Loading...
04 07 2020 Study Session AgendaAGENDA STUDY SESSION TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2020 6:00 pm Yelm City Hall 106 Second Street SE Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. a. Water Rights Update b. Rail Abandonment Agreement C. Discussion on temporarily reducing Water and Sewer rates 4. Mayor's Report 5. Councilmember Initiatives Meeting Information 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 Lori Lucas, at 360.458.8402 at least four (4) working days prior to the scheduled event. For information on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Title VI Statement, click this link http://www.ci.yelm.wa.us/human-resources/. The Preliminary Agenda and Approved Council Minutes are available at www.yelmwa.gov. YELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2020 6:00 P.M. VIRTUAL MEETING 106 SECOND STREET SE YELM, WA 1. Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. Present: Councilmembers: James Blair, Molly Carmody, Cody Colt, Tad Stillwell, Tracey Wood, Joe DePinto and Terry Kaminski. Staff present: City Administrator Michael Grayum, Finance Director Heidi MacDonald, Interim Public Works Director Steve Clark, Public Works Project and Program Manager Pat Hughes, IT and Community Development Director Grant Beck and City Clerk & HR Manager Lori Lucas. 3. a. Water Rights Update Community Development Director Grant Beck gave a presentation on the options that were studied to meet the requirements to avoid impacts, minimize impacts and mitigate impacts of the Pilot Project. A final mitigation plan is currently in final review for submission to the Washington State Department of Ecology for their review and decision. 3. b. Rail abandonment Agreement Community Development Director Grant Beck gave a presentation on the Prairie Line Trail status. This effort started in 1999 through a purchase and donation by BNSF. This section of the trail is a multi-use trail connecting Thurston and Pierce County. In 2017, the Council supported staff to seek grant funds to convert the section to trail use only. Regional partners are so involved in this effort. A contract will be brought before Council for their review soon. 3. c. Discussion on temporarily reducing water and sewer rates City Administrator Michael Grayum gave a presentation on the Economic and Financial impacts of the COVIC-19 Pandemic for April 2020. Short term and long term impacts were discussed. The City of Yelm staff continues to telework from home. Discussion followed on different options if the water and sewer rates were reduced during this emergency and the impacts to the City. Staff will prepare multiple scenarios on rate reductions for Council to review. 4. Mayors Report — Mayor Foster reported that city operations are going strong thanks to our IT Department (System Administrator Jason Hardy and Computer Specialist Aaron Green and IT Director Grant Beck). We appreciate our employees during this COVID-19 Pandemic. Congress passed the CARES Act to help businesses during this emergency. More information available at www.yelmwa.gov/Coronavirus information and resources. Mayor Foster has created a grant program along with America's Credit Union and TOGETHER to help community members in need during these uncertain times. Stay tuned for more information. 5. Council Initiatives Councilmember Blair is not in support of reducing the water and sewer rates nor enforcement of Governor Inslee's "Stay at Home" Order. 04-7-2020 Councilmember Carmody reported that the Intercity Transit will temporarily suspended regular bus routes and transition to providing essential trips for the public using an advanced reservation system. Councilmember Wood stated that KeyBank has been very helpful to business owners and applying for the financial assistance provided by CARES Act. Councilmember Stillwell appreciates the fact that Councilmembers can have difficult conversations and be respectful of each other. Councilmember DePinto reminded everyone to wear a mask for your safety if you have to leave your house. Adjourn: 7:43 p.m. 0/6_ Ye-Ks-CA earl Attest: 3 Foster, Mayor Lori Lucas, City Clerk These minutes record the official actions of the Yelm City Council. Complete recordings are available on the city website at www.yelmwa.gov. 04-7-2020