03-28-07 SS Minutes YELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2007
1. Call to Order—Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm.
2. Roll Call—Present: Pat Fetterly, Russ Hendrickson, and Mike McGowan. Excused: Don
Miller, Bob Isom, Joe Baker, and John Thompson. Staff: Shelly Badger, Stephanie Ray,
Tim Peterson and Grant Beck.
3. Agenda Approval—The agenda was accepted as presented.
4. Presentations
a. 2007 Water Conservation Program Overview—Shelly Badger and Stephanie Ray
provided background information related to the City's 2007 Water Conservation Program,
emphasizing the need to continue water conservation efforts into the future. Background
information included a review of prior projects per the 2002 Water Comprehensive Plan;
the need to complete a rate analysis as part of the 2008 update to the Water
Comprehensive Plan; and prior conservation giveaways that included low flow shower
heads, spray nozzles, water gauges, faucet aerators. Discussion ensued regarding the
most effective communication tools to reach citizens to encourage good stewardship of
our water resource. A brief overview of the City's water rights status and work was also
provided.
Most suitable/recommended options for the initial phase of the 2007 program include the
City setting by example. City to-do's include: re-evaluating irrigation policies on City
streetscapes to reduce water consumption; expediting the hydrant lock program; hydrant
usage will be the use of reclaimed water with no potable water meters issued; new
construction will be better monitored with City staff present during line flushing and testing;
the annual leak detection will continue.
Citizen participation will be encouraged through advertisement on the electronic reader
board sign; an ad campaign with the Nisqually Valley News; giveaways of the remaining
spray nozzles; handouts at May spring clean up; encouraging citizenry to water on an
every other day basis or limiting the length of time of watering.
Staff is also going to look into the possibility of rate incentives for conservation.
Staff will report back more refined details of the program at the April Study Session
5. Mayor/Council Initiatives—Council brainstormed the concept of a community recreation
center. Discussion centered around: possible facility sites; discussions with County
service providers such as the WMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs; and how such a facility
might be funded. More discussion at future study sessions will ensue.
6. New Business— None scheduled
7. Old Business—None scheduled
8. Adjourned: 7:55 pm
ab/city council/2007 Page 1 of 2
onald Hardi ,Mayor
Attest:
Ja ine Schnepf, City Clerk
ab/city council/2007 Page 2 of 2