• Editor’s note: While the City of Yelm Government issued a coronavirus statement last week on the city’s Facebook page (below), there has been nothing from Mayor Foster on the city’s official news page. Many constituents do not use Facebook.
• Mayor Foster should declare a city emergency now that Gov. Inslee has closed restaurants and bars to sit down patrons.
• The mayor should consider any and all of these suggestions.

Public Health must be our city leaders’ priority.

The next over-arching focus should be to conserve city cash!

Declare an emergency as did Lacey.

Convene the city’s emergency task force of police, fire, EMT and city personnel and report to the public on support for our town through this emergency.

With the cooperation of Providence Hospitals, work to set-up an isolation triage facility in the Yelm Community Center and UCBO for Yelm residents infected with the virus needing a place to be separated from general population.

Work towards acquiring grants to support Yelm’s small businesses.

Place a directive that no evictions would be permitted during this emergency.

Pledge to ensure water/sewer service are not cut-off for delinquent account holders.

Temporarily close the Community Development Dept. – there is now no need as projects will come to a halt, as money for home-building will dry-up.

Eliminate the Communications Assistant post, as Mayor Harding did in the 2008-2009 downturn, to conserve cash.

Create a plan to keep water/sewer systems functioning in-case of a breakdown, since there will be no funding forth-coming for the $17-$24 million in required upgrades.

Craft a teleworking policy for city hall employees to work online from home.

Move the council chambers back to the large Public Safety Building room.

• From the City of Yelm Government Facebook page:

COVID-19 UPDATE FOR YELM, WA

“We continue to encourage everyone to keep calm, wash your hands, and use common sense to stay healthy and slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Below is an update of decisions that have been made as a City and the latest information we’ve received from community partners. Please read and share to help others stay informed:

“The City of Yelm Police Department, City Hall, and Municipal Court remain open and operating under normal business hours. However, some operational changes to the court system have been made related to Yelm and the rest of Thurston County. Details can be found at: https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/…/press_release_2020_03_13.pdf

“JW Foster, Mayor of Yelm, announced that all non-essential City meetings are cancelled – boards, commissions, agencies, etc.

“The City Council Strategic Planning Retreat has been cancelled and will be rescheduled due to the closure of the venue for an undetermined amount of time.

“City Council meetings will continue as scheduled unless Council makes the determination to cancel them. Social distancing can occur at these meetings while the continuity of government operations and connection to government decision-making can continue virtually through the website on Youtube: https://www.yelmwa.gov/…/meeting__…/meeting_court_videos.php. Residents can continue to contact City Council members through our online portal at: https://www.yelmwa.gov/…/city_council/comment_to_council.php

“We encourage people to utilize our online services (at no additional cost) to make payments for permits and utilities. We encourage everyone to use discretion and sound judgment for events and activities at our parks and facilities. Refunds will be given to any individual or organization who has reserved these facilities and now wants to cancel.

“Schools in Yelm have been closed as part the Governor’s directive and students will not be going back to school until April 27th. Yelm Community Schools is working hard to make sure students who need food receive it. Details will be coming soon. Stay tuned to their website and social media pages for the latest information they send out: https://www.ycs.wednet.edu/

“All branches of the Timberland Regional Library are closed until at least April 27th. You can find updates on their website at trl.org or Yelm Timberland Library.

” The impacts of COVID-19 and the actions to contain it are far reaching. It is important to do everything in your power to remain calm, use common sense, practice healthy habits, and be respectful of the circumstances other individuals and organizations may be facing. We will endeavor to persevere and be successful by all working together.” Read more