04-23-14 Study SessionYELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014, 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m.
Preserrt: Councilmembers: JW Foster, Joe Baker, Bob Isom, Russ Hendrickson, Ken Garmann.
Staff: Shelly Badger, Stephanie Ray, Todd Stancil, Sonia Ramirez, Grant Beck, Ryan Johnstone,
Judy Butler, Teresa Mattson. Audience: 2
Agenda Approval. —
4a. Yelm Police and Municipal Court Department Presentations, Todd Stancil and Sonia Ramirez
Chief Stancil began the Power Point presentation with a review of each member of the PD staff,
listing their years of service, their interests and their achievements and certifications. Also
included was the same for the reserve officers and the many volunteers that provide service to
our community. Serving our Community... With our Community. Stancil highlighted the many
recent changes that the department has responded to, including privatization of liquor and
legalization of recreational marijuana in addition to the increased call activity in a growing
population. Yelm PD has a reputation for being a well-trained department and benefits from many
Yelm officers that are in-house trainers that also train other Departments while maintaining local
and regional professional partnerships. The PD provides varied services with pride and
accountability through their Crime Prevention programs, Emergency Management and
Community outreach with active support of charitable causes, involvement with our community
youth and other community service activities.
Sonia Ramirez, Court Administrator presented the Municipal Court mission "To promptly, fairly,
and accurately resolve legal matters that come before the court, to be open and accessible to all
court users, and to instill public trust and confidence in the operation of the court". Sonia
continued by introducing the members via the presentation of the Court staff, including Court
Clerk, Judge, Prosecuting Attorney, Public Defender and volunteers who serve on court days.
Reviewed the services provided by the Court and the types of cases handled by the Municipal
Court; misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic infractions, domestic violence protection orders, civil
actions of $75,000 or less, some small claims, other daily court duties and the processes for
handling them through the justice system. Sonia highlighted the recent achievements and listed
the future projected goals. Recently, she was able to bring together 3 of the previous Court
Administrators to celebrate Judge Meyer's birthday.
4b. Community Center design update, Stephanie Ray presented the preliminary basic design of
the community center including a commercial kitchen, meeting room; outdoor entry lavatory;
parking and area suitable for weddings from multiply angles. Moving forward on an aggressive
schedule. Reported that next to Council will be the budget line, finished design and construction
schedule. Refer to website for ongoing updates.
4c. Downtown Water Tower Assessment. Ryan Johnstone reviewed the challenges associated
with the currently unused deteriorating water tower. He presented three options and consequence
as directed. Option to do nothing; removing the structure; renovating, and the costs associated
with each option. Steve Craig was allowed to speak as a member of the audience, offering his
suggestions for raising funds to renovate the structure by making it a tourist attraction and getting
community support to restore it, or attempting to establish it as a historic site.
Mayor's Report. New Port Commissioners elected, Faith Harvest Helpers food bank YMC review.
Council Initiatives. Grant Beck and Bob Isom provided a handout from TC Climate Action Team
requesting support of Sustainable Thurston goals and targets to incorporate climate into all local
plans and decisions.
CONCENSUS TO MAINTAIN EFFORTS THROUGH LOCAL DECISION MAKING PROCESSES.
Adjou�:05 p.m.
Attest:
on HardipO,
Mayor V Jar#he Schnepf, City Clerl