Lynnwood’s mayor and city councilmembers had a unique experience during the May 2 work session meeting.

Mayor Nicola Smith announced to the councilmembers that a time sensitive issue would be presented in a “walk-on memo.” This is the first time such a memo has been presented to this council.

The walk-on memo was for reimbursement and dispatching of personnel for the Incident Management Teams. It was presented by Assistant Chief Tod Gates of the Lynnwood Fire Department.

Thanking the councilmembers for “entertaining this unusual activity,” Gates explained that the item would update the 1998 agreement and that funding had “no budget impact as all costs are reimbursed to the city.”

Both Councilmember Shannon Sessions and Council President M. Christopher Boyer conveyed their appreciation for the “talent and skills” that Assistant Chief Gates provided to the region.

“It is really rare to have this kind of talent and experience in our area,” Sessions said. “It says something about our city.”

Sno-Isle Library Executive Director Jonalyn Woolf-Ivory and Managing Librarian Michael Delury presented their annual report to the council. The library system served over half a million individuals last year in the local area. Highlighting the role of changing technology and visitor needs, Delury showcased the libraries “expanding range of downloadable content,” via access to e-books, computer programming and skills, educational classes and increasing availability of content in more convenient formats. Programming and content is now available in multiple languages including Russian, Korean and Spanish.

“Libraries are more than just a warehouse for books,” Delury said. “Particularly for the under-served.” As part of their presentation, Delury and Woolf-Ivory highlighted the Capital Facilities Plan.

After working on the plan since last fall, Woolf-Ivory said that during the process “we have been on an adventure, and also a partnership.”

Moving forward, Woolf-Ivory said he wants to work closely with the city to meet its needs while planning for upcoming growth due to light rail and new housing.

“We are recognizing the potential for a new and larger library in the city of Lynnwood,” Woolf-Ivory explained.

Showing support in the audience were Sno-Isle Libraries Director of Facilities Jeanne Crisp, Public Information Manager Jim Hills, Deputy Director Kendra Trachta, and Strategic Relations Manager Susan Hempstead. The draft plan was shared with the council for their review as planning continues for a new civic center that might include what Councilmember Ian Cotton described as a “blended facility.”

“The relationship between Sno-Isle and the city has always been a good one,” Councilmember Ruth Ross said about continuing the partnership.

City of Lynnwood’s director of parks, recreation and cultural arts, Lynn Sordel, introduced the Healthy Communities Action Plan. In order to adopt the action plan, council will need to approve a resolution for the 10-year plan at the next business meeting on May 9.

Deputy Director Sarah Olson presented the plan to councilmembers with enthusiastic stakeholders and community coordinators in attendance.

“This plan is also people focused,” Olson said. “The emphasis is on community need.”

If the resolution is adopted, the plan will guide implementation of citywide planning and development focused on improving the health and well-being of Lynnwood residents. The three main goals are interlinked and include programs and infrastructure improvements to increase physical movement, access and education about healthy foods and eating habits, and improving positive community and social interactions and spaces.

“We are all wanting to have healthy communities,” Jenni McCloughan, of the Edmonds School District, said.

Councilmembers loudly supported the Healthy Communities Action Plan. “We truly are better together,” Councilmember Cotton said.

Also during Monday night’s City Council meeting:

• Economic Development Project Manager Mary Monroe, Community Development Director Paul Kraus, and Economic Development Director David Kleitsch presented customer survey results
• Reminder of Community Open House on May 11 at 5:30 p.m.
• Executive Session regarding labor negotiations

–By Emily Scott