City Council

City Hall Meeting Minutes 601 4th Avenue E Olympia, WA 98501 Information: 360.753.8441 City Council Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 PM Council Chambers, Online and Via Phone Register to Attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__FnxjevgSSG90FVBdvqqPQ 1. ROLL CALL Present: 7 - Mayor Dontae Payne, Mayor Pro Tem Yến Huỳnh, Councilmember Dani Madrone, Councilmember Robert Vanderpool, Councilmember Clark Gilman, Councilmember Kelly Green and Councilmember Paul Berendt 1.A ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Payne condemned recent deaths linked to federal immigration enforcement, calls the administration’s approach inhumane, and urges accountability. He shared that coordination of local efforts are underway to coordinate officials, protect residents and public employees, clarify sanctuary city policies, and prepare lawful, collective responses to federal actions to ensure community safety. The Mayor also updated the public on his January 14 remarks, clarifying that the City is only beginning work on a potential plan to close Olympia’s last encampment, known as the Jungle. He emphasized that no decisions or timelines have been set and that the City will collaborate with regional, nonprofit, and service provider partners as planning gets underway. 1.B APPROVAL OF AGENDA 1.C CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING COUNCIL SUPPORT OLYMPIA SCHOOL DISTRICT No. 111 Proposition No. 1 - Technology and Capital Projects Replacement Levy ****THE PUBLIC WILL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME FOR OR AGAINST THIS LEVY**** 26-0077 Consideration of a Resolution Expressing City Council Support for Olympia School District No. 111 Proposition No. 1 - Technology and Capital Projects Replacement Levy Assistant City Manager Sullivan shared an overview of Proposition 1 - Technology and City of Olympia Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes January 27, 2026 Capital Projects Replacement Levy. Mayor Payne opened the hearing at 6:07 p.m. The following people spoke: Patrick Murphy, Terry Ballard, Erica Larry, and Ryan Betz. Mayor Payne closed the hearing at 6:18 p.m. Councilmember Green moved, seconded by Councilmember Madrone, to adopt the Resolution expressing City Council support for the Olympia School District No. 111 Proposition No. 1 - Technology and Capital Projects Replacement Levy. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Mayor Payne, Mayor Pro Tem Huỳnh, Councilmember Madrone, Councilmember Vanderpool, Councilmember Gilman, Councilmember Green and Councilmember Berendt SPECIAL RECOGNITION - None 3. PUBLIC COMMENT The following people spoke: Dwayne Slate, Heather Pence, Victoria Harmon, Rita Robison, Sam Hunt, Margaret Knudson, Lynn Fitz-Hugh, Charlotte Parsons, Karen Fraser, Mag Pollicino, Natasha Hayes, Grace Fletcher, Holly Gadbaw, Kathy McCormick, Terry Ballard, Jaden, Bob Jacobs, Krag Unsoeld, Maryanne Thompkins, Teresa Jennings, David Webb, Doug Levy, Julie Frick, Colin Bartlett, and Sue Lean. COUNCIL RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT (Optional) 4. CONSENT CALENDAR 4.A 26-0085 Approval of January 13, 2026 Olympia City Council Meeting Minutes The minutes were adopted. 4.B 26-0083 Approval of the 2026 Council Meeting Calendar and Committee Assignments The decision was adopted. 4.C 26-0073 Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for Stormwater Permit Compliance The resolution was adopted. 4.E 26-0082 Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for the Puget Sound National Estuary Program Stormwater Strategic Initiative Lead for a Peak Flow Reduction Project City of Olympia Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes January 27, 2026 The resolution was adopted. 4.D 26-0081 Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Agreements With Forma Construction Company and Saybr Contractors Inc. for Job Order Contracting Services The resolution was adopted. 4. SECOND READINGS (Ordinances) 4.F 26-0015 Approval of an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code Related to Development Code Updates to Support Urban Agriculture The ordinance was adopted on second reading. 4. FIRST READINGS (Ordinances) 4.G 26-0072 Approval of an Ordinance to Vacate an Alley Right-of-Way South of Legion Way, between Adams and Jefferson Street The ordinance was approved on first reading and moved to second reading. to the City Council due back on 2/3/2026 Approval of the Consent Agenda Mayor Pro Tem Huỳnh moved, seconded by Councilmember Berendt, to adopt the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Mayor Payne, Mayor Pro Tem Huỳnh, Councilmember Madrone, Councilmember Vanderpool, Councilmember Gilman, Councilmember Green and Councilmember Berendt 5. PUBLIC HEARING - None 6. OTHER BUSINESS 6.A 26-0060 Approval of Park Names for the Properties known as “The Olympia Armory”, “Yelm Highway Community Park” and “Kaiser Woods Park” Director of Parks Planning & Maintenance Laura Keehan reviewed the proposed names for three Olympia park properties following a public process and committee review. The Olympia Armory is proposed to be renamed the Daley Arts Center, reflecting its transformation into a creative arts campus. The Yelm Highway Community Park would be renamed Jolene Unsoeld Community Park. Kaiser Woods Park will be renamed Marj Yung Park, honoring a respected community figure. City of Olympia Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes January 27, 2026 The names were recommended by the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee after public input and testimony, including strong support for honoring Marj Yung. Councilmember Berendt moved, seconded by Councilmember Vanderpool moved to approve the recommended official names for the park properties known as The Olympia Armory, Yelm Highway Community Park, and Kaiser Woods Park to Daley Arts Center, Jolene Unsoeld Community Park, and Marj Yung Park. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Mayor Payne, Mayor Pro Tem Huỳnh, Councilmember Madrone, Councilmember Vanderpool, Councilmember Gilman, Councilmember Green and Councilmember Berendt 7. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT 8. COUNCIL INTERGOVERNMENTAL/COMMITTEE REPORTS AND REFERRALS Councilmembers reported on meetings and events attended. 9. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT AND REFERRALS City Manager Burney reported on meetings and events he attended. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. City of Olympia Page 4