Mayor DePinto’s decisive steps during his first days in office

The Yelm City Council and Nisqually Tribal Council will conduct a joint meeting Jan. 25th.

Mayor Joe DePinto held the gavel for the first time as mayor at the council’s study session, January 4th.

5 councilors were seated after swearing-in of 2 councilors re-elected to their existing council posts.

Mayor DePinto reviewed the roles, responsibilities and relationship of the council with the Executive branch.

DePinto said his city administration has an Open Policy for the council and described that any council member is welcome to reach-out to the mayor, interim city administrator, and the department heads if they have any questions about city policies and issues.

The mayor noted that he has been “trying to meet with every single employee” and had met with a quarter of them so far. He intends to meet with every employee by week’s end.

DePinto has met with the city attorney, as he has been in negotiations with the Teamsters Union leaders who represent employees working on the city’s infrastructure, i.e. parks, public works, etc. He said these negotiations are going very well.

The mayor and Interim City Administrator Stancil are looking at creating a Yelm warming center for extreme weather, possibly the Community Center.

+ Mayor DePinto informed the council members that their January 25th council meeting will be a joint session with the Nisqually Tribe in their quarters. The purpose is to improve the relationship between the City of Yelm and the Nisqually Tribe. DePinto said, “We are committed to be their partner on certain items. Joint partnerships are what we’re going to be doing.” He added this will be beneficial to both parties, especially on items that will save money. The city will also examine economic development projects to be suggested to the Tribe on which they can mutually be involved.

• Ed. note: The mutual friendship of Mayor DePinto and Nisqually Tribal Council Chairman Willie Frank III will be the catalyst for Yelm and the Tribe to finally develop stronger ties.
  

Mayor DePinto is moving forward to create a quarterly Employee Recognition acknowledgement to be implemented for entire city staff.

DePinto also announced the council’s camera and sound system will be upgraded within budget.

Mayor DePinto’s Agenda discussion items included:
a. NEW COUNCILMEMBER SWEARING IN
b. MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
c. WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY (WRF) ENGINEERING AMENDMENT
d. 2021 WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
e. REVIEW APPLICATIONS FOR CITY COUNCIL

Click here for the video from the Council Study Session, January 4, 2022.