PEOPLE Welcome to Tumwater!
Please join us in welcoming our newest hires. Jeremy Causey | TFD | December 1, 2023 Nicholas Bugajski | WRS | December 1, 2023 Nathan Snyder | TPD |December 18, 2023 Zachariah Robertson | TFD | January 1, 2024 Margo Hoffman | EXD | January 2, 2024 Teresa Snyder | CDD | January 16, 2024 We appreciate your ongoing commitment to making the City of Tumwater a great place to work!
Are you active in City Wellness Challenges?
The Wellness Committee is recruiting new members, so now’s your chance to serve. This is a great opportunity to get to know your co-workers, improve your leadership skills, and make a real difference at work. As a member of the Committee, you can help plan simple, social, and fun wellness events that promote a healthier lifestyle. If you are interested in participating, please contact Mallory Coleman in Human Resources. Information will be available soon for the upcoming Hydration Challenge in March.
New Year, New You! WellCity Award
Tumwater employees earned the 2023 WellCity Award by participating in Wellness Challenges and events that lower monthly healthcare plan premiums. In 2024, premiums for active employees, spouses, and dependents were discounted by 2%.
Your well-being is important to us! Our Employee Assistance Program is available to provide confidential support for personal or work-related challenges or issues such as depression, stress, addictions, anger, parenting, relationships, and grief and loss. Don’t hesitate to use this valuable resource if you or a colleague need assistance. Call (800) 4575281.
Coming Soon! Employee Access
Financials, the first module of the new Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) system, went live on April 3, 2023. It was implemented on time and under budget and was successful despite a few hiccups. The next module, Human Content Management (HCM), which includes payroll and human resources, is now scheduled to go live on April 1, 2024. All staff can use Employee Access to look up and print direct deposit slips containing complete information like the current paper versions. This is a big improvement from the old Eden system. Non-represented staff will use a new time entry system called Employee Access, including a new process for submitting leave requests to supervisors and managers. They will receive training on those new processes in March and April. Represented staff will continue using their current time entry systems and will not see many changes. As we get closer to our go-live date, look for information on training sessions.
Green Team! Environmental Purchasing
New environmental purchasing requirements are now incorporated into the Tumwater Environmental Purchasing Policy Manual. This new Purchasing Manual includes requirements for public works projects, goods, equipment, supplies, and services.
operations through policies, projects, and staff practices and guided by City Council Strategic Priorities. Contact Alyssa Jones Wood, Sustainability Coordinator, with questions.
Sustainability Survey
If you haven't already taken the Staff Sustainability Survey, please do so today. The information helps the Green Team learn what is important to you regarding sustainability and how we can improve our programs.
EVENTS Learn to Paint like Bob Ross
Create this masterpiece at the Color Your Canvas Painting Party. This workshop provides step-by-step instructions and art supplies.
Tumwater Parks & Recreation Winter programs and events run through February. Check out the online brochure today and register for youth and adult programs—from health and fitness classes to arts, music, and history programs.
Schmidt House Tours Return
Join us for a guided tour of one of Tumwater’s most iconic homes, the Schmidt House, built in 1904 for Leopold Schmidt, founder of the Olympia Brewing Company, and his family. Your tour guide will take you through four levels of the house, from the basement to the top floor. Find yourself immersed in the rich history Tumwater has to offer.
As a local government, almost everything we contract, consume, and use has the potential to impact the environment in some way. The Purchasing Manual can help us do things to lessen our collective impact on the environment as an organization and set a standard of preferable purchases to demonstrate the City's commitment to environmental stewardship and climate mitigation. Together, we can and will make a difference.
11 a.m. – 12 noon, Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Schmidt House| 330 Schmidt Pl SW |Tumwater, WA
The Green Team is an interdepartmental initiative focused on improving the sustainability of City
Registration is required, and space is limited. Email the Parks & Recreation office for details!
PLACES
go about our day-to-day work to deliver high-quality public services and infrastructure to our community.
DRC Looks at Projects
As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, we must understand and align our efforts with this purpose to help maintain Tumwater as a great place to live, work, and play. Here are a few things to consider to help clarify and understand how your work is integral to the City’s success:
These projects came before the City Development Review Committee: Formal Review Littlerock self-storage – 4 story 112,400 sq. ft. self-storage building on 1.75 acres on the west side of Littlerock Road across from Kingwood Drive. Formal Review Liberty Leasing self-storage – 69,150 sq. ft. in four buildings on 2.82 acres with 445 storage units. Located east of Old Highway 99 between 84th and River Drive. Formal Review Tilley Road Business Suites – 34,639 sq. ft. in two buildings for office and small warehouse space, located east of Tilley road and south of the airport. Tenants slated for this location include Humble Cow ice cream manufacturing, Washington State Enterprise Services storage, Covarelli Coffee Roasters, BAF Bombs (organic bath bombs made of natural plant materials), Thurston County Conservation District office, and J Flow auto window tinting.
INSIDE THE CITY Illustrating our Mission, Vision, or Beliefs in Action. Aligning Our Efforts with Strategic Priorities
Recent research into what contributes to employees being happier and more engaged in their jobs indicates people want to have value and purpose in their work. It is also documented that happier, more engaged employees are an integral part of the success, effectiveness, and productivity of organizations, including in the public sector. At the City of Tumwater, we are lucky to have clearly articulated Mission and Vision statements and Strategic Priorities and Goals regularly reviewed and updated by the City Council. These things, together with the City’s stated belief in PEOPLE, create the purpose and value proposition for each of us as we
• Understand the Strategic Priorities: Take the time to familiarize yourself with our Strategic Priorities and Goals. The Priorities are developed and adopted by City Council every 5-6 years to help keep our work prioritized and focused. • Connecting Your Work to the Strategic Goals: The Strategic Goals are updated every 2 years to help guide the 2-year budget. Reflect on how your individual or team tasks help to implement the goals. Identify areas where your expertise and efforts directly support the goals. • Communication and Collaboration: Open communication is essential. Share your insights on how your work aligns with the Priorities or Goals during team meetings or through collaboration tools. • Flexibility and Adaptability: In a dynamic environment, flexibility is key. Be prepared to adapt your work plan as needed to better align with the evolving goals and needs of the City. • Measuring Progress: Regularly assess and measure the progress of your projects against the Goals. This allows us to make informed decisions, celebrate successes, and promptly address challenges. Remember, we're all part of a bigger picture, and our combined efforts drive our success. Your commitment to aligning your work with our Strategic Priorities is invaluable and very much appreciated. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Let's move forward together towards achieving our milestones. Lisa
Police Department Monthly Report
To: From: Date: Re:
Lisa Parks, City Administrator Jon Weiks, Chief of Police January 15, 2024 December 2023
CRIMINAL ACTIVITY 2023-2206 Burglary 2nd - Tumwater officers responded to a burglary at a local commercial business in the 8000 block of Old Highway 99. Dispatch advised they were contacted by the alarm company who could see someone on the closed property via the security cameras. The camera system monitored by the company had thermal imaging and they could actively track the suspect’s location, which was provided to officers while on-scene. With the assistance of Thurston County Sheriff’s Office deputies, a perimeter was set up and officers were directed to the location where the suspect was observed on camera. As officers approached the suspect’s location, the suspect started toward a perimeter fence line. Officers located the suspect near a vehicle in the lot and provided him with verbal commands to surrender. The male did not comply and was observed to be carrying a large knife, a backpack and repeatedly concealed his hands. The suspect was warned several times to comply, or force would be used against him. The suspect still did not comply and continued to attempt to conceal his hands inside his clothing. Due to the presence of and the suspect’s ability to access at least one weapon, and his failure to comply with verbal commands, an officer used a less-lethal launcher to gain compliance. A single 40mm exact-impact munition struck the suspect on his thigh. The suspect then complied with verbal commands and gave himself up with no further incident. The suspect was placed into custody and searched for the incident to arrest. Medics were dispatched to the scene, per policy, to evaluate the suspect for injury. The suspect denied wrongdoing and stated he arrived when the business was open, but then fell asleep in one of the cars on the lot. He could not provide an explanation regarding why he was observed entering several of the cars on the property after-hours. The suspect’s story was also inconsistent with the information provided by the business. The search of the suspect’s backpack incident to arrest produced burglary tools. When the suspect was cleared by medical personnel, he was transported and booked at the Thurston County Jail for Burglary 2nd degree. 2023-2208 Suspicious Circumstances - Tumwater Fire and Police responded to the 2500 block of Silver Lane SW for a report of an explosion. A neighbor went to check out the residence it came from, as they could see smoke billowing from the garage. Another neighbor also called and reported seeing flames coming from the garage. As one of the neighbors was checking on the residents, they observed a male exit the garage and leave in a car. The male was reportedly bleeding from his ears. An alert was sent to area hospitals to contact law enforcement if someone arrived matching that person’s description and injuries. As officers and fire personnel arrived on scene, the fire was extinguished, and they observed damage to the garage door consistent with what had been reported. A female resident was contacted as
she was carrying bags to a parked car, intending to leave the residence, and she was identified as the spouse of the male still inside. The female denied having any knowledge of what had occurred in the garage, or who all was involved. The female advised the house was a rental and the homeowners were then contacted. The involved male was contacted by an officer and observed to have significant trauma as a result of the explosion. The male was conscious and communicating. The male was transported by medics to an area hospital and was later transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for trauma care. Inside the garage, fire personnel observed what appeared to be pieces of a homemade explosive device, so they exited the residence. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATFE) and the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Bomb Squad were contacted to respond. Officers canvassed the area and talked to neighbors and collected video surveillance. A Tumwater detective responded to the scene, along with an ATFE Agent, an FBI Agent, and two members of the WSP Bomb Squad. Permission to search was received from the female resident and a search warrant was requested and granted. The ATFE, FBI and WSP conducted a search of the premises and recovered several components associated with the assembly of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Additionally, two IEDs, similar to M-80 style fireworks, were also recovered. During the investigation, it was determined the male who resided at the residence has a history of making IED style fireworks and detonating them in the neighborhood and nearby. On this particular night, the male was assembling an IED to detonate for New Year’s Eve, but the IED prematurely exploded. The male who had fled the residence prior to police arrival, was later identified when he arrived at an area hospital on his own volition. This is an ongoing investigation. 2023-2209 Auto Theft - Tumwater officers responded to an auto theft from a mobile home park in the 5700 block of Littlerock Road SW. The reporting party advised she was delivering a pizza to a residence in the park, and someone stole her car. The vehicle was last observed going northbound on Littlerock Road. The victim also described the suspect she observed stealing her car. Upon arrival in the area, one of the officers contacted the victim for more information. The victim reported her cell phone was still in her car and the victim and officer were able to track the phone in an attempt to locate the stolen vehicle. Additionally, A Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper was able to track the vehicle with the assistance of the restaurant the victim was delivering for. The vehicle was tracked to the area of condominiums in the 1700 block of Lake Park Drive. The victim was transported to this location to recover the vehicle, and officers responded to locate the suspect. Upon arrival they discovered the vehicle had been abandoned by the suspect. A perimeter was established and a Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) K9 team responded. The victim advised her phone and wallet were missing from the vehicle. The K9 tracked the suspect to the area behind Walgreens and then towards Denny’s restaurant on Trosper Road. During the track, the K9 team located the victim’s phone behind Walgreens. A short time later, a TCSO Deputy located a male matching the suspect’s description in the 1400 block of S. 2nd Avenue. The victim was transported to the location and positively identified the male as the suspect she observed steal her car. When questioned, the suspect initially provided officers with a false name then later positively identified himself. Officers learned he had a felony warrant for his arrest out of the Department of Corrections for Hit and Run with Injury. The suspect was arrested, transported, and booked at the Thurston County Jail for Theft of a Motor Vehicle and his felony warrant.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG DROP BOX The public deposited 35 pounds of prescription drugs in December. The total deposited for the year is 810 pounds.
K-9 STATISTICS Officer Russ Mize and K9 James • Tracking o Assisted Tumwater officers with attempting to locate an armed robbery suspect who fled on foot after assaulting a security officer while stealing products from a local retail store. Officer Mize responded to the scene and deployed K9 James in the last area the suspect was seen. K9 James was able to acquire the suspect’s scent and began tracking the suspect. K9 James led officers to a parking lot a few blocks away where he indicated he had lost the scent. Officers were unable to locate the suspect. Officer Chase Grimmett and K9 Thor • The team did not have any deployments this month.
SRO ACTIVITY December was a short month for the School Resource Officers due to the Tumwater School District Winter Break. This is also a time for the SROs to be able to spend time away from work. School Resource Officer Rosco Rollman and Management Analyst Dr. Oliver Bowers provided instruction to the Black Hills High School first period Analytics class. They spoke about statistics and data-based information and how it’s used in law enforcement. SRO Rollman responded to Black Lake Elementary to assist staff will a welfare check at the homes of two students having difficulty with personal hygiene. SRO Rollman did not find any sign of neglect but did discover two families who were struggling to make ends meet. SRO Rollman and school staff were able to provide additional clothing and resources for the families. School Resource Officer Tyler Boling assisted Tumwater High School staff with a Phase 2 evacuation at THS due to a gas leak on Israel Road caused by road construction. Students were moved from one of the buildings to the stadium until it was deemed safe for them to return to class. SRO Boling was present to help provide supervision, answer questions, and communicate with Tumwater Fire personnel. SRO Boling assisted Tumwater High School staff with a defiant and disrespectful student found to be leaving campus during the school day. SRO Boling assisted with returning the student to campus, where the student was left with school administration to resolve the issue. SRO Rollman provided counsel to a Tumwater Middle School student who used threatening language on a class assignment that concerned the teacher and a counselor. SRO Rollman spoke to the parents before speaking to the student. During the conversation with the student, SRO Rollman was able to help the student with their communication skills and was able to answer the student’s questions. SRO Rollman finished the conversation with a discussion about possible repercussions of using threatening language in the school setting. The matter was resolved at the conclusion of the conversation. SRO Rollman was requested to respond to Tumwater Middle School for a student who was out of control, threatening to harm staff and throwing items. While enroute, SRO Rollman was notified the student had fled campus and was extremely distraught. SRO Rollman was eventually able to locate the student. By this time, the student’s parents were at the school and requested SRO Rollman transport the student back to school. The student was turned over to his parents and the matter was resolved by the school. SRO Boling was contacted by a Tumwater High School student who was concerned about the welfare of a friend in another state. The student was concerned the friend was arrested and she had information to
share about the case. SRO Boling made several phone calls to assist this student with determining the outcome of the friend’s Human Trafficking arrest and got the student in touch with investigators involved in that case. SRO Rollman was contacted by a Black Hills High School student who was a victim of a crime investigated by another jurisdiction. The student notified SRO Rollman he was concerned as the suspect in his case was often seen in possession of a firearm and ammunition while off campus. School staff were notified, and they contacted the suspected student and determined they were not in possession of a firearm on campus. The concerned student was provided counsel, and the incident was resolved. SRO Rollman assisted Black Hills High School administrators with investigating a report of five students observed in a video posted to social media pointing guns at one another and pulling the trigger. Further investigation and conversations with parents revealed the guns were air soft and bb guns. The situation was then resolved by the school. SRO Rollman assisted Tumwater Middle School staff with an assault investigation that occurred on campus. Three students were engaged in a physical fight. Once things were calmed down and investigated further, the situation was turned over to the school to handle any possible discipline. SRO Rollman spoke with a student regarding improved and outstanding behavior in both school and in the community. SRO Boling had also provided feedback regarding his interactions with the student as well. Both SRO Rollman and SRO Boling will be rewarding this student for his good conduct. SRO Boling was contacted by a Tumwater High School parent concerned about their child’s behavior. SRO Boling spoke with the parent and provided resources regarding the Youth-at-Risk program. SRO Boling worked collaboratively with Tumwater High School staff to make a public safety announcement for students regarding winter driving tips. SRO Boling assisted Bush Middle School staff with a student who was found in possession of a marijuana vape at school. This is the fourth time this year. The matter was left with school administrators to determine the next steps. SRO Boling provided security for a Bush Middle School dance.
CODE ENFORCEMENT Code Enforcement did not open or close any cases this month. Code Enforcement has 16 open cases.
QUANTIFIABLE ACTIVITY Calls for Service Self-Initiated* Arrests Citations Issued New Cases – Investigations Public Disclosure Requests CPL/Gun Transfers Court Documents Evidence
2022 1,524 1,174 33 21
% Changed -11% -18% 30% 29%
2023 18,865 11,949 524 290
15
12
25%
111
84
45 102 97 517 724 169
Overtime Annual Leave Sick Leave
*
Monthly
2023 1,354 964 43 27
Year to Date 2022 18,726 12,140 437 292
% Changed 1% -2% 20% -1%
236
263
-10%
32%
1,362
1,093
25%
124 65 12
-64% 57% 708%
1,113 1,140 1,093
1,541 939 1,666
-28% 21% -34%
586 612 298
-12% 18% -43%
5,837 6,511 2,798
5,638 6,657 3,101
4% -2% -10%
Self-Initiated includes: investigative follow-ups, civil paperwork service, area checks, business checks, school visits, resident contacts, traffic stops and back-up activity.
PERSONNEL • • • • •
Jon Weiks, Chief – 35 years of service Bryent Finch, Sergeant – 14 years of service Sawyer Smith, Officer – 4 years of service Seth Stauffer, Officer – 4 years of service Nathan Snyder, Officer – hired December 18
TRAINING • • • • • • • • •
Two members completed BAC/SFST refresher training Three members attended Criminal Legal System online training One member completed Historical Intersection of Rac online training One member completed WASPC online leadership training courses Two members continued in the FTO program throughout the month One member continued in the CJTC BLEA throughout the month Eight members completed First Aid training Four TPD members of Thurston County SWAT attended monthly training Two TPD members of Thurston County CNT attended monthly training 628 total training hours
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY The department conducted Holiday Patrols throughout the month. The Holiday Patrol teams up two officers, who volunteered to work overtime on their day off, to conduct focused patrols in our retail corridor. During these days officers:
• • • • •
Conducted 28 business checks Engaged with managers and/or loss prevention personnel Engaged with customers Conducted three field interviews, two of which resulted in arrests for outstanding warrants; and, Located three suspects from an earlier theft incident in Olympia now at a business in Tumwater. Upon entering the store, officers learned the suspects were being surveilled by the store loss prevention because of their suspicious behavior. At the request of OPD, the three suspects were detained by officers and turned over to OPD officers. All three suspects were from Grays Harbor County.
Officers working the details received positive feedback from the employees and customers regarding their presence in and around the businesses. Officers felt their presence was meaningful and had an impact on preventing crime. Detective Brandt Baker provided a safety presentation to staff at Bud Commander. Multiple department members and family members participated in the annual Tumwater Police Guild Shop-with-a-Cop event this month. Officers accompanied twelve Tumwater children to Walmart where the children were able select Christmas gifts for themselves and their family. Officers and the children then drove to Tumwater High School, where officers and family members assisted the children in wrapping the gifts, enjoying some food and drinks, and playing games for more prizes. This is a tremendously fulfilling event for everyone involved.
COMMENDATIONS/LETTERS OF APPRECIATION Officer Kelly Clark received a verbal commendation from a resident he assisted at the scene of a collision. The resident outlined that she was freaking out and screaming obscenities at the other driver when Officer Clark approached her. The resident said she really appreciated his demeanor, as his tone and presence immediately helped calm her down. She also appreciated the time he spent after the collision was cleared to answer her questions. The resident said, “That’s how you want a cop to be.”
TUMWATER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Message from the Chief The current Tumwater Fire Department strategic planning process includes an agency evaluation of current capabilities. One of the components is examining “response time.” The standard to which fire departments should be measured is contained within NFPA Standard 1710 for the organization and deployment of resources. Emergency response has three basic components: availability, capability, and operational effectiveness. The response time breakdown is much more than how long it takes to arrive on the scene after someone calls 911. Response time includes alarm answering and processing time, turnout time, and travel time. Standards indicate that turnout time (when it takes firefighters to get to the rig, put on gear, and go enroute) should be 80 seconds or less for a fire call. The first arriving engine should be on the scene within four minutes, 90% of the time (travel time). The full alarm assignment of 15-17 personnel should be on the scene within eight minutes on 90% of responses. It is important for the City and Fire Department to understand our current capabilities and community expectations. Our community and associated calls for 911 services are growing, and planning for improving current response deficiencies and future growth is critical. Brian Hurley
Medical Services Officer On December 19, we provided compression-only CPR to 15 residents. If interested, you can sign up for classes through Thurston County Medic One. Classes are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. During the month of December, crews ran on six cardiac arrests.
December 2023
Community Outreach
Tumwater Fire visited several neighborhoods during the annual Santa Mobile in December and collected 665 pounds of food for the local food bank. Fire Prevention Officer Mark Armstrong assisted Labor and Industries staff with fire prevention and fire extinguisher training.
TUMWATER FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS | December 2023
Suppression Report
December 18, crews responded to a vehicle fire on the freeway. Once on scene, they located the owner who had safely evacuated the vehicle. December 12, crews responded to a report of an RV fire. Once on scene, the bystanders had extinguished the fire, and crews ensured the fire was completely extinguished using a thermal imager.
2
Training Officer Tumwater Fire is kicking off the New Year with training on two new pieces of equipment. The Department has received two gas monitors and two handheld thermal imaging cameras. The new gas monitors detect gases such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and combustible gases. Firefighters need to know the oxygen level in a room to determine if we need to be wearing breathing apparatus and if occupants could be affected by an environment with low oxygen. It is important to be able to detect carbon monoxide because it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of combustion and can displace oxygen. Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that is colorless but smells like rotten eggs. It is extremely flammable, and it collects in low areas because it is heavier than air. The last gases we can detect are combustible gases such as methane, similar to natural gas or propane. These gases can be trapped in a structure and cause problems because they can explode at certain concentrations if an ignition source is present. The other new equipment recently acquired are handheld thermal imaging cameras. Handheld thermal imaging cameras are used by firefighters to aid in searching for people trapped in a fire. They create an image that helps firefighters see in smokey and dark places. It can also be used if a firefighter becomes disoriented in a structure by helping them identify objects and or exits. They can also be used to look for hidden fire or determine which piece of equipment could be overheating.
December 30, crews responded to childbirth in progress. Crews arrived and assisted in delivering the baby.
Transportation & Engineering January 2024
PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION Interstate 5/Trosper Reconfiguration
Road/Capitol
Boulevard
The new roundabout on Trosper Road is now open to two-way traffic on the south side of Trosper, allowing eastbound drivers to utilize both the newly constructed 6th Avenue and the northbound I-5 onramp. Work will continue through the winter, focusing on completing the roundabout at Trosper and 6th Avenue and then moving to the Trosper / Capitol Blvd roundabout this summer.
Pavement patching on Israel Road.
PROJECTS IN DESIGN Linwood Avenue Sidewalks, Susitna Lane to 2nd Avenue The design of the new sidewalks, curb ramps, driveways, and channelization along Linwood Avenue is complete. We anticipate breaking ground this summer. Tumwater Boulevard, Intersection (Phase 1) Paving at Trosper Road/Capitol Blvd Intersection Israel Road/Linderson Way Water Main The project is nearing final completion. All water services have been transferred from the old water main to the new water main, and trench and surface restoration is currently in progress. Puget Sound Energy is working on converting overhead power to underground on Israel Road, and other private utility companies will soon follow. Ultimately, nearly all utility poles on Israel Road will be removed.
NB
I-5
On/Off
Ramp
Due to increased traffic, the current intersection between Tumwater Boulevard and the NB I-5 On/Off ramps will have a roundabout constructed to increase traffic flow and improve safety. The City is in the process of selecting a qualified consultant to manage the design of the new roundabout. Old Highway 99 and 79th Avenue SW Roundabout Design The design of a new roundabout at the intersection of Old Highway 99 and 79th Avenue SW will be completed as a result of the Old Highway 99 Corridor Study and as part of the future Operations & Maintenance Facility. The City’s consultant, HDR Inc., is expected to complete the design in early 2024. The City will work with a qualified consultant to negotiate rights-of-way needs.
Water Resources & Sustainability
January 2024
Water, The Common Denominator
PERSONNEL UPDATES & ANNIVERSARIES Rich Hutchins WRS Maintenance Tech II | 1/12/2010, 14 yrs. Kahle Waters WRS Maintenance Tech II | 1/2/2018, 6 yrs.
Future Water Sources For The City
Development and Planning Stages
As the City grows, so does our need for clean drinking water. In 2023, we added over 160 water service meters to our system, and the Water Resources & Sustainability (WRS) Department has re-embarked on the search for and the development of new water sources to serve these and future service connections. In the third quarter of 2023, WRS contracted with two consulting groups, RH2 and Carollo, for two separate projects that will expand our drinking water system. The projects are to develop the Brewery Wellfield (install new drinking water wells) and Source Development Planning and Analysis (find new drinking water sources). Phase 1 of the Brewery Wellfield project includes: •
Exploratory well drilling and water quantity analysis
•
Water quality and treatment pilot study
•
Treatment plant and well pump preliminary design
Phase 1 of the Source Development Planning and Analysis includes: •
Explore supply needs and supply options
•
Cost of service study
Water The Common Denominator
In water resource management, the Water Resources & Sustainability Department (WRS) plays a pivotal role in our City's well-being, overseeing stormwater, drinking water, wastewater, restoration, education, outreach, and sustainability. Collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies, the WRS team ensures regulatory compliance and integrates new policies into future plans.
Water, boundaryless and tied to topography, forms watersheds. Our role extends beyond City limits due to our proximity as the terminus within the Deschutes River Watershed, flowing from south to north into Budd Inlet. In 2024, the WRS team remains committed to leading in water resource management, engaging with professionals from a wide range of stakeholders working together to manage and restore the health of the Deschutes River Watershed fortifying Tumwater's position now and into the future. Actively engaging with community partners like the Tumwater School District, neighboring jurisdictions, state and federal agencies, and non-profits, we share knowledge, apply for grants, develop education materials, and implement training. These collaborations strengthen our collective understanding of current and future challenges and allow us all to move forward with common goals. Water is fast becoming a primary focus for the future health of communities across the globe, a resource often taken for granted. As 2024 unfolds, WRS looks forward to building on existing relationships across all City Departments to better understand how water impacts each one of us, both professionally and personally. Our dedicated staff is excited to foster a resilient, informed community ready to address water-related issues.
Lead Service Line Inventory
Drinking water systems have many requirements to ensure clean/safe drinking water for its customers. One of those specific requirements regulates the amount of lead and copper in drinking water and requires water utilities to ensure that lead piping is not present in the water distribution system as a potential source of lead. Although lead water lines have never been identified in the City’s water distribution system, the City is required to verify all piping materials in an inventory. Field staff Mike Erickson, Levi Loewen, and Tim Bell are actively inspecting service lines in areas of the City where the materials are currently unknown now through the end of February. Carrie Gillum supports this work in Water Resources & Sustainability and Communications and GIS staff with mailings and mapping
services. This project involves field staff potholing service lines at several predetermined locations, where piping materials are unknown and documenting the materials in use. Information is then recorded in the City’s asset management program for future needs. Calls or questions related to these efforts can be directed to Carrie Gillum, Water Resources & Sustainability.
spill on Dennis Street and oil dumping on V Street. Crews responded to the scenes to clean up the discharges before pollutants discharged to nearby surface waters. The training emphasized roles and responsibilities for the different staff involved. Administrative staff, Operations and Maintenance, and Water Resources all play a role in efficiently responding to spill events. Communication between staff is the key to a seamless and efficient cleanup. Great job, Team!
City Operations crew undergoing service line inventory inspections.
Illicit Discharge Training Pays Off! Keeping Our Water Safe
A City street with Throw & Go, an environmentally friendly spill absorption material, distributed along an illicit discharge to safely gather contaminants.
City Operations crew cleaning up an illicit discharge. City Operations and Maintenance Staff have been busy the past week conducting clean-up activities for several reported spills. These staff members recently completed the Illicit Discharge Detection Elimination (IDDE) training in November and put those skills to use during a large diesel