MILL CREEK – Lisa Hopp wasn’t the only one beaming outside City Council chambers, but she might have been the only one with a motherly feeling.
“I just gave birth,” said Hopp, who coordinated a successful annexation drive. “I still cannot believe it.”
The City Council voted 5-1 this week to annex 553 acres to the north and east of Mill Creek – the largest annexation in city history.
The vote came before a packed house following a 19-month effort by residents of the area and two hours of staff reports. The information presented included the effects of annexation on the police department and city finances, and on the state of 35th Avenue SE and a proposed maintenance agreement with Snohomish County for the road.
In the end, the council was satisfied with the staff analysis.
“We represent those who are already in the city. That doesn’t mean we don’t pay attention to those who want to be in our city. That’s why we spent so much time making sure this would make financial sense,” Councilwoman Mary Kay Voss said.
Dale Hensley cast the lone dissenting vote.
“The 35th Avenue thing bothers me. … The county created the problem, and it will become Mill Creek’s responsibility,” he said.
Though approved, the annexation still has some hurdles. The city and Snohomish County must reach an agreement on maintenance of 35th Avenue SE, a road that has had problems with sinking in spots. Mill Creek public works director Doug Jacobson said a 10-year agreement with the county is nearing completion.
Councilman Mark Bond said he hoped the annexation would have a positive effect on the city’s crime rate, since residents of the annexed area will be served by Mill Creek police and not the sheriff’s office, which residents say doesn’t have the resources to adequately patrol the area.
Mill Creek Police Chief Bob Crannell said an analysis of the annexation showed it would not significantly increase calls to his department. But to handle the increase that will come, the city plans to add an officer in 2006 and 2007.
Bond also addressed a large contingent from the anti-Wal-Mart group Citizens for a Better Mill Creek/Thomas Lake, who have spoken out against a proposed Wal-Mart on 132nd Street SE in the heart of the annexation area. The store was approved by Snohomish County, and permits have been issued.
“I don’t trust the county to look after our interests,” Bond said. “I think (the annexation) serves all of our interests.”
Councilman John Hudgins saw the annexation was crucial to the city’s future.
“We have to grow,” he said. “This is the smartest way to grow. … I’m in favor of this because it will help all the citizens of Mill Creek. To do nothing is to put our head in the sand.”
John Santana is editor of the Mill Creek Enterprise.
Mayor not excused
Mayor Terry Ryan did not attend the annexation meeting. The council voted to not excuse him from the meeting just because he was coaching a soccer game.
Ryan is head girls soccer coach for Cedar Park Christian High School. The school played at Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma Tuesday night for its league title.
The mayor said the council could have postponed the annexation vote. “There was nothing I could do,” he said. “I had to coach a game. … There are things that come up that people can’t control. It’s unfortunate.”
Ryan’s council seat is up for re-election, and he is being challenged by political newcomer Brady Austin.
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