City Council

TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 17, 2023 Page 1 CONVENE: 7:01 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Debbie Sullivan and Councilmembers, Peter Agabi, Joan Cathey, Michael Althauser, Leatta Dahlhoff, ,Charlie Schneider, and Eileen Swarthout. Excused: Councilmember Angela Jefferson. Staff: City Administrator Lisa Parks, City Attorney Karen Kirkpatrick, Finance Director Troy Niemeyer, Fire Chief Brian Hurley, Community Development Director Michal Matlock, Water Resources and Sustainability Director Dan Smith, Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Denney, Firefighter Paramedic Lieutenant Rian Winter, Communications Manager Ann Cook, and City Clerk Melody Valiant. PROCLAMATION: Mayor Sullivan read a proclamation declaring Walk to School Month, WALK TO SCHOOL October 2023. The proclamation encourages the community to MONTH, OCTOBER promote the safety and health of children during October and 2023: throughout the year, by supporting pedestrian, bicycle, and active transportation improvements, modeling safe pedestrian and bicycle behaviors, and practicing an active lifestyle. Parents, school employees, and community leaders were invited to make a lasting impression on community youth by joining Tumwater students in walking to school. Kerri Wilson, Supervisor of Intercity Transit’s Walk N Roll Program, outlined the purpose of the program to help schools organize Walk N Roll events and encourage students to walk and bike to school. This year the program is supporting Michael T. Simmons Elementary School by organizing Walk N Roll school events. Mayor Sullivan presented the proclamation to Tumwater School Superintendent Kevin Bogatin. 2023 FIREFIGHTER Fire Chief Hurley announced the selection of the 2023 City of OF THE YEAR: Tumwater Firefighter of the Year as Firefighter Paramedic Lieutenant Rian Winter. Lieutenant Winter joined the Tumwater Fire Department in 2016 and was promoted to Paramedic Lieutenant in July 2019. Lieutenant Winter serves the greater Thurston County area as an exceptional Firefighter and Paramedic. Lieutenant Winter serves as a teacher providing training to students as emergency medical technicians. Lieutenant Winter serves as Vice President of IFF Firefighters Local 2409. Fire Chief Hurley presented Lieutenant Winter with a U.S. flag flown over the Washington D.C. Capitol and the Washington State Capitol. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 17, 2023 Page 2 He presented him with a plaque for his selfless and dedicated service to the Tumwater Fire Department. THE NISQUALLY Willy Frank III, Chair of the Nisqually Indian Tribe Council, INDIAN TRIBE’S described the importance of the project that will benefit the entire area HAWKS PRAIRIE and all jurisdictions. He introduced David Iyall, Treasurer, Nisqually PROJECT: Indian Tribe; Guido Levy Jr., 6th Tribal Council Member; Bob Iyall, Elder, Port Commissioner, and CEO of Medicine Enterprise for the Nisqually Indian Tribe; and Davor Gjurasic, who provides government affairs services for the Nisqually Indian Tribe. David Iyall briefed the Council on property in Lacey initially purchased in partnership in 2010 with developers from Lynnwood. In 2020, the Tribe purchased the property from the partners and renamed the project as Quiemuth Resort and Village Projects. The name honors Quiemuth, brother of Chief Leschi, who led the Tribe through the Indian Wars. Quiemouth ultimately lost his life while in the custody of Governor Stevens. The property is comprised of two parcels. The parcel designated as the Quiemuth Village property would include multiple uses centering on economic development. The second parcel is the Quiemuth Resort property to be developed as a hotel/casino/convention center. The resort parcel is the location used historically by the Tribe to camp, gather, and trade with other tribes. Following the Indian Wars of 1855, tribes were moved to reservations. Approximately 4,700 acres were designated for the Tribe located on both sides of the Nisqually River. Following World War I, two-thirds of the property was condemned for the construction of Fort Lewis reducing total tribal acreage to 1,200 acres. Today the reservation consists of 1,288 acres in Thurston County. The devastating impact of the condemnation and disbursement of economic, social, and cultural survival of the Tribe cannot be overstated. The Tribe has dedicated a portion of its gaming revenue to a land buy-back program with priorities for using the land for cultural, environmental, or economic development. The 250 acres of the Lacey property will include aspects of those three priorities. Mr. Levy reviewed the proposed design of the casino resort property of approximately 74 acres. The main focal point of development is in the middle of the property containing the convention center between a hotel and a casino. The design includes a parking garage and several other parking locations on the site. Another structure could be either a culture center or a museum. Mr. Levy reviewed two development options for the second parcel of TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 17, 2023 Page 3 the remaining 174 acres. Development of the site could include a combination of retail and recreation. The proposal provides an opportunity to support local businesses, contractors, and jobs. The convention center offers an opportunity to expand tourism in Thurston County. Revenue from the project will benefit important causes of fisheries and natural resource restoration as salmon has always been an integral part of the Nisqually culture. Mr. Iyall reported as one of 29 federally recognized tribes in the state, the Nisqually Tribe is a major contributor to the state’s economy totaling approximately $7 billion. Nisqually enterprises employ approximately 850 employees with tribal government employing another 450 employees. Most employees do not live on the reservation. The proposed project for the casino resort component expects to employ approximately 4,000 workers during construction equating to $250 million in labor income and $16 million in local taxes. Over the long-term operation of the casino resort, the Tribe will employ 2,000 people totaling $98 million in labor income and $2.6 million in local taxes. The mixed use village alternative is anticipated to employ approximately 3,000 workers with $215 million in labor income and $12.2 million in local taxes. The long-term operation of the mixed use village will create 3,000 jobs both directly and indirectly and contribute $110 million in labor income, $6.3 million in local sales tax, and $5.7 million in other local taxes. The Tribe is required to covert the property to trust land through a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) process requiring several years to complete. The BIA notifies all governments within a 25 mile radius of the property. The process includes public notifications and public hearings. The Tribe is seeking letters of support from local jurisdictions for inclusion in the filing to the BIA. The casino resort is anticipated to require two to three years to complete the federal trust process with development anticipated to be completed between two and three years. The mixed use village will require less time for the trust process with development requiring a longer period because of the size of the project and the number of different uses. The presenters responded to questions and comments from the Council. The development timeline is a multi-faceted process requiring public input, environmental review, and public hearings. The Tribe has received some good suggestions for uses on the property from local elected officials and others. Last week, the Tribe broke ground on the medically assisted treatment facility and expects to open the facility by early 2025. The Lacey project process begins TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 17, 2023 Page 4 on November 7, 2023 with the Tribal Council meeting with the BIA in Washington, D.C. to present and discuss the project. Receiving letters of support has been very important for the Tribe and demonstrates to the BIA that there is local support for the project. The Tribe plans to establish a process to receive comments and suggestions for the project. In response to comments about the importance of providing housing in the community, Mr. Iyall said the project is anticipated to create a walking community with sufficient housing for employees and others to serve the community. Mayor Sullivan said she believes the Council supports submitting a letter of support to the Tribe. Councilmember Althauser suggested the letter should also be undersigned by the Council to convey support from both the City’s executive and from the legislative branch. Mayor Sullivan supported the suggestion. PUBLIC COMMENT: Rob Kirkwood, Old Brewhouse Foundation, said the foundation supports the preservation of the old brewhouse and surrounding complex. The foundation has not received any communications from the City on the status of the old brewhouse for several years in terms of the status of the property. He asked about reestablishing communications with the Foundation. Members spent many hours assisting in the installation of temporary roofs and securing some windows on the tower. Mayor Sullivan advised that staff would contact the foundation. PUBLIC HEARINGS: THURSTON City Administrator Parks welcomed Thurston County Commissioner COUNTY BALLOT Carolina Mejia and Interim Thurston County Manager Robin PROPOSITION 1 Campbell. PUBLIC SAFETY TAX: Commissioner Mejia provided information on Thurston County’s Proposition 1 Public Safety Tax proposal. The proposal was prompted from many conversations over the last several years. Earlier in the year, conversations with the Thurston County Sheriff centered on the proposition. Information was shared on the proposal during Mayor meetings. Thurston County is facing major challenges with respect to staff levels in the Sheriff’s Office and backups in the ballot processing center estimated to cost $ 7 million for upgrades. Following many discussions, the County Board of Commissioners agreed to place the proposition on the general election ballot. If passed by the voters, the proposition would allocate 75% of the funds to the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement and the remaining 25% TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 17, 2023 Page 5 would support the Prosecutor’s Office and Public Defense Office. Included in the 25% are funds for the ballot processing center. Approximately 40% of the funding would be allocated to the cities for law enforcement (1/3) and general government (2/3). The ballot is seeking a sales tax increase of 2/10th of one percent equating to 2 cents in sales tax for each $10 purchase. Commissioner Mejia added funding for the Sheriff’s Office would address staffing levels. At any given time, only six deputies are on duty countywide. One important issue is the increase in response time averaging approximately 45 minutes and creating equity issues in rural areas. The Sheriff also desires mental health counselor availability on a 24-hour rotation. Currently, the program provides services during working hours. Much of the assistance is required after hours. Councilmember Dahlhoff asked about any national standards for response times by counties and sheriffs. Ms. Campbell advised that the information is not readily available at this time; however, response times are available for the Sheriff’s Office in comparison to national averages. Typically, Thurston County‘s response times are above the national average because of the lack of deputies to respond quickly. Safety of deputies is another concern during many crisis calls. The national standard requires two responders to specific types of calls for service. Thurston County has lacked the funds to adequately cover the county. Commissioner Mejia added that the Commission has increased staffing in the Sheriff’s Office but not at the rate necessary to meet the rapid pace of growth because of the lack of funding. Other counties successfully passed a similar proposition and were able to fund positions as the population increased. Councilmember Agabi commented that he was not aware of the ballot proposition and questioned how the county plans to convince the public of the funding need. Commissioner Mejia responded that a committee in support of the proposition was formed by Senator Sam Hunt and Commissioner Gary Edwards, who authored the pro statement for the voter’s pamphlet. The committee has been working with the Commission and the Sheriff’s Office to publicize the proposition to the public. As part of those efforts, Commissioners presented information to the Lacey City Council and the City of Olympia. All Commissioners have presented information to different civic groups about the public safety tax. Ms. Campbell reported the county also mailed information to voters in Thurston County. The intent of the proposition is to enhance the TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 17, 2023 Page 6 safety of the community with 75% of the funds dedicated to law enforcement. Mayor Sullivan opened and closed the public hearing at 7:58 p.m. There was no public testimony. City Administrator Parks added that no action is requested by the Council as the intent of the briefing was to provide information on the proposed ballot measure. Commissioner Mejia noted that the City of Lacey plans to consider a resolution in support of the proposition at its next meeting. Commissioners would support a similar action by the Tumwater City Council. Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders apologized for his delay in attending the meeting. After his election as Thurston County Sheriff, the Board of County Commissioners acknowledged the need for additional deputies while also recognizing the lack of funding for additional positions. Discussion soon followed on the possibility of seeking approval of a public safety tax from voters. Previous efforts for a public safety tax never resulted in a decision to move forward. He supports allocating some of the funds to the Prosecutor’s Office in light of additional officers increasing response time and the expectation that more suspects would be apprehended resulting in an increase in arrests and prosecutions. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office has insufficient staffing to meet industry standards for response time. Additionally, the department is unable to offer a two-officer response for certain call types. He shared additional information on current mechanisms for supporting response involving mental health issues. CONSENT a. Approval of Minutes: City Council Work Session, September 26, CALENDAR: 2023 b. Payment of Vouchers c. Interlocal Agreement with Pierce College for Paramedic Training d. Service Provider Agreement with ICF Jones & Stokes, Inc. for the Bush Prairie Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Phase 2, Amendment 3 e. Letter of Commitment with State Department of Commerce for 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update Climate Planning Grant Application f. Advisory Board Reappointments of David Shipley and Alex Rossiter to the Historic Preservation Commission and Terry Kirkpatrick to the Planning Commission MOTION: Councilmember Dahlhoff moved, seconded by Councilmember Agabi, to approve the consent calendar as published. A voice vote TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 17, 2023 Page 7 approved the motion unanimously. Mayor Sullivan reviewed the items approved on the consent calendar. COMMITTEE REPORTS: PUBLIC HEALTH & At the last meeting on October 10, 2023, members received briefings SAFETY: on an interlocal agreement with Pierce College for training and an Leatta Dahlhoff update from the Thurston County Office of Public Defense on case trends. GENERAL At the Wednesday, October 11, 2023 meeting, the committee received GOVERNMENT: an update on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update on the Michael Althauser development code, consideration of a letter of commitment for grants for climate planning efforts, and an amendment for the Bush Prairie Habitat Conservation Plan. PUBLIC WORKS: The next meeting is scheduled on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 8 Eileen Swarthout a.m. BUDGET AND The next meeting is scheduled on October 23, 2023 at 10 a.m. to FINANCE: consider Community Human Services funding requests. A second Debbie Sullivan meeting is scheduled on November 7, 2023. MAYOR/CITY City Administrator Parks shared information on positive feedback ADMINISTRATOR’S from the community recognizing assistance and support by several REPORT: staff members and positive feedback on the recent Fall Festival event and Tumwater’s annual Clean-Up & Drop-Off event. Staff plans to draft a letter of support for the Nisqually Indian Tribe application to the BIA based on model letter the Tribe provided to staff as a guide. Staff will coordinate the signing of the letter with the Council and Mayor. Mayor Sullivan reported on her attendance to the Intercity Transit Authority Board meeting. The Authority extended the contract of CTE for completion of a zero emissions analysis for the agency. Intercity Transit is considering hydrogen fuel cell and electric options for bus operations. The federal government is offering grants for hydrogen fuel cells. Members were introduced to nine new bus operators joining the agency. The next class for bus operators is scheduled later in the month. The agency is working to restore service to pre-pandemic service levels. Members received a presentation from staff on the school Rock N Roll Program. Mayor Sullivan participated in a walking tour of new facilities completed by the Nisqually Indian Tribe. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 17, 2023 Page 8 Mayor Sullivan attended the Association of Washington Cities Mayor’s Exchange in Leavenworth, Washington. Mayor Sullivan participated in the grand opening of the new Market Building in the Craft District. Mayor Sullivan and City Administrator Parks are scheduled to meet with a delegation of officials from Poland in conjunction with several other local mayors. The next Senior Picnic at Tumwater Historical Park is scheduled on Thursday, October 19, 2023 featuring a chili cook-off. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: Charlie Schneider: Councilmember Schneider reported he plans to participate in the Senior Picnic chili cook-off along with six other individuals. Joan Cathey: Councilmember Cathey attended meetings of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, General Government Committee, and the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency. Eileen Swarthout: There were no meetings and no report. Peter Agabi: Councilmember Agabi attended the last meetings of the Public Safety and Health Committee and the LEOFF Disability Board. Leatta Dahlhoff: Councilmember Dahlhoff reported on her attendance to six meetings. During the meeting of the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Committee, members received an update on recent client successes:  A client was able to purchase a trailer and is seeking land  A client received dental care and new dentures  A client volunteered to participate in substance use treatment.  A client was able to obtain housing at the Plum Street tiny housing complex  A client received approval for care-giving hours twice a week to assist with cleaning and shopping  A client was able to obtain a driver’s license to enable the individual to return to the workforce  A client received housing  A client was accepted into in-patient treatment  A client was able to work with their doctor on medication and improved dosing TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 17, 2023 Page 9 The number of referrals from January through September totaled 159 with 190 individuals served by 2,563 different services. Michael Althauser: The next meeting of the Regional Housing Council is scheduled in early November. Councilmember Althauser participated in Worker Recovery Day with 20 students from Tumwater High School at the Squaxin Park to remove ivy. OTHER BUSINESS: Mayor Sullivan reported the next regular Council meeting is scheduled on Monday, November 6, 2023 in lieu of the general election scheduled on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. ADJOURNMENT: With there being no further business, Mayor Sullivan adjourned the meeting at 8:19 p.m. Prepared by Valerie L. Gow, Recording Secretary/President Puget Sound Meeting Services, psmsoly@earthlink.net