05-05-2020YELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2020 6:00 P.M.
VIRTUAL
1. Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m
2. Present: Councilmembers: Molly Carmody, Tad Stillwell, Joe DePinto and Terry
Kaminski.
Councllmembers James Blair and Tracey Wood attended via telephone.
Staff present: Community Development Director Grant Beck and City Clerk & HR Manager
Lori Lucas.
3. a. Ordinance Update on Affordable Housing in our Community
Grant Beck stated that the Council subcommittee has not meet since March due to the
Coronavirus but they will meet this Thursday to discuss this and will have more Information
after the meeting. In January, the Council adopted a Resolution authorizing us to proceed
with deferring part of the state sales tax into City coffers for things related to affordable
housing. An Ordinance will be coming soon to Council to set the program In motion.
3. b. Managing a Public Utility during COVID 19 -Update on webinar
Councilmember Molly Carmody updated Council on what she learned in the webinar.
Discussion was held on different options to help the citizens with their utility bills.
Councilmember Carmody said we are doing 99% of the programs that were discussed on
the webinar but would like to explore other options.
3. c. Discussion on Selection Process for Vacant Council Seat
Mayor Foster explained the process to fill Council Position No. 3. Council consensus is to
advertise the vacancy for two weeks and hold interviews of the candidates at the May 26,
2020 Council meeting. The City Council application will be posted tomorrow with May 22,
2020 at 5:00 p.m. as the deadline so that Council have adequate time to review the
applicants before the meeting.
4. Mayors Report
Mayor Foster updated the Council on the CARES ACT 2 reimbursement program for the
$30 per capita. A grant program would be created for utility customers and small
businesses. The City would need to front load these programs. We will learn more how the
money can be used when guidance and requirements come out. $715,000 has been infused
into the Community Development Block Grant Program for Thurston County that can be
used to assist South Counties Cities. There will be more discussion on how that money will
be spend equitably. Steve Craig has coordinated with private donors to spread positivity In
Yelm and had a street banner (Yelm Avenue) made to say "#wegotthisyelm" and Is having
one made to put on the water tower also. Friday, May 8, the 62nd Airborne will do a Fly over
at 12:35 p.m. of all the large medical facilities and Yelm, celebrating medical workers.
05-5-2020
S. Council Initiatives
Councilmember Blair will be drafting a letter to Governor Inslee to reopen Yelm sooner
than the extended stay at home order of May 31, 2020. He will send to Council for their
review and comments.
Councilmember Carmody will attend the first Intercity Transit virtual meeting since the
stay at home order tomorrow. Councilmember Carmody would like the Finance Committee
to start meeting again to discuss City finances.
Councilmember Stillwell would like an update and discussion of the City finances.
Councilmember Wood will be attending a virtual TCOMM meeting tomorrow.
Councilmember DePinto already discussed what the City of Ridgefield's "Shop Local and
Save" program is doing with their utility customers and will be submitting a proposal to the
General Government Committee for a new program to assist low Income and seniors.
Councilmember Kaminski will be attending the Economic Development Committee
meeting on Thursday.
Adjourn: 7:18 p.m
Attest:
IW Poster, Mayor Lori Lucas, City Clerk
These minutes record the official actions of the Yelm City Council. Complete recordings are
available on the city website at www.yelmwa.gov.
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