Inside the City 28 January 2021 Edition

Inside the City of Tumwater Date: January 28, 2021 To:

Mayor Pete Kmet City Councilmembers City Employees

From: John Doan, City Administrator

PEOPLE Interim Finance Director Joins Tumwater

Patty Pantier Retiring

Director following the departure of Ursula. In the

School, started with the City in February 1991 doing

The City is launching a search for a new Finance

Patty Pantier, a graduate of North Thurston High

meantime, Diane Marcotte has joined us as the

utility billing. Over the years she has had several roles

Issaquah a few years ago and has been doing similar

Violations, and front counter work until landing her

Interim Finance Director. She retired from the City of projects with other cities. Before that, she was in

similar leadership positions in the cities of Auburn,

Sumner, and Tacoma, and the Pierce County

in the Finance Department, including payroll, ER&R, current position as Senior Accounting Technician.

Patty has been vital in ensuring our funds are in the

correct places and our debt managed. She also has

Housing Authority. She was also the Pierce County

been a frequent participant in our employee

Welcome, Diane!

Thank you, Patty, for the years of service to

Audit Manager for the State Auditor’s Office.

Officer Cady Going to Sheriff’s Office

Police Officer Austin Cady is moving to the Thurston

committees–Emergency Management and Wellness.

Tumwater and our community. We wish you the best in the future!

County Sheriff’s Office. Austin started with the City in

Dwane Ehrich Retiring

Idaho. We wish you the best Austin keeping the

is retiring at the end of February. He started with the

late 2012 having moved here from Kootenai County, streets of Thurston County safe!

City Has Openings

We have two open positions due to retirements—

Traffic Signal and Street Light Technician and Legal Specialist. Recruiting is underway to find a Capital Projects Manager to help build parks and public

facilities. This position is supported by metro parks dollars and project funding. Let your friends know!

Tumwater Valley Golf Superintendent Dwane Ehrich City

in

2005

as

the Assistant

Golf

Course

Superintendent and was promoted to Golf Course Super in 2009. Before being a part of the Tumwater

Team, he was with the Alderbrook Golf and Yacht

Club for 20 years. Dwane has an integral part of the business revival of the Golf Course and making it one of the top golf courses in the South Sound. Thank you, Dwane!

Kudos to Our Employees

A real estate professional said, “I work in many different jurisdictions and your willingness to work with the applicants to align them with the interests of the city and create a predictable permitting environment is not lost on me.”

Someone who relies on Tumwater Valley Drive to get to the childcare center thanked the City staff for their

efforts to keep the Drive open. The staff of the Materials Testing & Consulting wrote a note of appreciation for Al Christensen for his support of

materials testing as part of the building safety program. Congratulations to these and all of our

employees who are serving our community every day.

EVENTS Tumwater University Goes Virtual: March 22 & 29 Tumwater

University

2021

is

happening! Classes will be specially

tailored for remote presentations

on Zoom. This will allow us to record the sessions for

future viewing. Courses offered this year include

home safety, city finance, parks, and transportation.

In addition to the community audience, Tumwater

University is a great opportunity for new employees to learn about the many parts of the City. Let you

supervisor know if you want to attend. Tuition is free,

online registration opens soon!

PLACES Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee is reviewing the feasibility of sprinkler renovations to Black Lake Elementary School and modernization of the existing

Peter G. Schmidt Elementary for preschool. They are

also looking at a proposal for 1401 and 1551 Kingswood Dr. SW for fast food restaurants. They are also looking at the feasibility of moving three

cottages from the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle to Tumwater – one to be an ADU and the other two

would be combined into a duplex. The project would be at 318 N 6th Ave. SW.

INSIDE THE CITY Illustrating our Mission, Vision, or Beliefs in Action.

It was Will Rogers who said, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.”

Our customers come to us from many directions and venues with the questions that show up on their minds. One entrance point is the City website where people can send an Online Customer Service Form to a generic email. Those questions and comments are very important. They are often from people without regular familiarity with the City.

Certain customers, contractors, and vendors know their way around the City and can easily find their way through our departments and addresses. Others don’t know those details and use the generic email.

Because they don’t have much of a relationship with us, these emails are an extraordinary opportunity to create a good relation…..to make a good first impression.

Again, those are customers where we probably have very little history, and we must make a good first impression. Their view of the City will be quickly formed by how fast we respond and how helpful we are. Even if we don’t know the answer immediately, we can respond that we don’t know right now but will get back…………and then, get back to them!

Last week, we received such an email that had several questions that were appropriate for staff in three different departments involving a sidewalk covered with debris, a light pole that was down, a stormwater pond, and even doggie litter bags.

Between Friday and Monday all those departments had responded to our resident. Thank you Chuck Denney, Dan Smith, Meridith Greer, Mary Heather Ames, and Ann Cook for the quick response and helping make a good first impression!

COMMUNITY OUTREACH THROUGH THE MONTH

TUMWATER FIRE DEPARTMENT DECEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS EMERGENCY RESPONSES CONT.

EMERGENCY RESPONSES

Years of Service & Dedication

M5 & M14 Medical Responses 60 In City medical calls (M5) 38 County medical calls (M5) South County medical calls 63 (M14) 161 Total ALS Calls

We were optimistic to bring in the satellite food bank this month, but due to an increase of COVID-19 cases, the program is suspended.

Stay safe!

The car seat clinic is suspended until the COVID-19 cases start to decline.

Fire station tours and ride-alongs with the engine company are also suspended.

Number and Type of Call 5 Fire 357 EMS (Medical) 3 Hazardous Conditions 30 Service Calls 47 Good Intent 18 False Alarm Calls 460 Total Calls Total Fire/EMS Calls: 621

Medical Services Officer Division On December 26, the first doses of the Moderna vaccine were given to our first responders. Approximately 411 first responders in Thurston County received the vaccine with 80% of our firefighters receiving it.

PM/FF Tom Trentman

25 Yrs

PM/FF Tom Barker

20 Yrs

MSO Shawn Crimmins

18 Yrs

PM/FF Wes Comstock

12 Yrs

FF Jennifer Lindstrom completed her one-year probation, Congratulations Jennifer!

On December 9, Gunnar and Rebecca Christensen welcomed their son Darren into the world.

Congratulations to the family!

Crews completed 4th quarter assignments that included SCBA donning and doffing, and bunker gear inspections. Crews also completed requirements for EMT certifications.

Crews continue to use enhanced precautions when seeing patients with COVID symptoms.

Vaccine Clinic Staff

Crews responded to 10 cardiac arrests.

ENGINE CALL VOLUME / RESPONSE TIMES Number of Calls per Shift A Shift 130 18% Fire 82% EMS B Shift 123 27% Fire 73% EMS C Shift 99 20% Fire 80% EMS D Shift 110 25% Fire 75% EMS

December 2020 Monthly Call Volume T1 T2 2018 182 171 2019 237 178 2020 185 205

December 2020 Average Unit Travel Time ET1 to T1 5:86 ET1 to T2 7:16 ET2 to ET2 5:20 ET2 to ET1 6:89

AC Brian Hurley Suppression Report

Training by Category Administrative Emergency Medical/OTEP/In-service Fire Suppression / Prevention Special Operations Technical Rescue WAC Requirements Total Training for the Month

The Tumwater Fire Department, in cooperation with Thurston County (TC) Medic One and Providence Health, conducted a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for TC EMTs and Paramedics. These first responders are essential healthcare workers at risk of contracting COVID-19. Over 400 personnel received vaccinations at two locations in the County. Tumwater Fire Department Paramedics may be called upon to assist Providence Health in administering vaccines to the public in the coming months.

Officer Suppression Report

A live power line came down in the recent wind/rain storm, and electrified a metal fence. We kept a unit on scene until PSE could arrive. There were no injuries and no damage to private property.

0 116.5 50 0 36 202.5

Recently FF Evan Hagen and FF Shane Brady had the privilege of attending a three-day Puyallup Extrication Team (PXT) course. This course encompassed Basic, Advanced and Hybrid/ Heavy Vehicle Extrication. They learned new techniques, reinforced old techniques, and had 30 hours of tool time with hand tools and Hurst Edraulics.

These pictures show scene scenarios and techniques that both Evan and Shane executed.

Parks & Facilities Project Updates | December | 2020

Deschutes Valley Trail: Tumwater Historical Park to Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls All substantial work has been completed and the contractor is working on the final punch list items. The kiosk structure will provide a functional space for park visitors with a covered area, benches, and bicycle racks. Project close-out will occur in the spring after the landscaping and grass are established. Due to substantial completion of the project and inclement weather, activity at the construction site has been on hold.

New Park Kiosk with bike racks and benches for visitors at the south end of the new trail..

View of Tumwater Falls from the new trail.

Tumwater Hill — Crosby Blvd Trail Connection

Crosby House Structural Analysis

This project will construct a 1000’± wood chip trail, providing a link between Crosby Blvd and Tumwater Hill Park.

Trail design will be similar to other wood chip trials within the City park system. Construction is planned for the spring of 2021. Steep slope critical area limitations may delay the project.

The Crosby House is listed on the Tumwater Register of Historic Places, the National Historic Register and the Washington State Register of Historic Places. The House has seen many upgrades over the last decade including a new foundation, insulation, heating system, and minor repairs.

There is evidence the House is continuing to settle and shift, causing problems with interior finishes and doorways.

Heritage Grant funding from Thurston County will assist with a structural analysis of the House and provide City staff with the information needed to continue to protect and preserve one of our community’s most valuable assets.

Existing portion of the Tumwater Hill trail.

Park Restrooms

Design work for new bathroom facilities at Tumwater Hill and Barclift parks is underway. These full bathroom structures will require design efforts for grading, sidewalk connection, and utility upgrades for power, water, and sewer connections.

Restrooms for both parks are funded through the Metropolitan Park District.

Built in 1860, the Crosby House is one of Tumwater’s most historic buildings.

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

From:

Jon Weiks, Chief of Police

Date:

January 15, 2021

Re:

December 2020

COVID-19 We continued to operate under modified COVID-19 procedures. Our patrol staff continue to focus on visual presence in the community while limiting in-person contact. Calls for service not involving an active threat to people or property continue to be handled by phone.

CRIMINAL ACTIVITY 20-2065

Auto Theft - an officer took a report of a stolen vehicle from a residence on Janet St. At the time, there were no suspect leads and the vehicle’s information was entered into a national database as stolen. A couple of weeks later, officers received information that a recently stolen vehicle was seen coming and going from a residence on Dennis Street, and was driven by a known criminal. . Officers kept an eye on the residence and the next day an officer observed the stolen vehicle running, so the officer surveilled the vehicle for several minutes while waiting for backup. The officer observed persons moving to and from the vehicle. Officers approached the vehicle and contact was made with several people associated with the residence/vehicle. The suspect was arrested for possession of a stolen auto and booked into the Thurston County Jail.

20-2075

Suspicious Circumstances/Warrants - Officers were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a residence on Lido Court. The reporting party advised the vehicle was occupied and it appeared it had been there for hours. Additionally, Dispatch advised there had also been an interrupted burglary reported at a nearby residence. An Officer made contact with the occupant of the vehicle, while another Officer made contact with the burglary victim. The suspect in the vehicle provided the officer with incorrect identifying information trying to conceal his real identity. The description provided by the burglary victim matched the physical descriptors of the suspect in the suspicious vehicle. Officers were able to positively identify the suspect seated in the vehicle and learned he had felony warrants for his arrest. The warrants were confirmed and the suspect was arrested. Officers were unable to establish probable cause to arrest the subject for burglary.

20-2155

Vehicle Prowling - Officers were dispatched to a vehicle prowl that had just occurred in the Blackhawk neighborhood. The victim reported interrupting a lone male who had unlawfully entered the victim’s vehicle and the suspect quickly left the scene. Responding officers located the suspect down the road from the victim’s residence and detained him. The suspect was in possession of a backpack. The victim responded to their location and positively identified the male as the suspect that he saw prowling his vehicle. The suspect was interviewed and he admitted to prowling the victim’s vehicle and others. Property taken from the victim’s vehicle was recovered and returned to the victim.

The suspect was arrested and booked for Vehicle Prowling.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG DROPBOX The public deposited 90 pounds of prescription drugs in December. The total for the year is 1,520 pounds.

BUDGET At the end of the month, the police department budget is 88% spent for the year and 88% spent for the biennium.

K-9 STATISTICS 2 Deployments 1 Tracking • Assisted the Lacey Police Department with attempting to locate three individuals involved in a robbery.

Officer Mize responded to the scene and learned a citizen was assaulted by two males and a female. The victim was additionally sprayed with pepper spray. The suspects were last seen running from the scene and there was probable cause to arrest the three subjects for Assault 2nd degree. Officer Mize deployed K9 James, who immediately began tracking the suspects. K9 James first led them to a nearby business and a cell phone hidden under a large bush. K9 James then continued the track, around the same business to two backpacks hidden under another bush. K9 James continued to track the suspects and was pulling hard on the lead when the Lacey supervisor requested the track be terminated (uncooperative victim). Officer Mize cleared the scene and was later advised the backpacks contained a can of pepper spray and a stolen handgun.

1 Evidence Search • Assisted the Olympia Police Department with attempting to locate a firearm used in a robbery. The suspect originally fled on foot from a residence but was later captured. Officer Mize responded to the scene and deployed K9 James in the area the suspect had run from. K9 James was able to obtain the suspect’s scent and tracked his movements, but the track was terminated due to a large number of pedestrians in the area.

SRO ACTIVITY We continue to operate with one school resource officer serving the Tumwater School District due to COVID restrictions. The other SRO spent the month helping in the patrol division.

School Resource Officer Rollman assisted Peter G. Schmidt Elementary and Tumwater Hill Elementary staff with multiple students/families who appeared to be avoiding contact with the school/staff. The families would communicate with SRO Rollman, but would not follow through with staff... SRO Rollman is aiding in trying to bridge the communication gap. SRO Rollman delivered homework and gifts to one of the students on behalf of Peter G. Schmidt.

SRO Rollman assisted a Tumwater High School family with opening a door of their locked vehicle, which was running with the keys locked inside.

SRO Rollman and Detective Tyler Boling attended the Michael T. Simmons “Parade of Lights” event. The staff set up a drive-thru holiday event at the school for students and families... SRO Rollman and Detective Boling were able to wave at and laugh with the kids as they drove thru. A few hundred families participated.

20-2072

Malicious Mischief - SRO Rollman investigated vandalism at Tumwater Middle School. The school had several holes in the siding of the building. It appeared the damage might have been caused by someone shooting arrows at the side of the building. The school security cameras did not capture anything of evidentiary value and there are no leads at this time.

CODE ENFORCEMENT Code Enforcement opened three cases this month: trash in a carport visible from the roadway; trash/debris in a carport and inoperable vehicle in the yard; and, trash/debris and unlicensed vehicles in a yard.

Code Enforcement closed eight cases this months: garbage and tent on private property were removed upon contacting the property owner; two over-height fences were brought into compliance upon issuing a notice of violation; tall weeds and vegetation were removed upon issuing a notice of violation roosters at a residential property were removed upon issuance of a courtesy letter; excess dog feces at a residential property was cleaned up after issuance of a notice of violation; abandoned vehicles, garbage, and overgrown vegetation were removed upon issuance of a notice of violation; and, trash in a carport visible from the roadway was cleaned up after issuance of a courtesy letter.

Code Enforcement currently has 18 open cases.

QUANTIFIABLE ACTIVITY

Calls for Service Self-Initiated* Arrests Citations Issued New Cases – Investigations Public Disclosure Requests CPL/Gun Transfers Court Documents Evidence Overtime Annual Leave Sick Leave *

2020 1,392 1,114 39 31

Monthly 2019 % Changed 1,545 -10% 1,313 -15% 98 -60% 48 -35%

2020 17,238 13,973 666 487

Year to Date 2019 % Changed 18,096 -5% 16,992 -18% 1,088 -39% 982 -50%

14

23

-39%

202

284

-29%

73 110 76 192

86 139 95 167

-15% -21% -20% 15%

849 1,485 813 1,598

938 1,068 1,140 2,147

-9% 39% -29% -26%

470 591 61

389 518 161

21% 14% -62%

4,543 5,026 1,749

5,308 5,188 2,934

-14% -3% -40%

Self-Initiated includes investigative follow-ups, civil paperwork service, area checks, business checks, school visits, citizen contacts, traffic stops, and back-up activity.

PERSONNEL Jon Weiks, Chief – 32 years Bryent Finch, Detective – 11 years Austin Cady, Officer – 8 years Sawyer Smith, Officer – 1 year Seth Stauffer, Officer – 1 year

TRAINING • • • • • • • • •

One member assisted TCSO with EVOC training Four members attended BAC/SFST refresher training Three members completed a three-day Patrol Tactics course Four TPD members of Thurston County SWAT attended monthly training One TPD member of Thurston County Hostage Negotiations attended quarterly training Three members attended a three-day virtual training conference Two members continued BLEA training One member completed FTO training One member continued FTO training 769 total training hours

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY Several members participated in the annual Shop-with-a-Cop event. Unfortunately, COVID prevented officers from shopping with the children this year. Instead, officers received lists of needs for a few area families and then purchased, wrapped, and delivered the presents to those families. This came together at the last minute and was made possible through the efforts of several department members and community partners, Walmart and South Sound Foursquare Church.

COMMENDATIONS/LETTERS OF APPRECIATION Sergeant Chuck Liska received a letter of appreciation for his participation in the City of Tumwater Christmas Cruizin’ event. The event organizer wrote, “I really appreciate your efforts to help collect food and donations for the Thurston County Food Bank. It was great to team up with the Police Department and have your support.”

The Department received a thank you card from a family, who were recipients of the Shop-with-a-Cop (SWAC) program. Because of COVID, the annual SWAC event was in doubt and came together at the last minute through the efforts of multiple officers. This parent wrote, “I cannot express my gratitude sufficiently. My children have been blessed by receiving gifts and gift cards because of your generosity. My oldest son especially showed his appreciation. He doesn’t always know how to share his feelings, but he is so satisfied that he received the items he really wanted. My daughter and I felt so much reverence watching you drive down our street. Thank You!”

Transportation & Engineering Water Resources & Sustainability January 2021 PERSONNEL UPDATES & ANNIVERSARIES Rich Hutchins Skilled Maintenance Worker | 1/12/2010 – 11 yrs.

Casey Ronning

Skilled Maintenance Worker | 1/25/2010 – 11 yrs.

Evan Ozasa

Maintenance Worker | 01/23/2017 – 4 yrs.

Kahle Waters

Maintenance Worker | 01/02/2018 – 3 yrs.

Signal and Street Light Technician Steve Whalen retired after 29 years with the City. His last working day was December 24, 2020. We wish him well in his retirement!

Transportation & Engineering Active Construction Projects Citywide NHS Resurfacing – The project is nearing completion with final work being completed in the next few weeks. Work has slowed due to inclement weather.

The main focus is completion of the signal work at the intersection of Custer Way and Capitol Blvd. Work includes upgrading hardware, re-channelizing lanes, and re-timing the signal for more efficient traffic flow.

Planning and Design Project City Operations and Maintenance Facility – The United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has moved the project Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) forward so the project is no longer on hold. Staff are working with a USFWS biologist and an environmental consultant to update a draft HCP. Staff are also working with a consulted architect to update cost estimates.

I-5/Trosper Rd/Capitol Blvd Reconfiguration – Current efforts are addressing right-of-way acquisition and preparation of the 60% complete design package.

Construction is planned for late 2021 or early 2022.

Suncrest – Streamland Force Main Upgrade – This project will add a new sanitary sewer force main on Antsen Road to improve performance of two lift stations.

Design efforts are underway and construction is planned to take place summer of 2021.

Tumwater Hill Sanitary Sewer Rehab Program – Design is complete. The Transportation and Engineering Department is working on the next steps for the project.

Capitol Blvd, M St to Israel Rd – Scope of work and fee negotiations with a consultant are nearing completion.

Parks Restroom Improvements, Tumwater Hill, Crosby Blvd Trail Connection – Read about planning and design status for these projects in the Parks & Facilities Projects Update

GIS Strategic Plan Update Beginning Soon

Wiring for a pedestrian crossing on Capitol Blvd at X St.

Deschutes Valley Trail – Read about construction progress in the Parks & Facilities Projects Update

The current GIS Strategic Plan was written in early 2017.

Strategic plans should be updated every few years to capture new organizational priorities, activities, and changes in technology. Since the plan was first drafted, here have been department reorganizations, task reassignments, programmatic changes, and personnel changes. Over the next few months, the GIS Team will be reaching out to the original contributors and to workgroups that did not participate in developing the before. Input from teams across the City will ensure we continue to meet the needs of the City and provide the most value possible.

Transportation Operations The Streets Division keeps our City beautiful by picking up litter from all ROW areas. Litter is a serious and costly issue. Recently, a full-size boat loaded with heavy cement backer board and garbage was dumped on Case Road, totaling 5.91 tons of solid waste!

The City had several areas marked with graffiti at the end of December. They worked to remove the graffiti as quickly as the weather allowed.

Christmas Tree Recycling started January 11, 2021, and the crew picked up and chipped 779 trees!!

Old and aging stormwater infrastructure is often under stress during heavy rain events. This much rain coupled with high groundwater, tables has created the perfect storm for widespread flooding. For as much headache and stress that these large rain events can cause, they also provide an opportunity to test system functionality and identify infrastructure problem areas. Water Resources & Sustainability staff have been out in the field assessing these problem areas and creating work plans for 2021. Repairs to improve the stormwater system will start when we get some much needed dry days.

High winds and heavy rain brought down several trees in the early hours of January 13. The wind toppled one large tree on Cleveland Avenue SE. It took 12 dump truckloads to clear the debris from that one tree. The Streets and Collections Divisions worked through the night to clear the tree from the roadway.

A semi-truck had its load shift on Trosper Road SW at Tyee Drive SW which caused the truck to overturn, spill diesel, and damage curbing. Amazingly, the driver was not injured. The Streets Division assisted law enforcement with traffic control and aided Water Resources & Sustainability with the spill response.

Flooding along Tumwater Valley Drive

Collections Division

The Collections crew has been clearing new dams built by active beavers in several areas of town. WRS Stormwater Inspector, Matthew Joseph, alerts the Collections Crew when he sees beaver activity.

Collections and Water crews installed a flexible leveler (a drainage pipe with a protective caged end) at Pioneer Street SW. The leveler prevents beavers from damming the culvert and allows the water to drain, preventing roadway flooding. On Linwood Avenue SW, a flexible leveler was not feasible so an excavator was used to clear a beaver dam and widen the channel to get the water moving again.

Overturned truck on Trosper Road.

The Fleet Division is back to a full schedule with two mechanics. Adam Tollefson has returned after a long absence. Welcome back Adam!

Water Resources & Sustainability Rain Helps Address Infrastructure Needs Large rain events are normal for Western Washington, and this January has been no exception. Tumwater received near-record rainfall, almost 10 inches of rain in 12 days! Water Resources and Sustainability staff have been busy working with businesses, contractors, and homeowners around the City on flooding related issues.

Beaver dam cleared on Linwood Avenue SW

Utility Operations Heavy rain has kept Utility Operations very busy, keeping an eye on stormwater as it moves to storm ponds, retention ponds, and infiltration galleries. Crews monitor how the City utilities perform during these big storms. It is the best time to see how the systems react and if changes are needed.