New Chief of Police, Robert Goetz, takes the Oath of Office
It’s a new year, and there were a couple of new faces at the Everett City Council meeting yesterday. Here’s a brief recap of what went down in the first meeting of 2026.
The meeting started with a ceremonial swear-in and “Oath of Office” for recently elected or re-elected officials performed by Judge Remy Leonard, including:
- Mayor Cassie Franklin
- Councilmembers:
- Erica Weir, Position 1 (new)
- Paula Rhyne, Position 2
- Don Schwab, Position 3
- Luis Burbano, Position 4 (new)
- Ben Zarlingo, Position 5
- New Chief of Police: Robert Goetz
Former councilmember Liz Vogeli made an appearance as a member of the public.
Former city councilmember Liz Vogeli showed up as the 2nd public commenter, mentioning the tragic news of Renee Nicole Good shot by ICE in Minneapolis.
Mayor Franklin recommended several people to boards that were all voted in by the council. These included:
Everett Housing Authority Board
1) Paul Manselle – position 2 serving until 10/6/2030
2) Koren Smith – position 3 serving until 10/6/2030
3) Jason Miller (new) – pos 6 serving until 10/6/2030
Civil Service Commission
Charles McMurray serving until 12/31/31
Library Board
Melinda Cervantes serving until 12/31/31
The board went on to approve consent items, then a 2nd reading of Pedestrian Safety RRFB – Everett Ave & 79th Pl SE, a second reading for grants to expand I-5/US-2 ramps to two lanes, and a 1st reading to adopt an ordinance for adjustments to the Everett 2044 Periodic Update, including more relaxed affordability levels for ownership housing.
Paula Rhyne was selected to be the Vice President of the council for 2026.
The meeting ended with the election for a President and Vice President for the council for 2026. The board re-elected Don Schwab as President. He was unopposed, a sign that the board felt he did a good job last year.
For Vice President, Paula Rhyne was nominated, unopposed, and unanimously voted in.
January 8, 2026
Everett Government