City Council

TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2024 Page 1 CONVENE: 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Debbie Sullivan and Councilmembers Peter Agabi, Michael Althauser, Joan Cathey, Leatta Dahlhoff, Angela Jefferson, Eileen Swarthout, and Kelly Von Holtz. Staff: City Administrator Lisa Parks, City Attorney Karen Kirkpatrick, Finance Department Director Troy Niemeyer, Police Chief Jon Weiks, Fire Chief Brian Hurley, Community Development Department Director Michael Matlock, Transportation & Engineering Department Director Brandon Hicks, Water Resources & Sustainability Department Director Dan Smith, Parks and Recreation Department Director Chuck Denney, Communications Manager Jason Wettstein, and Deputy City Clerk Tracie Core. SPECIAL ITEMS: PROCLAMATION: Councilmember Althauser read a proclamation declaring October 6-12, FIRE PREVENTION 2024 as Fire Prevention Week. The proclamation urged all residents WEEK OCTOBER 6 - and businesses in the City of Tumwater to heed the messages within the 12, 2024: proclamation and support the efforts of the Tumwater Fire Department and other emergency services to keep everyone safe from fires and in times of medical emergencies. Mayor Sullivan presented the proclamation to Fire Chief Hurley. Fire Chief Hurley thanked the Mayor and the Council for issuing the proclamation. Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the same week of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 when most fire prevention and fire safety efforts began in the country. The theme this year is “Smoke Alarms: Make them Work for You!” More than one-third of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms. Some of the key messages are installing smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of a residence. Ensure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace old smoke alarms after 10 years or if they no longer respond when tested. During October, the Tumwater Fire Department is visiting area schools and providing fire prevention education. The fire department offers a smoke detector replacement program. Contact the fire department to schedule a date for installation of a smoke alarm. PROCLAMATION: Mayor Sullivan read a proclamation recognizing Walk to School Month, WALK TO SCHOOL October 2024. The proclamation urged the people of the City of MONTH, OCTOBER Tumwater to promote the safety and health of children this month and 2024: throughout the year by supporting pedestrian, bicycle and active transportation improvements, modeling safe pedestrian and bicycle TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2024 Page 2 behaviors, and helping make roads safer for those walking and biking by participating in safe driving practices and following the speed limit. Mayor Sullivan invited parents, school employees, and community leaders to make a lasting impression on community youth by joining Tumwater students in walking to school. Mayor Sullivan presented the proclamation to Intercity Transit’s Walk N Roll Program Supervisor, Kerri Wilson. The Walk N Roll Program helps schools organize walk n roll events encouraging families to consider walking and biking to school instead of driving students to school. The events promote safety by reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality around schools while also providing an opportunity for students to learn and practice pedestrian safety skills and build physical activity into their day. Ms. Wilson thanked the City for continuing to work on making Tumwater a more walkable and bicycle-friendly community. PROCLAMATION: Councilmember Von Holtz read a proclamation declaring Hispanic HISPANIC HERITAGE Heritage Month September 15 to October 15, 2024. The proclamation MONTH SEPTEMBER urged the community to join the City in learning and participating in 15 - OCTOBER 15, 2024: events that celebrate the rich Hispanic cultural traditions. PUBLIC COMMENT: Barry Halverson said he lives in Yelm. He cited the Capitol Lake Deschutes River Estuary Interlocal Agreement (ILA). On October 11, 2023 he testified at the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners meeting on the issue prior to the Commission approving the memorandum of understanding. He testified that the project is a worthwhile effort; however, he does not believe the funding mechanism to support the maintenance dredging after the lake is returned to an estuary is good or fair to taxpayers. The ILA binds the City for over 24 years to pay over $7.5 million into a fund for maintenance dredging of areas in Budd Inlet around marinas and yacht clubs, not Port facilities or deep-water areas. Many leaders he has spoken with do not know the facts. It is important to read section 10.1.1 in the ILA. Marinas and yacht clubs are private businesses except for the City of Olympia marina. This amounts to a gifting of taxpayer dollars to private citizens and businesses. Tax dollars should not be used for the project or any other reason for Budd Inlet. The problem was caused by the state 75 years ago and it is the state’s responsibility to fund any additional dredging or the private marinas and yacht clubs and not the taxpayers. Although the state is paying for the rehabilitation of the estuary, his comments pertain to the West Bay area the ILA covers. He forwarded the Council a letter with detailed facts about the project and the ILA. That letter was vetted with the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) to ensure his facts were accurate. Signing the ILA would be a mistake and the Council would be subjecting every Mayor and Councilmember for the next 24 years to pay the debt. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2024 Page 3 Although those costs in the first year are expected to be only $184,000, the annual bill will grow to over half a million dollars each year by the end of the ILA. The City of Tumwater has done many great things with bike paths and walking paths. The City could use the funds for City improvements other than paying for private marinas and yacht clubs. He asked the Council not to approve the ILA, send it back to DES, and make them find another avenue to pay for the project, such as state funds or marina or yacht club funds or a combination of those sources. He questioned why taxpayers should pay to dredge areas to enable private vessels to travel in and out of private docking berths. Pamela Hansen, P.O. Box 14521, Tumwater, wished former President Jimmy Carter a happy 100th birthday. President Carter was once paired with General Colin Powell in 1994 on a peace mission to Haiti. General Powell was the enforcer during the peace negotiation mission and though he later wrote a children’s book he was known for breaking his glass top desk. Fast forward to the National Guard Training Logistics and Education Center that turned into the Army Readiness Center and now appears to be the Thurston County Readiness Center. Judge Dixon ruled on military use of parks disallowing United States Navy Seals from using state parks for ops. The City of Tumwater allowed construction of the Kimmie Street military facility through a quasi-judicial process without significant input or process to provide information to the public that could be a foundation for a restraining order or litigation. Ownership of land is different than the use of land. She spoke to her cell phone signal during the pandemic redirected to a cell tower off I-5 near Trosper Road. She was able to trace the signal and suggested the nontraditional cell tower location was because the cell tower was corrupted. She alleged that AI inserted “pig” into her respectful request for generating law enforcement storyboard YouTube channel images. She questioned how AI was invented. For the most part, she plans to continue with the issue and not at the podium due to the national security implications of the Tumwater military owned property with unknown capabilities, unknown staff, and unknown resources provided by Congress that may include decisions by some U.S. Representatives. It was a public process though controversial that eventually demilitarized a military facility in Alaska. There is no quick answer to this undefined massive military controversy in Tumwater. CONSENT CALENDAR: a. Approval of Minutes: City Council September 17, 2024 b. Payment of Vouchers c. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee 2025 Funding Recommendations TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2024 Page 4 MOTION: Councilmember Von Holtz moved, seconded by Councilmember Althauser, 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 R2024- Manager Wettstein introduced and reviewed Resolution R2024-016, 016, OPPOSING THE opposing the passage of Washington State Ballot Initiative No. 2117 PASSAGE OF concerning carbon tax credit trading. WASHINGTON STATE BALLOT INITIATIVE Initiative 2117, if passed, would prohibit state agencies from imposing NO. 2117, any type of carbon tax credit trading, and repeal legislation establishing CONCERNING a cap and invest program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The CARBON TAX CREDIT measure would decrease funding for investments in transportation, TRADING: clean air, renewable energy, conservation, and emissions-reduction. Adoption of the resolution opposes Initiative No. 2117 and supports the Council’s Strategic Priority to be a leader in environmental health and sustainability. The initiative would also potentially affect the City by losing access to grants under the Washington Climate Commitment Act. Staff recommends adoption of Resolution R2024-016, opposing the passage of Washington State Ballot Initiative No. 2117. Mayor Sullivan opened the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. PUBLIC TESTIMONY: Jim Lazar, 1907 Lakehurst Drive, Olympia, said he is a retired energy economist who spent his career working in energy, utility regulations, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. The Climate Commitment Act is one of the most important and boldest steps that any state has enacted to address the climate crisis. The Council adopted the climate emergency resolution and is a participant in efforts supporting the Climate Mitigation Plan. Later in the week, the Council will participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony for one of the City’s new energy projects. Initiative No. 2117 would undo the bold steps. A number of projects are funded in the community from the Climate Commitment Act including electric vehicle charging stations, energy efficiency in schools and public buildings, and the resilience center constructed by the Nisqually Indian Tribe. There is a long list of projects funded in part through the Climate Commitment Act in Thurston County. He commended the Council for considering the resolution opposing the initiative. He serves a co-lead for the local Indivisible Chapter that has been working to oppose all four state initiatives on the loss of capital gains tax, repeal of the Climate Commitment Act, and other measures in the state. He urged the Council to join more than 500 other public entities around the state opposing Initiative No. 2117. Similar resolutions are under TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2024 Page 5 consideration by the City of Olympia and the City of Lacey. The City of Vancouver was one of the first cities opposing the initiative. Mayor Sullivan closed the public hearing at 7:26 p.m. Councilmember Althauser commented that the resolution is an important step. He agreed with many of Mr. Lazar’s comments. The Climate Commitment Act is an important state law strategically for the state’s future. The City declared a climate emergency and is part of the local climate effort to address the climate crisis. The City has received testimony from high schools about the importance of climate change and the urgent need to take action. The City is a beneficiary of the act directly in the form of grants as well as indirectly in the form of future funding streams. The viability of environmental projects depends upon future funding. He urged the Council to support the resolution. Councilmember Swarthout acknowledged Councilmember Althauser for recommending consideration of the resolution. The issue is important. As a representative of the City on regional climate efforts, the work completed to date has been difficult without funding. She supports the resolution. MOTION: Councilmember Swarthout moved, seconded by Councilmember Althauser, to Adopt Resolution R2024-016, opposing the passage of Washington State Ballot Initiative No. 2117 Concerning Carbon Tax Credit Trading A voice vote approved the motion unanimously. COMMITTEE REPORTS: PUBLIC HEALTH & The next meeting is scheduled on October 8, 2024 and includes an SAFETY: update on Crisis Response by the Tumwater Fire Department and Peter Agabi consideration of Resolution R2024-015, Affirming the Council’s commitment to equality, dignity and the protection of civil rights, and standing against hate, bigotry, and discrimination. GENERAL The next meeting is scheduled on September 9, 2024. The meeting GOVERNMENT: continues the review of the update of the Comprehensive Plan. Michael Althauser PUBLIC WORKS: The agenda for the meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2024 include Eileen Swarthout review and consideration of a Small Works Contract with Sare Electric for the City of Tumwater Fleet EV Charging Stations Project, an Interagency Agreement with Washington Department of Commerce for Washington Electric Vehicle Charging Program (WAEVCP), and TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2024 Page 6 Acquisition of the Reykdal and Langton Properties for the Percival Creek Fish Passage Barrier Removal Project. BUDGET AND There was no meeting and no report. FINANCE: Debbie Sullivan MAYOR/CITY City Administrator Parks reported the budget binders will be provided ADMINISTRATOR’S to the Council at the next worksession. The worksession will be in a REPORT: hybrid format. The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Legislative Agenda has been posted on the AWC’s website. She encouraged the Council to review the document as the legislative priorities focus on fiscal sustainability related to the property tax cap of 1%, behavioral health treatment capacity, housing supply, public safety issues, and infrastructure investment. The City will be presenting a service provider agreement to the Council for the 93rd Avenue Interchange Study scheduled to commence before the end of the year. Staff completed interviews of two design team finalists for the Deschutes Valley Trail project. Mayor Sullivan reported on her attendance to the Intercity Transit Authority Board joint meeting with the Citizens Advisory Committee. Members approved and presented the Citizens Advisory Committee Stipend Program to afford compensation to community members serving on the committee. Members reviewed the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and the Citizens Advisory Committee self-assessment process. The Board welcomed and congratulated all employees participating in the bus rodeo. For the first time in seven years, Intercity Transit placed second. The City’s annual Drop Off-Clean Up event is scheduled on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 9 a.m. to noon at City Hall. The event features recycling and shredding services. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: Joan Cathey: There were no meetings and no report. Angela Jefferson: At the last Emergency Medical Services Council meeting, members discussed the placement of the eighth medic unit in Tumwater. Contract negotiations are underway for ambulance services. Members reviewed the draft Comprehensive Plan update that focuses on home care and less time in the hospital with more recovery at home based on TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2024 Page 7 lessons learned during the COVID pandemic when hospitals no longer had sufficient hospital beds. A pilot program will be initiated for “Secure Medications in the Field” comprised of medics responding to calls at residences and observing bottles of medicine. Medics will offer a medication secure bag to help prevent overdoses. Results from the program will be reviewed by the Council. Councilmember Jefferson reported on her attendance in conjunction with Councilmembers Dahlhoff, Von Holtz, and Swarthout to the new leadership club formation at Black Hills High School on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 8 a.m. Councilmembers shared information with students to encourage a partnership between students and the City for future employment at the City and serving as a volunteer for the City. She shared some details of the information Councilmembers shared with the students. Councilmember Jefferson attended the Falls Fest. She shared information with the community about Tumwater HOPES and the school district partnership. Leatta Dahlhoff: Councilmember Dahlhoff commented on the importance of attending the student leadership meeting and her contact with several students during and after the meeting who indicated a desire to learn more about the Council. Councilmember Dahlhoff attended Falls Fest, is scheduled to attend the T-Comm 9-1-1 meeting on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, and the Public Health and Safety Committee meeting on October 8, 2024. Kelly Von Holtz: Councilmember Von Holtz said the student leadership meeting was an amazing event with local youth. She also received an email from one of the students who shared some ideas on plantings along roads to help protect Monarch butterflies. Councilmember Von Holtz plans to attend the Public Health and Safety Committee on October 9, 2024. The Falls Fest was a great event. Councilmember Von Holtz thanked staff and volunteers for their efforts to produce the event. She received many questions from the community about the status of the brewery property and the status of the South Pacific Restaurant property that was destroyed by fire. She is concerned about the status of the property because of stormwater runoff and potential contamination. City Administrator Parks advised that the owner of the South Pacific building recently received authorization from his insurance company to TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2024 Page 8 move forward to demolish the remaining building and burned materials. The owner applied for a demolition permit from the City. The brewery redevelopment project continues to move forward under the EPA grant and the Department of Ecology grant. Phase 1 environmental assessments are in progress. Phase 2 environmental assessments will follow. Following the hiring of the Economic Development Coordinator, the City plans to move forward with a Planned Action EIS process, a large lengthy community process to identify a potential use for the property and the necessary scope of clean up of the property. Peter Agabi: Councilmember Agabi reported on his monthly meeting with Economic Development Council (EDC) Executive Director Michael Cade. He received an update on the results of the EDC meeting that he was unable to attend. Over the summer, Mr. Cade forwarded information on a business near the airport. The business sponsors high school students as apprentices for computer trades. The program has successfully graduated a majority of the participants. The next EDC meeting includes a planning session by the Board on October 30, 2024. Michael Althauser: There were no meetings and no reports. Eileen Swarthout: Councilmember Swarthout reported on participation at the Falls Fest. She acknowledged the work of Parks and Recreation employees for their efforts to create a family-friendly event. Another question from community members was the timing off the reopening of the Falls Terrace Restaurant. ADJOURNMENT: With there being no further business, Mayor Sullivan adjourned the meeting at 7:49 p.m. Prepared by Valerie L. Gow, Recording Secretary/President Puget Sound Meeting Services, psmsoly@earthlink.net