03-26-14 Study SessionYELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26,2014,5:00 P.M.
Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
Present: Councilmembers; JW Foster, Joe Baker, Ken Garmann, Russ Hendrickson. Tracey
Wood and Mike McGowan arrived after the start of the meeting. Staff: Shelly Badger, Grant Beck,
Teresa Mattson, Gretchen Isaksson. Two community members in attendance.
Agenda Approval. — Moved Irrigation Meter Changes(4b) before Draft Resolution(4a)
4b. Irrigation Meter Changes. Teresa Mattson provided spreadsheets of the irrigation and
reclaimed meters used for irrigation, comparing the charges by size and rates. A discrepancy was
discovered in those charges and what is stated in the YMC. Question before council for
discussion: How to proceed; changes to the billing or to the Code? Discussion followed regarding
the financial impacts to the City and the customers as well as the conservation program.
CONSENSUS TO ESTABLISH MONTHLY BASE RATE FOR POTABLE IRRIGATION AND
REUSE METERS AT 5/8 SIZE RATE REGARDLESS OF METER SIZE, BILL MONTHLY READY
FOR USE BASE FEE DURING IRRIGA TON SEASON IF ON, REGARDLESS OF USE, RETAIN
IRRIGATION CONSUMPTION RATE; RETAIN RECLAIMED CONSUMPTION RATE AT 80% OF
LOWEST TIER RATE.
Councilmember McGowan provided a copy of handout from meeting submitted to City of Tenino
4a. Draft Resolution Sustainable Development Plan for Thurston Region, Mayor Harding
provided background of the development of the Sustainable Thurston Plan. Yelm was involved in
the early stages as part of a Task Force, along with other agencies responding to economic and
long term development, related to a multitude of concerns including housing, health and human
services, education, transportation, food systems, water infrastructure, energy and public safety.
The intent to bring together expert groups to provide data as a resource for future decision-
making. Yelm identified early in the process that the intent of fact-finding was turning into a
governing document as special interest groups entered the process as the White papers moved
into the committee stage. The City's attempts to revise the County's Resolution, was
unsuccessful. Rather than not adopt, draft a city resolution establishing acceptance of the Plan as
a resource and that Yelm City Council determines which are applicable to Yelm. Draft provided.
Discussion and questions followed. Mayor Harding allowed the audience to ask questions and
encouraged those outside of Yelm city limits to engage with the County Commissioners.
CONSENSUS TO PROCEED WITH RESOLUTION AS IS, WITH TYPO CORRECTION.
Tracey Wood left 6:30 p.m.
Mayor's Report. Shelly Badger reported that regional Swat Teams conducted training exercises
in the vacant buildings at the Yelm City Park prior to demolition in preparation for new
construction. Informational signs will be installed at the Park soon.
After meeting with the Mgr of WA Field Office for Fish and Wildlife this week, anticipate that the
Mazama pocket gopher will be placed on the threatened species list. More to follow on attempts
to coordinate with other cities to reduce the impact and limitations placed on the cities.
Ken Garman left 6:55 p.m.
Council Initiatives. Councilmember Foster requested proclamations for Prairie Days and
Nisqually Land Trust 25`h Anniversary.
Councilmember McGowan reported increases to student enrollment and the need to add
portables.Thurston County HOME Consortium revealed assessment of housing need applicants.
City of Olympia withdrew application after challenged as having an unfair advantage.
Councilmember Baker inquired about the schedule for the Mosman re -alignment and the Loop
project. Mosman construction scheduled to begin in the summer. PSE will be moving some
power poles after April 15. Mayor Harding requested that Councilmember Foster spearhead the
work party to distribute the donated wood from the tree removal. The Legislature did not pass the
transportation package.
Adjourn: 7:30 p.m.
-.:e'r'a' Attest:
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Ron Hairdihq(Wyor One Schnepf, City Clerk