04-07-2020YELM 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: lames 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. Rall 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. e. 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.velmwa.aov/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.
S. 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
Councllmember 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
:-4Q( ( "
Attest: v '"'� 0,-,/
] -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