02-25-09 SS MinutesYELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2009 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 5.00 pm
Present: Don Miller, Joe Baker, Bob Isom, Mike McGowan, Pat Fetterly, John Thompson and Russ
Hendrickson. Staff; Shelly Badger, Stephanie Ray, Todd Stancil, Staci Field, Cindy Goforth-Teixeira.
Guest: Rita Hutcheson
Presentations; Staci Field presented an interesting report on the many programs she is
developing and current services she is providing as her responsibilities as Crime
Prevention Officer. Brochures were provided that are also available to the Public at the
Public Safety Building including: Block Watch organization for homeowners and
Apartment Watch, Operation ID encouraging citizens to photograph and record serial
numbers of their inventory, Vacation House Check and Business Watch, Seniors Safety
program to inform citizens about common scams and protection against ID theft, Court
Security, Child Safety Forums in the school buildings, organizing a Volunteer program and
Sex offender tracking and notification. Programs are designed to protect vulnerable
citizens, reduce crime and encourage support in the community for a positive relationship
with the Police Department.
Stephanie Ray provided a review of the Water System Update Open House
Presentation for March 5, 2009 including the necessary infrastructure improvements
planned, revenue needs and the upcoming water rate increase.
Shelly Badger with Fire Chief, Rita Hutchenson, provided a packet containing information
to update full Council on the Regional Fire Authority Draft Plan as developed by the
Planning Committee. Discussion included the timeline, funding impact to the citizens, map
of the region covered and election requirements for space on the August 2009 ballot. The
RFA would combine resources from different sources into one Authority with equal
funding and representation for the maintenance of current levels of service.
Stephanie Ray updated Council on her meeting with Department of Ecology relating to a
water rights application.
Boy Scout Troop #219 arrived at 7:47 pm to 8:15 pm to observe a City Council Study
Session. Mayor Harding and Council addressed the questions asked by the scouts
regarding: Traffic congestion; Law Enforcement for vandalism; and Rural Development or
growth of the City into rural land.
Cindy Teixeira, Shelly Badger and Councilmember McGowan provided an overview of
the funds awarded to Yelm's New Neighborhood Stabilization Program that will provide
down payment assistance to home buyers to help stabilize families and neighborhoods in
Yelm. This program would be administered by Thurston County Housing Authority on
foreclosed properties in the city limits.
Mayor and Council Initiatives
Mayor Harding updated Council on the Finance position to be filled. Former Clerk
Treasurer, Agnes Bennick has agreed to act in a consultant role with an interim person
until the position can be filled. Cecelia Jenkins was nominated for Citizen of the Year in
Thurston County and the Mayor called for attendance at the awards ceremony.
Adjourn: 8.55 pm '
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