12-09-14 MinutesYELM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014 MINUTES
Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call Present: JW Foster, Joe Baker, Bob Isom, Jennifer Littlefield,
Ken Garmann and Russ Hendrickson.
14-103 MOTION BY BOB ISOM TO EXCUSE TRACEY WOOD.
3. Agenda Approval
14-104 MOTION BY BOB ISOM APPROVING THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
CARRIED.
4. Special Presentations -none scheduled
5. Public Comment -
Shelly Badger announced that Michael Cade, representing Thurston Asset
Coalition, is expected to be present, but has not yet arrived.
14-105 MOTION BY BOB ISOM TO REOPEN Agenda Item 5 PUBLIC COMMENT,
WHEN MICHAEL CADE ARRIVES. (9a.) CARRIED.
6. Consent Agenda
Minutes - Regular Meeting November 26, 2014
Payables - Checks #63639 - #63703 Totaling $472,019.39.
14-106 MOTION BY BOB ISOM APPROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
PRESENTED. CARRIED.
7. Public Hearing -2015 City of Yelm Budget
Mayor Harding continued the Public Hearing at 6:07 pm from 11/25/14.
(12/09/14) Shelly Badger reported that some minor changes were made to the
budget from the 11/25/14 presentation updating actual revenue, expenditures,
remaining carryover, and ending cash after a line -by-line review by City
Treasurer, Teresa Mattson. Mayor announced that copies of the updated budget
are available at City Hall and the City of Yelm website www.ci.yelm.wa.us .
Councilmember Isom asked for clarification of estimated reduction of new water
hookup connections from 50 to 25. Councilmember Foster inquired about labor
negotiations not scheduled to begin until after the New Year begins.
From (11125/14) Shelly Badger stated Mayor Harding presented the 2015 budget forecast
to Council on October 29, 2014. In light of the current state and national economic
forecast, the $6.625 million dollar general fund budget reflects a conservative approach to
revenue projections (4.633 million), as well as a thorough analysis of planned
expenditures. The Projects and plans included in the 2015 Budget are as follows:
Community Center construction; Cullens to Solberg sidewalk project, Comprehensive Plan
update; continued effort to obtain funding for Phase 2 of the SR 510 Yelm Loop; SW Yelm
1A -construction of treatment system and reservoir; water rights mitigation projects
associated with Deschutes River Farm; AC water line replacement projects; Cochrane Park
wetland rehabilitation and rapid infiltration basin construction; Completion of the Sewer
Capital Facilities Plan and Stormwater Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Badger gave a detailed
account of each fund through a power point presentation. The Public Hearing will be
continued until the Council meeting on December 9, 2014 to hear any additional public
comments and is scheduled for adoption that evening. Councilmember Wood asked about
the status of the Yelm Loop 510 Bypass Project. Ms. Badger stated it was up to the
Legislature on the development of a Transportation package. Mayor Harding stated that we
have spent a lot of time lobbying the legislature for that project and we will continue to do
so. Councilmember Wood asked about Phase 2 of the Mosman Ave Project. Mayor Harding
stated that Phase 2 to Longmire is not fully funded. Ms. Badger stated we do have small
Page 1 of 4
grant for additional design. Mayor Harding stated the Public Hearing is continued until the
December 9, 2014 meeting.
There was no comment from the audience when the Mayor called for comment
and the Public Hearing was closed at 6:13 p.m. 12/09/14.
8. New Business -
a. Ordinance No. 992 - 2015 City of Yelm Budget
14-107 MOTION BY BOB ISOM ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 992, CITY OF YELM
MUNICIPAL BUDGET FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2015. CARRIED.
b. 2015 Yelm Chamber Contract. Shelly Badger reported that this is an annual
renewal request included in the approved budget. Tourist related services
provided in exchange, include research and providing materials promoting the
City of Yelm; sponsoring events that bring attendees to Yelm, including Home &
Garden show, Prairie Days; and providing research data and regional maps for
local distribution.
14-108 MOTION BY RUSS HENDRICKSON AUTHORIZING MAYOR HARDING TO
SIGN SERVICE PROVIDER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF YELM AND
THE YELM AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1,
2015 TO DECEMBER 31, 2015 IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,500. CARRIED.
c. 2015 Nisqually River Foundation Education Project. Shelly Badger
continued with an annual contract renewal request for the Nisqually River
Foundation Education Project (NRF). On approval, this would be the 13th year the
City has supported awareness of the importance of care for Yelm Creek, Nisqually
River and City of Yelm water resources, including groundwater, surface water,
wastewater and reclaimed water through this established watershed education
program. The $3,500 contract contributes to those efforts including support to
Yelm Community School student's participation in the Green Conference and
habitat improvement projects. Funds will be used for water quality testing kits,
and other support fees for collecting data that will be provided to the City's water
and reclaimed water departments.
14-109 MOTION BY JW FOSTER AUTHORIZING MAYOR HARDING TO SIGN THE
INTERGOVERNMENTAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR THE PERIOD OF
JANUARY 1, 2015 - DECEMBER 31, 2015 IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,500
BETWEEN THE CITY OF YELM AND THE NISQUALLY RIVER FOUNDATION -
NRF. CARRIED.
Councilmember Isom requested that both the NRF and the Yelm Chamber of
Commerce provide an annual report to Council.
d. 2015 Legislative Services Contract. Shelly Badger reported that Kathleen
Collins and Davor Gjurasic have been contracted with the City since 2005 as
advocates for the City during the legislative sessions. The proposed scope of work
for the 2015 session (January - April) includes efforts toward completion of the
510 Yelm Loop; water and reclaimed water issues; monitoring city revenue
legislation; and identifying funding opportunities for capital projects. Funding is
appropriated in the 2015 Budget for $4,000 for each of 4 months, plus maximum
of $2,000 combined expenses.
14-110 MOTION BY BOB ISOM AUTHORIZING MAYOR HARDING TO SIGN A
LEGISLATIVE SERVICES CONTRACT TO ENGAGE DAVOR GJURASIC AND
KATHLEEN COLLINS TO LOBBY ISSUES OF BENEFIT TO THE CITY OF YELM
FROM JANUARY 1, 2015 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2015. CARRIED.
Page 2 of 4
e. First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for legal services related
to the Mazama Pocket Gopher ESA designation. Shelly Badger stated that
this item was included in the Agenda update as an amendment to the interlocal
agreement with the City of Tumwater and Lacey for legal services related to the
Mazama Pocket Gopher. City of Lacey has opted out, and the City of Yelm desires
to continue to partner with the Tumwater for shared expenses for shared work
through 2015 related to the endangered species listing.
14-111 MOTION BY JENNIFER LITTLEFIELD AUTHORIZING MAYOR HARDING TO
SIGN AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR
LEGAL SERVICES RELATE TO THE MAZAMA POCKET GOPHER EXTENDING
THE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF TUMWATER THROUGH 2015.
CARRIED.
9. Old Business —none scheduled
9a. Mayor Harding re -opened Public Comment from Agenda Item 5 to receive
Public Comment.
Casey Cochrane, Yelm Chamber of Commerce Director, introduced himself as the
new Director of the Chamber with the departure of Cecilia Jenkins after 17 years
of service. He is excited to accept the position and looks forward to serving the
community. Expressed thanks for Council's approval of the Chamber contract and
looks forward to increased communication with the Council.
Michael Cade representing Economic Development Council, Business Resource
Center expressed appreciation for partnership with the City of Yelm.
Mr. Cade introduced Mindie Reule from the Asset Building Coalition at EDC, who
highlighted a free tax preparation services available again this year in Yelm at the
Senior Community Center. In 2014, 190 household were served. Looking for
volunteers to participate. January training provided to those who volunteer.
Councilmember Isom requested additional information on how folks find out about
EDC services.
Mayor Harding thanked EDC for all they do to assist. Recommend that their
service contact information could be added to the City of Yelm website.
10. Mayor and Council Initiatives
Councilmember Foster reported success of the co -mingling recycling from his
attendance at the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) meeting where two
recycling contractors presented. Most people are respectful of the process. Shared
some interesting numbers about recycling 400 tons of recyclables a day, of which
5% goes into the landfill and 13.2 million plastic bags a month are picked from
the recyclables. Solid Waste Thurston County is involved in improving recycling,
including Food for Flowers program. Working with Thurston County schools,
educating students and staff to reduce food waste. They have seen a 92%
reduction in food waste by switching the lunch period from before recess to after
recess with the added benefit of making for a healthier environment for the
children to learn by eating better, wasting less and learning more. Attended
South Sound Military Partnership presentation at JBLM with other city elected
officials and attended the local business awards at the Chamber lunch.
Councilmember Baker attended Intercity Transit meeting where they adopted
2015-2020 Strategic Plan and the 2015 Budget. Plans to proceed with a one tenth
of one percent sales tax increase vote to the citizens in August.
Page 3 of 4
Councilmember Isom reported from the TRPC meeting and announced the
completion of the final stage of the Rails to Trails Pacific Ave Crossing that
intersects the Old Chehalis Western Trail with the Woodland Trail connection.
Invited to attend the Bridging the Gap ceremony, Saturday, December 13, 2014
at 11 a.m. There was also a briefing by Cheryl Haywood from Timberland Regional
Library. He added that he was amazed at the extensive databases and information
available to access at the Timberland Regional Libraries including free music and
books to download direct from their website. He attended another successful
Christmas in the Park with Councilmember Baker.
Councilmember Littlefield attended Christmas in the Park. She commented that
it ran smoothly and was a good turnout as well as a great opportunity for the
community to get photos taken with Santa at no charge. Shelly reported that the
City provided approximately 380 photos.
Councilmember Hendrickson reported that the JBLM South Sound Community
Military Partnership Survey is available from the partnership event.
Mayor Harding attended annual meeting of the South Sound Military Partnership
for a year-end recap and looking at work plans for 2015 and partnership areas.
Update from Congressman Heck was informative. Attended Business Resource
Center meeting which is a branch of Economic Development Council to outline a
work plan for 2015. Has served on the EDC Board that will expire after the one-
year term in January. Thanked City staff for taking photos at Christmas in the Park
free of charge. Presented Citizen of the Year with a key to the City at the Chamber
Forum to Debbie Edwards and attended a going away celebration for Cecilia
Jenkins, noting that she will likely continue to volunteer in the community.
Attended Emergency Management meeting concentrating on providing services in
time of need and lessons learned from 2011 Ice Storm, while keeping in
compliance with state and federal standards.
11. Executive Session - none scheduled
14-112 MOTION BY BOB ISOM TO CANCEL THE REGULAR COUNCILMEETING OF
DECEMBER 23, 2014 AND STUDY SESSION OF DECEMBER 24, 2014.
CARRIED.
12. Correspondence included -
Chamber of Commerce 2014 Business and Member of the Year Awards, December
9, 2014, 11:30 am @Prairie Hotel in Yelm
Comcast price increase list, November 25, 2014
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau enewsletter, December 1,
2014
13. Adjourn 6.56 p.m.
Ron HardinV, Mayor
1
Attest:
anine Schnepf, City Clerk
Page 4 of 4