City Council Committee Agendas

Public Safety Committee Minutes December 3, 2025 Police Court Campus, 1805 Continental Place Councilmember Tercero called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present Mayor Donovan Councilmembers: Beaton, Brocksmith, Carías, Hudson, Molenaar, Tercero, Vander Stoep Staff: Fire Chief Harris, Police Chief Christman, City Attorney Rogerson 1. Approval of November 5, 2025 Public Safety Committee and November 12, 2025, Public Works and Library Committee minutes. The minutes were approved with the correction to Public Safety Minutes: Item 4, update Culture Trail Safety Lighting to Kulshan Trail Safety Lighting. 2. Legal a. North Star Interlocal Agreement: Mr. Rogerson presented a proposed ordinance that if adopted would make the City's fireworks ban permanent and add civil liability to property owners who knowingly permit the discharge of fireworks on property in the City b. Opioid Settlement Funds Resolution: Mr. Rogerson presented an interlocal agreement between the cities of Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley and Skagit County formalizing the Northstar Group. There was a general discussion about the purpose of the group. There is no legal obligation from the City or City Council. c. Fireworks Ordinance: Mr. Rogerson presented a proposed resolution that if adopted, would internally direct staff not to expend 80% of the revenues received from multiple settlements the City is involved with opioid distributors and manufacturers. 3. Police a. ATV/UTV/Side by Side Discussion: Chief Christman presented information about ATV, UTV and SXS use on City streets. Under Public Safety Committee December 3, 2025 Page 2 of 2 RCW 46.09.09.455 it is illegal to operate ATVs, UTVs, or SXSs on city streets unless a city ordinance permits it; Mount Vernon has not adopted such an ordinance. Police has begun providing information directly to drivers and a Facebook video regarding these regulations; officers will soon begin issuing $160 infractions for violations. These vehicles lack essential safety features and are designed for off-road use, not paved roads. City staff currently uses UTVs to support grounds and facilities operations, to water plants downtown, weed controls, and to enter wooded areas for the purpose of cleaning up encampments. The Mount Vernon School District currently uses UTVs to support grounds and facilities operations. Citizens could request that Council adopt an ordinance allowing the use of the vehicles and/or come forward to speak during public comments at future council meetings. 4. Agenda Requests  none 5. Miscellaneous  Councilmember Brocksmith wanted to discuss the 2026 budget, and how to ensure that the budget reflected what the voters approved for Public Safety and Parks. Submitted by: Becky Jensen, City Clerk