Hi Everyone,  

Your work is critical to the City of Tumwater, and you are an important part of this community.  Now, we’d like to also tap into your thinking... 

Over the past month, the City has been working with DHM Research on a community survey. The City wants to gain the perspectives of both those who live in Tumwater and those who hold an interest in the wellbeing of the community due to their connections with the City.  All of you fit into the second group by virtue of the work you do, and many of you also fall into both categories. We are inviting you to take part in the survey, too.

The survey link above is intended for anyone who lives in Tumwater, works in Tumwater, or visits Tumwater, so please feel free to share it with others, too!

The results of this survey will be a key component in how the City learns, from our community, to better serve our community. As people with unique knowledge and insights, we can only benefit from your participation. 

As always, thank you for all that you do for Tumwater!

Lisa 
City Administrator 

Please share your thoughts on city services

Staff members and their families and friends are encouraged to fill out our city survey.

Since the start of the month, the City of Tumwater has been working with DHM Research on a community survey. Participation is a vital part of our strategic planning processes. We are including you because you are an active part of our community and we want to broaden the range of survey participants. Taking the survey is a terrific opportunity to share your thoughts and priorities regarding services. 

Please follow this survey link to help set priorities for Tumwater’s future.

Many people may have already received a call or an email to participate in the randomly selected participation portion of the survey effort. If you have not, now is your chance.

Also, please feel free to pass along the survey link to anyone who lives here, works here, or visits Tumwater. We want to gain the perspectives of both those who live in Tumwater and those who hold an interest in the wellbeing of the community due to their connections with the city.

Transportation and Engineering news

Two major projects are nearing completion by the end of this month: Israel Road and Linderson Way Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements; and Linwood Avenue Sidewalk, Susitna Lane to 2nd Avenue. 2025 Pavement maintenance funded by the Transportation Benefit District will begin this month, as well as the Antsen Sewer Project. Read all this and more in the TED monthly newsletter.    

Swinging into summer with Parks & Recreation

Golf course staff aced two recent tournaments that drove energy, excitement, and crowds to town. During the events, local businesses such as restaurants and hotels saw increased activity. Visitors noted the hospitality of golf course staff and the beautifully maintained property.  

Parks Facilities Division has had some big projects recently. The Parks office was moved entirely to a new location, there's new carpet at the headquarters fire station, the Finance Department at City Hall has had renovations, and the Crosby House has new posts in the front that are both pretty and functional. 

The Recreation Division is as busy as ever, and the Parks Division is busy keeping the grounds ready for the summer crowds. Read more in the Parks & Recreation monthly newsletter.

New team members getting in the groove at WRS

The Water Resources & Sustainability Department is celebrating the addition of several new staff members. The long-awaited position of urban forester has been filled. In the Operations Division, five new maintenance techs have all acclimated well to their new positions and are making a positive impact.

Preliminary design is completed for solar and battery storage on four city buildings: City Hall, the Library, Headquarters Fire Station, and North End Fire Station. Read more and see plans in the WRS monthly newsletter. 

Fire Department improving record system and more

Tumwater Fire Department responded to 472 calls in April. In one of the calls, they helped rescue a man pinned under a forklift. They participated in community outreach, and are working to improve their records system. Read more, including tips on wildfire safety, in the Fire Department Monthly Newsletter.  

Police ramp up focus on porch pirates and car prowls 

Thurston County is experiencing an increase in porch pirates and car prowls. Tumwater Police are enhancing their focus on these crimes. Unusually the porch package thefts have been occurring at night. Officers are increasing neighborhood patrols. They are also using clues from residential cameras to track the trend.

Community engagement is ongoing with events for children and adults. Police also arrested someone trying to steal metal and wire from an electric vehicle charging station. Read about that and more in the Tumwater Police Monthly Newsletter. 

May Development Review Committee actions:

• Feasibility Review - Construction of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 220 V St. SW.
• Preapplication Review - Development and construction of 24 single family condominium units (10.65 acres) at 715 Dennis St. SE/934 Tumwater Blvd. SE.
• Feasibility Review - Proposed 4-lot short plat with two townhomes (4 dwelling units) at 8965 Priscilla Dr. SE.
• Preapplication Review - Construction of paved vehicle storage lot at 3130 Cougar Ln. SW.
• Feasibility Review - Proposed construction of 8 duplexes or 16 townhomes and demolition of existing duplex at 7515 Trails End Dr. SE.

Please welcome new staff members

• Brian Caughlan, Urban Forester
• Brenden Dailey, Signal Tech II
• Andrew Freeland, Business Analyst II
• Mayra Kirst, Business Analyst II

Tumwater Library reopening June 28

The Tumwater Timberland Library will reopen at 11 a.m. June 28. The last day of library services at Tumwater Regional Library headquarters will be June 14. Pickup dates will be extended until the library opens. 

The community is invited to an open house celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 28 at the Tumwater library.