02 27 2024 Yelm City Council Agenda Packeto ti
EST. 1924
WASHINGTON
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
February 27, 2024 6:00 PM
Yelm City Council meetings are held in-person at 106 2nd St SE Yelm, WA 98597 and virtually on Zoom. Registration is
required to attend virtually; please use the link below to register.
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN F5-OPuC1RJyJkX aDAS1T9
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
2. AGENDAAPPROVAL
3. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS — NONE SCHEDULED
4. PUBLIC COMMENT—COMPLETE A BLUE SPEAKER'S CARD OR RAISE HAND VIRTUALLY
5. CONSENTAGENDA
a) Approval of Community Event: City Wide Easter Egg Hunt
6. NEW BUSINESS
a) Amendment No. 1 to the Public Services Agreement with Tapani Inc. for the Construction of the SE
Reservoir
Authorize Mayor Joe DePinto to sign Amendment #1 to the Public Services agreement with
Tapani Inc. to add the Washington State Sales Tax as a separate line item for the construction of
the SE Reservoir.
b) Confirmation of Planning Commission Appointment - Anne Wahrmund
Motion to confirm Mayor DePinto's appointment of Anne Wahrmund to the Planning Commission.
c) Confirmation of Planning Commission Appointment - Ashely Lea Brooks
Motion to confirm Mayor DePinto's appointment of Ashley Lea Brooks to the Planning Commission
d) Confirmation of Planning Commission Appointment - David Johnstone
Motion to confirm Mayor DePinto's appointment of David Johnstone to the Planning Commission.
7. OLD BUSINESS — NONE SCHEDULED
6. STANDING COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
a) Public Safety Committee
b) Public Services Committee
c) Finance Committee
106 2nd ST SE • Yelm, WA 98597 • 360.458.3244 • www.yelmwa.gov
The City of Yelm is an equal opportunity employer and provider
9. MAYOR/CITYADMINISTRATOR/STAFF REPORTS
10. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION — NONESCHEDULED
12. ADjoURN
MEETING INFORMATION
All regular Yelm City Council meetings are recorded. Meetings can be viewed at www.yelmwa. ov or a copy
maybe purchased by contacting the City Clerk's office at 360.458.8816.
It is the City of Yelm's policy to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require
reasonable accommodations to participate at a City Council meeting, please contact the City Clerk's office at
360.458.8816 at least four (4) working days prior to meeting. Information on the Americans with Disabilities
Act and the Title VI Statement is available at www.yelmwa.gov/human-resources.
*The public comment portion of the agenda is an opportunity for the public to address the Council for items
that are not on the published agenda. Comments are limited to three minutes and five speakers. Comment on
matters listed on the published agenda are welcomed as part of the normal agenda.
Public Comment Guidelines: The City reserves up to five members of the public to address the Council at the
beginning of regular business meetings on topics that are not on the agenda. Each speaker will be given 3
minutes and may be asked follow up questions by the Mayor or Council. Further public comment may be
allowed on agenda topics as time permits. We ask that speakers use respectful language and remember they
are speaking to fellow citizens of Yelm who are committed to listening and responding appropriately to
citizens' concerns.
Members of the public engaging in disruptive behavior may be removed or blocked from the meeting.
Page 2 of 2
EST. 1924
WASHINGTON
Meeting Date: February 27, 2024
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
City of Yelm, Washington
AGENDA ITEM: APPROVAL OF CITY WIDE EASTER EGG HUNT
KEY FACTS AND INFORMATION SUMMARY:
• Received Facilities Usage Request on February 8, 2024
• Reviewed by Event Review Committee on February 13, 2024
• No notable issues
• Event Review Committee recommends City Council approve this community -wide event
Respectfully Submitted:
Line Roy
Communication & Recreation Coordinator
1
First Name Dev;rt
Last Name 6336.c/
Signature � Date
Name of Organization --I& O� .qs4 aw34
B Registered nonprofit? %les
Name of Event e-- */C- C5:� A -q'
Organization Address 1192- £ Yep'^ `4'`'
City ►�ef,,,,
Official Point of Contact T-Irv..'e2
Name
Phone �85c) ZZS- goy7
Date
State WA zip w5q�
Last Name
Email �tou�poS���O1�sM �•/CeM
Event Start o86-0 Event Finish //"3,0 Total Hours 3.5
Description of Event ,Ce,
(s7r wil/ 4 c �k � -�++, �i rs -�o �in�
Estimated number of attendees/participants: /k—zK
Estimated number of attendees/participants traveling over 50 miles: O
Will you be charging admission to your event? Po
Is your event open to the general public? yes
Are you using this event as a fundraiser? No
Will goods, services, food, and beverages be sold? *See Yelm Municipal Code for
appropriate licensing No
Will Event involve alcohol? 130
If yes, will alcohol be
o Served at no charge
• Available for purchase
Will event involve food? tJa
• Is the event being professionally catered? Po
• Is food being prepared or served onsite by applicant or non-professional
group? No
• Is the rented facility's kitchen going to be used? No
Will you have music or amplified sound? Ye -3
Please indicate any and all equipment you intend on bringing or having at this
event:
® tage
BBQs
O Bounce Houses or dunk tank
• Beer Garden
• tints, includi�gpp up canopies
• Other
What would you like to request?
• Park Space PLUS Community Center & Community Center Parking Lot
Park Space PLUS Community Center & Community Center Parking Lot and
Designated Street Closure
aStage on y
Estimated Total Due to Reserve Calendar Date: Please see rental rate sheets for
pricing t5va
Name on Deposit Refund Check
Check Contact # or Email
Check Delivery
• Mail
• Pickup
How many barricades will you need? Beer gardens must use City of Yelm
Barricades
a
Uity of Yelm
EST. 1924
WASHINGTON
Meeting Date: 02-27-2024
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
City of Yelm, Washington
AGENDA ITEM: AMENDMENT NO 1 TO THE PUBLIC SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
TAPANI INC. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SE RESERVOIR
ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize Mayor Joe DePinto to sign Amendment #1 to the Public Services agreement with
Tapani Inc. to add the Washington State Sales Tax as a separate line item for the construction of
the SE Reservoir.
KEY FACTS AND INFORMATION SUMMARY:
This is simply an accounting clarification for Tapani Inc. They wanted to make sure the tax line
was separated in case of a future audit. There is no change in the original contract amount,
$5,825,830.00 plus tax, $541,757.55 for a grand total of $6,367,107.55.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Amendment #1 to the Public Services Agreement for the SE Reservoir Project
Respectfully Submitted:
Brad Chatwood
Projects & Programs Manager
1IPage
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PUBLIC SERVICES AGREEMENT
FOR
SOUTHEAST 1.SMG RESERVOIR
This Amendment No. 1 to Public Services Agreement (the "Amendment") is dated
effective , 2024, by and between the City of Yelm, a Washington
municipal corporation ("City") and Tapani Inc., a Washington corporation ("Contractor").
RECITALS
A. The City and Contractor are parties to a Public Services Agreement for Southeast 1.5MG
Reservoir (the "Agreement") dated effective January 23, 2024.
B. The City and Contractor desire to amend the Agreement in certain respects as set forth
herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing Recitals and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. Amendment. A new sentence shall be added to the end of Section 4.1 as follows:
"The Total Compensation includes sales tax applicable to the Work, such that the Total
Compensation consists of $5,825,350, plus sales tax in the amount of $541,757.55, for
Total Compensation of $6,367,107.55."
2. No Other Modification. Except as specifically modified herein, the remaining terms and
conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect without modification.
3. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of
which shall be an original document, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
Owner:
CITY OF YELM,
a Washington municipal corporation
By:
Joe DePinto, Mayor
Contractor:
TAPANI INC.,
a Washington corporation
BY:
Lance Tapani, Lead Estimator/Owner
[attestation, acknowledgements, and approvals on following page]
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PUBLIC SERVICES AGREEMENT - 1
ATTEST:
Kathy Linnemeyer, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Brent Dille, City Attorney
STATE OF WASHINGTON 7
)SS.
COUNTY OF CLARK 1
This record was acknowledged before me on , 2024 by Lance Tapani
as the Lead Estimator / Owner of Tapani Inc.
E
ry Public
Washington
EGGLESTON
M. # 37311
P. AUGUST 01. 2025
Notary Public in andfht the State of Washington,
Residing in L.0 kD i
iw WASHINGTON
Thank you for your interest to serve on one of our Boards & Commissions. We appreciate our residents who take time out of their
busy schedules anc help us achieve our mission and core purpose: "to provide essential public services and infrastructure to keep Yelm
a desirable place to live, work, and learn"
Advisory Boards & Commissions are a structured way for individual residents to share opinions and perspectives, study issues, and
develop recommendations in a focused, small group environment. The primary purpose of the boards and commissions is to provide
thorough, judicious advice from the perspective of Yelm residents to the City Council and Mayor.
If you have qur-stions about the application process or if you need an accommndation in the application process, please contact City
Hall at 360-458 3244.
am interested in
Historic Preservation Commission
applying for: *
Planning Commission
Library Advisory Committee
Arts Commission
Salary Commission
Date of Application:*
101312023
Name: *
Anne Wahrmund
Email: *
Phone #: *
Address: * Street Address
City
Yelm
Postal / Z p Code
98597
Please respond to the following questions:
Parks Advisory Board
Tree Advisory Board
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Police Advisory Committee
Homelessness Committee
Stale / Province I Regibn
Washington
* Why are you interested in serving on a Yelm Board or Commission?
I have been on the Yelm Planning Commission since 2009 and would like to
continue to serve for another term.
*` List any community activities that you are or have been involved in that relate
to this position.
In addition to the Planning Commission, I serve on the Yelm Parks Advisory
Committee.
* List any experience, personal or professionat, you have that would benefit the
community in having you serve on this board or commission.
The focus of the Planning Commission for the next year will be a Comprehensive
Plan update. I have experience of participating in the prior Camp Plan update,
including having co-authored the prior Parks Plan update. As Yelm plans for the
future and moves forward with the Comp Plan update, I believe my prior experience
and my input, representing the Parks Advisory Committee, would support the
pending update.
Indicate any activities you are involved with that may present a conflict of
interest with the City or board or commission that you are applying for.
Most of my other activities are focused on my family, friends, and neighbors, I
support the Nisqually Land Trust with donations, but am not actively involved in the
organization. There are times when I may miss a scheduled Planning Commission
meeting due to being in Southern California with my grandchildren, but I try to attend
via Zoom if possible.
How did you hear about the vacancy on this board or commission?
I received a reminder of the pending end of my term from the administrative
assistant who supports the Planning Commission.
iw
�.i�� l�al �Glico:
WASHINGTON
Thank you for your interest to serve on one of our Boards & Commissions. We appreciate our residents who take time out of their
busy schedules anc help us achieve our mission and core purpose: "to provide essential public services and infrastructure to keep Yelm
a desirable place to live, work, and learn"
Advisory Boards & Commissions are a structured way for individual residents to share opinions and perspectives, study issues, and
develop recommendations in a focused, small group environment. The primary purpose of the boards and commissions is to provide
thorough, judicious advice from the perspective of Yelm residents to the City Council and Mayor.
If you have questions about the application processor if you need an accommodation in the application process, please contact City
Hall at 360,4583244.
I am interested in
Historic Preservation Commission
applying for:
Planning Commission
Library Advisory Committee
Arts Commission
Salary Commission
Date of Application:*
11/24/2023
Mame: *
Ashley Lea Brooks
Email: *
Phone #: *
Address: * Street Address
City
YELM
Postal 1 Z p Cotte
98597-9552
Please respond to the following questions:
Parks Advisory Board
Tree Advisory Board
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Police Advisory Committee
Homelessness Committee
$telae f Province I Regbn
WA
Why are you interested in serving on a Yelm Board or Commission?
I am intQrested in serving on a Yelm Commission because I have the experience
and passion to ensure the City of Yelm grows responsibly.
List any community activities that you are or have been involved in that relate
to this position.
Serving as a city council member for 13 months led to me being involved in a very
long list of activities representing the City of Yelm. I would say that every level of
public safety, health, and welfare I was informed or apart of.
* List any experience, personal or professional, you have that would benefit the
community in having you serve on this board or commission.
As stated in my last answer. I served as a city council member for 13 months. This
insider experience will add to the level of detail I would bring to the commission..
* Indicate any activities you are involved with that may present a conflict of
interest with the City or board or commission that you are applying for.
There are no activities that would conflict with this position responsibilities.
Flow did you hear about the vacancy on this board or commission?
I heard about the vacancy(s) from city staff and current commission members.
iw WASHINGTON
Thank you for your interest to serve on one of our Boards & Commissions. We appreciate our residents who take time out of their
busy schedules anc help us achieve our mission and core purpose: "to provide essential public services and infrastructure to keep Yelm
a desirable place to live, work, and learn"
Advisory Boards & Commissions are a structured way for individual residents to share opinions and perspectives, study issues, and
develop recommendations in a focused, small group environment. The primary purpose of the boards and commissions is to provide
thorough, judicious advice from the perspective of Yelm residents to the City Council and Mayor.
If you have qur-stions about the application process or if you need an accommndation in the application process, please contact City
Hall at 360-458 3244.
am interested in
Historic Preservation Commission
applying for: *
Planning Commission
Library Advisory Committee
Arts Commission
Salary Commission
Date of Application:*
11/1412023
Name: *
David Johnstone
Email: *
Phone #: *
Address: * Street Address
City
Yelm
Postal 1 Z p Code
98597
Please respond to the following questions:
Parks Advisory Board
Tree Advisory Board
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Police Advisory Committee
Homelessness Committee
$telae f Province I Regbn
WA
* Why are you interested in serving on a Yelm Board or Commission?
As a lifelong resident of Thurston County, and specifically of Yelm since 2017, B have
witnessed our city's dramatic transformation. Despite these changes, the enduring
values and sense of community absent in so many other ,lanes. remain a constant
here, Over time, my family and 1 have grown to appreciate, and adi-Aire this town and
its dedicated residents more and more. I am interested in serving on the Planning
Commission to become more involved and contribute to the City of Yelm by using
my experience and ahilities to further its goals.
List any community activities that you are or have been involved in that relate
to this position.
I have served as President of McKenzie Meadows HOA for five years. In my tenure,
I have overseen the administration of budgets, maintained Board and Member
communication, and coordinated with homeowners, contractors, and municipalities.
This experience has sharpened my ability to speak confidently in front of large,
sometimes cautious, groups of people to provide assurance with poise and instill
order.
I have gained an even deeper understanding of local regulations and ordinances, by
ensuring compliance while maintaining a non -hostile environment conducive to
residents' needs. This experience has developed my ability to interpret and
implement policies effectively, a crucial skill in municipal operations unique from my
professional experience.
Potentially most relevant to the Planning Commission, as it relates to an HOA, is my
experience in conflict resolution and building consensus. Leading an HOA required
me to mediate disputes and create harmony among diverse viewpoints. This
experience has honed my diplomacy skills, which would be invaluable when
coordinating between various parties. My ability to foster positive relationships within
the community has resulted in continued support from my peers and re-election to
my position.
List any experience, personal or professional, you have that would benefit the
community in having you serve on this board or commission.
As an experienced Director of Operations, contractor, and business owner, I am
confident I can significantly contribute to the City of Yelm's Planning Commission.
As Owner, Vice -President, and Director of Operations for Enertec Corporation, I
have proven success in a range of responsibilities . My proficiency in overseeing
and developing operational strategies, then working towards ensuring the seamless
operation of a vastly complex process of delivering products and services to
customers, has consistently resulted in increased efficiency and productivity.
I have a deep understanding of local government regulations and processes, which
ensures my ability to comply with legal requirements and meet ethical standards. I
am well -versed in using data -driven strategies to solve complex problems and make
informed decisions.
Indicate any activities you are involved with that may present a conflict of
interest with the City or board or commission that you are applying for.
None that I am aware of. However my wife, Amanda Johnstone, is serving on City
Council which will cease on November 28th.
How did you hear about the vacancy on this board or commission?
City Council Meeting.
I request the following public comment be entered in the official record of minutes for the Yelm City
Council meeting 02 27 24. Speaker: Suzie LeFurgey
My name is Suzie LeFurgey. I am the founder of Love
Abounds Here, a non-profit organization serving Yelm
and the surrounding areas. Thank you seated Yelm City
Council members, the Mayor, city staff and citizens for
giving me the opportunity to speak on the current state
of homelessness here.
As always and since my involvement in bringing the issue
of homelessness to this body in February of 2018, 1
believe that every organized city government in Thurston
County needs to be involved, whether it be small or great
ways, in ALL citizens of their community's needs and
concerns.
Over the past six years Love Abounds Here has had a
vested interest in keeping the city abreast of matters
regarding homelessness and cooperating in any way we
can in a supportive way.
A few examples of that involvement would be:
• Involvement in the Yelm Homelessness Task Force in
2018 and 2019.
• Hosting two of the recommendations by the task
force, a 2022-2023 overnight shelter and hosting a
Community Resource Fair on a monthly basis from
summer of 2021 until the last fair hosted in January
of 2024.
• Involvement with a member on the newly created
Yelm Homelessness Committee (another
recommendation of the task force) since its first
meeting in August of 2023.
• Reporting each year on the preliminary and final
results of the Yelm participation in the national,
state, county and local Point in Time Census done
every year in January throughout the nation.
Tonight I would like to inform the city of the current state
of homelessness in Yelm and the surrounding area. I will
preface with the numbers counted in recent years in the
PIT Census:
2017
17
2018
28
2019
35
2020
30
2021
54
2022
56
2023
58
2024
43
The
2024
count of
43 is a preliminary number reported
to
the
Thurston
Countv Office of Homelessness
Prevention a few weeks ago.
As
is nationwide, Love
Abounds Here (or
LAH) believes
the
issues surrounding
housing instability
are as real in
this community as they are anywhere.
In addition to Housing First, Love Abounds Here believes
that all continued efforts on this issue are working. If
you notice the total number counted this year has
declined, but the number counted continues to be high.
Thus, the need to continue addressing the issue.
Through Housing First initiatives, LAH has seen many
people housed. Their individual success stories are
lengthy and I will reserve those for another day and in
this forum if the council members have a desire to know.
It should be noted that 63% of those counted were male
and 37% of those counted were women. The percentage
of women facing homelessness is rising. Close to 90% of
those counted are hometown people who at one time
were stably housed here. 20% of those counted are over
the age of 50.
LAH's homelessness prevention efforts on the behalf of
families in housing crisis adds to the Yelm Community
Schools efforts to serve homeless families through the
McKinney-Vento initiatives. The number of students who
have no home to call their own tops over 200 in recent
yea rs.
From our work in the field on a weekly basis with
homeless people and homelessness prevention, we see
that the numbers of those living on the streets as
chronically homeless year after year due to severe
mental illness and/or substance use has dwindled down
to a half a dozen from highs years ago pushing 20.
We again attribute this to our commitment to housing
first, helping get people into treatment and also sending
folk home to family in places like Colorado, Arizona and
West Virginia. We deeply regret that in the course of
time, over a dozen people who were homeless have died
homeless.
This leaves a large majority of those living homeless
NOW living in cars and RV's with no hookups to water
and/or septic.
We know that many people in this situation have jobs
nearby and simply cannot find affordable housing. The
fact that we have helped house over 30 sober men at the
FreshStart program in McKenna over the past few years
is a testament to the fact that not all people who are
homeless are wandering around like "vagrants" and
being irresponsible as that term may imply.
Love Abounds Here will be taking new direction in this
next year and although this council may choose to
consider taking new directions on this issue in the future,
we urge you to think very carefully about any decisions
you plan to make. We have stepped up and led my
example with our involvement and we urge the City of
Yelm government to continue to do so also.
For more information, please visit our website at
loveaboundshere.com
From: Debra Larson
To: Kathy Linnemever; Joe DePinto
Cc: Suzan LeFuraev; Ashley Brooks; Debra Larson
Subject: [External]Testimony for tonight"s City Council meeting
Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 4:50:44 PM
Hello Kathy and Joe:
I have a request that I be allowed to participate in writing because I am ill with flu and I don't
want to spread it to others. Please see my statement below:
Good evening Council members and citizens of Yelm. I am Deb Larson, Director of Love
Abounds Here, a charity benefiting the homeless in Yelm since 2020. We are registered with
the Secretary of State in Washington and the IRS as a charitable organization. I have been
involved in counting the homeless here in Yelm every year since 2018. It was, and still is,
difficult to locate our homeless as they stay in cars, RVs with no plumbing, under bridges and
in abandoned buildings. They try to stay under the radar to avoid harassment. Those that Mr
Palmer called vagrants are long term homeless with no place to go so they live on the street.
They get arrested for trespass and end up going to jail. 90 percent of those 43 we interviewed
are from right here in Yelm, Rainier, McKenna. They don't feel comfortable in Olympia.
They stay in and around our area so they can access food at church dinners. Several local
churches do a great job feeding the homeless, and low income folks, dinners. I'm sure that
Emanuel Lutheran, Prairie Christian and Crossroads Community churches can confirm the
existence of a long list of homeless living locally.
In addition, there is long standing evidence from the annual Point In Time Census done locally
for Yelm by Love Abounds Here and volunteers, under the guidance of the County and State
agencies. We affectionately call it the PIT for short.
This year we have counted 43 people unhoused on the night of January 25th right here in
Yelm. 19 people were living in their cars, 8 were living on the street, 7 in RVs without hook
ups, and 4 were camping in tents, and 4 sleeping under a bridge. They are not very visible but
they are hiding to avoid harassment. Our data shows that many more women(16)are
homeless and more seniors are homeless (over 50 years old (10) including 2 in their 70's).
We have identified these important Needs according to those interviewed.
1. More affordable housing and
rental assistance
2. Jobs and increased income
3. Case management
4. Transportation
I hope you will maintain the Homelessness Committee to work on these needs.
Thank you for your time.
Handed out by Mayor DePinto during 02.27.2024 City Council Meeting
City- of Yeh
~?
WASHINGTON«
Thank you for your interest to serve on one of our Boards & Commissions. We appreciate our residents who take time out of their
busy schedules and help us achieve our mission and core purpose: "to provide essential public services and infrastructure to keep Yelm
a desirable place to live, work, and learn"
Advisory Boards & Commissions are a structured way for individual residents to share opinions and perspectives, study issues, and
develop recommendations in a focused, small group environment. The primary purpose of the boards and commissions is to provide
thorough, judicious advice from the perspective of Yelm residents to the City Council and Mayor.
If you have questions about the application processor if you need an accommodation in the application process, please contact City
Hall at 360-458.3244.
I am interested in Historic Preservation Commission
applying for: * Planning Commission
Library Advisory Committee
Arts Commission
Salary Commission
Date of Application: * 121812023
Name: * Austin Walker
Email: *
Phone #: *
Address: * Street Address
Cath.
YELM
Postal /Zip Code
98597
Please respond to the following questions:
Parks Advisory Board
Tree Advisory Board
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Police Advisory Committee
Homelessness Committee
State / Province / Region
WA
Why are you interested in serving on a Yelm Board or Commission?
I am interested in sharing my wealth of experience and unique perspective on the
issues of suburban sprawl in South Puget Sound I believe modernizing building and
permitting practices in Yelm to align with anticipated increases in population density,
while preserving the heallh of our historic and abundant agricultural community, is of
great importance. I have worked as a carpenter, contractor, and am now starting a
real estate development company.
I am also interested in sharing my insight on resolving homelessness in our
community, after having served as a volunteer outreach specialist in Tacoma,
Seattle, Olympia, and Bellingham. The issues that once faced urban and suburban
communities are facing Yelm in the modern day, and it is imperative that we take a
proactive approach to addressing them so that our long-term development is healthy
and equitable. I stand ready and willing to share my hard earned firsthand
knowledge, insofar as it is welcomed and helpful.
List any community activities that you are or have been involved in that relate
to this position.
I do not have a resume of formal civil service, and my related experience is reflected
below.
List any experience, personal or professional, you have that would benefit the
community in raving you serve on this board or commission.
I have worked as a carpenter, and general contractor for the last decade. During that
time, I spent my non-working hours assisting vulnerable members of my community
while living in impoverished urban areas. I did so by partnering with non-profits,
police outreach efforts, and charitable religious groups dedicated to the resolving of
suffering for the homeless. I was once an at-risk youth, and have spent time
homeless myself.
Indicate any activities you are involved with that may present a conflict of
interest with the City or board or commission that you are applying for.
4-am-starting a real estate develx>pmen! company shat is promal ng arta perforrming
the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units in Lacey, WA. I am choosing to start
my company serving that locality exclusively, as their building and planning
department has streamlined the ADU permitting process and offers free plans to
interested homeowners. Olympia has followed suit, and that would be my next target
audience. At this time I do not have any intention of operating in Yelm.
How did you hear about the vacancy on this board or commission?
Responding to a social media post on "nextdoor" that indicated an opening on the
police advisory committee.
Handed out by Suzie LeFurgey during Citizen Comment portion of the 02.27.2024
Yelm City Council Meeting
I request the following public comment be entered in the official record of minutes for the Yelm City
Council meeting 02 27 24. Speaker: Suzie LeFurgey
My name is Suzie LeFurgey. I am the founder of Love
Abounds Here, a non-profit organization serving Yelm
and the surrounding areas. Thank you seated Yelm City
Council members, the Mayor, city staff and citizens for
giving me the opportunity to speak on the current state
of homelessness here.
As always and since my involvement in bringing the issue
of homelessness to this body in February of 2018, 1
believe that every organized city government in Thurston
County needs to be involved, whether it be small or great
ways, in ALL citizens of their community's needs and
concerns.
Over the past six years Love Abounds Here has had a
vested interest in keeping the city abreast of matters
regarding homelessness and cooperating in any way we
can in a supportive way.
A few examples of that involvement would be:
9 Involvement in the Yelm Homelessness Task Force in
2018 and 2019.
Hosting
two
of the
recommendations by
the task
force, a
2022-2023
the
overnight shelter and
hosting a
Community
Resource
Fair
on a monthly
basis from
summer of
2021 until
the
last fair hosted
in January
of 2024.
9 Involvement with a member on the newly created
Yelm Homelessness Committee (another
recommendation of the task force) since its first
meeting in August of 2023.
Reporting
each
year
on the preliminary
and final
results of
the
Yelm
participation in the
national,
state, county and local Point in Time Census done
every year in January throughout the nation.
Tonight I would like to inform the city of the current state
of homelessness in Yelm and the surrounding area. I will
preface with the numbers counted in recent years in the
PIT Census:
2017
17
2018
28
2019
35
2020
30
2021
54
2022
56
2023
58
2024
43
The 2024 count of 43 is a preliminary number reported
to the Thurston County Office of Homelessness
Prevention a few weeks ago.
As is nationwide, Love Abounds Here (or LAH) believes
the issues surrounding housing instability are as real in
this community as they are anywhere.
In addition to Housing First, Love Abounds Here believes
that all continued efforts on this issue are working. If
you notice the total number counted this year has
declined, but the number counted continues to be high.
Thus, the need to continue addressing the issue.
Through Housing First initiatives, LAH has seen many
people housed. Their individual success stories are
lengthy and I will reserve those for another day and in
this forum if the council members have a desire to know.
It should be noted that 63% of those counted were male
and 37% of those counted were women. The percentage
of women facing homelessness is rising. Close to 90% of
those counted are hometown people who at one time
were stably housed here. 20% of those counted are over
the age of 50.
LAH's homelessness prevention efforts on the behalf of
families in housing crisis adds to the Yelm Community
Schools efforts to serve homeless families through the
McKinney-Vento initiatives. The number of students who
have no home to call their own tops over 200 in recent
years.
From our work in the field on a weekly basis with
homeless people and homelessness prevention, we see
that the numbers of those living on the streets as
chronically homeless year after year due to severe
mental illness and/or substance use has dwindled down
to a half a dozen from highs years ago pushing 20.
We again attribute this to our commitment to housing
first, helping get people into treatment and also sending
folk home to family in places like Colorado, Arizona and
West Virginia. We deeply regret that in the course of
time, over a dozen people who were homeless have died
homeless.
This leaves a large majority of those living homeless
NOW living in cars and RV's with no hookups to water
and/or septic.
We know that many people in this situation have jobs
nearby and simply cannot find affordable housing. The
fact that we have helped house over 30 sober men at the
FreshStart program in McKenna over the past few years
is a testament to the fact that not all people who are
homeless are wandering around like "vagrants" and
being irresponsible as that term may imply.
Love Abounds Here will be taking new direction in this
next year and although this council may choose to
consider taking new directions on this issue in the future,
we urge you to think very carefully about any decisions
you plan to make. We have stepped up and led my
example with our involvement and we urge the City of
Yelm government to continue to do so also.
For more information, please visit our website at
loveaboundshere.com
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