City of Lacey

The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgement recognizing the ancestral lands of the Treaty of Medicine Creek tribes. Key discussion points included the approval of the agenda and minutes, and the approval of two financial claims for dental and prescription reimbursement which were below the threshold for formal board approval. The board discussed and agreed to remove language regarding 'active working LEOFF I members' from the policy and procedure language, as there are currently no active duty police officers in that status. The board also addressed the renewal of Ed Poll's term as member at large, which was approved for a second term. There were no public comments received.

The meeting focused on establishing the Lacey Small Business Stabilization Fund in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This involved proposing the allocation of $1,000,000 from the city's strategic investment fund, with $500,000 designated to immediately start the stabilization fund and the remaining $500,000 held in reserve for managerial discretion or potential supplementation based on evolving needs. Key discussion points included eligibility criteria for the grants, specifically the initial proposal of limiting grants to businesses with no more than five full-time equivalent employees, which prompted council discussion suggesting a higher threshold, perhaps ten, with a maximum consideration up to 25, and granting priority to smaller businesses while allowing flexibility for exceptions. There was also discussion on the outreach strategy, including multilingual communication and coordination with the EDC, as well as the process for reporting fund activity weekly to maintain nimbleness.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items, noting two excused absences. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to Public Recognitions and Presentations, featuring updates from the Lacey Youth Council regarding their recent activities, such as a successful blood drive, new member inductions, winter sports updates, and community service projects like canned food drives and campus cleanups. Following this, the Public Comment section addressed critical concerns regarding the healthcare system, specifically focusing on severe understaffing, long ER wait times, and delayed patient care at Providence St. Peter Hospital, leading to patient distress and safety risks. Commenters urged the Council to issue a supporting resolution for healthcare workers and support safe staffing legislation at the state level.

The session addressed two related proposals concerning development near Hicks Lake. The first item (21-81) involved a proposal for a 178-unit rental complex at 2710 Hazelwood Lane, which included requests for site plan review, forest practices permits, wetland development permits, and various shoreline permits due to the proposed communal pier and dock extending into Hicks Lake. The second item (20-190) concerned a proposal for a 132-unit multi-family complex at 2801 Hazelwood Lane Southeast, requiring a shoreline substantial development permit, a forest practices permit, and site plan review. The Hearing Examiner outlined an unusual consolidated process for efficiency, followed by applicant presentations and public testimony, emphasizing that the decision-making process is evidence gathering, with final recommendations going to the City Council.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the amended agenda, followed by public recognitions and presentations, specifically detailing the 2022 Police Department award highlights. Awards presented included the Medal of Valor and Medal of Bravery for officers involved in a January 2022 barricaded suspect incident where shots were fired at officers. A Chief's Commendation was awarded to a dispatcher for professional conduct during this event. Key incidents reviewed included the January 2022 attempted homicide of two officers, an officer-involved shooting in March 2022, a July 2022 fatal shooting at a fireworks festival, and other complex investigations. Recognition was also given for service milestones (10, 15, 20, and 25 years), Crime Stoppers work, and individual exceptional service awards to staff for duties beyond normal scope, such as fleet management, investigations, and technology support. The Employee of the Year award was presented to the traffic officer, and all detectives were commended for successfully resolving numerous complex cases.