[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6222943,"mediaKeyId","3577741-318d1ad890709460923a9f60894c61ac","parentId",3577741,"title","Yelm approves $10,000 contract with Thurston Economic Development Council for 2025 services","audioSeconds",73,"startMs",3492000,"endMs",3565000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3577741-318d1ad890709460923a9f60894c61ac&start=3492&end=3565","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3577741-318d1ad890709460923a9f60894c61ac/thumbnail_3492000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6222943/Yelm/Thurston-County/Washington/Yelm-approves-10000-contract-with-Thurston-Economic-Development-Council-for-2025-services","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222943-09a15730c9d85b28dc04d7fce6c5e0ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182631&Signature=KMJGVVCn0ECUXhT28-kf0RLDc4evRQXrjQLNWWRFLErDo6N-NKB2AsykiUwj0BAz48JzuOpRFRCrlpQZ1bG4-y9YgRfC6kv07Qpqtz9GUwqeVNXijdzNlHMKo6yrjxHGA3ByPHG-tlbrkPBMq8TwyC-hocitmil0QzS4MsHT9O1rfT22fVIV8Vnvo1jj3q4qKbEoHyW~UzyCK~7ml-gHhw3l9mKZ5LdAW12ZCT-XvAOdjLW07A8JEtGW7ePlS7ebAobGGnJu9OC97DOPKNH0aCulaHAkoqqHH4Eeu9-tgClsm3Vv2wvgWoKJzAAVWEO~gI9VxiKv0MWVNU4lz6NHNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Yelm, WA","date","2025-05-28T16:01:52Z","article","The Yelm City Council approved a $10,000 professional services contract with the Thurston County Economic Development Council (EDC) to support the EDC’s 2025 work plan and business-promotion activities. Council member Kaminski moved to approve the contract and Council member Hess seconded; the motion passed by voice vote.

Staff told the council the contract and EDC presentation had been discussed in prior meetings, including an EDC briefing on March 11 and a general government meeting that approved the concept on April 22. The contract is intended to maintain regional economic partnerships and promote local business support and recruitment.

Councilors did not request modifications; staff will execute the contract and the EDC will provide services consistent with the documented 2025 work plan.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Yelm City Council 05/27/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved a $10,000 professional services contract with the Thurston County Economic Development Council to support business outreach and regional economic development activities for 2025.","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},6222948,"Yelm approves $848,735 Parametrix contract for Roten Road NW reconstruction phase 1 (grant funded)",62,3409000,3471000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3577741-318d1ad890709460923a9f60894c61ac&start=3409&end=3471","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3577741-318d1ad890709460923a9f60894c61ac/thumbnail_3409000.jpg","/articles/6222948/Yelm/Thurston-County/Washington/Yelm-approves-848735-Parametrix-contract-for-Roten-Road-NW-reconstruction-phase-1-grant-funded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222948-22b2445ed965d1d833f5d431a6f228b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182631&Signature=U2600cLJkfQnVYp8qEQVwp1VWZhCZ3lTJC4Z7K2KVOYDPnwqnc3lhie5tJBJPCQESOB8vKmM0KVJEcT0ih7Ech7lO8bc7bEEWGJbu4VixTxEGq~QzyB14nxSGwVOhYipMrcUfa9dZfyC2WFtm8Hp3Pk1HRcdd8gFX-n9j3OKckrU7AetUgnvJL074yfStCLpjKAzjH8AiQLxFwKA-c4FC3m~RtcQLABWrLCqoYrrS92pg1iw5AGmycX1Fbt4zzu032vxa0XO5XrK2xwmzS4lv6--ilzDLNKWHmXPiqsZkUaXYJDXet1nJHDrxMFlGWJqvWX5WVfcfOeLeEkoHs0AUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Yelm City Council authorized Mayor dePinto to sign a professional services agreement with Parametrix in an amount not to exceed $848,735.15 for Roten Road Northwest reconstruction, Phase 1. Councilor Hess moved to approve the agreement; the motion was seconded and the council adopted it by voice vote.

Public works staff explained the contract covers preliminary design to the 60 percent level so the city can determine necessary right-of-way acquisitions for storm facilities, sidewalks and other corridor improvements. Project presentation noted the reconstruction work is grant funded; staff said construction-phase funds are allocated from state and federal sources and that the project budget is approximately $840,000 for current phases.

Councilors asked for clarification about right-of-way needs and the staged amendment process; staff said a future contract amendment would complete the design and fund right-of-way purchases. The contract approval directs staff to proceed with design and grant-sponsored project tasks.","The City of Yelm authorized a professional services agreement with Parametrix for Phase 1 (60% design) of the Roten Road Northwest reconstruction project, not to exceed $848,735.15; staff said the project is fully grant funded and will require right-of-way acquisition work.",{"_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},6222953,"Yelm council appoints David Johnstone to vacant Position 6 after tie vote",184,92000,276000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3577741-318d1ad890709460923a9f60894c61ac&start=92&end=276","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3577741-318d1ad890709460923a9f60894c61ac/thumbnail_92000.jpg","/articles/6222953/Yelm/Thurston-County/Washington/Yelm-council-appoints-David-Johnstone-to-vacant-Position-6-after-tie-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222953-7bad0ac9987e85abade3c17ad6935b63/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182631&Signature=PXfs30L10pUIoyD-VyUG6ebiTJG76CKCgDi~QKtxEdPvjv0q7Wfo9aV82XqQx1-qhwi3f1mPDWT3e8c5Ept8cAA7-dOGbvWSuh39IQN26d-EiwrYPDhzBrbDhsfvOv48GMRCpnRE2uTIWn~rcfbuasNlS~o~QR7DkdyxMOlEQ8oPAaqkaSb7PSwcauGnH4cBHgseqCbLRrzJB3VgiZW2cmE4bcnU7TNIVfU4zMcnc3o9vQMjtLsgi-Mpxve-oLjmv~CcdNNm998cJQLmnyAinj2SP6qDILM2n0iKtqZoA8abS~Kvpjb16i6rQhdnfcPMCHQSh2YPDLZks0XbNjCYzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Yelm City Council appointed David Johnstone to the vacant Position 6 after a tie vote among council members and the mayor’s tie-breaking vote. Council member Hess moved to appoint Johnstone; the motion was seconded and then amended by a separate motion to vote between two candidates. After debate about amendment procedures the council conducted a roll call that produced a 3–3 tie. The mayor exercised the statutory tie-breaking authority and declared David Johnstone appointed.

Johnstone was immediately sworn in at the council dais. During the oath he repeated allegiance to the constitutions and said he would “faithfully and impartially perform and discharge the duties of the office of City of Yelm, City Council, Position number 6.” The council clerk and city attorney confirmed he would serve and vote on subsequent items unless he chose to abstain for conflict reasons.

The appointment followed discussion about proper voting procedure for filling a vacancy and an unsuccessful effort to alter the process with an amendment proposing a head-to-head vote between Johnstone and another candidate identified as Russell. Council member Richardson recused himself from parts of the later variance hearing, but not from the appointment vote. The council then continued with the meeting.","Following a tied council vote, Mayor dePinto broke the tie to appoint David Johnstone to the vacant City Council Position 6; Johnstone was sworn in immediately and took his seat for the remainder of the meeting.",{"_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},6222958,"Yelm council affirms variance allowing single-access Palisades subdivision over safety objections",3021,335000,3356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3577741-318d1ad890709460923a9f60894c61ac&start=335&end=3356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3577741-318d1ad890709460923a9f60894c61ac/thumbnail_335000.jpg","/articles/6222958/Yelm/Thurston-County/Washington/Yelm-council-affirms-variance-allowing-single-access-Palisades-subdivision-over-safety-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222958-a8fb43077083a8df213efc79b0e3d89f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182631&Signature=aO1qNIP37xlbQ6YZhM~Rq9zZpndOJyEm4CGDhsFB4VOwBiGTTUOfo~auZFfP00IeWRwlytnIsaVHQiWIVc3o96r0GNQW27Y81MKMfPb3CGLUkoUMX-IzxQtNmrTOP-odl79zJQ53x2nP5hkSQuoqgnxrjAGOIqjtnc7YI3nOYI6CGEOSr60OaqvkStMwqOSPE-SulQ0kKJqSkD4EDGRGLzvu8l28uq2cZFD~SZhVpLXen0V~SH62Hj0iXnHS~z1aGxWv3StTGHl2uT3feXlDSQoobFaJnI2PwcKuzhgCCVE1DYNn6WAJphR1OtpJKgGenP~T0jLY6~P2PEjZERXcuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Yelm City Council affirmed the hearing examiner’s decision to grant a variance for the Reserve at Palisades subdivision, allowing the developer to proceed with a plan for 63 homes that rely primarily on Palisades Street for access.

The outcome matters because opponents said the variance weakens the city’s subdivision access rules and could create a precedent for future developments that lack arterial or collector access. Appellant Justin Linson argued the examiner relied on speculative future road connections and on home sprinkler systems rather than present-day compliance with Yelm Municipal Code 18.52.080.

City Attorney Brent advised the council that this was a closed-record appeal: council members could review only the materials in the hearing record, the hearing examiner’s findings and conclusions, and applicable legal standards. Brent outlined the limited legal grounds for overturning the examiner — that a decision must be clearly erroneous, unsupported by substantial evidence, or contrary to law. Staff planning and the hearing examiner had recommended that the variance be upheld.

Appellant Justin Linson told the council he was not presenting new evidence but urged the body to reverse the variance. Linson said, “If a solution is already anticipated, it’s not an actual hardship under the law,” and warned that relying on future infrastructure or sprinklers could create a dangerous precedent. Developer Matt Lewis of DARE Custom Homes argued the application met the variance criteria, said the project could not obtain direct access from State Route 507 because of WSDOT spacing rules, and described mitigation measures including a required turn pocket and pedestrian crossings. Lewis said, “We do meet the legal standard” and described a contractor record of communications with WSDOT.

City staff and the fire marshal supported the hearing examiner’s findings. Staff noted the examiner required automatic sprinklers in each new home and a future road connection shown in the city’s record; the fire marshal submitted a letter saying the planned future connection and sprinklers would satisfy International Fire Code D107 conditions used in the examiner’s analysis.

During council discussion, members debated whether the site’s access limits amounted to an applicant-created “constraint” or a nonattributable “hardship” under Yelm Municipal Code 18.14.100. Councilor Crossman moved to deny the appeal and affirm the hearing examiner’s decision; the motion was seconded. In a roll-call vote Council member Wood voted yes, Council member Richardson recused, Crossman yes, Kengeser yes, Hess no, newly sworn Council member Johnstone yes, and Kaminski yes. The motion carried and the council announced it had affirmed the hearing examiner’s decision.

Because this was a closed-record appeal, the council’s decision was limited to findings tied to the existing record; Brent told the council any reversal, modification or remand would require specific findings supported by the record and the law. The hearing record shows the project was described as 39 new lots bringing the total number of residences served from 24 to 63, and speakers referenced WSDOT’s 660-foot spacing standard and the international fire code in their arguments.

The hearing closed after the council vote. Any party seeking to challenge the council’s affirmation would have to demonstrate one of the legal standards Brent listed — clear error, lack of substantial evidence, or illegality — in subsequent proceedings.","The Yelm City Council voted to affirm the hearing examiner’s decision to grant a variance allowing the Reserve at Palisades subdivision to move forward with 63 homes served primarily by Palisades Street, rejecting an appeal that argued the development violates Yelm Municipal Code and poses public-safety risks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Yelm approves $10,000 contract with Thurston Economic Development Council for 2025 services

Yelm approves $848,735 Parametrix contract for Roten Road NW reconstruction phase 1 (grant funded)

Yelm council appoints David Johnstone to vacant Position 6 after tie vote

Yelm council affirms variance allowing single-access Palisades subdivision over safety objections