[PAGE 1] C I T Y O F E V E R E T T Charter Review Committee SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING NO. 2 MEETING MINUTES The public hearing meeting of the Everett Charter Review Committee was called to order at 11:00 a.m., April 18, 2026, by Vice Chair Vasquez, at Walter E. Hall Park – Olympic View Room, located at 1226 W. Casino Road. 1. CALL TO ORDER Committee Members Present: Brady Begin, Randy Bolerjack, Leland Dart, Alan Rubio, Mason Rutledge, Elizabeth Stenhouse, Eli Vasquez, and Deb Williams. Committee Members Absent: Grant Harrington, Rod Sniffen, John Traynor, Tom Norcott, Emily Hoke, Shari Ireton, Zsofia Pasztor City Staff: Jennifer Gregerson (Government Affairs Director) 2. INTRODUCTION AND WHAT IS THE EVERETT CHARTER Jennifer Gregerson opened the public hearing meeting by explaining that the city charter functions as the city’s constitution and governing document. She noted that although the committee took some votes at its last meeting, several issues raised during the previous public hearing and by committee members still need attention, and there is still time to address them. She emphasized that the committee is present to listen, acknowledged that some attendees may choose not to speak, and checked whether online participants wished to offer comments. 3. PUBLIC HEARING Jennifer Gregerson opened the hearing with an overview of the committee’s recent actions, including approval of updates to the civil service chapter to better align with state law and clarifications to eligibility requirements that prohibit the mayor and city councilmembers from holding other elected offices. She also noted that several items, including the initiative and referendum provisions and the language related to public notification, are scheduled for reconsideration at the April 23rd meeting. Proposals regarding term limits, establishing full-time council positions, and requiring a chief administrative officer did not receive enough support to move forward, and no motion was offered to consider switching to a council-manager form of government. Public comment focused heavily on neighborhood representation, urging the committee to restore a fully staffed and resourced Office of Neighborhoods. They also highlighted its historical successes, the loss of coordination after its elimination, and the need for structured systems such as annual neighborhood plans 2930 Wetmore Ave., Ste. 10-A 425.257.7115 jgregerson@everettwa.gov Everett, WA 98201 425.257.8729 fax [PAGE 2] and budgets, interdepartmental agreements, dispute-resolution processes, and stronger channels for collective neighborhood input on development issues. Additional attendees echoed the importance of modernizing the charter’s outdated provisions, especially those requiring newspaper-only notices and paper-based procedures, to ensure legal clarity and reflect contemporary practices. Committee members also discussed community engagement, acknowledging that many residents remain unaware of meetings despite multiple outreach efforts. Members emphasized that residents may provide input not only at committee hearings but also later when the City Council reviews the committee’s recommendations. The committee briefly considered the possibility of hosting an additional public hearing, potentially in North Everett, to improve geographic access and participation. NEXT MEETING: The next regular meeting is set for Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room on the 10th floor at 2930 Wetmore Avenue. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 11:34 a.m. 2 *These minutes are not a direct transcription of the meeting, but rather a brief capture. For full-length recording and transcription of the meeting, please visit: https://www.everettwa.gov/630/Charter-Review-Committee Page 2 of 2