked the council to schedule a formal review of the surface water plan and fees; the council did not schedule a vote during the meeting. The item may return as a future business item for council consideration.