Yelm City Council approves three mayoral appointments to commissions

Three of Mayor Joe DePinto’s appointments to local commissions were made official during a Yelm City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27, following approval from councilors.

DePinto noted that there will be more appointments set for approval in Yelm City Council meetings next month, following the appointment of Mayra Pena to Yelm Arts Commission, Dustin Stephan to the Yelm Police Advisory Committee and Ashley Brooks to the Yelm Planning Commission.

The first appointee up for council approval was Pena, who according to DePinto, sought re-appointment to the Yelm Arts Commission. Councilor Brian Hess motioned to appoint Pena and councilor Griselda Arias seconded the motion.

“Mayra has been part of the arts commission now for a few years,” DePinto said. “She’s been a solid member. Her attendance is excellent. She’s also a member of the EDC. She’s a professional and I believe she brings a good perspective to the arts commission. I’m proud to make her my appointment.”

Pena was unanimously approved by Yelm City Councilors to the arts commission.

The second appointee up for council approval was Stephan — who recently retired from the Yelm Police Department force. Arias motioned to confirm the appointment, while Hess seconded the motion.

“Dustin has been a member of the Yelm Police force for us here for years,” DePinto said. “He’s now retired from the Yelm Police Department, but he served with distinction and I believe would be a good representative on this committee. He has my full confidence as well.”

Stephan was also unanimously approved for appointment by Yelm City Council.

The third and final appointee who was up for council approval was Brooks. DePinto, before Yelm City Council voted on the final appointee, prefaced that there was some concern about a conflict of interest surrounding Brooks’ potential appointment as she serves as an executive aide for Rachel Grant, Thurston County Board of County Commissioners member.

“We did reach out to our attorney and we did make confirmation that there is no conflict of interest,” DePinto said. “It is not an incompatible office and there is no influence or control over the commission, is what the legal perspective was.

“Ashley has been a former council member. She has run for council before. She is very involved with different activities here in Yelm, including with the Yelm Lions Club,” DePinto continued. “She also has my full confidence.”

Hess motioned for the appointment of Brooks — while Arias seconded the motion.

Brooks was narrowly appointed to the Yelm Planning Commission after a 4-3 vote. Councilors Arias, Hess, David Johnstone and Terry Kaminski each voted in favor of appointing Brooks, while councilors Tracey Wood, Joseph Richardson and Stephanie Kangiser voted against the appointment.