MARYSVILLE – About 120 new cases were started in the first month after the Marysville Police Department took over responsibility of Code Enforcement from Community Development.

With more people working on the issues, it has become more proactive than reactive, Cmdr. Mark Thomas told the City Council Monday night.

Two seasonal workers are checking the 15 zoned areas around the city for “egregious” violations, and telling homeowners what the problems are by hanging fliers on their doorknobs. They check back after 48 hours, and most are voluntarily complying, Thomas said.

If they don’t clean up, they receive a notice of infraction. They are getting more voluntary compliance after that. The MPD has then asked the court to dismiss the infraction.

Code Enforcement also is checking on abandoned cars and rights of way. Again, there has been a high rate of voluntary compliance.

Thomas added that 18 of the 50 cases passed on to them at the start of the month have been cleared.

Two other issues discussed March 6 won’t be voted on until the March 27 meeting. They include the Lakewood Neighborhood Master Plan and various regulations, including how tall flag poles should be.

The master plan predicts Lakewood will grow by more than 5,000 people by 2035, and 3,200 new jobs will develop in the area. Twenty years in the making, it reflects a vision the community has for growth.

During two community meetings, the main concern of residents was how to move traffic. On 172nd there will be a number of roundabouts, multiple lanes and turning lanes. Other roads will be developed with input from developers.

A bicycle trail network also is planned, along with a multi-use trail along the east side of the railroad tracks. The city still hopes to get an overpass at the tracks at 156th.

During the public comment period, Evan Kaiser of Marysville asked why the city isn’t doing anything about illegal flag poles.

Later, Planning Director Dave Koenig said very few flag poles in the city have permits, and he doesn’t have the manpower to worry about that now.

“It hasn’t been an issue,” he said. “We don’t want to get into the enforcement of flags.”

City Attorney Jon Walker said the Supreme Court has ruled on the issue.

“We don’t want to regulate flags,” Walker concurred.

That includes any types of flags, Koenig said.

“It does not include the 12th man” flags, he said. “We don’t want to get into what’s appropriate content.”

In other news:

•David Negron and Wade Rediger were sworn in as police officers.

•Katherine Smith was renamed to the parks board.

•The city relinquished its interest in the building used by the Snohomish Health District, which is downsizing.

•Some roads at the south end of town will be closed April 9 for a half-marathon being run from Everett.

•MTV will be here next week filming at Jennings Park.