01-29-14 Study SessionYELM CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014, 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Present: Councilmembers; JW Foster, Joe Baker, Bob Isom, Tracey Wood, Russ Hendrickson,
Mike McGowan arrived 5:25 p.m. Staff: Grant Beck, Ryan Johnstone, Stephanie Ray. Two
community members were present, recording the meeting until the break.
Community Center Update Mayor Harding provided an update on the progress of the
Community Center planning after the failure of the Park Master Plan that went to the voters.
Committee met with community members, including Councilmembers and college students who
were supportive of a return to a phased plan to build the community center in stages. Stephanie
Ray reviewed a snapshot of the project for a 5,000 sq ft building with capacity to hold 250 people,
and including indoor and outdoor restroom access. Committee met with 3 architectural firms that
are experienced in park design. Improvements will coincide with Mosman corridor construction to
include connectivity to Cochrane Park because of its close proximity. The existing skateboard
park and adjacent buildings slated for demolition by Public Works staff. The new skateboard park
off-site is a separate project, which is fully funded. Councilmember Foster recommended that
signage be added prior to and during construction indicating future home of community center at
Yelm City Park. Mayor allowed audience members to ask questions and comment after Council
discussion.
Sustainable Thurston, Councilmember Isom and Community Development Director, Grant Beck
have been active with Sustainable Thurston committee over the past 3 years with other elected
officials, service providers, citizens and regional fire districts to define sustainability and develop a
sustainability plan as a guide rather than a governance document. Yelm's elected officials
maintain that Yelm has been working on Yelm's sustainability since 1994 through growth
management and feel Sustainable Thurston is moving toward local jurisdictions losing local
control with adoption of this Plan. Mayor allowed audience members to ask questions and
comment.
CONCENSUS TO DIRECT STAFF TO DRAFT RESOLUTION FROM CITY OF YELM STATING POSITION
ON ACCEPTANCE OF PLAN.
Mayor's Report. Mayor provided update and proposed launch date of new City of Yelm website.
Viewed photos of surplus vehicle inventory, tabled from the January 28 council meeting to
research other options for disposal of vehicles stored at Public Works.
CONCENSUS TO MOVE FORWARD WITH MOST EFFICIENT MEANS TO DISPOSE OF ACCUMULATED
INVENTORY.
Council Initiatives.
Councilmember Wood - Discussion on future of downtown water tower that has been a City of
Yelm icon for long time residents. Deteriorating condition has rendered it unusable and continues
to degrade making it necessary to revisit for repair or demolish for safety.
CONCENSUS TO DIRECT STAFF TO PROCEED WITH BOTH UPDATED SURVEY OF STRUCTURE AND
INVESTIGATE COSTS TO REPAIR FOR PRESERVATION, OR DEMOLITION.
Grant Beck reviewed zoning limitations and location of marijuana applications submitted to City of
Yelm.
Councilmember McGowan- Two NSP remain vacant even though the pool of eligible applicants
increased the rent was not lowered. Mayor plans to meet with Cindy Cecil at Yelm Community
Services for further details. Homeless Census discussed briefly.
Adjourn: 7:45 p.m.
v
n Hard' Mayor
Attest %LCJ
Jaine Schnepf, City Clerk