City council adopts first round of Title 2 changes, keeps DEI mission statement and directs staff to add mission language by year‑end

The Mountlake Terrace City Council voted on June 18 to adopt a first round of amendments to Title 2 of the municipal code that standardize provisions governing boards and commissions, while preserving the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission’s mission statement in the code.

Council members praised the quality of applicants reviewed by the interview committee but debated aspects of the appointment process, including whether incumbents should be interviewed and how the council should balance continuity with fresh perspectives. Council member Murray described the committee’s approach as looking at the “collective whole” of each commission and said the recommendations were difficult but thoughtful.

An amendment to retain the DEIC mission statement was offered and approved before the final vote to adopt the ordinance. City attorney Hillary Evans suggested the council adopt the Title 2 changes now and set a separate timeline — directed staff to return by the end of the year — for adding mission or purpose language for any commission that currently lacks it.

The council also discussed whether a council liaison to the planning commission should be specified. After legal and procedural discussion about quasi‑judicial concerns, the body reached consensus to retain the option for council liaisons (the proposed code already included liaison language) but directed the city attorney to provide any legal memo about potential conflicts if council members pursue the liaison role.

Outcome: the ordinance package passed by voice vote with the DEIC mission statement retained; staff will return with recommended mission/purpose language for all boards and commissions by year‑end for council review and possible code amendment.