02 23 2021 MinutesVIRTUAL YELM CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021 MINUTES
1. Mayor JW Foster called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call Present: Molly Carmody, EJ Curry, Tad Stillwell, Tracey Wood, Joe
De Pinto and Terry Kaminski.
21-023 MOTION BY TRACEY WOOD EXCUSING COUNCILMEMBER JAMES BLAIR
FROM THE MEETING. SECONDED BY MOLLY CARMODY. 6-0, MOTION
CARRIED.
2. Agenda Approval
21-024 MOTION BY TRACEY WOOD APPROVING THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
SECONDED BY MOLLY CARMODY. 6-0, MOTION CARRIED.
3. Special Presentations -
January Student of the Month - Cassandra Shaw
4. Public Comment -
Mrs. Bethany Ryan voiced her concerns about holding the Council meetings via
zoom. She would like to go back to in person meetings.
Mayor JW Foster shared information that he received via email from Debbie
Fermon thanking the Public Works staff for their professionalism while working on
a project near her house.
5. Consent Agenda -
a. February 9, 2021 Minutes
b. Amended December Financials $3,039,624.44 and January Financials
$766,782.75.
21-025 MOTION BY TRACEY WOOD APPROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA.
SECONDED BY EJ CURRY. 6-0, MOTION CARRIED.
6. New Business - None scheduled
7. Old Business - None Scheduled
8. UPDATES -
City Administrator - Michael Grayum
• Community Development Director Grant Beck announced he would be
retiring in August of this year. We are looking at restructuring,
reorganizing and recruiting the organization as a whole and will bring
more Information to inform Council in the near future.
• Casey Mauch accepted the temporary Assistant Planner position and will
start April 1, 2021. This position will work primarily on the Habitat
Conservation Plan (HCP).
• Legislative update - Regional Transportation Improvements Is at the top
of the list for Yelm and 19 million dollars of that package is for three
roundabouts that would benefit the greater Yelm area.
• A Capital Budget request has been made and the House and Senate to
fund one of the Biodryers for the Water Reclamation Facility.
• Public Works will be bringing back recycling containers located at the
Public Works Facility M -F starting March 1, 2021.
Upcoming Council Meeting Items:
• Water Rights Overview, Boards and Commissions Update, Economic
Development Priorities and Deb Larson will give a presentation on a Tiny
Home Village concept.
February 23, 2021
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On March 23, after the regular Council meeting there will be a virtual
Town Hall on Blosolids.
Public Works Director Cody Colt updated Council on backup systems and
power supplies for essential services such as water and sewer services.
The City can maintain essential services for 3-5 days in an emergency
with no power or gas.
A Professional Services Agreement will be coming to Council March 9,
2021 for the Cochrane Park Improvements. The Water Reclamation
Facility Upgrade is moving along. The City started discussions on
collaborating with the Nisqually Tribe to rebuild a museum.
Councilmember Carmody attended the Yelm Public Works Committee meeting
and the Intercity Transit Authority meeting. Councilmember Carmody requested
that all new staff hired in the last year attend a Council meeting when they are in
person for a meet and greet. Councilmember Carmody asked to have the 640
acres added to the next Study Session for discussion.
Councilmember Stillwell attended the Yelm Public Safety Commission meeting.
Councilmember Wood attended the Yelm Public Safety Commission meeting.
Councilmember DePinto attend the Yelm Public Works Committee meeting and
will attend the Board of Directors of Economic Development Council meeting
tomorrow.
Councilmember Kaminski attended the Nisqually River Council meeting and the
Thurston Thrives Coordinating Council meeting.
Mayor Foster attended the City Action Days via zoom sponsored by Association
of Washington Cities. The Public Works and Police departments were ready for the
Sweetheart Snow Storm over Valentine's Day. Both departments did a great job
on preparation and response. Mayor Foster gave kudos to Brianna Feller, Todd
Stancil, Cody Colt and Michael Grayum for keeping the public updated through the
social media posts. Mayor Foster chaired the Thurston Regional Planning Council
meeting, met with elected officials, and attended the Regional Housing Council
meeting. Mayor Foster met with Shawn Lewis, the newest member of the
"Together Team" who will be providing counseling to the Yelm High School
students. Mayor Foster praised the Customer Service Team at City Hall. They are
professionals who make his job so rewarding and he appreciates each one of
them. Mayor Foster thanked staff for setting up the virtual meeting.
9. Executive Session - None scheduled
21-026 MOTION BY TRACEY WOOD TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. SECONDED BY
TERRY KAMINSKI. 6-0, MOTION CARRIED.
10. Adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
cm= Attest: V v w (/G a J-,
JW . ster, M yor 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.
February 23, 2021
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