Council reviews two annexation requests; staff to prepare resolutions after boundary adjustments

ENUMCLAW — The City Council on April 27 reviewed two annexation requests that would add residential parcels on the city’s east and west sides and directed staff to prepare formal resolutions reflecting suggested boundary modifications.

Community Development Director Chris Massenet told the council the city received two notices of intent in March and that the petitions as submitted cover five vacant, residentially zoned parcels totaling about 18 acres. With staff‑recommended additions the two areas combined would be roughly 38 acres with an estimated assessed value of about $8.5 million, Massenet said.

"Staff does recommend that it should be processed as one annexation request," Massenet said, while also noting committee members raised reasons to process them separately. He described the 60% petition method for annexation, the role of the Boundary Review Board and the requirement that annexed areas adopt the city's future land‑use and zoning and assume existing bonded indebtedness.

Massenet urged caution about asking applicants to secure signatures until the council is committed to a boundary. "I would always recommend that if you're going to annex, do it to make the boundaries more regular," he said.

Council members questioned whether Tarragon’s parcels alone would reach the 60% signature threshold; Massenet said they would not and that additional property owner signatures would be needed if that area were processed separately. Councilmembers also asked staff to consult the city attorney about whether applicants could be required to pay for consultant work to reduce city staff workload during a simultaneous annexation process.

Council discussion centered on whether to process the two petitions together or separately, the potential for creating a smaller county "pocket" and the practical effects of annexation on police, fire and utility service. Several members favored delaying firm direction until staff returns with options and any legal recommendations. At the meeting, councilmembers provided head nods indicating support for staff preparing two separate resolutions reflecting the modified boundaries and conditions discussed.

Next steps: staff will consult the city attorney, prepare proposed resolution language (one or two resolutions) reflecting boundary modifications, and return to council for formal action within the statutory timetable for petitions and notices.