Speakers press committee to consider making Everett council full time and limit multiple offices

At the public hearing, several residents urged the Charter Review Committee to consider structural changes to the City Council, including making council seats full time and clarifying rules on holding multiple public offices.

"I would like to propose that we make the position of city council person a full time position," Nathan Shelby said, arguing that full‑time salaries would expand who can serve and allow councilors to manage complex city projects and intergovernmental responsibilities.

John Peoples and other commenters recommended a clear one‑year residency requirement for candidate eligibility and suggested language preventing a person from serving in more than one elected office at the same time to avoid conflicts of interest.

Committee members acknowledged the topics’ overlap — a full‑time salary raises questions about whether officeholders could or should hold another elected position — and said they may place both items on a shortlist for further study. Staff noted that pay changes and structural alterations, if recommended, would be subject to follow‑up analysis by the salary commission and the City Council before any implementation.

No formal action was taken at the hearing. Committee members invited written input and indicated the items would be considered alongside other proposed charter changes before recommendations are finalized.