Yelm staff announces $3 million TIB grant for Rote Road; staff updates, retirements and holiday events

YELM, Wash. — At its Nov. 25 meeting, Yelm city staff reported a $3,000,000 Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant to fund completion of the Rote Road project and shared a series of community and internal updates.

Todd, speaking for the finance department, told the council the city’s annual audit is underway with a focus on payroll, utility adjustments, accounts payable and procurement practices. He also announced the public works department will host a retirement recognition at 11 a.m. tomorrow for City Engineer Pat Hughes.

On capital funding, Todd said the city received a TIB grant for Rote Road totaling $3,000,000 to complete the project. The council did not take a vote on this grant during the meeting; staff presented the award as a funding update.

Recreation staff previewed holiday programming: the annual tree lighting in Yelm City Park will be Dec. 1 at 5 p.m., with an ornament memory activity from 5–6 p.m.; free photos with Santa will be available on Dec. 6; the Chamber of Commerce parade and Christmas in the Park events are scheduled for Dec. 10. Staff also noted a community conversation at Furlie’s Pizza on Dec. 10 and that the council will not meet on Dec. 23 because of the holidays.

What happens next: City staff will proceed with project planning and required grant contracting for the Rote Road award, and the public works and recreation teams will finalize event logistics and retirement recognition details.

Source notes: Finance staff said the TIB award amount was $3,000,000 and invited the council and public to upcoming events. The audit’s focus areas were listed on the record.