Olympia public meetings in 2022
50 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Cultural Access Program Ad Hoc Committee
The committee held a discussion led by State Arts Commission staff regarding program priorities, values, and a draft survey for local cultural organizations. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.
- Approved amended agenda
- Postponed approval of November 15 and December 6 meeting minutes to January 3, 2023
Civil Service Commission
The Commission certified registers for entry level and lateral police officers and voluntary demotion firefighters. It extended the Promotional Fire Battalion Chief Register and authorized a change to the firefighter probationary period.
- Approved Entry Level Police Officer Register (3-0)
- Approved Lateral Police Officer Register (3-0)
- Extended Promotional Fire Battalion Chief Register to October 19, 2023 (3-0)
- Approved Voluntary Demotion Firefighter Register (3-0)
- Authorized firefighter probationary period change to one year beyond academy completion, with 12-month option for laterals (3-0)
Land Use & Environment Committee
The committee received briefings on the draft 2023 Community Planning and Development Work Program and the Land Use and Environment Committee Draft 2023 Work Plan. No substantive policy decisions or votes were recorded beyond the approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved November 17, 2022 meeting minutes
City Council
The City Council approved the 2023 Operating, Special Funds, Capital Budget, and Capital Facilities Plan. Other actions included adopting the 2023 Legislative Agenda and updating various utility and permit fees.
- Adopted 2023 Operating, Special Funds, Capital Budget, and Capital Facilities Plan (7-0)
- Approved 2023 City of Olympia Legislative Agenda (7-0)
- Approved 2023 City Council Retreat agenda (7-0)
- Adopted ordinance revising fees for Engineering, Building and Land Use Permits, and Plan Review
- Adopted ordinance updating impact fees
- Adopted ordinance relating to utility fees and charges
- Approved resolution for a community gun buy-back program
- Approved resolution for 2023 Plum Street Village funding agreement with Low Income Housing Institute
Arts Commission
The Commission recommended a public art concept plan for the Martin Way & Pacific Avenue crossing to the City Council. It also approved the 2023 Arts Walk cover artists and re-elected its leadership for the coming year.
- Recommended 'Crossroads of Connection: Roots and Fruits' Concept Plan to City Council (unanimous)
- Approved jury recommendation for 2023 Arts Walk cover artists Aimee Schreiber and Jennifer Kuhns (unanimous)
- Elected Chair Burlingame and Vice-Chair Dorgan to continue in leadership positions for 2023 (unanimous)
- Approved November 10, 2022 meeting minutes
Site Plan Review Committee
The committee conducted a presubmission conference for a project at 8th & Adams. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded in the minutes.
- Reviewed presubmission information for 22-1103 8th & Adams, 727 Adams St SE LOT, 22-6983
PBIA Advisory Board
The board approved the 2023 meeting schedule and the board recruitment procedure. Members received status updates on PBIA activities and a briefing on Olympia Strong.
- Approved 2023 meeting dates and board recruitment procedure (unanimous)
- Approved November 2, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved the agenda
- Postponed and closed the 2022 PBIA Funding Report
Heritage Commission
The Commission approved the meeting minutes from October 26 and November 16, 2022. Members discussed the 2023 Workplan and a historic marker for Harbor House Windows, and received an update on the Olympia Indie Music History project.
- Approved October 26, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved November 16, 2022 special meeting minutes
- Received update on Olympia Indie Music History project
- Provided comments on Harbor House Windows historic marker content for the Parks Department
City Council
The City Council approved a joint resolution with the City of Tumwater to form a Regional Fire Protection Authority, which will be submitted to voters in the April 25, 2023, special election. The council also approved several first-reading ordinances regarding budget, utility fees, and permit charges. Additionally, the council adopted the 2023 grants for arts and culture organizations.
- Approved joint resolution to form Regional Fire Protection Authority and submit to April 25, 2023 election (6-1)
- Approved 2023 Grants to Arts and Culture Organizations (7-0)
- Adopted Reimagining Public Safety Community Work Group recommendations (7-0)
- Adopted resolution for jail services interlocal agreement with Nisqually Indian Tribe (7-0)
- Adopted Transportation Improvement Program resolution (7-0)
- Approved first reading of 2023 Operating, Special Funds, Capital Budget, and Capital Facilities Plan (7-0)
- Approved first reading of ordinances updating impact fees, utility fees, and permit fees (7-0)
- Approved first reading of Fourth Quarter Budget Amendment (7-0)
City Council
The City Council conducted a study session to receive and discuss recommendations from the Community Work Group regarding Reimagining Public Safety. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this session.
Cultural Access Program Ad Hoc Committee
The committee held a visioning exercise to determine goals, objectives, and types of cultural activities for the program. The November 15, 2022 meeting minutes were postponed.
- Approved the agenda
- Approved November 1, 2022 meeting minutes
- Postponed November 15, 2022 meeting minutes to 1/3/2023
- Completed visioning exercise for Cultural Access Olympia
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission approved the nominations for OPC officers. The commission also received a briefing on Olympia Strong and approved the agenda and previous meeting minutes.
- Approved OPC Officers as nominated (unanimous)
- Approved November 21, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved meeting agenda
Utility Advisory Committee
The committee revised its upcoming work plan to include population growth impacts and affordability metrics. The 2023-2030 Waste ReSources Master Plan and the Climate Mitigation Plan Update were postponed to February 2023.
- Approved amended agenda
- Approved November 3, 2022 meeting minutes
- Postponed Climate Mitigation Plan Update to February 2, 2023
- Tabled 2023-2030 Waste ReSources Master Plan recommendation to February 2, 2023
- Added population growth and affordability metrics to 2023-2024 work plan
- Requested utility financial quarterly updates be changed to written format
- Received quarterly financial updates for Waste ReSources, Drinking Water, Storm and Surface Water, and Wastewater
Site Plan Review Committee
The committee held presubmission conferences for two projects. No formal decisions, approvals, or denials were recorded in the minutes.
- Presubmission conference held for Rivers End on Deschutes (22-1055)
- Presubmission conference held for Market Flats North (22-1119)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding the Joint Urban Growth Area Comprehensive Plan. Deliberations began but were not completed; a follow-up meeting will be scheduled for January.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Held and closed public hearing on Joint Urban Growth Area Comprehensive Plan (22-1112)
City Council
The City Council voted to move forward with the 2023 Operating Budget and the 2023-2028 Capital Facilities Plan. The council also approved several intergovernmental agreements and municipal code amendments via a consent calendar.
- Directed staff to bring forward an ordinance for the 2023 Operating Budget and 2023-2028 Capital Facilities Plan (7-0)
- Approved bills and payroll totaling $15,185,091.29
- Adopted agreement with Thurston County for Paramedic Services
- Adopted amendment to agreement with Lewis County for jail facilities
- Approved lease renewal for Great India Cuisine, Inc. at 116 4th Avenue W
- Approved subordination agreement with Housing Authority of Thurston County for a CDBG loan
- Adopted ordinance for 'Right to Report' compliance with Violence Against Women Act
- Adopted ordinance regarding Cultural Access Program Advisory Board for Inspire Olympia
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission approved the minutes from October 11, October 26, and November 7, 2022. The commission held discussions regarding the Capital Facilities Plans annual review process and the 2022-2023 work plan.
- Approved October 11, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved October 26, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved November 7, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved the meeting agenda
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met to review funding for tourism services. The committee recommended the 2023 Lodging Tax Funded Tourism Services Proposals for approval.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved April 25, 2022, meeting minutes
- Recommended approval of 2023 Lodging Tax Funded Tourism Services Proposals
Land Use & Environment Committee
The committee reviewed presentations on the Sea Level Rise Response Plan and the Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan. Updates were provided regarding the development of a rental housing registration program. No substantive policy changes or contracts were voted upon.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes
- Received information on Sea Level Rise Response Plan Implementation
- Completed discussion on Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan and EIS
- Completed discussion on Rental Housing Registration Program update
Site Plan Review Committee
The committee held a presubmission conference for the Franz Anderson Apartments project. No formal decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.
- Held presubmission conference for Franz Anderson Apartments (414 Franz Anderson Rd SE)
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee approved a process for ranking new member applications and defined the criteria for candidate review. The committee also approved nominations for Chair and Vice Chair.
- Approved process for members to rank applications and deliver results to Staff Liaison Michelle Swanson (6-1)
- Approved candidate review criteria: unique perspective, engagement in multimodal transportation, interest in community involvement, and geographic representation (unanimous)
- Moved Future Meetings Format topic to a future meeting (unanimous)
- Approved nominations of Committee member Roth for Chair and Committee member Bremner for Vice Chair
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee voted to send a joint recommendation to the City Council for the approval of the 2023 Operating Budget and the 2023-2028 Capital Facilities Plan. The committee also cancelled its December 21 meeting.
- Recommended 2023 Operating Budget and 2023-2028 Capital Facilities Plan for City Council approval (3-0)
- Approved October 19, 2022 meeting minutes
- Cancelled December 21 meeting
Heritage Commission
The Heritage Commission accepted a recommendation that the property at 101 Olympic Way NW met city standards for historic preservation rehabilitation. The commission recommended the special property tax valuation for final approval by the City Council.
- Recommended special property tax valuation for 101 Olympic Way NW to City Council (unanimous)
Metropolitan Park District Board
The Metropolitan Park District Board adopted the 2023 budget and set the 2023 ad valorem tax. The Board also received an annual compliance report on 2021 funding levels and a briefing on how a potential Regional Fire Authority could impact parks funding.
- Approved 2023 OMPD budget resolution (5-0)
- Approved 2023 OMPD ad valorem tax (5-0)
- Approved November 1, 2022 meeting minutes
- Received 2021 annual compliance report regarding funding levels
Cultural Access Program Ad Hoc Committee
The committee held a discussion on developing an operational framework to create focus areas and a workplan. Members also received information on emerging focus areas from the Olympia Strong: A Roadmap for Economic Resiliency report.
- Approved the meeting agenda
Civil Service Commission
The Commission approved the Entry Level Firefighter Paramedic Register. The meeting also included the approval of previous meeting minutes and a discussion regarding the Capital Metro Independent Investigation Team.
- Approved Entry Level Firefighter Paramedic Register (3-0)
- Approved August 4, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved October 18, 2022 meeting minutes
LEOFF I Disability Board
The board approved the minutes from the October 10, 2022 meeting. Additionally, the board approved a funding request for a hearing aid in Case #22-5.
- Approved October 10, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved Case #22-5 hearing aid request for $6,850.00 (3-0)
Arts Commission
The Commission recommended five arts and culture organizations for funding totaling $20,000. It also directed artists to modify the Martin Way & Pacific Avenue Art Crossing concept plan and conduct further community outreach.
- Approved October 13, 2022 meeting minutes
- Directed staff to modify Martin Way & Pacific Avenue Art Crossing concept plan and consult Lien Hoa Temple and Risen Faith Fellowship (unanimous)
- Recommended full funding for The Bridge Music Project ($4,410), CARE ($5,000), West Central Park Project ($3,965), and Earthbound Productions ($2,130) (5-0-1)
- Recommended partial funding for Arbutus Folk School ($4,495) (5-0-1)
City Council
The City Council and city management met with leadership from the Joint Base Lewis McChord 7th Infantry Division for a Community Connector meeting. Mayor Selby and Major General Stephen Smith presented information about the City of Olympia and the 7th Infantry Division, respectively. No formal actions were taken.
Site Plan Review Committee
The committee held a presubmission conference for a Habitat for Humanity project at 3900 Boulevard Rd SE. The minutes record that information was provided, but no formal decisions were made.
Community Livability and Public Safety Committee
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee accepted draft recommendations from the Reimagining Public Safety Community Work Group. These recommendations will be forwarded to the full City Council for consideration.
- Accepted Reimagining Public Safety Community Work Group recommendations and forwarded to City Council (3-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes. Members received briefings on electric vehicle ready parking and proposed municipal code amendments regarding variances and reasonable use exceptions. The commission also discussed the Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan and EIS.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved September 27, 2022, Finance Subcommittee Meeting Minutes
- Approved October 3, 2022, Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
City Council
The City Council held a special work session to review the Olympia Armory Creative Campus Concept Plan draft. Arts Program Specialist Angel Nava and Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Paul Simmons provided an overview of the plan. No formal decisions were made during this study session.
Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative-Executive Committee
The committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from August 5, 2022. Staff provided updates on the 2021-2025 Work Plan and announced the addition of a new ex-officio member. The committee discussed the Capital Lake Environmental Impact statement and the upcoming retirement of staff member Eric Christensen.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved August 5, 2022 meeting minutes
- Added John Lyons as a new ex-officio member
Design Review Board
The Board recommended approval of the detail design review plans for the Martin Way Affordable Housing & Shelter project. Members also discussed the timing for an annual retreat and future meeting locations.
- Recommended approval of detail design review plans for Martin Way Affordable Housing & Shelter (6-0)
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved August 11, 2022 meeting minutes
Utility Advisory Committee
The committee received briefings on the new Source Control Program, stormwater collections planning, and sea level rise response efforts. No formal votes were taken on business items, though the committee agreed to add a Port of Olympia utility charges review to the December agenda.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved October 6, 2022 meeting minutes
- Agreed to add Port of Olympia storm and surface water utility charges review to December 2022 agenda
Site Plan Review Committee
The committee conducted presubmission conferences for two projects. Information was provided for both the Farwell Plat and Royal Street Apartments projects.
- Presubmission conference held for 22-0981 Farwell Plat, 1908 Farwell Ave NW
- Presubmission conference held for 22-0995 Royal Street Apartments, 3714 Royal St SE
PBIA Advisory Board
The board approved a $1,000 sponsorship for a music summit and funding for ODA sidewalk decals. Members also received briefings on outdoor dining, holiday makers markets, and general PBIA activities.
- Approved $1,000 event sponsorship from Team Tomorrow for music summit (unanimous)
- Approved ODA funding for sidewalk decals up to $3,900 (9-1)
- Approved October 5, 2022 meeting minutes
City Council
The City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance setting the 2023 Ad Valorem Tax. The council also adopted a resolution for paramedic student skill development and an ordinance revising development agreement processes. Three public hearings were held regarding block grants and taxes.
- Approved first reading of 2023 Ad Valorem Tax for $19,994,908.73 (5-0)
- Adopted ordinance revising the process for considering development agreements
- Adopted resolution for agreement with Tacoma Community College for paramedic students
- Approved first reading of Third Quarter Budget Amendment (22-0954)
- Approved first reading of ordinance for Community Cat Program and animal services (22-0989)
- Adopted October 25, 2022 Work Session and City Council meeting minutes
Metropolitan Park District Board
The Board held public hearings on the 2023 preliminary budget and ad valorem tax. They directed staff to prepare a budget resolution of $5,321,573 and a tax resolution of $5,378,534.19 for a future meeting. The Board also agreed to refer certain agreements to the City Council Finance Committee for review.
- Approved May 10, 2022 meeting minutes
- Directed staff to prepare $5,321,573 budget resolution for Nov 15 meeting (5-0)
- Directed staff to prepare $5,378,534.19 ad valorem tax resolution for Nov 15 meeting (5-0)
- Agreed to refer Metropolitan Park District Board agreements to City Council Finance Committee
City Council
The City Council conducted a study session to review information on the proposed 2023 Operating Budget. The presentation covered several programs including housing, climate, and parks impact fees. No formal decisions were made during this session.
Cultural Access Program Ad Hoc Committee
The committee met for an introduction and orientation session. No substantive policy or funding decisions were made during the meeting.
- Approved the meeting agenda
Site Plan Review Committee
The committee reviewed a reasonable use exception for the Middleton project. The project was recommended for approval subject to specific conditions.
- Recommended approval with conditions for 22-0972 Middleton Reasonable Use Exception at 1203 Bowman Ave NW
Heritage Commission
The Commission approved the minutes from the September 21, 2022 meeting with one amendment. The body received a briefing on economic resiliency and held discussions regarding diversity in historic preservation and 2023 work planning.
- Approved September 21, 2022 meeting minutes as amended
Community Livability and Public Safety Committee
The Committee recommended increasing the Police Auditor contract budget to $200,000 and expanding its duties. It also recommended two appointments to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Staff provided briefings on citywide equity, street safety, and property crime.
- Recommended appointment of Don Olea and Janine Phillips to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (3-0)
- Directed staff to increase Police Auditor contract budget to $200,000 and modify duties to include work with the Social Justice and Equity Commission (3-0)
- Approved September 28, 2022 meeting minutes
Planning Commission
The City and County Planning Commissioners held a briefing on the Joint Urban Growth Area Comprehensive Plan. The commission scheduled a public hearing for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket Item CPA-1.
- Approved agenda
- Set public hearing for Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket Item CPA-1 (Olympia Joint Plan) for November 30, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. (unanimous)
City Council
The City Council approved an ordinance declaring a continuing state of public health emergency related to houselessness. The council also adopted several ordinances on second reading regarding eminent domain for road improvements and drainage standards.
- Approved ordinance declaring continuing state of public health emergency related to houselessness (7-0)
- Adopted ordinance authorizing eminent domain for Fones Road Improvement Project
- Adopted Olympia Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual (2022) and related engineering standards
- Adopted ordinance updating Title 9 of the Municipal Code regarding pedestrian interference
- Approved bills and payroll certification totaling $16,466,007.95
- Approved ordinance revising the process for considering development agreements on first reading
- Adopted October 18, 2022 Study Session and City Council meeting minutes
City Council
The Olympia and Tumwater City Councils met for a special joint study session. Staff presented an overview of the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) proposal, including governance and a 7-year finance plan. No formal decisions were made during the session.
Heritage Commission
The Heritage Review Committee voted to recommend a Special Tax Valuation for the property at 101 Olympic Way NW, pending expense validation by the Historic Preservation Officer. The meeting was brief and procedural, with no public comment.
- Approved agenda
- Approved July 18, 2022 meeting minutes
- Recommended Special Tax Valuation for 101 Olympic Way NW (pending expense validation)
Social Justice & Equity Commission
The Social Justice & Equity Commission approved its work plan and adopted core values of humility, authenticity, compassion, humor, curiosity, and love by unanimous vote. The commission also received a briefing on the police auditor and discussed a discrimination assessment RFP, but no decisions were made on those items.
- Approved work plan (unanimous)
- Adopted core values: humility, authenticity, compassion, humor, curiosity, love (unanimous)