Mount Vernon meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Mount Vernon Council to vote on kiosk and kratom bans

The Mount Vernon City Council will vote on two ordinances on August 26 that would ban virtual currency kiosks and kratom sales within city limits. The meeting also includes a resolution amending the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvements Plan and an agreement with the Lincoln Theatre Foundation. In the past two weeks, the council met to discuss wastewater rate increases, opioid fund allocations, and housing code updates, but no decisions have been published yet.

Recent meetings

City Council (Aug. 12) – The agenda included a consent item for the Flock camera system, a proposed allocation of $320,000 for recovery housing and $30,000 for the Skagit STAR Center from opioid settlement funds, a draft e-bike ordinance, and Resolution 1106, which would impose a special assessment of $8,779.66 on a property at 1515 S. 6th Street. The council also discussed an appointment for a pro-committee on a TBD ballot proposition. Minutes have not been published.

City Council Committee Agendas (Aug. 12)

The council reviewed a wastewater rate and fee study proposing four rate scenarios, with annual increases ranging from 4.5% to 12%. Residential monthly bills would rise from $62.64 to between $77.38 and $79.98 by 2031. A proposed sewer connection fee increase would raise the cost per ERU from $9,275 to $16,094.50. The study also recommends restoring a $1 million annual transfer to the capital fund and rebuilding operating reserves to a 90-day target. A public hearing was held on TIP amendments, including $216,000 in additional federal funds for Riverside Drive Improvements. Construction updates noted that Laventure Road Widening and 15th Street Sidewalk are complete, and the 2025 Overlay begins in August.

Planning Commission (Aug 18)

The commission discussed updates to development regulations, including a gap analysis and scope/schedule, and reviewed the city's specific housing affordability. No public hearings or final decisions were scheduled.

City Council Committee Agendas (Aug 19)

The Development Services Committee discussed a large package of required and recommended amendments to development regulations to comply with state housing laws, including middle housing mandates. The committee also reviewed sewer repair permits, a wastewater rate and fee study, and proposed bans on virtual currency kiosks and kratom. The city is currently pre-empted by state model ordinances on many housing items because deadlines have passed.

Upcoming decisions

City Council (Aug 26)

The council will vote on Ordinance 3944, which would prohibit virtual currency kiosks, and Ordinance 3945, which would prohibit the sale of kratom products. It will also vote on Resolution 1110 to amend the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvements Plan, and an agreement with the Lincoln Theatre Foundation and Peoples Bank. The consent agenda includes a street closure for the 7th Street Block Party and a WSDOT agreement amendment.

City Council Committee Agendas (Aug 26)

The Finance and Parks & Recreation Committee will review the 2027 budget calendar, with a budget call on July 20, department submissions due August 28, a public hearing on October 28, and adoption on November 4, 18, or 25. The committee will also review fiscal policies, including reserve targets of 15% for the General Fund and 10% for other funds, and debt management. Updates will include the Hillcrest Park inclusive playground grand opening held August 8, funded by a November levy, and a supervised playground at Bakerview Park that served 50-70 youth daily from July 6 to August 21. The e-bike policy public process continues with ward meetings on August 17, August 24, and September 14.

Coming up

• **City Council Committee Agendas** – August 26, 2026: Budget calendar, fiscal policy, park updates.
• **City Council** – August 26, 2026: Votes on kiosk and kratom bans, TIP amendment, and Lincoln Theatre agreement.

Mount Vernon committee agrees to video-record meetings, continue interpreter services

The Mount Vernon City Council's Public Safety Committee agreed last week to begin video-recording its meetings and to continue providing Spanish interpreters upon request for the rest of the year. The committee also scheduled a data center moratorium ordinance and a hazard mitigation plan annex resolution for the Aug. 12 Council meeting, and directed staff to research certified interpreter costs and volunteer interpreter options.

Public Safety Committee (Aug. 5)

The committee, meeting Aug. 5, took the following actions, according to official minutes:

• Agreed to begin video recording committee meetings next week through the end of the year.
• Continued the current practice of providing a Spanish interpreter upon request for the remainder of the year.
• Scheduled the data center moratorium ordinance and the hazard mitigation plan annex resolution for the Aug. 12 City Council meeting.
• Directed staff to research certified interpreter costs and volunteer interpreter options.

No formal votes were taken; all items are recommendations for the full Council.

Other recent meetings

Planning Commission (Aug. 4) – The commission met to review the Economic Development Element goals and policies, hear final comments on Housing Goals and Policies, and review draft minutes from July 7. The agenda was discussion-only; minutes have not yet been published.

Library Board (Aug. 6) – The board held its regular monthly meeting, with standard items including approval of July minutes, budget and statistics reports, incident reports, and public comment limited to 10 minutes. No major policy decisions were listed on the agenda; minutes have not yet been published.

City Council agenda items (Aug. 12)

The City Council met Aug. 12, but minutes have not yet been published. The agenda included several items that were up for consideration:

• **Wastewater rates and fees** – A rate and fee study proposed four rate scenarios ranging from 4.5% to 12% annual increases, with residential monthly bills rising from $62.64 to between $77.38 and $79.98 by 2031. A proposed sewer connection fee increase would raise the charge from $9,275 to $16,094.50 per ERU. The study also called for restoring a $1 million annual transfer to the capital fund and rebuilding operating reserves to a 90-day target.
• **Transportation** – A public hearing on amendments to the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program included $216,000 in additional federal funds for Riverside Drive Improvements. Construction updates noted completion of Laventure Road Widening and 15th Street Sidewalk, with the 2025 Overlay beginning in August.
• **Flock camera system** – A consent item for the Flock camera agreement was on the agenda.
• **Opioid settlement funds** – A proposal to allocate $320,000 for recovery housing and $30,000 for the Skagit STAR Center from opioid settlement funds was listed.
• **E-bike ordinance** – A draft e-bike ordinance with a public participation process was on the agenda.
• **Special assessment** – Resolution 1106 proposed a special assessment of $8,779.66 for property at 1515 S. 6th Street.
• **Ballot proposition** – An appointment of a pro-committee for a TBD ballot proposition was listed.

Coming up

Planning Commission (Aug. 18) – The commission will discuss updates to development regulations, including a gap analysis and scope/schedule, and review Mount Vernon's specific housing affordability. Public comment will be taken, and draft minutes from Aug. 4 will be considered.

City Council Development Services Committee (Aug. 19) – The committee will review a large package of required and recommended amendments to development regulations to comply with state housing laws, including middle housing mandates. The agenda also includes overviews of sewer repair permits, a wastewater rate and fee study, and proposed bans on virtual currency kiosks and kratom. The city is currently pre-empted by state model ordinances on many housing items because deadlines have passed.

Mount Vernon Council to Consider $820,000 in Opioid Settlement Funding for Recovery Housing

Mount Vernon's City Council committees turned their attention this past week to opioid settlement spending, sales tax ballot committees, and second-quarter finances. Because minutes have not yet been published for the July meetings, the items below reflect what was on the agendas; the city's official records will confirm what was decided.

Opioid Settlement Funds for Recovery Housing

On July 29, the City Council committee agenda included consideration of $820,000 in opioid settlement funds for three recovery housing projects recommended by a review panel. The projects would add 12 new beds and preserve 9 existing beds:

• $95,000 for R.I.S.E. Recovery Proposal 3 — renovation in Sedro-Woolley adding seven beds for women, including one bridge bed.
• $115,000 for R.I.S.E. Recovery Proposal 1 — renovation in Mount Vernon adding five beds for men.
• $610,000 for New Earth Recovery Proposal 1 — acquisition of an Oxford House in Mount Vernon preserving nine beds for men.

The same agenda included a presentation on HB 1590, which provides a 0.1% sales tax for affordable housing and homelessness services, with $1 million available this funding cycle. At least 60% is directed to projects. Council members were also set to discuss revisions to Council procedural codes and agenda-setting models.

Sales Tax Ballot Proposition and Code Enforcement

The July 22 City Council agenda listed appointment of committee members for and against a Mount Vernon sales and use tax ballot proposition. Also on the agenda was Resolution 1106, authorizing a special assessment for a code enforcement case at 1516 S. 6th Street.

Presentations scheduled that evening covered the Transportation Benefit District's 10-year history and accomplishments, affordable housing units created through the Affordable Housing Density Bonus program, and approval of an agreement with North Sound BH-ASO.

Second-Quarter Finances and Parks Updates

Also on July 22, the Finance and Parks & Recreation Committee was set to receive a second-quarter financial report covering budget variances for the General Fund and other funds through June 30, 2026. The investment portfolio briefing listed a total market value of $35,939,910 as of June 30, 2026, with a portfolio yield to maturity of 3.62%.

Parks & Recreation items included an e-bike public participation plan gathering community feedback on trail use and speed limits, the Hillcrest Park playground grand opening scheduled for Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and skatepark planning. The RCO grant application is set to return August 19, with resubmission September 10 and project evaluation September 17 through October 6.

Coming Up

• **August 4 — Planning Commission:** Review of Economic Development Element goals and policies, final comments on Housing Goals and Policies, and review of the July 7, 2026 draft minutes.
• **August 5 — Public Safety Committee:** Discussion and likely adoption of the city's annex to the Skagit County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The agenda also lists an EMS billing service change to Systems Design West LLC effective August 1, 2026, a regional use and training facility study with the Mount Vernon Police Department, four staff assigned to wildland fires in Washington and Oregon, and two new hires: Rosanny Perez as Community Risk Reduction Specialist and Brandon Nelson as Firefighter EMT.

All recent meeting items are drawn from agendas; minutes have not yet been published. Readers can consult the city's official records for confirmed outcomes and vote tallies.

Mount Vernon meetings: Debris removal bid, housing goals, and retiree benefits on recent agendas

Mount Vernon's boards and commissions covered a wide range of topics in recent meetings, from a $185,144.68 debris removal bid to long-range housing planning. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so the items below reflect what was on each agenda — not confirmed outcomes.

City Council — July 8

The City Council agenda included a motion to censure Mayor Donovan regarding public statements on Flock ALPR cameras, described as conduct inconsistent with council standards of decorum. Also on the agenda was Resolution 1105 to establish the 2026-2027 Citizens Advisory Committee, an agreement with Mount Vernon School District, an agreement with Specialty Equipment, Inc., and approval of July 8, 2026 claims and July 2, 2026 payroll.

A separate Council committee agenda the same day listed a pending bid award for Seneca Drive debris removal. The lowest bid was $185,144.68 from Specialty Equipment, Inc., pending council acceptance. The committee also received updates on several transportation projects:

• Laventure Road Widening: nearly complete, heading for council acceptance.
• Park Street Stormwater Pump Station: final design stage, cost estimate $7M.
• Riverside Drive Improvements: design at 90%, seeking additional federal funds.
• Division St/SR 536 Bridge: feasibility study scope to go to council in August.

Planning Commission — July 7

The Planning Commission was scheduled to review proposed goals and policies for the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan, presented by Facet. The agenda also included an introduction to buildable land and land capacity analyses, a discussion of housing allocations, and review of June 2, 2026 meeting minutes.

Development Services Committee — July 15

This committee reviewed the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Housing Element in more detail. The discussion covered projected population growth of 7,760 new residents and 4,159 new jobs. Proposed housing unit targets total 5,180 units across various income levels. The agenda also included review of state law impacts from HB 1220, HB 1110, and SB 6026.

LEOFF 1 Board — July 8

The Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System Board held a special meeting to review retiree benefit items, including hearing aid repair reimbursement, a memorandum on retiree Medicare comparables, and cataract surgery. The board was also scheduled to approve minutes from March 18, 2026. Public comments were accepted in person or by email through July 7.

Coming up

City Council — July 22: The Council will consider appointing committee members for and against a sales and use tax ballot proposition. Resolution 1106 would authorize a special assessment for a code enforcement case at 1516 S. 6th Street. Presentations are scheduled on the Transportation Benefit District's 10-year history and on affordable housing units created through the Affordable Housing Density Bonus program. An agreement with North Sound BH-ASO is also on the agenda.

Finance and Parks & Recreation Committee — July 22: The committee will receive a second-quarter financial report covering budget variances through June 30, 2026, and an investment portfolio briefing showing a total market value of $35,939,910 as of June 30, 2026, with a portfolio yield to maturity of 3.62%. Parks & Recreation updates include an e-bike public participation plan, a Hillcrest Park playground grand opening scheduled for Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and skatepark planning with an RCO grant application returning August 19 and resubmission planned for September 10. No formal decisions are noted on this agenda.

Mount Vernon council weighs debris contract, mayor censure, and license plate reader rules

Mount Vernon's City Council and advisory bodies met across the first week of July, with agendas covering a $185,144.68 debris removal bid, a proposed censure of Mayor Donovan, and new state restrictions on automated license plate readers. All meetings listed below were agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published, so items reflect what was scheduled for discussion or action, not confirmed outcomes.

Seneca Drive debris removal bid and public works updates

A City Council committee agenda listed a pending bid award for Seneca Drive debris removal at $185,144.68 from Specialty Equipment, Inc., awaiting council acceptance. The same committee agenda included updates on several transportation projects: Laventure Road Widening is nearly complete and heading toward council acceptance; Park Street Stormwater Pump Station is in final design with a cost estimate of $7 million; Riverside Drive Improvements design is at 90% with the city seeking additional federal funds; and a Division St/SR 536 Bridge feasibility study scope is expected to go to council in August.

Motion to censure Mayor Donovan

The July 8 City Council agenda included a motion to censure Mayor Donovan for conduct described as inconsistent with council standards of decorum, related to public statements on Flock ALPR cameras. The same agenda listed Resolution 1105 to establish the 2026-2027 Citizens Advisory Committee, an agreement with Mount Vernon School District, an agreement with Specialty Equipment, Inc., and approval of July 8, 2026, claims and July 2, 2026, payroll.

New state law on license plate readers

On July 1, a council committee began reviewing Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6002, a new state law regulating automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems. The bill defines authorized uses such as stolen vehicles, parking enforcement, and traffic studies. It imposes a 21-day data retention limit for most ALPR data and requires agencies to register their systems with the Washington Attorney General within 180 days. The law prohibits using ALPR data for immigration enforcement or tracking protected health care, and bans selling, leasing, or renting ALPR data or audit trail data.

Housing goals and land capacity review

The Planning Commission's July 7 agenda included a review of proposed goals and policies for the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan, presented by Facet, along with an introduction to buildable land and land capacity analyses, discussion of housing allocations, and review of June 2, 2026, meeting minutes.

LEOFF 1 Board reviews retiree benefits

The LEOFF 1 Board held a special meeting July 8 to review retiree benefit items, including hearing aid repair reimbursement, a memorandum on retiree Medicare comparables, and cataract surgery. The agenda also included approval of March 18, 2026, meeting minutes. Public comments were accepted in person or by email through July 7.

Coming up

July 15 — City Council Committee Agendas: The Development Services Committee will review the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Housing Element, including draft goals, policies, and land capacity analysis. The discussion covers projected population growth of 7,760 new residents and 4,159 new jobs, proposed housing unit targets of 5,180 total units across various income levels, and state law impacts including HB 1220, HB 1110, and SB 6026.

Mount Vernon council agendas cover transportation plan, e-bike rules, and license plate reader law; censure vote set for July 8

Mount Vernon's recent City Council and committee meetings covered a six-year transportation plan, proposed e-bike and scooter regulations, and new state restrictions on automated license plate readers. Minutes from all three recent meetings have not yet been published, so only agenda items — not final votes or outcomes — can be reported at this time.

June 24: Transportation plan, Memory Commons, and e-bike rules

The City Council's June 24 agenda included adoption of the 2027–2032 Transportation Improvement Plan under Resolution 1104, along with formal project acceptance of the Mount Vernon Memory Commons, which covers the library/community center and parking. The agenda also listed an agreement with Miles Resources, Inc., an agreement amendment with Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, and consent agenda street closures for Touch a Truck, the 4th of July, and Outdoor Cinemas.

The same evening, the Finance and Parks & Recreation Committee discussed a proposed ordinance to regulate e-bikes, motorized foot scooters, and motorized skateboards, classifying them as Motorized Personal Transportation Devices (MPTDs). The proposal would allow Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on trails where bikes are permitted, prohibit Class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks and trails, and keep motorized foot scooters prohibited from sidewalks and public trails under current code. A helmet requirement would apply to all MPTD riders, with a proposed $50 penalty for violations. The ordinance would also expand the downtown Mount Vernon prohibition to include motorized skateboards.

July 1: State license plate reader law reviewed

A council committee reviewed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6002, a new state law governing automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems. The bill defines authorized uses such as stolen vehicle recovery, parking enforcement, and traffic studies. It imposes a 21-day data retention limit for most ALPR data and requires agencies to register their systems with the Washington Attorney General within 180 days. The law prohibits using ALPR data for immigration enforcement or tracking protected health care and bans selling, leasing, or renting ALPR data or audit trail data.

Coming up

July 7 — Planning Commission: The commission will review proposed goals and policies for the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan, presented by Facet. The agenda also includes an introduction to buildable land and land capacity analyses, discussion of housing allocations, and review of June 2, 2026 meeting minutes.

July 8 — City Council: The council will consider a motion to censure Mayor Donovan for public statements on Flock ALPR cameras, described as conduct inconsistent with council standards of decorum. The agenda also includes Resolution 1105 to establish the 2026–2027 Citizens Advisory Committee, an agreement with Mount Vernon School District, an agreement with Specialty Equipment, Inc., and approval of July 8, 2026 claims and July 2, 2026 payroll.

July 8 — Council Committee: The committee will consider a Seneca Drive debris removal contract with a lowest bid of $185,144.68 from Specialty Equipment, Inc. Updates are also scheduled on several transportation projects: Laventure Road widening is nearly complete and heading for council acceptance; the Park Street Stormwater Pump Station is in final design with a cost estimate of $7 million; Riverside Drive Improvements design is at 90 percent with the city seeking additional federal funds; and the Division Street/SR 536 Bridge feasibility study scope is expected to go to council in August.

Council agenda included transportation plan and library project; committee talks turn to e-bikes and license plate readers

The Mount Vernon City Council on June 24 carried an agenda that proposed adopting the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Plan and formally accepting the Mount Vernon Memory Commons project, including a library and community center. Meeting minutes had not been published as of July 5, so vote outcomes were not available.

Council agenda: Transportation plan and library project

The June 24 docket called for a vote on Resolution 1104, the city’s six-year road and transit priority list. The same session was to include project acceptance of the Memory Commons—a library/community center and its parking facility—along with an agreement with Miles Resources, Inc., an amendment to a wireless-agreement with Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, and several street-closure requests for the 4th of July, Touch a Truck, and outdoor cinema events.

Committees explore e-bike rules, license plate reader limits

A joint meeting of the Finance and Parks & Recreation committees on June 24 reviewed a draft ordinance that would regulate motorized personal transportation devices—e‑bikes, foot scooters, and skateboards. The proposal would let Class 1 and 2 e‑bikes operate on trails where bicycles are allowed, keep Class 3 e‑bikes off sidewalks and trails, and maintain the current ban on motorized foot scooters from sidewalks and public trails. It would also require helmets for all riders and set a $50 penalty for violations, while extending the downtown prohibition to motorized skateboards.

On July 1, a council committee examined Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6002, a new state law governing automated license plate reader systems. The law limits data retention to 21 days, prohibits using ALPR data for immigration enforcement or tracking of protected health care, bans the sale or sharing of the data, and requires agencies to register all systems with the Attorney General within 180 days.

Coming up

Three public meetings are on the calendar the week of July 6:

• **July 7 – Planning Commission**: Review of housing-element goals and policies; introduction to buildable land and land capacity analyses; housing allocations.
• **July 8 – City Council**: A motion to censure Mayor Donovan for statements related to Flock ALPR cameras, a vote to establish a 2026-2027 Citizens Advisory Committee (Resolution 1105), an agreement with the Mount Vernon School District, and acceptance of claims and payroll.
• **July 8 – Council committees**: Bid award for Seneca Drive debris removal—$185,144.68 low bid from Specialty Equipment, Inc.; project updates on Laventure Road widening, the Park Street Stormwater Pump Station ($7 million cost estimate), Riverside Drive improvements, and a Division Street / SR 536 bridge feasibility study.