Inside the City of Tumwater Date: April 23, 2021 To:
Mayor Pete Kmet City Councilmembers City Employees
From: John Doan, City Administrator
PEOPLE Dan Smith Gets Certified
Water Resources and Sustainability Director Dan Smith has completed the Certified Stormwater Manager requirements of the American Public Works Association. Certification requires passing an examination on a broad range of stormwater issues, experience in the field, and an ongoing commitment to education and leadership in the field. Congratulations Dan!
EVENTS Earth Day & Arbor Day
This Saturday, April 24—rain or shine—Earth Day
and Arbor Day will be celebrated around town with activities that give back to the earth. This year’s event
lineup consists of the Earth Day Volunteer Work Party and Arbor Day Celebration, both at Tumwater Historical Park. Event info and volunteer registration are on the City website.
Race to the Finish in May
May 4-31 brings the Race to the Finish Challenge for everyone covered by the AWC Benefit Trust. Team up with coworkers online and go for the gold. You can earn points for almost any kind of physical activity – and have fun, get social and score big with prizes. Who couldn’t use a $100 Amazon Gift Card? Check the AWC Trust site at www.awctrust.org or go to the Castlight app on your phone.
PLACES ACH Payments Now Possible for B & O
Tumwater B & O Tax Payers can pay directly from their bank account. No longer does it require a credit card or a check (how “old school”) Thank you to our team for making this possible for our customers and our efficiency!
Development Review Committee
The Development Review Committee is looking at a proposal to convert an existing building at 7602 Henderson for metal fabrication. They are also looking at a proposed single-family house at 602 W. St. SE. Next week, they will look at a proposed 7,000 s.f. building at 2520 Mottman Road for a detail shop for Rainier Dodge. The City is reviewing the next phase of the Craft District, 58 units of multi-family located just south of Tumwater Valley Drive and extending about halfway to E Street. The project would include a few live-work units to help make the transition from commercial to residential.
Streets Look Great
We received an email last week from Mayor Kmet who was driving around town and commented how great the streets in town look, particularly the flowering trees on Littlerock. The extensive pavement programs have also improved the surface of our pavement. Thank you to the Transportation Benefit District for the additional funding! Another big package of pavement improvements for this summer is out to bid now.
INSIDE THE CITY Illustrating our Mission, Vision, or Beliefs in Action. Let’s Get This Done! It has been a long, rough 13 months for our communities, families, friends, and even ourselves. I’m so ready for vacation, grandkids, dinner at a restaurant, and even a movie in a theater. We’ve all been waiting and now is the time to move forward not backward. All of this is within our hands – or within the syringes - to make it happen. Unfortunately, there are some signs of us going backward. • •
•
•
The active COVID infections in Washington almost doubled from March 1 to April 2. Statewide case counts and hospital admissions are increasing. Case rates are increasing across all ages except people over 70. Variants remain a concern. Variant cases have increased by 32% and the B.1.1.7 variant represents an estimated 60% of all cases. As a result of rising numbers, our neighbors in Pierce County may soon be slipping back to Phase 1. (We don’t want that to happen here!)
Vaccination is working. I’m so impressed with how many City employees have gotten vaccinated. If you’ve started those vaccines, finish them. If you haven’t started, get signed up and get it done. If you need to, work with your supervisor to find time when you can go. I’ve completed both of my shots now and have a feeling of relief. The first one was a non-event and the second made me feel a little icky for a day – but it was a great excuse to take a few extra naps and sit on the couch and surf the internet. Everyone experiences it differently – but I know it was better than getting COVID sick. Again, to achieve the kind of community immunity that will allow us to return to the way it used to be, we need lots more people vaccinated. That will lower those transmission rates, the case counts, and the hospital admissions. Let’s get this done! Vaccinate – and then let’s Celebrate!
Emergency Appeal For Donors as Local Blood Supply Faces “Perfect Storm”
Confusion over donation eligibility, warm spring weather, and record blood usage has resulted in the highest 7-day usage in Bloodworks’ history. With less than a 24 hour supply of blood on hand for hospitals, more donors are needed this month with Bloodworks Northwest. This shortage has left our community’s blood supply at emergency levels, risking the inability to meet patient needs. Your donation is critical, make your appointment today!
March 2021
Message from the Chief
EMS Division
What is fire regionalization?
Approximately 90% of our staff have
The City has held discussions at council and committee meetings recently
vaccinations.
regarding the “regionalization” of fire services. This discussion began in 2019 with
received their COVID-19
a study commissioned by the City of Tumwater to examine what a larger regional
Crews continue to wear all
with area partners, the cities of Tumwater and Olympia are starting the process to
and the community safe against
combined fire department might look like. Through this process and discussion examine forming a “Regional fire Authority” or RFA.
appropriate PPE to keep themselves COVID-19.
An RFA is an independent taxing authority much like a fire district. Presentations
On March 16, MSO Capt. Shawn
consideration of an interlocal agreement to form a planning committee. The
COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Lacey.
are currently being made to both city councils and the next step will be
committee will be made up of three councilmembers from each City. The
planning committee will hire a consultant to guide a planning process that could take up to 18 months. The RFA Plan will address revenue structure, staffing and deployment of resources, equipment and station needs, labor agreements, and
Crimmins assisted with the mass
1100 Thurston County residents were vaccinated.
On March 16, we trained four
all other requirements for an independent organization.
residents in compression-only CPR.
In the end, both city councils will need to endorse the plan and put the proposed
third Tuesday of every month at 6:00
RFA formation to the voters for approval. At any time in this process, either party can choose not to move forward. We are excited to look at options to be more
efficient, to promote organizational sustainability, and to bring a higher level of service to our communities.
Brian Hurley
TFD offers citizen CPR classes on the
p.m. Register for CPR classes through Thurston County Medic One.
TUMWATER FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS | MARCH 2021
2
EMS Division continued On March 31, we recognized the staff at Tumwater Valley Athletic Club for their lifesaving efforts. Due to their quick actions, a patient that went into cardiac arrest survived and is doing very well.
Training Division Congratulations FF Trenton Brazie on completing probation!
Crews were assigned three online
wildland classes. Completion of these
classes plus a field day earn members a Wildland Red Card, basic wildland training.
S130 Wildland Firefighter Training-12 members completed.
S190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior-26 members completed.
L180 Human Factors in the Wildland
Fire Service-20 members completed. Crews worked on completing 1st
quarter training—SCBA and Asbestos.
Annual ongoing medical training has started with online and practical classes.
Crews ran on 3 cardiac arrest calls during March. Number of Calls 77 55 50 182
Medical Responses M5 and M14 In-city medical calls M5 Unit County medical calls M5 Unit South County medical calls M14 Unit Total ALS calls
Training Administrative Emergency Vehicle OTEP/In-Service Fire Suppression Fire Prevention Special Operations Technical Rescue WAC Requirements Total Hours
Hours 196 217 108 0 14 535
Parks & Facilities Project Updates | March 2021 The Preserve Neighborhood Park The engineering team is currently scoping the Preserve Neighborhood Park project and evaluating next steps. The scoping will include determination of survey needs, coordination with the Parks and Recreation Department, and evaluation of park facilities and structures. Design is expected to begin in May with anticipated construction in late 2021.
Future site of The Preserve Neighborhood Park
Tumwater Valley Golf Course
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls: Trail Opening
This improvement project includes utility installation to provide power, sewer, and water connections and construction of new restroom facilities at two neighborhood parks. Preliminary design evaluation and cost estimation has been completed. Construction is slated to begin this summer.
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls re-opened April 1, after a yearlong closure. While the park was closed, the City constructed a new section of the Deschutes Valley Trail, connecting Tumwater Historical Park to the park at Tumwater Falls. Mayor Pete Kmet was joined by Lee Wojnar, Olympia Tumwater Foundation Chair; Erin Carrier, Parks & Recreation Commission Chair; and Alex Rossiter, Historical Commission Vice-Chair to cut a ribbon and open the new trail to the public.
Sewer Conversion
Tumwater Valley Golf Course Maintenance Shop failing septic system
Ribbon cutting ceremony on the new Historical Park-Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls segment of the Deschutes Valley Trail
TUMWATER METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT MAINTAIN • IMPROVE • BUILD Approved by voters in 2018, funding from the MPD will be used to extend the useful life of our most used parks and playgrounds, address safety and security issues, invest in underserved neighborhoods, improve energy efficiency, and preserve new open spaces.
Priorities include: Parks and playgrounds maintenance and safety New neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and restrooms Trail expansion along the Deschutes River Valley Protection of environmentally sensitive areas and wildlife corridors Community arts and cultural heritage programs, historic properties, recreation programs, and a community garden Community Center with meeting and event space, senior services, indoor sports courts, and land for a future public swimming pool
Current MPD Projects There are several deferred park maintenance projects slated for completion in 2021. Chain-link outfield fencing will be replaced on many of our baseball and softball fields. Some of these fences are over 26 years old in need of replacement. Repairs are being made to some of our neighborhood park play structures to increase accessibility, improve safety and replace failing access points. New water lines will be extended at Pioneer Park to provide drinking fountains to our sports fields. Water lines will also add new irrigation zones to increase the efficiency of water usage and turf care. Storm water catch basins at Pioneer Park have sustained damage during past floods of the Deschutes River. These storm systems will be repaired and replaced. Picnic tables at several of our parks will be replaced with new, ADA accessible tables. Park signage will be updated at several parks and trails.
Tentative Schedule of MPD Projects 2020-21 Historic District Park Improvements New Restrooms at 2 existing neighborhood parks New Neighborhood Park – The Preserve Community Conversation – new Community Center 2021-26 Deferred Park Maintenance Projects Purchase Open Space and Neighborhood Park land 2022 Community Garden Program Opportunity-based Public Art New Neighborhood Park– South Tumwater 2023 Acquire Land for Community Center 2025 New Neighborhood Park– SW Neighborhood New Community Center 2027 Deschutes Valley Trail Expansion New Neighborhood Park – Trails End
Police Department Monthly Report To:
John Doan, City Administrator
Date:
April 15, 2021
From: Re:
Jon Weiks, Chief of Police
March 2021
CRIMINAL ACTIVITY 2021-0349
False Reporting - An Officer responded to a report of a stolen vehicle at a local residence. The Officer
spoke with the reporting party, who reported her vehicle was stolen from her residence sometime
during the evening/early morning. The owner reported she discovered the theft, had contacted local
tow companies, and reported finding out that her vehicle had been towed the night prior. The Officer
contacted the tow company and learned the vehicle was towed the night prior by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office after it was found abandoned in a ditch with the keys inside and the driver/owner was
not with the vehicle. The Officer also learned a female was observed by the investigating deputy
walking towards the vehicle, but when confronted, she hid from the deputy and there was no further contact with her. The Officer felt the owner’s story was suspicious and inconsistent with the story
provided by the tow truck driver, as well as the circumstances surrounding the impound. The Officer
requested, and the owner agreed, to fill out a stolen vehicle report. The owner also signed her name to the perjury statement. The Officer then confronted the owner about the inconsistencies and she
ultimately admitted to lying about the auto theft to cover up the fact she was DUI when she drove her vehicle into the ditch and abandoned the vehicle. The owner stated she did not want to be cited for DUI or now pay the impound fee. The owner was issued a criminal citation for False Reporting and released on her own recognizance.
2021-0449
Possession of a Dangerous Weapon/Resisting Arrest - An Officer was on routine patrol when he
observed a male on a bicycle holding a large unsheathed chainsaw and riding in an unsafe manner on
the sidewalk with pedestrians walking on the sidewalk, as opposed to riding in the marked bicycle lane. The Officer turned to make contact with the subject and observed the rider continue on the sidewalk forcing two pedestrians and their dog to walk into the street to avoid being struck by the
bicyclist/chainsaw. The Officer and bicyclist made eye contact and the bicyclist rode into traffic,
impeding traffic to avoid the Officer. The Officer made contact with the bicyclist who immediately
became aggressive. The bicyclist threw his bike onto the ground, began cursing at the Officer, and
throwing his hands into the air. The Officer immediately identified a large knife protruding from the
suspect’s pants pocket and two syringes protruding from another pocket. The Officer advised the
suspect he was being detained and the suspect responded aggressively. The Officer, with the assistance
of another Officer, was able to gain control of the suspect. A pat-down search of the suspect’s person
resulted in the discovery of a 12” double-sided bladed knife, 2 large throwing knives (8” and 10” bladed
knives), a pair of nunchakus, parts of a firearm, and the two unused syringes. The suspect was taken into custody and booked for Possession of a Dangerous Weapon and Resisting Arrest.
K-9 STATISTICS
4 Deployments, 1 Apprehension Assisted the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office with taking into custody an Armed Robbery suspect. TCSO
detectives believed the wanted suspect was hiding in the trunk of a vehicle at his parent’s home. Officer Mize responded to the scene and deployed K9 James on a free-air sniff around the exterior of the suspect vehicle.
Officer Mize provided K9 James a search command and K9 James initially started towards the front door of the residence, but then changed directions and went directly to the trunk. K9 James provided an alert there was someone inside of the trunk. K9 James was called back to a position of cover and TCSO detectives began
hailing the suspect to surrender. The suspect did not respond, so Officer. Mize provided a bark command to K9 James. The suspect immediately responded and surrendered without incident. 3 Tracking Assisted the Yelm Police Department with tracking a suspect who had fled on foot from a stolen motorcycle.
Officer Mize responded to the scene and deployed K9 James. K9 James was able to acquire the suspect’s scent
and began tracking the suspect. Several hundred feet into the track, K9 James led them to a plastic face shield
from a motorcycle helmet. K9 James continued to track the suspect, which eventually led to the driveway of a
nearby residence and suddenly ended. K9 James was unable to reacquire the suspect’s scent leading from the driveway.
Assisted the Olympia Police Department with tracking a residential burglary suspect. The homeowner was
observing someone walking around inside the downstairs portion of her residence. Officer Mize responded to
the scene and deployed K9 James from the front door of the victim’s residence. K9 James was able to acquire the suspect’s scent and began tracking the suspect. The suspect was tracked to an unoccupied duplex, which did not appear to have been entered. K9 James was unable to reacquire the scent leading away from the residence.
Assisted the Lacey Police Department with tracking a suspect who had fled on foot from a stolen vehicle. Officer Mize responded to the scene and deployed K9 James. K9 James was able to acquire the suspect’s scent at the vehicle and began tracking the suspect. K9 James tracked the suspect into a residential area and to a specific
home with many animals and garbage were strewn about. K9 James was unable to reacquire the scent leading
away from the property.
SRO ACTIVITY
With students returning to in-person learning, School Resource Officer Rosco Rollman spent a lot of time at
several schools assisting with traffic control during drop-off and pick-up times, monitoring traffic in the school zones, and helping with morning COVID screening.
SRO Rollman assisted patrol Officers with a life-skills student from Black Hills High School who had run from his home and entered into a neighbor’s parked vehicle. The student started honking the vehicle horn and would not exit the vehicle. With the help of the family, they were able to get the student to exit the vehicle without incident.
SRO Rollman responded to the residence of a Tumwater High School student to inquire about the student’s absence from school and to follow up on a Child Protective Services referral the Police Department had
received regarding the student.
SRO Rollman responded to Tumwater High School to investigate a collision in a parking lot. The incident was a non-blocking, non-injury collision.
SRO Rollman participated in the training of our two police academy graduates. SRO Rollman provided tours of
the schools and provided the new Officers an opportunity to interact with students between classes and during lunch. The new Officers also provided a brief presentation of the difference between probable cause v. reasonable suspicion to students at Tumwater High School.
SRO Tyler Boling returned to the schools at the end of the month. SRO Boling had spent the past three months assigned to Patrol in an Acting Sergeant role.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Code Enforcement initiated 6 new cases this month: • • • • • •
An inoperable vehicle on jack stands on a public roadway and parked facing the wrong direction. Garbage and appliances stored in the front yard of a residence. Garbage and appliances stored in the front yard of a residence. Operating a repair shop in a residential zone.
Overgrown vegetation causing a sight-distance concern. Construction noise.
Code enforcement closed 3 cases this month: •
An inoperable vehicle on jack stands was moved out of the road by the owner after the issuance of a courtesy letter.
• •
Garbage and appliances were removed from the front yard of a residence after the issuance of a courtesy letter.
Construction noise was occurring within the time parameters established by Tumwater Municipal Code.
Code Enforcement currently has 12 open cases.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG DROPBOX
The public deposited 90 pounds of prescription drugs in March and a total of 285 pounds for the year.
BUDGET
At the end of the month, the police department is 21% spent for the year.
QUANTIFIABLE ACTIVITY
Monthly
2021
2020
% Changed
2021
Calls for Service
1432
1574
-9%
Self-Initiated*
1586
949
Arrests
54
Citations Issued
Year to Date 2020
% Changed
4200
4446
-6%
67%
4644
3806
22%
62
-13%
145
237
-39%
63
36
75%
195
184
6%
10
24
-58%
44
59
-25%
Public Disclosure Requests
81
76
7%
244
226
8%
CPL/Gun Transfers
145
108
34%
335
321
4%
Court Documents
67
70
-4%
178
241
-26%
Evidence
112
136
-18%
377
409
-8%
Overtime
200
307
-35%
870
1122
-22%
Annual Leave
382
221
73%
680
696
-2%
Sick Leave
222
112
98%
594
572
4%
New Cases –
Investigations
*Self-Initiated includes investigative follow-ups, civil paperwork service, area checks, business checks, school visits, resident contacts, traffic stops, and backup activity.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
Chief Jon Weiks and Commander Jay Mason participated in Tumwater University. Commander Mason provided a presentation on Policing in Tumwater and Chief Weiks facilitated one of the culminating breakout sessions where students provided feedback about the City.
School Resource Officer Rosco Rollman participated in Read Across America when he read books to 20 pre-school students that attend the Cadence Academy. The event was held virtually.
PERSONNEL • • •
Rosco Rollman, Detective – 23 years Peter Navarro, Officer – 3 years James Moran, Officer – 3 years
TRAINING • • • • • • • •
2 members completed the Basic Law Enforcement Academy 2 members completed post-BLEA training 2 members started Field Training
14 members completed a department training day
1 member completed a three-day Firearms Instructor course
1 TPD member of Thurston County Hostage Negotiations Team attended monthly training
4 TPD members of Thurston County SWAT attended monthly training 3 members completed CJTC Crisis Intervention Training
548 total training hours
COMMENDATIONS and LETTERS OF APPRECIATION
The department received a thank you card from a resident of a local mobile home park. The resident wrote,
“Thank You for all you do for us at Tumwater Mobile Estates. We see you drive through and check on us. When we call for help, you are there. Thanks!”
Danielle, Chase, Friedrich & Russ received a commendation, on our Facebook page, from a resident who had a shoplifter hiding in her yard. The resident wrote, “I just want to say thank-you to the Tumwater Police
Department for how you handled a shoplifter who hid in my yard the other night. I honestly wouldn’t have
known what happened unless she tried to open my door and my dog growled. Everything happened without
incident. You handled the situation well.”
Seth received a commendation, on our Facebook page, from an uninvolved resident. The resident wrote, “What
an awesome police officer. He totally didn’t have to help this person when their car died, but made the effort to
pitch in. Great Job!” The comments came with a picture of Seth pushing a vehicle by hand in the parking lot of
Denny’s.
Sawyer received a commendation from a resident he contacted at the scene of a collision. The resident wrote,
“My name is ******** and this morning I was involved in an incident in the parking lot of Tumwater Post Office.
Fortunately, nobody else was involved but the damage was done to the parking lot hedge and fence of the Post Office. Officer Smith was the policeman who came to take information and was extremely professional and kind.
He took a lot of trouble to make sure everything that needed to be done was done and was most helpful to me. I am writing so that you will know how impressed both my husband and I were with Officer Smith.”
Transportation & Engineering
Water Resources & Sustainability April 2021
PERSONNEL UPDATES &
2021 Pavement Maintenance Project
Staff completed the bid documents for the 2021
ANNIVERSARIES
Pavement Maintenance project. The bid opening is
Walter Renaud
scheduled for April 28, 2021. The project includes
Skilled Maintenance Worker | 04/19/1999 – 22yrs.
approximately 3.5 miles of new asphalt overlay and areas of significant pavement distress being repaired. It also
TRANSPORTATION & ENGINEERING
includes
pavement
crack-seal
and
repair
for
approximately 6.5 miles of roadway, in preparation for
ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
chip-seal work in 2022. Summer paving work is
Citywide NHS Resurfacing
All construction work has been completed. City staff will
anticipated to begin in June.
be working with the contractor to finalize project
completion paperwork and coordinate with WSDOT for final inspection and document review. Deschutes Valley Trail
Final “punch list” items have been completed by the
Contractor, and the work is deemed physically complete.
City staff is working with the Contractor to complete the
final project closeout paperwork and approvals from WSDOT Local Programs.
Section of asphalt in need of repair at the intersection Capitol
PLANNING AND DESIGN PROJECTS
Blvd/Old Hwy 99 & Henderson Blvd
I-5/Trosper Rd/Capitol Blvd. Reconfiguration
The consultant is working to complete the 90% design package. Coordination is ongoing with utility companies
and WSDOT. ROW acquisition is progressing and is
assumed to be substantially complete. The project is
expected to complete the demolition phase later this year
with full roadway construction starting in early 2022.
TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS
The Streets Division has begun onboarding seasonal staff. If you know anyone that likes to work outside please direct them to the City job posting.
WATER RESOURCES & SUSTAINABILITY COLLECTIONS DIVISION
The Collections crew has been preparing for two sewer
taps for new businesses on Durell Road SE. The first tap has been completed; the second tap will be completed mid-summer.
UTILITY OPERATIONS
The Water crew set 12 new meters in the second half of
March and the first week of April. They flushed the
mainline on 93rd Avenue SW as routine maintenance for Design
layout
Reconfiguration
for
the
I-5/Trosper
Rd/Capitol
Blvd
water quality.
Lights, Camera, Action! To celebrate the 51st Earth Day, Stream Team held a
“Lights, Camera, Action for Clean Water!” video contest.
The contest encouraged middle and high school students from around Thurston County to inspire others to take
action for clean water by creating a video showing how each of us can be better stewards of our local waterways
and Puget Sound. These actions for clean water focus on
yard care, car washing, pet waste, car leaks, and native plants. The grand prize winner of the contest will be announced on Earth Day, April 22.
Water Resources staff assisted with the cleanup, inspection of the storm conduits, and spill reporting. Because Port of Olympia owns a portion of the property, crews stabilized the area and then handed it off to Port
staff, who stayed on-site with Ecology until the spill
cleanup was completed. The Port will assess the site and
excavate any remaining diesel-soaked ground in the area as needed.
Water, Collections, and Street crews responded to a diesel spill on April 8.
Visit the Stream Team website to watch all the amazing
videos!
Departments Coordinate on Diesel Spill
Staff from the Collections, Streets, and Water crews
responded to a request for cleanup assistance at a semi-
tractor vs. pick-up accident on 76th Avenue SW & Center
Street SW. The semi-tractor fuel tank was ruptured causing nearly 200 gallons of diesel to spill.
THANK YOU!
A resident, new to living on 58th Avenue SE, called in to
say thank you so much for the quick response to trimming
the bushes at Henderson and 58th Street. She was very impressed with the work performed and how quickly it was completed.
Crews devised a way to use hand pumps and garbage containers to contain the remaining fuel.