HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 03 2029 Study Session Minutes` EST. 1924
WASHINGTON
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MEETING MINUTES
VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON
TUESDAY, February 3, 2026
Call to Order: Mayor DePinto called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM
Roll Call: Tracey Wood, Joseph Richardson, Griselda Arias, Stephanie Kangiser,
Brian Hess (virtual), David Johnstone, Terry Kaminski and Joe DePinto.
Staff Present: City Administrator Todd Stancil, City Clerk Kathy Linnemeyer, Projects
& Programs Manager Brad Chatwood and Public Services Director
Cody Colt
PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Experience Olympia & Beyond Marketing Update — Interim CEO Shauna Stewart gave a
presentation including the state of tourism, economic impacts of visitors to Thurston
County, Marketing, and shared the visitors guide and the Yelm Community guide.
Capital Projects Update — Projects & Programs Manager Brad Chatwood and Public
Services Director Cody Colt gave a presentation on the status of capital projects in the City
of Yelm including Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), Cochrane Park Phase 2, Prairie Line
Trail Phase 2b, SE Reservoir, SR507/Morris Road Roundabout, Fuller Footpath, Veterans
Park & Memorial Walk, Rhoton Road Reconstruction, WRF Vehicle Storage/Offices.
2026 City Council Retreat— Mayor DePinto opened a discussion regarding the 2026 Council
Retreat and invited feedback from Council members on the potential use of a professional
moderator to facilitate the session. He noted that staff are continuing efforts to confirm the
final date and location for the retreat and will provide updates as details are finalized.
City Administrator Todd Stancil reviewed preliminary logistical considerations, including a
proposed agenda framework and dedicated time forjoint engagement between Council
members and staff to support collaboration and strategic planning objectives.
Election/Appointment Process — Mayor DePinto reviewed the procedure used for the most
recent Mayor Pro -Tem appointment, noting that it was conducted in accordance with
Robert's Rules of Order. He advised that any changes to the appointment process would
require an amendment to the Mayor/Council Protocol Manual.
Mayor DePinto further explained that implementing a random drawing to determine the
order of voting on candidates could enhance fairness and neutrality, rather than proceeding
in the order of nomination. He inquired whether Council had interest in modifying the
current process and suggested that, if desired, the matter could be discussed in greater
detail at the upcoming retreat.
MAYOR REPORT— Mayor DePinto led a discussion to confirm whether or not Council wants
to keep holding Study Sessions at a table rather than sitting at the dais.
640 Acres Update - City Administrator Todd Stancil reported that discussions are continuing
for options to connect a southern loop to Hwy 507 and possible funding for the loop. Public
Services Director Cody Colt reported that discussions are continuing regarding traffic and
improvements that will be needed and requirements of the original master plan.
COUNCILMEMBER INITIATIVES—
Tracey Wood —Asked about a streetlight on 103ra
Griselda Arias — Inquired about the proposed future zoning plans for Zone 8 within the
recently annexed area.
Brian Hess — He stated that he is coordinating with a contact to explore the possibility of
inviting a representative from the Seattle Seahawks to attend Prairie Days in Yelm.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM
ioWePinto, Mayor
Kathy Linne yer, City Clerk