City Council

TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 1 CONVENE: 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Debbie Sullivan and Councilmembers Peter Agabi, Michael Althauser, Joan Cathey, Leatta Dahlhoff, and Charlie Schneider. Excused: Councilmembers Angela Jefferson and Eileen Swarthout. Staff: City Administrator John Doan, City Attorney Karen Kirkpatrick, Communications Manager Ann Cook, Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Denney, Police Chief Jon Weiks, Fire Chief Brian Hurley, and City Clerk Melody Valiant. SPECIAL ITEMS: LAND BLESSING Mayor Sullivan introduced Chairman Kris Peters of the Squaxin Island WITH SQUAXIN Tribal Council. Chairman Peters acknowledged and thanked the Council ISLAND TRIBAL and others in attendance in the native language of the Squaxin Island COUNCIL people, the southern dialect of Lushootseed, a Puget Salish language. CHAIRMAN: Chairman Peters said he is honored to serve as the Chair of the Squaxin Island Tribe. Chairman Peters shared examples of land blessings and explained how the local areas of Tumwater, Olympia, and eastern Washington were originally inhabited by native peoples prior to today’s society. Tribes today are not defined by borders as the reservations were established by the federal government. Traditional lands were quite vast where native people lived and inhabited. Tribal people are truly connected to the land. When walking on traditional lands of his ancestors he can feel their presence because of the connection for so long. During a land recognition, he often thinks back hundreds of years ago before colonization and how the land, forests, prairies, and the waterways were beautiful and bountiful. He pictures the people who lived in the area living as a collective and as one with the environment. They lived as part of the ecosystem for thousands of years. It is also important to remember that society today with its roads, buildings, and the economy ride on the injustices to indigenous peoples as well as to people of color. When performing a land blessing, it is with this acknowledgment of the people who lived in the area for thousands of years. He asked everyone to take a moment to think about the land and acknowledge indigenous peoples who stewarded the land since time immemorial and continue to live on the lands today. Chairman Peters displayed a map of the today’s location of Squaxin Island Tribe and described how large the tribal area was prior to colonization and relocation to the island. Known as “People of the Water” the Squaxin Island Tribe was created by combining seven bands of indigenous peoples throughout South Puget Sound. Those seven bands were originally placed on a reservation in 1854 called the Squaxin Island near Thurston and Mason TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 2 Counties. One band, the Steh-Chass people, lived in the Olympia- Tumwater area with homes and villages along the shores of Budd Inlet up to the Deschutes River south of Tumwater. A known potlatch area located south of Tumwater was an area for tribes from the Northwest to camp, trade, and gather. The Squaxin people were quite wealthy and well-adorned because the area had the availability of shellfish, salmon, and cedar year- round. The Squaxin people have a history of government-to-government relationships for thousands of years. A land acknowledgment is relatively easy and involves verbally acknowledging the indigenous people who have stewarded the land since time immemorial and who still inhabit the area today, the Steh-Chass Band of indigenous people of the Squaxin Island Tribe. He shared an example of a longer version of a land acknowledgement by The Evergreen State College. People of the Water have a direct connection to the Salish Sea, the artesian wells, and the river. “Walking with Gratitude” is a saying that speaks to the tribe’s values of honesty, respect, and compassion. The tribe values listening and listening to what is said and what is not being said by listening with their ears and spirit. As the Tribe and City continue to expand its relationship, it is important the relationship ensures healthiness of the economy and the community, as well as for the Tribe. Chairman Peters said a land acknowledgment is not necessary at each meeting other than recognizing that acknowledgements occur from time to time. The most important aspect of a land acknowledgment is understanding the value and that it is real. Councilmember Dahlhoff conveyed appreciation to Chairman Peters for attending and taking the time to share information. Chairman Peters said the Tribal Council is looking forward to hosting the City Council to continue building a mutual relationship. JOINT BASE LEWIS- Major Ian Sandall, Public Information Officer with the 17th Field Artillery MCCHORD (JBLM) Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), reported that since 2008, 17TH FIELD the 17th Field Artillery Brigade has had a partnership with the City of ARTILLERY Tumwater through the JBLM Community Connector Program. The goal of BRIGADE UPDATE: the program is to encourage community support and partnership with soldiers and their families who live within surrounding communities. Throughout the program, soldiers volunteer to help the community and in return, soldiers and their families form an appreciation for the community and strengthen interpersonal ties. The 17th Field Artillery Brigade was founded in 1918 at Camp Bowie, Texas. Following numerous relocations, the brigade was assigned to JBLM in 2007. The brigade is considered a HIMARS brigade of 2,000 soliders. HIMARS is the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, a truck mounted multiple rocket launcher carrying six rockets with a range of 20 miles. The TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 3 brigade’s main commitment is to the Pacific Region. Following a long hiatus because of COVID, the brigade is looking forward to working in the community and supporting events and activities. He invited the Council to visit the brigade. PROCLAMATION: Councilmember Dahlhoff read a proclamation declaring April 2022 as CHILD ABUSE Child Abuse Awareness Month. The proclamation urges all Tumwater AWARENESS residents, communities, state agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, MONTH; APRIL 2022 elected leaders, medical providers, educators, and businesses to increase their participation in efforts to support families, increase and support public safety and youth-serving agencies to help prevent the further abuse and neglect of children and strengthen the community. Mayor Sullivan recognized Kirsten York with Monarch Children’s Justice and Advocacy Center. The center serves over 800 children and non- offending family members each year. The center is honored to be a part of Tumwater’s efforts to care for children and family who experience abuse. Mayor Sullivan recognized Shelly Willis with Family Education Support Services. Ms. Willis thanked the Council for acknowledging the importance of child well-being through the adoption of the proclamation. The last two years have been challenging for many children and the adults who care for them. Too many children in Thurston County are experiencing abuse with two child fatalities in the last two months. A 34% increase in child case abuse cases has occurred since 2015 in Thurston County with a higher rate of child abuse than the entire state. Many community partners are dedicated to working together to support services that support children and families. She recognized several of those partnerships. Mayor Sullivan invited Communications Manager Cook to provide some direction on the hybrid meeting format. Manager Cook explained how hybrid meetings provide in-person attendance or participation by Zoom. She described the proper way to speak into the microphone. Remote attendees experiencing audio issues should check the volume on the computer and turn up the volume on the Zoom program. Councilmembers attending in-person wishing to speak should raise their hands and those attending by Zoom should raise virtual hands. The public comment portion of the meeting will alternate between members present in the Council Chambers and those participating by Zoom. PUBLIC COMMENT: Pamela Hansen, P.O. 14521, Tumwater, cited her previous comments regarding the purchase of golf balls for $33,117.64 documented in the consent calendar during the Tumwater City Council meeting on April 5, 2022. She referred to the sales tax receipts revenue the City receives from retail sales tax, the property tax exemption for some apartments in the City, insufficient wages to live in apartments where property tax has been subsidized, and the amount of revenue required to pay for the golf balls. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 4 She alleged fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayers and the retail industry to purchase the golf balls. James Geluso, 917 Comiskey Lane SW, Tumwater, cautioned the City about incidents involving the charge of vehicle theft by Hertz Rental Car Company on customers who fail to return rental cars. Many of the incidents were the result of inaccurate inventory management by the Hertz. He urged the City to ensure the Police Department has accurate information before charging a person with auto theft of a rental car. CONSENT a. Approval of Minutes: City Council Special Meeting, March 22, 2022 CALENDAR: b. Approval of Minutes: City Council Worksession, March 22, 2022 c. Approval of Minutes: City Council, April 5, 2022 d. Payment of Vouchers e. Fourth Amendment to Service Provider Agreement for Historic Brewery Tower Renovation f. Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Lacey and Thurston County for Governance, Decision Making and Administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program in 2022-2024 g. Appointment of Anthony Varela to the Planning Commission h. One Washington Memorandum of Understanding Related to National Opioid Allocation and Settlement i. JBLM Fire Mutual Aid Agreement j. Preserve Park Playground Equipment MOTION: Councilmember Dahlhoff moved, seconded by Councilmember Schneider, to approve the consent calendar as published. A voice vote approved the motion unanimously. Mayor Sullivan reviewed the items approved on the consent calendar. Mayor Sullivan presented newly appointed Planning Commissioner Anthony Varela with a Tumwater Brewfest mug. Mr. Varela reported he and his wife recently retired from the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force, respectively. He was seeking ways to contribute and provide some value to the community, as well as learning about the community. He learned of the opportunity to serve on the Commission during a chamber forum event. COUNCIL CONSIDERATIONS: SUMMER Director Denney reported the request is to approve acceptance of a grant. In EXPERIENCES AND conjunction with the Washington Recreation and Parks Association, a ENRICHMENT FOR statewide organization through the Association of Washington Cities and KIDS (SEEK) the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, a grant opportunity GRANT: became available to address program needs and the needs of youth in the community; particularly youth who have been underserved or severely TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 5 impacted by COVID-19. Recreation staff recommends expanding summer programs and day camps for younger children and the Summer Experience Camp for teens, as well as working closely with the school district and non- profits to identify areas of the community that are underserved or have been unable to participate for many reasons. The grant provides funding for the City’s 8-week camp during the summer for children between the ages of 6 and 11 from Monday through Friday with meals and programming. The camp can accommodate 45 children. The grant would provide $26,219 for the day camp and enable eight additional children at a full scholarship level. The second element of the grant totaling nearly $9,000 would be allocated to the summer teen camp, an adventure challenge camp over a two-week period for 12 to 17-year old youths providing 70 hours of camp time in the outdoor environment. Staff is seeking approval to accept the grant and move forward with the programs. Councilmember Schneider asked about the funding formula the City uses to determine financial assistance. Director Denney said the department maintains a scholarship fund from funds solicited from local businesses to support sponsoring youths. The City use the free and reduced lunch program through the school district to determine if a youth qualifies for a scholarship. MOTION: Councilmember Althauser moved, seconded by Councilmember Schneider, to authorize the City to enter into an agreement with the Association of Washington Cities for a WRPA Summer Experiences and Enrichment for Kids (SEEK) grant in the amount of $35,206.50. A voice vote approved the motion unanimously. REGIONAL FIRE The briefing was deferred until later in the meeting. AUTHORITY BRIEFING: COMMITTEE REPORTS: PUBLIC HEALTH & At the last meeting on April 12, 2022, Police Chief Weiks provided a SAFETY: briefing on policing in Tumwater. The briefing included information on Leatta Dahlhoff budget, personnel, staffing levels, calls for service, arrest incidents, self- initiated activity, training, K9, investigations, School Resource Officer, evidence and administration, code enforcement, use of force complaints, internal investigations, and 2022 legislation. The June meeting will include a briefing on the use of force numbers in addition to mental health and substance use calls. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 6 Councilmember Dahlhoff reported Police Chief Weiks was featured in an article in The Olympian and several other news media publications. Councilmember Cathey complimented the Chief on the information he provided to the community on Tumwater’s policing activities. Councilmember Cathey asked whether the Police Department has initiated a program where mental health workers accompany patrol officers when responding to mental health incidents. Police Chief Weiks advised that the department has not initiated a program but it is a subject of conversations with the department monitoring new legislation to determine any new changes and how the legislature addressed some of the funding gaps for mental health resources for local departments. In Tumwater, the Police and Fire Departments have always collaborated on mental health responses because in many circumstances calls are often for a medical situation more than a law enforcement situation. Councilmember Dahlhoff added that during the Regional Fire Authority discussions, questions have been addressed as to how mental health response would be coordinated if Tumwater and Olympia voters approved the Regional Fire Authority (RTA). Based on discussions, Olympia’s crisis response team would be incorporated within the RTA model. Other conversations have included the possibility of Tumwater utilizing the teams in the interim. GENERAL At its last meeting on April 13, 2022, the committee discussed annexation GOVERNMENT: of the county islands, Urban Forestry Management Plan amendments, and Michael Althauser some of the implementation policies on landscaping and buffering. The next meeting is scheduled on May 11, 2022 for a discussion on binding site plan amendments. PUBLIC WORKS: The last meeting was held on April 7, 2022. Most of the discussion items Eileen Swarthout were adopted as part of the consent calendar earlier in the meeting. Members received an update on the Water Conservation Program. One major goal of the City is to achieve a rate of less than 5% of water leakage from system pipes. Members received an update on the I-5/Trosper Road/Capitol Boulevard reconfiguration project. The next meeting is scheduled on May 5, 2022 at 8 a.m. BUDGET AND There was no meeting and no report. FINANCE: Debbie Sullivan MAYOR/CITY City Administrator Doan recognized staff for spending many hours to ADMINISTRATOR’S prepare the sound and video system in the Council Chambers to REPORT: accommodate the Council’s first hybrid meeting. The format required three different broadcast/recording systems to blend virtual participants with the Council Chambers. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 7 City Administrator Doan encouraged the community to visit the City’s website and click on Stay Connected to subscribe to receive information on activities and programs occurring in the City. The budget season has been initiated with budget direction provided to City directors. City Administrator Doan recognized the Parks and Recreation Department and the Police and Fire Departments for participation and support for the annual Easter Egg Dash. On April 23, 2022 between 9 and noon, the City is celebrating a combined Earth Day/Arbor Day event at Tumwater Historical Park. Mayor Sullivan reported the City of Tumwater received the Thurston Chamber of Commerce Green Business Award and was recognized at the annual luncheon on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Joan Cathey: Councilmember Cathey reported she attended the Olympic Region Clean Air Authority meeting in lieu of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee because the meetings were scheduled concurrently. Officer elections were conducted with Olympia Councilmember Jim Cooper elected as Chair and Jefferson County Commissioner Greg Brotherton elected as Vice Chair. Jeff Johnson is the new Executive Director. According to the agency, the last winter produced some of the state’s best clean air because of the reduction in wood stove heating. Councilmember Cathey participated in an interview for the Regional Housing Council (RHC) in preparation for the organization’s retreat. She shared information about the status of housing and the RHC with the retreat facilitator. Following the RHC interview she attended the General Government Committee meeting followed by a one-hour meeting of the Regional Housing Council (RHC). During the last RHC Funding Committee meeting, members reviewed performance of recipients receiving one-year grant awards. The source of the funds includes contributions from the City of Tumwater comprised of ½ of 1% of previous year sales tax. REGIONAL FIRE City Administrator Doan reported the presentation is the first of several AUTHORITY scheduled for the Council. The presentation will cover the reasons why the BRIEFING (Continued Cities of Olympia and Tumwater are evaluating a regional fire authority from Council (RFA), the definition of a RFA, status of the RFA Planning Committee, a Considerations): proposed project timeline and approach, RFA governance and funding, a proposed statement of values and principles for the RFA, and public outreach. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 8 Fire Chief Hurley reported in 2019, a study was completed with several jurisdictions in Thurston County on potential ways and opportunities to improve emergency services for the region. The result of the study recommended formation of a regional fire authority. Some of the issues prompting the study were the increase in call volumes and response times caused by an increase in demand for services. It has been increasingly more difficult for the cities to fund more emergency resources. More investment in equipment, facilities, and personnel is needed in the future for both jurisdictions. Other factors are program offerings that could be incorporated into the RFA, such as FD Cares and crisis response to address mental health emergency calls. Basic life support response could be improved as well as the addition of basic life transport. The RFA is a method to help ensure long-term sustainable funding for fire and emergency services in the community. Both City Councils formed an intergovernmental agreement to create the RFA Planning Committee. A RFA is a separate independent unit of local government and is created by voters of both jurisdictions. A RFA is similar to a fire district in its structure and operations. The state of Washington currently has 13 RFAs with two located in Thurston County, West Thurston RFA and Southeast Thurston RFA. Some of the basic steps included creation of the RFA Planning Committee, which has been meeting twice a month on Mondays. The Planning Committee is responsible for developing a proposed RFA Plan addressing governance, funding structure, service levels, staffing, and facilities and equipment. The RFA Plan would be approved by the Councils and presented to voters for consideration as a ballet measure. Fire Chief Hurley identified the members of the RFA Planning Committee chaired by Councilmember Dahlhoff. Non-voting members include fire chiefs from Tumwater and Olympia and local union presidents. The mission of the committee is defining the jurisdictional boundaries, governance, design, and financing of the RFA. The planning committee serves as the advisory to the city mayors and councils. City Administrator Doan introduced RFA consultants Karen Meyer with The Athena Group and Karen Reed. They are serving as the committee’s facilitators. Ms. Reed is from West Seattle and serves the committee as a subject matter expert on regional fire authorities. City Administrator Doan reviewed the timeline ending in October 2022. The briefing is the first of four briefings. The schedule includes two rounds of public engagement with the first scheduled in May at the front-end of the process for the community to receive information on what is involved in TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 9 regionalizing fire and emergency services. The second public meeting will include the release of a draft proposal. The proposal will include a seven- year financial plan for the RFA with the assistance of the financial consultant. During the course of the planning process, opportunities will be provided for Council and public input, as well as employee input through local labor unions. At some point, both Councils will need to decide whether to proceed. If the Council elects to move forward, more public engagement follows with an election. If the election is successful, a quick transition is necessary to create the RFA. To date, the committee has created a charter outlining its work program, created an initial communications plan, work plan, proposed values and principles statement, and initial reviews of governance and finance options. City Administrator Doan invited questions from the Council. Councilmember Schneider referred to prior consideration by East Olympia Fire District and the Lacey Fire District to participate in the RFA process. He asked why both organizations elected not to participate in the RFA. City Administrator Doan said the East Olympia Fire District and the Lacey Fire District elected not to participate because of other issues within each organization. The City of Tumwater elected to continue conversations with the City of Olympia. Councilmember Schneider asked about the outcome should the measure fail in one of the jurisdictions. City Administrator Doan explained that the RFA ballot measure is based on the entire percentage of people within the RFA boundaries. The vote is not based on jurisdictional boundaries but the RFA boundary as a whole. Councilmember Schneider asked whether the funds budgeted by the City for the Fire Department would be returned to the City to address other funding needs. City Administrator Doan said the budget is a decision necessary by the Council. The City is limited to a property tax cap of $3.10. Ms. Reed added that there would be an impact on the City’s total property tax capacity with the creation of the RFA as the property tax would be reduced by the amount of tax the RFA would be levying. City Administrator Doan said the recommended timeline is premised on presenting the RFA proposal to the voters in April 2023. The timeline of April is because of the need to have the RFA approved and established by August 1, 2023. In October 2022, the committee will present an RFA Plan to both Councils for consideration for adoption. From October to February 2023, the Councils would continue deliberations and by the end of February approve placing the RFA on the ballot for the April 2023 election. The RFA would be effective August 1, 2023 if the measure is approved by voters with taxes imposed January 1, 2024 but not collected by the RFA TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 10 until May 2024 creating an issue of funding the first five months of the RFA. The proposed date for the election is to ensure adequate time is afforded for the committee to complete the proposed plan. The City Councils and the communities need adequate time to deliberate. It also minimizes the time between the creation of the RFA and when revenues are collected. City Administrator Doan invited feedback on the proposed schedule recognizing the timeline is aggressive. Councilmember Agabi asked about any initial public participation planned for the election. City Administrator Doan responded that the City has established a website for the RFA Planning Committee with information on the meetings, background information, and the RFA Study. The process is beginning to initiate public conversations and has begun to solicit some media interest about the process. Public outreach is also within the confines of developing public policy if the decision is to place a ballot measure as placement of the RFA proposal on the ballot requires specific ways of providing election information to the public under Public Disclosure regulations. City Administrator Doan reviewed RFA financing and the cost components of an RFA, which are not much different than the City’s funding process. Approximately 80% of the cost of the RFA is personnel followed by maintenance of cash flow. The first five months of the RFA would be without the benefit of any revenue. Cash flow will be a challenge. The RFA must also consider funding reserves for facilities, equipment, vehicle replacement, and budgeting for personnel costs. The committee is working with a financial consultant to develop a seven-year funding model addressing both costs and revenue. Two major options for funding the RFA is a fire levy up to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. The RFA would also receive a share of Thurston County’s EMS revenue and fees for service, such as fire inspections and sprinkler inspections. That option requires a majority vote plus 1 by voters. The second option is assessment of a fire benefit charge. That option limits the fire levy to $1 with the RFA allowed to assess a fire benefit charge based on a calculation of the types of equipment, staffing, and other resources necessary to respond to a fire based on the use. Some of the costs of running the RFA shifts to the fire benefit charge from the property tax. That option provides fewer restrictions than property tax revenue. The RFA would also continue to receive a share of the EMS levy and fees for service. That financial model requires a 60% voter approval. At this time, the analysis reflects that providing the same level or better service would require option two as the better choice because it provides TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 11 additional revenue from the fire benefit charge. In terms of governance, the RFA is governed by a Board of Commissioners. Several different models exist. The RFA Plan must include the structure and composition of members of the Board. The role of the Board is similar to the city council serving as the governing board setting policies and approving budgets. Some options include composition of the board by elected officials from member agencies with three elected officials from Tumwater and three elected officials from Olympia. The Board could also include members directly elected at large by voters. Other options could include individuals elected by a district through the creation of districts for the purpose of electing commissioners within the RFA or it could be mix of all options. However, the composition of the first board must be comprised of elected officials from the jurisdictions. To assist in determining the governance structure, the committee is drafting guiding values and principles and options consistent with the values and principles. The proposal will be presented to both councils for input with the committee selecting a preferred option for consideration by the councils. City Administrator Doan shared a draft of guiding values and principles drafted by the committee. City Administrator Doan asked the Council for direction on whether to proceed with the proposed strategy for developing the governing structure. Councilmember Agabi supported the proposed structure of the RFA Board comprised of elected officials. Councilmember Schneider thanked Councilmembers Dahlhoff, Althauser, and Swarthout for their efforts as members of the planning committee as he believes it is the future for both fire departments. However, his concerns surround funding and whether property tax would increase with the creation of the RFA. City Administrator Doan clarified the $1 assessment is the property tax assessment per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The City’s property tax assessment is approximately $12 per $1,000 of assessed valuation with approximately $2.44 of that amount dedicated to the City’s general levy. Under the financing model, the City would reduce its property tax levy by $1, which would be replaced by the RFA levy of $1. The cities would need to make decisions between the levy amount collected for fire and the difference the cities expends on each fire department. Councilmember Cathey commented on the importance of the work and is grateful to the parties engaged in the process. The timeline appears to be ambitious; however, she believes the timeline is important. She is hopeful the emphasis on keeping the public informed continues. Councilmember Dahlhoff shared information on informational documents TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 12 prepared or and under development to assist in keeping the community informed. City Administrator Doan outlined the public engagement process that will include public informational meetings, website postings, email, and media coverage. The first public meeting is scheduled on May 19, 2022 at 6 p.m. as a virtual meeting via Zoom. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS (Continued): Peter Agabi: At the last meeting of the Transportation Policy Board members received a presentation from representatives of Intercity Transit on Smart Corridors. Smart Corridors provide a route with signalized priority for Intercity Transit buses. The Smart Corridors program is a collaboration between Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Thurston County, and Washington State Department of Transportation to improve safety, mobility, and transportation along major transportation corridors throughout the county. In 2020, Thurston County was awarded $202,000 to update signaling hardware in Tumwater. Members also discussed freight mobility funding. Last year, freight mobility funding for the region was $500,000. This year the funding has increased to $1 million. The region must reapply for the funding. During the meeting, two members of the public commented about electric vehicle and bike options. Two applicants applied for the vacant Business Representative position on the Board. Charlie Schneider: Councilmember Schneider attended the Public Works Committee meeting as well as the Tumwater HOPES meeting to discuss the medication take back program. The medical lockbox event is scheduled on April 30, 2022 between 9 a.m. and noon at the Tumwater Police Department. He also attended the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce meeting and the Easter Egg Dash at Tumwater High School. The event was very successful despite the rain throughout the duration of the event. This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. The Parks and Recreation Department hosted a volunteer lunch at Historical Park earlier in the Day. Tumwater Middle School is hosting the Tumwater Youth Program dodge ball tournaments on Friday, April 22, 2002. As mentioned earlier, the City’s Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations will be held at Historical Park on Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to noon. Leatta Dahlhoff: The Thurston County 911 Communications meeting included some policy updates by members. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING April 19, 2022 Page 13 Councilmember Dahlhoff reported she attends monthly meetings of TOGETHER and YWCA. The last meeting included information and increasing concerns with youth in the school district because of mental health issues, substance use, and the increase in incidents of self-harming. The RFA Planning Committee continues to meet twice a month. Councilmember Dahlhoff attended a Housing Action Team meeting. The discussion focused on the Oyo Hotel and the challenges and current status regarding the Port of Olympia and FAA requirements. During the last meeting of the LOTT Clean Water Alliance Board meeting, members discussed the agency’s affordable housing support program. The last cost of service analysis for LOTT sewer service was completed in 2016 and 2017, which reviewed the cost of wastewater charges. At that time, residential water consumption revealed a decline necessitating further analysis. Members reviewed four potential options for analysis of businesses and residential units regardless of size. The Board recommended staff pursue several options. As a consequence, it is likely the interlocal agreement will need to be addressed as the outcome would have an impact on the community and it affords an opportunity to update language in the agreement. Michael Althauser: The Regional Housing Council (RHC) has changed its meeting format to twice monthly. At the last meeting on April 13, 2022, the discussion focused on emerging issues. Members received updates on the 2002 RFP funding process. Councilmember Cathey continues to serve on the group responsible for reviewing all RFP’s submitted for funding. An update was provided on Thurston County’s new contract for rental assistance funds for the community. Councilmember Althauser also participated in an interview by the facilitator for the Council’s upcoming retreat. The RHC faces a crossroads in terms of determining whether it will become a larger independent regional entity rendering funding decisions within its funding capacity. That topic is included on the retreat agenda. Councilmember Althauser attended the Public Works Committee meeting and the General Government Committee meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Councilmember Dahlhoff moved, seconded by Councilmember Schneider, to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 p.m. A voice vote approved the motion unanimously. Prepared by Valerie L. Gow, Recording Secretary/President Puget Sound Meeting Services, psmsoly@earthlink.net