09-24-13 MinutesYELM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 MINUTES
1. Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call Present: JW Foster, Joe Baker, Mike McGowan, Tracey Wood, Ken
Garmann and Russ Hendrickson. Excused: Bob Isom.
3. Agenda Approval
13-78 MOTION BY RUSS HENDRICKSON APPROVING THE AGENDA AS
PRESENTED. CARRIED.
4. Special Presentations - none scheduled
5. Public Comment -no comments
6. Consent Agenda
Minutes - Regular Meeting September 10, 2013.
Payables - Checks #61086 - #61158, Totaling $560,178.99.
13-79 MOTION BY TRACEY WOOD APPROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
PRESENTED. CARRIED.
7. Public Hearing - 2013 General Sewer Plan
Mayor Harding opened the Public Hearing at 6:03.
Stephanie Ray gave an overview of the General Sewer Plan (GSP) process.
General Sewer System Plans are required as a first level planning process to
provide a comprehensive look at existing infrastructure, levels of service, and
future growth populations. General Sewer Plans are typically followed by a Capital
Facilities Plan and then project specific engineering reports. The GSP was
approved by Department of Ecology on August 22, 2013. The last GSP was
prepared in 1994, with a Facilities Plan prepared in 1995. The GSP plan covers the
Collection System (step tanks and pipes), Water Reclamation Facility (treatment
plant operations) and Reclaimed Water System (reclaimed water pumps and
piping, reclaimed water storage tank and Cochrane Park). The Thurston Highlands
Master Planned Community was evaluated under a separate development scenario
so that impacts of future development are clearly understood. A financial analysis
was done on the sewer rates and the rate strategy in the GSP phases -in rate
increases over time to support the capital improvement project list. The necessary
rate increases maintain existing levels of service, provide for the necessary
operation and maintenance of the sewer/reclaimed water utility, and pay for
prioritized capital improvement projects. The financial analysis included a
recommendation for rate increases of four percent (4%) in 2014, four percent
(4%) in 2015, four percent (4%) in 2016 and three percent (3%) in 2017.
Councilmember McGowan and asked if the work being done at Cochrane Park
increases the amount of reclaimed water customers. Stephanie stated we are
always looking for new users but we also have to be sensitive to our demand.
From May to October, we are at 100% capacity. Councilmember McGowan
checked rates for utilities of surrounding municipalities and our rates are in the
same ballpark with the other communities. Councilmember Garmann asked about
the asterisk next to the senior rates. Mayor Harding clarified that is for a qualified
senior who has met the low income and or disabled senior status.
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Mayor Harding closed the public hearing at 6:33.
8. New Business -
a. Resolution No. 544 - 2013 General Sewer Plan
13-80 MOTION BY MIKE MCGOWAN APPROVING RESOLUTION NO. 544,
ADOPTING THE 2013 CITY OF YELM GENERAL SEWER PLAN. CARRIED.
b. Ordinance No. 978 - Setting Sewer Rates for 2014-2017
13-81 MOTION BY MIKE MCGOWAN APPROVING ORDINANCE NO. 978
ESTABLISHING SEWER RATES FOR 2014-2017. CARRIED.
c. 2013/2014 Legislative Services Contract
Shelly Badger reported that Kathleen Collins, of Capitol Strategies, and Davor
Gjurasic, of Gjurasic Public Affairs, have been contracted to work for the City at
various times since 2005 and are well acquainted with issues of great importance
to the City, particularly the 510 Yelm Loop project. The proposed scope of work
for this contract continues efforts toward the completion of the 510 Yelm Loop,
specifically, inclusion of funding for the Loop in any transportation package
considered by Legislature and/or voters. Monthly summaries will be provided as
part of the contract, as well as a legislative summary at the end of the legislative
session. The 2013/14 contract start date of October 15` anticipates a special
session in November related to a transportation package. Compensation for these
services is $28,000 at $4,000 per month, plus combined expenses not to exceed
$2,000. Funds expended in 2013 will come from the General Fund (and be
covered under the yearend budget amendment); 2014 expenses will be budgeted
from the Arterial Street and Water funds on a pro -rata share of work performed
on the issues.
13-82 MOTION BY JW FOSTER AUTHORIZING MAYOR HARDING TO SIGN A
LEGISLATIVE SERVICES CONTRACT TO ENGAGE DAVOR GJURASIC AND
KATHLEEN COLLINS TO LOBBY ISSUES OF BENEFIT TO THE CITY OF YELM
FROM OCTOBER 1, 2013 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2014. CARRIED.
9. Old Business -
10. Mayor and Council Initiatives
Councilmember Foster attended part of the Thurston County Solid Waste
Advisory Committee meeting and reported that the City of Tumwater has passed
an Ordinance banning plastic bags. Councilmember Foster also attended the
Nisqually River Council and reported that one of the largest ongoing projects over
the last five years has been to try to eradicate an invasive noxious weed called
knotweed. This project has been very successful in treating the weed with a
specialized systemic herbicide that is not harmful to the environment or the fish.
They have treated and eradicated 338 acres of the knotweed. It has been a long
and involved process. The Nisqually Watershed Festival is this Saturday loam -
4:00pm at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge and it is free to attend.
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Councilmember Baker attended the Yelm Adult Community Center meeting and
reported there has been an investigation and there have been discrepancies in the
finances of the center under the direction of the previous Executive Director.
Councilmember Baker also reminded everyone of the upcoming Silent Auction on
September 28 from 4 pm - 7:30 pm and asked that it be put on the City's reader
board.
Councilmember McGowan asked about correspondence in the packet regarding
the noxious weed board appointments. The three affordable houses are listed on
the City's website, City Hall and there is information posted at the Library.
Councilmember Garmann attended the Thurston County Law and Justice
meeting where they discussed possible budget cuts in the county and overhauling
the justice system. There is a grand opening for the Thurston County Family
Justice Center is October 14.
Mayor Harding had interviews on Monday for the Court Administrator's position.
Mayor Harding reminded everyone of the Haunted House in Bucoda, which will be
open every weekend in October. The Town of Bucoda formally adopted a
proclamation declaring it BOO coda month.
J. W. Foster thanked Gretchen for making each of the Councilmembers a decorated
handmade pen.
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION - none scheduled
12. Correspondence included -
Hands on Children's Museum Events
Olympia- Lacey -Tu mwater Visitor & Convention Bureau Calendar of Events
Thurston County -Noxious Weed Control Board appointments, Patricia McCann
and Dorothy Saunders
Thurston Regional Planning Council Pre -Agenda Friday, October 4, 2013 8:30-
11am
South Sound Solar invitation to 2013 Thurston Solar Tour Saturday, September
28, 2013
City of Yelm Public Notice - Mosman Ave. Improvements Department of Ecology
Construction Stormwater NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit
Comcast Encrypting Limited Basic Service letter dated September 19, 2013
13. Adjourn 6:56 pm.
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Attest: L��t J GG,!%�i3 j''�-�
Ron , Mayor ✓`16 j c Lori Mossman, Deputy City Clerk
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