Inside the City 30 January 2023 Edition

Inside the City of Tumwater

Date: January 30, 2023

To: Mayor Debbie Sullivan

City Councilmembers

City Employees

From: John Doan, City Administrator

PEOPLE

New Supervisor in Finance Joining Us

Sherri Winn joins our team in the vacant Accounting Supervisor position in the Finance Department. She just moved to Washington from Moscow, Idaho to be closer to family. In Moscow, Sherri was in a very similar role, leading the utility billing, accounts receivable, and accounts payable functions. She was with the City of Moscow for four years, and prior to that, with a private sanitation company for many years.

Sherri started on January 3. If you haven’t already, stop by and introduce yourself!

Housing Services and Land Use Planner Joins CD

ThepriorSeniorPlannerpositionhasbeenre-crafted as a Housing Services and Land Use Planner to support long-range planning work, including housing and homeless services. Erika Smith-Erickson was a planner with Thurston County, and prior to

that, she was a Permit Technician with the County and Environmental Technician with the State Department of Ecology. Welcome Erika!

Erika’s first day will be February 16.

Police Specialist II Position Filled

Lee Sumpter joined the Police Department as a Police Services Specialist II replacing Ross Rutledge following his retirement. Lee joined us from the Washington State Patrol where she was an evidence technician.LeejoinedtheArmyafterhighschooland has worked as a major retail store manager. She has a degree in criminology and criminal justice from Arizona State University. It was great to meet Lee at orientation!

Fire Restructuring Brings B.C. s

Restructuring of the Fire Department has included the elimination of the former Captain positions which will be replaced with Battalion Chiefs. These new positions, often called “B.C.s," do not ride on an engine or respond to every call the way a Captain often did. They will respond to larger and more complex incidents and support responses when thereare simultaneouscalls. Becausethey arenoton each call, they also have time to assist with management of facilities, equipment, training, administration, etc. The new B.C.s (former Captains) are Jeff Jernigan, Brad Ridgeway, Donovan Cathey, and Josh Stewart.

The restructuring also introduced additional Lieutenants to ride on engines as the company officer. The Department has promoted Duncan MacLeod and Tod Mower to two of those positions, and James Osberg is being transferring to a third opening. It is anticipated the restructuring will be complete by mid-year once all positions are backfilled.

If the RFA is approved, B.C.s from Olympia and Tumwater would make the proposed two Battalion Chief system work across the new combined agency

Senior Accountant Recruited from Centralia

Neesa Musselman is joining the City on February 1 in the Senior Accountant role – the position being madevacantbytheretirementofBillSampson.Nissa started with the City of Centralia and did many different roles in the Department. She has a degree from Centralia College. Welcome, Neesa!

EVENTS

ERP Going Live in April

The first portion of the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is set to go live on April 3. While this might seem like we have a lot of time, it will be here before we know it. The first phase is called Financials, and while it’s heavily focused on the Finance Department, it will affect all Departments in the City. It includes accounts payable, accounts receivable, the general ledger, project accounting, and contracts. So all the bills we pay, the revenue we take in, the codes used for our payments, and more. This does not include payroll and human resource functions, which will go live in the fall. In February, we will be holding Train the Trainer sessions. Tyler Technologies will be training ourpowerusers,thosewho enteralotof invoicesfor

payment and spend much of their time working in the system. In March, our staff will help train other City staff who work in the system but not constantly.

This cross-departmental project has been in the works for several years. Thanks to the implementation team for getting us to the first phase!

Red Cross Recognizes Tumwater

The American Red Cross has recognized Tumwater as a 2023 Premier Partner for being one of the highest contributing partners in the region. In our four drives last year, we had 121 participants and potentially saved 360 lives. Great work everyone! Congratulations to Dave Kangiser, the winner of an Amazon gift card donated by the Red Cross! For more information on how to donate blood, check out www.redcrossblood.org

PLACES

Lots of Projects at DRC

The Development Review Committee is reviewing these development proposals:

 Preliminary Review of the development of an existing building at 300 Tumwater Boulevard SW into commercial tenant spaces including an arcade and a bar and restaurant.

 Feasibility Review of a proposed metal building at 8913 Select Court SE.

 Feasibility Review of a proposed Popeyes fast food restaurant at 5945 Littlerock Road SW.

 Feasibility Review of a 2,600 s.f. addition to Pacific Northwest Bottling at 2719 32nd Avenue SW.

 Feasibility Review of proposed modular classroom to be used for training by the State Department of Fisheries at 9628 Lathrop Industrial Drive SW.

 Preliminary Review of a modular building for instruction at 621 Linwood Avenue SW for the Tumwater School District.

 Feasibility Review of 7,500 s.f. warehouse for an existing business at 5880 Linderson Way SW.

Formal Review of the renovation of an existing hangar for use as an aviation-themed event center – Hangar 51.

 Preliminary Review of the proposed Velkommen Apartments – 21 apartment units – at 7125 Littlerock Road.

 Preliminary Review of a food truck court at the Craft District.

The pending items before DRC are:

 Preliminary Review of “The Rookery” – a change of use/remodel of a single family house into an officeandtheconstructionofmixedusebuilding with offices and six apartment units.

 Preliminary Review of the New Market Apartments – 427 apartments on the extension ofNewMarket Streetbehindthe CityShops.This project is significant for the City’s Town Center Plan by extending New Market and bringing more residential to the area.

INSIDE THE CITY

Illustrating our Mission, Vision, or Beliefs in Action.

There are so many awesome things our employees are doing to demonstrate our Mission, Vision and Beliefs. HerearejustafewI’veheardabout from the past few months:

 OlyFed, one of the sponsors of the City’s Tree Lighting, wrote with “….nothing but positive feedback about the event!” School teachers also wrote to thank us for the opportunity for their children to perform at that Tree Lighting. A big thanks to the Fire Department for allowing the apparatus bay to be a unique performance venue.

 The instructor of the Recreation Program’s Ukulele Holiday song class wrote to thank Chad

Harvell for making the class a “friendly, hospitable, and learning-conducive setting.”

 A neighbor on Trosper Road wrote to thank the Police Department for working to reduce the number of abandoned cars along the road and in sodoing,“keepingTumwatersafeandattractive.”

 This is an old one, cut still good. A resident wrote to thank the City for the FRESH Farm program. They praised the beet greens (glad someone did) and said “the kids were neat.” The FRESH farm operates in partnership with the School District at Isabella Bush Park and will restart in the spring.

 Several notes highlight the friendly and professional staff who work at the golf course –and how they look forward to 2023. The COVID years have been pretty amazing for golf. Even with rates going up, record numbers of golfers hit the course. The golf course was also able to significantly reduce its debt, which will be fully retired in 2025.

 Hanna Miles received notesof appreciationforher work with the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) that meets annually to review applications, hear requests, and allocate (never enough) funds to promote tourism in the community. Thank you also to Councilmember Swarthout who chairs that Committee.

 Later last year, a resident stopped by the permit counter to thank the Operations Crew for getting the street sweeper going and doing such a good job cleaning the streets and for excellent customer service. This biennium’s budget includes funding for a 2nd street sweeper.

Police Department Monthly Report

To: John Doan, City Administrator

From: Jon Weiks, Chief of Police

Date: January 15, 2023

Re: December 2022

CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

2022-2324 Possession of a Stolen Vehicle - At 0713 hours, Tumwater officers were dispatched to a report of suspicious circumstances at the intersection of Capitol Boulevard and Tumwater Boulevard Officers were advised the victim reported his son had stolen his car in Cheney, Washington and the victim had tracked it to this area in Tumwater. Officers arrived in the area and located the vehicle parked in the 700 block of Dennis Street SW, occupied by one male. Orders were given to the occupant of the vehicle and he complied. The suspect was taken into custody and, identified as the victim’s juvenile son. The victim wished to pursue charges against his son for the crime. The suspect was booked at the Thurston County Youth Services Center for Possession of a Stolen Auto

2022-2407 Assault 1st Degree, Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, Hit & Run Attended, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Possession of Stolen Firearms, and Unlawful Possession of Firearms - At 0952 hours, Tumwater officers were dispatched to a report of a recklessly driven vehicle on I-5, with the driver having already hit multiple vehicles. As officers were responding, they received information that the suspect, who had crashed on 93rd Avenue and Lathrop Industrial Drive and fled on foot, may have fired a gun at one of the victims. Thurston County Sheriff Deputies and Tumwater Officers responded to investigate. It was determined the suspect had stolen a vehicle from a business in Olympia earlier in the morning. The victim was able to track the vehicle to Chehalis and both he and his father responded in separate vehicles to locate the vehicle The vehicle and a suspect were located and they followed the suspect back towards Tumwater. The suspect tried to evade the victim, put the stolen car in reverse, and rammed the vehicle driven by the victim’s father at the roundabout on 93rd Avenue SW. They proceeded through onto Lathrop Industrial Drive and the suspect rammed the father again, and launched the stolen vehicle into a tree. The suspect exited the vehicle armed with a firearm and pointed it at the father, and demanded he exit his vehicle, which he did not. The suspect then demanded the victim’s cellphone. Before the victim could hand it over, a bystander scared the suspect away and he fled on foot, still armed with the firearm. A Tumwater K9 was used to track the suspect, but the track was terminated when it was apparent the suspect had crossed I-5 (heavy traffic)

Officers canvassed the area and businesses along both the east and west sides of I-5, but were unable to locate the suspect The stolen vehicle was recovered, but damaged. There were firearms in the vehicle that did not belong to the victim, including an empty case for a rifle. As such, the stolen vehicle was impounded by the Tumwater Police Department in order to obtain a search warrant to conduct a thorough search for additional evidence. A few hours later, an employee of Lincoln Creek Lumber called and reported the suspect was in their bathroom. Officers responded and detained the suspect. The suspect was positively identified by the victim and the suspect was placed into custody without incident. A search incident to arrest revealed the suspect was in possession of pills believed to contain Fentanyl. The suspect was no longer in possession of the firearm he was observed fleeing with. It was also discovered the suspect had attempted to prowl a vehicle nearby. The suspect was booked at the Thurston County Jail for Assault 1st degree, Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, Hit & Run Attended and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.

The investigating officer applied for and was granted a search warrant for the stolen vehicle. The officer served the search warrant and recovered three firearms, a case for a fourth firearm, and several other items suspected to be stolen. The officer was able to identify the firearms owner and discovered they had been stolen from a vehicle prowl in Olympia five hours before the auto theft. The victim reported there was a fourth firearm missing from the case. A Tumwater Detective later coordinated with Thurston County Search and Rescue and they responded back to the collision scene. They searched the area and located the stolen fourth firearm Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Stolen Firearm charges were referred to the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG DROP BOX

The public deposited 60 pounds of prescription drugs in December. The total deposited for the year is 803.5 pounds.

BUDGET

At the end of the month, the Police Department budget is 97% spent for the year and 94% of the biennium.

K-9 STATISTICS

Officer Chase Grimmett and K9 Thor completed 400 hours of training and earned Patrol Canine Team certification from CJTC this month Officer Grimmett and K9 Thor have assumed the primary K9 tracking role for the department Officer Russ Mize and K9 James will continue to have primary responsibility for narcotic-related searches and secondary responsibility for tracking. K9 James will retire at the end of 2023, and Officer Mize will continue to be involved in the K9 program as a mentor/coach.

Five Deployments:

One Tracking

 Officer Mize and K9 James assisted the Lacey Police Department with tracking an AssaultDomestic Violence (multiple counts) suspect who had fled a residence on foot. Officer Mize responded to the scene and deployed K9 James at the driver’s door of the vehicle the suspect had arrived in. Prior to starting to track the suspect, Officer Mize provided several K9 surrender announcements. After receiving no response, Officer Mize provided a track command to K9 James. K9 James acquired the suspect’s scent and tracked the suspect for approximately 40

minutes and for several blocks It was apparent the suspect was trying to get back to his vehicle, as he was going in circles through the neighborhood. The track was terminated when K9 James tracked the suspect beyond the perimeter set up by LPD officers.

One Tracking/Evidence Search

 Officer Grimmett and K9 Thor assisted other Tumwater officers at the scene of an incident involving a stolen vehicle recovery and assault involving a firearm. Officer Grimmett responded to the scene and deployed K9 Thor at the driver’s door of the stolen vehicle. Based on the suspect being armed and the opportunity to be ambushed, no K9 warnings were provided. K9 Thor acquired the suspect’s scent and began tracking the suspect through a heavily wooded area. The track led to I-5 and indicated the suspect had crossed the freeway. Due to heavy traffic on I-5, the track was terminated. Officer Grimmett and K9 Thor returned to the stolen vehicle for an evidence search. K9 Thor was able to lead officers to a handheld police scanner, but did not locate any further evidence.

Two Building Search/Compliance

 Officer Mize and K9 James assisted other Tumwater Officers at the scene of a residential burglary/domestic violence incident. The suspect was the daughter of the homeowner, who had forcibly entered the residence in violation of a protection order. The suspect could be heard inside the garage, but was unresponsive to officers. Officer Mize provided several K9 surrender announcements. After receiving no response, Officer Mize and K9 James entered the garage and Officer Mize could immediately see a person hiding under a blanket a few feet away. Several more commands were provided to the hiding person, but the person was unresponsive. Officer Mize maintained positive control of K9 James while he reached down and removed the blanket from over the person. The person pretended to be asleep, but eventually surrendered to officers without incident.

 Officer Mize and K9 James assisted the Lacey Police Department at the scene of a commercial burglary. Upon his arrival at the scene, Officer Mize was advised LPD had one suspect in custody and they were requesting assistance searching the interior of the business for any other suspects. Officer Mize deployed K9 James at the rear of the business and provided several K9 surrender announcements, which went unanswered. Officer Mize then provided a search command to K9 James and K9 James searched the interior of the business and did not locate any further suspects.

One Compliance/Deterrent

 Officer Grimmett and K9 Thor assisted the Lacey Police Department with attempting to contact a suspect wanted for multiple felony crimes, to include firearms. Officer Grimmett and K9 Thor, along with LPD officers, approached the front door of the apartment Officer Grimmett provided several surrender orders, with K9 Thor barking between the orders. There was no response from the apartment and LPD officers could not establish probable cause to obtain a search warrant. Officer Grimmett and K9 Thor then cleared the scene.

SRO ACTIVITY

December is a short month for the SROs due to the Tumwater School District winter break. During the break, both SROs returned to the Investigations Division for a week and then took time away from work for a week. The following is an overview of the work conducted by the SROs while schools were in session:

 School Resource Officer Tyler Boling counseled an East Olympia Elementary student, who had sent another student inappropriate videos and messages that alarmed the student’s parents. They discussed making good choices and cyber safety.

 SRO Boling assisted the East Olympia Elementary principal with an unruly student, who refused to follow directions given by staff. SRO Boling counseled the student. SRO Boling then stood by with the principal and student until the student’s guardian arrived to take the student home.

 School Resource Officer Rosco Rollman was assigned a follow-up detail narcotics-related of a narcotics related issue that occurred at Black Lake Elementary. Staff had discovered someone had inadvertently dropped a container in the school office that was believed to contain methamphetamines. The principal viewed video surveillance and identified the parent who dropped it. SRO Rollman located and interviewed the parent. SRO Rollman referred charges of Reckless Endangerment and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance to the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office.

 SRO Rollman participated in a two separate threat assessment processes for re-entry of two Black Hills High School students who had previously brought a weapon onto school grounds.

 SRO Rollman provided training to Tumwater Middle School staff on Run, Hide, or Fight response

 SRO Rollman provided social media and cyber safety presentations to the 6th grade Health classes at Tumwater Middle School

 SRO Boling and SRO Rollman worked with the Tumwater School District security consultant to identify future security needs and measures for the schools within the district.

 SRO Boling attended the monthly Tumwater Youth Program (TYP) event

CODE ENFORCEMENT

Code Enforcement opened two cases this month:

 Subject living in an RV and accumulating trash on undeveloped commercial property.

 Accumulating trash on undeveloped residential property.

Code Enforcement closed two cases this month:

 An unoccupied residence was secured and an inoperable vehicle and garbage were removed from outside the residence after issuance of a courtesy letter.

 Garbage and furniture on undeveloped commercial property were removed upon issuance of a courtesy letter.

Code Enforcement has 12 open cases.

QUANTIFIABLE ACTIVITY

* Self-Initiatedincludes:investigativefollow-ups,civilpaperworkservice,areachecks,business checks,schoolvisits,residentcontacts,trafficstops, andback-upactivity.

PERSONNEL

 Jon Weiks, Chief – 34 years of service

 Bryent Finch, Sergeant – 13 years of service

 Sawyer Smith, Officer – 3 years of service

 Seth Stauffer, Officer – 3 years of service

TRAINING

 Two members attended an online Active Shooter Incident presentation

 One member attended a one-day Glock Armorer course

 One member attended a one-day Concepts in Leadership course

 One member attended a three-day Street Crimes Seminar course

 One member completed BAC Refresher

 One member completed K9 Handler training

 One member continued in the Basic Law Enforcement Academy

 Two TPD members of Thurston County SWAT attended monthly training

 19 members attended a department training day (EVOC & Patrol Tactics)

450 total training hours

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

Officer Stacy Brown, Evidence Tech Jennifer Heath, Officer Tyler Boling, Officer Oran Thompson, Officer

Tyler Brown, Officer Hannah Ritter, Officer Rachael Black, Sergeant Chris Tressler, Officer Peter Navarro, Officer Seth Stauffer, Lieutenant Jennifer Kolb, Detective Brandt Baker, Sergeant Chuck Liska, Officer

Tim Rios, Officer Danielle Dawson, Management Analyst Dr. Oliver Bowers, Administrative Manager

Laura Wohl, Chief Jon Weiks, and numerous family and friends participated in the Shop-with-a-Cop event. The Tumwater Police Guild, with help from our community, provided seventeen youths, ages 8-14, the opportunity to shop for Christmas presents for themselves and their families The youth were paired up with an officer, and then they caravanned to a local retailer to do the shopping. All then returned to City Hall where the officers, the officers’ family members/friends, and other TPD members helped wrap the gifts. The night ended with food, games, and prizes.

COMMENDATIONS/LETTERS OF APPRECIATION

Police Specialist Ashleigh Clark received a verbal commendation from a citizen she assisted with a concealed pistol license renewal. The citizen left a voicemail with our Administrative Manager stating that Ashleigh was absolutely wonderful, delightful, and he very much appreciated her service.

Transportation & Engineering

Water Resources & Sustainability

January 2023

PERSONNEL UPDATES & ANNIVERSARIES

Rich Hutchins

WRS Maintenance Tech II | 1/12/2010, 13 yrs.

Sustainability

Evan Ozasa

WRS Sewer Collections Lead Worker | 1/23/2017, 6 yrs.

Month Year

Kahle Waters

WRS Maintenance Tech I | 1/2/2018, 5 yrs.

TRANSPORTATION & ENGINEERING

PROJECTS IN DESIGN

Capitol Boulevard, Israel Road to M Street Design

The design phase for the project is expected to be complete by February 2023. The City is actively working with the engineering consultant to complete final design documents.

Scoping work has begun for the right of way phase of the X Street Roundabout project. It is expected that this work will begin in early 2023 with construction anticipated for 2025.

Interstate 5 / Trosper Road / Capitol Boulevard Reconfiguration Project

Active Construction mobilized to the site during the second week of January and began construction activities on January 17, 2023.

Initial work will be in the vicinity of the Trosper Road / Capitol Boulevard Intersection and will include removal of concrete panels underneath the road surface along Capitol Boulevard and replacement of the sanitary sewer main. Work is scheduled during daytime for the first couple weeks, and then night work will commence for installation of the sewer main.

The project is expected to take 18 months to complete.

Israel Road / Linderson Way Water Main Project

This project replaces the water main on Israel Road from Interstate 5 to Capitol Boulevard along with a small segment of water main on Linderson Way. The project was prioritized to complete improvements shown in the City Water System Plan ahead of roadway improvements along Israel Road slated for construction in 2024 Project design continues, with project bidding planned for spring 2023 for summer construction.

Linwood Avenue Sidewalk, Susitna Ln to 2nd Ave.

This is a City designed project that will provide improved pedestrian safety and walkability near Michael T Simmons Elementary School. City staff continues with design efforts and completion of the construction documents.

WATER RESOURCES & SUSTAINABILITY

THURSTON COUNTY GREEN BUSINESS Green Business Award Applications

Applications are officially open for Thurston County businesses, agencies, and non-profits to apply to become a Thurston Green Business. Submit your application by February 28th! All Thurston Green Businesses will be listed on the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce’s Shop Green webpage, be recognized at the Thurston Green Business Forum in April, and have the opportunity to participate in the Thurston Green Business Forum Each business will also receive a window cling and Thurston

Planned Improvements for the Interstate 5 / Trosper Road / Capitol Boulevard Reconfiguration Project

Green Business logo to display on their websites and marketing materials. You will find the questions and application on the Thurston Green Business website

We would love for more Tumwater businesses, agencies, and non-profits to become Green Businesses!

5-Year-Old Clears Storm Drains

Just before Christmas, Operations staff received a report of a plugged storm drain in a residential neighborhood. Upon inspection, Field Crew Lead Mark Teigen and Maintenance Technician Tim Bell found that the storm system was functioning as designed. During follow-up with the customer, they learned Meghan, and her fiveyear-old son Jackson had taken on the responsibility of keeping their storm drains clear by removing the leaves that collected over them. Mark Teigen saw this as an opportunity to acknowledge Jackson’s efforts and reinforce the positive benefits to the community by presenting him with a Stormwater Volunteer Award and certificate signed by the Mayor. Jackson was very excited to receive the award, and the experience is not one that he will soon forget. Kudos to Mark for recognizing young Jackson’s efforts and creating an ally while promoting a safe and healthy community.

necessary to keep drinking water safe and accessible, sanitary sewer systems flowing, creeks and rivers clean, and streets clear of flooding – all focused on protecting the “One-Water” our community relies on

489 Stormwater Inspections Completed in 2022

The City Stormwater Discharge permit requires staff to manage several stormwater inspection programs throughout the City to help ensure public and private stormwater facilities are operational and functioning correctly. These inspections can also identify potential pollutants to keep them out of the stormwater system and our environment.

The stormwater inspection programs include:

 Annual Private Facility inspections include residential subdivisions and apartment complexes.

 Semi-Annual Public Facility inspections include all stormwater infrastructure in right-of-ways, parks, and the Tumwater Valley Golf Course.

 Semi-Annual Plat inspections include private facilities that have not reached final occupancy.

 Semi-Annual Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan inspections at City maintenance facilities such as the operations yard, facilities yard, and golf course maintenance shop

 Monthly Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control inspections occur at all construction sites over one acre

 Annual outfall screening includes inspection of 20% of all known stormwater outfalls to receiving waters.

Automated Water Meters Coming Soon!

The Operations Division has several upcoming projects for 2023. Projects include the long awaited conversion to Automated Metering Infrastructure, allowing the City to read water meters remotely, and upgrading the City’s sewer pumping stations. Operations will also improve physical security and video surveillance monitoring to protect the City’s critical infrastructure. These projects are all in addition to the everyday maintenance programs

In total, 489 inspections were completed in 2022. Once an inspection is complete, a report is generated by WRS staff, and any deficiencies worked through with facility owners. These inspections are essential to keeping Tumwater a healthy community for our human and nonhuman residents. WRS is here to help, clean water is a team effort!

Mark Teigen with Jackson and his mom, Meghan