City Council

TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 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, Assistant City Administrator Kelly Adams, Finance Department Director Troy Niemeyer, Acting Police Chief Jay Mason, Fire Chief Brian Hurley, Transportation and Engineering Department Director Brandon Hicks, Water Resources and Sustainability Department Director Dan Smith, IT Department Director Lance Inman, Community Development Department Director Brad Medrud, Parks and Recreation Department Director Chuck Denney, Communications Manager Jason Wettstein, Police Lieutenant Carlos Quiles Jr., and City Clerk Melody Valiant. SPECIAL ITEMS: PROCLAMATION: Mayor Sullivan read a proclamation declaring June 2025 as LGBTQIA2S+ LGBTQIA2S+ Community Pride Month. The proclamation urged the people of the City of COMMUNITY PRIDE Tumwater to join in celebrating diversity, promoting inclusion and equal MONTH, JUNE 2025: protection under the law. The proclamation encouraged people to join in eliminating discriminatory policies and practices toward any culture, race, or group. PUBLIC COMMENT: Eric Johansen, referred to the Council’s May 27, 2025 work session and a presentation by Director Denney and David Nicandri on historic routes and signage in the City. Many good ideas were shared during the presentation. He asked that the planning process for historic signs include tribes. Settler history in Tumwater is only a few hundred years while tribal history encompasses thousands of years. Settler history is important; however, it is important to include the tribes. He plans to submit additional comments in an email. Terry Harbor, General Manager, Masonic Memorial Park, commented on the neglected brewery property. On May 24, 2025, the organization learned that its well was dry. Several employees checked the well. The park owns a small parcel that transcends to the brewery area and is the site of a commercial wellhead. The well has typically been maintenance free. The park has been blessed for 10 years with no robberies or vandalism of the well facility. Sometime during the night of May 23, 2025, someone broke in through the roof hatch and destroyed the well. They removed well controls and other equipment that might benefit them monetarily. Currently, the cost for repairs is approximately $60,000. The park is a small non-profit with a $400,000 annual budget with 80% devoted to labor. Vandalism of the well has been TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 Page 2 devastating. The park began burying people in 1851 and has been in business in the Tumwater community for nearly 200 years. There are no fences around the park and gates are never closed. Thousands of people a day visit the park. Many people who experience a stroke walk through the park to regain their strength and ability to walk unassisted. Employees of the park have become well acquainted with the community as the park serves as an asset to the community. Over 1,000 visitors a year visit the park on the 4th of July to watch the fireworks show. Without water, the park will become dry and grass will die. The lack of irrigation in the park will preclude anyone visiting the park on the 4th of July because of the fire danger because of the lack of irrigation. There are communities across the country reclaiming neglected properties. There has to be something through the Health Authority or the Fire Authority to help expedite getting control and security of the brewery facility. Mayor Sullivan advised that staff would follow up with additional information concerning the brewery property. CONSENT a. Approval of Minutes: City Council Work Session, April 22, 202 CALENDAR: b. Payment of Vouchers c. Service Provider Agreement with Herrera for the Nutrient Reduction Enhanced Maintenance Plan Revision d. Grant Agreement with the Department of Ecology for the Pioneer Park Restoration Project Phase 2 e. Service Provider Agreement with Stantec for the Pioneer Park Restoration Project - Phase 2 Amendment 3 f. Local Agency Agreement and Project Prospectus with the Washington State Department of Transportation for the 2nd Avenue Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements g. Local Agency Agreement and Project Prospectus with the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Somerset Hill Fish Passage Barrier Removal h. Local Agency Agreement and Project Prospectus with the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Percival Creek Fish Passage Barrier Removal i. Bond Underwriter Engagement Letter with D.A. Davison j. Reappointment of Erin Carrier, Joel Hecker, and Mike Culley to the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners k. Thunder in the Valley 4th of July Fireworks Display Permit 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: TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 Page 3 R2025-010 SIX YEAR Director Hicks briefed the Council on the proposed 2026-2031 Transportation TRANSPORTATION Improvement Program (TIP). The City is required to adopt a new TIP IMPROVEMENT annually by June 30, 2025 for submittal to the Thurston Regional Planning PROGRAM: Council (TRPC). Any significant transportation project that is contemplated for construction within the six-year window must be included in the TIP. Regionally significant transportation projects that include state of federal funding must also be included in the State Transportation Improvement Program. Director Hicks referred to a map of projects included in the staff report reflecting the projects in the six-year TIP comprised of capacity, multimodal, and preservation or enhancement projects. The City’s programmatic projects are not included shown on the map as projects include citywide locations determined on an annual basis. A new capacity project includes a roundabout at Tumwater Boulevard and Henderson Boulevard. Staff plans to begin planning to identify the project scope. Three projects are not new projects and are a component of larger corridor or interchange projects as singular projects. The E Street Connection project has been included on the TIP previously. The planning document for the project was completed in 2018. The project was identified in the Brewery District Plan to reroute traffic from the Brewery District to reduce congestion. A subsequent study of the E Street Connection explored several alignments with the consultants selecting a preferred route. Since then, staff reviewed an alternative alignment that reduces impact to a local neighborhood and intersects at a more preferable location. A first step after securing funding is surveying the new route connection and conducting value engineering to identify whether the alternative is a better choice. Another project is the Henderson Boulevard - 58th Avenue to the Deschutes River Bridge project. The project is not a new project; however, the project scope was changed by adding a roundabout at the entrance to Pioneer Park to address congestion and slow the speed of traffic. No new preservation, enhancement, and maintenance projects are proposed for inclusion in the TIP. Staff is working on acquiring property for the X Street Roundabout project. Construction is anticipated to occur in the next two years. Design is beginning on the Somerset Hill Culvert Replacement project. Staff continues work on the Pavement Maintenance Project. Multimodal projects include bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic calming projects. The Second Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvement project includes a non-circular roundabout at 2nd Avenue and Linwood Avenue. This will be the first roundabout with its configuration in the region. The design precludes TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 Page 4 the necessity of acquiring any right-of-way. In the future, the roundabout will be replaced with a multi-lane circular roundabout. Another new project is the 93rd Avenue Tigerlilly to City Limits project. The project lowers a hill by approximately seven to 12 feet to alleviate sight distance issues, add multimodal facilities, and reduce costs for a water main extension. The school acquired property adjacent to the hill and has indicated interest in constructing an elementary school on the site. Projects removed from the TIP include: • Deschutes Valley Trail, Segment A2* • Deschutes Valley Trail, Segment B* • Deschutes Valley Trail, Segment C* • Deschutes Valley Trail, Segment D* • Tumwater Boulevard Interchange • Old Highway 99 – 73rd Avenue to 79th Avenue • Brewery District Plan – Streetscape Improvements (does not meet regionally significant definition) • Rural Road (not regionally significant) • Traffic Signal Controller and Detection Upgrade (the project will be under construction during 2025 with funding secured) *Trail projects were combined as one project. Design work is underway for the combined segments. Segment C may be pulled in the next two years when construction begins. The City received federal funding. The Tumwater Boulevard Interchange project has been separated into individual projects. The Old Highway 99 – 73rd Avenue to 79th Avenue Corridor project was pulled because it is not feasible to complete in the next six years. It was replaced with two individual point location projects that are planned to be completed or started within the next six years. Following the public hearing, staff recommends adoption of Resolution R2025-010 Six Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) update for 2026-2031. Director Hicks responded to questions about the selection of projects for funding. TRPC administers all state and federal funds for transportation projects. Other grant authorities and agencies also select projects, such as the Transportation Improvement Board or WSDOT for non-federally funded projects. The TRPC process can also include redistributed funding where other regions are unable to spend all allocated funds. The typical funding cycle is four years with calls for projects every two years for redistributed funds or for regular funding. The City received approximately $2.5 million TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 Page 5 for the Deschutes Valley Trail. The City received over $5 million for the X Street Roundabout project and $2.25 million for the Tumwater Boulevard Interchange project. Mayor Sullivan opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. PUBLIC Patricia Riley, 108 Roberts Road SE, Tumwater, conveyed concerns about TESTIMONY: the E Street Connection project. Much activity has occurred on the project over the last three years; however, she has been unable to obtain a consensus on the proposed route. Every map of the project depicts the route as across the valley and behind her neighborhood street between a well and her property. The area is densely forested and inhabited by wildlife. Proposals have been offered, but the same route continues to be published. She requested clarity as to the route. She referred to Director Hick’s preference for the connection to South Street. However, the only route published is the route located behind her neighborhood street. She asked for a meeting with Director Hicks to receive some clarity on the proposed route. Thomas Doenitz, 126 Roberts Road SE, Tumwater, commented on his displeasure with representatives from the LOTT Clean Water Alliance and SCJ Alliance for creating the mess regarding the proposed E Street Connection. If it had not been for those two entities, the City would never have designed the connection to be located behind his home. All the neighborhood wants is to provide some input. His neighborhood is the only community within the City of Tumwater that would be affected by the route. He asked that the community be provided an opportunity to provide input, as they are the ones that will be impacted. The neighborhood is familiar with the traffic patterns and has identified several solutions that are less environmentally damaging and in a better location for the roundabout on Capitol Boulevard. The neighborhood understands the City has elected not to pursue the original plan, which was approved by the City Council in 2015. The route identified by the neighborhood is a compromise that would enable the use of approximately 80% of the original plan with the connection across the valley in a different location without removing the entire hillside to install a $3.5 million retaining wall (2017 dollars). The route makes better sense as there is less forested land. Money saved from the retaining wall could be invested to construct a sound barrier wall for the neighborhood instead of chain link fence. He asked that the neighborhood be invited to participate in the discussions surrounding the project. The neighborhood wants to work on a solution with the City. Javier Cruz Correa, 220 Roberts Road SE, Tumwater, conveyed similar concerns with the E Street Connection. It appears as time goes on that here is no clarity on the project. The project continues to be presented as a project that must be funded before any designs are publicized. That is the neighborhood’s concern because there has been no clear communication on TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 Page 6 what is involved in terms of the project scope and the status of any Council action for funding. As a member of the community, he is concerned as he and his neighbors want to know what the City is considering before moving forward. Larry Zessin, 214 Roberts Road SE, Tumwater, supported previous comments because the proposal will affect the entire neighborhood. Mr. Doenitz has identified a plan that would be effective for the neighborhood. He supports the efforts by Mr. Doenitz. Placing a road in the neighborhood’s backyard does not make any sense. Mayor Sullivan closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Councilmember Cathey asked about any changes in the project scope of the E Street Connection project since the neighborhood last participated in a meeting. Director Hicks advised that no changes have occurred to the document. The document was produced by the consultant; however, since the last communication with the neighborhood, staff considered another alternative as it maintains the same path of the preferred alternative across the river and railroad tracks and curves further north to intersect at South Street placing the project at least a 1,000 feet from the neighborhood. Mayor Sullivan advised that staff would follow up with representatives from the neighborhood. Director Hicks added that the alternative in addition to the alternatives in the plan resulted in a more feasible route as long as the topography is accurate as reflected in Thurston County’s database. Staff will need to verify the topography by completing a survey because the alternative would require less retaining wall and the slope of the connection would be reduced because of the longer distance. He offered to speak to neighborhood representatives about other potential alternatives. At this time, the alignment has not been identified and will be determined as part of the value engineering process as part of the design work. The project remains in the TIP in order to secure funding. The project scope included in the TIP is the design and right-of-way phases with construction not included at this time. Councilmember Althauser added that many of the projects on the TIP are not necessarily completed within the six-year period. Director Hicks said most of the projects included in the plan are projects that will commence within the next six years. Several of the projects would also begin should funding becomes available. MOTION: Councilmember Swarthout moved, seconded by Councilmember Dahlhoff, to adopt Resolution R2025-010 Six Year Transportation TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 Page 7 Improvement Program (TIP) update for 2026-2031. A voice vote approved the motion unanimously. COUNCIL CONSIDERATIONS: 5901 BLACK LAKE- Director Medrud presented the annexation petition located on Black Lake BELMORE SW 10 Belmore Road. The process is similar to a recent annexation process as the PERCENT proposal is both a 10% and a 60% annexation petition method. The annexation ANNEXATION includes several parcels with the owner submitting all necessary documents PETITION (TUM-25- for both the 10% and 60% annexation process. 0453): The owner is requesting annexation and filed complete 10% and 60% annexation petitions in April 2025. The owner owns all the property located in the City’s urban growth area. The owner is willing to assume their fair share of City indebtedness and there are no proposed changes to the current land use and designation of the property. Staff is not aware of any pending development applications with Thurston County for the property. The annexation is located northwest of the intersection of Black Lake Belmore and 60th Avenue SW comprised of 9.72 acres in size. Zoning is Single Family Low Density Residential. The property is not developed. The property is owned by Terrance Hess. Director Medrud described the steps necessary to process and approve the annexation petition. The ten percent annexation petition requests that the City Council set a date not later than 60 days after the filing of the ten percent petition for a meeting with the property owner to determine: 1. Whether the City Council will accept, reject, or geographically modify the proposed annexation; 2. Whether the City Council will require adoption of a new land use designation for the area to be annexed; and 3. Whether the City Council will require the assumption of existing City indebtedness by the area to be annexed. The Annexation by Washington Cities and Towns notes that annexation statutes authorize the City Council to require property in an area being annexed to assume, as a condition of annexation, a pro rata share of the annexing city’s then outstanding indebtedness that had been approved by the voters, contracted, or incurred prior to, or existing at, the date of annexation. The General Government Committee recommended acceptance of the proposal to annex, with no modifications, no proposed amendments to the existing land use designations or zone districts and require the annexed area to assume City indebtedness. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 Page 8 Staff recommends the Council discuss the petition with the applicants and decide whether to move consideration of the proposed annexation forward. Staff recommends acceptance of the proposed annexation with no modifications. Director Medrud addressed questions on existing county zoning of the property that matches City zoning. He identified the location of the property on a map of the area. Councilmember Dahlhoff asked the applicant about the reason for annexing to the City. A representative of the owner responded that the intent is to develop the property eventually. Several other projects have been completed through the City of Tumwater. The City’s process is much more expeditious than the county’s development process. Councilmember Dahlhoff commented that previous reviews of the Black Lake area spoke to the area remaining in the county because of the lack of utilities, services, and access. She asked how the annexation would affect consistency and uniformity of services in the Black Lake area. Director Medrud said that prior discussions spoke to that particular area and whether it was an area the City should serve. As part of the process, the area located on the extreme north and south ends of Black Lake would more than likely not be served for a variety of environmental and other reasons, as well as the pattern of development and the likelihood of redevelopment. The subject area located in the central section of the Black Lake area is less prone to those concerns and issues. The property does not involve Black Lake and subsequently, there are no shoreline issues. Existing services are located in the immediate vicinity. Staff does not believe the area is of concern. Councilmember Swarthout inquired about existing City utility services near the property. Director Medrud advised that the property would be served by City water and sewer as the property is located within a reasonable distance of existing services. Councilmember Cathey asked whether an existing school in the area is part of the Tumwater School District. Director Medrud affirmed that an elementary school is located to the south of the annexation area and is served by the Tumwater School District and City services. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 Page 9 MOTION: Councilmember Althauser moved, seconded by Councilmember Von Holtz, to accept the proposed annexation petition and initiate the annexation process for the 5901 Black Lake-Belmore SW 10 Percent Annexation Petition (TUM-25-0453), as recommended by the General Government Committee at their May 14, 2025, meeting. A voice vote approved the motion unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. City Administrator Parks presented the proposed ordinance that has been O2025-006-S1 reviewed and recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee. AMENDING TMC 2.14 EXECUTION OF The initial ordinance adopted in 2009 defined and described the delegation of CONTRACTS AND authority within the City for executing contracts and other legal documents. LEGAL Since then, the City has grown rapidly as well as the workload and the volume DOCUMENTS: of contracts. The proposed amendment presents an opportunity to increase efficiency for contracting and for executing agreements. Increasing internal efficiency of the processes would align with neighboring and partnering jurisdictions because some of the documents are interlocal agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with other organizations within the region. The proposal was approved by the Budget & Finance Committee. The proposal no longer requires the Council’s approval of any amendments to interlocal agreements or MOUs on conditions that the value did not exceed 10% of the original amount of the agreement, the amendment is consistent with the original intent of the underlying agreement, and sufficient funds are available within the existing budget. Additionally, language was added for exceptions: 1. Acceptance by the City in its regulatory capacity of a dedication from a development is not subject to Council approval. 2. Temporary construction licenses and rights of entry are not subject to Council approval. 3. Instruments pertaining to the use, disposition, conveyance, or acquisition of real property by whatever method, provided that the transaction is associated with a capital improvement project that has been previously approved by Council, are not subject to Council approval. Another component speaks to the Mayor’s authority to delegate different actions and approvals to the City Administrator or Department Directors. Current language dictates the Mayor can delegate authority for contracts, agreements, documents, and amendments to Department Directors with a cap of $50,000. The proposal amendment enables the Mayor to delegate up to current authority of $100,000 to the City Administrator and Department Directors as established by RCW. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 Page 10 The amendment provides specific types of agreements that would be accomplished with the Mayor’s authority. Examples include financial services contracts, legal services contracts, and any changes to collective bargaining agreements (within established parameters). Another proposed change pertains to change orders. The amendment would enable Department Directors to sign any change orders for all types of projects in addition to public works projects at no more than 10% of the original amount of the contract and as long as there are sufficient funds in the budget. City Administrator Parks cited some examples of documents affected by the proposal involving previously executed grant agreements, MOUs, and interlocal agreements. Staff requests the Council adopt Ordinance No. O2025-006-S1 Amending TMC 2.14 Execution of Contracts and Other Legal Documents, as recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee at its May 23, 2025 meeting. Councilmember Dahlhoff cited an example of a name change on a new contract and her belief that the change was substantive although the contract was not presented for Council approval. She asked how staff defines consistent with the underlying intent and objectives of the original agreement. City Administrator Parks responded that the intent of that particular circumstance was to create an employment contract template. The process was described as applied to the hiring of directors currently in positions and those directors hired in the future. In that case, the employment contracts (as long as the provisions remained the same) in terms of the length of the contract, amount of severance, position title, etc. would remain consistent and would not require Council approval. Councilmember Dahlhoff said that although she supports the proposal in general, she has some concerns in terms of contract language. City Attorney Kirkpatrick advised that no definition is proposed in the ordinance. Staff could review the issue and identify some criteria that could be included in purchasing guidelines. Most of the amendments pertain to timeframes. However, in some circumstances, there could be a rearrangement of activities within the timeframe. Those are all consistent with the underlying agreement. Staff can develop some criteria. She invited input from Councilmember Dahlhoff. Councilmember Althauser reiterated the evolution of the draft proposal over the course of the committee’s three reviews. The purpose of the proposal is appropriate and a compromise that will improve administrative efficiencies without extending too far beyond the legislative branch. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 Page 11 MOTION: Councilmember Althauser moved, seconded by Councilmember Swarthout, to adopt Ordinance No. O2025-006-S1 Amending TMC 2.14 Execution of Contracts and Other Legal Documents, as recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee at its May 23, 2025 meeting. A voice vote approved the motion unanimously. COMMITTEE REPORTS: PUBLIC HEALTH & The next meeting is scheduled on June 10, 2025 to receive an update on police SAFETY: performance data. Peter Agabi GENERAL The next meeting on June 11, 2025 includes consideration of: GOVERNMENT: • 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update – Conservation Element Michael Althauser • ADU Interlocal Agreement and Unit Service Provider Agreement • Thurston County Specialized Recreation Agreement • Service Provider Agreement for a Planned Action EIS PUBLIC WORKS: The next meeting on June 5, 2025 includes consideration of: Eileen Swarthout • Ordinance renewing the Puget Sound Energy Franchise Agreement • Supplemental Agreement with Tierra Right-of-Way for the X Street Roundabout project • Real Estate agreement with LOTT Clean Water Alliance for purchase of Deschutes Valley properties. BUDGET AND The next meeting is scheduled on June 13, 2025. Interviews of grant FINANCE: applicants are scheduled for the Community Human Services Funding Debbie Sullivan Program. MAYOR/CITY City Administrator Parks reminded the Council of the Saturday, June 7, 2025 ADMINISTRATOR'S Strategic Planning work session. Information will be forwarded to the Council REPORT: on Thursday/Friday for the planning session. The Elevate Fair attracted good attendance and engagement from the community and the City (staff and Council). Water Resources and the Parks and Recreation Departments collaborated on the event to bring local cultures and arts together where it intersects with sustainability and meeting the challenges of climate change. Staff continues to work on distributing the community engagement survey. Recent walkabouts have occurred throughout the City with flyers distributed encouraging the community to complete the survey. The survey will be open through midnight on June 20, 2025. Top line results from the statistically valid survey will be shared with the Council at its next work session. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 Page 12 On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the community is invited to Discover the Legacy of the Centennial Rose Garden at the Schmidt House. The event is sponsored by the Olympia Tumwater Foundation and is free to the community. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. with the program beginning at noon. On Saturday, June 14, 2025, Dog Days will be featured at Pioneer Park. Mayor Sullivan reported on her visit to the City of Tenino to participate in the Thurston Economic Development Council Board meeting at the Agricultural Innovation Park in Tenino. Following the meeting, members attended the grand opening celebration of the Agricultural Innovation Park. Signage for the building was fabricated by Tenino stone carvers. Mayor Sullivan advised that she will be absent from the next work session as she is attending her granddaughter’s graduation from the University of Washington. Her granddaughter is receiving a degree in education. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: Joan Cathey: No meetings are scheduled until later in the week. Councilmember Cathey congratulated Mayor Sullivan on her granddaughter’s upcoming graduation. Angela Jefferson: At the May 22, 2025 Emergency Medical Services Council meeting, members discussed budget development for 2026/2027 and the arrival of the new medic unit. A major portion of the meeting included a discussion on the release to the community of Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction, in pre-hospital settings as part of the Opioid Response Plan. The Opioid Task Force is in the beginning stages to determine how to use the settlement money received from opioid manufacturers and distributors. The funds will be shared among the three cities and Thurston County. Members discussed the Peer Navigator Program and barriers to access and care and how peer navigators can help. The program is a pilot and will be evaluated and adjusted as needed. Kelly Von Holtz: At the last Intercity Transit Authority meeting, members approved the contract for drivers. Councilmember Von Holtz attended the New Life Baptist Church’s 50th anniversary celebration. Following the event during a discussion with Dr. Jackson, she mentioned the City’s passage of a resolution opposing hate. The resolution was adopted as part of the Council’s Consent Calendar. She encouraged the reading the resolution during the Council’s work session in honor of the Juneteenth National Freedom holiday. TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING June 3 2025 Page 13 Peter Agabi: Upcoming meetings include Joint Animal Services Committee, Monday, June 9, 2025, June 10, 2025 Tumwater Public Health and Safety Committee meeting, Transportation Policy Board on June 11, 2025, and the Tumwater Budget and Finance Committee on June 13, 2025. Leatta Dahlhoff: At the last Thurston Thrives meeting, members discussed the pilot between CHOICE and Olympia’s FDCARES for referrals. The Thurston County Opioid Response Task Force met on June 2, 2025. The task force has extended the use of Suboxone. Councilmember Dahlhoff expressed appreciation for the opportunity for assignments and the work that is brought back to the Council as it is making a difference in the community. Michael Althauser: The Regional Housing Council (RHC) completed both a regular meeting and a half-day retreat. Members renewed the Lived Experience Housing Steering Committee, a group of subject matter experts who provide consultative advice to the RHC as well as to other steering committees. Members received a funding update on legislative investment within the community. Some funding relied on the past will be reduced due to the shortfall of the state’s budget. Members voted on the encampment resolution program (Right-of- Way Program). The program has many different components from street outreach, Maple Court housing in Lacey, and other initiatives. For the last fiscal year, $9.9 million was available to support encampment resolution. This year, the amount is only $5.5 million. Funds for outreach have been reduced. A request to increase funding for Maple Court resulted in only an inflationary increase. Funding is lacking to offer services that have been offered over the last several years. Funding recommendations were provided by the Homeless Services Advisory Committee. During the retreat, members worked on establishing mission, vision, and values. Members also discussed the future direction of RHC with some desires to explore creativity of collective impacts, resources, and knowledge to improve housing in all jurisdictions. Eileen Swarthout: The next meeting of the Thurston Regional Planning Council is Friday, June 6, 2025. The agenda includes a review the Regional Transportation Plan. The plan was released for public comment from April 11, 2025 to May 9, 2025. The plan generated 279 comments. Councilmember Swarthout reported on her attendance to the inaugural Elevate Fair. ADJOURNMENT: With there being no further business, Mayor Sullivan adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m. Prepared by Valerie L. Gow, Recording Secretary/President Puget Sound Meeting Services, psmsoly@earthlink.net