[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6247145,"mediaKeyId","3213341-035a69c3f0f0a927548a10e3d07a9be2","parentId",3213341,"title","Council, applicants flag executive‑order concern: DEI language may need removal from grant applications","audioSeconds",114,"startMs",2860000,"endMs",2974000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213341-035a69c3f0f0a927548a10e3d07a9be2&start=2860&end=2974","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213341-035a69c3f0f0a927548a10e3d07a9be2/thumbnail_2860000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6247145/Yelm/Thurston-County/Washington/Council-applicants-flag-executiveorder-concern-DEI-language-may-need-removal-from-grant-applications","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247145-0e838db870feb3110c282f19517181b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775108795&Signature=YtBjsziYfQWhzAY7yF0jfMBT6sLll41VIm~q5E8d0j0uN2-MOL9QNOvFU-ot6uSAk0XFlRg0h2rLOr9VUsvFmMvZVpTYdwNuI9MJCIe9COc~wKKcm8PhyImCtbvk3KDDnMeifmn-LPDItqjaWbJJFcj58VsnJqPoWMCf1DiCMegbPjeBHR-76L9W~XJupDdX9FOD7dAgyq5RFr8MV-Qx7ifuvwaOZLxt~vjQ2hRFUwHFrw2yOlHzG6uXcXxwbrc6T6tcD2fxjFCRjmYCRRyKZ9~9gGeGHW8PuSWVF4kE~D7KUIn4288z69BbfKGwQXsPLtIWx8gioiZ7UNMg6R5QAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Yelm, WA","date","2025-05-07T14:53:51Z","article","Multiple council members, committee participants and applicants raised concerns about a recent directive they said requires removing “diversity, equity and inclusion” language from grant applications, and they discussed potential impacts on local grant paperwork and reimbursement.

Speakers said a letter circulated to committees and state agencies indicates reviewers may deny reimbursement if grant applications or documentation use language referencing diversity, equity or inclusion. Council and applicants said the issue has come up at regional bodies such as the Transportation Policy and Regional Planning Commission (TRPC) and the Intercity Transit authority and that some local grant proposals may need redrafting to comply with the directive.

Applicants and council members said rewording grant documents is time‑consuming but may be necessary to secure funding; one applicant said she had not personally seen the directive in committee materials and advised staff to track the issue across applications. Staff said the city will need to review pending grants and may rework language to meet reviewers’ requirements where necessary.

No formal council action was taken; the topic was discussed as an emerging constraint on grant writing and a subject for staff follow up and committee review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Yelm City Council Meeting 04/22/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple speakers said a recent directive requiring removal of “diversity, equity and inclusion” language from grants could force the city and committees to rewrite applications; staff and applicants said the issue is appearing at regional boards and may affect grant reimbursement review.","taxTitle","Yelm, Thurston County, Washington","taxId",51314,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6247150,"Yelm schedules appointment vote May 27 after interviews; applicants urged to attend joint meeting",1306,2094000,3400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213341-035a69c3f0f0a927548a10e3d07a9be2&start=2094&end=3400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213341-035a69c3f0f0a927548a10e3d07a9be2/thumbnail_2094000.jpg","/articles/6247150/Yelm/Thurston-County/Washington/Yelm-schedules-appointment-vote-May-27-after-interviews-applicants-urged-to-attend-joint-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247150-07110e58dce2c244e770c9a60b38bf79/orig.mp4?Expires=1775108795&Signature=ZchWNRP4VvMKjomZTlZKKnVPW3wEVJ22klgLNd~mW4Z~RbwV8gclggtp8eTs~dNwzJYhMTjmovRqy5dn60Dtows-mLkKyY95baBxW0zjYkAAVy-JyQVWjXtiq95fdZlqJJiFkia9mmNP9Fu5f1RzwAU6GdBjwIyass9-mwHVYvcO7vUJXXmrYLcSlEWlpnNKcJUeTQPwMxWzkf-2-zi33pMK6MMvn~2b-UWF31fcTpR4cgcBl7CCI4aBNwtkSr1DkV4SoJ43oX7oKOeFu6tm2Bu8xvFWUa2edIqU7qNE5QUI5tvXsd1WLeomDDS3xk-QuFsp4lV~~rq386IpaNoh3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Yelm City Council held interviews with applicants for an open council seat during a study session and described the timeline and process for appointment.

Council drew names to set interview order and conducted candidate interviews during the meeting. Staff and council explained that a joint meeting with the planning commission is scheduled the week before the appointment and will include presentations from county and regional partners; applicants were advised to attend the joint meeting for background information though it will not include an appointment decision.

Mayor and staff said the council will take a majority vote at the May 27 regular meeting to fill the vacancy; the candidate who receives four votes will be sworn in and take the council seat at that meeting. Council members discussed fairness to applicants and the logistics of the schedule; no appointment vote was taken at the study session.

Applicants who spoke during the session included David Johnstone, Carl Sabaria, Ashley Spelker and other candidates who drew interview slots during the meeting. Staff confirmed applicants were notified of the interview and asked to prepare a short statement explaining why they want the seat.

Council members told applicants to attend the May 27 meeting and the joint planning‑commission session to hear presentations that will inform future council business.","Council members interviewed multiple applicants for a council vacancy in a study session, drew an interview order, and said the full council will vote by majority at the May 27 regular meeting; applicants were encouraged to attend a joint council‑planning commission session beforehand for informational presentations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6247155,"Council to consider $10,000 annual contract with regional EDC as state funding drops",275,1307000,1582000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213341-035a69c3f0f0a927548a10e3d07a9be2&start=1307&end=1582","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213341-035a69c3f0f0a927548a10e3d07a9be2/thumbnail_1307000.jpg","/articles/6247155/Yelm/Thurston-County/Washington/Council-to-consider-10000-annual-contract-with-regional-EDC-as-state-funding-drops","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247155-eed469f715d4df5fe650bd141aa763e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775108795&Signature=JRQ2H1pRxN3~Pd~rNqp32Tk5v5f4acH4DZ1orufEo9WX41JSL7s9RXXicS4YbteBJ0lu7iR5wCIAwaJqEM3Qjvm5WFy81hbeEZ13ruhS2N2rNW6ALBnsTPfZoTnhORLJWMZ8q3g7U6Wpb8BGXCBrg2K~sEEcuSS1lNY5NGrcVs51VoGaD2gmOjyzSlBX4-Uygj5tUHeVk3fGsttTcBNzY82xNFquXh2hdesBIkwwmCDxXeTRJScV4k8npa1YzJCOx7nJYTc8ymqlAd238pQj7h7~WMb~GSCbb0CfdcYvuFChzjcMYs1MgKz3S29tIAIz9bzFS5554lAXiAL69Uv5QA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff said they plan to bring a contract with the economic development council (EDC) to the council agenda in the coming weeks proposing $10,000 per year for services the city has budgeted in the past.

Michael Cade, the EDC’s executive director, attended the meeting and described the organization’s work: business retention and expansion, targeted recruitment, a business scale‑up program and a creative districts initiative. Cade said the EDC has refocused on data and case management and reported that, since February 2022, the EDC has provided services to 222 businesses (counting repeat assistance).

Cade and council members discussed a recent state funding change: Cade said a state program that previously funded the EDC’s scale‑up work will not pay the same amount this year, and he cited a $350,000 reduction in state funding. Council members asked how the EDC will target recruitment and adapt its programming; Cade said the organization uses targeted outreach and contracted specialists to generate focused prospect meetings and long‑term case management.

Staff said they will present the proposed $10,000 per‑year contract for council approval at a future regular meeting. Cade said he views the contract as an opportunity for two‑way dialogue between the city and the EDC about business needs.","City staff said they will ask council to approve a $10,000 per year contract with the South Thurston Economic Development Council; EDC director Michael Cade told the meeting the organization lost $350,000 in state support and continues business retention and recruitment work for the city.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6247160,"Yelm public works outlines crack sealing, striping and sidewalk work ahead of busy summer",397,803000,1200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213341-035a69c3f0f0a927548a10e3d07a9be2&start=803&end=1200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213341-035a69c3f0f0a927548a10e3d07a9be2/thumbnail_803000.jpg","/articles/6247160/Yelm/Thurston-County/Washington/Yelm-public-works-outlines-crack-sealing-striping-and-sidewalk-work-ahead-of-busy-summer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247160-9792d0f58a27bb00d55eb5b56d71f5f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775108795&Signature=BrQqpyNkVbRHg2i59L7UStMGUuC05pulbkFgVL2TpBhX0MEDwIpuLgUfpxHtOq1c7wbrD1zTAxRvENrhvhN-ayfJtrFuR1Jnoe0KhA1QJBnn4nKLKk3c5wRmt1vGjQ2WrPuMOxOTkbEniAUqrS6Bm9xIC5ItQaVWfnl4X41-TzdCqFYWPy95nOmFgfVOPqwgq9~MPY4wDFUL8T8vkEv7AXgfQhGfjLwZJSdXHz2ArSMOb9eiIGY9K63vIyH6zUx9niFkC65wLjq3n3KZ0~IupuUolLbsYAqJ48magk6a4m2MVq04jjoHJYzUQM6mL8r5eaBRJ9hNL9WOSv~0HWh43w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City public works and public services staff presented road and sidewalk work planned for the coming months and answered council questions about jurisdiction, schedules and techniques.

Staff said the city will perform crack sealing on a group of streets this summer; crack sealing uses a hot‑applied sealant to slow deterioration and can extend pavement life roughly four to eight years. After sealing, Thurston County will restripe roads the city identifies. Asphalt Patch Systems is contracted to do the crack sealing; striping will be coordinated with Thurston County. Staff estimated the work will continue through the summer and into October, when wet weather typically ends such projects.

On sidewalks, staff described a mix of approaches: diamond‑blade grinding on raised panels and full panel replacement where grinding is not feasible. The city said its streets crew can pour single sidewalk panels in house and that a small number of panels have been replaced recently.

Staff also discussed recent drainage work: crews installed a drain near Carstars and Timberland Bank and a sidewalk drain on the opposite side of State Route 507 to address recurring flooding. Clark Road presents a more complex problem because the adjacent property is not city‑owned; staff said they are pursuing creative solutions that do not require full reconstruction of state pavement.

Council members asked about state jurisdiction on routes SR 507 and SR 510; staff said WSDOT owns curb‑to‑curb segments and is responsible for pothole repair on those state routes, though the city will notify WSDOT and can perform interim maintenance. Staff also said the city has discussed a truck route tied to the Northern Loop project with WSDOT; the plan would route heavy trucks through First Street and onto NP or Rotten Road to reach the bypass, but no maintenance agreement with WSDOT has been negotiated.

Questions about sidewalk technology and panel resetting generated staff responses describing a past vendor attempt to lift and re‑set panels that failed because panels broke; the city now pours some panels in‑house. Staff warned that any work in WSDOT right‑of‑way can trigger larger requirements — for example, paving or lane work — that increase project cost.","City public works staff described a summer program of crack sealing and striping designed to extend pavement life, sidewalk grinding and panel replacement plans, recent flood fixes, WSDOT jurisdictional limits on state routes, and truck‑route planning tied to the Northern Loop.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6247165,"Yelm parks staff outline packed summer calendar, splash pad and accessible swing",348,352000,700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213341-035a69c3f0f0a927548a10e3d07a9be2&start=352&end=700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213341-035a69c3f0f0a927548a10e3d07a9be2/thumbnail_352000.jpg","/articles/6247165/Yelm/Thurston-County/Washington/Yelm-parks-staff-outline-packed-summer-calendar-splash-pad-and-accessible-swing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247165-b519665624a140d65afb594311903098/orig.mp4?Expires=1775108795&Signature=bapVve-p9L~tWoZKliGqtJROsprGFc5Odnj1HWMp~WvXPucsvB6WJO~~OysqbgYQBL9w8VlXQ3Xjvn1~asmWXywtMi9jr-F8OPvVhKcbuo5yWDUgiMVm8vL4eThlN~o1uEIChux9MXW6pJS0Hla3skdDjRZfNddxh~mwC-7GUOGSCXPQINDvKFw71J5wjOhUjSiy4Q28-kLKjdRNVk-OfwqaEIXoz7fQyGZPgYd-XhOvo7BYEndoZKfIVoR3F8PrFOGZC3n8bl34KLS4EnG3q9H6P4QTZHdYxluJi3r5rBKXQGSyvUon~aZ~ne9fAEjqdlfEF6~sptSdc-lf2yq3Kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lynn Roy, the city’s communications and recreation coordinator, told the Yelm City Council study session that the parks and recreation department has scheduled 42 events between now and August and highlighted several near‑term dates and features.

Roy said the city will open the splash pad for the season on May 22 and will debut a new wheelchair‑accessible swing the same day. Roy also outlined special programming: a Memorial Day ceremony May 26 with the VFW and American Legion; Dinosaur Day on May 31 supported by a Park Foundation grant that underwrites STEAM activities; and Prairie Days, a multi‑day festival June 12–14 that will include live music, food trucks, a beer garden and family activities.

The recreation coordinator noted the department partners with the Yelm Timberland Library, the Yelm Arts Commission, the Yelm Lions Club and other local organizations to staff and fund events. Roy described GalaxyFest, Ice Cream Day (August) and Pirate Day (September) as additional grant‑funded offerings. She encouraged residents to follow the City of Yelm Parks and Recreation social media and check the city events calendar for updates.

Council members asked logistics questions that Roy and staff answered: food trucks can operate only on private property except when they attend a permitted event; the city maintains an events calendar on its website and uses a reader board and local news partners to publicize events; and staff will look into email notifications for residents who do not use social media.

Roy closed by inviting the public to the splash‑pad opening and Prairie Days and said the department will continue to add events to the online calendar as details are finalized.","Yelm’s parks and recreation coordinator told council members the city has 42 events planned through August, highlighted a May 22 splash-pad opening and the debut of a wheelchair‑accessible swing, and described Prairie Days programming June 12–14.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council, applicants flag executive‑order concern: DEI language may need removal from grant applications

Yelm schedules appointment vote May 27 after interviews; applicants urged to attend joint meeting

Council to consider $10,000 annual contract with regional EDC as state funding drops

Yelm public works outlines crack sealing, striping and sidewalk work ahead of busy summer

Yelm parks staff outline packed summer calendar, splash pad and accessible swing