LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood City Council adopted a proclamation for Women’s History Month, appointed two new Public Facilities District (PFD) board members, and held a public hearing where it discussed an ordinance regarding the underground of overhead service utilities, and the Town Center Master Signage Plan Development Agreement, at its Business Meeting held Monday, March 11.
The proclamation recognizing Women’s History Month was accepted by Council Vice President Julieta Altamirano-Crosby and Councilmember Shirley Sutton and Lynnwood community women Dr. Yvonne Terrell-Powell (of Edmonds College), Kim Gorney (of Washington Kids in Transition, Marines Scaramazza (Estrella TV), Deborah Brandi (Foundation for Edmonds Schools), and Marisol Bejarano (LETI).
Gary Walderman and Mary Lancaster, members of the veteran community, presented an American flag in recognition of the Mayor and Council’s commitment to local veterans before retiring Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director Lynn Sordel reflected on his time and tenure serving the city.
“Lynn has brought his heart, his passion, his expertise, his wonderful sense of humor, and his tremendous care for our community each and every day that he’s been here,” said Mayor Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell. “I just wish him well.”
Sordel has been Lynnwood Parks and Rec Director for the last 17 years after relocating to the area from Florida with his wife. In total Sordel has spent the last 42 years working in Parks and Recreation Departments.
One of his favorite takeaways from his position, Sordel said on Monday, was having the opportunity to be so embedded in the community and all of the wonderful people he met along the way.
“I’m very excited about the next phase of my life. I have a lot of plans with family, friends, and looking forward to that but I just wanted to express my deep appreciation to this community, to all of you, to the community members, my colleagues, the friends I’ve made, how much I’ve truly loved being involved in this city and being Director of Parks and Recreation and Cultural Arts,” said Sordel.
Sordel’s last day as Lynnwood’s Parks and Recreation Director is this Friday, March 15.
Council Vice President Julieta Altamirano-Crosby made motioned to rescind a motion made December 11, 2023, for staff to bring forward a list of outside auditors to request a financial audit.
A performance audit by an outside firm would require additional budget authority and Vice President Altamirano-Crosby explained that she would like to learn more information on what the outside auditors would be auditing before approving the additional budget. The motion passed unanimously, and the issue will be revisited at a future meeting.
New Lynnwood PFD Board Member Appointments
At Monday’s Business Meeting, the Lynnwood City Council conducted a paper tally vote on the PFD Board candidate finalists from Chris Collier, Frank Percival and Ty Tufono-Chaussee.
Collier received five votes for Position #3, with each other candidate receiving one. Council President George Hurst then moved to appoint Collier to PFD Board Position #3 for a four-year term, seconded by Council Vice President Altamirano-Crosby.
Percival received five votes for Position #2, and Tufono-Chaussee received two votes. Council President then moved to appoint Percival to PFD Board Position #2 for a four-year-term, seconded by Councilman Nick Coelho.
With Frank Percival and Chris Collier’s appointments, the Lynnwood PFD Board is now currently filled with no vacant seats.
Alderwood Mall Blvd Multiple-Unit Housing Property Tax Exemption
The Council heard a presentation by Sarah Cho, City Center Program Manager, on an Alderwood Mall Boulevard Multiple-Unit Housing Property Tax Exemption.
The proposal was for a property tax exemption for a 7-story multi-family residential building in the City Center-Core (CC-C) zone. The building is at the site of the former Buca di Beppo restaurant (4301 Alderwood Mall Boulevard) which was demolished in 2021.
The Koz project will comprise of 199 (40 of them designated for low income) apartment units and 100 parking spaces, consisting of both structured and surface parking. This project will utilize on-site parking as well as a satellite parking lot. This development will offer various amenities including over 2,000 square feet of public open space aimed at activating the area along Alderwood Mall Boulevard. The open space and vicinity of the project will also feature streetscape enhancements and pedestrian-oriented design, such as seating and landscaping.
Koz on Alderwood Mall Blvd was seeking to use the MFTE program for a period of 12 years, which requires setting aside a minimum of 20% of the units for low and moderate incomes.
The City of Lynnwood adopted the MFTE Program in 2007 to enact Washington State Legislation supporting the construction of multifamily housing. This tax exemption is an ad valorem property tax exemption. The exemption is for the amount of new property taxes assessed to the value of new housing construction and not commercial spaces. This program was adopted by the Council to encourage housing and redevelopment of the City Center. The program is codified in LMC 3.82.
In 2021, the State Legislature passed SB-5287 amending the MFTE program. On May 3, Governor Jay Inslee signed the bill into law effect July 25. The revisions include the creation of a 20-year program and relocation assistance. The City may pass future legislation to enact these changes. The Koz on Alderwood Mall Blvd application is under the current regulations of the Lynnwood MFTE Program and is not eligible at this time for programs offered in SB 5287.
Council President Hurst moved to authorize the mayor to enter into and execute on behalf of the City an MFTE Agreement with Koz on Alderwood Mall Blvd LLC for the twelve-year tax exemption program. The council approved the motion unanimously.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
