09-27-00 Minutes
MINUTES
YELM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27,2000, 7:30 P.M.
YELM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. Call to Order. Mayor Wolf called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. All present
joined in the flag salute.
a. Oath of Office - Mayor Wolf administered the Oath of Office to Robert W.
Isom, and he was welcomed to the Council.
Council Present: Don Miller, John Thompson, Bob Isom, Glen Cunningham and
Adam Rivas.
b. Gordon Wohlfeil, Special Olympics Washington, explained law
enforcement's role as a major contributor to the Special Olympics. In addition to
financial support, YPD also participated in carrying the torch for the 2000 Special
Olympics. Wohlfeil noted that there is a "Pride of the Prairie" team competing in
events. A certificate was awarded to Brian Asmus and Yelm PD along with a
level of financial support plaque.
2. Consent Agenda Items
a. Agenda
b. Minutes: September 13,2000
c. Vouchers: #13651 - 13697, Totaling $69,972.99
d. Payroll: Preliminary September 2000
00-116 MOTION BY DON MILLER, SECONDED BY JOHN THOMPSON
APPROVING CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS AND ADDING A
YELM/TIMBERLAND LETTER AS ITEM b UNDER REPORTS. CARRIED.
3. Public Comment/Questions - None
4. New Business:
a. Norm LeMay, LeMay, Inc., reviewed highlights of the proposed contract
for services which requires Utilities & Transportation Commission (UTC) review
and approval prior to any rate increase. The new contract identifies services
provided to the city including pickup at all municipal locations, containers for
community clean-up, and an indexed recycling rebate rate set at $2 per residential
water custolner, currently $2,000 per year. He enjoys working with Yelm officials
and staff and looks forward to continuing the relationship.
There was some discussion concerning a yard waste program including
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participation levels to successfully operate a route, subsidizing yard waste
programs by increasing other rates and using a survey to determine local support.
b. Resolution No. 404 Refuse & Recycling Services Contract.
00-117 MOTION BY ADAM RIVAS, SECONDED BY GLEN CUNNINGHAM
APPROVING RESOLUTION NO. 404 A REFUSE AND RECYCLING
SERVICES CONTRACT WITH LEMAY, INC. CARRIED.
c. Intercity Transit Update. Mike Harbour, General Manager, Intercity
Transit, briefed council on public transportation service and taxing issues facing
the community. An historical overview was presented beginning with the 1980
formation of a Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA) supported by an
election approving a .3 % sales tax for public transportation along with a portion
of Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET) collections. In 1992 voters in rural areas
outside the original PTBA also approved a .3 % tax for public transportation.
In 1999 voters rejected 60/40% (71/29% in rural areas) a request to increase the
tax from .3 to .5% resulting in a service reduction. Voters then passed Initiative
695 eliminating MVET funding for transit systems, resulting in a 42% loss in
revenue. The resulting funding loss required additional service reductions and/or
elimination of service outside of the urban areas.
IT is requesting that the Board of County Commissioners call a "Public
Transportation Conference" to discuss the existing PTBA and consider a
boundary reduction. Tom Hansen and Doug Meyers spoke urging
Councilmembers to participate in this process.
Council discussion concerned the value of public transportation to the Yelm area,
the limited focus of the state Blue Ribbon committee and the general lack of
support for tax increase.
d. Edwards House Special Use Permit (CUP-00-8258- YL) to construct a 40
unit, 25,000 square foot assisted living facility. Staff provided an overview of the
project based on a (9/19/00) staff report. The Yelm Planning Commission (YPC)
conducted a public hearing on September 18, 2000 and determined that the
proposal, with conditions 1-18, meets Yelm land use codes and development
requirements and is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The YPC forwarded
an approval recommendation to council.
00-118 MOTION BY JOHN THOMPSON, SECONDED BY GLEN CUNNINGHAM
APPROVING THE EDWARDS HOUSE SPECIAL USE PERMIT
(CUP-OO -8258-YL) AS RECOMMENDED BY THE YELM PLANNING
COMMISSION. CARRIED.
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e. George Edwards Homestead Register Nomination. Staff provided an
overview of the history of the property based on the (9/19/00) staff report and
Drew Crooks writings George Edwards ofYelm Prairie: A Biographical Sketch.
On September 6, 2000, the Yelm Historic Preservation Commission (YHPC)
conducted a public hearing and determined that the site meets local register
qualifications 1, 5 and 6. Based upon these findings, the YHPC recommends
adding this site to the local register. It was determined that the designation would
not have an effect on future use of the property, but would create an awareness of
the area's history and the connection to the Hudson's Bay Company.
00-119 MOTION BY JOHN THOMPSON, SECONDED BY DON MILLER
APPROVING THE ADDITION OF THE GEORGE EDWARDS HOMESTEAD
TO YELM'S REGISTER OF HISTORIC SITES. CARRIED.
f. Ordinance No. 711 Item was omitted from the agenda but included in
packets. This ordinance is a budget amendment creating a Deputy Clerk and
Accounting Clerk classification and salary range. Staff explained that this is not
an additional position, but the restructuring of an existing position, that will be
filled internally in November. A request for a new part-time position will be
included in the 2001 budget request. Department staffing levels have remained
unchanged since the early 1990s. The individual in this position will spend
approximately half of their time assisting the City Clerk and the other half
performing accounting duties.
00-120 MOTION BY GLEN CUNNINGHAM, SECONDED BY ADAM RIVAS
ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 711 CREATING DEPUTY CLERK AND
ACCOUNTING CLERK CLASSIFICATIONS AND SALARY RANGES.
CARRIED.
5. Old Business:
a. Olympic Pipeline Safety Consortium Update (from 9/13/00). Staff
presented a report providing general information about the consortium,
membership, funding, and meetings. A listing of opinions both supporting and
against joining the consortium was also provided. Council discussed potential
value for the $5,000 annual membership fee. The pipeline does run along
former/current railroad tracks, however the property is actually either under the
control of Thurston County or the railroad. Thurston County as a member of the
consortium, would also provide information to Yelm, as this property runs
through the City. Council agreed that they would continue to study options but not
join at this time, as the City does not currently have control of any pipeline
property, although this situation is subject to change.
6. Reports:
a. City Council Liaison Reports
1) City Hall- A written report was provided
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2) Court - A written report was provided
3) Public Works - Councilmember Miller - A written report was provided
4) Park/Park Use Requests - There were no park use requests.
5) Police - Councilmember Thompson reviewed items on the written
report.
6) Planning - Councilmember Cunningham was unable to attend due to
meeting content.
7) Financial - Councilmember Rivas reminded everyone of the Budget
Work Sessions every Tuesday in October at 4:00. A notebook
containing information needed for the first meeting was provided to
each Councilmember and to city departments.
a) Year 2000 Revenue Estimates. Staff reported that based upon
general fund tax revenue received to date, we will be under projections by
approximately $50,000. Sales tax revenue amounts can be effected by a
number of things including construction projects, and a two-month
collection/distribution time lag. Other revenues, which have exceeded
projections, along with a higher than projected beginning net cash, will
help cover the shortfall.
b. Library - Yelm and Timberland Regional Library Letter to Yelm
Prairie Development Co. A copy of the letter was provided. Mayor Wolf
explained that the letter's intent is to continue discussions and work towards a
proposal with Prairie Development that includes preliminary plans, cost estimates
and a projected occupancy date.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS: Supports the letter being signed and sent to Yelm
Prairie Development Co.
c. Mayor's Report - Wolf thanked Adam Rivas and Shelly for filling in for
her.
Bob Isom was welcomed and asked to serve as liaison to city hall and the
court. He will also serve as Yelm's representative to the Law & Justice
Committee which meets on the 3rd Wednesday at noon at the Thurston Co.
Courthouse.
The Trail dedication has been scheduled for Friday, Oct. 6, at 5:30.
Mayor Wolf provided information about the new Memorial Tree Program,
a brochure detailing participation, costs, and registry has been developed.
Correspondence items shared included: 1) A WC Regional Meeting, this
meeting provides an opportunity to talk to legislators, contact Agnes if you
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plan to attend. 2) Guidelines for Ballot Proposition Activity, and 3)
Initiatives Update & Municipal & Public Finance News.
d. Council - No report.
e. Salmon Recovery/Endangered Species Act Report. Shelly Badger and
Cathie Carlson presented a video and slide program identifying benefits of taking
a proactive approach to salmon recovery issues, and the possible consequences of
not taking action.
7. Correspondence was reviewed.
8. Adjourn: 10:05 p.m.
~1/ )Jl, LJo$
K thryn M. Wolf, Mayor
Attest:
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Agnes P. Bennick, City Clerk
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