Council directs attorney to draft resolution to begin annexation canvass for Sun/Sand Valley area

Councilman Rucker said the council unanimously directed the city attorney to draft a resolution so the city can start canvassing residents in the territory the meeting identified as Sun Valley (also referenced as Sand Valley). The motion passed by voice vote after a second, and council members indicated they will notify the county before canvassing begins.

The move begins a formal annexation step: if a majority of residents in the territory sign a petition, the city will submit that result to the county for certification. "It's requested by Sun Valley residents," Councilman Rucker said, "It's not something that the city is pushing." The council discussed that the annexation area shown on the map would include the gas station, a storage facility, the area beyond Forest Brook and properties up to the railroad track.

Council members noted there was some resident opposition on Delray, and Rucker said he personally delivered 35 informational letters and received about two responses to date. He estimated roughly 25 households lie inside the area targeted for canvassing — five on the rear extension and about 20 on the main stretch — and said the city must certify who lives in the area and who signs any petition.

Council members described service changes that would follow annexation: they said water and sewer are already provided by MUC water and sewage so those services would not change, but city public works would assume upkeep, and the city would provide trash, fire and police services and respond to road-condition needs. Council members also said annexation is being pursued at the request of area residents and that the city does not expect a financial windfall from the change.

The council voted by voice; the motion carried and council directed the city attorney to prepare the resolution to begin the canvassing process. The council did not record a roll-call vote or a numeric tally in the record.