City Council

TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 1 CONVENE: 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Debbie Sullivan and Councilmembers Peter Agabi, Michael Althauser, Joan Cathey, Leatta Dahlhoff, Angela Jefferson, Charlie Schneider and Eileen Swarthout. Staff: City Administrator John Doan, City Attorney Karen Kirkpatrick, Community Development Director Michael Matlock, Communications Manager Ann Cook, Planning Manager Brad Medrud, Transportation Manager Mary Heather Ames, Economic Development Manager Austin Ramirez, City Clerk Melody Valiant, and Human Resources Analyst Lacy Neal. SPECIAL ITEMS: PROCLAMATION: Mayor Sullivan read a proclamation declaring June 19, 2022 as Juneteenth. JUNETEENTH, JUNE The proclamation calls upon the people of Tumwater to join together on 19, 2022: Juneteenth, to reflect on the past, to commit together to continue to eradicate systemic racism, to look to the future, and to work each day to lift each other up for collective prosperity and liberty. Juneteenth is recognized as a local, state, and federal holiday celebrating the emancipation of slavery and a day that reminds everyone of the incredible capacity to heal, hope, and emerge from the darkest moments with purpose, resolve, and unity, Members of the Fred U. Harris Lodge #70 have hosted a community-wide BBQ annually in celebration of Juneteenth for the last 40 years, drawing over 500 participants. With the formal recognition of Juneteenth as a federal, state, and City holiday, members of the Lodge have invited the cities of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater to join in the celebration of Juneteenth. People in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater area are invited to join the Fred U. Harris Lodge #70 on Saturday, June 18th, from Noon to 4:00 p.m., at the Regional Athletic Complex (RAC) in Lacey to celebrate this African American cultural tradition with music, BBQ, and activities in a community-wide celebration of Juneteenth. Mayor Sullivan presented the proclamation to Lester Dickson, a member of Fred U. Harris Lodge #70. Mr. Dickson served as a past Grand Master of the Fred U. Harris Lodge of Washington with other 53 lodges and over 2,000 members from 11 countries. He invited Mayor Sullivan to attend the event. He extended an invitation to the community of Tumwater to attend the event on June 18, 2022. PROCLAMATION: Councilmember Dahlhoff read a proclamation declaring the month of June NATIONAL SAFETY 2022 as National Safety Month in the City of Tumwater. The proclamation MONTH, JUNE 2022: encourages all employees and residents to participate in raising awareness in the practice of safety and healthy behaviors in all aspects of their lives. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 2 Lacy Neal, Human Resources Analyst, presented information on the City of Tumwater’s safety program and recent improvements for creating job hazard awareness, accident prevention, and a culture of safety for employees. Improvements to date include:  Quarterly self inspections of City departments  Replacement of all emergency survival kits for all employees  Invested in workplace safety posters  Risk assessments tours and ride alongs  Implementation of the Learning Management System Long term efforts include:  Job hazard analysis project in partnership with the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) to identify and train on known workplace hazards  Routine Safety Training, Awareness and Education  Virtual new employee safety orientation  Participation-based incentive program  AWC WorkSafe Employer Recognition Current safety projects include participation in the National Safety Month Campaign in partnership with the National Safety Council to host weekly themed activities for employees to increase their awareness and education. Mayor Sullivan presented the proclamation to Analyst Neal. PUBLIC COMMENT: Tim Gill 7812 Trails End Drive, Tumwater, said he is a resident of the Sterling Crossing neighborhood near the Trails End Arena and serves as a boardmember of the Sterling Crossing Homeowners Association. He is opposed to the City’s planned Operations and Maintenance Facility on the Trails End property. The heavy equipment facility has no place bordering three large neighborhoods home to 800 families. The Council should find another location for the facility. The noise of heavy equipment, backup alarms, and increased traffic from employee’s personal and City vehicles and the aesthetics of the facility is nothing but a disruption to his quiet community. The siting process occurred more than 10 years ago and did not involve any community outreach. When community outreach occurred in 2018, the discussion was not whether the facility should be built on the site; it was a discussion seeking input on the facility that would be built. That was not due diligence by the City. The original plan for the facility was larger to enable the City to consolidate operations of the City and the Parks Department. The project has since been scaled back to half its size because of citizen concerns but still carries an enormous price tag of $32 million and does not achieve the original planned goals. The needs of 800 families take precedence over a half-solution. While he remains opposed to the project, he offered three suggestions based on the recent community meeting. Safety for TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 3 children in the neighborhood is still a concern because of the blind curve on Trails End Drive bordering the Sterling Crossing Neighborhood Park caused by increased traffic from the new facility. He suggested mitigating visibility and safety issues by designating the Sterling Crossing portion of Trails End Drive as a no parking zone on both sides of the street. The current plan includes two parking lots with limited or no locking of the lots after business hours. Open parking lots are another safety concern and should be locked after business hours and on weekends. The Council should hire an independent expert to identify ample buffers between the facility and the neighborhoods. He opposes the construction of the facility in the neighborhood and asked the Council to find another location for the facility. Kay Hansen, 8030 Deschutes Court, SE, Tumwater, said it is unfortunate that the narrative City staff presented to the Council regarding the proposed location of the Operations and Maintenance Facility is misleading. From the beginning, many citizens who live in the neighborhood off 79th Avenue opposed having a facility that houses a fleet of City maintenance vehicles in the middle of six neighborhoods of approximately 800 homes. Although previously recorded that there was general agreement to the proposed plan that was not the case. She attended the original meeting along with many of her neighbors. No vote was requested but there were many questions, concerns, and objections. Yet, City staff forged ahead with the plan. Some of the original feedback is accurate. Citizens in the six neighborhoods have favored the park. The original proposal stipulated that no funds were available for a park and that funds would likely not be available in the near future. The neighborhood considered that information as a challenge and worked hard to pass the Metropolitan Park District levy in 2018 believing that it would ensure the neighborhood would be one of the first to have a new park constructed. Residents are now confused and continue to want the park but most do no not want the intrusive and safety issues the facility would create. She asked whether it would be possible to have the park without the facility. It appears City staff would like everyone to believe it is a package deal – all or nothing. She understands the City needs a new facility but does not believe the City is acting responsibly when asking citizens in her neighborhood to accept the risk that accompanies a facility so close to homes with small children. Joel Hansen, 65 73rd Avenue, Tumwater, commented on his opposition to the project that would be built off 79th Avenue. He urged the Council to receive information directly from the residents who live in the area and not just use a process placing staff between the residents and the Council. Residents are prepared to have individual community and neighborhood meetings with each Councilmember to share their concerns about the proposed facility. One of the clearest indications of why the location is not appropriate for the facility is how much the project evolved over time. Originally, the City required 10 acres to consolidate maintenance, operations, and the Parks Department with parking lots to house the City’s fleet and staff TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 4 parking. The project as proposed today accomplishes none of those goals but continues to cost more than $32-$36 million while not meeting the needs of the City. It is time for the City to consider the goals for the project and the needs of the City. Rather than continuing to change the project, the Council should consider all options realistically for the best outcome to include another location for the facility. Pamela Hansen, PO Box 14521, Tumwater, cited the Council’s approval of a 12-year multi-family property tax exemption for an apartment complex in Tumwater. According to information published by the City, a person would need to make approximately $21.63 per hour to qualify for a studio apartment. The Council also approved the purchase of golf balls for $33,117.64 requiring approximately $3,935,00 in retail sales to pay for the golf balls at the City’s tax rate of .8415% The City Council is part of the unimaginable problematic inflationary, spiral tax, and spend rate that does not make sense to taxpayers and retail businesses. Tax and spend on an amphitheater helps what renters? Giving a tax exemption to the apartment complex helps what renters? The City should give a tax break to retail businesses so they can pay their employees $21.63 per hour to be housed. The Washington National Guard Readiness Center off Kimmie Street, from an aerial view resembles a U.S. Navy flattop near the Port of Olympia airport. It is well fortified with a guard station. She cautioned the Council about the military facility because of the technology, intent, and placement next to a middle school serving as a human shield. Tumwater was never meant to be militarized. She supports Tumwater’s drug detection K9 unit at the Tumwater Police Department as a non-lethal weapon and drug reduction effort. Deborah Boes, 1524 Derby Lane, Tumwater, referred to her numerous emails to the City about the proposed Operations and Maintenance Facility. She has many questions that have not been answered. None of her questions or comments were included in the open house summary or in the article in The Olympian newspaper. She asked about the timing of the last feasibility study as many changes have occurred to the neighborhoods with a substantial increase in population, traffic, and homes. She asked about working with a neutral company to complete the study. A company not influenced by the City’s promotion of the proposal. The neighborhood would like to meet with the consultant and the City Council at the proposed site of the new facility. Although it has often reported that there is general support for the proposal, in reality there is general support by people who live in the bordering neighborhoods for a park, roundabout, and sidewalks. The promoted general support has been misrepresented. It is supported by City staff and not by affected neighbors. The facility would be great for 30 to 40 employees but would adversely affect the lives of those who live in the area. Noise will be an issue as it is not possible to load sand, rocks, and gravel with diesel trucks, loaders, and graders quietly. Trees and shrubs would not buffer the noise. Traffic will be an issue with dump trucks, work trucks, employee vehicles TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 5 moving in and out of 79th Avenue. Trails End Drive is essentially a one-lane road and cannot support more vehicles. She is unsure if any other property was considered for the new facility; however, there are other possible options. The existing facility could be remodeled and expanded with some budget savings. There appears to be more concerns about the Town Center for the existing site than for the residents in the neighborhood near the proposed site. She cited several parcels that are not surrounded by residential uses. She questioned the status of the future park, its location, and the plan for the park, which was not included in the community presentations. She asked for a public meeting to enable residents to ask questions, as well as conducting a feasibility study that involves residents as well as City staff. An unidentified resident said she recently moved to the area prior to the pandemic and was not aware of the proposal. She encouraged the Council to meet with community members from the neighborhoods as the proposal represents a substantial safety issue. She cited information from community members who complained that they repeatedly contacted City staff but staff refuses to cooperate with them, answer any of their questions, or provide documentation as to how the project evolved. Many community members who participated in the 2018 meeting indicated that the current proposal is not what was presented. Mayor Sullivan noted the City is hosting a webpage on the project on the City’s website. Community members can also sign up for Listserv to receive current information. CONSENT a. Approval of Minutes: City Council Worksession, May 10, 2022 CALENDAR: b. Approval of Minutes - City Council, May 17, 2022 c. Payment of Vouchers d. Thunder in the Valley 4th of July Fireworks Display e. Resolution R2022-008, Barnes Lake Roll of Rates & Charges f. Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Tumwater and the Washington Department of Transportation for Maintenance of Palermo Treatment Lagoon g. Right of Way Procedures – Updated h. Association of Washington Cities 2022 Annual Business Meeting Voting Delegates i. Bush Prairie Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) – Second and Third Amendments to WDFW Phase 2 Grant Agreement j. Second Amendment to Service Provider Agreement for Right of Way Legal Services k. Reappointment of Chami Ro to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee l. Agreement for the Purchase of LOTT House on Henderson – 2nd Contract Extension TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 6 MOTION: Councilmember Dahlhoff moved, seconded by Councilmember Agabi, to approve the consent calendar as published. A voice vote approved the motion unanimously. Mayor Sullivan reviewed the items approved on the consent calendar. PUBLIC HEARINGS: RESOLUTION NO. Manager Ames presented the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program R2022-007 SIX-YEAR (TIP) from 2023 through 2028. TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT Manager Ames reviewed the TIP development process, which serves as the PROGRAM (TIP) foundation for transportation funding within the state of the Washington each 2023-2028: year. Each city or jurisdiction prepares a list of transportation projects for the next six years. The lists are submitted through the local planning organization, which is forwarded to the state. The state bundles all TIPs to form the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Transportation projects included on the TIP/STIP are eligible to be considered for state or federal grant funds. This year’s TIP is based on last year’s TIP with removals, modifications, and additional projects. The Capitol Boulevard Corridor Plan Israel Road to M Street Design has been removed, as well as two additional projects involving property acquisition. Those projects are the 93rd Avenue/Case Road Roundabout and the Capitol Boulevard/Linwood Roundabout. The projects were removed because of other funding priorities in the next six years. Current projects underway have been adjusted to reflect a reduction in the funding amounts. New projects included in the TIP include a roundabout at Capitol Boulevard and Dennis Street and the Sapp Road Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements project. The TIP totals $27.6 million in grant funding and approximately $50 million in local funding for a total of $78 million. Manager Ames displayed a map of the locations of planned projects within the City. She asked the Council to approve the proposed TIP after receiving public testimony. Mayor Sullivan opened and closed the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. There was no public testimony. MOTION: Councilmember Swarthout moved, seconded by Councilmember Schneider, to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign Resolution No. R2022-007, adopting the City’s Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2023-2028. A voice vote unanimously approved the motion. COUNCIL CONSIDERATIONS: TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 7 ORDINANCE NO. Manager Medrud presented Ordinance No. O2022-004, Binding Site Plans O2022-004, BINDING for consideration. SITE PLANS: The proposed amendments were included in the 2022 Long Range Planning Work Program. Binding site plans are an alternative method of land division authorized in RCW 58.17.035. A binding site plan provides exact locations and detail for the type of information appropriately addressed as a part of land division, such as infrastructure and other requirements typical of subdivisions. Binding site plans may only be used for land divisions for industrial or commercial uses; lease of manufactured homes – typically a manufactured home park; and condominiums. The binding site process is intended to be more flexible. Current regulations for binding site plans have not been substantially updated since 1996. The regulations in TMC 17.08 Binding site plans do not clearly relate to the requirements for binding site plans found elsewhere in TMC Title 17 Land Division or to the vesting requirements contained in TMC Chapter 15.44 Vesting of development rights. Manager Medrud reviewed the proposed amendments: 1. Table 14.08.030 (Decision process)  In response to public comment received at the public hearing on phasing in TMC 17.14.090, added process for phased binding site plan approval to the decision process table.  Approval of binding site plans without phasing would be administrative, but phased binding site plan approval would require Hearing Examiner approval. 2. TMC 15.44 Vesting of Development Rights: Added “binding site plan” to sections that specify the type of land division that is vested to clarify how and when binding site plan applications are vested for consistency between the different development processes. 3. TMC 17.08.010 Binding site plans 4. TMC 17.14.040 Review Criteria (Existing for all land divisions) 5. TMC 17.14.045 Review criteria for binding site plans (Additional new review criteria specific to binding site plans) The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the proposed amendments and forwarded a recommendation to approve the ordinance. The General Government Committee reviewed the proposed amendments in May with a recommendation to approve the ordinance. Staff requests approval of the ordinance as presented. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 8 MOTION: Councilmember Althauser moved, seconded by Councilmember Dahlhoff, to approve Ordinance No. O2022-004, Binding Site Plans. A voice vote unanimously approved the motion. ORDINANCE NO. Manager Medrud presented the proposal for annexation of Trosper Lake O2022-002, TROSPER Island. ISLAND ANNEXATION: At the beginning of 2022, Tumwater completely surrounded 12 areas of the county that are unincorporated and surrounded entirely by the City of Tumwater. The islands include 160 parcels totaling 161 acres with seven of the islands containing less than 2 lots. The Trosper Lake Island includes 111 parcels totaling 132 acres and is the largest of the islands. The first 11 islands were annexed in May by adoption of Ordinance No. O2022-001. Ordinance No. O2022-002, if approved, would annex the Trosper Lake Island. Manager Medrud reviewed the planning process for the proposed annexation. The number of government services are affected by the annexation area include:  County and Local Fire District Services  Police and Fire  Roads and Stormwater  Building and Land Use Permits  Code Enforcement  Separate voter pamphlets Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 35A.14.296 recognized that county islands cause inefficiencies for the delivery of public services. In 2020, the Legislature passed a new law enabling cities and counties to annex islands through a jointly approved Interlocal Agreement (ILA). The legislation deemed city annexations of unincorporated areas within urban growth areas will be more efficient and effective if the county and city develop a jointly approved interlocal agreement so as not to create illogical boundaries or islands of unincorporated territory. Key milestones completed include:  September 5, 2021 – McLane Black Lake Fire Department did not object to the proposed annexation ILA  December 1, 2021 – Tumwater and Thurston County hosted a joint open house on the proposed annexations  Eighteen individuals contacted the City about the annexation with a number of questions. Of the 18 contacts, 11 of the individuals lived in the Trosper Lake Island with one individual supporting the annexation, three opposed to the annexation, with the remaining TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 9 seven asking general questions about the impact to their properties when annexed to the City.  November and December 2021 & January 2022 – The City issued public notices to inform residents and others of: - The Open House - How to obtain a copy of the draft Interlocal Agreement - How to participate in the public hearing on the Interlocal Agreement  January 18, 2022 – The City Council and the Board of County Commissioners hosted a joint public hearing on the Interlocal Agreement.  January 18, 2022 – The City Council approved the Interlocal Agreement.  January 25, 2022 – The Board of County Commissioners approved the Interlocal Agreement.  February 16, 2022 – Notices of Intent to Annex were forwarded to the Thurston County Boundary Review Board for a state mandated review for each annexation area.  March 7, 2022 – The Boundary Review Board returned nine of the annexations to the City for final action after completing its 21-day review period.  April 4, 2022 – The Boundary Review Board returned the remaining three annexations to the City for final action after completing its 45- day review period. The General Government Committee received a briefing on the proposed annexation and recommended the City Council conduct a worksession to review both annexation ordinances. On May 17, 2022 the City approved Ordinance O2022-001 to annex the first 11 county islands. Final action occurs when and if the City Council adopts the proposed annexation ordinance. After the effective date of the adopted ordinance, the annexation will be complete. Lynne Watanabe, Lead Elections Technician, Thurston County Auditor’s Office, shared how the Auditor’s Office supports the elimination of county islands in Tumwater. The islands require the Auditor’s Office to create a unique precinct for each island, which is expensive and hampers the protection of each voter’s secrecy. The Auditor’s Office is required to produce a unique ballot style for each island precinct. Additionally, an election in Tumwater could result in county island voters receiving voter pamphlets because of USPS carrier routes, creating confusion for county voters. On behalf of Thurston County, Ms. Watanabe thanked the Council for annexing the islands. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 10 Councilmember Althauser inquired about any estimated savings to the Auditor’s Office if the islands are annexed by the City. Ms. Watanabe advised that she does not have the amount of any savings available at this time. Consultant Gary Cooper offered to answer any questions from the Council. Councilmember Dahlhoff requested confirmation that staff responded to all questions and concerns with the Q&A developed by staff. A recent email was received from an island resident inquiring about the benefits of annexation. Manager Medrud affirmed informational material was provided to county island residents who contacted the City. He also has had multiple conversations with the individual who recently contacted the City. MOTION: Councilmember Althauser moved, seconded by Councilmember Dahlhoff, to approve Ordinance No. O2022-002, Trosper Island Annexation. A voice vote unanimously approved the motion. RESOLUTION NO. City Administrator Doan reported on March 17, 2020, the Council declared R2022-010, an emergency related to COVID-19. The proposed resolution terminates the TERMINATING THE state of emergency on June 30, 2022. The proposed termination is in DECLARED LOCAL response to vaccinations and different safety and health measures in response EMERGENCY to the pandemic. Although, the world is in a much better state, the pandemic RELATED TO continues with ongoing cases of COVID diagnosed with hospitalizations and NOVEL a reduction in deaths because of vaccinations and boosters. CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19): Following approval of the resolution, staff plans to work with the Police Department bargaining unit as the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on vaccinations expires on June 15, 2022. The Teamsters did not enter into a MOU with the City. The Fire Department is subject to the Governor’s Executive Order. Staff recommends the Council approve the resolution. City Administrator Doan conveyed appreciation to all City employees who pivoted, adjusted, changed, and learned throughout the pandemic. City employees adapted to wearing masks, agreeing to receive vaccinations, and working from home. Councilmember Althauser reminded everyone that the pandemic continues and urged everyone to apply the lessons learned during the last two years to ensure the recent increase in COVID cases does not continue and worsen. MOTION: Councilmember Jefferson moved, seconded by Councilmember Schneider, to approve Resolution No. R2022-010, terminating the declared local emergency related to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). A voice vote unanimously approved the motion. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 11 COMMITTEE REPORTS: PUBLIC HEALTH & The next meeting is scheduled on June 14, 2022 at 8 a.m. The agenda SAFETY: includes briefings on BLS Transport and FD CARES, a Thurston County Leatta Dahlhoff Youth Marijuana Prevention Education Program update, and the 2021 Police Use of Force Report. GENERAL The next meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. The agenda GOVERNMENT: includes the 2022 General Development Code Housekeeping Amendments Michael Althauser and a discussion on the Urban Forestry Management Plan tree preservation regulations. PUBLIC WORKS: The next meeting is scheduled on June 9, 2022 at 8 a.m. to receive an update Eileen Swarthout on the Percival Creek Sewer Overflow Update – SmartCover Level Monitor, consideration of Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual Revisions, PSE Schedule 74 Project Plan, Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Tumwater and Tumwater School District for the Barnes Boulevard and Ridgeview Loop Crossing Improvements, and the Pioneer Park Riparian Restoration Service Provider Agreement. BUDGET AND There was no meeting and no report. FINANCE: Debbie Sullivan MAYOR/CITY City Administrator Doan introduced Austin Ramirez as the City’s Economic ADMINISTRATOR’S Development Manager who began on June 1, 2022. REPORT: Mayor Sullivan reported the Intercity Transit Authority recognized a Dial-A- Life driver, who won second place during the 31st Annual Community Transportation Rodeo in Louisville, Kentucky. Many transit staff and bus drivers won multiple driving awards during the event. A new operator class is scheduled on June 6, 2022. Mayor Sullivan encouraged community members interested in becoming a bus driver to visit the Intercity Transit website for more information. The next Intercity Transit Authority meeting is on May 15, 2022. Mayor Sullivan attended the Community Action Council for Lewis Mason and Thurston Counties on May 25, 2022. Members received a briefing on the community report. Of interest is the number of services provided to individuals residing in Grays Harbor County. Monarch has experienced an increase in the number of clients this year totaling 1,095. The clients are children who have been sexually assaulted (949), physically assaulted (122), neglected (8), and wellness and violence (16). The Community Action Council owns a multitude of affordable housing developments. One development, Deschutes Cove, is located in Tumwater. The housing complexes are experiencing a vacancy rate of 1.9%. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 12 Mayor Sullivan reported on her attendance to the Tumwater Public Works celebration on May 19, 2022. She was honored to throw the first pitch during the youth baseball party in the park on May 21, 2022. She also participated in the opening of the Tumwater Farmers Market on June 5, 2022. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: Eileen Swarthout: At the May 23, 2022 Climate Action Steering Committee meeting, members received a presentation on legacy forests. Legacy forests are forests naturally regenerated prior to World War II. The Department of Natural Resources plan timber sales in some areas of legacy forests. Councilmember Swarthout offered to forward a link to the presentation. Funds from timber sales support counties and other special districts. Efforts are underway to save legacy forests from harvesting. At the last meeting of the Thurston Regional Planning Council, members reviewed the contingency funding project list for transportation projects. The region received additional funding from the federal government. The list of regional projects could only include projects submitted in 2020 during the call for projects or projects included in the unfunded project list of the Regional Transportation Improvement Plan. Tumwater’s projects include the Littlerock Road and 113th SW Bridge project, the X Street Roundabout project, the Israel Road and Linderson Way Pedestrian and Bicycle improvements project, two proposals for the I-5/93rd Avenue Interchange, and the design of the Tumwater Boulevard and I-5 Interchange project. Funds received from the state can be supplemented with the federal funds. Because of the substantial increase in the construction market, the federal funds help to offset the increase in project costs. Councilmember Cathey inquired about the purpose of thinning legacy forests. Councilmember Swarthout responded that the presentation included information on the requirements of the statute for timber sales to fund counties in which the timber is located. Councilmember Cathey commented on her belief that the action of harvesting timber is counterintuitive as it conflicts with a county’s actions to combat climate change. Councilmember Swarthout noted that Thurston County Commissioner Menser is examining the issue of timber sales as it is not a source of sustainable income. Angela Jefferson: Councilmember Jefferson reported on her attendance to the May 18, 2022 Emergency Medical Services Council (EMS) meeting. Due to the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair, the meeting was informational only with no action completed. Members discussed the Medic One Response Time Report. Members agreed to continue the review of the report at the next meeting. A paramedic recruitment is underway during June 22-23, 2022. Six of nine applicants were hired from the last recruitment event. More TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 13 paramedics are required in anticipation of up to 12 vacancies during the next year. A new EMT class is scheduled on June 20, 2022. Members discussed the status of the 90-day no divert policy. All parties want to continue the policy as it affords flexibility to patients in terms of where they want to receive treatment. Members discussed the continuance of hybrid meetings and elected to retain the hybrid format as it offers a choice for members. Funding is available for training of EMTs throughout the county. Medic One provides the funds of $100,000. At the June 1, 2022 Experience Olympia and Beyond Annual Meeting at Indian Summer, the Executive Director discussed the 2021 State of Thurston County. For the first time, barriers were removed to enable all businesses to join the organization. New community guides have been released and are available online. The guide is a tri-fold brochure and is customized for each local jurisdiction. The Tumwater brochure features areas of interest in the City. Members received a viewing of the new video produced for Experience Olympia and Beyond. The new website is now operational. Don Trosper presented information on Thurston County tourism with his presentation incorporating Tumwater’s history and how the City has served as the gateway to South Sound. The annual meeting ended with a game show – Thurston Squares fashioned from the old game show, Hollywood Squares. Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Denney represented the City and placed second. On Sunday, May 29, 2022, Councilmember Jefferson attended the first Tumwater Community Garden dedication at United Methodist Church. Councilmember Schneider attended, as well as two members of the City of Lacey Tree Board to learn how the City of Lacey can collaborate and create similar partnerships. Councilmember Jefferson thanked Councilmembers and staff involved in the launching of the City’s first community garden. Joan Cathey: Councilmember Cathey reported on her attendance to the Regional Housing Council at the end of May in conjunction with Councilmember Althauser. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee held a meeting on June 1, 2022. Councilmember deferred her report on the meeting, which included a review of a program, Use Food Well Washington. The program was initiated by legislation in 2019. The program focuses on prevention, recover, and reuse of food that otherwise would enter the waste stream. Members received a report on House Bill 1799 passed in 2022 to enhance the program. Councilmember Cathey plans to attend the June 8, 2022 Olympic Regional Clean Air Authority meeting, General Government Committee meeting, and the Regional Housing Council meeting. Charlie Schneider: Councilmember Schneider attended the first Tumwater Community Garden dedication at United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 29, 2022. He acknowledged Councilmember Jefferson for her efforts to create the garden. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 14 Councilmember Schneider attended the Memorial Day ceremony sponsored by Mills and Mills in honor of service members. Prior to the event, he was able to replace flags on the graves of veterans buried at the Mills and Mills cemetery. Councilmember Schneider attended the annual Tumwater Youth Program (TYP) Appreciation Dinner at the River’s Edge Restaurant sponsored by the Tumwater Parks and Recreation Department. The event honors all TYP volunteers. The TYP program is scheduled to restart in September. He also attended the National Trails Day Event at the trail near Jim Brown Park. The Tumwater Farmers Market opened on June 5, 2022 and is held each Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Peter G. Schmidt Elementary School. Councilmember Schneider attended the Thurston County Emergency Management Council Executive Seminar. The seminar included information on COVID, weather patterns, and planning and emergency recovery plans. Councilmember Schneider reported he was representing himself, as a homeowner in the Preserve neighborhood as he read a statement into the record. The statement spoke to previous testimony by the chair of the Hopkins Drainage District addressing the excess water draining into the drainage ditch he believes was generated by the development of the Preserve subdivision. At that time, officials from the drainage ditch requested approximately $380,000 to help reestablish and improve the ditch. The City of Tumwater denied that the subdivision was responsible for excess water. Thurston County also refused a similar request. After exhausting most avenues, drainage officials are directing their energy to the residents of the Preserve. In the complaint, the residents are referred to as landowners while residents view themselves as homeowners with homes built on land designed and approved by the City of Tumwater. As stated in an earlier email by City Administrator Doan, the City has complied with all regulations in the approval of the permits for the Preserve and surrounding areas. He questioned why the City was not willing to review the records to ensure there were no errors during the development process and provide at a minimum, an update, and an analysis to the Preserve. According to the ditch officials, the residents could be assessed $780 for a one-time fee and a 10% annual fee. Residents in the Preserve are concerned about the issue. Peter Agabi: At the last meeting of the Joint Animal Services Commission in May, members considered a request from the Executive Director to appoint Joe Mugan, Executive Director, Feline Friends of Olympia, as a member of the Commission as a non-profit and non-veterinary member. The Commission discussed scheduling a retreat with no date established as this time dependent upon the availability of members. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 15 The last meeting of the Thurston Economic Development Council was held at Heritage Distilling in the Tumwater Craft District. The distillery produces cider in addition to whiskey products. The meeting hosted a presentation by North Thurston Public Schools on a district program. The program is seeking a grant of $63 million to fund the construction of a facility for providing services. City Administrator Doan presented information on development activities occurring in the Tumwater Craft District. Leatta Dahlhoff: At the last meeting of the Thurston County Opioid Response Task Force, members received information on a Prevention Campaign focused on youth and seniors. The campaign is moving forward through different campaigns, platforms, medias, and in numerous languages. The Regional Fire Authority continues to meet with members reviewing financial information at its next meeting. Councilmember Dahlhoff reported she represents the City of Tumwater on the LOTT Clean Water Alliance Board of Directors. The Board discussed sea level rise. She is serving on a Sea Level Committee to work on a sea level rise work program. Councilmember Dahlhoff attended the Thurston County 911 Communications meeting and received a presentation on the annual report and progress on switching to new radios. The City of Tumwater is scheduled for equipment replacement. In conjunction with Councilmember Jefferson, Councilmember Dahlhoff serves on the Equity Toolbox Committee for the City. Members reviewed a Request for Proposal that is scheduled for release. Councilmember Dahlhoff also attended the Thurston County Emergency Management Council Executive Seminar. Councilmember Dahlhoff announced the availability of a small food pantry at Mountain View Church of the Nazarene. Church officials are also meeting with Director Chuck Denney and Manager Todd Anderson to sponsor another community garden. Michael Althauser: The Regional Housing Council concluded its two-day retreat in mid-May. the goals established at the onset of the retreat included working cooperatively with the Housing Action Team, addressing prevention in terms of services, and the future of the Council in terms of its overall comprehensive structure. Members made some progress on the goals but lacked some solid answers. The next meeting scheduled on June 8, 2022 will likely include a debriefing of the retreat and discussing next steps for developing comprehensive answers to the goals. The Council will likely TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING June 7, 2022 Page 16 appoint a work group to develop a plan for formulate the next steps for presentation to the Council. Councilmember Althauser attended the Capitol Lake Deschutes Estuary Funding and Governance Work Group meeting. Members of the work group discussed the long-term management of the estuary after restoration and different types of operating agreements between the jurisdictions. Some of the structure of the long-term management option has shifted based on feedback provided by Mayor Sullivan, City Administrator Doan, and Councilmember Althauser. Instead of an interlocal agreement (ILA) that encompasses all aspects of an entity, the shift is for an ILA that covers the funding aspect with dispersed ownership of some of the assets. One of those assets added to the plan are Tumwater trails in the south basin area. The Council is scheduled to receive an update on the status of the work group efforts. OTHER BUSINESS: Councilmember Swarthout referred to coursework many on the Council are completing through ICMA (International City/County Management Association). One of the lessons focuses on the clear and comprehensive role as a Councilmember. She asked for a point of clarification with respect to Councilmember Schneider’s statement from the Council dais. The lesson stressed that once elected, a Councilmember is considered an elected official at all times and whether the statement offered by Councilmember Schneider was an appropriate action, especially in terms of future meetings. Mayor Sullivan advised that a discussion on the issue would be scheduled at a future Council worksession. ADJOURNMENT: Councilmember Dahlhoff moved, seconded by Councilmember Agabi, to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. A voice vote approved the motion unanimously. Prepared by Valerie L. Gow, Recording Secretary/President Puget Sound Meeting Services, psmsoly@earthlink.net