Douglas Hale

The meeting agenda included a presentation on the Stormwater Comprehensive Plan. The consent agenda covered approval of recent payroll and claims checks, and the reappointment of Judy Bittenbender and Susan Cable to the Planning Commission. The council was also set to consider a contract for pre-employment background investigation services with Public Safety Testing Investigations and a contract for supplemental public safety event staffing with Seattle's Finest. A Public Hearing regarding Critical Areas Regulations Revisions was continued to a subsequent meeting. Furthermore, the agenda included an introduction item for a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of DuPont for facility use, which was approved. Staff reports detailed upcoming community events, the town earning the WellCity designation, updates on the Dock Lift Station Project and Reservoir Rehabilitation Project, and review of proposed edits to the stormwater code.

The regular council meeting included presentations where Sergeant Chris Bailey received a Certificate of Merit and Mr. P.K. Thumbi received an Outstanding Citizen Certificate of Appreciation for his community service. A proclamation was made declaring March 2026 as American Red Cross month. The Consent Agenda included approval of payroll and claims checks, the 2026 Public Safety Advisory Committee Workplan, and minutes from the prior meeting. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a Public Hearing concerning Revisions to Critical Areas Regulations. Multiple residents voiced objections to increased buffers, questioned restoration plans, and requested delays to better understand the implications, especially regarding storm water routing and designation changes (waterway vs. stream). The Public Hearing was continued to the March 17 meeting. Under Introduction Items, the Council authorized the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of DuPont for Facility Use. Staff reports covered upcoming community events, acceptance of summer concert donations, the Town's renewed WellCity designation, updates on the Dock Lift Station Project, Reservoir Rehabilitation Project, and the onboarding of new Public Safety software for speed and congestion analysis. Councilmembers reported on legislative session progress, lighting upgrades, and upcoming advisory committee meetings.

This Stormwater Master Plan updates the 2013 plan, serving as guidance for the Town of Steilacoom's staff, residents, and stakeholders. It describes the existing stormwater system, its management, operations, and identifies future needs and recommendations. The plan includes a comprehensive list of capital improvement projects for a 10-year planning horizon and a financial analysis. Its primary goals are to preserve and protect water quality and the hydraulic regime, ensure cost-effective service, plan for future growth, address known flooding areas, respect the environment, and adapt to changing regulatory requirements and climate conditions.

The agenda for the meeting included several key components. Presentations were scheduled for a Public Safety Certificate of Merit and a Public Safety Outstanding Citizen Certificate of Appreciation. A proclamation recognizing the American Red Cross was also planned. The Consent Agenda covered approval of previous minutes (February 3, 2026), payroll checks, claims checks, and the Public Safety Advisory Committee 2026 Workplan. A Public Hearing and subsequent Action Item addressed Revisions to Critical Areas Regulations. An Introduction Item involved a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of DuPont for Facility Use. Reports from Staff, Council, and the Mayor were also scheduled. A subsequent Study Session was planned to continue discussions on the Critical Areas Regulations Revisions and Urban Forestry Management Proposed Revisions.

The regular meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Presentations included an overview of herbicide and pesticide use from the Pierce Conservation District and the Public Safety Advisory Committee's 2026 Workplan. The Consent Agenda was approved, covering the minutes of the previous meeting, claims checks, the Parks and Environment Advisory Committee 2026 Workplan, and surplus chairs. A significant portion of the meeting involved public input regarding proposed Critical Area Regulation Revisions, where numerous residents expressed concerns over the proposed 100ft buffer, questioning its scientific basis, impact on property rights (including limitations on building/use and compensation), the nature of the waterway (often described as man-made and dry in summer), and town communication regarding the mandate. Key staff reports covered the acquisition of a Street Vision license, WSDOT paperwork finalization for Rigney Road, commencement of Garrison Springs Culvert predesign negotiations, and the start date for the Dock Lift Station Improvements Project. The Town Planner announced the award of $400,000 in state funding to incorporate a new climate element into the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmembers provided updates on legislative matters and community events. The regular meeting adjourned, followed by a study session addressing Roe Street Water Tanks, Critical Areas Regulations Revisions, and Urban Forestry Management.