05-27-15 Study SessionYELM CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Harding called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
Present: Councilmembers: JW Foster, Joe Baker, Jennifer Littlefield, Ken Garmann, and Tracey Wood.
Staff: Shelly Badger, Grant Beck, Ryan Johnstone
Presentation: none scheduled. Moved to reports and updates.
Mayor requested that staff bring Animal control ordinance forward to Council in June.
Councilmember Littlefield. Boy Scouts inquired about city projects they could organize for their Eagle
Scout requirement. Council had a few ideas: Demolition of old PW Works Yard; inquire with Nisqually
Land Trust; interpretive walk through Cochrane Park; tree signage around City and trail. Recommend
Jennifer inform them to develop a project for the City's review.
Viewed Alpine Bike Park video. Suggested topic for future Retreat agenda.
Conference call with Attorney Steve DiJulio assisting in the wrap-up of Mosman project. Reviewed
chronology including delays, in scheduling, final install and asphalt paving. Plan to work with Nova and
Gray and Osborne to complete construction and review for potential claim.
Mayor and Shelly Badger recapped the Water Right Supreme Court case heard this month that may not
be decided for up to a year. Mayor met with Beautification Committee, whose goal is to improve the look
and feel of the City. Ideas included enhancing Prairie Day and the gateway wall in the roundabout
entering Yelm, participate in a yearly art contest with the City purchasing a winning piece of art for
display. The committee is energetic and anxious to implement their ideas. Presented the Military
Recognition banner program launch, funded through donations for the purchase of banners representing
active military members. The brackets would be purchased by the City from General Fund, Community
Outreach. Asking Council to consider moving $20,000 from Reserve to Beautification fund for future
proposed projects.
Mayor announced that the upcoming Sewer Facilities Plan coming up will likely impact utility rates and
suggested the formation of a 3 -member residential Utility Advisory Board to run through the rate analysis
process.
Mayor and Shelly Badger announced that the recent departure of four personnel created the opportunity
to evaluate those positions and the needs of the City departments.
Ryan introduced 2 models of solar marked crossing lights to purchase for the crosswalk at 2nd and Yelm
Ave E. DOT approval needed with the potential to share the cost. Striping will be added in July
CONSENSUS TO GET ON BOARD ASAP AND LOOK FOR GRANT OPPORTUNITIES.
Councilmember Foster reported that some speed limit signs on Yelm Ave W are obstructed by landscape
trees. Ryan reported PW is aware and are scheduling moving the signs appropriately, rather than
trimming of the trees.
Ryan Johnstone updated the current project list: Mosman Phase II, Railway -Longmire and Clark -
Longmire; Cullen to Solberg Sidewalk, Water Reclamation Facility Plan rate analysis, Skate Park; AC
Water Main Replacement; SW 1A Well infrastructure, Dept of Ecology Stormwater Plan, Cochrane Park
rehabilitation; ADA compliance for sidewalk; 103rd Bridge Load posting. Also reported that the pump
station for Palisades is up and running.
Councilmember Wood inquired about the mechanism for resolving issues with vandalized and abandoned
homes.
Adjo, : 8:15 P
Attest
Harding Mayor Janine hnepf, City Clerk