Yelm Issues: June 2006 Archives

This writer has invited several people to write a guest blog entry on any item they will would be of interest and importance to Yelm & vicinity. Bill Hashim penned this byline, reprinted in its entirety:

Last year about this time I had the opportunity to address Yelm’s city council. Since Yelm is facing growing pains I had offered to write a grant that would provide free “Smart Growth” technical help for the city. Council members were appalled that I thought Yelm’s growth was not smart, and as they were bantering at me I heard one of their voices wanting to know whether I thought they were dumb. I left the meeting wondering what the heck just happened and then I realized that our council members were not aware of the sustainable communities program called Smart Growth. I suspect they are still not aware of Smart Growth principles, or if they are, don’t care about a sustainable future for Yelm.

There is a better way to build Yelm. Sustainable development is a philosophy, a way of thinking, and a way of looking at growth through a different set of eyes. Sustainable development is a way of using an evolving set of principles and practices to make decisions that minimize negative environmental impacts while ensuring positive social and economic benefits. Our city council has a responsibility, as community leaders and decision-makers, to create a more livable world for ourselves and our children.

Sustainable development has taken on a variety of meanings, yet one interpretation is generally accepted: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable development in action aims to minimize negative environmental impacts while ensuring positive social and economic benefits. Sustainable development fosters economic growth without sacrificing the natural resource assets of the community. It promotes community investments, providing returns for investors as well as social and economic benefits for residents. And it encourages meaningful community participation, leadership, and ownership in the decision-making process. Truly sustainable actions and decisions are those that enhance environmental integrity, economic prosperity, and community livability.

Environmental integrity is the protection and improvement of the air, water, and land that all living things depend on for survival. It means not only doing no harm to the environment, but actually enhancing the environment through our development decisions.

Economic prosperity enhances community well being by attracting residential, commercial, and industrial development and encouraging all sectors of the economy to use sustainable practices.

Community livability refers to how we plan, build, and rebuild our communities so that they are vibrant, desirable places that enhance all residents' quality of life and the social fabric. It means that all of our residents have access to public transportation, job training and employment, and housing that is within economic reach.

These three principles are interrelated - a project that achieves one or two of these elements at the expense of another is not sustainable. Truly sustainable development includes all of the elements and enhances the long term quality of life in our communities.

Using these definitions, readers of this blog will see that Yelm is on a fast track for failure. It is not too late, but we will need to rid ourselves of an ignorant, uncompromising city council; a city council that caters to moneyed interest at the expense of community members. [Ed. Note: Without changing the way things are currently done, our future generations will suffer from the consequences of decisions today. Our job as area residents is to continue to be active participants in our government and to remind our city leaders that the citizens' and voters' desires come first, over corporate and single-minded economic development just for growth's sake - a view limited by blinders. As an example, all of the proponents of the LID were leaders of corporate entities, all of whom do not live here. The opponents were the "little people", the local voter. HMMM! The LID was approved by this city council.]

Bill Hashim

Monday, June 26, 2006 Olympia Municipal Airport recorded a high of 93 degrees (34 C.) breaking the old record of 90 degrees (32 C.) set in 1987.
Olympia Airport is the neareast National Weather Service reporting station to Yelm, 18 miles away.

Observation:
The Yelm City Council has publicly stated on several occasions that
private, for-profit developments are going to be mitigated only with private money.
What does this means to us, the citizens?
This means the city will not allow use of public monies to support private developers' responsibilities
in creating their own private businesses.

Here is the Fact:
On June 14, 2006, the Yelm City Council approved public money in a $155,000 payment to Golder Associates for the SW Yelm Aquifer Study Project to examine water issues as they relate to the proposed, privately owned Thurston Highlands site.

Questions:
In approving the aquifer study, did the City Council favor
the proposed Thurston Highlands private development by using public monies?

If the answer is YES, then would you say the city's stand that
"private for-profit developments being mitigated only with private money" is jeopardized by this action?

If that is the case, then is the City Council starting off "on the wrong foot" in keeping private and public issues
separate about Thurston Highlands and other developments?

Bottom Line:
Public taxpayer monies are being used to support a private-development's Environment Impact Statement (EIS) via this Aquifer Study. What do you think about that? Please leave your comments...

"A $1.2 million project that provides for improvements on an existing 9.95 mile section of State Route 510 between Sitka Street SE near Lacey and 93rd Avenue SE in Yelm (mileposts 4.50 - 14.46) has begun. This project includes removal of miscellaneous existing traffic items, pavement repair, planing of bituminous (chip sealed) pavement, paving with hot-mix asphalt, adjustment of catch basins, grate inlets, and junction boxes, and guardrail and permanent signing installation. Work on the section of SR 510 between Old Pacific Highway and the boundary to the Nisqually Indian Reservation (mileposts 6.26 - 9.84) also includes installation of centerline rumble strips and recessed pavement markers. Work has just begun, and is scheduled for completion in early August 2006. For the week of June 26, motorists can expect daily alternating single-lane traffic control with a pilot car eastbound and westbound SR 510 throughout the project limits for pavement repairs Monday through Thursday, June 26-29. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Work conducted in the signalized intersection at Muk-Set-Wei Drive will require the traffic signal to be set to flash and flagged traffic control. This work is weather dependent," quoting the WSDOT website link.

“Timberland Regional Library (TRL), as an official partner of the Library of Congress, invites you to join in an important national project—the Veterans History Project. The mission of the national project is to collect the memories and accounts of American war veterans, and to preserve these stories of experience and service for future generations. TRL’s first emphasis will be on World War II. The project honors our nation’s war veterans and those who served in support of them. Trained volunteers will create a lasting legacy by interviewing veterans and other citizens, chronicling their wartime experiences and how those experiences affected their lives and America itself. TRL is the first public library in Washington State to become an official partner in the project. During the first years of its participation, TRL is focusing on World War II veterans and civilians with World War II experiences, as they are the elders of our national heritage and we are in danger of losing their stories. Help keep the stories of "The Greatest Generation" alive. To do this, we need VOLUNTEERS,” quoting the TRL website.

"The City of Yelm, with the assistance of the Thurston Regional Planning Council, is updating the Yelm Comprehensive Plan to ensure consistency with the Growth Management Act. The proposed amendments will include updated population projections, an updated housing inventory, and other changes to address new provisions of the GMA have been proposed to ensure the Comprehensive Plan is consistent with the Washington State Growth Management Act.
The Yelm Planning Commission is sponsoring an open house to provide the public an opportunity to review proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan, prior to the public hearing, and to answer questions about the update. The open house is scheduled for Thursday, June 29, 2006, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the City Council Chambers at City Hall located at 105 Yelm Avenue West. The Planning Commission and City staff will be on hand to answer questions," quoting the City of Yelm website.

Spread the word as this meeting is where the public can interact with officials on how the City plans for the future. This writer encourages everyone to read the proposed Updates to the Yelm Comprehensive Plan prior to this meeting. click here, then click "Comprehensive Plan Update", then click "Proposed Updates to the Yelm Comprehensive Plan" and print.

The Nisqually River Council Foundation unveiled the Nisqually Watershed Stewardship Plan and vision for the next 50 years at a Fundraiser in Seattle Monday, June 19th.
Former Governor Dan Evans was instrumental in his vision to preserve and protect this State's treasure 35 years ago and led to the creation of the jewel we have today. He presented the 1st Award for Stewardship of the Nisqually Watershed to Nisqually Tribal Elder Billy Frank, Jr.
The City of Yelm is at the center of the Watershed, is the largest city within its area and has the most ambitious expansions plans that could potentially affect the health of the river. The potential for 8,000 + homes in Yelm within the next 10 years was of great concern and was highlighted.
Yelm had strong representation with Councilwoman Pat Fetterly, the City's representative to the Nisqually River Council (NRC) along with representatives of the Yelm Chamber of Commerce, JZK, Inc., Ramtha's School of Enlightenment and the Nisqually Valley News[see Friday's NVN for the full story].
David Troutt is chairman of the Nisqually River Council and penned his experiences working toward this goal for The Olympian.
The NRC is accepting donations and/or volunteers now, so won't you consider sending a tax-deductible check to preserve
this vital resource for the future and that of our children?

“The Food Co-op 500 announced today [Apr. 18] the recipients of four Sprout Fund grants and its first Sprout Fund loan. The program, financed by National Cooperative Bank (NCB) and Blooming Prairie Foundation to create more retail grocery cooperatives, awarded funding to projects in Connecticut, Minnesota, New York, Oregon and Washington.
“Even as Wal-Mart enters into the ‘green grocery’ segment, cooperative grocers – relying on a model that has been successful for more than 70 years – continue to thrive” said Richard Dines, NCB’s program manager for cooperative development. “Why? Because co-ops are owned and controlled by the communities they serve. By infusing additional money into food co-op development, more Americans will be able to take advantage of cooperative enterprise.”
• Yelm Food Co-op in Yelm, Washington awarded a (matching) $10,000 Seed Fund grant,” quoting Yelm Co-op. [Ed. Note: Congratulations got to the efforts of those that saw their dream manifest through hard work, determination and focus!]
"We are managing a Farmers Market on Saturday, July 1st and every Saturday through the summer/fall. This year we are calling it the “Earth Market”, and it will be at Yelm Earthworms and Castings Farm (Yelm Earth), at 14741 Lawrence Lake Rd. All are welcome, vendors especially - and, well, customers too! This year we will be charging vendors a fee: 5% of your gross sales with a cap of $20.00. All the proceeds will go toward advertising the market. Set up time is 9 AM with the market opening at 10 and closing at 3:30 – Everyone must be out by 4PM, when Yelm Earth closes.
Please! No phone calls to Yelm Earth – Call Carolyn instead at 894-1383
See you there! - And tell your friends!"

1. Yelm Police Chief Todd Stancil and Thurston County Sheriff Gary Edwards presented a business safety update and police report to the Yelm Chamber of Commerce breakfast on June 13. They both mentioned the Washington State Patrol (WSP) received a DOT grant for overtime which is partially being used in and around Yelm. The WSP is monitoring for seat belt violations (placing the shoulder belt beneath the underarm is a violation) and speeding infractions on Bald Hills and Vail Roads due to the volume of accidents. [Ed. Note: This writer has seen them outbound on Bald Hills Rd past the sheep farm turns on the right in the new construction turnoff. Further, they sit in an unmarked SUV across from the Ycom Networks Garage on Bald Hills Road aiming their radar guns at drivers who have not adjusted their speed from 50 to 40 mph at the Harris Road railraod tracks. Beware when you come to town and are nearing Stiebrs Farms, as they lie in wait on the other side of the left bend. This writer got caught in their snare as the WSP officer stated I was still at 55mph coming around the bend in a 40mph zone @ $132 at 7pm on a Thursday evening. There are no red flags as in other speed zone change areas to mark that the speed limit transitions from 50mph to 40mph way prior to the Harris Road railroad crossing, except two small 40mph speed limit signs before the tracks, even though the road was recently widened, improved and paved after the tracks. So beware.

2. S. E. Thurston County Fire Co-Chiefs Rita Hutcheson & Mark King presented their Fire Department Services and Funding Report at the same meeting and gave a warning that if the fire levy fails in September, the response times to emergencies will be unacceptable due to a lack of funding. They are asking eveyone's assistance to get educated on the levy issue and get the vote out FOR the fire levy.

3. The LID has now been approved by Yelm City Hall. With Yelm's traffic studies showing that a 3-laned Yelm Ave. West can handle the traffic with a Highway 507 Loop/bypass, look for major gridlock in Yelm beyond just weekday afternoons, because Senator Patty Murray told Mayor Harding and Mayor Pro-Tem Isom there are NO federal funds for any infrastucture or highway projects - NONE. Unless the State comes up with the funding, the 507 Loop is in jeopardy. The unfunded amount for a Loop is $35 million, according to the DOT website [Ed. Note: this will continue to rise with interest rates and property values.]. Better revise the LID to widen Yelm Ave. west to 5 lanes NOW or rip up the 3-lane LID project within 3-5 years due to a traffic gridlock emergency.

4. As federal interst rates continue their rise along with inflation and home sales drying up, look for more issues from the Tahoma Terra & Thurston Highland owners to come before the city, like their just-passed LID. They will have to defer some of their expenses somehow, as national home sales are almost at a stand-still. They have 1,200 homes that must be financed and sold, plus a proposal for 5,000 more. Yikes!

The Yelm City Council completed three items on its agenda tonight- with the public part of the meeting lasting 23 minutes prior to the closed Executive Session:

1. The L. I. D. was passed. Council member Bob Isom put forth the motion passing Ordinance No. 847 Killion Road LID Formation after his explanation that he is a property rights advocate yet looking at this project, had to put that stance aside to determine what was best for the City. He stated that the cost differential of passing the LID and completing the road work for $8 million vs. $19 million in projected costs if the road improvements were done piecemeal was what overrode his decision in this case. Not one other comment or question came from Council members and Mr. Isom's motion carried unanimously.
The L. I. D. was a slam dunk, as this writer stated previously (see June 13th's entry on this blog). To underscore again, the proposed road L. I. D. will not improve traffic capacity on Yelm Avenue West because there is no capacity increase. The LID provides for curbs, sidewalks and a center turn-lane for a portion of this street. As we have witnessed on Yelm Ave East, a center turn-lane does not add capacity, rather just assisting with flow. Yelm Ave. East is at capacity now with daily backups from 5 Corners past the Rite Aid in the afternoons and from the 507 light back to the Safeway most mornings. One has to wonder what would have happened if Safeway requested a LID on Yelm Ave. East prior to that end of the road being widened. Perhaps Wal-Mart will request a LID to widen Yelm Ave. East to mitigate their traffic. Stay tuned!
This LID is now in the hands of the affected property owners to get the best fair market price for their land when the City comes knocking at their door as a buyer (see this writer's suggestions under June 13th's entry on this blog).

Interestingly, Mr. Isom reported in his monthly report that he, Mayor Harding and other local area elected officials met with Sen. Patty Murray and were told by Ms. Murray that there is no available federal funding of road and infrastructure projects, and not to expect any. He further stated that the Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) where he represents Yelm, stated that Highway 507 is a "significant road", meaning that federal monies may be forthcoming. Mr. Isom and Mayor Harding both acknowledged these two meetings were at odds with each other.
Remember, the WA. 507 DOT website still says the road will be built "subject to funding," which is not assured. City of Yelm Development Review Engineer Jim Gibson stated previously that three lanes on Yelm Ave. West will easily handle the traffic with a WA. 507 Loop
and was challenged by this writer that a 507 Loop is 10 years away at earliest, if it happens at all. Now, our Senator says there will be no federal money. Look to a future where Yelm Ave. West must be widened to 5 lanes after Wal-Mart traffic uses the new Stevens St. connector to dump traffic onto Yelm Ave. West.
Another LID on the same stretch of road?

2. New business unanimously being passed was the $155,000 Contract Amendment for the SW Yelm Aquifer Study Project awarded to Golder Associates. This aquifer study will be important for the citizens of the area to know how their water is being affected by all of this development.

3. The Executive Session covered the open City Council seat selection with subsequent public announcement of John Thompson as the newly appointed 6th City Council member. Mr. Thompson was not present nor has he been seen at any recent City Council meetings by this writer. HMMM!
Congratulations are in order for John Thompson. While his service to this community has been exemplary, Mr. Thompson has served previously as a former Yelm City Council member & Mayor Pro-Tem, with Yelm Schools, Yelm Chamber of Commerce President, and Board positions with the Thurston Council Economic Development Committee and Thurston County Dispute Resolution Center. He is currently Chief of Staff for Lt. Gov. Brad Owen. He touted his connections at the state and federal level having an affect on the city's future in his application for Council seat.
While Mr. Thompson certainly has the qualifications and experience, this City "Council has pledged to aim for more diversity," quoting the front-page headlines of the Nisqually Valley News of Friday, June 2, 2006. There were 15 applicants for this position and choosing Mr. Thompson shows this Council's words ring hollow. The City Council would have been wise to select a newcomer and/or another woman to fulfill their stated goals of diversity. Instead, they pander to some flights of fancy that Mr. Thompson's Olympia connections will somehow translate into benefits for this town, while letting their intent for diversity go by the wayside. While this writer genuinely likes and appreciates Mr. Thompson as a person, Mr. Thompson is just "one of the boys" back in the saddle on this Council,
bringing no change.
Further, one has to wonder if Mr. Thompson will have the time and energy to fully devote himself to Yelm's City Council considering the rigors required as a Lt. Governor's Chief of Staff. And, how many times must he recuse himself from a key city vote because of his knowledge or involvement with issues on the state level causing conflicts of interest? Is this really the best choice for Yelm's direction at this time?
Finally as an observation, I find most interesting the fact that neither former City Council members Mr. Cunningham nor Mr. Thompson ran for elected office for the 2 City Council seats up for election last November, all-the-while knowing they could be up for appointment this Spring when the City Council was expected to expand by 2 seats, suggested as a possibility in May, 2005, thereby avoiding public scrutiny from election race. Yes, the same could be said for the other applicants, however none of them has ever served Yelm in an elected capacity and do not know the Yelm political process as these two seasoned veterans. We will be watching who runs for the open seats in November, 2007. HMMM!

The very essence of community involvement is to let our elected officials know how we feel on city affairs.
Please write your views about the L. I. D. to the Mayor and Yelm City Council, as they are scheduled to vote
on the L. I. D. on Wednesday, June 14th. Your written comments are important in their decision-making process.

Mayor Ron Harding & Yelm City Council
City of Yelm
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597

Please note that many items on the Yelm City Council's twice-monthly meetings are already previously discussed and researched through the Council's monthly Study Sessions . Although the public is not allowed to participate in their discourse, the public can attend as observers. The next one will be held on Thursday, June 22nd at 5pm. The Study Sessions are listed on each session's City Council Minutes.

Won't you support Yelm's newest food purveyors?

Sebastian's Best
Fine European Pastries & Delicious Natural Breads
105 E. Yelm Ave., Yelm 360-458-9313
Open: 10:00am-6:00pm Tuesday through Saturday
New to Yelm, the smells, sights and flavors of European baking at its finest! We offer superb pastries, cakes, and handmade truffles; delicious natural breads; savory meat pastries and quiche. Join us here, or take your selections with you. Sebastian particularly enjoys creating special occasion cakes with your favorite flavors and designs. We're located near the traffic light of First St. & Yelm Ave.
"The best Linzer Torte and cheesecake I ever had" Steve Klein

And opening mid-June
Bar Cinco
Located at the former location of the Red Wine!
Flavors of Spain with an American Twist
704 Yelm Ave. West, Yelm 360-400-9000
Open:
11:00am-10:00pm Tuesday thru Thursday
11:00am-12:00 Midnight, Friday & Saturday
12:00n-7:00pm Sundays
Offering Spanish Tapas- scrumptious snacks served in our unique casita setting, and Hearty Beverages- enjoy something wonderful from our full bar or our extensive Spanish and West Coast wine list. Try our wine flights or a refreshing micro-beer. Exciting cuisine, delicious tastes and reasonably priced.