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Snohomish council authorizes Lawhead Architects contract amendment and confirms city planner
Summary
At its May 19 meeting, the Snohomish City Council unanimously approved Contract Amendment #5 with Lawhead Architects for final design and permitting on the revised Third & Pine project and confirmed Michael Stevens as Planning and Development Services Director. Both measures passed 7-0.
On May 19, 2026, the Snohomish City Council voted unanimously to authorize Contract Amendment #5 with Lawhead Architects for final design development and permitting services associated with the revised Third & Pine project and to confirm Michael Stevens as the city’s Planning and Development Services Director.
Ken Klein introduced the proposed contract amendment and answered council questions about project scope. Councilmembers asked about project costs and the historical values of existing facilities; the minutes record the questions but do not list dollar amounts. After public comment and council deliberations, Councilmember Gabe Jacobs moved to authorize the mayor to execute the amendment; Councilmember David Flynn seconded the motion, which passed 7-0.
Human Resources staff introduced Michael Stevens as the mayor’s appointee to lead Planning and Development Services. Councilmember Tom Merrill moved to confirm Stevens; Councilmember Judith Kuleta seconded the motion and the confirmation passed 7-0. The minutes identify the position as City Planner (Planning and Development Services Director).
Why it matters: final design and permitting are steps that clear the way for construction and detailed project approvals on the Third & Pine site; installing a permanent department head for planning establishes the administration responsible for project review and future permits. The minutes do not include cost figures or a full summary of public comments on the contract amendment.
Votes at a glance: Contract Amendment #5 with Lawhead Architects (Third & Pine Project) — motioned by Councilmember Gabe Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember David Flynn; outcome: approved (7-0). Confirmation of Michael Stevens as City Planner (Planning and Development Services Director) — motioned by Councilmember Tom Merrill, seconded by Councilmember Judith Kuleta; outcome: confirmed (7-0).
The council also handled other business including a procedural change to the order of presentations and a short list of consent items that were approved earlier in the meeting. The council extended the meeting later in the evening and adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
