Megan Hansen’s Nisqually Valley News story of published Thurs., December 23, 2010 was titled:
Court fight over Yelms denial of occupancy heads into another year

Highlights of her reports said:
“Heading into the new year, a battle is continuing between the City of Yelm and a local family blocked from moving into their new home.

Yelm residents Andrew and Cynthia Smith filed a lawsuit in Thurston County Superior Court against the city, Community Development Director Grant Beck, the propertys developer, its builder and a real estate agency.

A hearing for a motion for summary judgment dismissing the case against the City of Yelm and Grant Beck was originally scheduled for last Friday [Dec. 17].

The hearing was postponed because the court had a full docket, Yelm Mayor Ron Harding said…

The Smiths assert the city wrongfully issued a building permit for the home in the 24-lot subdivision.

Now, citing public safety regulations, the city wont issue a certificate of occupancy, meaning the family cannot move in.

Last year, a claim was filed seeking $450,000 in damages.

In the claim, the Smiths allege the city was negligent in its supervision of Community Development Director Grant Beck, saying it enabled Beck to use city legal services for his personal biases and benefit.

They claim Beck used his power to delay and oppose the familys occupancy and plat amendment, including burdening the family with tasks and conditions that are not required by other citizens.”

Ed. Note:
Unfortunately, the City of Yelm made an error and are not big enough to correct their ways & allow the Smith’s an occupancy permit to move in.
This writer previously suggested Community Development Director Grant Beck be fired. This man has caused so many issues for the City of Yelm costing the city revenue & expenses, though is supported by Mayor Harding & the City Council.

As reported here on November 10, 2009 about the Smith’s situation,
“The Smith’s home builder told this writer after tonight’s Council meeting that SE Thurston Fire/EMS Chief Rita Hutcheson issued a letter saying their Mill Pond Fire Station could respond to any issue in Pacific Palisades West within 3 minutes, due to the close proximity.”

This letter from the Fire Chief alone should have been enough for the City Council to approve an occupancy permit for the Smiths & resolve this issue. However, not in Yelm.
How sad taxpayer money is going for legal fees to uphold the city’s argument.

Even The Olympian’s Christian Hill weighed in on this issue with this Nov. 29, 2009 report:
“Permit process gone awry creates nightmare in Yelm
Land Use: New house empty as pair try to get it back on track”