Maple Valley council approves consent calendar, adopts school impact fee ordinance and sets 2026 priorities

Mayor Sean P. Kelly called the Maple Valley City Council to order at 6:35 p.m. on Oct. 27, 2025, at Lake Wilderness Lodge. Councilmember Victoria Schroff led the Pledge of Allegiance. The council approved the evening's agenda on a motion by Deputy Mayor Dana Parnello, seconded by Councilmember Didem Pierson; the motion carried 7-0.

A brief public comment included an introduction from Sean Penwell, who identified himself as the new Fire Chief for Puget Sound Fire serving Maple Valley. The council issued a proclamation recognizing Lake Wilderness Arboretum and Make A Difference Day.

The council approved the consent calendar, which included minutes from Oct. 13 and Oct. 20, vendor and benefit checks and wire transfers totaling $2,610,616.12, and several administrative resolutions. Among the items adopted under consent was Ordinance O-25-862, which adopts the Tahoma School District 2025'to'2030 Capital Facilities Plan and establishes school impact fees to be collected by the City on behalf of the district.

Lobbyist Jim Hedrick reviewed the proposed 2026 legislative priorities. On a motion from Councilmember Didem Pierson, seconded by Councilmember Les Burberry, the council adopted Resolution R-25-2014 establishing the city's 2026 legislative priorities; the vote was 7-0. The council also reviewed and approved Resolution R-25-2015, setting council priorities for 2026, on a…