06-29-16 Study Session MinutesYELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
Mayor Pro -tem Tracey Wood called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Present: Councilmembers: Molly Carmody, Joe
DePinto and Russ Hendrickson. JW Foster arrived at 5:20 pm Staff: Bill Brandon, Chad Bedlington, Grant Beck, Noah
Crocker, Janine Schnepf and Todd Stancil. First Study Session to be video recorded in the Training Room.
4 a. Fats, Oils and Greases (FOG), How to eliminate FOG. Chad Bedlington, Public Works Director presented a slide
presentation on the progress of identifying commercial accounts that are producing excess fats, oils and greases in the
step tanks, causing detrimental affects to the step system that inhibits the reuse treatment process. Tanks require more
maintenance and impact the City financially, including staff time, replacement of strained motors and disposal of the
sludge product is more expensive, because of the FOG content. City staff have identified 25 businesses with excess
FOG. Businesses billed for the testing fees only thus far. Staff proactive in the field educating business managers, testing
samples, issuing corrective action letters, but the bulk of the problem remains. Discussion followed on what we can do
moving forward. CONCENSUS to continue to educate and use the tools provided in the YMC to escalate fines and
collection of costs associated with violation to recover costs to educate and control losses.
4 b. Hazard Mitigation, Todd Stancil, Police Chief reported that by the end of summer will look to Council for approval of
5 -yr Hazard Mitigation plan encouraged by FEMA that will include School District, Fire District and regional providers to
mitigate natural occurring events: landslide, floods, earthquake, fire and volcanic events vulnerability for city owned
property. Plan when completed goes to FEMA for approval and back to each jurisdiction for approval. Two properties
identified are retro fit of City Hall and downtown water tower. Additionally, Bald Hills Rd flooding and 103rd/Creek St.
Bridge. Properties identified in Plan for potential grant funding and clear the way for funding in emergency need.
Work on the Plan funded by grant from TC to hire TRPC to build the Thurston County plan. Council discussion specific to
cost to retrofit City Hall vs new build in addition to tear down of the tower vs making it seismically sound. Prioritize safety
concerns.
Todd briefed on TC Cascadian Rising, scheduled to present at the July Chamber meeting and the City's own emergency
management exercise. Reported Alert Sense is close to roll out to public.
5. Mayors Report.
6. Council Initiatives: Molly Carmody expressed critical concerns about staffing. Bill Brandon reported that each
department has need to add staff, public safety being a priority. Police Chief reported that department is at minimum
staffing. A lateral candidate is on-line to replace Moody. Background on lateral to replace May. Update on injured Officer,
unknown if will return to position. Lateral listing open for several months with competition from other agencies also hiring.
Entry-level officers require full year training before they are on the road. Options to replace and add discussed through
incentive Policy requires approval from Council. Currently options to require mandatory OT and pulling detective back to
patrol to ensure public safety. CONCENSUS to bring incentive policy forward next council meeting.
Bill Brandon followed up with the staffing update in other departments: Posting vacancy PW Manager, 2x Seasonal
worker -Parks, Building Official and City Clerk scheduled to retire in October.
Noah Crocker stated situation critical to reorganize until another FTE can be added.
Bill Brandon is developing a 5 -yr plan to get back to pre -2009 levels starting with 2017 budget season. Presented org
chart. Noah added upcoming mid -year financial presentation would be completed in July. JW Foster recommended that
Council revisit cash threshold policy.
Joe DePinto — Appeal to join with Olympia and Lacey to participate in YMCA survey and results that would access the
needs of the community and what YMCA could provide. First steps toward locating a facility in Yelm. CONCENSUS to
bring forward to Council request of $5,000 to participate in assessment study that would provide valuable information
about the community needs in addition to interest in the YMCA.
Tracey Wood requested update of Longmire CT, Choates sewer line extension, area currently on city water but on septic
tank. Feasibility of the City to install sewer prior to a septic failure with the existing lots.
CONCENSUS to bring to Study Session to discuss further. Chad was tasked with staff report and recommendations.
Noah Crocker encouraged Council to consider all of the capital needs after financial review.
Adjourn 8:05 p.m.
Tra ey Wood, Mayo Pro Tem
1 of 1 06-29-16
Attest
�LJAhine Schnepf, City Clerk