OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Olympia City Council Meeting - January 28, 2026: School Levy, Park Renamings, and Public Comment

City Council & Commissions — Wednesday, January 28, 2026
BodyOlympia, Washington
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateWednesday, January 28, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:50:55

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Councilmember Green.

0:10

Good evening and welcome to the Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 regular business meeting of the Olympia City Council.

0:16

For the record, we have a quorum with all council members present tonight.

0:21

So before we move on to the business on our agenda for tonight, I do have a couple of statements that I wish to share with the community, and then we will move on to adoption of the agenda.

0:33

So first, uh, I just want to express that we are heartbroken and angry about the recent killings of Alex Purdy at the hands of ICE federal agents just a couple weeks after the shooting and uh and killing of Renee Good.

0:46

Unfortunately, many others have died as well as at the result of this presidential administration's inhumane approach with immigration enforcement.

0:56

No family should lose a loved one on this way, and no community should have to live in fear of the people who are supposed to uphold the law.

1:05

What we are seeing right now is deeply disturbing, and it demands accountability, transparency, and leadership from every level of government.

1:15

So prior to this event this weekend, I've been working with County Commissioner Carolina Mejia to hold a meeting to coordinate with elected officials and our staff throughout the county.

1:27

Local leaders need to be on the same page, prepared and clear about how we protect our residents and our public employees when federal actions put out put our community members at risk.

1:39

So just a few topics that we're hoping to cover in this meeting include immigration 101 to ensure that a shared understanding of our immigration system, responsibilities and limitations across our jurisdictions, and our jurisdictional coordination, including communication pathways between cities, schools, local law enforcement, and county departments.

2:02

Lessons observed in other jurisdictions, including obstructions of emergency response, arrest or detention of public employees, and impacts to service delivery.

2:12

Planning for scenarios involving external federal actions with a focus on how local governments respond collectively and lawfully.

2:21

Situational awareness, reporting, and employee support protocols should an incident occur.

2:28

City staff are also preparing additional information to our city residents, encouraging you to prioritize your safety.

2:37

If you see what appears to be an altercation or a detention by a federal agent, please be safe.

2:43

Call 911, and Olympia police officers will respond to the scene and handle any necessary questioning.

2:51

As a sanctuary city, our officers are prohibited from assisting ICE in any of their efforts to detain anyone in our community.

3:01

Olympia police will ensure that there are legitimate agents on the scene.

3:05

They have warrants verified and maintain order for our community members.

3:15

You are also permitted to record an incident from a safe distance in a public space without physically intervening.

3:23

The safety of everyone in our community remains our top priority.

4:01

Should the federal government increase its presence here in Thurston County.

4:06

Our community deserves to feel safe, respected, and heard.

4:10

And these actions are steps within our local control toward building the knowledge, coordination, and accountability needed to serve and protect everyone.

4:21

So I also have a statement here in regards to the closure of one of our encampments.

4:29

So I just want to provide an update on that as well from a statement that I made at our Chamber of Commerce Forum known as the State of the Community on January 14th about the city's intent to develop a plan to close the last remaining encampment in Olympia, commonly referred to as the jungle, to manage expectations and also address rumors.

4:55

We are committed to working collaboratively with our regional nonprofit and service provider partners.

5:01

Rest assured, no decisions have been made, including a timeline for when the encampment will close.

5:08

It's early days, and city and county managers are working with their teams to kick off the work to start developing a plan soon.

5:17

And we do not anticipate a closing of the encampment this year.

5:22

So hopefully that provides some clarity.

5:24

And obviously, if you have additional questions about that, please reach out to the city.

5:30

All right.

5:31

So with that, I need a motion to approve tonight's agenda.

5:38

So moved.

5:40

Second.

5:43

All right.

5:44

We have a motion and a second.

5:45

All those in favor of adopting the agenda as published signify by saying aye.

5:49

Aye.

5:50

We have an agenda.

5:52

So our first item tonight is item one C, which is the consideration of a resolution expressing city council support for the Olympia School District number one eleven proposition number one, technology and capital projects replacement levy.

6:06

And we have our assistant city manager, Debbie Sullivan presenting.

6:10

Hi, Debbie.

6:11

Thank you, Mayor.

6:12

For the record, I'm Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager.

6:15

Tonight, you are considering a resolution to express support for Olympia School District number 11, proposition one, a technology and capital projects replacement levy.

6:27

Before City Council can take action to support or oppose a ballot proposition, Washington state requires that the public have an opportunity to comment in support or in opposition to the ballot measure.

6:39

So before opening the public hearing, I'll provide some information.

6:44

Proposition one, a technology safety and facility improvement replacement levy will be presented to voters on the February 10th special election ballot.

6:54

The proposed replacement levy is not a new tax.

6:58

It is replacing an expiring four-year levy previously approved by voters.

7:03

The levy is estimated to raise $72.9 million over a four-year period and would fund initiatives including touch screen mobile computer devices, classroom audio systems, Ingersoll Stadium improvements to make it safer and more energy efficient, safety sensors installed in secondary schools, Chromebook carts, classroom display systems, and replacement IP VS cameras.

7:32

So and with that, I'll turn it over to the mayor to open the public hearing.

7:37

All right.

7:38

Well, thank you so much, Debbie.

7:40

Um moving on again, agenda item one C is a public hearing pursuant to RCW 42.17A.555 on the Olympia School District number 111 proposition one, technology and capital projects replacement levy.

7:56

So at this time, I'm going to open the public hearing.

8:01

So it is our custom that if you are not signed up in advance, but you wish to testify during a public hearing on this levy now is your opportunity to do so.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement████████████████16%
Parks and Recreation██████████████14%
Historic Preservation████████████12%
Public Safety████████8%
Miscellaneous███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Homelessness██████6%
Education And Outreach█████5%
Urban Design████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Olympia City Council Meeting - January 28, 2026: School Levy, Park Renamings, and Public Comment

The Olympia City Council met on January 28, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a public hearing on a resolution supporting the Olympia School District's technology and capital projects levy, a large public comment period, and the unanimous approval of new names for three park properties. The mayor also opened with statements condemning recent federal immigration enforcement actions and clarifying that no decisions have been made about closing the last encampment, known as 'the Jungle.'

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of January 13, 2026 Meeting Minutes (Item 4.A)
  • Approval of 2026 Council Meeting Calendar and Committee Assignments (Item 4.B)
  • Authorization of Grant Agreement with Washington State Department of Ecology for Stormwater Permit Compliance (Item 4.C)
  • Authorization of Grant Agreement for Puget Sound National Estuary Program Stormwater Strategic Initiative Lead for a Peak Flow Reduction Project (Item 4.E)
  • Authorization of Agreements with Forma Construction Company and Saybr Contractors Inc. for Job Order Contracting Services (Item 4.D)
  • Approval of Ordinance Amending OMC for Development Code Updates to Support Urban Agriculture (Item 4.F) – adopted on second reading.
  • Approval of Ordinance to Vacate an Alley Right-of-Way South of Legion Way (Item 4.G) – approved on first reading, moved to second reading. The consent calendar was adopted unanimously (7-0).

Public Hearing: Olympia School District Proposition 1 – Technology and Capital Projects Replacement Levy

  • Assistant City Manager Debbie Sullivan presented an overview: Proposition 1 is a replacement levy (not a new tax) estimated to raise $72.9 million over four years, funding technology, safety improvements, and capital projects. The public hearing was opened at 6:07 PM and closed at 6:18 PM.
  • Speakers:
    • Patrick Murphy (Superintendent, Olympia School District): Expressed gratitude for city partnership and highlighted levy benefits, including maintaining technology and safety improvements.
    • Terry Ballard: Noted that the school district has $192.165 million in outstanding debt, as per the Thurston County Treasurer's website, and questioned fiscal management.
    • Erica Larry (Board member, OSD for All): Stated she would vote for the levy but criticized the district for prioritizing fiscal solutions over student-centered ones, citing lack of support for special needs students and program cuts.
    • Ryan Betz (Chair, Olympia Citizens for Schools): Expressed full support for the levy, emphasizing the importance of safe and healthy schools.
  • Councilmember Kelly Green spoke in full support, noting the levy is not a new cost and that quality education benefits the entire community.
  • Vote: Motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony (Approximately 30 speakers)

  • Tree Ordinance: Multiple speakers (Heather Pence, Lynn Fitzhugh, Charlotte Persons, Natasha Hayes, Teresa Jennings, Maryanne Thompkins) urged the city to update the 1991 tree ordinance to protect mature trees, especially in the context of development. They highlighted the climate benefits of trees (carbon sequestration, stormwater retention, energy savings) and noted that the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan includes a tree code update. Speakers requested that the work be moved up from the planned fall start.
  • Harm Reduction Center: Barbara Davis and others expressed concerns about increased antisocial behavior and public health issues near the Franklin Street harm reduction center, asking the city to either relocate the center or change its operations. Councilmembers responded by acknowledging the concerns and noting that the center is a private business, not a city operation, but that they are working to address community needs with dignity.
  • Park Naming: Many speakers (Dwayne Slate, Sam Hunt, Karen Fraser, Doug Levy, Krag Unsoeld, Julie Frick, Sue Leen, and others) spoke in favor of renaming the Olympia Armory to the Daley Arts Center (honoring former Mayor Bill Daly), Yelm Highway Community Park to Jolene Unsoeld Community Park (honoring former U.S. Representative and state legislator), and Kaiser Woods Park to Marj Yung Park (honoring former Thurston County Commissioner). They shared personal stories and detailed the legacies of all three individuals. The speakers were overwhelmingly supportive.
  • Jungle Encampment: Several speakers (Mag Pollicino, Jaden, Colin Bartlett, David Webb) expressed opposition to any forced displacement of residents at the 'Jungle' encampment. They urged the city to directly engage with residents, meet their stated needs (weatherproof tents, medical supplies, dumpsters, etc.), and ensure that any planning includes community consent. Councilmembers responded that no decisions or timelines have been set, that planning is in early stages, and that the city intends to work compassionately with the county and service providers.
  • Other Topics: Grace Fletcher invited participation in the Council of Neighborhood Associations' community priorities survey (open through February 1). Victoria Harmon shared a library customer service survey. Terry Ballard and others raised concerns about Thurston County debt and fiscal management. David Webb alleged unlawful arrest by Olympia Police and interference with his right to record police.

Discussion Items

  • Park Naming Approval: Director of Parks Planning & Maintenance Laura Keehan presented the three recommended names, following a public process and committee review. The names were recommended by the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee. Councilmembers expressed strong support, sharing personal memories and historical context. Councilmember Paul Berendt moved to approve the names; the motion carried unanimously (7-0).
  • Council Response to Public Comment: Councilmembers Madrone, Vanderpool, Gilman, Green, Mayor Pro Tem Huỳnh, and Mayor Payne responded to public comments on the tree ordinance, the jungle encampment, the harm reduction center, and immigration. They emphasized the city's commitment to collaborative, compassionate planning, and noted that work on the tree ordinance is on the work plan for fall 2026. The city manager clarified that the jungle planning process is expected to take 18 months to two years.

Key Outcomes

  • School Levy Support: The council unanimously adopted a resolution supporting Olympia School District Proposition 1 (Technology and Capital Projects Replacement Levy).
  • Park Renamings: The council unanimously approved the official names: Daley Arts Center (formerly Olympia Armory), Jolene Unsoeld Community Park (formerly Yelm Highway Community Park), and Marj Yung Park (formerly Kaiser Woods Park).
  • Consent Calendar: All items on the consent calendar were adopted unanimously.
  • Public Hearing: The public hearing on the school levy was closed without further action.
  • Next Steps: The city manager will coordinate with the county and other partners on a long-term plan for the Jungle encampment. The tree ordinance update is scheduled for the Land Use and Environment Committee's work plan, with a public discussion expected in October 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Councilmember Green. Good evening and welcome to the Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 regular business meeting of the Olympia City Council. For the record, we have a quorum with all council members present tonight. So before we move on to the business on our agenda for tonight, I do have a couple of statements that I wish to share with the community, and then we will move on to adoption of the agenda. So first, uh, I just want to express that we are heartbroken and angry about the recent killings of Alex Purdy at the hands of ICE federal agents just a couple weeks after the shooting and uh and killing of Renee Good. Unfortunately, many others have died as well as at the result of this presidential administration's inhumane approach with immigration enforcement. No family should lose a loved one on this way, and no community should have to live in fear of the people who are supposed to uphold the law. What we are seeing right now is deeply disturbing, and it demands accountability, transparency, and leadership from every level of government. So prior to this event this weekend, I've been working with County Commissioner Carolina Mejia to hold a meeting to coordinate with elected officials and our staff throughout the county. Local leaders need to be on the same page, prepared and clear about how we protect our residents and our public employees when federal actions put out put our community members at risk. So just a few topics that we're hoping to cover in this meeting include immigration 101 to ensure that a shared understanding of our immigration system, responsibilities and limitations across our jurisdictions, and our jurisdictional coordination, including communication pathways between cities, schools, local law enforcement, and county departments. Lessons observed in other jurisdictions, including obstructions of emergency response, arrest or detention of public employees, and impacts to service delivery. Planning for scenarios involving external federal actions with a focus on how local governments respond collectively and lawfully. Situational awareness, reporting, and employee support protocols should an incident occur. City staff are also preparing additional information to our city residents, encouraging you to prioritize your safety. If you see what appears to be an altercation or a detention by a federal agent, please be safe. Call 911, and Olympia police officers will respond to the scene and handle any necessary questioning. As a sanctuary city, our officers are prohibited from assisting ICE in any of their efforts to detain anyone in our community. Olympia police will ensure that there are legitimate agents on the scene. They have warrants verified and maintain order for our community members. You are also permitted to record an incident from a safe distance in a public space without physically intervening. The safety of everyone in our community remains our top priority. Should the federal government increase its presence here in Thurston County. Our community deserves to feel safe, respected, and heard. And these actions are steps within our local control toward building the knowledge, coordination, and accountability needed to serve and protect everyone. So I also have a statement here in regards to the closure of one of our encampments. So I just want to provide an update on that as well from a statement that I made at our Chamber of Commerce Forum known as the State of the Community on January 14th about the city's intent to develop a plan to close the last remaining encampment in Olympia, commonly referred to as the jungle, to manage expectations and also address rumors. We are committed to working collaboratively with our regional nonprofit and service provider partners. Rest assured, no decisions have been made, including a timeline for when the encampment will close. It's early days, and city and county managers are working with their teams to kick off the work to start developing a plan soon. And we do not anticipate a closing of the encampment this year. So hopefully that provides some clarity. And obviously, if you have additional questions about that, please reach out to the city. All right. So with that, I need a motion to approve tonight's agenda. So moved. Second. All right. We have a motion and a second. All those in favor of adopting the agenda as published signify by saying aye. Aye. We have an agenda. So our first item tonight is item one C, which is the consideration of a resolution expressing city council support for the Olympia School District number one eleven proposition number one, technology and capital projects replacement levy. And we have our assistant city manager, Debbie Sullivan presenting. Hi, Debbie. Thank you, Mayor. For the record, I'm Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager. Tonight, you are considering a resolution to express support for Olympia School District number 11, proposition one, a technology and capital projects replacement levy. Before City Council can take action to support or oppose a ballot proposition, Washington state requires that the public have an opportunity to comment in support or in opposition to the ballot measure. So before opening the public hearing, I'll provide some information.

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