[{"_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",6215756,"mediaKeyId","3656420-284cd8e9e376c6dbe160890e5b2c2cb0","parentId",3656420,"title","Joint Animal Services reports rising intake, shorter shelter stays and $1M state grant toward facility plan","audioSeconds",271,"startMs",7602000,"endMs",7873000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3656420-284cd8e9e376c6dbe160890e5b2c2cb0&start=7602&end=7873","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3656420-284cd8e9e376c6dbe160890e5b2c2cb0/thumbnail_7602000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6215756/Lacey/Thurston-County/Washington/Joint-Animal-Services-reports-rising-intake-shorter-shelter-stays-and-1M-state-grant-toward-facility-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215756-aaf61a4a93bd5f7cd54dd5308b4eaa46/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155995&Signature=oMM1X1nkFFgNCM-0POIW1rrEl2dbvKHAmSc2hbKiSDZnlZzhKqmKNQggtX-6zviPSbJYI4IY4PAvI5F4VWrRgvbpPPOZNkMXkKJL7fBa8z4gI~6gsKEBEXBvQ3jHmwC6aREVGT7~AczZS80bNjJHKgU1Ws7kZAS1THr-5sOFIhIuwaKwxWIa25uu4T~iTvo6FHu64foor6FfPLVWkQRJR3VbTaKCu72QS3-KXzb6fxIbEJ0QaNyRWrAjVuNhYDs-F--vvKjgo00dTArSoY5axh1uwbY5K8VOm8m~K8wtHASsbeN1fhqUc2WWZx5v3alpPSh2HIjACsVzAiMXx4zP9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lacey, WA","date","2025-06-04T15:58:57Z","article","Sarah Hockup, Executive Director of Joint Animal Services, gave an operational update on June 3 that included staffing and volunteer metrics, intake and outcome statistics, field-response work, veterinary services results and preliminary facility funding considerations.

Hockup said volunteers contributed 5,626 hours last year across 40 volunteers, equating to about 2.7 full-time equivalents and an estimated volunteer-value contribution of roughly $225,000. The agency reported more than 1,500 adoptions in 2024 and an average length-of-stay reduction from 11 days to 7 days after in-house veterinary and operational efficiencies were implemented.

Hockup said total intake was more than 3,300 animals and that dog intakes rose by about 28% last year; the city of Lacey represented about 21% of total intake across the four jurisdictions sharing the interlocal agreement. She highlighted field response work, including a livestock/overbreeding case where officers coordinated with rescues, reduced a herd of dogs back to an appropriate number, and secured spay/neuter services to prevent recurrence.

On facilities, staff reviewed prior space needs work and a revised value-engineered concept for a roughly 20,000-square-foot integrated facility (down from earlier, larger concepts). The scheme would consolidate kennels, cat spaces, a veterinary clinic, and community-facing functions. Hockup said funding considerations include an estimated $1 million in state funding received this year, joint agency reserves, bequests and donations, proceeds from property sale, and potential external grants; Joint Animal Services estimates it could contribute about $7.5 million from reserves and campaign funds toward a capital project.

Hockup said an initial budget-range estimate for a new facility is approximately $33 million to $41.5 million depending primarily on site acquisition and site-preparation costs. The interlocal partners have formed a working group to review financing options that could include a bond, public development authority tools, grants, or other capital mechanisms.

Why it matters: Joint Animal Services’ operational trends—rising intake especially of dogs, a larger volunteer program, and reduced length of stay—both reflect increasing demand for services and strengthen the case for a modern facility that meets national standards and reduces stress and disease risk for animals. The state grant and local contributions provide initial capital, but significant additional funding will be required.

What happens next: The four-jurisdiction working group will continue evaluating financing tools and partner contributions; staff will return to the jurisdictions with more detailed financial models and a recommended approach for site acquisition and capital fundraising.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lacey City Council Meeting - June 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Joint Animal Services presented annual operations metrics showing increased intakes (notably dogs), more adoptions, volunteer contributions and the agency's space-needs assessment; staff outlined a revised 20,000-square-foot facility concept with an estimated $33–41.5 million total cost and identified $1 million in state funding.","taxTitle","Lacey, Thurston County, Washington","taxId",4615,"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},6215760,"Council approves purchase of former utility parcel at Mullen Road for affordable housing development",417,7988000,8405000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3656420-284cd8e9e376c6dbe160890e5b2c2cb0&start=7988&end=8405","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3656420-284cd8e9e376c6dbe160890e5b2c2cb0/thumbnail_7988000.jpg","/articles/6215760/Lacey/Thurston-County/Washington/Council-approves-purchase-of-former-utility-parcel-at-Mullen-Road-for-affordable-housing-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215760-337354e19972b596cc1c99160b5ed9f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155995&Signature=Wn4RD74Iv-mDOgATL206CCsaLxnzah7iAw2tBtaWIogbYLriMpSQ0xgcmZZEIzx9uOCLgKrtydz0FRXqygdJg1Z4mZuZVwqCOiyIVnmevxzekQE78Ww-eVceQVngpplM8uUS9iZcHdzwPltbhK~HIK9S8D1phuqw2BqfD4vd~qRBZSS17Caoc6rUFw03uSpjY5Jl6RouxRPWrMc7bULrAOCTMyhFv6Ge~WcvVHkhdeBRyCZxNApYvDKrA7CWf5tAjauelomGSQZfFDc4NU-EBjFT~NM-DXuF3YIZQ7cKTCTM8iTLEhnMn39mdmjx5Aa1Szc8pXYYThomvRvvQ4UsxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council on June 3 voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to acquire a roughly five-acre parcel at 5025 Mullen Road Southeast from LOTT Clean Water Alliance for $450,000 plus half of escrow and closing fees, provided the site be used for affordable housing consistent with state law and recently adopted local code.

Community Development staff presented a due-diligence summary: an appraisal returned a $700,000 market value; LOTT agreed to sell at $450,000—their purchase price—if the city used the property for affordable housing under RCW provisions allowing surplus public property transfers at below-appraised value. Staff reported a gopher-study found no gopher habitat and that pre-submittal review with public-works engineering, building and planning concluded the parcel is developable. The site sits across from Camas Middle School and is zoned open space/institutional.

Under the terms of the April 16, 2025 purchase-and-sale agreement, the city may reacquire the parcel for non-affordable-housing uses only by repaying the $250,000 difference up to appraised value plus an inflation adjustment. Staff recommended acquisition and said discussions with an affordable-housing developer would begin after closing; staff plans to return to council with a development-sale agreement and specific terms.

Outcome: The council approved the manager’s authority to acquire the property at the $450,000 price, plus half escrow and incidental fees. The motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The parcel is positioned as an affordable-housing opportunity near a school and could support ownership or rental units depending on partnering arrangements; the city's ability to purchase at below-appraised value depends on state surplus-property rules and the local ordinance (Ordinance 16-73) enacted earlier in the year to enable surplus-property transfers for affordable housing.

What happens next: City staff will continue developer discussions and prepare terms of disposition; if the city later decides not to use the parcel for affordable housing it must repay LOTT to reach appraised value per the purchase-and-sale agreement.","The council voted to acquire a roughly five-acre LOTT Clean Water Alliance parcel at 5025 Mullen Road for $450,000, conditioned on affordable-housing use; staff said the site is developable and will be offered to an affordable-housing partner.",{"_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},6215765,"Council adopts 'Target Zero' safety action plan to pursue federal Safe Streets funding",393,3090000,3483000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3656420-284cd8e9e376c6dbe160890e5b2c2cb0&start=3090&end=3483","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3656420-284cd8e9e376c6dbe160890e5b2c2cb0/thumbnail_3090000.jpg","/articles/6215765/Lacey/Thurston-County/Washington/Council-adopts-Target-Zero-safety-action-plan-to-pursue-federal-Safe-Streets-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215765-69e37798a4b9b9278d5c04b1db479e41/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155995&Signature=aAiGV7yOwySkjgsw5L9Fo-W1RkbKUldu2DfXtIgQ9r2pDzVlX8ms~6R2Y7VZ1u1LmCeO9fiheeFd1rh32nLGvoCMGdPoE40~fdcZrgLQl~0kaiGK8tquPpnEDpa3qe7Zxym74Jo-~Nb7u3c5Qa6rpaYJlPVc1FwP-GFsB0c~VsLigm7wYBoZ1sE8oYb-fp1dfkc0y~-Atc-SLZFpgHwDDkeZSkv5RA8lrRkmtFz8XAGEIL24W23Sq1D6ata-VdNa4PgOXr03boA4ahY8Lz0I6b3u1Oup63beuY2VfS6mdQ4NZ7nSbD8reHDpBg2eGVHVs444BMgNReybdNnf83Q83w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lacey City Council on June 3 unanimously adopted Resolution 11-67 to establish a \"Target 0\" Vision Zero policy and to adopt a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) safety action plan, a prerequisite for applying for federal implementation grants under the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Martin (city staff) introduced the program and said the planning grant produced a safety action plan focused on reducing fatal and serious-injury crashes. Consultant Scott Lindblom of David Evans and Associates summarized the plan’s findings: a five-year crash review showed nearly 5,000 crashes on city streets from 2019–2023 and 64 fatal or serious-injury crashes. Bike and pedestrian users were overrepresented in fatal and serious crashes—about 38%—compared with their share of roadway use.

Lindblom said the plan combined five years of crash data, community feedback (230 survey comments, with English and Spanish outreach), and a task force that included Lacey Fire, school district, police, public works and equity staff. The most at-risk intersections clustered along College Street, which accounted for three of the city’s top five high-risk intersections; other high-risk corridors include Marvin Road, Carpenter Road, Yelm Highway and Martin Way.

\"College Street actually was when you look at the high risk intersections of the top 5 in the city, College Street had 3 of the top 5,\" Lindblom said. The action plan lists specific project concepts and a safe-systems approach to speed management, crossings, and corridor treatments that could be advanced with federal dollars.

Council discussion touched on county-owned intersections (for example, Martin and Carpenter) and incremental improvements such as signage and pedestrian improvements that can be advanced outside of competitive grant cycles. Councilmember comments repeatedly emphasized speed management and pedestrian safety near schools. The mayor and council members endorsed moving promptly because the SS4A implementation grant application deadline was June 26.

Outcome: The council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 11-67, enabling the city to apply for SS4A implementation funding to pursue corridor and intersection projects (College Street identified as top candidate). Staff said the plan will guide grant applications and prioritization of safety projects.

Why it matters: Adoption of the safety action plan is a formal step that allows the city to pursue federal implementation funding to build street-safety improvements intended to reduce serious and fatal crashes; it identifies the College Street corridor as ripe for initial projects.","The council adopted Resolution 11-67 endorsing a Vision Zero \"target 0\" policy and a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) safety action plan; staff said College Street is a top candidate for implementation grants.",{"_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},6215770,"Lacey updates water-shortage response plan, reminds customers of odd/even watering and exemptions",837,3883000,4720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3656420-284cd8e9e376c6dbe160890e5b2c2cb0&start=3883&end=4720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3656420-284cd8e9e376c6dbe160890e5b2c2cb0/thumbnail_3883000.jpg","/articles/6215770/Lacey/Thurston-County/Washington/Lacey-updates-water-shortage-response-plan-reminds-customers-of-oddeven-watering-and-exemptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215770-455f3018a153435694c52b1102edbed7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155995&Signature=UezSzeCooXV5uxNqFXtPjO~ZYlrSVX2PAThQ5DnHpyEiQ-ZcxxIjVmBEUeeqaloV6awoZbQIho~h7mPKJ6utWtiJnHMXtItPCDjzTuFqv4Qm6zmGIrZXyz3M2FYFzhY7quVdSS1txb5UyyHqWELb3s0Esw25ayedk78sZto-euWvT86h229slDHYH0AS-d2edfVnrRwOduBlML071PBnMHSF3QOshkFqqYg6rKPLtV-nRo1jBRYw39HlY6HPzp2Kn4ICaV6pRIlgCD9~eKH8ljdjLENVwDz5rZF0xe4zzBnpZoobC5uVuhN0t4KC~w-eDGGZmAX6sz8gFtDk7F9rQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Charlene McKendree, the city’s water resource specialist, presented the City of Lacey’s 2025 Water Shortage Response Plan and the 2025 Consumer Confidence (water-quality) Report at the June 3 council meeting, describing trigger metrics, customer rules, and outreach measures for drought and operational shortages.

McKendree said the plan is updated annually and uses a present-possible-production metric (P3) that considers 24-hour maximum well pumping and reservoir capacity. She said the plan’s irrigation-season measures are in effect June 1 through Sept. 30 and may be adjusted by the Water Shortage Response Team as conditions change. \"Stage 1 advisory, that's what we're in right now. It's, we ask all the water utility customers to abide by the odd and schedule so and it's in effect June 1 through September 30 also,\" McKendree said.

Stage definitions: the plan uses four stages. Stage 1 (advisory) asks customers to follow the city’s odd/even watering schedule and aims to reduce peak demand by 15%. Stage 2 triggers internal city actions and additional outreach to large commercial irrigation customers. Stage 3 would be a public-facing mandatory shortage with broader outreach and enforcement, and Stage 4 would be an emergency with strict prohibitions such as no irrigation of grass, no filling of pools, and restricted hydrant use to preserve drinking water.

McKendree reported last season’s average and projected production figures and explained that outdoor irrigation (grass and landscaping) accounts for most summertime increased use; winter average peak consumption is about 6 million gallons per day versus a typical summer peak of 13 million gallons per day. The plan lists P3 thresholds: internal actions at 16.5 million gallons per day and other thresholds for stages higher up to the emergency level. She said the city has not previously declared a Stage 3 mandatory shortage.

The city enforces an odd/even schedule that it said is authorized in Lacey Municipal Code (cited in the presentation as \"Lacey municipal code 13.480.01\"). Under the schedule, addresses ending in odd numbers water Saturday, Monday and Wednesday; even numbers water Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Exceptions include potted plants, hanging baskets, commercial greenhouses, heavily used publicly owned play fields, and pressure washing or vehicle washing. Temporary exemptions for newly planted lawns or sod can be approved for six weeks; variances for work-schedule conflicts may also be granted on a case-by-case basis.

McKendree also presented the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report — required annually by the Washington State Department of Health — with 2024 test results, source information, backflow prevention guidance and links to local drought resources. Printed copies will be distributed to apartments, senior facilities and public locations, and the report is posted on the city website in English and five translated languages (Vietnamese, simplified Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Tagalog).

Why it matters: The plan sets clear operational triggers and customer rules for a season when outdoor irrigation drives demand; adherence to the odd/even schedule helps maintain pressure for firefighting and emergency needs and reduces the likelihood of more restrictive stages.

What happens next: The Water Shortage Response Team monitors well and storage performance and will recommend stage changes and outreach if needed. Customers seeking exemptions or variances should contact water resources as directed in the presentation.","City staff presented the 2025 Water Shortage Response Plan and the 2024 Consumer Confidence (water-quality) Report; council heard triggers for stages 1–4, the current stage 1 advisory in effect June 1–Sept. 30, and procedures for exemptions and variances.",{"_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},6215774,"Lacey Fire District proposes paid business-inspection program; council directs staff to craft resolution",898,2183000,3081000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3656420-284cd8e9e376c6dbe160890e5b2c2cb0&start=2183&end=3081","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3656420-284cd8e9e376c6dbe160890e5b2c2cb0/thumbnail_2183000.jpg","/articles/6215774/Lacey/Thurston-County/Washington/Lacey-Fire-District-proposes-paid-business-inspection-program-council-directs-staff-to-craft-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215774-3a548863652683bed8ab996d5bf8082d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155995&Signature=KEnZfbSlq65MCD9AmbyRBDg2cVX1JITGGpqqQ~sFK~SrkXVevKFV0DxG5~YnUpXfiN00JC~sMcixIJOyBBkqI~4YSKrsIwcFstrS3d1zqw9731GDyjDh2PUNTiimOJ5fQLjrL34vRKRfO0BYNQ7uEWszwCGRRlbvq5pNe7LwlRMxXtm05k8bcHdE39~WkqNTroyynrIeVfGQen5xTst7arYLnSA3B2gr~OgiZvQw5mlmV65Edp0tA0dAu8fnLQKZmAB2ZLTqPQe1XzXTOt5x2pOaJNYTGdSylZruWAIr8UYONuJUwqLh7PyexxqKFEE5EFbuaT0ZYhaxARtKlPn3tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lacey Fire Chief Jennifer Schmidt and Deputy Chief Michael Sarafsky presented a Community Risk Reduction (CRR) program to the Lacey City Council on June 3, asking the city to support a fee-based business inspection program and to consider a resolution that would allow the fire district to bill for inspections.

The CRR presentation framed inspections, fire investigation and public education as proactive, preventative work the district believes requires dedicated staff rather than being done intermittently by engine crews. \"Our crew members still loved going out doing inspections ... but we found more and more that our crews were stressed with call volumes,\" Chief Schmidt said, arguing that a staffed inspection program would reduce interruptions and improve service consistency.

Deputy Chief Sarafsky described the district's analysis and proposed fee schedule. He said the district targeted 100% inspection coverage based on a risk-tiered approach and workforce analysis, then set a tiered fee schedule to match complexity. The packet shown to council lists example fees ranging from $49 for buildings of 1,000 square feet or less (inspected every two years) to a base rate of $147 and $882 annual inspection for extremely large buildings (80,000 square feet or greater); hazardous-materials sites could require semiannual inspections under the proposal.

Council members asked how enforcement would work and whether inspections would be mandatory. Chief Schmidt said the authority to inspect comes from the International Fire Code and that the fire district would act as the authority having jurisdiction or its designee. She described a community-first enforcement strategy: advance outreach, scheduling inspections at times that do not disrupt businesses, and emphasizing written inspection reports that could be useful for insurance purposes. \"Our strategy is gonna be to initiate a conversation with our business community early on and say, 'hi, we wanna meet with you,'\" she said.

Council members pressed on fee fairness for small versus very large facilities, and on how noncompliance would be handled. Sarafsky said the district benchmarked fee structures in other Washington jurisdictions and aimed to right-size charges to building complexity and inspector workload. Chief Schmidt said finding would be a last resort and that the district expected education and demonstrated value—lower insurance ratings and written reports—to drive compliance, but that invoicing and collections processes could be used as a final remedy.

Outcome: Council did not vote on a fee ordinance or approve immediate charging authority at the meeting. Instead, the council consensus was to direct staff to develop a resolution that would allow the fire district to charge per the proposed fee schedule and to bring that resolution back for council consideration. Mayor Bridal stated: \"I would recommend that we direct staff to work up a resolution so we can have a consider it a future council meeting.\" Council members signaled broad support for advancing the resolution and education outreach prior to any fee implementation.

Why it matters: The proposed program would shift business safety inspections from intermittent duties performed by response crews to a staffed, funded program. Proponents argue this would improve inspection quality, and could lower insurance costs if the jurisdiction’s fire protection ratings improve. Criticisms and questions at the meeting focused on fee equity for different-size businesses, the practicalities of billing and enforcement, and the need for early outreach to the business community and the Chamber of Commerce.

What happens next: Staff will draft a resolution authorizing the fire district to bill under a fee schedule and will coordinate community outreach and interagency details before returning to council for formal consideration. No fees will be charged until the council takes formal action approving the resolution and any implementing ordinance or interlocal amendment.","Lacey Fire officials outlined a new community risk reduction program including a tiered business inspection fee schedule and asked the city to consider a resolution allowing the district to bill for inspections; council directed staff to prepare the resolution for future consideration.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Joint Animal Services reports rising intake, shorter shelter stays and $1M state grant toward facility plan

Council approves purchase of former utility parcel at Mullen Road for affordable housing development

Council adopts 'Target Zero' safety action plan to pursue federal Safe Streets funding

Lacey updates water-shortage response plan, reminds customers of odd/even watering and exemptions

Lacey Fire District proposes paid business-inspection program; council directs staff to craft resolution