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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 27 2026 Regular Meeting MinutesJ EST. 1924 WASHINGTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON TUESDAY, January 27, 2026 Call to Order: Mayor Joe DePinto called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Roll Call: Tracey Wood, Joseph Richardson, Griselda Arias, Stephanie Kangiser, Brian Hess, David Johnstone, Terry Kaminski, and Mayor Joe DePinto. Staff Present: City Administrator Todd Stancil, City Clerk Kathy Linnemeyer, Planning & Building Manager Gary Cooper, and Public Services Director Cody Colt. APPROVAL OF THE Motion by Terry Kaminski to approve the agenda. Seconded by Brian Hess Motion carried 7-0 PUBLIC COMMENT: Margaret MacLeod expressed concerns regarding the Mill Crossing Plat, which is on the Consent Agenda. CONSENT AGENDA: a}December 2025 Council Voucher Certification and Financial Summary b) Habitat for Humanity Final Plat c) Willows Glen Estates Final Plat Motion by Brian Hess to approve the consent agenda. Seconded by Griselda Arias Motion carried 7-0 NEW BUSINESS: Public Hearing—Ordinance No. 1142 Proposed Annexation Planning and Building Manager Gary Cooper provided a briefing on the annexation process, including the City's urban growth area and the proposed annexation timeline. He explained that the annexation is intended to correct irregular city boundaries and assist in addressing housing needs. Mr. Cooper noted that Zone 8 is a unique area, zoned as open space due to sensitive environmental features, and stated that the City plans to follow up with measures to allow property owners in Zone 8 to continue their current uses. Public Services Director Cody Colt addressed the complexities of zoning in the area and responded to questions regarding water rights and sewer capacity. Mayor DePinto opened the Public Hearing at 6:19. • Margaret MacLeod stated that she did not understand why the annexation proposal was structured as an all -or -nothing approach and questioned why Zone 8 could not be excluded from the proposed annexation. • Elizabeth Burton -Crow spoke in opposition to the annexation of Zone 8. She stated that property owners on George Road have signed a petition opposing the annexation and have expressed opposition to the inclusion of Zone 8 at public meetings. She further stated that, in her view, Council has the authority to modify the annexation proposal based on the feedback received. • Mike Kempinski, a property owner in Zone 8, spoke in favor of the annexation of Zone 8. He stated that limiting growth in Yelm could lead to a significant increase in prices. • Robert Rothrock spoke in opposition to the annexation of Zone 8. He stated that he purchased property in the county because he wanted to be near the city without being within city limits. • Bud Stader stated that he moved to Yelm in 1970 and explained that if he wanted his property designated for commercial use, he would pursue that through real estate channels himself. He stated that he wishes to keep his property residential and spoke in opposition to his property being zoned commercial. • Wayne McCarten spoke in favor of the annexation, stating that he believes it is necessary and a positive change for the city. He stated that annexation does not require property owners to change their lifestyle or develop their property. He also addressed traffic concerns, noting that growth has been taken seriously, and encouraged others to remain engaged and attentive to the planning and decision-making processes. • Robert Davis spoke in opposition to the annexation of Zone 8. He stated that he purchased his property to keep horses and expressed concern that annexation would change his lifestyle. Mayor DePinto closed the Public Hearing at 6:34. Motion by Joseph Richardson to adopt Ordinance No. 1142, annexing and rezoning several territories within the City of Yelm Urban Growth Area, as depicted and described in Exhibit A & B of the Ordinance. Seconded by Stephanie Kangiser Motion carried with a roll call vote 6-1 Ordinance No. 1143 — Adoption of Donation Acceptance Page 2 of 4 January 27, 2026, City of Yel n Regular Council Meeting. These minutes record the official actions of the Yehn City Council. Complete recordings are available on the City OfYelm's You Tube Channel. Motion by Joesph Richardson to adopt Ordinance No. 1143 establishing Chapter 3.46 of the Yelm Municipal Code to authorize the acceptance and administration of donations, sponsorships, and memorial gifts for public purposes. Seconded by Brian Hess Motion carried 7-0 Confirmation of Arts Commission Appointment Motion by Brian Hess to confirm Mayor DePinto's appointment of Mayra Pena to the Arts Commission. Seconded by Griselda Arias Motion carried 7-0 with a roll call vote Confirmation of Police Advisory Committee Appointment Motion by Griselda Arias to confirm Mayor DePinto's appointment of Dustin Stephan to the Police Advisory Committee. Seconded by Brian Hess Motion carried 7-0 with a roll call vote Confirmation of Planning Commission Appointment Motion by Brian Hess to confirm Mayor DePinto's appointment of Ashley Brooks to the Planning Commission. Seconded by Griselda Arias Motion carried 4-3 with a roll call vote. STANDING COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: Public Services Committee — Councilmember Richardson gave a report of the Public Services Committee meeting. General Government Committee — Councilmember Arias gave a report of the General Government Committee meeting. MAYOR/CITY ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF REPORTS: Mayor Report —The Mayor welcomed residents of the newly annexed properties to the City of Yelm. He reported that he met with legislators during the past week and announced that the Yelm Loop project is scheduled to go out to bid next month. He also reported that the General Government Committee reviewed the Mayor—Council Protocol Manual, noted that updates were adopted last year, and stated that the matter will be discussed further at the retreat to determine whether additional updates are necessary. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: Councilmember Wood—Attended the Transportation Policy Board meeting. Councilmember Arias— Will attend the Regional Housing meeting tomorrow. Pa8_ January 27, 2026, City of Yelm Regular Council Meeting. These minutes record the official actions of the Yehn City Council. Complete recordings are available on the Gty of Yelm's You Tube Channel, Councilmember Kangiser—Attended Community Conversations, announced that videos of Planning Commission meetings are available on YouTube, and encouraged the public to visit the City's website and social media pages for information on upcoming events. Councilmember Hess —Attended the Intercity Transit meeting. Councilmember Johnstone — Attended the EMS Council meeting. Councilmember Kaminski — Attended the Law and Justice meeting and the Nisqually River Council. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Tracey Wood to adjourn the meeting at 7:07 PM. Seconded by Stephanie Kangiser Motion carried 7-0 ��f FF .Kathy Page 4 of 4 January 27, 2026, City of Yelm Regular Council Meeting. These minutes record the official actions of the Yelm City Council. Complete recordings are available on the City of Yelm's You Tube Channel.