09-08-09 Minutes YELM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009 MINUTES
1. Call to Order -Mayor Harding called the Meeting to Order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call -Present: Don Miller, Joe Baker, Bob Isom, Mike McGowan, Pat
Fetterly, John Thompson and Russ Hendrickson.
3. Agenda Approval
9-072 MOTION BY JOE BAKER APPROVING THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
CARRIED.
4. Special Presentations- Kim Wyman, Washington State Auditor was introduced
a. and updated Council on the vote count process in Thurston County including
the re-count on the Regional Fire District that was separated by 13 votes.
b. Senior Citizen's Month Proclamation. Mayor Harding read the proclamation
and encouraged all citizens to recognize the special contributions of the
volunteers who work to enhance the well being of the citizens of Yelm. Mayor
added a thank you to the director of the center who accepted the proclamation.
c. American Legion Month Proclamation. Several members of Local Post 164
were present to accept the proclamation read by the Mayor encouraging
citizens to celebrate the contributions of continued service that the American
Legion makes to its veterans, their families and their community.
5. Public Comment -
Shad Taylor, Palouse Ave stated that his research shows that Yelm's water
rates are the highest in Thurston County. Concerned about what the future will
bring if this increase, the first since 2003, is a sign of poor planning by the City
of Yelm.
Mayor Harding offered to stay after the meeting to discuss concerned
individuals bills. He continued with restating that the Utilities Department is a
stand alone department that needs to be supported by utility revenue for
infrastructure and operating costs. The City of Yelm is committed to
conservation and this month's utility bills were a wake up call to water users. It
is unfortunate that the rate increase fell on the least desirable month but
assumes that next month customers will see a reduction in their consumption.
Stephanie Ray added that 75% of the residential users maintain consumption
under 1000 cu.ft. per month. Rates were established, in part, to be fair and
equitable to users.
Paul Van D, Tucanan CT, took offense to use of "wake up call" when referring to
rate increase as a poor tool to get citizen's attention. He expected an increase,
but not this high. Not only was the rate increased but the tier structure for
consumption was reduced to bump the rate up for less use in each tier.
Tara Hall, Birkland, stated she had an extremely high consumption reading of
14,660 cu ft and disputed her billing as incorrect. Has reviewed the Water
System Plan and sees the rates as penalizing residential customers.
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Jackie Jones, Birkland stood with Tara Hall stating that she also experienced an
extremely high bill back in May that was unexplained. Expressed displeasure at
the City of Yelm for making the rates increase during a recession, questioning
the moral compass of the decision makers to bring profit into town.
Mayor Harding again asked individuals to remain after the meeting business to
explain the process of these decisions and individual cases.
Brooke Austin, Birkland, described her experience stating that she is in a rental
with three children that requires that the lawn be maintained. She is unable to
pay absurd rate.
6. Consent Agenda
a. Regular Meeting Minutes of August 25, 2009, Study Session, August 26, 2009
b. Payables Checks 51820-51907, Totaling $315,285.48
9-073 MOTION BY PAT FETTERLY APPROVING CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS AS
PRESENTED. CARRIED.
7. Public Hearings- none scheduled
8. New Business -none scheduled
9. Old Business- none scheduled
10. Mayor and City Council Reports
Councilmember McGowan chairs the HOME Consortium Committee, working
on the Budget analysis.
Councilmember Fetterly attended Emergency Management Board meeting,
gave notice of statewide drill upcoming.
11. Executive Sessions -none scheduled.
12. Correspondence -Thurston Regional Planning Council Pre-agenda for
September 11, 2009.
13. Adjourned: 8:00 pm
Robert Isom, Mayor Pro Tem
Attest:
nirw'
ine Schnepf, City CI k
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