Concerned about keeping up with current law about the separation of church and state, City Attorney Grant Weed did some research.

“Because of challenges around the country I wanted to take a look at how the law has evolved,” Weed said at the May 27 council meeting. “Our resolution has passed the test of time. It’s a pretty good forecast of how it should be done.”

Because of a recent Supreme Court ruling, however, Weed said the council needs to make a “robust” effort to make sure all different faiths and denominations get the opportunity to give the invocation. He said it should be an annual process. He said that is the one area in local law that could be improved. The council agreed.

The council also agreed to change an ordinance that will allow Marysville police to again give out tickets for illegal use of disable parking places. A recent change in the law by the legislature had made that impossible. With the change violators can now be fined up to $250.

Mayor Jon Nehring honored the Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club as the Volunteer of the Month. The club stocks the waters with fish for the popular annual fishing derby. The group also is involved in conservation and awards scholarships.

The council decided to spend almost $33,500 more on the State Route 528 and 53rd Avenue intersection improvement project for Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The total cost from the city is now almost $374,500.

Council Member Kamile Norton gave a parks committee report and said new playground equipment has been decided on for the Foothills Park renovation. She also said the new Spray Park downtown, now expected to open around June 20, will open an hour early for children with disabilities every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

In other news, the council:

• Amended the budget for items including an Evidence Building.

• Agreed to loan the Transportation Benefit District $600,000 that will be repaid later.

• OK’d the Marysville Kiwanis Club Beer and Wine Garden event for the Strawberry Festival.