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City council directs staff to draft charter‑review resolution combining several commission recommendations
Summary
The Everett City Council voted unanimously to ask staff to prepare a resolution and ordinance that combines multiple charter‑review commission recommendations (including eligibility, website noticing, initiative language and an adjusted section 11.3) and to return the ordinance for readings; the council debated but excluded proposed 60‑day initiative language.
The Everett City Council on June 17 directed staff to prepare a resolution and accompanying ordinance folding several charter‑review commission recommendations into a single package and to return the draft for council readings.
Council President Schwab opened new business by proposing that staff prepare a resolution that would combine specific commission items: combine items 1 and 4 (eligibility and oath/residency language), include item 2 (meeting‑threshold language), combine items 3 and 8 (website and noticing updates), include item 5, and include item 6 with an adjustment to section 11.3. Councilmembers debated whether to include a proposed 60‑day initiative filing window; several members expressed concern about legal risk from that language and the motion was crafted to exclude the 60‑day notice.
Councilmember Betor moved the direction to staff and the motion received a second. Staff clarified that the action asks for a resolution and a drafted ordinance that would return for three readings; councilmembers would retain the ability to amend the ordinance in later readings. Councilmember Weaver (recorded as voting) asked procedural clarifying questions about how staff will bring the item back.
The clerk recorded roll call votes of 'Yes' from the councilmembers present (Clerk roll call names in the record: Weaver/Weer variant, Zalinger, Barbano, Tuohy, Bader, and President Schwab). The motion passed unanimously among those voting. The council asked staff to prepare the resolution and return with a first reading in the next packet.
Why it matters: The proposed package would revise multiple charter provisions, including candidate eligibility, website posting and notice practices, and other procedural items; including or excluding particular language (for example the 60‑day initiative provision) changes legal exposure and the practical effect the charter would have on initiative and referendum filings.
What's next: Staff will prepare a draft resolution and an ordinance for formal readings; council deliberation and possible amendments will occur during the scheduled readings.
