04-27-16 MinutesYELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Pro -tem Tracey Wood called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Present: Councilmembers: JW Foster, Molly
Carmody, Bob Isom, Tad Stillwell, Joe DePinto and Russ Hendrickson. Staff: Bill Brandon, Sonia Ramirez, Grant Beck,
Ryan Johnstone and Todd Stancil.
4 a. Alert Sense System, Todd Stancil, Chief of Police presented a live demonstration. The internal and external
notification has the capability to notify a large number of people automatically by cell phone text or landline, impacted by
events, including traffic, temporary road closures and emergencies, as they occur. Citizens would have the opportunity to
sign up for the service to receive notification. Further, in coordination with Thurston County each could administer
emergency notification by opening area maps and notifying residents in that area. This comprehensive system includes
the ability to bounce off cell towers for those passing through those areas affected by events. Cost associated is
population based with a service fee estimated at $1,600 annually. Staff is training on the internal notification and setting
up contact groups before rolling out the external program in June.
4 b. Cyber Key Demonstration, Ryan Johnstone, Public Works Director, with assistance from Grant Beck presented
new key technology that is currently in place at the Community Center. Keys checked out for rental of the Community
Center are programmed to be active only during the designated rental period. Ryan proposes to retrofit the City buildings
and facilities with compatible locks, allowing staff to carry one key to open multiple locks. Programming of keys in a
central location allows access and limitations to open multiple locks; limit the day and time the key will open a particular
lock, record access activity and provide ability to deactivate a lost key. Initial cost $8,000 and $13,000 to retrofit the locks.
4 c. Uber Occupational Permit, Grant Beck, Community Development Director updated Council on change of practice
to license Uber drivers as proposed to cities in Thurston County. An Open House was held in Olympia for public
participation where cities worked collaboratively to make the process consistent with Uber's Transportation Network.
Replaces current background checks with more thorough ones. Yelm licensing and taxation remain. Olympia agreed to
facilitate the audits on demand. This change of practice provided an opportunity to revisit the occupational permitting that
will be done by the Police Dept.
5. Mayors Report. 1)Tracey Wood reported that the Community Initiative Partnership funding group replaces that of the
HOME Consortium. The group meets May 9 for So. Sound cities to review and award RFP. Mayors met and agreed to
commit a share of the CDBG entitlement funds to be a part of the group, rather than commit sales tax money. 2)Traffic
studies at Stevens and 1" Ave determined that a four way stop sign is justified for this location and P.W. will install.
3)WWTP is short staffed due to vacant manager position and staff member's recent auto accident. PW Director would
like to fill a temporary operator assistant position during staff member's recovery. CONCENSUS TO MOVE FORWARD
WITH TEMPORARY HIRE WWTP OPERATOR ASSISTANT. 4) Portable recording equipment is available to begin
recording study sessions in the training room. CONCENSUS TO BEGIN RECORDING STUDY SESSIONS IN
TRAINING ROOM. 5) Use of computer tablets for Council. Cost for hardware $5,600 and $400 monthly data package.
CONCENSUS TO MOVE FORWARD FOR USE WITHOUT DATA PACKAGE. 6) Reviewed process for adding items to
Council meeting Agenda, including Council initiatives and outside agency requests. 7) Reviewed Amateur Radio Group
request for waiver for overnight Cochrane Park Use request.
6. Council Initiatives
JW acknowledged the good work done by PW staff to repair potholes on Mill Rd.
Molly Carmody inquired about what can be done about a feral cat nuisance. Bill Brandon offered to look into alternative
solutions rather than adding to PW animal control duties.
Tad Stillwell requested clarification and review of fee waiver request from Bichler. Item will appear on agenda if applicant
submits requested documents.
Tracey Wood commented on issues raised by citizens that have developed with the Skateboard Park's popularity,
including littering of garbage, landscape damage, smoking and use of Park closure to discourage this activity.
Joe DePinto and Mayor Harding met with representatives from YMCA to hear their interest in locating in Yelm. Future
meeting scheduled with local and regional representatives to discuss needs assessment.
Todd Stancil announced Officer Don Moody has given his 2 -week notice. City is in the process of filling position.
Adjourn 7:55 p.m.
n
Tracey Woo Mayor Pro Tem
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Attest
Janine Schnepf, City Cler