02-29-12 Study SessionYELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
Present: Joe Baker, JW Foster, Ken Garmann, Russ Hendrickson. Mike McGowan arrived at
5:12 pm. Staff, Shelly Badger, Stephanie Ray, Maryam Olson, Tim Peterson, Grant Beck, and
Jim Doty. Guests; Ryan Johnstone and David Kopchynski from Parametrix.
3. Agenda Approval
4. Presentations
Water Reclamation Facility Update
Shelly Badger provided an update on the efforts to improve overall plant performance for the
short term and the long term water reclamation process. Yelm's WWTP was the first in the
state as a primary effort to conserve potable water and is now facing challenges to maintain
maximum performance. The review included a timeline of Brown and Caldwell's analysis that
began in Winter of 2010, with recommendations for short-term improvements that could
improve reclaimed water reliability to meet permit requirements. In June of 2011, the Executive
department engaged Brown and Caldwell to establish operating procedures and establish a
model of plant operations. In February 2011, Parametrix was brought in to do a peer review of
those recommendations. Ryan Johnstone and David Kopchynski provided technical
information to the Council's questions regarding the analysis and what has been tried at the
plant. The long-range General Sewer Plan is on hold until the results of the recommendations
are confirmed. Staff will bring a scope of work forward to Council at a March Council meeting to
implement low cost recommendations first. Mayor recommended scheduling a tour of the
WWTP for the Councilmembers.
Yelm Municipal Court Department Report
Maryam Olson, Municipal Court Administrator provided a presentation on the Municipal Court
outlining the department's mission, and their place and responsibilities in the State Court
system. Her presentation included an introduction to what Court personnel do on a daily basis
and on court days as well as details on the department's achievements and challenges.
5. Mayor Report — Mayor Harding reported that he met with George Sharp of the TC Visitors
Bureau who is proposing an interlocal agreement with TC cities and TC hotels to collect a fee
for hotel stays to provide revenue to promote that city's tourism by the Visitor's Bureau. Mayor
Harding assigned the Councilmembers to list 5 things about Yelm to encourage tourism.
6. Council Initiatives — Councilmember McGowan inquired about when to expect the agreement
from Prairie Park for purchase of the Library space, now that an agreement has been reached
with the Yelm Timberland Library; if there has been any sponsorship inquiries for a farmer's
market and reported that he is not seeing improvement in slowing speed of drivers on Stevens,
West Rd and 103rd traffic.
Councilmember Foster complimented Public Works staff on their generous and friendly attitude
while conducting their daily duties and during special projects.
Councilmember Garmann commented on the increase of litter in the community.
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Adjourn: 8:00 p.m.
Ron HardinV, Mayor Janine Schnepf, City Clerk