McMinnville — The McMinnville City Council on Oct. 14 authorized the interim city manager to sign an annexation agreement that begins the city’s annexation and land‑use review process for a 3.17‑acre parcel owned by the Yamhill Soil and Water Conservation District at the edge of Shegwin Park.

The parcel (Tax Lot R4409CD00100) sits across from Grand Haven Elementary School; the applicant (Mac Multi LLC) proposes a 72‑unit multifamily development. The annexation agreement does not approve a final site plan or zoning change, but sets public‑improvement expectations, identifies requirements staff will use during the subsequent land‑use review, and obligates the owner and applicant to the process needed before annexation and development can occur.

Why it matters: Annexations convert county‑zoned “island” parcels inside city limits into city jurisdiction so they may be served by city utilities and subject to city development standards. Community Development Director Heather Richards told the council the property’s location next to parkland and a school makes it well‑suited for higher‑density housing and that bringing the property into the city helps eliminate islands of county land in the urban area.

Key terms and next steps: The agreement includes frontage improvement requirements, coordination with public works and utilities, and construction of a pedestrian mid‑block crossing to improve safe walking access between the proposed development, the school and park. After the annexation agreement is executed, the applicant must complete a formal annexation application along with a rezone and Comprehensive Plan map amendment; those land‑use actions will come back to the Planning Commission and City Council for public hearings and final decisions.

Council action: Councilor Payne moved to authorize the interim city manager to sign the annexation agreement; the motion, seconded by Councilor Chenoweth, passed unanimously.

Ending: Richards said the annexation step is intended to provide certainty about public‑infrastructure expectations before the property proceeds to formal land‑use hearings and that staff will continue to coordinate with utilities, the fire district and Yamhill County as the project advances.