General Government Committee
Regular MeetingTumwater, WA · May 10, 2023
Minutes
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 1
CONVENE: 8:00 a.m.
PRESENT: Chair Michael Althauser and Councilmembers Joan Cathey and
Leatta Dahlhoff.
Staff: Planning Manager Brad Medrud.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT
COMMITTEE,
APRIL 12, 2023:
MOTION: Councilmember Dahlhoff moved, seconded by Councilmember
Cathey, to approve the minutes of April 12, 2023 as published.
A voice vote approved the motion unanimously.
REGIONAL HOUSING Manager Medrud briefed members on the status of the Franz
COUNCIL FRANZ Anderson project to provide permanently supportive housing
ANDERSON PROJECT – benefitting the region. The City of Olympia is completing a draft
LETTER OF sale and purchase agreement for execution in June 2023, as well as
COMMITMENT: an interlocal agreement with the City of Tumwater, City of Lacey,
and Thurston County for the use of funds for the project.
Jacinda Steltjes, Affordable Housing Program Manager with the
City of Olympia, reported the Olympia City Council reviewed the
letter of commitment. At this time, representatives from the cities
of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater and Thurston County scored
proposals and selected Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) to
complete the project. A draft agreement has been forwarded to
LIHI for review. The intent is to execute the purchase and sale
agreement at the Council’s June 20, 2023 meeting. The purchase
and sale agreement is the real estate transaction. The City of
Olympia will also execute an operating agreement and restrictive
covenants to ensure the site is used in perpetuity for permanent
supportive housing. The Olympia City Council wanted to ensure
all regional partners were informed about the status of efforts.
Ms. Steltjes said the letter of commitment is for ARPA funding
from the City of Tumwater. The City of Tumwater verbally
committed to provide ARPA funds during Regional Housing
Council meeting discussions on the Franz Anderson project.
Thurston County is also contributing ARPA funds while the City of
Lacey will contribute funds from another funding source.
Following the execution of the purchase and sale agreement, the
next step is execution of an interlocal agreement with the
jurisdictions for receipt of the funds and for disbursement of those
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 2
funds for the project.
Chair Althauser asked whether a Council worksession has been
scheduled to discuss the project. Manager Medrud advised that the
letter is scheduled for discussion at the Council’s May 16, 2023
meeting. The letter of commitment has been moved as a Council
consideration item for additional discussion and action.
MOTION: Councilmember Cathey moved, seconded by Councilmember
Dahlhoff, to schedule the letter of commitment for the May 16,
2023 City Council meeting for Council consideration with a
recommendation of approval. A voice vote approved the
motion unanimously.
TREE AND VEGETATION Manager Medrud briefed the committee on the status of the update
PRESERVATION of tree and vegetation preservation regulations. He outlined the
REGULATION UPDATE: agenda for the briefing on the proposed amendments. The Tree
Board and the Planning Commission received a briefing on the
proposed amendments and the structure of the ongoing discussions
on the update process over the summer.
The City has not updated the tree and vegetation preservation code
since 2006 although a number of actions have occurred since 2006
to include adoption of the Urban Forestry Management Plan in
2021 following a four-year process. The Urban Forestry
Management Plan established the importance of the “right tree in
the right place” and defined the process and steps to enact the plan.
One of the first steps is updating regulations. The purpose of the
briefing is to share information on the totality of the update and
information on how each element is related as well as identifying
important elements of focus.
Manager Medrud asked members to respond to two questions:
• What were the big takeaways for you from the community
conversations and public outreach?
• What is the primary issue that you want to see addressed as
part of the code amendments?
Member responses included:
• Chair Althauser said some of his main takeaways included
how the public resonated with the focus on the “right tree
in the right place” because there was little divergence from
that philosophy from both personal conversations with the
public and other conversations he has learned about. In
terms of the primary issue to address within the code
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 3
update, it is still unclear, at least to him, as to how the code
provides significant protections from development projects,
such as the requirement for the number of trees to retain. It
would be helpful to have a greater understanding of where
the lines fall in terms of the code because the code is dense
and difficult to interpret. Simplification is an important
value to him personally to ensure the code is
understandable by the public and by the development
community.
• Councilmember Cathey commented that the value of the
“right tree in the right place” means street trees to many
community members during her conversations with
neighbors and community members. Many do not connect
that value with trees removed because of development
because many residents view the removal of trees as “no
tree in any right place” and that no one plans to replant
trees that have been removed. She noted that she speaks
from a perspective where community members expressed
frustration and anger surrounding the removal of trees.
Some areas in the City have more trees or "significant"
trees. However, she is unsure what the definition of a
“significant tree” means. There is confusion concerning
the terminology as it could also entail a heritage tree. An
issue she would like addressed in the code are the
requirements for a permit because it appears anyone can
receive a permit as the code permits the removal of up to
six trees every three years. That is a significant number of
trees that could be removed at one time. Additionally, the
code does not specify the size of tree that can be removed.
Some people believe a tree is a nuisance tree if it drops its
leaves at a specific time. She is frustrated because recently,
over two, two hundred-foot trees were removed. She
contacted staff and asked whether the owner had obtained a
permit to remove the trees. Staff confirmed the owner
secured a permit. She asked staff whether they had visited
the site. She was informed that the owner sent the City a
picture of the trees. At least four to five of those types of
trees have been removed in her neighborhood in the last 18
months, which troubles her. Many in community are not
happy with the replacement tree requirements, as those
mature trees cannot be replaced. She is concerned about
the number of trees property owners can remove with a
permit from the City with no staff oversight visit to the site
of the tree(s). She questioned the bright line in terms of the
code, as regulations are not effective unless the City
enforces them. The code stipulates replacement by some
standard that is often not understood by the average person.
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 4
Although she is appreciative of the efforts to update the
code, she wants to ensure everyone is aware of the
continuing loss of trees in the City.
• Councilmember Dahlhoff said the proposed amendments
should provide clear guidance within the code for new
development, redevelopment, and existing development.
One example is the removal of trees by many of her
neighbors several years ago. She also had some trees
trimmed and removed to accommodate solar panels. The
proposed regulations do not speak to a tree waiver permit.
The code requires a photo, identification and measurement
of the tree(s), and a waiting period of 28 days. She
questioned how a person who has no access to a computer
or access to the internet could comply with the code. She
questioned the waiting period of 28 days especially when
an appeal period is only 14 days. The timeframe is
problematic and confusing, as well as the section of the
code that is applicable. She questioned why a duplicative
process is necessary when she previously applied for the
solar panel installation permit that also included an
inspection by the City. Adding more bureaucracy impacts
the community when many residents are installing solar or
protecting other properties from damage caused by trees.
The issue surrounding credits is also confusing as to how it
applies when dangerous trees are removed or trees over a
septic field are removed. She offered to forward notes on
additional concerns. The code focuses more on new
development and redevelopment. She believes more time
should be expended on existing development surrounding
single family residential infill and how trees can be
retained. Additionally, phrases such as, “as deemed
appropriate” or “the City deems necessary because of
special circumstances or complexity” are not
understandable in terms of how they are applied. More
time is warranted to address some of the language.
Councilmember Cathey commented on the numerous instances of
tree removal in neighborhoods for various reasons ranging from
hazards caused by a tree, owner preference, or clearance to
accommodate a new deck or fence. She asked whether City staff
visit the sites of an owner requesting a permit to confirm the
situation visually or whether staff relies solely on the photograph
submitted by the owner.
Manager Medrud advised that he would follow up with permitting
staff to verify the process.
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 5
Chair Althauser pointed out that the Gap Analysis identified the
possibility of implementing a minor and major tree permit system,
which could include more stringent requirements for larger mature
trees as opposed to smaller trees.
Councilmember Dahlhoff recommended spending time to review
the more complex issues and streamline the smaller issues by
incentivizing or supporting solar and other initiatives to avoid
adding more bureaucracy, steps, check-ins, and more submittal
requirements.
Chair Althauser referred to the recommendation as part of the Gap
Analysis to develop a user guide as a simple way for the
community to interpret and understand what is and what is not
allowed. Manager Medrud advised that the consultant has been
asked to prepare a scope of work to develop a user guide.
Manager Medrud reported extensive notes were recorded from the
recent joint Tree Board and Planning Commission meeting as
similar concerns were echoed in terms of processes.
Councilmember Dahlhoff recommended simplifying the code by
compiling sections that are applicable for specific situations, such
as tree removal to accommodate solar panel installation or a section
on removal of dangerous trees.
Councilmember Cathey questioned whether there are any
requirements for removal of trees with respect to age and size and
whether the City has identified preservation goals for retaining
large trees. The recent incidence in her neighborhood with the
rmoval of the large mature trees have left a gap in the trees that
once served as habitat for birds and helped to cool temperature.
She questioned the goal of balancing the removal of trees against
the City’s commitment to combat climate change. There should be
some kind of justification for removing trees rather than simply
wanting to remove a legacy tree. She acknowledged the importance
of balance with respect to the rights of property owners.
Chair Althauser added that the issue is challenging because if the
code is overly prescriptive, the City runs the risk of constitutional
challenges under the takings clause.
Councilmember Dahlhoff commented on issues associated with
many property owners not aware of the requirement to obtain a
permit for removal of trees as many of the tree removal companies
defer to the property owner to secure the appropriate permits.
Regulations that are too onerous and complicated might result in
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 6
clandestine removal of trees.
Councilmember Cathey advocated for more clarity and consistency
in the code without violating property rights in addition to
enforcement actions when necessary.
Councilmember Cathey surmised that some of the issues
surrounding illegal removal of trees could be related to the lack of
staff resources to visit sites.
Councilmember Dahlhoff recommended considering a form of
documentation by tree service companies when performing work in
the City so the City can track the information in support of updating
existing tree canopy in the City.
Manager Medrud acknowledged the feedback and affirmed that
both the Tree Board and the Planning Commission are committed
to figuring out how the update can be effective to achieve both the
City’s objectives for providing a level of protection and providing
the community with a code that is not onerous or trespasses on
individual property rights.
Manager Medrud reported environmental and equity issues are very
important to ensure that those areas of the City that currently lack
tree cover have the ability to add trees over time while ensuring no
additional regulatory burdens on those communities to retain trees.
The history of the project began with the City Council establishing
four major Strategic Priorities. One priority was actions for urban
forestry. Community and urban forestry is defined in the Urban
Forestry Management Plan as all trees and vegetation on public and
private property in the City. The plan measures success over time
by an increase in tree canopy. The Council adopted the Urban
Forestry Management Plan in 2021. A number of implementation
actions are identified in the plan to ensure the urban forest expands.
One important goal and action in the plan is ensuring the City’s
regulations are updated to match the intent of the actions in the
Urban Forestry Management Plan.
Other strategic priorities are supported by goals in the Urban
Forestry Management Plan to balance the protection of and support
of the community urban forest with other City Strategic Priorities to
include providing affordable housing, developing a walkable urban
community, economic development, addressing climate change,
and protecting endangered species. The update seeks a balance
between protections of trees and vegetation and other City strategic
priorities.
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 7
Councilmember Cathey stressed the importance of also highlighting
the protection of trees and vegetation to preserve habitat for wildlife
and birds.
Manager Medrud commented on the likelihood that the proposed
amendments will likely result in increased costs to property owners,
homeowners, and renters as they comply with the regulations, as
well as increased costs to the City for enacting and enforcing the
regulations. There are ways to mitigate costs for particular income
groups, which is a discussion topic for the Council to consider in
terms of resource commitments.
Regulations protecting the City’s urban forest do not exist in a
vacuum. Regulations support a number of City goals, such as
creating a healthy, equitable, and climate-resilient community.
However, the proposed amendments could potentially conflict with
other priorities, such as reducing sprawl by concentrating growth
within the urban area rather than throughout the county. The City is
also responsible for allowing the creation and maintenance of
affordable housing. The City is required to protect endangered
species as well as actions for economic development and
redevelopment to ensure that those who live in the City have a
place of employment and facilities to recreate.
Actions completed to date include working with the Watershed
Company beginning in summer 2022 to assist in the update process.
The consultant team played an instrumental role in assisting staff in
developing the public engagement process, completing the Gap
Analysis, and providing examples of other community processes.
Staff anticipates that the update process will continue through
September at the Tree Board and Planning Commission level to
enable sufficient time to cover all issues. The code adoption
process is scheduled to begin at the end of this year for the City
Council. The timeline is subject to change.
The project website at tumwatertreecity.com includes social media
promotion, print materials, mailing to all property owners and
tenants in the City, posters, Community Conversations recordings,
external stakeholder meetings, and direct engagement. All City
residents received a mailing informing them of the public
engagement process for the update.
Community Conversations began in November and concluded in
January 2023. The three meetings were offered both online and in-
person and were facilitated by staff and the Watershed consultant
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 8
team. Community members provided input on the following:
• Addressing environmental justice and equitable allocation
of resources
• Programs and incentives to support the community by tree
planting and reforestation on public property
• Preserving and replacing of trees
• Designating special trees and groves
• Allocating tree account funds
The proposed code includes a refinement of groves as a location
containing three or more trees. Staff continues to work on
assigning a value to groves.
During Community Conversation #2 in December 2022,
community members who attended the first Community
Conversation were asked if they wanted to participate in specific
focus group discussions. Based on stakeholder feedback, five
topics were identified for discussion by the focus group:
• Environmental equity and resource allocation
• Protection of large trees and groves
• Tree retention and replacement standards
• Development incentives
• Enforcement and penalties
Community Conversations #3 held in January 2023 included a
discussion on the themes shared during the first two Community
Conversations. Community members provided input on how to
quantify tree retention and incentives for tree preservation.
Overall, Community Conversations themes focused on:
• Protecting large diameter trees
• Considering habitat value of trees, groves, and corridors
• Clear permitting requirements
• Stronger tree retention and replacement requirements
• Incentives for homeowners and developers
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Stricter code enforcement and strong, but fair penalties for
violations
• Use a credit system for determining tree retention and
replacement
The development of the Gap Analysis by the consultant team
identified current regulations and regulatory gaps. The Gap
Analysis is posted on the website and includes an Introduction and
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 9
Methods, Analysis of Existing Ordinance, Additional
Recommendations, and Coordination with other City Plans &
Policies. The Gap Analysis identified potential changes in five
categories of reorganization of code sections, early urban forestry
review at pre-submittal, arborist reports/site plan requirements, tree
retention and replacement standards, and major/minor permit types.
Priority topics identified included:
• Tree retention & replacement requirements
• Tree protection designations for large diameter trees
• Update methodology for quantifying tree retention
• Permit types & requirements
• Incentives for development projects & existing property
owners
• Maintenance requirements for tree tracts within HOAs &
commercial/industrial sites
Manager Medrud reported the staff report includes current and
proposed versions of the code. Staff and the consultant team
developed the proposed version of the code based on the Gap
Analysis and feedback from the community through the three
Community Conversations, online open house, and written
comments, as well as meetings with the Planning Commission,
Tree Board, and General Government Committee. Staff continues
to review the details of some proposed code sections. The intent is
to present a full version of the staff recommendation for the code to
a joint worksession with the Tree Board and Planning Commission
on June 13, 2023.
Based on Gap Analysis Sections 2.3 and 2.4 and community
feedback, staff and the consultants reviewed definitions to be clear
and easy to understand, removed definitions no longer used,
reviewed definitions for consistency, added more definitions of
trees, and added other definitions as needed.
Particular definitions for review by the Tree Board and the Planning
Commission include:
• Buildable area
• Critical root zone
• Development
• Grove tree
• Hazard, unhealthy trees, and nuisance trees
• Landmark trees/heritage trees
• Project permits
• Significant tree
• Tree
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 10
• Vegetation
The section on Heritage Trees was updated adding more
information on how the City evaluates heritage trees, specificity for
the process for heritage tree removal, and a requirement for a
written landowner consent form and the notice on title.
A new section on Landmark Trees was added based on the Gap
Analysis and community feedback to recognize that larger trees
should be retained more than smaller trees because of greater
benefits such as carbon sequestration and habitat. Landmark trees
are defined in the Definitions section. Size thresholds for a
landmark trees vary in the state. Critical habitat protections for
animals and vegetation will continue to be addressed in TMC 16.32
Fish and wildlife habitat protection. Greater protections for
landmark trees should be balanced with other City strategic
priorities and property owner rights and responsibilities.
Staff explored a number of ways for evaluating the number of trees
a property should have, such as a canopy cover approach on
individual sites or a tree credit approach. For ease of understanding
and implementation, staff prefers the tree credit approach. Tree
credits are a general indicator of tree size and canopy cover over
time. Tree diameter by species is used to correlate canopy, age, and
ultimate size when assessing retention values for specific species.
Specific land use zone districts or uses will have specific minimum
tree density credits that must be met. During permit review,
existing tree credits will be calculated based on trees retained
versus removed. Tree credits are used because of the ease of data
collection regardless of the expertise as they do not require aerial
imagery, online data sources, and trunk size is easily quantifiable.
The tree credit method has cost implications, which vary based on
the level of staffing available to review permit applications and the
rigor of review requirements. The tree credit approach would likely
require a tree survey whereby each tree is measured, which requires
staff resources and to review the survey to ensure its accuracy.
Manager Medrud cited the City of Burien’s code as an example.
For a 5,400 square foot single-family residential property, 1 tree
credit is required per 1,000 square feet of developable area for 5.4
minimum tree credits. Additionally, existing trees on the site are
assigned credits based on tree diameter.
The current version of TMC 16.08 allows for tree removal based on
the development proposal. On any parcel of land, 30% of existing
trees can be removed within a ten-year period. On sites proposed
for development, 20% of existing trees or 12 trees per acre must be
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 11
retained, whichever is greater. Six trees every three years can be
removed on developed properties except for heritage trees or in
greenbelts or critical areas.
Based on the Gap Analysis and community feedback, the team
updated when the Tree Account may be used, especially in support
of addressing equity.
A new section on Tree & Vegetation Removal Permits was added:
• Created new permit types that differentiate based on project
size and type
• Added more specificity to the permitting types and
requirements to streamline the permitting process and more
efficiently allocate staff resources for small-scale permit
review versus large-scale development projects
• More specificity could also aid in enforcement of TMC
16.08 and monitoring short- and long-term trends in tree
removal types and processes
• Updated the types of reports and plans that need to be
submitted for a complete application for each permit type,
including the level of detail needed for arborist reports
• The proposed version of the code integrates the current land
clearing permit process into the proposed minor and major
tree removal permit process:
− Minor tree removal permits would be for tree
removal on properties that are not part of a
development permit application being reviewed
− Major tree removal permits would be for tree
removal on properties that are a part of a
development permit application being reviewed
• Updated the materials required to be submitted with permit
applications
Councilmember Cathey said the minor tree removal permit would
not prevent the removal of large mature trees. She questioned how
the City could control those types of tree removals as it appears the
property owner is not required to justify the reason for removing a
tree.
Chair Althauser noted that the provision would not allow property
owners to remove all trees over a period of time because all
properties in the City would need to abide by the rules to include
the tree credit program.
Manager Medrud explained that property owners of developed
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 12
properties must also adhere to the minimum tree retention
requirement, which would prohibit the removal of all trees on a site.
Prohibiting a property owner from removing a tree could be legally
challenged. Some level of flexibility is needed. Currently, the City
does not have a tree credit system. The proposal improves the
current provisions.
Councilmember Dahlhoff asked whether areas of septic systems
and drainage fields are subtracted from the parcel size. Manager
Medrud explained that staff continues to evaluate those types of
issues.
A new section describes major tree removal permits for new
development. Major tree removal permits would be required for
removing trees on properties that are a part of a development permit
application being reviewed. The process establishes permit
application submittal requirements and review process that are
submitted with and reviewed in conjunction with project permits.
A tree retention plan is required as well as replacement plan if
property is below required number of tree credits.
The Tree Retention section updates tree retention standards for the
number of trees that need to be retained on a property either subject
to or not part of a current development, establishes tree condition
rating standards, includes tree retention priorities and locations,
considers decreasing the removal allowances on properties without
a development permit, establishes tree size, species, and location as
criteria for retention, and provides additional protections for
retention of large diameter trees, such as those equal to or greater
than 24 inch dimension at standard height.
The section on tree replacement addresses circumstances where tree
retention does not meet code standards for tree credits. the section
establishes replacement standards and ratios, the number and the
location of the tree species. the current code includes a 1:1
replacement ratio for trees. Trees greater than 24 inches in
diameter are valued as two trees. New development requires a 3:1
ratio of replacement trees.
The section on maintenance requirements and how maintenance is
established in maintenance agreements. Maintenance covers the
initial three-year establishment period to ensure trees planted
survive and ongoing maintenance after the initial period. Standards
are included for tree punning.
Within the exemptions section, staff reviewed the current level of
exemptions and found they are consistent with exemptions in other
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 13
recently update tree preservation codes. The Gap Analysis
identifies one exemption addressing the Urban Forestry
Management Plan for mitigation and conservation areas created
under an approved Habitat Conservation Plan, which would be
exempt from tree preservation.
A section on Alternative Plans enables submission of alternative
plans that provide better protections than the existing code. Some
language has been included in the section on permitting criteria for
alternative reports or plans submitted in place of the required site
plans and arborist report for a development project or land clearing
permit.
The appeal procedure section for both civil and criminal penalties
was revised and updated in the proposed version.
Other related issues not reflected in the proposal include the process
for regulating businesses that prune and remove trees. Staff and the
consultant team are reviewing processes for regulating businesses
that prune and remove trees. Those processes could include the
following:
• Requiring registration and education with penalties if trees
are pruned or removed improperly or without a permit.
• Requiring any arboriculture or forestry professional working
within the City to be licensed and bonded, obtain a City
endorsement to their State Business License, as well as
submit a signed statement declaring their understanding of
the City’s urban forestry regulations.
Another issue was identified earlier in the year during the update of
the Thurston Hazard Mitigation Plan, a FEMA required document
that considers all potential natural disasters. Urban wildlife fire has
been identified as a risk. The new State Building Code Council
adopted the International Wildland Urban Interface Code, which
establishes minimum requirements for land use and built
environment in designated wildland-urban interface areas, such as
limiting the amount and type of trees and vegetation that are near
structures. The City will likely adopt the Code as part of its state-
required Building Code update to be completed by July 1, 2023.
More than half the City will be affected by the new requirements.
Staff is evaluating how the adoption of the Code will affect the
update to TMC 16.08, as well as the update to the City’s
landscaping code that may result in changes to the proposed version
of TMC 16.08.
Updates to the Street Tree Code and the Street Tree Plan Update
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 14
follow a similar process. Staff is drafting code amendments to for
review during the summer with the ordinance scheduled for
adoption by the end of the year. A similar schedule has been
adopted for the Landscaping Code update.
Next steps include SEPA Review and Notice of Intent in late May
or June.
The joint Planning Commission and Tree Board worksession on
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 will focus on definitions, landmark trees,
tree credits, and tree account. A Planning Commission worksession
scheduled on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 will follow up on questions
addressed at the June 13, 2023 joint worksession. The next joint
Planning Commission and Tree Board worksession is scheduled on
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 to review tree retention and replacement,
tree and vegetation removal permits system, exemptions, and
alternative plans. A joint worksession on Tuesday, August 8, 2023
will focus on remaining sections of the code. Staff proposes
scheduling a public hearing on the proposed ordinance at the
Commission’s meeting on September 26, 2023. The committee
will receive another update at its August meeting. The formal
adoption process will start in January 2023 by the City Council.
Councilmember Cathey announced that during the review another
tree was removed in her neighborhood.
SERVICE PROVIDER Manager Medrud reported the recommended action is to review and
AGREEMENT FOR BUSH schedule the Service Provider Agreement for the May 16, 2023 City
PRAIRIE HABITAT Council consent calendar with a recommendation of approval. The
CONSERVATION PLAN Service Provider Agreement is with ICF Jones & Stokes, LLC for
PHASE 3: Phases 1 and 2. The Council approved the grant for Phase 3 to
complete work on the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The grant
provides additional funds to complete the HCP and initiate and
complete the environmental review process. Additional funds are
available in the Phase 2 grant. Staff plans to apply for an extension
of the grant to cover the costs of environmental review.
Additionally, staff will identify actions needed for implementation
of the HCP. The grant is for $225,000. The Service Provider
Agreement is for $304,000, which includes the required match by
the City and the Port to complete the work.
MOTION: Councilmember Dahlhoff moved, seconded by Councilmember
Cathey, to schedule the Service Provider Agreement for the
May 16, 2023 City Council consent calendar with a
recommendation of approval. A voice vote approved the
motion unanimously.
TUMWATER GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
May 10, 2023 Page 15
ADJOURNMENT: With there being no further business, Chair Althauser
adjourned the meeting at 9:46 a.m.
Prepared by Valerie L. Gow, Recording Secretary/President
Puget Sound Meeting Services, psmsoly@earthlink.net
Agenda
GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
Online via Zoom and In Person at
Tumwater City Hall, Council Conference
Room, 555 Israel Rd. SW, Tumwater, WA
98501
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
8:00 AM
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Minutes: General Government Committee, April 12, 2023
4. Regional Housing Council Franz Anderson Project – Letter of Commitment (Brad Medrud)
5. Tree and Vegetation Preservation Regulation Update (Brad Medrud)
6. Service Provider Agreement for Bush Prairie Habitat Conservation Plan Phase 3 (Brad Medrud)
7. Additional Items
8. Adjourn
Meeting Information
All committee members will be attending remotely. The public are welcome to attend in person, by
telephone or online via Zoom.
Watch Online
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86584864616?pwd=c2Q3eGpmaGNGbStHNy9MRWtJbTdWdz09
Listen by Telephone
Call (253) 215-8782, listen for the prompts and enter the Webinar ID 865 8486 4616 and Passcode
459141.
Public Comment
The public may submit comments by sending an email to council@ci.tumwater.wa.us, no later than
5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting. Comments are submitted directly to the Committee members and
will not be read individually into the record of the meeting.
Post Meeting
Audio of the meeting will be recorded and later available by request, please email
CityClerk@ci.tumwater.wa.us
Accommodations
The City of Tumwater takes pride in ensuring that people with disabilities are able to take part in, and
benefit from, the range of public programs, services, and activities offered by the City. To request an
accommodation or alternate format of communication, please contact the City Clerk by calling (360)
252-5488 or email CityClerk@ci.tumwater.wa.us. For vision or hearing impaired services, please
contact the Washington State Relay Services at 7-1-1 or 1-(800)-833-6384. To contact the City’s ADA
Coordinator directly, call (360) 754-4128 or email ADACoordinator@ci.tumwater.wa.us.
Get email alerts for Tumwater
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.