OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Olympia City Council Meeting - November 18, 2025

City Council & Commissions — Tuesday, November 18, 2025
BodyOlympia, Washington
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, November 18, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:08:50

Transcript — Verbatim
0:08

Good evening and welcome to the Monday, November 10th, 2025 regular business meeting of the Olympia City Council.

0:14

For the record, we have a quorum with Councilmember Madrone excused tonight, and we will have Councilmember Green joining us later this evening.

0:23

So before we move on to adopting our agenda, I do just want to take a moment to recognize our wonderful assistant city manager here, Stacy Ray, who is staffing tonight's meeting in the stead of our city manager Jay Burney, who is out for the week.

0:44

So thanks, Stacy.

0:46

And I also want to recognize the incident that took place last week in our community with the detention of somebody here by federal agents in the streets of our community.

1:02

And I just want to uh take a moment to say uh that we are all very troubled by this occurrence um happening here in our community, and we know that it has rocked many people who call Olympia home, and there's a lot of fear and anger and frustration over what's happened, and we understand that.

1:23

Um, but I do just want to um ask the community to please um you know remain positive and to look out for each other, look out for community members, and um please contact the city if you're looking for resources on how to help immigrants and refugees.

1:45

Um there are lots of resources out there.

1:47

Um, and I also want to um acknowledge that there is a lot of frustration around uh some of the equipment that we have here at the city, um, such as our flock cameras and the usage of those, um, and that there is uh very much uh some concern about them uh given what has happened in other communities.

2:08

Um, but I will say that Olympia's flock cameras.

2:12

We do have a uh a legal clause that states in our contract that we uh do not permit the usage of any of our data of our flock cameras for purposes uh related to immigration enforcement.

2:27

Uh so any violation of that will be against that agreement.

2:30

And we also uh have run an audit on the software, and we know uh that that um that the database has not been accessed by any uh federal uh agents or entities at all.

2:47

And so I just want to make it clear um that that audit confirms that the usage of those flat cameras uh did not result in any detainees or any detainments rather here in the city of Olympia.

3:04

So uh with that, I believe we have our uh interim police chief on for a statement, Shelby Parker.

3:14

Hello, Chief.

3:32

Looks like you're trying to unmute.

3:37

I have the O.

3:38

I have the O, I have the O.

3:40

I have the O.

3:41

I have the O.

3:42

I have the O.

3:43

I have the one second, Chief.

4:01

All right, I'm sorry for the technical difficulties.

4:03

There you go.

4:04

It sounds like you can hear me on your end.

4:06

We can.

4:07

Excellent.

4:08

Okay, I cannot hear you, and so I will just rely on body language.

4:13

For the record, I am Shelby Parker, interim chief of the Olympia Police Department.

4:21

And I am honored to be here this evening to address Mayor Payne, City Council members, and our community.

4:28

On Wednesday, federal immigration agents conducted enforcement action in Olympia during which a community member was detained.

4:36

This was a shocking and distressing event.

4:38

And our thoughts are with the family of the detained individual.

4:45

Our community members who witnessed the incident, and anyone who sends if affected.

4:54

The Olympia was not notified of the or involved in this enforcement action.

5:00

By state law, city resolution and department policy OPD does not cooperate or coordinate with federal immigration enforcement incident.

5:10

So an OPDI officers were dispatched to the area had already left.

5:17

Follow-up verification later confirmed that the detention was conducted by federal immigration agents acting under federal authority.

5:25

Olympia is a sanctuary city and up OPD upholds the principles in both practice and policy.

5:33

Federal immigration authorities do not have access to OPD systems or data including the flock safety camera network.

5:42

Olympia's flock program is configured with the strictest data privacy and security safeguards available under Washington state law.

5:51

In May of 2025 the city strengthened its flock contract through an amendment that legally prohibits any data disclosure without the city's express written consent or valid legal order.

6:04

Olympia retains exclusive control over all flock data.

6:10

If community members witness or suspect an enforcement action by unknown or massed individuals please call 911 immediately so officers can respond to the scene as quickly as possible.

6:22

OPD officers will work to verify whether those involved are legitimate law enforcement if officers verify the incident involves legitimate law enforcement OPD cannot intervene.

6:35

Officers will if possible remain in the area and our crisis response unit will respond to support families and individuals impacted by these incidents.

6:45

Olympia's strength lies in our community's compassion and vigilance we thank our community members who reported this incident and who continue to look out for their neighbors your actions reflect our shared values.

7:00

To promote transparency and understanding OPD will present a public briefing on the city's use of block safety cameras and data protections during the city council study session on December 2nd 2025.

7:14

Community members are encouraged to attend in person or view the session online to learn more about how OPD safeguards privacy while protecting public safety.

7:24

Thank you.

7:29

Thank you very much chief very much appreciated I'm I'm hoping um that folks were able to capture some of the key aspects there.

7:37

One that OPD did not know about this incident uh before it occurred I believe it was cutting out when she was explaining that so I just wanted to provide some clarity there.

7:48

And two we ask uh that please know that you are encouraged to call 911 if you see an incident like this occurring and please do not interfere your safety is is important to us as well but just call OPD call 911 and report it and and they'll get out there and take a look at what's happening.

8:09

So one other thing I just wanted to add really quickly was uh the uh I'll just speak briefly to the flock cameras is that um they are they have proven to be a useful public safety tool for us they have uh been useful in stopping uh vehicle thefts um they've helped in incidents uh related to rape cases murder uh as well and so there's a huge scale of of crimes that these uh this has proven to be a useful technology for the city so that's the reason that they're there to begin with and so I just want to make it clear that this isn't about some other type of surveillance but that they're there for very specific purpose all right so with that we're gonna move on to adoption of the agenda and um before we do I I want to mention that we'll need to make a motion to amend the agenda because our item 5b which is the public hearing and approval of an ordinance setting 2026 regular at valorum tax for first and final reading it is no longer for first and final reading so we will not be making a motion it will just strictly be a public hearing for tonight and this item will come back to us on the consent calendar for approval next week on the 18th so uh with that I need a motion motion to uh approve as amended second all those in favor signify by saying aye aye aye motion passes all right so now that we have our agenda we'll go ahead and move we don't have special recognition so we'll move on to public comment uh we do have oh I'm sorry yes excuse me thank you assistant city manager thank you mayor payne um we also need to amend the agenda with regards to item five C as well which is the excess ad velorum tax oh yes thank you 5C as well okay so let's redo that shall we all right so uh we are going to need a motion to amend the agenda for both items 5B and 5C that will strictly be public hearings with no action taken by the council and these items will come back before us next

10:00

Thank you, Mayor Payne.

10:01

Um, we also need to amend the agenda with regards to item 5C as well, which is the excess ad velorum tax.

10:09

Oh, yes.

10:10

Thank you.

10:10

5C as well.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Budget Equity Analysis█████████████████17%
Racial Equity████████████12%
Land Use Planning████████████12%
Community Engagement████████████12%
Procedural███████7%
Public Engagement█████5%
Food Systems█████5%
Historic Preservation█████5%
Affordable Housing████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Olympia City Council Meeting - November 18, 2025

The Olympia City Council held a regular business meeting covering an ICE enforcement announcement, public comments, public hearings on CDBG and property taxes, an equity strategic plan briefing, acceptance of the Olympia 2045 Land Use & Urban Design Chapter, and a preliminary 2026 budget update. All votes were 6-0 with Councilmember Madrone excused unless noted. Note: The supplied minutes and transcript are dated November 10, 2025, but the meeting date specified for this summary is November 18, 2025; several agenda items reference 'next week on the 18th.'

Opening Announcements

  • Mayor Dontae Payne addressed last week's detention of a community member by federal immigration agents, saying the city was troubled and emphasizing that Olympia's Flock camera contract legally prohibits data use for immigration enforcement. He said an audit showed no access by federal entities and that Flock cameras have helped stop vehicle thefts and assist in violent crime cases.
  • Interim Police Chief Shelby Parker confirmed OPD was not notified or involved in the enforcement action, that Olympia is a sanctuary city, and that OPD does not cooperate or coordinate with federal immigration enforcement. She said Flock data is not accessible to federal immigration authorities, the contract was strengthened in May 2025, and a public briefing on Flock safety cameras will be held at the December 2 council study session.
  • The agenda was amended so items 5B and 5C would be public hearings only, with action to follow on the November 18 consent calendar.

Consent Calendar

  • Adopted minutes of the November 3, 2025 City Council meeting.
  • Adopted a resolution setting a public hearing date for a vacation petition for alley right-of-way south of Legion Way between Adams and Jefferson Streets.
  • Approved a resolution setting a public hearing date for a vacation petition for right-of-way along Garfield Avenue abutting West Bay Drive.
  • Consent calendar adopted 6-0 (Madrone excused); items 4D and 4E were pulled for separate action.

First Readings Pulled for Separate Action

  • 4D - Councilmanic Public Safety Sales/Use Tax (HB-2015, 0.1%): Approved on first reading and forwarded to second reading. Motion by Cooper, second by Gilman; passed 6-0.
  • 4E - B&O Tax Program Amendments (Chapters 5.04/5.05): Approved on first reading and forwarded to second reading. Discussion included concerns about regressive taxation and the impact on small businesses, support as a compromise, and a note that 1,700 small businesses under $1 million in revenue will no longer pay B&O tax. Passed 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Karen Chenette (League of Women Voters of Thurston County): Expressed full support for preserving the city's two full-time equity positions in the 2026 budget and praised equity partnerships and the Social Justice and Equity Commission work plan.
  • Richard Burgess: Described serious air quality problems at his apartment and asked for assistance in relocating; said he has a housing voucher and is chemically sensitive.
  • Carol Goss (Thurston Forward Coalition): Thanked the city and partner jurisdictions for supporting DEI summit planning and urged continued cross-jurisdictional collaboration during budget shortfalls.
  • Golden Neal (League of Women Voters of Thurston County): Expressed support for maintaining equity funding, called equity a foundation rather than an extra, and highlighted community events such as Rebecca Howard Park and Lula Fest.
  • Judy Bardin (online): Opposed several land-use chapter revisions, including Policy 6.2, Policy 6.4, and Policy 20.3, arguing they remove livability protections, allow tall buildings near lower-density neighborhoods, and favor transit/commercial interests over existing residents. Councilmembers later responded that some changes reflect state law and flexibility, and that implementation matters.
  • Juan Diaz did not join for comment.

Public Hearings

  • 5A - CDBG Program Year 2024 Annual Report: Senior Program Specialist Anastasia Everett presented accomplishments, including 11 home rehabs by Rebuilding Together, 6 Habitat for Humanity critical repairs, and 8 fully subsidized heat pump installations. Hearing opened; no one spoke; hearing left open through November 14. The CAPER is scheduled for approval at the November 18 meeting and must be submitted to HUD by November 28.
  • 5B - 2026 Regular Ad Valorem Tax: Senior Budget and Finance Manager Joan Lutz explained the 1% cap and estimated levy rate. Hearing opened and closed with no comment. Action deferred to the November 18 consent calendar.
  • 5C - 2026 Excess Ad Valorem Tax: Joan Lutz explained this voter-approved levy funds 2008 fire service bonds; 2026 debt levy is $1,076,000. Hearing opened and closed with no comment. Action deferred to the November 18 consent calendar.

Discussion Items

  • Equity Strategic Plan Briefing: Assistant City Manager Stacy Ray (on behalf of City Manager Jay Burney) and Amelia Layton (Belonging and Equity Action Team) presented the city's first equity strategic plan, developed from staff interviews and surveys. Goals include employees feeling valued and included, and hiring policies aligned with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 2026 actions include creating employee feedback workgroups, departmental DEIB teams, and strengthening employee resource groups. Councilmembers praised the plan; questions covered internal feedback, ERG sustainability, political differences among staff, and applying equity externally. No formal action was taken.
  • Olympia 2045 Land Use & Urban Design Chapter: Senior Planner David Ginther reviewed changes including a new urban residential designation, small-scale commercial uses, neighborhood centers, urban agriculture, accessibility, and annexation provisions. Planning Commission and other commissions recommended approval. Councilmember Gilman noted late language changes to protect neighborhood livability and limit conversion of housing to commercial use. Councilmember Vanderpool said he wanted next year's work plan to address vacancy. Councilmember Cooper said the future land use map now reflects city values. Motion to accept the chapter by Cooper, seconded by Vanderpool, passed 6-0.
  • 2026 Preliminary Operating Budget Update: Finance Director Mike Givens presented ongoing general fund enhancements, including $20,000 for downtown baskets and $100,000 for Olympia Strong. Amelia Layton then presented the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funding recommendations. She cited $1.25 million in expected lodging tax revenue, a $594,000 draw from reserve, $1.774 million in requests, and a $625,000 allocation; partial funding was recommended. Mayor Pro Tem Huỳnh raised concerns about lower funding percentages for several organizations (e.g., Olympia Farmers Market, Harlequin Productions, South Sound Block Party, Harbor Days, Oly AHA Museum) and suggested sending the list back to LTAC. Councilmembers Green and Gilman cautioned against overriding the advisory committee process. Councilmember Cooper explained committee scoring and the ongoing legal review of the first 2% lodging tax directed to the Washington Center. No motion was made on the LTAC list; staff will refine scoring, reserve policy, and applications in February. Susan McLaughlin then described a proposal to add 0.5 FTE to an existing permit specialist (making it 1.0) and add a program specialist for the rental registry to reach cost-recoverable operation, with a 63% registration target. Councilmember Green said she had 'heartburn' adding positions after recent cuts and asked for a first-quarter discussion; Councilmembers Gilman and Vanderpool said the program is early and needs staffing to succeed. No formal action.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent calendar adopted; two 2026 tax ordinances advanced to second reading.
  • CDBG public hearing left open; approval scheduled for November 18 and HUD submission by November 28.
  • Resolution accepting the Olympia 2045 Land Use & Urban Design Chapter passed 6-0.
  • Budget update discussion ended without a vote; no referral back to LTAC was made. Council directed process improvements for LTAC and asked for more information on rental registry staffing in the first quarter.
  • Council referrals: Councilmember Cooper's referral on responding to the SNAP/food crisis will come back with a staff report next week; Councilmember Green's referral on speed safety cameras will be discussed December 9. Councilmember Vanderpool reported the Thurston Regional Planning Council selected a new director (pending acceptance).

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the Monday, November 10th, 2025 regular business meeting of the Olympia City Council. For the record, we have a quorum with Councilmember Madrone excused tonight, and we will have Councilmember Green joining us later this evening. So before we move on to adopting our agenda, I do just want to take a moment to recognize our wonderful assistant city manager here, Stacy Ray, who is staffing tonight's meeting in the stead of our city manager Jay Burney, who is out for the week. So thanks, Stacy. And I also want to recognize the incident that took place last week in our community with the detention of somebody here by federal agents in the streets of our community. And I just want to uh take a moment to say uh that we are all very troubled by this occurrence um happening here in our community, and we know that it has rocked many people who call Olympia home, and there's a lot of fear and anger and frustration over what's happened, and we understand that. Um, but I do just want to um ask the community to please um you know remain positive and to look out for each other, look out for community members, and um please contact the city if you're looking for resources on how to help immigrants and refugees. Um there are lots of resources out there. Um, and I also want to um acknowledge that there is a lot of frustration around uh some of the equipment that we have here at the city, um, such as our flock cameras and the usage of those, um, and that there is uh very much uh some concern about them uh given what has happened in other communities. Um, but I will say that Olympia's flock cameras. We do have a uh a legal clause that states in our contract that we uh do not permit the usage of any of our data of our flock cameras for purposes uh related to immigration enforcement. Uh so any violation of that will be against that agreement. And we also uh have run an audit on the software, and we know uh that that um that the database has not been accessed by any uh federal uh agents or entities at all. And so I just want to make it clear um that that audit confirms that the usage of those flat cameras uh did not result in any detainees or any detainments rather here in the city of Olympia. So uh with that, I believe we have our uh interim police chief on for a statement, Shelby Parker. Hello, Chief. Looks like you're trying to unmute. I have the O. I have the O, I have the O. I have the O. I have the O. I have the O. I have the one second, Chief. All right, I'm sorry for the technical difficulties. There you go. It sounds like you can hear me on your end. We can. Excellent. Okay, I cannot hear you, and so I will just rely on body language. For the record, I am Shelby Parker, interim chief of the Olympia Police Department. And I am honored to be here this evening to address Mayor Payne, City Council members, and our community. On Wednesday, federal immigration agents conducted enforcement action in Olympia during which a community member was detained. This was a shocking and distressing event. And our thoughts are with the family of the detained individual. Our community members who witnessed the incident, and anyone who sends if affected. The Olympia was not notified of the or involved in this enforcement action. By state law, city resolution and department policy OPD does not cooperate or coordinate with federal immigration enforcement incident. So an OPDI officers were dispatched to the area had already left. Follow-up verification later confirmed that the detention was conducted by federal immigration agents acting under federal authority. Olympia is a sanctuary city and up OPD upholds the principles in both practice and policy. Federal immigration authorities do not have access to OPD systems or data including the flock safety camera network. Olympia's flock program is configured with the strictest data privacy and security safeguards available under Washington state law. In May of 2025 the city strengthened its flock contract through an amendment that legally prohibits any data disclosure without the city's express written consent or valid legal order. Olympia retains exclusive control over all flock data. If community members witness or suspect an enforcement action by unknown or massed individuals please call 911 immediately so officers can respond to the scene as quickly as possible. OPD officers will work to verify whether those involved are legitimate law enforcement if officers verify the incident involves legitimate law enforcement OPD cannot intervene. Officers will if possible remain in the area and our crisis response unit will respond to support families and individuals impacted by these incidents. Olympia's strength lies in our community's compassion and vigilance we thank our community members who reported this incident and who continue to look out for their neighbors your actions reflect our shared values. To promote transparency and understanding OPD will present a public briefing on the city's use of block safety cameras and data protections during the city council study session on December 2nd 2025. Community members are encouraged to attend in person or view the session online to learn more about how OPD safeguards privacy while protecting public safety.

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