MARYSVILLE – The city continues to get richer when it comes to water.

Mayor Jon Nehring has a goal of the city being independent of other water sources. The city gets some water from Everett, but it is more expensive.

The city has taken another step toward total independence with its new wells and filtration plant near the water tower and fire station in the Sunnyside area. The huge water filtration system container weighs 40,000 pounds empty. It was trucked in and put in place by crane, before the building’s roof was put on. The two wells actually were used years ago by the city. But it stopped using the water because of the odor and taste.

With the new sand filtration system and chlorine there have been no issues. The system can provide 2,000 gallons of water a minute. The new water system was just one topic discussed at Monday night’s City Council meeting.

Brice Vradenburg brought up another during the public comment period. And he learned a tough lesson that others should know about – “Be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood.”

Vradenburg said he was late to work because roads were blocked by heavy equipment due to construction in the 4000 block of 82nd Drive. “That’s disrespectful,” he said. Vradenburg said 147 houses are being built near where he lives, and that could add hundreds of cars to residential streets. He said neighbors weren’t notified, and they have “a right to voice their concerns.”

Planning director Dave Koenig begged to differ. He said there actually will be three other developments in that same area. All went through the permit process, planning process, hearing examiner process, and there was even a neighborhood meeting. He said neighbors within 100 yards of each development received personal notification in the mail. Koenig said one problem people can have is after approval it can be “months or even years before construction starts.” No reminder notification occurs so neighbors may forget what’s going on.

Nehring read a proclamation saying Nov. 25 is Small Business Saturday and encouraged residents to support local businesses.

Also, the council approved the recommendations of the hotel-motel tax committee to spend $110,953 of the available $135,000. Included is $15,000 for fireworks for a city event on July 4. Other funding includes: $20,000 each for Marysville Strawberry Festival and city police special events services; $18,205 for city public works special events services; $12,000 for city Great Girls’ Getaway; $7,975 for Chamber Brew and Cider Fest; $7,473 for city parks Tour of Lights; $5,000 for Snohomish County Tourism Bureau; $3,000 for Poochapalooza and $2,300 for Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts.