Mill Creek city manager resigns abruptly

MILL CREEK – Mill Creek City Manager Steve Nolen resigned from his post Thursday after two years at the city’s helm.

Nolen, who lives in Brier, turned in his resignation letter after speaking with City Council members, Mayor Donna Michelson said. She would not elaborate on why he stepped down.

His resignation was unexpected, Michelson said.

“At this point, he’s no longer there,” she said.

Public works director Tim Burns has been appointed the acting city manager until the City Council hires an interim manager.

Michelson announced Nolen’s resignation to city employees during a staff meeting Thursday morning.

“We have fantastic, capable staff and department directors,” Michelson said. “I have no doubt that we’ll be able to run on auto-pilot until we get someone else as a city manager.”

Nolen received an annual salary of $100,364 and oversaw about 70 employees in the city of nearly 17,500 people. He signed a three-year contract when he started as city manager in July 2005.

The City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday whether to formally accept Nolen’s resignation letter. The council may also authorize staff to begin searching for his replacement.

An interim city manager could be in place within the next few weeks, Michelson said.

Before coming to Mill Creek, Nolen was the assistant city administrator in Lynnwood, assisting Mayor Mike McKinnon.

Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.

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