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Residents decry annexation covenant tied to water service; council tables annexation ordinance until January
Summary
Multiple residents told the Westminster City Council they were unaware a 2021 water-service covenant consented to future annexation, arguing the practice coerces homeowners and risks higher taxes; after discussion and staff explanation of benefits, the council voted to table consideration of the annexation ordinance for 510 Marcin Hill Road until the newly sworn January council can review it.
Dozens of residents packed the Westminster City Council meeting to urge action on a 2021 covenant that ties city water service to a consent to future annexation.
Leticia Morrison Gill told the council that homeowners who sign paperwork to receive municipal water often do not realize they are also signing a legal agreement consenting to future annexation. "This information is often unclear or hidden in routine service documents," she said, urging the council to postpone action until a new council takes office and to revise the ordinance for greater transparency.
Several other speakers echoed that concern. Dwayne Marsengill, a fifth‑generation resident, said the covenant effectively compels people to choose city water or remain outside city limits: "No homeowner should ever be forced into annexation," he said. Neil, another commenter, said he signed dozens of closing documents for his first home and later discovered an annexation page included among water‑service papers. "If I know that, trust me, I can sign for it," he said; "I signed for just the water line. Nothing else."
Mayor (speaker 1) responded that the annexation instrument appears as a separate page in the new‑service packet and said staff is not "sneaking anything in on anybody." The mayor asked city staff to explain how the covenant works.
Kevin Brunson, the city administrator, told the council the documents plainly state "petition for annexation" and include a separate declaration of covenant regarding utilities and annexation. Brunson listed potential benefits that may accrue to property owners who annex — faster police response and lower ISO insurance ratings, access to zoning and permitting, eligibility to vote in city elections and, on a case‑by‑case basis, possible homestead tax exemptions that can reduce costs for some older or disabled homeowners. Brunson also said annexation can increase the city's share of state distributions tied to population and expand access to infrastructure grants.
Council members acknowledged the strength of public feeling and the importance of clarity. After discussing that two new council members will be sworn in January and noting the planning commission had recommended approval by a 3–1 vote, the council moved to table consideration of ordinance 12‑09‑2025‑01 (annexing 510 Marcin Hill Road under the 100% annexation method and assigning an R‑20 zoning classification) until the January council meeting so newly elected members may participate.
The mayor said the council wants to find "middle ground" and avoid the issue becoming a divisive fight between city residents and those who live outside city limits. He encouraged residents to call his office with questions and said staff will continue to make materials available.
What happens next: The annexation item will return to the council agenda in January for continued consideration. Staff indicated the planning commission record, the annexation instrument and the administration's notes will be available to council members and the public ahead of that meeting.
