08-06-2019YELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2019 6:00 P.M.
PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
206 MCKENZIE AVE SE
YELM, WA
1. Mayor JW Foster called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Present: Councilmembers: Terry Kaminski, EJ Curry, Tracey Wood, Joe DePinto and
Cody Colt. Molly Carmody arrived at 6:08 p.m.
Absent: Tad Stillwell.
Staff present: Public Works Director Chad Bedlington and City Clerk @ HR Manager Lori
Lucas.
3. a. Keith Flewelling-Public Safety Radio System — 20 minutes - CANCELLED
3. b. Splash Pad/Playground Equipment Financial Update
Public Works Director Chad Bedlington handed out a project cost update for the new Splash
Pad and the Playground Equipment. The handout gave details where the funds came from
for the project. There was discussion of the splash pad and the associated costs with
maintenance and operations.
3. c. Fireworks discussion
Council discussed different options of days and hours for fireworks in the city limits. Mayor
Foster suggested that a recommendation on possible reduced days and hours for fireworks
go to the General Government Committee and then Town Hall meetings will be scheduled
for public comment. Councilmember DePinto will draft an ordinance for the General
Government Committee to review.
4. Mayors Report —
The Seattle to Portland (STP) Bicycle Ride went well, the Mermaid Festival was a success,
Thurston County Fair was last week, the Jazz Festival was a huge success, and we are very
close to moving the Council meetings over to the new building. The next Study Session will
be held in the new building. Mayor Foster updated Council on Michael Grayum's medical
condition.
Mayor Foster would like the Council consensus on the Joint School Board meeting in
September. Council will hold their regular meeting on September 10"' and any
Councilmembers that would like to attend the School Board meeting is encouraged to attend
on September 12th. The Triad Theater will be putting a mural of Mount Rainier on the side of
their building.
S. Council Initiatives
Councilmember DePinto suggested the City purchase secure mailboxes for all city
residents. The citizens would reimburse the city for costs associated with the mailboxes.
Councilmember DePinto will bring information forward to the General Government
Committee for their review.
Councllmember Carmody would like an update from Johnson Controls. Public Works
Director will update Council at the next Study Session. Councilmember Carmody would like
staff from Johnson Controls to attend. Councilmember Carmody would also like to discuss
the contract with lobbyists and identify priorities for Yelm at the Study Session.
Councilmember Carmody asked about additional sail shades for the playground equipment.
Councilmember Kaminski connected with Thurston County Housing Authority and they
are looking to build federally funded affordable housing units in Yelm. Councilmember
Kaminski was approached by an unhappy business owner regarding the sign ordinance.
Councilmember Curry stated that SE Thurston Fire Authority would like to give a
presentation on an upcoming bond before Council at an upcoming Study Session.
Councilmember Wood said there is a lot of talk in the community about wanting a dog
park in the city of Yelm.
Councilmember Colt suggested a crosswalk be installed between the skate park and the
city park on State Route 507.
6. "Yelm 101"
Mayor Foster explained that Yelm 101 has been added to the Study Session Agenda for
short future presentations on aspects of city government to update and educate Council.
Adjourn: 7:52 p.m
Attest: � r/Y eklo
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Mayr Lori Lucas, City Clerk
ese minutes record the official actions of the Yelm City Council. Complete recordings are
available on the city website at www.yelmwa.gov.