City Council Regular Meeting - 22 September 2026

The City of Mill Creek, Washington, City Council held its regular meeting on September 22, 2026. The main property and funding discussion concerned the potential acquisition of the 61-acre Penny Creek Natural Area (PCNA). Staff outlined estimated annual maintenance of about $18,000 and possible startup and improvement costs, while council members discussed liability, stewardship, a boat and trailer, and a pedestrian-crossing study. By a 4–3 vote, the council directed staff to continue negotiating a property-transfer agreement with the Farm by Vintage, including negotiation over the crossing study; this was not a final approval of the transfer. Staff also noted possible grant support and an estimated $30,000 in annual stormwater tax revenue that could be forgone if the property transfers to the city.

The council adopted a reimbursement resolution 7–0, authorizing the city manager and finance director to document eligible prior expenditures for possible reimbursement from future bond proceeds; it did not authorize debt issuance. The discussion connected this flexibility to replacing a surface-water interfund loan with longer-term financing and avoiding a projected rate increase from about $232 to $341 if no alternative financing is secured. South County Fire also presented a proposed regional facilities bond for the November ballot, including station replacements and upgrades; its estimate was 19 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or about $165 annually for an $850,000 home. Separately, the council approved consent-agenda payments, including checks and wire transfers totaling $1,124,432.15, with no audit exceptions reported.