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City staff report: drug drop box returns, court arraignment timeline shortens, drone program under review
Summary
City administrator and committee reports covered a resumed prescription drug drop box in police lobby, a Supreme Court ruling shortening arraignment timelines to three days, a proposed drone program estimated at $12,000, public-safety camera deployments, and establishment of a Veterans Memorial Advisory Committee.
City Administrator Todd and committee chairs provided multiple departmental updates to the Yelm City Council on Sept. 9 covering public safety, court operations and public works.
Todd reported that a prescription drug drop box has returned to the police lobby under a new collection process; a third-party vendor will collect and dispose of medications. He also said the court is hosting a passport fair on Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., that appointment slots are full but walk-ins will be accommodated, and that weekly passport appointments continue on Wednesdays.
Todd told the council the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that took effect Sept. 1 shortens the arraignment window from 14 days to three days. He said the court administrator, Ramirez, is working with the judge and prosecutors to adjust procedures to meet the new timing requirement and that this change presents scheduling challenges for small municipalities that hold court infrequently.
Public safety committee reports included an update that eight “Flock” cameras are now operational and a review of new police vehicle graphics. The committee discussed a proposed drone program with an estimated total cost of about $12,000; the chief intends to pursue grant funding to reduce city costs. The drone program would train eight operators — four police officers and four public services staff — and staff would complete FAA certification before operational deployment. Committee members said concerns about privacy and Fourth Amendment protections are being addressed by the chief as the program is developed.
The committee also described development of a chaplain program intended to build rapport between officers and a chaplain who will later be trained to support personnel after incidents, and reported on staffing gaps with two upcoming vacancies and several officers in training or under background review.
Public services director Colt announced establishment of a Veterans Memorial Advisory Committee to assist with design of an upcoming memorial. Colt also reported the splash pad is closed for the season and undergoing annual maintenance.
Other items reported to council included a planned Vertex next-generation 911 phone system scheduled to go live Nov. 3 (TCOM update) and ongoing capital planning in the Bald Hills fire service area, where a backup engine and potential ladder truck purchase were discussed.
Several councilors reported on regional meetings: members urged resident applications for an Intercity Transit advisory committee and discussed homeless services and regional housing funding at a Regional Housing Council meeting.
