03 02 2021 Study Session MinutesYELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 6:00 P.M.
VIRTUAL
1. Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
2. Present: Councilmembers: James Blair, Molly Carmody, EJ Curry, Tad Stillwell, Tracey
Wood, Joe DePinto and Terry Kaminski.
Staff present: City Administrator Michael Grayum, Public Works Director Cody Colt and
City Clerk & HR Manager Lori Lucas.
3. d. Water Rights Overview was moved to a future meeting.
3. a. Tiny Home Villages for the Homeless
Deb Larson with "Love Abounds Here" gave a presentation on Tiny Home Villages that are
currently in Olympia and Orting. Ms. Larson shared the goals for the non-profit organization
and the needs of Yelm homeless people. They plan to write a proposal to Thurston County
for funding to construct ten tiny homes in a village, hire a 1/2 time counselor and purchase a
mobile unit for individual and group counseling to find people where they are located. "Love
Abounds Here" is seeking land from the City of Yelm for the Tiny Home Village.
3. b. Discussion on Economic Development Priorities
Yelm Chamber Executive Director Line Critchfield facilitated discussion with Council on their
priorities for Yelm. Council discussed different ideas and what they would like to see in the
next 3-5 years. Some of the many ideas shared were Wayfinder signs, Education &
Innovation Center, permanent indoor farmers market, more beautification efforts for
downtown and to continue the partnership with the Yelm Chamber of Commerce.
3. c. Boards and Commissions
Executive Assistant and Customer Service Manager Kathy Linnemeyer gave a presentation
to Council on the Boards and Commissions and reported on the discussion she had with the
sub -committees. Some of the items discussed were term lengths for the volunteer
members, meeting frequency, number of members, expiration date of terms, appointing
authority, automatically renew the term if desired or do they reapply and changing the city
limit requirements. This will come back to Council on March 23, 2021.
4. Mayors Report —
Mayor Foster received a request from Regional Partners in South Sound and nationally for a
Proclamation recognizing COVID 19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day on March 1st.
Mayor Foster read the proclamation to Council and it is posted on our social media page and
forwarded to national groups.
S. Council Initiatives —
Councilmember Blair has asked the Community Development Department for driveway
regulations. He would like to address this at an upcoming Study Session for discussion.
Councilmember Carmody will be attending the Intercity Transit Authority Board meeting
tomorrow.
Councilmember DePinto would like to explore a possible Drone Show in Yelm. A fireworks
show but with drones. He will put together a plan to bring to Council.
Mayor Foster thanked the audience, staff and Line Critchfield for their participation in the
meeting.
Adjourn: 8:56 p.m.
Attest: Lucas,
City
Clerk 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.
3-02-2021