02-27-13 Study SessionYELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2013 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. Present; Councilmembers: Bob Isom, Tracey Wood, J.W. Foster, Ken Garmann, and Russ
Hendrickson. Mike McGowan arrived at 5:15. Excused: Joe Baker.
Staff: Shelly Badger, Stephanie Ray, Grant Beck, Todd Stancil and Gretchen Isaksson.
Guests: Terri Thomas, Education & Outreach Specialist III, Thurston County Solid Waste and
Jeffrey Harwood, District Manager with Lemay Pacific Disposal. J.W. Foster left at 6:45 pm and
Tracey Wood left at 6:55 pm.
Agenda Approval
Presentations
a. Plastic Bag Outreach Project
Terri Thomas explained the report presented and the results from the survey given to Thurston
County residents. Thurston County residents use about 90 million plastic shopping bags per
year. The material that plastic bags are made of, combined with the sheer volume used, has
negative environmental impacts. They also are a major concern when collecting trash and
recyclables from the curbside collection service, stated Jeffrey Harwood. Plastic bags are a
significant contributor to litter due to their ability to expand, inflate and travel when collected.
They also cause a huge problem and expense at the landfill site with labor and equipment.
Thurston County Solid Waste has been working to educate citizens about use of plastic and
paper bags and have given out their reusable bags at events and presentations. Ms. Thomas is
gathering information on the views and concerns of the Yelm City Council regarding a potential
plastic bag ban. This information will be brought back to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee
for possible further action on the ban.
Council consensus was that more time should be spent on the overall goal of letting citizens
decide whether or not to impose a ban on plastic bags rather than enacting an Ordinance
passed by the Council. This County wide issue should be put to a vote by its citizens.
b. Public Safety Testing
Chief of Police Todd Stancil and Civil Service Secretary Gretchen Isaksson gave an overview of
the proposed method of testing for lateral or entry level police officers. Public Safety Testing is
used by many cities and counties and would compile an up to date list of the candidates by
rank. The annual cost to use this service would be $800. Mayor Harding will meet will Chief
Stancil for further review of the contractual obligations. This will be brought back to a further
Study Session.
C. Sustainable Thurston Update
Grant Beck updated the council on the Sustainable Thurston Task Force process.
Yelm Ave. E. Commercial Area Environmental Impact Statement Update
Grant Beck stated that the City has received a request to prepare a non -project (programmatic)
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for commercial properties located at the eastern City
limit border, near Wal-Mart. The EIS will assist in identifying potential impacts and possible
mitigation measures for the development. The commercial area is comprised of approximately
forty six acres of undeveloped property.
e. School Impact Fees
Grant Beck explained that school impact fees are collected at the time a building permit is
issued from the City of Yelm and then remitted back to the Yelm School District. The fees
collected are based on the Yelm School District's Capital Facilities Plan. These fees are meant
to help offset further growth. Grant will continue to work with Erling (Rocky) Birkland, the Yelm
School's Facilities Director and bring this back to a future Study Session for an update to
Council.
5. Mayor Report -
6. Council Initiatives -
Park Use Amendments — Discussion on an upcoming Park Use Request was held regarding the
frequency of the Community Wide BBQ Outreach by a local religious group. Staff is working on
updating code amendments for park use and will come to council at a future meeting.
Mazama Pocket Gopher update — Grant Beck updated the Council on recent discussion
regarding the pocket gopher and its possible status on the endangered species list and the
procedures for permitting in the areas they have known to live. Thurston County is working with
the Department of Fish and Wildlife on the permitting process.
Adjourn: 7:50 p.m.
ALOi4o�t---
Lori
Mossman, Deputy City Clerk