The Yelm City Council officially signed off on Mayor Joe DePinto’s recommendations for committees and advisory boards as it confirmed six applicants to their respective City of Yelm groups.
Glenn Rex and Robert Mandel were each appointed to the Police Advisory Committee with 6-1 votes. According to the Yelm City Council meeting’s agenda packet, the Police Advisory Committee was created as part of the Yelm Police Department’s accreditation process.
The committee serves as an advisory body for the police department to advance its efforts in policing the local community. It also periodically provides input on police issues to the mayor, city administrator and Yelm city councilors.
Rex has served a prior term on the Police Advisory Committee, which expired on Dec. 31, 2024. He sought a second term with the committee. Mandel, who was also confirmed for the same committee, is a 21-year Yelm resident and a retired U.S. Army Military Police officer.
Karen Conley was the lone confirmation to the Yelm Arts Commission, with a 6-1 vote. According to the Yelm City Council meeting agenda, Conley is the co-owner of Conley Suites Bed and Breakfast in Yelm and has designed and distributed a local walking map to local downtown businesses in order to promote “cooperation” amongst small businesses in Yelm.
She brings 21 years of experience with the Department of Social and Health Services as a financial analyst, and has her associates and bachelor of science degrees in business administration.
Jennifer Lamont was the lone appointment to Yelm’s Salary Commission. According to bylaws, members cannot be appointed to more than two terms. According to her application, Lamont has volunteered at various events in Yelm such as the Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally and the Best of Nisqually Gala. She is a certified law enforcement officer and has worked for the state of Washington for 20 years. She is also a certified fraud examiner with experience investigating criminal history and financial information.
As well, the council unanimously appointed Steve Harshfield to Yelm’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC). The state requires that jurisdictions of at least 5,000 people have an LTAC board appointed by the council with at least five members and at least two representatives from businesses from which the city collects taxes. This tax can be collected from hotels, motels, Airbnb, Vrbo and RV spots.
Harshfield is involved locally with Standing Room Only Theater and is a current member of the Yelm Arts Commission. He is also a project manager with 25 years of operational experience.
Lastly, the council voted 6-1 to appoint Dana Allen to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is a mandatory board under the state’s Growth Management Act and advises the City Council on all planning and development issues including the preparation and revision of the Yelm Comprehensive Plan and local land-use regulations.