03-28-12 Study Session MinutesYELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2012 5:00 P.M.
1. Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 5:12 p.m.
2. Present: JW Foster, Joe Baker, Bob Isom, Mike McGowan, Tracey Wood, Ken Garmann,
Russ Hendrickson. Staff; Shelly Badger, Stephanie Ray, Grant Beck.
3. Agenda Approval
4. Presentations
a. Sustainable Thurston- Grant Beck and Councilmember Isom
Grant Beck introduced Sustainable Thurston as an extension of the Growth Management Act
addressing the challenges of managing growth and development in the County by favoring
smart growth in the urban areas. Grant reported that various committees gathered information
and presented White Papers to the Task Force. Other committees include; Energy, Local
Food, Economic Development, Climate, Housing, and others including Water committee which
Stephanie Ray is a part of. Grant is on the Schools and Transportation committee and shared
some stunning facts about the current impacts of growth in the County. Shelly Badger and
Mayor Harding have also participated.
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Councilmember Isom is on the Task Force with other elected officials from jurisdictions
throughout Thurston County reporting that countywide planning policies from the Task Force
will affect Comprehensive Plan Policies. The White Papers are available on-line from each
committee. Regional educational presentations are scheduled to begin in Aril and are being
advertised through many sources. Yelm will host a presentation on April 18t , 6 pm — 8 pm.
Everyone is encouraged to attend. Information will be provided and interactive models will be
run for scenarios presented including infrastructure needs, traffic etc. All to address the
question, Where should growth take place?
Joe Baker left the study session meeting at 6:00 pm
Water Conservation Program
Grant Beck reported that the Water Conservation Program is starting up for the season.
Resolution will be before Council at the next council meeting.
Mayor Report — Mayor Harding
5. Council Initiatives
Topics of discussion included status of water rights, street signs on 507, types of permits
required for home repair and remodeling, and Palisades West property.
6. Councilmember Garmann reported litter and tagging vandalism at Yelm Creek Bridge.
Discussion followed regarding vandalism at City Park in the restrooms over the weekend,
including breaking locks to gain entry. Stephanie Ray added that during construction of the
Yelm Ave West sidewalk project, contractors reported frequent vandalism during the project in
Yelm exceeded projects in other areas. Councilmember Garmann reported that he is
experiencing property issues from stray cats on his property.
Adjourn -,7:20 p.m.
'Ffon H r mg, Mayor
Janine Schnepf, City clerk