07-07-2020YELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020 6:00 P.M.
VIRTUAL
1. Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m
2. Present: Councilmembers: Molly Carmody, Tad Stillwell, Joe DePinto and Terry
Kaminski.
Councilmembers James Blair attended via telephone.
Absent: Councilmember Tracey Wood
Staff present: Community Development Director Grant Beck, Public Works Director Cody
Colt, City Administrator Michael Grayum and HR Specialist Karen Bennett.
3. a. Bio -Dryer Update
Cody Colt, Public Works Director gave a presentation on a timeline on the proposed Blo-
Dryer project. Council adopted the Sewer Facilities plan in 2016. The Sewer Facilities plan
outlined 3 phases giving the Sewer Department a path forward. Phase 3 Included a Bio -
Dryer and was slated for 2024 construction. The Public Works Committee has shown an
Interest in investing in the Blo-Dryer sooner. Moving the Blo-Dryer to Phase 1.5 will save
on construction cost if building alongside the WRF upgrades.
3. b. Safe Start — Phase 3 Re -opening
Michael Grayum, City Administrator gave a presentation on City of Yelm employee training
to prevent COVID-19 infection. All City employees will receive this training to help prevent
the spread of COVID-19. The City is now in Phase 3 and the City of Yelm facilities will be
re -opening to in-person services beginning on Monday, July 13th.
3. c. Term Limits
Molly Carmody, Councilmember discussed exploring the opportunity of term limits for
elected officials. Councilmember Carmody will draft a proposal to be brought back to
Council at a later date.
4. Mayors Report
Mayor Foster reported that Bloodworks Northwest will be having a Pop -Up Blood Drive at
the Yelm Community Center July 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th. Sign up can be done at
https:Hdslnk.co/YeImPopUp
S. Council Initiatives
Councilmember Blair would like to see the City of Yelm look Into the requirements to
apply for an earlier opening date of the City Splash Pad.
Councilmember Carmody has changed her office hours from Thursday mornings, 10 a.m.
to Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in Yelm City Park under the pavilion.
Councilmember Curry reported that the Fire District answered 27 call during 4th and St" of
July. A majority of those calls were fireworks related. This may be the time we starting
looking at the City's fireworks policy.
07-07-2020
Councilmember Stillwell going through the COVID grant processes it has become clear
the business need to be educated more. Will be working with the Finance committee and
the Government committee to help with business understanding the Business License
process.
Councilmember DePinto talked about putting together a proposal to reduce the days for
fireworks sales and have a City sponsored fireworks event and present it to the General
Government committee. Councilmember DePinto spoke about Secured Mailbox's and the
understanding that Council does not want to pursue this. Councllmember Blair and
Councilmember DePinto are going to pursue this privately. Councilmember DePlnto talked
about working with the Director of Yelm Timberland Library on opportunities of moving to a
different location and reducing costs. Nisqually Plaza owners, Director of Yelm Timberland
Library, and Councllmember DePinto will be touring Nisqually Plaza later this month. Details
will be brought to the Council at a later date.
Councilmember Kaminski commented that old City Hall is looking shabby.
Adjourn: 7:21 p.m.
Attest: ( & , �
J Foster, Mayor Karen Be e , HR Specialist
These minutes record the official actions of the Yelm City Council. Complete recordings are
available on the city website at www.yelmwa.gov.
07-07-2020