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04 14 2015 Agenda PacketAGENDA YELM CITY COUNCIL MEETING TIIF.Rnay aPRII 1d 9015 R•00 P M Website Viewing: Clicking on agenda items will open associated documents including staff reports, resolutions, ordinances, etc. Note: some agenda items may not have attachments. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Agenda Approval 4. Special Presentations - Intercity Transit Bus Buddy Program Emily Bergkamp and Janina Robbins Arbor Day Proclamation 5. Public Comment — Please complete a blue speaker's card and present it to the meeting recorder. Comment topics should not appear elsewhere on the agenda. Time (three minutes per speaker) and the number of speakers (five) are limited and may be adjusted to meet agenda requirements. ACTION 6. Consent Agenda ACTION a. Minutes; Regular Meeting March 24, 2015 & Study Session March 25, 2015 b. Payables; Checks # 7. Public Hearing- none scheduled 8. New Business- none scheduled Old Business — none scheduled 10. Council and Mayor Councilmember Foster represents Yelm on the following committees. • Thurston County Solid Waste • Nisqually River Council Advisory Committee (SWAC) • Yelm Finance Committee Councilmember Baker represents Yelm on the following committees. • Intercity Transit Board • Yelm Adult Community Center Councilmember Isom represents Yelm on the following committees. • Thurston Regional Planning Yelm Economic Development Council Committee (TRPC) • Yelm Finance Committee Councilmember Littlefield represents Yelm on the following committees. • Thurston County HOME Yelm Finance Committee Consortium Councilmember Wood represents Yelm on the following committees. • (TRPC) Transportation Policy • Yelm Transportation Committee Board • TComm 911 Admin Board Councilmember Garmann represents Yelm on the following committees. • Yelm Transportation Committee Thurston County Law and Justice Councilmember Hendrickson represents Yelm on the following committees. • Medic One • Yelm Emergency Operations Board Mayor Harding represents Yelm on the following committees. • Thurston County Economic • Yelm Finance Committee Development Council • Yelm Emergency Operations Board • Yelm Transportation Committee • Thurston County Mayor's Forum • Yelm Economic Development • (TRPC) Transportation Policy Committee Board 11. Executive Session- none scheduled 12. Correspondence (Correspondence is available upon request) Senator Randi Becker's Capitol Bulletin — March 27, 2015 Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Chatter April 2015 Nisqually Estates HOA letter dated March 30, 2015 Thurston Economic Development Council Report of Activities 2015 Senator Becker's Capitol Bulletin — April 5, 2015 13. Adjourn Upcoming Meetings Regular City Council Meeting, April 28, 2015, 6:00 pm, Public Safety Building Council Study Session, Wednesday, April 29, 2015, 5:00 pm, Public Safety Building Regular City Council Meeting, Tuesday, May 12, 2015, 6:00 pm, Public Safety Building CITY OF YELM MEETING INFORMATION All regular Yelm City Council meetings are audio recorded. A $5.00 per CD (prepaid) fee is required. For information about obtaining a copy of the proceedings, please call 360.458.8402. Public comments are welcome. However, in order to proceed with scheduled agenda items the allowable time per speaker is limited to 3 minutes and the number of speakers limited to five. Comments during the public comment portion of the meeting should not be associated with measures or topics appearing elsewhere on the agenda and should not address topics for which public hearings have been conducted or are anticipated. It is the City of Yelm's policy to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and in need of reasonable accommodations to conduct business or participate in government processes or activities, please contact Janine Schnepf, at 360.458.8402 at least four (4) working days prior to the scheduled event. The City of Yelm is an equal opportunity provider and employer. The Preliminary Agenda and Approved Council Minutes are available at wv_ww_.,i.y lrr7.w .us Agenda Item 6. a. Minutes Page 1 of 4 YELM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 MINUTES 1. Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present: Joe Baker, Bob Isom, Jennifer Littlefield, Tracey Wood, Ken Garmann and Russ Hendrickson. 15 -021 MOTION BY TRACEY WOOD EXCUSING COUNCILMEMBER 3W FOSTER FROM THE MEETING. CARRIED. 3. Agenda Approval 15 -022 MOTION BY TRACEY WOOD APPROVING THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. 4. Special Presentations -none scheduled 5. Public Comment - no comments 6. Consent Agenda Minutes - Regular Meeting March 10, 2015 Payables - Checks #64325 - #64391 Totaling $170,058.94. 15 -023 MOTION BY TRACEY WOOD APPROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. 7. Public Hearing -none scheduled 8. New Business - a. Resolution No. 555 Retroactive Pay Policy Janine Schnepf reported that historically, the City has provided consistent wage and benefit adjustments to all employees, including represented and non - represented when financially and operationally able. This year is unique in that the bargaining with the Teamsters and Public Works began after the 2015 Budget adoption. On March 10, 2015, Council ratified the 2015 -2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement with Public Works membership. Any adjustments will require an amendment to the Salary and Benefit Schedule based on the terms of the agreement. Resolution No. 555 would establish a policy to allow the City to adjust the compensation of the non - represented employees. 15 -024 MOTION BY BOB ISOM APPROVING RESOLUTION NO. 555 ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR PAYMENT OF RETROACTIVE PAY TO NON - REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES FOR WORK PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF APRIL 1, 2015. CARRIED. b. Ordinance No. 997 Salary and Benefit Amendment Janine Schnepf stated that Ordinance No. 997 would amend the 2015 Salary and Benefit Schedule for the wages and benefits agreed to in the 2015 -2017 Public Works Collective Bargaining Agreement for the membership and non - represented employees and setting an effective date of January 1, 2015. Councilmember Isom asked about why the 5% insurance premium would start on April 1, 2015 and not be retroactive like the cost of living starting January 1, 2015. Ms. Schnepf stated that was part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Page 1 of 4 Agenda Item 6. a. Minutes Page 2 of 4 15 -025 MOTION BY TRACEY WOOD ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 997 AMENDING THE 2015 SALARY AND BENEFIT SCHEDULE ADOPTED (ORD 992 12/14) FOR THE WAGES AND BENEFITS AGREED TO IN THE 2015 -2017 PUBLIC WORKS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT FOR THE MEMBERSHIP AND NON - REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES AND SETTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF JANUARY 1, 2015. CARRIED. c. Ordinance No. 998 Salary Amendment Positions Shelly Badger stated that the 2015 Budget, including the Salary and Benefit Schedule was approved by City Council prior to the adoption of the details of the bargaining agreement with the Public Works Department. During negotiations, compensation rates and benefits were reviewed. Two City of Yelm positions were found to be significantly below the market comparison. Ordinance No. 998 would amend the 2015 Salary and Benefit Schedule Appendix II increasing the salary of the two exempt positions found to be significantly below the market comparables for Public Works Director and Police Chief. 15 -026 MOTION BY JOE BAKER ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 998 AMENDING THE 2015 SALARY AND BENEFIT SCHEDULE, ADOPTED (ORD 997) FOR THE SALARY FOR THE YELM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR AND YELM POLICE CHIEF AND SETTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF MARCH 1, 2015. CARRIED. d. Skate Park Design and Construction Management Contract Ryan Johnstone stated that in 2014, the City began the design of a new Community Center to be constructed in the City Park. The existing skate park and police building were demolished in the summer of 2014. The new skate park is scheduled to be relocated to the old Public Works Yard located at 203 First St. S. Before design and construction are to begin, two underground storage tanks were to be evaluated for leaks and removed. These tanks were removed on March 4, 2015. Preliminary indications are that the UST's did not leak and no soil remediation is necessary. The City can now move forward with design of the skate park with the completion of the UST removal. This scope includes design and construction management tasks and the fee is within an acceptable percentage of the overall project cost. Design is anticipated to take three months and construction another four months. A Community Development Block Grant was awarded to the City for the completion of this project in the amount of $439,208. Councilmember Baker asked about the procedure for getting rid of the debris that is currently in the area the new state park will be built. Mr. Johnstone stated that the debris must be deemed as no value to the City and then arrangements could be made for someone to pick it up or the City would dispose of the concrete properly. Councilmember Baker stated he has had someone contact him about purchasing the concrete planters that are among the debris. Mayor Harding suggested that Councilmember Baker give the interested party Ryan Johnstone's contact information to discuss the matter. Councilmember Littlefield asked the Mayor who was on the stakeholders committee. Mayor Harding stated it consists of skate park users and City of Yelm staff. 15 -027 MOTION BY JOE BAKER AUTHORIZING MAYOR HARDING TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH BCRA IN THE AMOUNT OF $107,915 FOR THE DESIGN OF THE NEW SKATE PARK TO BE LOCATED AT 203 FIRST ST. S (SR 507) CARRIED. Page 2 of 4 Agenda Item 6. a. Minutes Page 3 of 4 e. Resolution No. 556 2015 Water Conservation Program — Commercial Irrigation Grant Beck reported that the City Council adopted a Water Conservation Program in 2010 that established a water budget for each water customer with an irrigation meter. The budget was based on the amount of water according to the Washington Irrigation Guide needed to maintain healthy and productive landscaping, or the customers use in 2009, whichever was less. This program was anticipated to reduce the irrigation usage by half. The program was highly successful and water customers saved over 65 million gallons (200 -acre feet) of water since 2010. The proposed 2015 water conservation program is identical to the 2014 program with water budgets established by the Community Development Director based on the criteria originally adopted by Council in 2009. The total amount of water allocated for irrigation in 2015 includes approximately a 2.5% unallocated reserve for the purpose of adding new customers. Weekly notices of water usage will be sent to the irrigation customers with usage that is abnormally high. Personal contact with those customers using water at a rate that will result in over budget usage will be made weekly. Councilmember Littlefield asked about number 7. Residential water conservation is encouraged by the City of Yelm and private covenants requiring residential irrigation of property are suspended. Mr. Beck stated that residential restrictions have not been established; rather the City encourages residential homeowners to conserve water and not worry about being fined by the homeowners association. Councilmember Isom added that if he remembers accurately a group of homeowners requested that be added for their protection against fines. 15 -028 MOTION BY TRACEY WOOD TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 556 RESTRICTING THE USE OF WATER FOR IRRIGATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 13.04.097 YELM MUNICIPAL CODE AND ESTABLISHING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES IN 2015. CARRIED. 9. Old Business —none scheduled 10. Mayor and Council Initiatives Councilmember Baker attended the Intercity Transit Board meeting and Bill Elliott from Washington State Department of Transportation spoke about the JBLM Realignment Project. Mr. Elliott reported that only 7% of the traffic congestion in the JBLM area is from the Yelm traffic. WSDOT is trying to secure funding to make improvements to areas surrounding JBLM to elevate traffic congestion. Councilmember Baker also attended the Yelm Adult Community Center meeting where he made some repairs to the building and attended the going away party at Public Works for Kevin Ray. Councilmember Littlefield attended the Executive Seminar at the Thurston County Emergency Management Center along with Councilmember's Hendrickson, Foster, Garmann, Public Works Director Ryan Johnstone and Police Chief Todd Stancil and stated it was very informative. The seminar covered risks to the Yelm area from volcanic eruptions and Lahars. Yelm would escape the majority of the impact of a Mount Rainier eruption but that Yelm should prepare for an influx of refugees from other areas impacted by an eruption. Page 3 of 4 Agenda Item 6. a. Minutes Page 4 of 4 Councilmember Wood attended the Transportation Policy and discussed State Government representation as well as Business representation recruitment and JBLM and I -5 traffic. Councilmember Wood also attended an auction at the Eagle view Christian School. Councilmember Garmann attended the going away party for Kevin Ray at Public Works and the Thurston County Executive Seminar regarding an eruption of Mount Rainier. Councilmember Hendrickson also attended the going away party for Kevin Ray and the Thurston County Executive Seminar regarding Mount Rainier. Councilmember Hendrickson attended the Medic One meeting where there was a presentation by Cindy Hambly on CPR density. Mayor Harding announced that the Public Works Field Supervisor Kevin Ray moved to Montana after 17 years of employment with the City of Yelm. We are sorry to see Kevin go and will be working on filling that position. Mayor Harding has been busy doing Legislative work the last few weeks. Mayor Harding testified on some marijuana legislation regarding revenue sharing with the State and advocated on behalf of small cities. Mayor Harding has also been working with the Association of Washington Cities who have partnered with the Association of Washington Counties regarding City and County funding mechanisms. Thursday, Mayor Harding will be testifying on the House Transportation Package. Right now, the SR510 Loop project is in the Senate package fully funded but will need to go to the House for final approval. The Lobbyists hired by the City of Yelm has been doing a lot of the groundwork for this package. Councilmember Baker invited audience member Thurston County Commissioner Bud Blake to make any comments. Commissioner Blake chose not to address the Council on any matters. Mayor Harding thanked Commissioner Blake for attending the Council meeting. 11. Executive Session - none scheduled 12. Correspondence included - Thurston County Chamber Foundation Invitation for A Night on the Town, Friday, April 3, 2015 6:00 pm at the Red Lion Hotel Olympia Senator Becker's Capitol Bulletin -March 6, 2015 Thurston Regional Planning Council Pre - Agenda, Friday, April 3, 2015 8:30am- 11am Rural Pathways to Prosperity Conference, April 17, 2015 8am- 2:30pm City of Yelm Public Safety Building IT Wilcox report from the Legislature March 16, 2015 Morningside Newsletter 13. Adjourned at 6:40 pm. Attest: Ron Harding, Mayor Lori Mossman, Deputy City Clerk Page 4 of 4 Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 1 of 22 Subject: Sen. Becker's Capitol Bulletin - March 27, 2015 Edition March 27, 2015 Dem.- Fi.-ien.ds and eigh. poi.- , Today not only marked day 75 of the legislative session that is scheduled to end April 26, but also saw House budget leaders release their two -year operating- budget proposal. Every two years, the Senate and House take turns being the first body to introduce an operating - budget plan. This year it was the House of Representatives taking the lead; considering the latest state - revenue data was available more than a month ago, I was among the senators who had hoped the House budget would debut sooner. Still, I expect the Senate's take on a new operating budget will be unveiled very soon so the Legislature can begin reconciling differences in the two proposals. This is where the fun — or the angst - starts. There are three separate budgets that allocate taxpayer dollars: the operating budget pays for day - to -day operations of state government (it's what the House released today); the transportation budget pays for transportation- operation activities and construction projects; and the capital budget funds the construction of state buildings and work related to parks and other capital assets. Each of these budgets are related, but have three separate "checkbooks." A great citizen's guide that provides more information about the budget can be found here. In past years we have seen the House rush its budget through to a vote, allowing the public little opportunity to examine and comment on it. My 2nd District seatmate, Rep. JT Wilcox, deserves kudos for what he did to ensure that House budget leaders provide the public with an opportunity to study this budget and weigh in with their thoughts. That's how state government should run — transparent and inclusive! Read on for a high -level overview of the House proposal, as well as some of my concerns. I. 1ou. e tPuAget ]II:H*o]11 :,)o a.1. highligh.t Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 2 of 22 A $5.2 billion spending increase, equivalent to an increase of over 15 percent in spending compared to the current budget. $1..5 billion of tax increases, all dedicated to education. The tax increases create what the budget folks call a "bow wave" costing $2.4 billion in later years biennia. The three major components are: • Capital Gains — 5 percent tax on individuals ($570 million in 2015 -2017 & $1.3 billion in 2017- 2o19)Exempts first $25,000 for individual and $50,000 for family, plus exempts residence, farm and retirement accounts • Permanent B &O Rate Increase on Service Businesses — Rate increased to 1.8 percent from 1.5 percent ($530 million in 2015 -2017 & $620 million in 2017 -2019) • Repeal Tax Preferences ($300 million in 2015 -2017 & $340 million in 2017 -2019) • Travel agents • Bottled water • Prescription drug resellers • And more In terms of overall spending levels and tax increases, it is very similar to Governor Inslee's budget proposal, raising spending by over $5 billion and increasing taxes by $1.5 billion. The major tax difference is Inslee proposed a "cap- and - trade" tax, while the House Democrats propose raising the business and occupation tax on service businesses. You can read the entire bill here. I firmly believe new taxes are not needed to fully fund basic education, especially given the $3 billion in additional revenue projected to be available in the next two years. Instead our schools should have a funding source that is reliable, with tax increases being a last resort, not the first response. In the past two years, both the House and Senate have come together to pass bipartisan budget plans that put education first, live within the state's means and protect our most vulnerable citizens. I have no doubt that when the dust settles on the final budget, we will have a bipartisan plan that puts those priorities first. onaunau.u.nity ar d :l:�egi.sla tu.re ]11 :.) , r tn.er to develo]II:1 ]11:. )ark a :..,alie, KL1]11:)owsin. As my neighbors in rural east Pierce County already know, their area is one of the fastest - growing in the county and would benefit greatly from more parks and recreational opportunities. A group of individuals and nonprofit organizations has been working to develop a park at Lake Kapowsin. The park would have a wildlife preserve, better access to fishing, trails that would be accessible to all and a boating center that would support recreational and competitive water sports such as swimming, rowing and paddling. Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 3 of 22 Planning for this community gathering spot began in 2009; however, a number of roadblocks have threatened to derail the proposed park. The biggest hurdle right now is the state Department of Natural Resources' refusal to grant permission to make the lake safe for water activities. The lake is filled with submerged stumps that make boating and swimming dangerous. DNR contends that the lake should be deemed an "aquatic reserve" and that the stumps should be preserved, despite the economic, health, educational, social and cultural benefits that this proposed park would bring to those who call Pierce County home. I have enthusiastically supported this recreational opportunity since its inception and backers have asked for my help to make this vision a reality. To that end I wrote a letter of support to the Pierce County Council and on Tuesday the county councilors passed a resolution requesting that DNR work with stakeholders (including park planners, the Legislature and Pierce County) to develop a park at Lake Kapowsin. It's clear that all of us will need to work together to bring this park to fruition. I am working with my legislative colleagues on avenues that will assist in the effort. I believe strongly that the residents of my district deserve a destination spot like the one being proposed at Lake Kapowsin. Not only would it be for their use, but would bring another economic - development opportunity to their community. Local scouts lead Senate with. ]II)le,,dge, On Wednesday two siblings, Mariah and Jacob Smith, were on hand to lead the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. These two students from Ptarmigan Ridge Elementary in Orting did an exceptional job of opening our legislative day with a reminder that we live in a great country! Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 4 of 22 Photo: Mariah and Jacob Smith at the front of the Senate chamber Wednesday, from where the Lieutenant Governor stands when presiding over the Senate. I..:J]II:1da:te on. i. y bill With just 3o days left in the 2015 legislative session, a number of bills I introduced are moving forward and appear to be headed for inclusion in state law. It's probably no surprise that most of those bills are the result of my work in the Senate Health Care Committee. However, a few of my bills outside the scope of health care are equally important. Here are examples. Senate_Bill . , would bring the same level of transparency to public unions that is expected from private- sector unions and private /public- sector unions. Members of public unions are not required to provide their members with information regarding where and how their union dues are being used. I'm not anti -union -- my husband was a proud Teamster for many years, and as a private - sector union member, information regarding union finances was readily available to him. I was shocked to discover that public unions are not held to the same standards. Consumers deserve transparency in every level of state government, including those consumers who are union members! This bill was passed by the Senate March 1o. I'm disappointed this effort to provide union members with more clarity regarding their dues still hasn't been scheduled for a hearing in the House Labor Committee. Senate Bill 13202 would reward volunteers who perform at least 24 hours of work in our state parks with a complimentary Discover Pass. I've introduced a bill, three years in a row that would allow spouses to combine their hours and receive a single complimentary Discover Pass three years in a row. It's figured the state would give up an estimated $3,358 through providing these free passes, however, the value of the service these unpaid stewards perform is more than fivefold this cost. I'm Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 5 of 22 pleased to report that this bill is scheduled to move out of the House committee Monday and will go to the House Rules committee, which chooses bills for votes on the House floor. These bills, along with Senate Gilt gg�6 and Senate Bill P �, represent some of my most important pieces of legislation. Why? Because they were all suggested by my constituents. I can easily say that over the years I've been in Olympia, my favorite bills were brought to me by community members who were frustrated or saw a need that wasn't being filled. For example, I've been working with my colleague from the Olympic Peninsula, Sen. Jim Hargrove, on how to address the challenges associated with foster children with developmental disabilities. These children will eventually "age out" of the foster system but they still need the support a foster family can provide. I would not have known about this issue if not for one of my neighbors. In Closing I can't tell you how much I miss being in the community every day and attending meetings with the chambers, business groups and backcountry horsemen. Although ours is a part -time "citizen Legislature ", this session has been anything but that! The one treat I've been able to allow myself a few times since January is a faceting class in Federal Way. Focusing on grinding and polishing the Oregon Sunstones my husband and I hunted this past summer gives me an opportunity to recharge. The camaraderie I've developed with my classmates has reinforced my belief that after working hard, we all need to take a break to laugh and have a good time. As always, I welcome your feedback and hope you'll stay in touch through emai or in person. My legislative assistant, Tiffani, is happy to pass along a message to me at (360)'786 -7602. Thank you for the continued honor of allowing me to serve you in the state Senate. All the best, ,, Randi Becker Washington State Senator, 2nd Legislative District Olympia office: (360) 786 -7602 Email: Raiidi.Becke Llu�aov Website: www.Seiiator.RaiidiBecker.com Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 6 of 22 Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 7 of 22 Yelm . R.i.i., Rly lKe.4 Chiamber fi e, l(CAL ''w/01MM/1", NO 7 AC,al M"ll Kill First Citizens Bank Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 8 of 22 A cash mob is ia vortnitofaflaskinob, whe�epevpleqarhvr wgsrharvoperAm7 a '*antammus"Mr, Tuch as dnnrmow A wpether to plerJE"" the acr afslkpp* Ear h Thapper x symi fro w Tplend 6iq a set amour r Ofma Pre, ( la 00 m W) at a powdete Rvn hqed lacial bu 7hie rT,, an the day of the. rash nT ob, APRIL,"S CASH W,')[l INILLTAKE PL1,CE M' 3511!,,',1 St,,,Ae Route 5107Slvulli INTicKenna, 41144 imyir be jvr,,nera a,n, wm, VZIPM 'M 144V00% VA995'17 Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 9 of 22 Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 10 of 22 P � ' 11 1 2115 BY: Yelm City Council and Mayor Ron Harding Yelm City Hall 105 Yelm Avenue West Yelm, WA 98597 Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 11 of 22 Nisqually Estates HOA aka " Nisqually Meadows" PO Box 2986 Yelm, WA 98597 March 30`x', 2015 Dear Respected Members of the Yelm City Council and Mayor Harding, I am writing to you on behalf of our Board of Directors and homeowners in support of the Legalize Urban Chickens petition that has recently been submitted to the Yelm City Council for review. We represent a group of 120 homes within the city limits and have homeowners who would like to keep a small number of backyard chickens. We have also surveyed our homeowners and residents through social media, our website blog and board meetings, finding that a clear majority would not oppose a neighbor who responsibly raises chickens. Our HOA Board does not object to homeowners having a limited number of female chickens as long as they meet the City's requirements and also abide by the HOA's approval process and rules. We respectfully request that you pass reasonable municipal codes that allow residents to keep a limited number of female chickens. In addition to the proposed changes to the Yelm Municipal Code, our CC &Rs are permissive on the question of animals and allow the HOA Board to pass rules and regulations that could be even further restrictive of the City's guidelines to meet the needs of our neighborhood association. We would like to see the City of Yelm allow residents to raise female chickens like other communities in the State of Washington have successfully done. A new code, for example, could limit the number of chickens, require that chickens be enclosed in a coop and run, permit no roosters, keep living conditions sanitary, and allow a permitting process based on lot size. We suggest that the Yelm City Council review other city codes for appropriate guidelines that have proven successful. It is understandable that there may be apprehension to legalizing chickens in the city limits due to some neighborhoods having smaller lot sizes and the potential for nuisance. If the city adopts reasonable municipal codes, HOAs can then choose to write rules that best accommodate their specific neighborhood and mitigate any nuisance issue. Furthermore, HOAs already have an enforcement mechanism in place (through fines and liens) that could supplement the City's effort to keep good order. Please do not assume that neighborhood associations are not friendly to raising female chickens and have that get in the way of amending current municipal codes. It would be appropriate for each neighborhood HOA to decide whether chicken keeping is permitted in their neighborhood, Page 1 of 2 Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 12 of 22 but should not be a basis for prohibiting them city -wide. Nisqually Estates HOA supports raising backyard chickens and would appreciate the City Council's support as well. If you have any further questions, I can be reached by email at hoa @nisquallymeadows.com or on my personal cell at 360 - 280 -8325. Thank you for your consideration of our input to this important current issue. Sincerely, &-f-A Rob Mendel, President on behalf of the Nisqually Estates HOA Board Page 2 of 2 2ol5 EDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Reid Bates, President Express Employment Professionals Perry Shea, President -Elect SCJ Alliance Kevin Ekar, Secretary Heritage Bank Michael McGauly, Treasurer StraderHallett PS Jace Munson, Immediate Past President FORMA Construction Joseph Beaulieu, Joseph Beaulieu & Associates Stephen Buxbaum, Mayor, City of Olympia Brian Fluetsch, Sunset Air, Inc. Jim Geist, Capital Medical Center Ron Harding, Mayor, City of Yelm Nicole Hill, Councilmember, City of Tumwater Jessica Jensen, Jessica Jensen Law PS Zach Kosturos, Prime Locations, Inc. Wayne Mannie, Columbia Bank Denise Marroni, Providence Health & Services Southwest Washington Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 14 of 22 MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD Since our founding in 1982, the Thurston Economic Development Council has worked to create a dynamic economy that supports the values of the people who live and work in Thurston County. To support this mission, we have taken an innovative and strategic approach to fostering sustainable economic growth in the region. Through our partnerships with local and regional organizations, our recruitment work to drive investment into the county, our carefully chosen programs that support local businesses, and our willingness as an organization to take calculated risks to refine the pursuit of community development, we are at the helm of a holistic and community -wide effort to bring prosperity to the region. Economic indicators show that the local economy gained significant ground in 2014. Through our continuing work with local businesses, we have seen firsthand the impacts of the improving economy on the activities and growth of local companies. Consumer and business confidence is better than it has been since before the Great Recession, and consumer spending is up, strengthened by stabilizing incomes and declining unemployment. The Thurston EDC has the critical role of pursuing and responding to the economic and investment opportunities that come to our community, and determining how those opportunities relate to the needs and desires of our constituents and partner organizations. We take this role seriously, because we know that the jobs and investment opportunities we bring into this community now will have a long and lasting impact on the vitality of the region for years to come. Bill McGregor, Commissioner, Port of As we look forward through 2015 and beyond, we are confident about the Olympia Sandra Miller, Pacific Mountain future of our region and of this organization to proactively and thoughtfully Workforce Development Council work to create a vibrant economy in our region, for all citizens. Evan Parker, Kidder Mathews Rob Rice, Rob Rice Homes Dr. Molly Smith, Saint Martin's University Michael Steadman, Councilmember, City of Lacey Dr. Timothy Stokes, South Puget Sound Community College Kirk Veis, Owens Davies, P.S. Carrie Whisler, Olympia Federal Savings Cathy Wolfe, Commissioner, Thurston County 111) _ I'); . E' '. l'.t)l`l " M I r ;1:I"l' I" I t'; )H 1'.1:;11 BUILDING COMMUNITY WEALTH As the state - designated associate development organization (ADO) in Thurston County, the primary focus of the Thurston EDC is to foster a regional economic framework that builds the wealth of our community. At the heart of the work we do are three main principles: recruit investment and employment opportunities to the region, retain the existing local business base by providing technical assistance and advocacy, and expand operational capacity for local employers by providing them with new market opportunities. These tenets encapsulate how we work to support the development of businesses and new markets in our region. Economic development in Thurston County is a community -wide effort that is strongly grounded in our partnerships with local and regional organizations. Our methodology is current with the latest trends in economic development, with our collective community vision fully Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 15 of 22 that the local economy serves everyone in the community, so that all families in Thurston County have access to jobs and opportunity and all businesses in Thurston County have the support systems necessary for them to innovate and grow. Our programs and services are carefully chosen and strategically designed to provide the foundation of support needed by local companies. Through the work of the nationally recognized programs in our Business Resource Center, we provide entrepreneurs, small businesses and large firms the training and tools they need to become established and successful long -term employers. We coordinate with public and private partners to create a strong workforce system Wt., zvork to t sf t! thi., tconannI c in Thurston County and the region, ' anu, ^Tvork in our ( On nunil providing a robust framework in w,., w~ w w,.w 11 � � assisting businesses in recruitment, C Ul �t I UC fY � 1I ���� /Its �, ' IIUC at the forefront of the activities we undertake. Through the work we did a few years back for Thurston Regional Planning Council on a sustainable economy white paper, we have integrated six major elements into our long -range work plan: coordinated and efficient governance, access to capital, sector diversity, workforce development, innovation culture and targeted economic development programs. Our goal is to ensure retention and expansion. In addition to the services we deliver to businesses and our partner organizations, we provide a wealth of data and informational resources. Our annual Thurston Economic Vitality Index, newly created Thurston County Market Overview, and various white papers and reports authored by EDC staff are designed to attract investment interests to Thurston County and help local decision makers understand what makes our region tick economically. 5,850 people attended those v ns from region. Approximately 100 new businesses were started in 2014 with assistance from WCWB. /.. lil P° I4,;l. I t s /"" I I A I H Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 16 of 22 PROGRAMS SERVING ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORK ENTREPRENEURS Entrepreneurship and innovation are essential elements of a sustainable SBA SCORE economy. We know startups and small businesses bring new ideas, No -cost counseling for people in the perspectives and investment, contributing vibrancy and enriching the planning and early stages of business fabric of a community. We believe it is our responsibility as the lead startup economic development agency in Thurston County to support the growth TH U RSTO N ENERGY of this important component of our regional economy. Our work plan Promoting energy efficiency and includes activities that identify opportunities for start -up incubation reduction of operating costs for and growth, design and implementation of programs and initiatives that business in the Pac 5 region support the short and long -term health of emerging employers in our region, and delivery of technical assistance for those businesses. WASHINGTON CENTER FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS Our goal at the EDC is to help business owners get the tools and training SBA - funded women's business center they need to thrive. Our Business Resource Center exists specifically to servingthe state of Washington support business throughout their entire life- cycle. The BRC provides a network for entrepreneurs and bootstrap organizations for referrals, WASHINGTON PROCUREMENT networking, resources, and start -up help. Established businesses can TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE count on us for personalized counseling and technical assistance, training CENTER and workshops to improve business effectiveness, transitional planning State -wide program that helps and more. Our BRC also fulfills a critical component of business success businesses find, bid and win by promoting and supporting a robust workforce in Thurston County. government contracts We have created strategic and creative partnerships with local and regional WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT partners - including our local chambers of commerce, municipalities, Coordinates with public and private institutions of higher education, non - profit organizations, private investors partners to create a strong workforce and citizens - to support the entrepreneurial network in the County. If our system in the county and region community is to become more vibrant and competitive into our future, it is critical that we lay the foundation for an innovation culture that provides a platform for businesses to grow, and allows for the identification of opportunities and solutions for businesses to move into new competitive arenas. RECRUITING INVESTMENT Much of our recruitment efforts in 2014 were centered around the rebound in the economy. We have adopted a proactive work plan to capitalize on the assets of our community and attract new dollars to Thurston County. Currently, approximately 70% of the jobs locally are provided by private- sector companies, a trend we expect to continue. The creation of the 2012 industry cluster study by Pacific Mountain WDC provided data about the region's economic drivers, allowing us to attract targeted investment and businesses in these clusters. We are working with local jurisdictions and partners on iniatiatives to ensure that the regional economic framework can support the 40% projected growth in population over the next 15 years, with the necessary infrastructure to provide employment opportunities in the future. JBLM is a strong influence on our economy, providing a stable base of customers for retail trade, and a talented pool of trained workers transitioning into the local workforce. Through the Camo2Commerce grant, we are actively recruiting transitioning soldiers to our entrepreneurial training programs. The Thurston EDC has undertaken specific activities to attract investment in the region. In addition to targeted lead generation, we work with international investment interests, and continue to participate at RECON, the largest retail tradeshow in North America. We have responded to developers and investors who have interest in key properties such as Lacey Gateway Town Center, Woodland District, Tumwater Brewery, Port of Olympia and other specific parcels throughout Thurston County. Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 17 of 22 FOSTERING PARTNERSHIP Regionalism has been a core value of the EDC for more than ten years. As such, we have created strong relationships with out -of- county organizations and community partners to advance the vitality of the local economy. By cultivating these partnerships, the EDC not only solidifies its position as the economic development leader in our region, but also ensures that the community development activities we undertake best suit the needs of our partners and of our region. An important part of our regional economic strategy is the award - winning Pac 5 Strategic Economic Alliance (Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Lewis and Pacific counties). Initiatives through this collaboration include: promotion of regional energy efficiency, coordinated and targeted commercial and industrial recruitment, workforce development, manufacturing support networks, and rural entrepreneurial development. The Thurston EDC has provided in excess of $3M in contractual dollars to these partners over the last six years, ensuring that we can collectively increase economic development and linkages throughout the region. We also work directly with local jurisdictions and partner organizations to create initiatives that effectively promote community development throughout the County. These partners include: the cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino, Rainier and Bucoda, Port of Olympia, Washington State Department of Commerce, Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, regional chambers of Commerce, Thurston Regional Planning Council, Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau, Enterprise 4 Equity, South Puget Sound Community College, Saint Martin's University, Thurston Thrives and South Thurston Economic Development Initiative. I THURSTON EDC STAFF MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION EXECUTIVE TEAM Michael Cade Executive Director Renee Sunde Deputy Director FINANCE TEAM Kim Yale Finance Director Crista Rifenberg Finance & Office Services Manager Leona Liu Finance Assistant MARKETING TEAM Annette Roth Marketing Manager Pearlita Price Marketing & Event Coordinator WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Nancie Payne Workforce Development Director Kyle Wiese Research & Project Coordinator BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAMS THURSTON ENERGY Ramsey Zimmerman Program Director Mark Rentfrow Energy Services Manager WASHINGTON CENTER FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS Victoria Wortberg Program Manager Liz Jamieson Business Coach WASHINGTON PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER Tiffany Scroggs State Program Director Stephanie Scott Government Contract Assistance Specialist Traci Hansen Program Assistant Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 18 of 22 INTERNAL OPERATIONS The Thurston EDC has a quality team of professionals in place, providingtop- notch economic development and technical business services to the community. As a result of the increase in resources and program development over the past several years, we have augmented internal administrative departments - most notably, marketing, finance and workforce development - to provide operational support to the organization as a whole. In addition, we have put into place internal policies and procedures that strengthen efficiencies and foster strong team communication, so that we can effectively and efficiently serve our clients and stakeholders. By making these changes, we bolster our ability to be nimble and responsive to the growing needs of business and investment interests. 2014 FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT The Thurston EDC would not be able to drive investment into our economy without strategic investments made into the operations of the organization. Our 2014 budget of $2.376M came from a combination of sources, including public partnerships, private investors, earned income and grants. This blend of income sources creates a strong strategic funding model that provides flexibility and allows us to serve all sectors of the economy. The charts below provide a snapshot of the EDC's funding mechanisms and demonstrate how financial resources are allocated to meet the needs of the community. FUNDING SOURCES Public Partnerships 0 Grants ))r' Private Investment 11111111111 Earned Income Income generated from PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS includes contracted projects and services with municipalities, county, Port of Olympia, and WA State Commerce. Income generated from PRIVATE INVESTORS includes fiscal investment into the EDC from private employers. EARNED INCOME are resources generated from events, fees from services and contractual relationships. Income generated from GRANTS comes as a result ofsuccessful competitive proposals to public and private sources. I 1 1.,11-,. 1 I)- "i I i.i. I" i); "'lli. I ) I A I I)% ,I "' I" I r' ,l II" i:;ll EDC EXPENSES Recruit N�, Retain 0 Expand Expenses allocated within the RECRUIT category represent the efforts to bring new investment and opportunities to the community. Expenses allocated within the category of RETAIN represent efforts to keep healthy the existing employer base of Thurston County. Expenses allocated to efforts within the EXPAND category include resources necessary to develop new markets and technical assistance for growth of existing businesses. Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 19 of 22 ON THE HORIZON Exciting developments are on the horizon for the Thurston EDC in 2015. The most notable change will be the move of our entire operations in September. Collocating with the new South Puget Sound Community College campus in Lacey's Woodland District, we will jointly create the South Puget Sound Business Resource Center. We have made the decision to move to this new location so we can increase our capacity to serve industry and ensure we continue to provide top -notch services to businesses in Thurston County. The new Center will be a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, focusing on advancing community prosperity. Through targeted technical assistance, education, and training for start -up and expanding businesses, this partnership gives us a stronger platform to grow the economy of Thurston County. Through our collaborative efforts, we can focus on serving the rapidly- changing needs of local industry, delivering targeted technical assistance to meet those demands. Both the College and the Thurston EDC will continue to deliver the services they always have, creating a climate for innovation unparalleled in the Pacific Northwest. Our collective vision is to help streamline the delivery of training programs and workforce development services so that our targeted industries can remain productive and competitive into the future. The Thurston EDC has a sound plan in place to minimize disruption of activities while we go through this transition. / P° 1 4)P 11) F,t_ 1 1 A � HI ,) I Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 21 of 22 Subject: Sen. Becker's Capitol Bulletin - April 5, 2015 Edition April 5, 2015 13ear Friends and Neighbors, I'm excited to be hosting a "telephone town hall" this Thursday. I hope you'll be able to join me from 7 to 8 p.m. With my duties in Olympia I'll be at the Capitol, you'll be in the comfort of your home, and we'll use the phone to talk about what's happening in the Legislature and issues concerning the 2nd District. If you haven't participated before, a "telephone town hall" is best described as a cross between a conference call and radio call -in program. You can listen to others ask questions, as well as ask a question yourself. You can also participate through the internet. Simply go to listen.townhallinteractive.com and enter PIN: 463583• So, if your home phone rings around 7 o'clock Thursday evening with an invitation from me, simply stay on the line; if not, just dial 1 -800- 759 -5308 to join the conversation. Senate budget leaders present `'no new taxes' plan Earlier this week Senate budget leaders answered back to the House of Representatives' tax -and- spend budget proposal with a sensible plan that puts education first, protects our state's most vulnerable and balances with no new taxes. Details of the Senate operating- budget proposal: • No new taxes! • Supports a 21st- century education system by adding $1.3 billion in new money toward basic Agenda Item 12. Correspondence Page 22 of 22 education, the largest K -12 investment in state budget history. • Reduces tuition at state -run colleges and universities by 25 percent, the first decrease since the 1970s. • Increases funding for our most vulnerable populations: the mentally ill, developmentally disabled and seniors. • Closes 12 tax exemptions. • Proposes state - employee raises in a way that is more equitable. You can read the entire budget bill her e. Once both the House and Senate versions are passed by their respective chambers, the next step will likely involve a "conference committee." This is where budget writers from both the House and Senate, with input from the governor, sit down and negotiate until a final agreement is reached. Over the coming weeks there will be many changes as we all work to construct a final budget. I am committed to working hard to ensure that the budget the Legislature passes is efficient and responsible, prioritizes education and takes care of our most vulnerable. In Closing I hope to hear from you Thursday evening during my telephone town hall. If you are unable to participate, I welcome your feedback anytime and hope you'll stay in touch throughmaii or in person. My legislative assistant, Tiffani, is happy to pass along a message to me at (360)'786 -7602. Thank you for the continued honor of allowing me to serve you in the state Senate. All the best, Randi Becker Washington State Senator, 2nd Legislative District Olympia office: (360) 786 -7602 Email: Raiidi.Becke Llu�aov Website: www. Senator andiBec,ker.com