City Council celebrates Lynnwood’s Sister City Program, holds the Annual Police Awards, and approves 2020 Salary Ordinance.

At its February 24th Business Meeting, the Lynnwood City Council listened to Lynnwood High School’s trip highlights after visiting sister city Damyang, South Korea in September of 2019.

Before the students spoke, Mayor Nicola Smith read a letter she received from Mayer Choi Hyung-Sik of Damyang, expressing thanks and interest in staying in contact with the City of Lynnwood. “I hope that Damyang County and the city of Lynnwood will be closer together and have more exchanges.”

Philip An, a high school senior, told the council that the opportunity to travel to Damyang helped him grow to become proud of his identity as a Korean American, after struggling to find a balance between the two. “Going to this school helped me realize how much I can embrace and love my culture.”

Lynnwood Times photo by Luke Putvin. Lynnwood High School Students and others after sharing presentation regarding their trip to Damyang, South Korea at the city council meeting on February 24.

Lynnwood High School Principal Mike Piper agreed that the seven-day trip was a powerful experience for the students involved, he and is in conversation with the principal of the school in Damyang to host another exchange. Addressing the council, Piper explained they have plans for a longer visit but face challenges regarding expenses and logistics. “It’s a pretty big deal and a pretty large project; a puzzle to figure out,” Piper explained. “Knowing that we have a relationship now to band together to move forward was important to happen on this trip.”

At the end of the presentation, Mayor Smith remarked that “It sounds like you all had a lifechanging experience.”

The council later held the annual award ceremony for the Lynnwood Police Department. The ceremony recognizes officers for their diligence and successes. Police Chief Tom Davis along with 2018’s Chief for a Day, Chief Luca, presented the PD’s awards.

George Butholtz received recognition as Officer of the Year for the second year in a row, Tanner Hedlund was named Rookie of the Year, Corey Williams as Custody Officer of the Year, Sergent Chris Breault as Supervisor of the Year, Anna Anako named Clerk of the Year for the third year in a row, and Chaplin Dale Schlack as the staff member of the year. Commander Wes Deppa received the Chief’s Award, accepted by Linda Deppa on his behalf.

Davis highlighted the department’s core value statements, presenting the Values Awards. Recognizing three officers for their representation of the PD’s principals, Officer Lance Lindgren was awarded professionalism, vigilance was awarded to an undercover officer, and the Community Award was given to Justin Gann. The Police department also announced its new cadets.

That evening, the council voted unanimously to approve the amendments to the 2020 Salary Ordinance. Councilmember George Hurst spoke to the amendments, explaining that it relates to the classification of city employment positions. The ordinance passed the addition of a victim services coordinator position at GSO Grade 618, along with an asset management administrator position at Grade 219.

The next City Council Business Meeting will be on March 9. The meeting will be at city hall at 7:00 p.m.