03-26-13 MinutesYELM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013 MINUTES
Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call Present: Joe Baker, Bob Isom, Mike McGowan, Tracey Wood, Ken
Garmann and Russ Hendrickson. Excused: J.W. Foster.
3. Agenda Approval
13-20 MOTION BY RUSS HENDRICKSON APPROVING THE AGENDA AS
PRESENTED. CARRIED.
4. Special Presentations —
2012 Yelm Police Department Reserve Officer of the Year -
Chief Stancil stated it was unanimous by the two Sergeants and the Chief to
recognize Mike Baker as 2012 Yelm Police Department Reserve Officer. Mr. Baker
has been a Reserve Officer since 2004. In 2010, he tested and passed the last
step to earn level 3 Reserve status that means he can patrol as a solo unit. In
2012 Mike volunteered in excess of 250 hours to the Police Department and over
2,000 hours since he began as a Reserve Officer, this is outside his regular full
time employment. Mr. Baker is always willing to assist the department where he is
needed on very short notice. He is the longest serving Reserve Officer for the
department and is well respected amongst his peers in law enforcement. Mr.
Baker has a very positive attitude and a great work ethic. These are two qualities
that make Chief Stancil proud to have him as a Reserve Officer and qualities that
make for a successful human being in life.
2012 Yelm Police Department Officer of the Year —
Chief Stancil again stated it was unanimous by the Supervisory staff of the Yelm
Police Department to choose James May as 2012 Officer of the Year. Mr. May has
been with the City of Yelm as an Officer since 1990 when he started his career as
a provisional Officer. He was hired as a full time Officer in 1994 and is currently
the second longest serving Officer for the City of Yelm and is the Senior Patrol
Officer for the department. Officer May has served as the Reserve Coordinator for
the last 13 years, which is a volunteer position. He has dedicated countless hours
to the program that is highly respected throughout the Law Enforcement
Community. Officer May plays a crucial role in the selection, training and
mentorship of all of the Reserve Officers and does a tremendous job. Officer May
has also served as the Department's Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC)
instructor for the last 13 years and has provided first class training for the full
time and reserve officers. Over the past two years, a new program was introduced
where monthly productivity/accountability is tracked and compiled for all full time
officers. For the past two years, Officer May has been the officer with the highest
officer productivity. This is a tremendous accomplishment from an Officer that has
over 20 years of service to the community, all as a Patrol Officer. Officer May has
set himself apart as an extraordinary asset to the City of Yelm and the Police
Department. He gives 100% to the job and it is reflected in his patrol
accomplishments and his relationships with his co-workers. He cares about the
community he serves and Chief Stancil is honored to recognize Jim May as 2012
Yelm Police Department Officer of the Year.
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Mayor Harding stated our community is fortunate to have them as Officers and he
is honored to have both Officers working for the City of Yelm. They are a credit to
the uniform and their careers speak for themselves. Mayor Harding presented
each Officer with a plaque.
Reserve Officer Mike Baker stated his is very grateful to have the opportunity to
serve the City of Yelm. He also thanked Officer Jim May for all the time and effort
he puts into the Reserve program. Yelm has one of the best Reserve programs
because of Officer May.
Officer Jim May is honored and proud to work for the City of Yelm for so long and
the Yelm Police Department and have the opportunity to work with quality Officers
like Chief Stancil and Reserve Officer Baker.
2013 Arbor Day Proclamation -
Mayor Harding stated that a tree exchange would be done again this year with our
Sister City Lacey and read the 2013 Arbor Day Proclamation aloud.
5. Public Comment - no comment
6. Consent Agenda
Minutes - Regular Meeting March 12, 2013.
Payables - Checks #60000 - #60071 Totaling $177,776.88.
13-21 MOTION BY TRACEY WOOD APPROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
PRESENTED. CARRIED.
7. Public Hearing - none scheduled
8. New Business -
a. WSDOT Easement - SR 510 Alternate
Grant Beck explained that Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT) has been acquiring right of way in preparation for the construction of
stage 2 of SR 510 Alternate (SR 510 Yelm Loop). WSDOT requires an access
easement of the City owned Yelm Prairie Line rail right of way located just east of
Wilkenson Road. The Loop will include a bridge crossing of the rail line to ensure
that future rail use is protected. The City had requested from WSDOT, as part of
the negotiation for the easement, assurances that the City would not be denied
or charged for future utility line crossings of the Loop. Any utility crossings would
typically require a crossing permit and crossing permit fee from WSDOT. The City
is concerned that this requirement and ongoing cost may make it difficult to
provide urban services in the portion of the City and its Urban Growth Area north
of the future Loop. WSDOT understand the concerns of the City, but are not able
to legally connect the crossing issue with the grant of the easement. WSDOT is
committed to resolving the City's concerns as the design of stage 2 of the Loop
progresses. By accepting the monetary offer of $7,400.00, this would allow the
State to proceed with final design and construction of the Loop, when funds are
allocated by the Legislature.
13-22 MOTION BY BOB ISOM AUTHORING MAYOR HARDING TO ACCEPT AN
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFER OF $7,400 FOR A PERMANENT CROSSING OF
THE YELM PRAIRIE LINE RAIL RIGHT OF WAY AND TO EXECUTE THE
EASEMENT. CARRIED.
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9. Old Business - none scheduled
10. Mayor and Council Initiatives
Councilmember Baker attended the Intercity Transit Board meeting and
reported they are still in the process of trying to hire a General Manager.
Councilmember Baker also attended the Yelm Adult Community Center meeting,
reminded everyone of the upcoming Auction in October, and stated the Adult
Center received a grant from Red Wind Casino and one from Wal-Mart.
Councilmember Garmann congratulated the City staff on the recent ruling on
the Water Rights and stated it is a great accomplishment for the City.
Councilmember Garmann reported that the watch he received as a going away
gift from the City of Yelm is in need of battery number two, after 13 years. He
also thanked Chief Stancil for the presence of the Yelm Police Department in the
neighborhoods, it is appreciated. There have been vehicle prowlers in the area
and hopes the police presence will discourage this problem.
Councilmember Hendrickson attended the Medic One meeting.
Mayor Harding attended the Thurston County Economic Development Council
meeting and reported that the Council helped fund a program that would help
citizens reduce energy costs and improve efficiency. This program has now
partnered with five other counties. On April 9 at 11:30, the Thurston EDC will
recognize several businesses in Thurston and their significant role that they play
in creating a healthy and diverse community. One of those businesses will be Ice
Chips, a Yelm business.
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION - At 6:37 pm, Mayor Harding announced that Council
would go into an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing possible real
estate acquisition. At 6:54 pm Janine Schnepf, City Clerk announced the Executive
Session would be extended another 15 minutes. At 7:11 pm, Mayor Harding
reconvened the meeting.
Councilmember Isom announced he would not be attending the Study
Session tomorrow.
12. Correspondence included -
Thurston County Chamber Foundation - A Night on the Town, Friday, April 19,
2013 Capital Event Center 6pm.
Emailed letter from Steve Klein regarding Thurston Deputy Auditor appearance of
a conflict of interest, dated March 22, 2013.
13. Adjourn 7:13 pm.
X6V Attest:
Ron Harding, Mayor Lori Mossman, Deputy City Clerk
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