Hi neighbors,
Some good news: Flock is back on the City Council agenda for September 25. The item is titled “Review Flock Policy, Resolution, Ordinance and Public Hearing on Ordinance Amending Community Policing Advisory Board MTMC 2.40.”
This may not yet be a move to cancel the Flock contract — which many of us believe is the best way forward — but it does signal that the city could be moving ahead with reinstating the Community Policing Advisory Board. Residents have been consistently advocating for this step, because it would restore a venue for oversight, accountability, and community voice. A tentative follow-up item is also on the October 2 agenda, specifically to amend the Community Policing Advisory Board’s ordinance.
Here’s why this matters:
The original June 5 vote was 5–2 in favor of Flock.
Since then, Councilmember Paige has reversed his support, joining Murray and Woodard in opposition. That shifts the balance to 4–3.
With one more councilmember willing to reconsider, Mountlake Terrace could still cancel before the cameras are installed.
Yes, the city is already locked into the $27,000 first-year payment — money we won’t get back. But knowing what we know now, moving forward exposes us to far greater risks. Lawsuits, legal bills, and future price hikes could cost far more than that initial fee.
This is the moment to make your voice heard. The September 25 meeting includes a public hearing — a direct chance for residents to weigh in. Showing up and speaking, or even submitting a short written comment, really does matter.
Here’s how you can frame your message:
Good: Reinstate the Community Policing Advisory Board to oversee Flock and also provide input on future decisions about public safety.
Better: Reinstate the board, but delay implementation until the lawsuits in Stanwood and Sedro-Woolley are resolved. Use those outcomes to reassess whether Mountlake Terrace should move forward.
Best: Consider all the concerns and risks raised over the past few months, accept the $27k as a sunk cost, and cancel the contract before the cameras are installed.
When and How to Show Up
Thursday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m.📍 Mountlake Terrace City Hall
To speak:
In person: Show up early to sign in
On Zoom: Complete the Remote Public Comment Request Form at least 24 hours before the meeting begins. You will then be contacted by email to confirm your participation. If your reply to the confirmation email is not received by 4 p.m. on the meeting/public hearing date, you will not be allowed to comment remotely at that meeting, but you still can do so in person.
Can’t Attend? Submit a Written Comment
Email: [email protected]📥 CC: all councilmembers📤 BCC (optional): [email protected]👉 Click here to email them all
Submit by 4:00 p.m. on September 25 to be included in the meeting record.
If you care about oversight, fiscal responsibility, and community trust, now is the time to show up.
In resistance,
Dustin