Public Meetings - Olympia, Washington

The Olympia City Council held its regular business meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, online, and via phone. All seven council members were present. The meeting included special recognitions, public comment, approval of the consent calendar, and action on two major business items: the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan and a Residential Energy Performance Rating and Disclosure Ordinance. Special Recognitions - Swearing-In of Police Chief Shelby Parker: City Manager Jay Burney administered the oath of office to Shelby Parker as the first female police chief in Olympia's history. Chief Parker introduced her family and made brief remarks. Councilmembers expressed support, highlighting her empathy, patience, and community engagement. - Proclamation Recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31, 2026): Councilmembers read a proclamation. Co-founder of OlympiaQueerFyrd, Aster Avardeen, and community member Sam Kellendy accepted the proclamation and delivered remarks emphasizing the need for concrete action beyond symbolic recognition. Councilmembers responded by acknowledging the challenges and pledging continued work on protections, including the LGBTQ+ Sanctuary City policy. - Proclamation Recognizing Outgoing Advisory Body Members: The council recognized 19 departing members from various advisory bodies. Outgoing Arts Commission member Jim Burlingame and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee member Marty Slighte spoke. Slighte highlighted ongoing pedestrian safety issues and the need for disability representation. Councilmembers thanked them for their service. Public Comments & Testimony Twenty-three people spoke during public comment. The majority addressed the proposed Residential Energy Performance Rating and Disclosure (Home Energy Score) ordinance. - Supporters (e.g., Tom Crawford, Lynn Fitz-Hugh, Rhonda Hunter, Rhonda Larson-Kramer, Thad Curtz, Court Olson, Betsy Norton, Christopher Van Dalen, Mark Newell, Gordon Wheat) argued the ordinance is a cost-effective, consumer-protection measure that provides essential information for homebuyers, helps reduce emissions, and has been successfully implemented elsewhere. They noted the six-year development process and regional collaboration. - Opponents (e.g., Don Baker, Mark Kobyashi, Dave Champaign, Michelle Harney, Jesse Simmons, Corey Gauny, Amalie O'Connor, Theresa Allen, Brenda Wilnoth) requested a pause, citing concerns about added costs, government overreach, potential impacts on housing affordability and supply, enforcement challenges, and questioned the policy's effectiveness. Several favored a voluntary program instead. - Rebecca Howard Park: Taulana Reid (NAACP Thurston County Branch) and Aisha Harrison spoke in enthusiastic support, emphasizing the park's importance for honoring Black history and providing a community space. - Other: TJ Johnson presented the Thurston Conservation District's strategic plan. David Webb criticized the police department's record on equity and accountability. Consent Calendar Approved unanimously (7-0) with two items pulled for comment: - 4B – Investment Policy Updates: Councilmember Gilman highlighted the new ethical investment statement, which avoids investments in fossil fuels, tobacco, weapons, and human rights violators, and favors renewable energy and climate mitigation. - 4C – Reappointments to Advisory Bodies: Councilmember Madrone thanked all applicants and noted the competitive selection process. Discussion Items 6A – Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan Associate Planner Sarah Giannobile presented the plan, developed over six years with extensive community engagement. The design features a community hub, café, stage, garden, gathering circle, and festival street. Parks Director Sylvana Niehuser recommended prioritizing this park over other undeveloped parks due to strong community momentum and a near-term $500,000 grant opportunity. Estimated cost: $5.5–6.5 million. Councilmember Vanderpool asked about safety and maintenance; staff noted CPTED design and operational cost estimates. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). 6B – Residential Energy Performance Rating and Disclosure Ordinance Climate Program Director Pamela Braff presented the ordinance, which requires sellers to obtain a Department of Energy Home Energy Score (HES) before listing single-family homes and certain attached dwellings. Key provisions: one-year implementation delay (effective May 1, 2027), subsidized assessments for low-income sellers, exemptions for hardship, and regional coordination. Estimated first-year impacts: 3,000 ratings, 560 retrofits, $300,000 in energy savings. Compliance will involve MLS integration and city staff review. Councilmember Green raised concerns about enforcement capacity and costs; Dr. Braff outlined a tiered penalty system ($50–$250 per violation). After discussion, the council approved the ordinance on first reading (7-0), forwarding it to second reading. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Adopted unanimously (7-0) including items 4A-4I. - Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan: Approved unanimously (7-0). The park is now the next new park development priority. - Residential Energy Performance Rating and Disclosure Ordinance: Approved on first reading (7-0) and forwarded to second reading at a future meeting. - No Second or First Readings of other ordinances. - No Public Hearing held. - Council reports included updates on federal advocacy (National League of Cities), Transportation Policy Board, and police auditor work plan. - Adjournment at 9:45 PM. Next business meeting scheduled for April 14, 2026 (spring break recess March 31 and April 7).

The Olympia City Council met on March 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM via Zoom with four members present (Vanderpool, Gilman, Green, Berendt) and three excused (Mayor Payne, Mayor Pro Tem Huỳnh, Councilmember Madrone). The meeting focused on public comments regarding a proposed home energy score ordinance and efforts to save the Evergreen Pool, and concluded with adoption of the consent calendar and council reports. Consent Calendar The council unanimously adopted the consent calendar, which included: - Approval of minutes from March 3 and March 10, 2026 meetings. - Resolution authorizing an easement agreement at 429 Sherman Street NW. - Resolution authorizing an amendment to an agreement with Berger Partnership for Phase 1 design services at Yelm Highway Community Park. - Resolution consenting to DKS Boardwalk LLC’s assignment of interests under certain real estate-related agreements. - Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 5.80 regarding unfair housing practices related to diverse family structures (second reading). - Emergency ordinance adding Chapter 10.06 relating to certain driving offenses, referencing RCW, and amending section 10.04.020 (first and final reading). - Ordinance amending section 3.50.510 relating to sales and use tax for criminal justice (first and final reading). The motion carried 4-0 with three excused. Public Comments & Testimony - Christina Janis (Chair, Thurston County Realtors Government Affairs Committee) stated the association opposes the home energy score ordinance in its current form but supports a voluntary model that promotes consumer awareness without unintended consequences. She requested the city extend the pause and convene a collaborative work session to address compliance in real estate transactions, accurate terminology, avoiding reliance on Northwest MLS as an enforcement mechanism, and exploring alternative approaches. - Henry Valz (Olympia High School swim coach, resident at 1622 Giles Avenue NW) reported that 3,800 signatures (over 2,500 from Olympia and Tumwater) have been collected to save the Evergreen Pool. He highlighted the pool’s value for lessons, senior games, six high school swim teams, law enforcement/fire training, water polo, dive clubs, scuba, club swimming, and collegiate swimming. He also noted the entire CRC facility (meeting spaces, gyms, locker rooms, racquetball courts, weight rooms, climbing walls) is an invaluable resource. He asked the council to meet with the aquatics community, tour the pool, compare it to the overutilized Briggs YMCA, and plan restoration rather than closure. Discussion Items - Council response to public comment: Councilmember Vanderpool acknowledged the impressive signature count and expressed curiosity about the pool’s future, also noting the home energy score item would be discussed the following week. Councilmember Gilman appreciated both speakers and the email traffic, and voiced support for continued dialogue. - Council Intergovernmental/Committee Reports: - Councilmember Berendt reported on the Olympic Clean Air Agency (ORCA): the legislature reduced funding from the Model Toxics Control Act, forcing ORCA to consider fee increases for inspection fees (facilities, construction asbestos) to sustain operations. - Councilmember Gilman had no reports. - Councilmember Vanderpool (point of privilege) announced his mother became a school superintendent in Ohio after 15 years of effort. - City Manager's Report: Acting City Manager Debbie Sullivan had no reports. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved unanimously (4-0) without discussion or pull. - No other votes or formal decisions were taken; no public hearings or other business were conducted. - The meeting adjourned at 6:12 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM.

The Finance Committee met on March 16, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 6:05 PM. The committee received updates on the Waste Resources Carpenter Road Facility and a budget spotlight on fund history. No public comments were made. The committee directed staff to bring the Carpenter Road facility presentation to the full City Council with additional context on regional rates and privatization options. Consent Calendar - Approval of the agenda. - Approval of the February 23, 2026 Finance Committee meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Waste Resources Carpenter Road Facility Update (Item 6.A): Public Works Director Mark Russell and Interim Waste ReSources Director Ron Jones presented an update on the proposed new maintenance facility at Carpenter Road. The project has been in development for many years. The current East Side Street facility is nearly 50 years old, has environmental and seismic deficiencies, and would cost $15 million to renovate. The new facility is estimated to cost $40 million, with additional construction costs for a future replacement of the East Side maintenance center estimated at $50 million. The total debt service would be approximately $3 million per year for 30 years, requiring a 24% increase in waste utility rates (from $65 to $81 bimonthly for an average single-family household). Committee members expressed concerns about the high cost, potential inflation, and the impact on ratepayers. They asked about alternatives, including privatization of waste collection, and about regional comparisons of rates and services. Staff noted that the city has been collecting solid waste municipally since 1937 and that few other Washington cities do so. The committee discussed the need for a full council study session with additional context. - Budget Spotlight: Fund History (Item 6.B): Senior Budget & Finance Manager Joan Lutz presented on three funds: the Development Fee Revenue Fund (006), the Facilities Internal Service Fund (506), and the Fire Fleet Fund (507). The Development Fee Revenue Fund was established in 2015 to track development fees, with a goal of 85% cost recovery. The Facilities Fund was created in 2023 to allow for better capital planning for building maintenance. The Fire Fleet Fund was created in 2025 to track costs for fire vehicle maintenance and ensure rate sustainability. The committee discussed the importance of fund accounting for transparency and accountability. Key Outcomes - The committee directed staff to bring the Carpenter Road facility presentation to the full City Council at a future study session, including high-level context on how Olympia's rates compare to neighboring jurisdictions and privatization options. - Staff will provide additional information on potential inflation scenarios and regional comparisons. - The committee received the budget spotlight and will continue with future budget spotlights, including cost allocation next month. - Finance Director Mike Githens reported that the 2026 Operating Budget document has been published, the updated Investment Policy will go to full council on March 24, 2026, and the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is in progress.

The Olympia Salary Commission met on March 12, 2026, to discuss its work plan for the upcoming year, including the scope of its review of city council compensation, the addition of a fifth commissioner, and the meeting schedule. The commission consists of four members: Chair Karen, Vice Chair Aaron, and members Dylan and Quint. The meeting began with administrative approvals and announcements. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved unanimously. - The minutes from the previous meeting were approved with amendments to correct the listing of chair and vice chair positions. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered in person or online. Discussion Items - Commission Membership and Staff Support: Manny Mosser, Director of HR, announced that the mayor is seeking nominations for a fifth commissioner, with a target appointment by February 24 (though the meeting is March 12). Chair Karen reported that the city manager confirmed staff support for up to four meetings this year, but no budget for additional staff, surveys, or programmatic outreach. - Scope of Work and Approach: The commission debated how to approach its compensation review for the current year. Dylan argued that the commission's role is limited to setting compensation for the existing part-time job description (approximately 20 hours per week) and should rely on comparative data from other municipalities. Quint supported this focused, data-driven approach. Aaron suggested that the commission could also note broader questions about equity, community engagement, and barriers to running for office, even if those are outside its formal scope. Karen, drawing on her experience as a former council member, noted the job is effectively half-time. The group agreed to proceed with a focused methodology but to include a statement of observations for policymakers. - Scheduling and Next Steps: The commission decided to wait for the appointment of the fifth commissioner before advancing substantive work. Dylan volunteered to draft a framework document outlining the commission's scope, methodology, and any observations. The next meeting is tentatively planned for late March or early April, contingent on the new member's appointment. Staff will circulate a Doodle poll to finalize the date. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken on compensation amounts. - The commission agreed to postpone further work until the fifth commissioner is appointed. - Dylan will prepare a framework document for review at the next meeting. - The next meeting will be scheduled after the new commissioner is onboarded, likely in late March or early April.

Note on date: The provided metadata indicates March 11, 2026; however, the minutes and transcript refer to Tuesday, March 10, 2026. This summary uses the metadata date as instructed. On March 11, 2026, the Olympia City Council held a study session to receive a briefing from the Olympia Fire Department (OFD) on its Community Risk Assessment/Standard of Cover (SOC) report. Fire Chief Matt Morris, Deputy Chief Hillory Flowers, and Business Operations Specialist Stephanie Porter presented the report, which analyzes community risks, historical performance, and future resource needs. No formal votes were taken, but councilmembers asked clarifying questions and discussed implications for future budgeting and planning. The meeting also included a 60-minute executive session on litigation. Discussion Items - Overview of Standards of Cover: Chief Morris explained that the SOC is a comprehensive, data-centric plan modeled after the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) process. It provides transparency on who OFD is, what it does, how well it performs, and a plan for improvement. The document includes a community risk analysis (pages 6–49), core service definitions (fire suppression, EMS, wildland fire, technical rescue, marine/shipboard), and performance metrics. - Community Risk Analysis: The risk analysis uses GIS and census data to identify demographics and risk factors by four fire station planning districts. Notable: Station 3's area has 30% of the population over 60; Station 2 and 4 areas are more diverse than Thurston County as a whole. - Performance and Reliability: Deputy Chief Flowers detailed station resources and response times. Station 1: 67% performance (goal: 90% within 7 minutes 6 seconds). Station 2: 36% performance due to its large district (7.7 sq mi) and high call volume near Capital Medical Center. Station 3: reliability impacted because it is often pulled to cover other districts during training or high call volume. Station 4: high performance (small district, 2.2 sq mi) and meets the NFPA 1710 standard. - Dark Horse Data Software: Stephanie Porter demonstrated the Dark Horse platform, which OFD uses for performance monitoring and predictive modeling. The tool can simulate the impact of adding resources (e.g., a new station near Capital Medical Center) and shows that digital alerting could improve Station 2's turnout time by 20 seconds. - Case Study – Landis Point Apartments Fire: On January 2026, a structure fire in Station 4's area had a first-arriving engine on scene in 5 minutes 55 seconds (within the 7:06 goal). The full effective response force arrived in 15 minutes 13 seconds. Chief Morris noted that if the first engine had been delayed, the fire loss of $800,000 could have been much higher. - Emerging Risks and Resource Needs: Chief Morris highlighted wildfire risk as an emerging threat due to climate change, noting OFD is not currently equipped for large-scale wildland deployment. He also noted that 50 of 96 operations personnel have been hired in the last 2.5 years, creating a high training demand. The WSRB (insurance rating) is currently a 2, drifting toward a 3, which could increase insurance costs for residents. - Councilmember Questions: Councilmembers asked about feasibility of a new West Side station, public-private partnerships for land acquisition, integrating future land use plans into Dark Horse, digital alerting systems, and alternative response models for assisted living facilities. Deputy Chief Flowers noted that adding a fourth firefighter to Station 3 could improve its ability to manage fires without waiting for mutual aid. - Chief Morris's Farewell: Chief Morris announced this was his last council meeting before departing. Councilmembers and the City Manager expressed gratitude for his leadership in implementing BLS, CARES, improving hiring, building the leadership team, and advancing data-driven decision-making. Executive Session - The council recessed at 7:22 p.m. and reconvened at 7:27 p.m. for an executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) (litigation and potential litigation). The session lasted until 8:26 p.m. No decisions were made. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions were made; the study session was informational. - Council received the SOC report and will use the data to inform the upcoming capital facilities plan (CFP) and budget discussions. - The council expressed support for the data-driven approach and acknowledged the need for additional resources to maintain response standards. - The executive session concluded with no actions taken.

Note: The meeting minutes date the meeting as Wednesday, March 4, 2026, but the user has specified the date as March 6, 2026. This summary uses the specified date, but the discrepancy is noted. The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLIPS) of the Olympia City Council held a special meeting on March 6, 2026, from 4:02 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to conduct interviews for several city advisory bodies. Committee members present were Chair Dani Madrone, Committee Member Kelly Green, and Committee Member Yến Huỳnh (who joined at 5:50 p.m.). The committee interviewed candidates for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), Utility Advisory Committee (UAC), Planning Commission, Olympia Metropolitan Parks District (OMPD) Advisory Committee, and Heritage Commission. The committee debated the candidates and voted on recommendations to the full City Council, with the exception of the Heritage Commission, which was postponed to after the second day of interviews on March 5, 2026. Discussion Items - Advisory Body Interviews: The committee conducted 10-minute interviews with each candidate, with questions from CLIPS members and the respective advisory body chairs. Candidates were asked about their interests, perspectives, and approach to the role. Chairs of BPAC (Tom Dylan), UAC (Melissa Cover), Planning Commission (Greg Queaton), and OMPD (James Redick) participated and provided feedback. - Deliberation on Candidates: After the interviews, the committee discussed the candidates for each body. For BPAC, the committee considered four candidates: Justin Stang, Yelena Miakasheva, Audrey Perry, and Katie Wellington. Chair Dylan noted that all were strong, but highlighted Stang's experience with disability access, Miakasheva's perspective as a substitute teacher, and Wellington's focus on equity. The committee agreed that Perry was a stronger candidate for UAC. For UAC, the committee recommended Audrey Perry over Maddie Haynes, citing Perry's stronger technical background. For Planning Commission, the committee favored Samir Ibrahimovich and Elle Burger, noting their passion and community-focused perspectives over Heidi's technical planning approach. For OMPD, the committee selected Marcella Volcontesta over Corey, citing her clearer connection to the compliance role and her experience with budgets and data. Key Outcomes - Recommendations to City Council (approved by a vote of 3-0): - Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Appoint Justin Stang (3-year term), Katie Wellington (3-year term), and Yelena Miakasheva (1-year term). - Utility Advisory Committee: Appoint Audrey Perry. - Planning Commission: Appoint Samir Ibrahimovich and Elle Burger. - Olympia Metropolitan Parks District Advisory Committee: Appoint Marcella Volcontesta. - Heritage Commission: The committee postponed a recommendation until after the second day of interviews on March 5, 2026, to consider additional candidates. - Next Steps: The committee's recommendations will be forwarded to the full City Council for final approval on March 31, 2026. Candidates will be notified by staff (Don) within the next week.

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting minutes indicate the meeting was held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, but the source material provided with this summary specifies the date as March 6, 2026. This summary uses the date provided in the instructions. The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee of the Olympia City Council met in a special session on March 6, 2026, from 4:02 p.m. to 9:11 p.m. to conduct interviews for vacancies on five advisory bodies: the Arts Commission, Cultural Access Advisory Board, Design Review Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and Heritage Commission. The committee reviewed candidates, heard from chairs of the respective bodies, and deliberated to formulate recommendations to the full City Council. Discussion Items Arts Commission (3 vacancies: one 1-year term, two 3-year terms) - The committee interviewed four candidates: Mara Orenstein, Elizabeth Lord, Kelly Marie Murray, and Lauren Thompson. A fifth candidate, Donovan Hohola, was unable to attend his scheduled time due to an emergency but was later interviewed at 8:30 p.m. after the committee agreed to accommodate him. - Arts Commission Chair Kathy Dorgan participated in the interviews and provided feedback, noting that all candidates were strong but that Mara lacked a clear understanding of the commission's role, while Elizabeth, Lauren, and Kelly Marie demonstrated strong alignment with the commission's mission. Cultural Access Advisory Board (2 vacancies: one 1-year term, one 2-year term) - Three candidates were interviewed: Morgan Montez, Ravi (Robbie) Adigarla, and Jennifer. Ravi also applied for the Arts Commission and indicated a preference for Cultural Access. - Cultural Access Vice Chair Ann Larson participated and provided input, ranking Morgan first, Jennifer second, and Ravi third. Design Review Board (2 vacancies: one 1-year term, one 2-year term, with one architect position required) - Five candidates were interviewed: Travis, Derek, Regine Varugis, V Hoy, and Brittany. The architect position was initially misattributed to Travis but correctly identified as Regine, who is a licensed architect. - The committee discussed the value of architectural expertise and noted that Regine, V, and Travis were strong candidates. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (2 vacancies: one 1-year term, one 3-year term) - Five candidates were interviewed: Grace Fletcher, Sophia, David, Will, and Emily Boone. Vice Chair Caroline Melore participated and provided feedback, highlighting Grace's focus on food resilience and Sophia's deep involvement with children's programming, and noting that the committee could benefit from younger perspectives and diverse user experiences. Heritage Commission (3 vacancies: one 1-year, one 2-year, one 3-year term) - No new interviews were conducted for Heritage Commission; the committee relied on candidates from the previous meeting (March 5). The committee had previously expressed interest in two candidates: Kyle Kimball and Stephanie Nase, and had reservations about a third candidate. During this meeting, the committee considered Derek Foster (a Design Review applicant who expressed interest in other advisory bodies) as a potential candidate for the Heritage Commission. Other Discussion - The committee debriefed with chairs of the Arts Commission, Cultural Access Advisory Board, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee after their respective interviews to gather input on candidate strengths and gaps on the boards. - The committee also discussed whether to offer an interview to the candidate who missed his slot (Donovan) and decided to offer a later time at 8:30 p.m., which he accepted. Key Outcomes Motions and Votes: The committee approved a motion (3-0, with all members voting aye) to recommend the following appointments to the City Council for final approval on March 31, 2026: - Heritage Commission: - 3-year term: Kyle Kimball - 2-year term: Stephanie Nase - 1-year term: Derek Foster (if he declines, the committee will offer the seat to Travis Mantic) - Arts Commission: - 3-year terms: Elizabeth Lord and Lauren Thompson - 1-year term: Mara Orenstein - Cultural Access Advisory Board: - 1-year term: Morgan Montez - 2-year term: Robbie Adigarla - Design Review Board: - 1-year term: V Hoy - 2-year term: Regine Varugis - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee: - 3-year term: Grace Fletcher - 1-year term: Emily Boone The committee also agreed to maintain a list of alternate candidates (e.g., Travis Mantic) for future vacancies. Next Steps: Candidates will be notified within one week by Don (staff) regarding the committee's recommendation. The City Council will make final appointments on March 31, 2026.

The Olympia Planning Commission met on March 4, 2026, to discuss subdivision code updates, a package of 47 code amendments, and the 2026-2027 work plan. The meeting began at 6:31 PM and adjourned at 8:03 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of agenda and minutes from January 26, 2026 (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - None were offered. Staff Announcements - Casey Schaufler announced a city survey on sidewalk repair policies and directed attendees to a story map. Discussion Items - Subdivision Code Briefing (Item 6A): Joyce Phillips provided an overview of the existing Title 17 subdivision code, noting it dates to 1984 and needs updating. Key topics included unit lot subdivisions, lot splitting as required by new state law, aligning with Title 18, and improving user-friendliness. Commissioners asked about integration with infill housing goals and the interaction with pending state requirements. - 2026 Code Amendments Briefing (Item 6B): Joyce Phillips presented 47 proposed amendments. Approximately seven are state-mandated (lot splitting, child daycare centers, housing conversions, parking standards, etc.), others come from fire, historic preservation, and planning staff. The state requires adoption of some by June 2026. A detailed handout was provided. Commissioners discussed specific items: large multifamily definitions in lower density zones, lot splitting exemptions, downtown bicycle parking requirements, and the challenge of communicating technical changes to the public. The commission will hold a public hearing later. - Draft 2026-2027 Planning Commission Work Plan (Item 6C): Casey Schaufler presented the draft, which follows the City Council’s Land Use & Environment Committee work plan. Discussion centered on adding informational briefings, including a potential session tied to “Week Without Driving” (October 1-8) and related topics like commute trip reduction and downtown parking. Commissioners suggested consolidating topics and prioritizing previously unaddressed items from the 2025 work plan. A motion was made and seconded. Key Outcomes - The commission recommended approval of the 2026-2027 work plan with revisions as proposed (motion by Grubb, second by Garcia; unanimous). - The work plan will be forwarded to the Community Livability & Public Safety Committee and then to City Council for final adoption by April. - Staff will continue to develop the subdivision code rewrite and the 47 code amendments, with a public hearing to be scheduled.

Note: The meeting agenda, minutes, and transcript consistently list the date as Tuesday, March 3, 2026. However, the provided metadata indicates the meeting took place on March 4, 2026. This summary uses the metadata date as instructed, with this discrepancy noted for accuracy. The Olympia City Council held a regular business meeting on March 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, online, and via phone. All seven council members were present. The meeting included three special recognitions, public comment (primarily regarding the impending closure of the Evergreen State College pool), consent calendar approvals, a youth council work plan update, approval of the 2026 Percival Plinth Project sculptures, a briefing on the Council of Neighborhood Associations' community priorities survey, council reports, and a closed session for labor negotiations. Consent Calendar The council unanimously approved the following items on the consent calendar (7-0 vote): - Approval of the February 24, 2026 City Council meeting minutes. - A resolution authorizing an agreement with Habitat for Humanity for sewer infrastructure cost-sharing. - A resolution authorizing the first amended and restated interlocal agreement for the Opioid Abatement Council Independent Subcommittee. - An ordinance enacting Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 7.01, Olympia Code Against Discrimination (second reading). - An ordinance amending development standards for Urban Villages (second reading). Public Comments & Testimony Fourteen members of the public provided comments, with the majority addressing the planned closure of the aquatic facility at The Evergreen State College. Speakers included high school students, coaches, parents, and community members who urged the city to help keep the pool open. Specific points: - Ashton Myrick, Joseph Kim, Olivia Smith, Crystal Smith, and others described the pool's importance to high school swim teams (Olympia, Capital, Black Hills, Tumwater), noting that closure would force team size reductions, eliminate dive programs, and increase travel distances. - Brent Barnes, a former Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee member, cited the city's 2021 aquatic feasibility study and the estimated $30 million cost for a new aquatic center, urging the city to engage with Evergreen to cover operational costs. - Dr. William Penn reported contacting state officials and Evergreen's president, proposing a three-month extension to keep the pool open through September 2026. - Henry Valz, Olympia High School swim coach, emphasized that pools are a vital service, not a business, and noted that drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism. - Peter Gutchen (Northeast Neighborhood Association) and Grace Fletcher (Southwest Olympia Neighborhood Association) introduced the new Council of Neighborhood Associations (CNA) leadership and highlighted community priorities from the January forum. - Dan Decker advocated for changing the city's form of government to a mayor-council system and supported keeping the pool open. - Nicole Buddington praised the CNA forum as inclusive and productive. - Dawn Baker, representing the Thurston County Realtors Association, requested the council pause the home energy scoring requirement to allow further stakeholder input, citing affordability concerns. - Terry Ballard raised issues about stormwater infiltration onto his property and provided documentation to the city. Discussion Items Youth Council Update and Work Plan Approval Youth Council Co-Chairs Nolan O'Connell and Donovan Jojoba, along with Policy Committee Co-Chair Shruthi Lingam-Nattami, presented the 2026 work plan. Key accomplishments from the inaugural year included a public service announcement on Narcan and overdose prevention, a joint meeting with the Lacey Youth Council, and input on five chapters of the city's comprehensive plan. The 2026 work plan includes developing a transit PSA, briefings on public safety, mental health resources, and climate programs, and a focus on creating third places for youth. The council approved the work plan unanimously (7-0). 2026 Percival Plinth Project Sculptures Arts Commission Chair Kathy Dorgan presented the jury's recommendation of 15 sculptures for the annual exhibition along Percival Landing. Artists receive $1,000 for loaning each sculpture, and a public vote in July will select one piece for a $10,000 purchase prize and permanent installation. The council unanimously approved the recommended sculptures (7-0). Council of Neighborhood Associations' Community Priorities Forum and Survey CNA Communications Coordinator Daniel Garcia presented results from the January 24, 2026 forum and an online survey with approximately 140 respondents. Top priorities identified were food access, emergency preparedness, and affordability. Safety and livability were ranked highly by older residents, while mutual aid and community connections were priorities for younger residents. The CNA plans to use the data to inform neighborhood matching grant applications and to hold additional forums on specific topics such as sidewalks and food systems. Councilmembers expressed support for renewing the memorandum of understanding with the CNA and for using community assemblies to inform the council's work plan. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Adopted unanimously (7-0). - Youth Council Work Plan: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Percival Plinth Project Sculptures: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Council Response to Pool Closure: Mayor Payne and City Manager Burney committed to reaching out to Evergreen President Carmichael to gather information. Councilmembers encouraged continued public advocacy and noted the city's 2021 aquatic feasibility study and the upcoming parks plan update. - Home Energy Scoring: Councilmember Vanderpool noted that the real estate community had been invited to participate in the process over several years; the council will consider the matter further. - Closed Session: The council held a closed session pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b) regarding labor negotiations from 9:13 p.m. to 9:26 p.m. No decisions were made. A second executive session on litigation (RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)) was postponed to a future meeting by unanimous vote (7-0). - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:26 p.m.