MARYSVILLE ­— Mayor Dennis Kendall, whose leadership forged long-lasting intergovernmental partnerships and saw the community through continued rapid growth even through recent turbulent economic times, announced at the City Council meeting June 28 that he is stepping down after serving more than six years in office.

And, in a move to maintain continuity and a smooth transition within the Mayor’s Office and the city’s elected governing body, Councilmembers voted unanimously to appoint fellow Councilmember Jon Nehring to serve as Marysville’s next Mayor upon Kendall’s resignation. Nehring was elected to the Council in January 2002, and has served several years as Mayor Pro Tem, filling in for Kendall when other city business takes him outside the area.

“It is with considerable thought and consultation with my wife, Sue, and family that my resignation will be effective on Aug. 2,” Kendall said. “To each and every one of you, I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity and honor to serve as your Mayor.”

“I have had the experience of my life, working with so many outstanding people that serve our citizens in so many ways,” he added. “I have always been proud to be Mayor of this community and been able to guide many accomplishments over these past years.”

From the moment he took office, the Mayor’s focus was to emphasize partnerships and cooperation, most markedly in the government-to-government alliance established between the City and Tulalip Tribes, as well as Snohomish County and neighboring cities, officials said. His focus on investment in transportation and economic development included roadway improvements, large-scale shopping centers and encouraging a number of other businesses to come to Marysville.

During Kendall’s tenure, Marysville’s population rose from 28,370 to 58,040, largely through the complex Central Marysville and SunnysidelWhiskey Ridge annexations.

Under powers of state law covering optional municipal code cities such as Marysville, the governing City Council retains the power to choose a qualified member from among the seated Council to assume the duties of Mayor on an interim basis, until the next municipal general election, which will be in fall 2011, City Attorney Grant Weed said. A majority vote was required by Council.

Kendall said he is confident that the City Council made the right choice in naming Nehring as his replacement, and that Nehring can count on having a strong team of committed public servants to back him.

He told the Council Monday night: “You will all be in great hands with the Chief Administrative Officer and her Directors. I have the utmost confidence in their leadership and know that each of you will continue to support them as you have me.

“I am proud of my affiliation with the city of Marysville, and I know you will continue to do great things.”

Nehring currently serves on the city’s Finance Committee, Community Transit Board of Directors, Vice Chair on the SERS Board and Snohomish County Tomorrow. He is active in youth sports programs. He and his wife, Marie-Anne, have two sons, Nicholas and Nate, and a daughter, Kristen.

Nehring’s ascent to the Mayor position requires that he resign his Council seat, which in turn will create another vacancy that the seated Council will likely fill in September, since the Council does not meet in August. In this event, both the Mayor’s position and newly-vacated Council position would be contested in the fall 2011 elections.