Council hears public-services update on code changes, rezoning and upcoming Prairie Days events

Councilors on May 26 heard a lengthy Public Services Committee report outlining planning and public-works items that will affect development and neighborhood projects in Yelm.

A committee representative described proposed code amendments intended to make it easier to subdivide property, with final plat approvals remaining administrative while the council would continue to approve overall master plans. The report said several recently annexed parcels are proposed to be rezoned to R6 and R4 to align with an anticipated loop road; those rezonings will follow standard review and public-notice processes.

Public works updates included completed upgrades on 3rd Street, replacement of 18 sidewalk panels on Killian, and plans to add employee parking at the public service building. The committee said bids for an alleyway Veterans Memorial project are planned for the summer and staff are working with Comcast and Puget Sound Energy to move overhead utilities underground in affected areas.

Staff also previewed a busy event calendar: Pollinator Palooza on June 6, a teen-focused "Yelm Unlocked" program on June 4 for 13–16-year-olds, a color run on June 13, a Flag Day ceremony on June 14, Prairie Days June 25–28 (including a community bingo, a parade, food trucks and a movie in the park) and a charity mush ball tournament on June 28.

Councilors raised safety and traffic concerns during the report, asking public services to evaluate bike facilities and speed limits on roads undergoing upgrades. The committee representative confirmed those issues would be considered as projects move forward.