City Council - Regular Meeting

We're going to call this meeting to order. Hi everyone. You've made it to Tuesday, April 21st. Roll call. Okay. Council member Brandon Weeden, present. Council member Angela Jefferson, present. Council member Joan Cathy, present. Council member Eileen Sworthout, present. Council member Megan Sullivan, present. Council member Peter Agave, present. Council member Kelly von Holtz, present. Mayor Leetta Dalhof,

and I woke up today and I am here. Please join us in the pledge of allegiance. Thank you everyone. We have four special items. And for council's awareness and for everyone else, we like to do a group photo and include everyone in it. And this time we are not going to keep walking down up down up down up. This time we're going to address and when we do the group photo have an opportunity for everyone to stand in front and then we will stand behind you like we have your back and are supporting you. So I hope that you're okay with that tonight because that is what we're going to try. First, we have a proclamation for fair housing month and I believe we have council member Sullivan reading that. Whereas the Fair Housing Act enacted on April 11th, 1968 enshrined into federal law the goal of eliminating racial segregation and ending housing discrimination in the United States. And whereas the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability, and commits recipients of federal funding to affirmatively further fair housing in their communities. And whereas the city of Twater is committed to the mission and intent of Congress to provide fair and equal housing opportunities for all. And whereas our social fabric, the economy, health, and environment are strengthened in diverse inclusive communities. And whereas more than 50 years after the passage of the Fair Housing Act, discrimination persists and

many communities remain segregated. And whereas acts of housing discrimination and barriers to equal opportunity, equal housing opportunity are repugnant to a common sense of decency and fairness. Now therefore, Leetta Dalhof, mayor of the city of Twater, does hereby proclaim the month of April 2026, Fair Housing Month, and calls upon the people of the city of Twater as an inclusive community committed to fair housing and to promoting appropriate activities by private and public entities to provide and advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents of the city of Twater. Signed this 21st day of April, 2026. Thank you, Council Member St. Well read. I saw Don Baker's face and I know I'm seeing some I mean that in the positive way. I realize that might have come out wrong, but I see some other members wearing similar shirts. I'm looking at you, Keith. Um, do do you all want to come at Thirstston County Realtors? And I saw Chris Lester as well. Do you want to come up and say a few words and accept the proclamation and then we can do a photo op?

The floor is yours, Don. Wow, I'm even recognized now. Good evening, mayor and council members. My name is Don Baker and I serve as the president of the Thirsten County Realtors representing more than 700 real estate professionals who serve thousands of buyers and sellers across our region each year. On behalf of our members, I want to sincerely thank the city of Tumbwater for the Fair Housing Month proclamation and for your continued partnership in supporting equitable access to housing in our community. Fair housing is not just a policy. It's a promise. A promise that where you live, should never be determined by who you are. And as realtors, we believe it's important to acknowledge that our profession has not always lived up to that promise. The history of housing in this country, including within the real estate industry, includes practices that excluded segregated and limited access to home ownership for many. We cannot change that history, but we can and must learn from it. Today, that commitment shows up in the work we do every day. Realtors are bound by a strict code of ethics that goes beyond the law, requiring us to provide equal professional service to all clients. We invest in ongoing fair housing education, implicit bias training, and programs designed to expand access to home ownership. Here in Thirstston County, that work is strengthened through partnerships like the one we have with the city of Twater. Just last Saturday, April 18th, TC hosted the Thirstston County Home Buying Expo at the Olympia Center in collaboration with our local jurisdictions and community partners. This event is designed to connect aspiring homeowners with trusted resources, education, and support, helping break down barriers, and opening doors to home ownership. We look forward to Twater hosting this event next year in 2027. Fair Housing is about more than compliance. It's about opportunity. It's about building stronger communities, creating pathways to stability, and ensuring that the dream of home ownership is accessible to everyone. We are grateful to stand alongside the city of Tumbwater in this work and remain committed to being part of this solution

today and every day. Thank you again for your support.

Thank you. Uh Council Member Selvin is going to come down and give you two pieces of paper that are very very valuable, Don. Very valuable. If you can frame those, please. And hang them up on your wall and you look at them daily. And can we do a group? And I called you Keith and I mean Kevin. I just want to make sure if you're paying attention. I see you. Can we can we do a group photo of everyone who wants to be in the photo? Council chairs back and together Okay, one down. That was only a little awkward. So, that's great. We have a few more opportunities to make that go smoother. You all don't want to stay for the rest of the meeting. That's Chris, you know. Okay. Okay. I'll judge you internally. Chris Lester, nice to see you. Next we have a proclamation of the 57th municipal clerk's week May 3 through 9, 2026. And we have council member Swortho that will be reading that.

Thank you, Mayor. Whereas the office of the municipal clerk, a timehonored and a vital part of the local government, exists throughout the world and is amongst the oldest public servants. And whereas the Municipal Clerks Week was initiated in 1969 by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, IIMC, and endorsed by all of its members throughout the United States, Canada, and 15 other countries. In 1984 and 1994, Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton respectively signed proclamations officially declaring municipal clerk's week the first full week of May and recognizing the essential role municipal clerks play in local government. And whereas the IMC is pleased to announce the 57th annual municipal clerk's week May 3rd through May 9th, 2026. And whereas the office of the municipal clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels and serves as the information center on functions of local government and community. And whereas the municipal clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all. And whereas municipal clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the office of the municipal clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops, and the annual meetings of their state, provincial, and county, and international professional organizations. And whereas the city of Tumbwater benefits from the dedicated public service of those who perform the vital functions of the municipal clerk, including city clerk Melody Valiant, Deputy City Clerk Tracy Core, and several staff members who serve as less to city boards, commissions, and

committees. Now therefore, Leetta Dohof, mayor of the city of Tumbwater, does hereby proclaim the week of May 3rd through May 9th, 2026, 57th Municipal Clerk's Week, and calls upon the people of the city of Tumbwater to celebrate all municipal clerks for their vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent. Melody, if you could just slowly walk. So we can all watch you go to Thank you, Melody. What are your thoughts about this?

Well, good evening, Mayor Delhoff and council members. I wanted to thank you all for recognizing the 57th Municipal Clerk's Week. Um, I know that myself and Tracy are both honored to serve in a role um that we want to be transparent and open to the public and that link from government to the public, making it more accessible and open for records, minutes, you know, I was doing a little bit of research before I came up here. I mean, we were one of the very first public servants along with tax collectors. I feel we're a little bit more cheerful than tax collectors. Uh but we really we do pride ourselves in what we do and so it's just I'm appreciative of the ability for you to honor what we do because a lot of the times we're behind the scenes. Uh but we want to make TW proud and uh we try hard every day. So thank you.

Thank you. Melanie, do you want to awkwardly stand in front of us and we can take all by yourself? Um and we can take a photo.

I want that framed in your office Melody. That was That was still awkward, but we'll get better. That was still That was Melody. You were great. Next, we have Sergeant Promotion badge pinning ceremony, and we have acting police chief Killes. Good evening, Mayor, City Council, Assistant City Administrator Adams, and the community. Um, I'm honored to be here tonight to highlight some of the good work our police officers do and also to celebrate some of the achievements they have made. So, starting off, we're going to acknowledge two of our newly promoted sergeants, Peter Navaro and Rachel Johnson. Come on up. All right. I've just prepared a few remarks so that I stay on topic and and don't take too long. So, tonight I'd like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the promotion of Peter Navaro and Rachel Johnson to the rank of sergeant. Joining us this evening are Officer Johnson's parents, Ron and Angela Black and Sergeants Navaro's wife, Sam, along with their children, Isaiah and Kylie. Acting chip, could you point them out so we can acknowledge them?

Hi, thank you for coming. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Please proceed.

We are grateful to have your families here to share in this important milestone. Rachel joined the Tomwater Police Department after two years of service with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and and has now dedicated seven years to our department. Peter came to us from an exceptional career in the United States Army from which he retired. Peter has been with our department for just over eight years. Tonight marks a significant moment for both Rachel and Peter. As this is the first time that they will wear their badge of their new appointment, much like an officer receiving their first badge upon graduating the academy, pinned on by someone meaningful to them, we honor the same tradition tonight. This symbolizes not only achievement, but trust, responsibility, and commitment. Both Sergeant Johnson and Sergeant Navaro are hardworking, dedicated, and driven professionals. Their commitment to this department and to the Tumbwater community is evident in the work they do each and every day. Their efforts, leadership, and character have earned them the rank of sergeant. This is not a role taken lightly. Sergeant is the first step into true servant leadership, placing the needs of the organization and the community above one's own. That is the essence of leadership, and that is precisely why Rachel and Peter were selected. They exemplify the qu the qualities, integrity, and mindset required to lead others effectively. Recently, as we worked on a new recruiting video, an important realization emerged from within our organization. The story we wanted to tell was not about why people come to work for Tom Water Police Department, but why they stay. Rachel Johnson and Peter Navaro are two of those reasons. Their character, professionalism, and leadership set the standard for who we are and who we strive to be. Congratulations, Sergeant Johnson and Sergeant Navaro. This promotion is well earned. Thank you for your contributions you make each day and for the example you set for others. You truly embody our mantra, team before self, always, every time, all the time.

And with that, I would ask for Rachel and Pete to come up front. Then I would ask for uh Sam and Rachel's father to come on and pin their new badges on. Pete said, "Don't stick them. And uh before we do the photo with council, I would just ask that Rachel um if you'd come come up to the dis and say a few words and then Sergeant Navaro.

So, it's an honor to be here. Um I started at Tom Water when I was freshly 24 years old and I've been here seven years. So, I'll let you do the math on that cuz a woman never tells her age. Um I didn't expect to be here already in my career. I expected years and years of service to be put forth before I could get this honor, but for some reason I'm already here and it's a privilege and an honor to wear this badge. And I just hope that I can make people before me who wore it before me proud and continue to serve this department. And then, uh, Sergeant Navaro, um, I would like you to say a few words. Uh, Pete's mom is in Miami watching, so he is going to say a few words to her, um, in her native language of Spanish, and I will translate for you once he gets there. Um first and foremost uh it's an honor and a privilege to be standing before uh the council and the city um to witness the promotions um that we have uh achieved. Um it didn't come easy. It came with a lot of trials and tribulations, a lot of lessons learned um and lessons that are still being learned. Um however uh what we owe you um the council and the city is that steadfast leadership and that commitment that we owe to you. So that's kind of what we bring forward. Um none of that is going to be possible without the support that I have from my family, um from God, and of course from my mom back home, um and my family throughout the country. So um thank you for everything that you could not have achieved anything I have

for you. So, thank you.

Yeah, I'm a little full clip. Give me a moment. That was amazing. Um, I mean, if that doesn't touch your heartstrings of how Tom Waters is different and how we lead different, how we serve differently, I I don't I don't know what's wrong with you if you don't if you don't see that and feel that from there. Um, I just want to before we do a photo op, which I know you're really excited to do. I can feel it. I just like to hear from our council if you're open to that. So, anyone from council want to say any words to these two? We are going to start with our chair of public health and safety, Mayor Prom Von Holtz.

Um, congratulations. And I love crying at the dis. Um, I think we haven't done this before with promotions and I think it's so important that everybody gets to see and take part in this and so thank you for all you do and um, uh, Sergeant Navaro, you know, you're special because you're my neighbor. So, but all of and and you're special, too. Every I mean, I just I love this. I get we get to see your family. we get to see you not only as our police officers but as people as members of our community and that's so important. So, thank you and congratulations,

Council Member Jefferson. Sergeant Johnson, Sergeant Neero Ho, congratulations. Job well done. Um, thank you for your service. We appreciate you quality police officers and Tom Warner. Congratulations again. Council member Weeden,

I'd just like to congratulate both of you. Um to the families, thank you for also being here, for supporting them, the jobs that you do. Um it it's beyond difficult and to have the kind of leadership that we have um having a acting chief that is recognizing this and bringing this to this council. Both of you basically said that you were thankful to us and I'm thankful for you. This is not about us today. This is about you recognizing the hard work, the years of dedication that you put in. Um, so thank you very much for continuing to lead our police and uh being a voice for uh everybody here. So, thank you.

Thank you, Council Member Sullivan. I will be brief. Um, everyone has said amazing things. I want to thank each of you both for your hard work, but also for the amazing things that you shared tonight about who you are and how you lead and why you do this work and what that means to you. Um, that was heartfelt and I'm honored to be in community with you all and thank you for your hard work. Congratulations. No. Okay, good.

Oh, council member Agabi. So um council member officer Peter Novar um congratulations. I think about three maybe three and a half years ago, you and I had the opportunity of riding together in the city of Tom Water and on that particular Saturday um the uh the professionalism that you display by I was riding with you and I did say to you that I wish I'm a father of two growing boys that live in this in in America. So by default when we see a uniform officer you're not supposed to be too friendly. You're supposed to um be on your best behavior. But uh if uh officer Navaro is is representative of uh what our police officers are, I'm more than happy to have him be in my neighborhood, be my officer in my city. And also if my kids are doing something bad for him to be the officer that stopped them and say hey what you're doing is not bad you need to do better. So officer Navaro um I want you to continue to do what you've done. I've written with you twice now and on each occasion you haven't done anything that that was not professional. So please continue to do what you do. make our city proud and your professionalism is uh very very um appreciated and uh I I haven't read with you. So um my next um my next opportunity is to ride with you and the other female officer. So um our city is not a very big place and we want we want to live in a city where our officers

interact with the citizens where we don't have a I mean you do your work I mean stop them when they're doing something bad but we don't want uh when we have something to watch. So for that I say congratulation and thank you for being our officers. Well said, Council Member Gabby. And I think we have a followup for Johnson Agabi to get together. Um, Council Member Cathy, would you like to add anything before we do a group photo?

Thank you, Mayor. I'd just like to say if you're concerned that a sense of um amazing work is going on by these two people in our police department and the pride that we feel tonight that I feel um isn't coming through. I can tell you it is. And so anybody who's in the chambers or watching on um television, I want to thank these two for uh choosing this life's work. I can feel their their commitment and and actually feel their heart for this and for our community. We are one lucky community and uh I'm very proud of these two.

Thank you, Council Member Kathy. And also, I feel you with your allergies. The one who just sneeze. I feel you. I feel you. Would you be okay doing a group photo? And would your family and friends feel comfortable doing a group photo? I'm sure my mom would love it.

I mean, we're going to make it awkward. Could those who are in support of you, too, can we document this moment that it takes a community and that we all support you? So, could you just all work your way up so we can do a group photo? Come on. Come on. is so warm. I feel like that was actually pretty smooth. I feel like we're getting better. Uh, acting chief Kilz, you have one more item.

I do. Um, and this is a another big one. This is a very big one. Yes, this is Yes, Kelly's going to cry. So, just everyone know Kelly's going to cry.

Uh, so next we're going to um acknowledge some of the great work our police officers did back in September by presenting um life-saving awards. and one of the department uh police stars. So with that go on this. All right. So we're going to start with the uh life-saving award. On September 19th, 2025, Sergeant Chris Trestler, Sergeant Randy Bond, Officer Chase Grimit, and Officer Jack Batimer demonstrated outstanding courage, decisiveness, and teamwork during a critical life-threatening incident in Tumb. The officers responded to a report involving a pregnant female who had inflicted severe and potentially fatal injuries to her own throat and risks, placing both her life and the life of her unborn child in immediate jeopardy. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the officers acted without hesitation, forcibly breaching a vehicle window to gain access to the victim and initiating immediate life-saving measures. Throughout this rapidly evolving incident, each officer played an essential role securing the scene, retrieving emergency medical equipment, coordinating resources, and administering critical first aid. Their calm demeanor, coordinated under pressure, and decisive intervention directly contributed to stabilizing the victim until advanced medical care could be provided. Through their swift, selfless and professional actions, Sergeant Trestler, Sergeant Vaughn, Officer Grimit, and Officer Batimer directly saved two lives. Their conduct reflects the highest ideals of the law enforcement and brings great credit upon themselves, the Tom Water Police Department, and the profession they serve. Um, and with that, I will present them. They will each receive a citation doc memorializing their conduct as well as cert certific certificate and a pin that they will wear on their dress uniform. Officer Batimemer couldn't be here because he's in training um in Everett,

but we'll be more or we'll be recognizing him at our department training coming up where um the mayor and city administrator will be there for that presentation. So, Chase Thank you. And uh I would be remiss because I put this little post-it note down. This is why I put notes because I forget the things to acknowledge their uh family and friends who are here. So, Sergeant Wives, uh, Sergeant Bond's wife, Sarah, is in the audience along with family and friends. Um, and Sergeant Trestler and Sergeant Grimit's, uh, wives are watching online. So, with that, they want to make any comments. Chris,

I'm good. I want you don't like Carlos say we'd love to hear from not would you like to speak because no one's going to go oh yeah I'd like to take the microphone we'll we're going to make Sergeant Trestler uh speak. So if you don't know um so Sergeant Trestler and he probably can be embarrassed and mad at me for saying this um has been the recipient of the department's medal of valor. we've only ever issued out two of them and he has been the recipient of both. So that's it testament to, you know, who he is um as a as a as a person, as a police officer, as a supervisor. Um so thanks.

No, I just uh appreciate you guys all coming out for this. Um I love serving this community. Um I've been here for almost 27 years now. I can't imagine working anywhere else. uh the amount of support that we get from our city uh council, from our citizens, there's just no other place I'd rather work. So, thank you for being here.

How long have you been here?

So, Sergeant Bond has been here 31 years, a really long time. Um he's done almost every job that you can think of in law enforcement. So, um with that, Sergeant Bond, few words to the council, please. Yes, I've been here since dirt. Some of the pictures out front here are probably in my house I first rented. But at any rate, uh I just like to make this less about me and more about the city and the culture and this department and what we do for training. This event, having been there myself and everything that's going on, I'd like to give that away to the people that I work side by side with. Without the effort and the time we put in our training and everything else, that life-saving effort would not have been as fruitful. It was absolutely flossed. And I was deeply impressed by the peers I work with. So, I'd like to give them the thank you and just say thank you to the city for allowing me to be here for 31 years and serve this community. Thank you.

And then last is our K9 officer, Officer uh Grimit. He's a man of few words and he really does not want to talk but and where is where's Oh, interesting. Okay. Couldn't afford to pay him overtime.

Okay. Um, yeah, just echo what my partners have said. It's it's an honor to receive this award in front of everyone. I think the fact that this room is packed out like it is both for Sergeant Johnson tomorrow and then the next recipient coming up just kind of speaks to how this community and his department weave together. And then just to kind of echo what Chief said, uh Jackson isn't up here. Part of this award is is equally part shared on him. He's actually right now out sacrificing his own time to go get ready to train the next generation of cops that hopefully you guys get to continue to receive that service from. Um so he'll get his credit, but specifically for his family. He's made a sacrifice in the past. He's not even here to be recognized for it because he's currently sacrificing for us and for all of you as well. So I just want to make sure that message was out there as well. Thanks. Do you want to do a photo with the life the life-saving word or you want to wait?

Yeah, I really want to make officer Grimmit more uncomfortable and would like him to come up front center. Yeah, because also you didn't bring your partner. So, extra photos for you. Yeah, I guess I had one question. I see Tim Rios in the staff report, but I see him standing in the doorway. I'm a little confused.

His award is separate. He has a different award than the life-saving award. All right. So, last but certainly not least.

Oh. Oh. Oh.

Uh, so this is acting sergeant Tim Rios. Um, and tonight in the audience are his mom and dad. There's mom and dad and family and friends. Right. On September 19th, 2025, Acting Sergeant Tim Rios distinguished himself through exceptional bravery, leadership, and professional judgment during a critical incident involving an actively suicidal pregnant female. Officer Rios was the first officer to recognize the severity and immediiacy of the threat to life. Acting decisively when time was of the essence, he personally breached the vehicle window after other efforts proved unsuccessful, extracted the victim from the vehicle and immediately initiated life-saving first aid. He simultaneously directed fellow officers to obtain necessary medical equipment and coordinated the response with clarity and authority. Throughout the incident, Officer Rios maintained remarkable composure under extreme stress, provided calm and reassuring communication to the injured female, and demonstrated superior tactical judgment and leadership. His actions not only directly saved the lives of both the female and her unborn child, but also exemplified bravery and professionalism while above the normal demands of duty. Officer Rios's performance in this incident reflects exceptional valor, sound decision-making, and devotion to the preservation of human life, bringing the highest honor to himself and the Tumbwater Police Department. And so for this award, uh we've only ever issued one of these out in the history of the department. And Rios will now be the second recipient recipient of that. And it is basically a a medal with a pin that he will wear on his uh class A uniform. as well as a citation and a certificate memorializing the event. Tim, job well done.

Thank you, Chief. Thank you.

Yes, please. Thank you.

Thank you. Hello everyone. I'm uh Petering on the line with Officer Grim. This isn't my strong suit necessarily, but I did prepare some words this evening in hopes of uh properly saying thank you for an award of this magnitude and giving proper credit to my team that night. So, in nearly nine years of being a Tom Water Police Officer, I've experienced more than I thought possible in an entire career. More lessons, more joy, more perspective, more challenge, more danger, and more compassion than I could have comprehended at another time in my life. In this profession, you never know what each day holds. only that each day carries the potential for something lifealtering. We don't do this job for awards, but I am truly humbled to stand here before you all accept this recognition from my department and a board of my peers. While I may have made some quick decisions that night, I would have been nowhere without my team. As we navigated that horrific situation, I was in awe of the composure, proficiency, and selflessness of our patrol team. Outwardly, I probably appeared calm and focused, but internally, I was afraid. I was truly afraid that despite our best efforts, uh we may be witness to the loss of life of a young woman and her child. It's difficult in this profession to save someone from someone else, even more so to save someone from themselves. But the thought of losing a child is something that stays with you. Because of the officers standing before you this evening, that did not happen. And uh their professionalism and courage really truly cannot be overstated. When I reflect on that night, I could remember it only for its trauma. Instead, I choose to remember it as proof that good can prevail over evil and compassion over pain. As it says in the book of Romans, do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. That's an opportunity we're given every day in this profession, and every day it's worth it. Like to say thank you to the Twater Police Department for the training that prepares us to perform under pressure. Thank you to our community and our elected officials for your support and trust in us. Thank you the Twater Fire Department and the Thirsten County Sheriff's Office for standing alongside

us at night and offering critical assistance. And to my patrol team, thank you for having my back when it mattered most. This honor truly belongs to all of you. Thank you. This badge represents the responsibility to do good and I'm proud to serve alongside those who do. Thank you all. I'm sorry, Tim. Do you think that you're leaving without doing a photo op? Sorry, you're right. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Should I bring this?

I mean, it's your I mean, whatever you feel comfortable with. Would you like a banner behind you and fireworks to go off as well? have a minute.

Council member Agabi.

So, Officer Aras and I go back uh I don't know, eight, seven years maybe. We used to be gym bodies. So um I never knew I was a police officer. He was that humble. We would banter joke and then we go work out and that would be that would be that. So one day I work with department affairs. So one day I went to the coffee shop by the back of um off some other uh boulevard and uh here was officer Rios and two other police officer in uniform. So I like oh you're a police officer. So anyhow um according to uh what you've heard from this desk tonight we are very very lucky to have uh these police officers in our city and uh the what they do as dangerous as it is given the society we live in they keep us safe and officers please continue to keep us safe. Congratulations. Let you should we just sit here and silence a little bit?

Yeah. Soak it in. Soak it in together. Anything else you want to add? Thank you. You sure? Pretty sure we got tons of time. I scheduled it. Oh, no. You just No, I think I've used my time. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you all. All right. So, in closing, thank you, mayor. Thank you, council, for that opportunity to highlight the good work and achievements of our folks. Um, we have there's more. Um, it's not just them. I wish we could do this all the time, but these are pretty special achievements um and pretty special actions that deserve public recognition. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

And chief, I do see that they're taking photos without us in the lobby. And so, can they be a little more discreet next time because I can literally see them taking a photo with us. Thank you to all the family and friends who didn't get

I'm not going to call him back in. Okay. Thank you so much. All right.

I We have public comment next and I don't know who wants to go after that, but I know someone's going to go after that. Melody, what do we have? Who do we have right now? We have no one online, but I have a TJ Johnson first up on the list to speak.

Okay, I guess I get to be the one to go after that. Um, good evening. My name is TJ Johnson. I'm the chair of the Thirstston Conservation District Board of Supervisors, and with me tonight is our amazing executive director, Sarah Morhead. Uh for over 75 years, uh TCD has been working with private land owners to identify solutions to environmental problems and encouraging and supporting voluntary stewardship that makes Thirstston County a better place for all of us to live. We're non-regulatory, but we bring funding, technical expertise, political advocacy, and community trust that helps local jurisdictions like Tumbwater meet their community needs and goals. Our base funding is provided through a system of rates and charges that's paid by almost all the property owners in Thirstston County. That rates and charges system brings in about $565,000 a year. And we use that money to leverage state, local, and private federal resources. So, um the local money represents only 6% of our $9.7 million budget. Everything else is coming in, the other 94% is coming in from outside of the county to solve problems in the county. Um, and this is the biggest budget in our history, 75 year history. Um, and it's going to allow us to accomplish a lot more and do a lot more good work on conservation and environmental restoration. Last year, we worked with um our partners, local jurisdictions, community members to develop a new strategic plan, which we call 2040 and beyond. And I'll leave copies of that plan with you, as well as an overview or a summary of our 2024 annual report. 2025 report is being printed now, so you'll get that one when it comes out. This new strategic plan is by far the most ambitious in our history. But it has to be given the urgency of the

problems that we face such as disappearing farmland, forests and habitats, threatened and degraded watersheds and marine ecosystems, and of course the accelerating impacts of climate change and these disaster events like the fires we've seen recently in our community. So this plan is about taking action now to avoid irreversible loss in the future. The plan is grounded in four strategic priorities. First, protect and restore natural resources. Second, build climate resilience and prepare for emergencies. Third, expand access and community connections to land and food. And fourth, to lead these efforts with strong organizational excellence at our organization. So, we look forward to continuing to work with the city of Tomwater and our other local jurisdictions. We're making the same presentation to all of them to align land use and conservation strategies, co-develop climate and watershed solutions, preserve farmland, and expand local food production capacity, expand community access and education through our new community education conservation education center, which we've talked with you about and we'll talk more in the future. Um, and we want to leverage funding together to do even more in the future. So, in closing, this plan isn't just about a set of conservation programs. It's about building a future where conservation becomes a shared way of life for all of us in Thirstston County. We're ready to lead, but we can't do it alone. We need to do it with our partners and our local jurisdictions like the city of Tom Waters. So, let's work together. Let's make this happen. And with that, if you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them. No questions right now because it's public comment and I'm looking at our acting city administrator, Kelly Adams. Could we do a work session with the Thirstston Conservation District because I know everyone on council, especially Joan Kathy, are huge fans.

They dig it and it comes up a lot in our conversations with all of our even the comp comprehensive plan elements. Everything is integral to partnering with you and what that looks like. So, could we schedule a work session? We would love to do that. I won't cut you off at 3 minutes. Absolutely. We'd love to do that. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. All right. So, more to come and thank you for coming, Melody. Next, I have an Angela Black. And I also have a Ronald Black. They may have been here. Actually, I know they were here for Rachel. I think they just maybe just want to be memorialized in our Yeah. sign up that they were here. Okay.

Yes. Okay. So then next I have a Dave Neckandry. Those that don't know Dave Neckandry served on Tom City Council. Would you like me to share it now? Okay. Don't start talking yet because your three minutes start when you start talking. Here we go.

Thank you, mayor, members of the council. My name is Dave Nandry. 5054th Avenue Southwest. Uh, coming here as a member of the Tomwater Historic Preservation Committee, the mayor beat me to my favorite line every time I'm here, and I never take it for granted, especially meaningful nights like tonight. But I was on the city council from 1977 to 1987, almost 50 years ago. So when I was last before you in any extended sense, we were talking about the all uh roads lead to Tum Water historic signage along the various byways and highways of Twater. But much like the Second Avenue detour in our neighborhood, the historic commission got on a little detour when we learned that the historic uh uh state highways department building, the old one on Capitol Boulevard was uh uh was about was going to be was on a path for demolition. Uh salvage opportunities are always a standard provision in demolition projects and uh the commission took an interest in two items which we have now framed in this working scheme that you see over here which the working title is we've not obligated the city. This is really just a thought piece but we're calling it the New Deal Plaza concept plan. Why New Deal? That somewhat nondescript, ordinary set of buildings on Capitol Boulevard was a public works project of the New Deal in the 1930s. It had plaques on four of them that had the names of Franklin Roosevelt and Harold Ikis was also Roosevelt Secretary of the Interior, but he doubled as the head of the public works projects for the New Deal. The New Deal is going to

celebrate its centennial in 2033. That's not that long. That's not that far into the future. And those uh plaques plus the freeze that's over the top of the building you that's the most distinctive aesthetic feature. State of Washington Department of Highways are the items that we're hoping to salvage. Assistant City Administrator Adams is going to be heading up a technical intergovernmental committee that includes uh your historic preservation commission uh to try to salvage these items. The freeze in particular is going to be somewhat complicated but the notion this is the why of the salvage which is to highlight uh Tom Waters. So this is our one of our few connections to the new deal which is a signature development uh in the history of this country. The centennial is coming up. That building was designed, built and occupied in 8 months time and served 84 years of useful service not only for the people in this community but this whole region. So I just wanted to give you that little update. Thank um Assistant City Administrator Kelly for her leadership and engagement and we'll give you further reports in the future as they are warranted. Thank you so much.

Nicely done, Dave. Thank you for coming and more to come from the Historic Preservation Commission. And we have no one else for public comment. Thank you so much, Melody. We are moving on to item number six, the consent calendar. Does any council member wish to remove an item or pull an item from the consent calendar? Seeing no one look at me, I think we're okay to move on. I would entertain a motion to approve as presented. Council member Sullivan. So moved. Okay. I'm still learning how to do the microphone, so you got to tell them.

I'll second. Okay. Thank you, Mayor Prom Von Holtz. I have a motion from Council Member Sullivan and a second from Mayor Prom Von Holtz. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. I. Those opposed, same sign. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you so much. So, there's two items that are super duper cool. Uh, acting city administrator Kelly Adams, do you want to talk about item G and H? Believe. There we go. Yes. So, we have two advisory board appointments on the agenda and I'm going to flip. One is for the Barnes Lake Management District. And here go the readers. All right. So, we have Troy Patience to the Barnes Lake Management District Steering Committee. Is Troy in the audience today? Well, welcome Troy if you're watching online and thank you so much for volunteering to serve our community in an advisory board position. And I'm particularly biased and excited because our equity commission is now fully appointed. And so we have some of our official equity commissioners here today. We have Michael Snow. Michael, would you like to come up and just say hi? Hi, thank you for uh having me. Uh I'm Michael Snow. Uh I've lived in this community uh Tom Water for about eight or nine years. Um some of you may recognize me because I'm a high school basketball coach at Black Hills. Uh I feel like I get recognized like that all the time. I hear hey coach and I just have to say hey back because more people know me than I know them, right? And so uh so yeah, happy to be here. Happy happy to serve and uh was really eager to jump at this opportunity to be a part of this uh equity uh commission. So

thank you so much. Thank you, Commissioner Snow. I have Tina Prairie. Tina, would you like to just come up and say hi?

Hello.

Hi. I just want to say that I'm um very honored to be um a member of this inaugural equity committee and I've been here a long time. I've been my family moved here in 1964. So I've seen a lot of changes and um I'm really proud to be part of the community. I always have been and um I've uh been a community representative um for the city for the for city of Twater for almost six years and I'm very proud and happy that I've been able to work very close with the police department and um I I I think this is the the other side of the same coin. We want the same thing. We want uh dialogue. We want trust in the community and I'm hoping to be able to establish a good foundation for that. Thank you. And so I know some commissioners I'm flipping between my readers here.

I can see Ellen Mathan in the back. Commissioner Matthany, would you mind approaching and saying hello?

Hi, thanks very much for um considering me for this appointment. To me, it's an adventure ahead. I don't know all the things that we're going to be looking at, but I'm looking forward to finding out. For me, living in Tumbwater now for 12 years, I work for state government. Um it is a family values community and that family has fluidity to it but we are very much a strong community wanting to respect each other the the uh laws of the city but also the community and how we can build it just exemplified by all the events that we hold and things like that. So, uh, I'm just really honored to be here and and Leetta and I served on the planning commission together, so have a little heart there for

Ellen. Stuck with me. That's what she's saying. That's right. Stuck with me. Thank you. Do I have Lisa Gorski? Wonderful.

Hi everyone. Um, my name is Lisa Gorski and I am new to Tum Water. I just moved here a few months ago. I've recently retired from a job in the federal government. I was a research scientist with the US Department of Agriculture um where I did microbiological research. I'm transitioning to my new life, to my new home. I love what I've seen of Tumb Water so far. I'm very happy with what I've seen here tonight and I'm hoping to be able to be a helpful part of this community. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. Do I have Sarah in the audience? Sarah Ellison,

and there will be a group photo. Just a warning. Hi, Mayor and council members. Um, I'm very proud. Um, I'm a Tamara resident of 15 years. Um, I've um committed myself to this city and I I love the city. I am very proud of what we're doing and the equity commission is something that I am very um excited about and hopefully we can do a lot of great work. So, thank you. Thank you, Sarah. We have two other commissioners that aren't here tonight. Commissioner Vonnie Turner and Commissioner Vanessa Burita Reyes. And so, I'm excited for you to meet them. Would you like to take a photo?

I would. Would they like to take a photo? Come on up. If and while you're gathering for a photo, I'll remind everyone that we have our first Equity Commission meeting on Monday at 6 PM in this room. I know council has a lot to say about that because this has been a long time coming, but that was a consent calendar item. So, more to come.

Mayor, could I ask a question about it? Uh, well, if I'm going to let you ask a question, then I need to let Council Member Jefferson ask a question. So, go ahead, Council Member Kathy, and then Council Member Jefferson can go, even though I just told her no.

Okay. I just would really like um for council to meet with be part of meeting with the this commission and talk about how uh what we see is equity, why we why we put this together, how we as council can work back and forth and uh get to know these uh these folks better and our shared our shared vision for equity in Tom. Well said. And that is already on acting city administrator Kelly Adams list. So, great minds think alike. Thank you so much. Oh, good. I'm a great

I'm going to use my favorite phrase that you love. We're going to circle back with that. We're going to circle back. Megan reminded me that's your favorite phrase. So, we're going to circle back. It's because you make me dizzy with it. That's what it's the whole thing is. It's my pleasure, Council Member Kathy. Thank you. Well said and noted, Council Member Jefferson.

Um, yes, I was I was reading all the resumes um and all of the letters to the council and I just wanted to say that the candidates were exceptional, just quality individuals. Um, thank you for stepping up. One of them, the individuals was the first black person to go to Tomwater High School. So with um backgrounds like that, you know, thank you for stepping up. Thank you for making yourselves um vulnerable with those letters. I read them. I appreciate it. Thank you for volunteering your time and um and let's do some good work as we move ahead. That's all I have. Mayor,

thank you, Council Member Jefferson. Thank you, everyone. We are moving on to item number seven, council considerations, which we have two. First one 7A resolution number R206-006 supporting Tom Waters opportunity zone application and we have our acting city administrator, Kelly Adams. What do you need from council tonight?

I have but a humble request. So, tonight I am circling back on the opportunity zone. So, if you'll recall a few weeks ago, our economic development coordinator, Gan Angel, came to you with a guest that spoke about opportunity zones and this federal tax incentive program that is one of the very few economic development incentives that we have in our tool belt. So, this is my version of it. It has a little different flavor. So, what is this opportunity zone program? It promotes investment into economically distressed communities. This is a federal program. So this doesn't apply to state capital gains taxes, only federal capital gains taxes. The program is defined by census tracks. So different census tracks are assessed for eligibility. Different tracks are nominated by state governors. Those nominations go to the US Treasury with authority delegated by the IRS. There was an initial opportunity zone 1.0 program in 2017. That is a temporary program whose 10-year limit is expiring this year or excuse me, yes, the end of this year. And so, opportunity zone 2027, that is a permanent program with 10-year cycles. And so there are two eligible tracks in Tumbwater that the governor can nominate to the US Treasury. The qualifications for these tracks are that they need to have a median family income that is less than or equal to 70% of the general area's medium family income. And so there's two tracks there. The tract in the north of Tumbwater includes the

brewery district and the tract in the south covers the airport. So there's some nice overlay with different partners that we have for economic development. And so when we're talking about the funds that go into these zones, these are capital gains taxes. So taxes that are deferred. So, capital gains, I know for me this is not intuitive. Um, they're the profits from the sale of taxable assets. And taxable assets are stocks, bonds, digital currencies, jewelry, valuable collections, and real estate. Anything that you have and that you sell that has increasing value over time. So it could even be a historic relic or a fossil or something that has value that grows that can be eligible for taxation. And so what we want is for folks who have these capital gains to instead of using those for other investments or paying a greater tax on them, bring them to our opportunity zone, invest them in our um programs and projects and help us to lift up the economy in these tracks, especially the brewery district and Capitol Boulevard. And so some of the tax benefits, there's a rolling 5-year deferral tied to the investment date. So for the first five years, it completely defers the tax. After 5 years, it actually reduces the tax that they invest by 10%. And then there's an exclusion of new gains if it's held for 10 years or longer. So if they make more profit on that investment, they don't pay that at all. And then if held beyond 30 years, there's a full

stepped up basis, which means they don't pay any capital tax on that initial investment, excuse me, capital gains tax. There are two tracks in Twater that are eligible for nomination and it would be so wonderful if one of these or both of these tracks were chosen by the governor to move forward. We're working with the economic development council um to work together as a region to promote this as a regional priority. And so this is a sample of the Department of Commerce application. The Department of Commerce is the agency that is collecting the nominations, the nomination forms. And so you see the second item that is strongly recommended is a local government resolution or letter of support. And so tonight, our humble request is that you adopt resolution R2026-006, expressing support for the city's opportunity zone application to the Washington State Department of Commerce. Thank you for circling back on that. Acting City Mason, Kelly Adams. Council, this is a second time we've heard this.

Council member Sullivan. Thank you. I move that we adopt resolution R 2026006 as presented, expressing our support. Council member Weeden. Second. And then I heard a third from Council Member Jefferson. So I have a motion from Council Member Sullivan, a second from Council Member Weeden. Any discussion? Council member Sworth just we'll see once we adopt this right now it's just the application process. So um you have any idea how long it will before you hear back or we don't but it needs to be selected nominated and put forward by the governor's office in 2026 because the program starts in January 2027.

Good question. Thank you council member. Any other discussion? Council member Jefferson, I have a question. I saw that you also had a letter or uh from the tribes. Did we get one of those? We're working on all of those elements. We want to put Tom Water in the best possible position to be competitive. All right. Thank you. Great question, Council Member Jefferson. Any other discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I.

All those opposed, same sign. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you so much. Thank you. We are on to 7B. Brewery Wellfield Installation and Development Project Public Works contract award with Schneider Equipment Incorporated. And we have Patrick coming to the podium. Patrick, what do you need from council tonight?

Well, first, thank you for letting me present and make this request. Uh, Mayor Delhoff and city council members. Um, this is I am Patrick Soderberg. I am the uh water resources and uh sustainability program manager. And this is about the brewery wellfield specifically about drilling the wells, installing the first set of wells for the city of Tumbwater. So this has been a very long project over 20 years. Um this project has been ongoing. It started with the partnership with the cities of Lacy and Olympia. And this is going to be a very highlevel overview of this because it very involved. But ultimately we um worked with the cities to get the water rights from the former brewery because they weren't being utilized for beneficial use from the department of ecology. Um once we obtained those uh we worked with RH2 to do a hydraological study of the aquifers in that area so that we could develop a plan to install these wells for production. Um we got an extension from the department of ecology to put those wells to beneficial use because we haven't even installed them yet. and we got an extension to 2041 to install the wells, connect them to our water system, treat that well, and distribute them. So, we have till 2041 for that. Um, in it says 2023, but it was finalized in 2024. Um, the city of Tomwater purchased uh the city of Lacy's portion of these water rights. So now the city of Tom Water has twothirds of those water rights and the city of Olympia has one-third of those water rights. This year we hope to begin well installation and that is exactly what

we're talking about tonight is potentially awarding that contract to do that well installation. So within the task involved with just the development of the brewery Wellfield, this is this is our contract that we have going with RH2 for the project management. Uh we're working with the partner coordination with the city of Olympia. Now uh ultimately when these wells get drilled, we'll do the water main alignment. So where these wells uh you can't do the alignment till you know where the wells are positioned. Um, task five is exactly what we're doing or I'm going to make a request to award the bid for just the installation of the wells. When these wells get drilled, task six and seven will also be completed. So, we will have a subcontractor out there that will do water quality testing once these wells are drilled and cleaned up. Uh, we'll do a pump test to see how much water they can produce and that will determine how many wells we'll need. And then we'll uh that pilot study for once the water quality is known, they will create a pilot study treatment plant right on the golf course where the wells are and they will go and they will treat that water um to where it's has reduced minerals. We're going to be drilling down to about 400 ft. So we know that that lower aquifer will have manganesees and iron that'll likely be at levels that will need to be treated out. So that's what that study will do and they will figure out what that treatment is and then that will help the design for the treatment plant which is uh going to go up on Cleveland Avenue and then connect to our distribution system.

Surember Jefferson. So this is 20 years in the making. Are we doing this because we're running out of water or we're just looking into future? We're always going to need to expand water. If you can just give me a little background.

Sure. Absolutely. So what we did um two years ago is we did a study uh with Corollo engineers and we looked at what is our future for water use in the city of Tumbwater and where could we get it um once we know about the volumes that we need. So we did about a 30 to 50year projection and we looked at different types of growth. Growth without big commercial businesses coming in, one with a moderate amount of businesses coming in, and then one with a lot of businesses coming in. And these we would consider a big user being like a million gallons a day type of commercial business. And so with that moderate growth um outline, we predict that we would have water for the next 15 20 years, but as soon as some big users would come in, we would we would need to expand it. So this is our way of staying out ahead of growth and ensuring that we have the our infrastructure set up before we get to that need.

Okay. Thank you.

Sure. So, we solicited bids and closed them on March 6 of this year, and we had our engineer estimate for this project being at 2,936,20.50. We did receive three qualifying bids with the low bid from Schneider Equipment Incorporated and their bid was 2,916,41260 which is below our engineer estimate. And what how this is the contract is written is we're going to do two wells guaranteed and then with a third well as an optional additive. And so the contract is written with $1,917,556 for the first two wells with an additive that is at our we have to authorize that third well to be drilled. And so um this has been put into our 26 approved drinking water expense budget which includes 3 million for water production and treatment. The project timeline is we expect uh if we award this bid now or this contract now that they would be able to start late summer, early fall and then it would take approximately a half a year for the first two wells and another 90 days for the third if needed. Any questions?

Council member Swortho. So, I sent some questions and I think they I sent some questions to you and I think they you shared them with the city my council mates as well. You had a chance to see it was forwarded the pace of afternoon events. Um, so that did not go out to council. So, we'll be sending that right after this meeting because I had questions about um the part about Olympia because I had some questions about uh the financial piece of it if they'd be sharing at this point. Um, so it sounds like that we'll be paying for the uh the initial drilling portion. Correct. This is on us right now.

Right. Because the goal of this drilling is to obtain the amount of water for our increment of water. So if we happen to drill two wells and they can produce all of the water for for both cities, we would we would theou and interlocal agreement would have some sort of provision to where they would they would pay for that increment when they need it. And and so that's all we haven't even gotten to that part of our ora yet.

Okay. So we don't know what and they're in the same boat that they don't know when they'll be evaluating what their water need is as well because they draw theirs from Mallister. So they don't know what their water usage their water usage as they told us isn't for a couple decades out. So their need for water is not u something that they're looking into. They're not looking at drilling anytime soon. So would we have the potential um if they don't need it? Could we have the potential of buying theirs out like we did with Lacy? Is that something that we uh for the future or that would be up to us to negotiate with them if they wanted to do that? Okay. All right. Curious about that. Okay. Sure.

And then the part about what's um because you we built the road on Cleveland. So that's where they're what's going to be up there then? That will be where the treatment system will be. And so that part that is that will be a jointly owned and operated and or operated treatment plant for all of the water. So even when Olympia comes on board, their water will go up there and be treated there. And all of those costs will be divided up uh based on uh the amount that they're using and when they come on board. So that won't be built until that's like down the line, right? Right now, it's just like figuring out how much water we're going to be able to pull out of the wells.

But we the city hopes to be able to have that treatment plant up operating and water getting into our distribution system by the end of 2028. So, how does that affect what we're doing off of 93rd? We're looking at pumping putting up something out down there, too. So, that is a reservoir. So, that is a holding tank for water. All right. It's completely different. Okay. Got it. Okay. Catching up. All right. Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Sortho. Any other questions? If not, I entertain a motion. Oh, Council Member Kathy.

I I not a question exactly. It's just kind of a reminisce. I came on council in 2008, which is the second uh date on this long journey. And uh I remember talking about this and thinking far out. And um it has always been a positive thing it seems like in the minds of uh each council where some piece of it or something has been brought up and I'm very excited to see this uh this big step and us uh moving ahead and having the I don't know the the privilege or the blessing to even be able to drill for more water because this is a absolutely critical thing across the United States. So, I just wanted to say that I'm wholeheartedly going to support this.

Thank you, Council Member Kathy. Okay. Someone needs to make a motion. Okay. May Melody is quicker than me on the microphone. Thank you, Melody. I'm going to stop touching it. Oh, I was gonna Okay.

I move that we authorize the mayor to sign a public works contract with Schneider Equipment, Inc. of St. Paul, Oregon in the amount of $2,916,41260 for the Brewery Wellfeld Installation and Development Project withholding $998,856.60 only to be authorized should a third well be necessary. I second that.

Got a motion from mayor to prom von Holtz and a second from council member Kathy. Any further discussion? Council member Sulliv being brand new. Is there some sort of a ceremony when the you know like when we get the water and it's treated and what happens then? She would like the first cup of water. There will be that opportunity for somebody. Somebody's going to have to say yes. This is good enough. Okay. I think we just have our first volunteer. Council member Sullivan, can we have a field trip with the public works committee down and have a field trip? Yes. We go down for a field trip. Thank you. Hearts and heart hats. Okay. Council member Sworth has requested a site visit. Council member Agabi, what are you requesting?

Um, you said this is going to be on Cleveland Avenue. The wells will be on the golf course. on the golf course, but the treatment plant will be up on Cleveland Avenue. So, if you travel on Yema Highway a little bit past the dental office going towards the bottom of that drop, there's a well out there sort of I'm told is owned by the cemetery. Uh a the well

well it's more like a it was explained to me that there is a a well nonfunctional that is owned by the cemetery on that part. So you you're saying ours is going to be at the bottom of that drop. Is that what we're saying? Yeah. Our wells will be all the way on the golf course at the down in the valley. Okay. But are you familiar with the well owned by the cemetery? I am not. I'm just going to ask Patrick, can you follow up with Council Member Gabby because we're discussing this, but valid question, Council Member Gabby. So, can we do a followup on that location of that? Well, absolutely. And find out if it's in use and what for.

Yes, Council Member Gabby. Is that good? Yes, that's it. Yes. Perfect. Thank you for bringing that up. Any further discussion about the motion on the table? Council member Kathy, I see you have your hand up. I' I'd just like to ask does this uh change anything on the golf course while they're being drilled or after they're drilled? Uh I just want to be careful about the golf course and these big trucks and all that kind of stuff. I mean, is all that taken into consideration?

Absolutely. We've been working with uh Chuck, Eric, and Tyler over at the golf course. uh they had the opportunity to have the the whole plan explained to them. We we had Eric out on the golf course with the drillers when we did our site walkth through um and we talked about ingress egress uh hours in which they can actually come bring vehicles in and out of the golf course area. Um so they cannot bring their vehicles back, you know, the big rigs back and forth through the golf course during times of play. they have to do it within the first two hours and then after play. Um so they're the drilling specifications are very specific as to where they can stage when they can move where uh how they are going to protect themselves during play and the locations are chosen to be on the course but not necessarily in play.

Yeah. Not not that close to fairways. You're saying one of them will be close but not in the fairway. Okay. Like if you know where well 39 is on on hole number 17, it's right in line with that. Okay. I do know where that is. Okay. Well, let's hope that there's not any offers when they're out there. That's great question, Council Member Kathy. And thank you, Council Member Gabby, for your follow-up issue. Any further discussion on the motion on the floor? Seeing no one make eye contact with me. All those in favor, please say I. I. Oppose. Same sign. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you so much, Patrick. Thank you.

We are moving on to the mayor city administrator's report. Acting city administrator Kelly Adams. Would you like to go first? I have nothing to report, mayor. I mean, that was an amazing report. I'll take it. That was great. for my report. We have budget and finance committee this Friday at noon for two hours for the 2026 community development block grant funding interviews. That is what I have. We're going to move on to council member reports. We're going to start virtually with council member Cathy and then move on to council member Sworthout and move that direction. Council member Kathy, no report.

I love it. Council member Sworth.

Oh, thank you, Mayor. Um I attended the inner city transit board meeting. So um or council member von Holtz for um kind of prepping me ahead of time. Um I'm looking through the minutes. Be kind of nice to um attend a meeting that doesn't make the paper. So we're going to get there someday. Um we had some um some interesting comments about the uh the route change. So that's my my reason for saying that. So I'm learning all this right now. Um the board has um accepted there's a new route that will be taking effect in May and so there's some uh there was some concerns about some route changes that'll be affecting people and so um so they had an opportunity to just um had some public discussion about that. So um not to make light of that. So it's a big change. It really is. And so, um, Council Member Von Holtz has been really part of it and I'm just learning and, uh, learning the routes. And so, it's it really is learning where they all go and everything is quite really interesting. So, um, but we the biggest highlight we got a chance to learn about the walk and roll program and, uh, we spent some money and let's see, and then we were talking about the Earth Day Market Ride and let's see, I'm trying to think what else we talked about, but mostly I think we were really talking about the um, the upcoming the changes as far as the the route goes as well. So, and we'll be having a retreat coming up in June. So, I look forward to that as well. So I think I covered it. So thank you.

Thank you. Council member Council Member Sullivan. I will be brief. I attended economic development uh on the 25th of March and the next meeting is tomorrow. I attended regional housing. They also met on the 25th of March and the next meeting is tomorrow. Um, I attended the South Thirstston Economic Development Study meeting um for the first time last Friday held in Bota and I've had the privilege of sitting with uh directors and I'm grateful for Tempwater um directors for educating me as a new council member and look forward to working in community alongside and continuing to learn with our city directors. Thanks.

Nice report. Council member Southern Mayor Pro Von Holtz. Well, many of my meetings were cancelled due to spring break. Um, but I also attended Inner City Transit um from Washington DC where I was representing my former um position as a board member um along with other transit agencies throughout Washington. And um I will say that Washington state is very lucky because our congressional delegation is really supportive of transit and making sure that um there's access to transportation for everyone and so um not all states have that support. So that was um enlightening and and good for us. Um the mayor and I attended the Arbor Day Earth Day celebration at historical park. Um that was well attended. I think they ran out of the trees that were being given away in 22 minutes. So um yeah, and it was great to see um the students out there. There were six different projects and they were all eager to get started and get working. And I just love the events that our city holds for our community. Um it was great to be out there. And I actually grabbed each of you a a sticker and I couldn't find where I put them. So um Oh, we also got temporary tattoos for Yeah, I have those. Okay, you know what? Next time, temporary tattoos for everyone.

Okay. And I think Well, I'm excited about it. Okay. Anyhow, that's a great report, Mayor Proton Boltz. Great report, what's been keeping you busy? Council member Agabi. Well, it's been a long, long time, so my brain is not tracking. It's technology Tuesday. Nothing's working.

Well, I just admitted that we're hell long time ago. So I remember that on April 8th I attended uh TPB uh the transportation board meeting and then we talked about uh we appointed the business representative uh call for project and a unified planning work program don't ask me what that is I don't remember and must really captivating

we talked about TPB bylaw amendment and then uh public participation plan update and then a state and federal legislative update. But the uh meeting that I do remember attending or participating is is the uh opioid abatement um council. And for that we uh we we had um uh I guess uh the way the process go is that this staff draw up u RFP I mean RFP that's going to go out to the contractor and then we shut that to our various transition for them to take a look at it to make sure that the language actually fit uh city policy on what it was supposed to do. So the city of uh did not have anything to add to that. So everything passes and then uh what I expect will happen is at our mid meeting I believe on May first there about is when we are going to take formal action regarding the RFP.

Okay that's me. Thank you council member Gary that's great. Council member Jefferson what have you been up to? Yes mayor. Mine is going to be kind of long. I'm going to make up for those council members. Council member Jefferson. Okay. Public's works committee did not meet.

Uh we met uh we're going to meet this Thursday at 11:00. The EMS committee did meet on the 26th of March. We discussed comm community needs assessment for the EMS strategic planning. It was a packed agenda. um emergency call triage gap, BLS funding visibility and community education, teleaalth education and community response strategies. Teleaalth adoption is expanding across insurance carriers and providers. So we need to be prepared for that. Um, and I also wanted to save the majority of um, my time for what I call a report to the community on my findings um, of the inspection of city hall on on March 25th. Can I read the email that I had sent you and the city administrator mayor? Is that

Well, I feel like I've already said no to you, but then Joan, I gave Joan space, so I can I will not say no to you. So please proceed.

Okay. Um after I toured city hall and listening to our employees and seeing with my eyes, I had to um go back and that night write an email. So this is for the records for the community and for our employees. Mayor and city administrator. I said please share with the council. After touring city hall today, I left with many questions and serious concerns. I believe we need to assess this situation now. Whether our current city hall is adequate for the work we expect and require from our dedicated employees and elected officials. What I viewed and observed today was not just an older building, which to me we have clearly outgrown. I saw our employees desk packed and jammed into many small enclosed office spaces with no room for privacy, no lawfully mandated lactation room, no ADA adaptable work spaces, and no dedicated quiet space where an employee can step away from the loud noise and stress for a short mental break. I also observed that our engineers appear to lack appropriate spaces to review large maps and plans, which is a basic function need of their work. I was especially concerned about privacy. We have HR and police staff sharing tight office interview and meal workout spaces. We have offices where sensitive personal matters can't be discussed in private. Most shockingly, I learned that executive staff recently added soundproofing sponges to the city administrator's office walls to reduce noise, voice reduction to facilitate privacy. During council meetings, pauses to discuss sensitive and legal information. I learned that our

discussions can be heard in the adjacent room council chambers. This raises legitimate concerns about confidentiality and need to know information. So, is our city hall adequate and meeting the needs of our current residents and staff? In my opinion, this is an unhealthy work environment. If our current facility no longer supports privacy, accessibility, mental wellness, or the actual work being done, then we need to plan for something better. That's all I had. Thanks, Mayor. Thank you, Council Member Jefferson. Uh, Council Member Reeden, would you like to bring us home?

Is it on? Yeah. Yes, it is now that I turned it on. Thank you.

Um, the BCB was going to be canceled for my next meeting. Um, I just got done with Jazzcom last night. Um, we went over a there's a we passed I guess was going to go to the Lacy City Council for adoption. Um, there's a contract with Best Friends Animal Society. um has invited the joint animal services to participate in its national shelter embed program. This is a short-term technical assistance program where a staff member from Best Friends is on site at Jazcom for a minimum of six months. There is no cost to this, so it is a grant directly from EMBBED. Um under the proposed agreement, Best Friends would place a dedicated staff member on site. Um it's a great program. It sounded too good to be true, so I'm excited to see that go. Uh, and then I also had a little meeting with rebuilding together and they have a upcoming day of rebuilding on May 2nd. That's it. So,

thank you. I saw acting city administrator. She started, she had no report. I mean, we could circle back with Joan Kathy, council member Kathy, and see I Joan, I was just, you know what? It's too late. I shouldn't be doing jokes at this time. Any other business? Council member Kathy. Too many circles. I think that's a great way to end the meeting. Meeting adjourned. Thank you all so much. Circle back. Okay.