Tumwater on Tap
 
City of Tumwater, Washington  |  www.ci.tumwater.wa.us  |  March 2014
 
 Meet Councilmember Ed Hildreth
Councilmember Ed Hildreth
 
Ed has a degree from St. Martin's University in Business Administration with a minor in Economics. For over 6 years, Ed managed the Department of Licensing's Motor Vehicle budget. Now retired, Ed is devoted to service on the City Council, numerous intergovernmental committees and community boards. These include Intercity Transit, TCOMM 911, Thurston County LEOFF Disability Board, Pacific NW Kiwanis, WA Retail Association - Small Business Committee, WA State Employees' Credit Union, and the WA State Public Works Board (appointment by the Governor), just to name a few.
 
Ed and his wife Jodie have 5 grandchildren, three of which live in California (now their frequent travel destination). Ed and his wife enjoy cruises in warmer climates. Ed particularly likes to scuba dive on those trips.  
 
 
New City website launches
  • Functions on mobile devices, tablets, and desktops through responsive web design technology.
  • City calendar for meetings and events. Select the calendar item and link to the meeting agenda or more information.
  • Enhanced navigation through mega menus, site map, quick links, and site search functions.
  • Refreshed content throughout.
  • Records center so you can search all City documents.
  • Improved accessibility through translate, tool tips, and font sizing.
  • Online forms so you can report a problem, request assistance, or ask a question.
In addition to the new website launch, the City is now on Facebook. The
Tumwater Police Facebook and Tumwater Valley Golf Course are too. Visit the City website for those links. If you're on Facebook, "Like" us to get human interest and event information.
 
Please browse to www.ci.tumwater.wa.us and explore the new City of Tumwater website to find more resources. 
 
Note: The new City website was designed for newer versions of all major browsers, so please consider upgrading for the best viewing experience.

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Apply today to serve on the Planning Commission or Tree Board
boards
Service on a City board or commission is a great way for civic-minded citizens to get involved in local government. Applications are accepted year-round for all advisory board and commission positions. Currently, there are four vacancies open to residents; three on the
 Tree Board and one on the Planning Commission.
 
Please visit the City's website to download the application or call (360) 754-4120 to request a mailed packet.
 
Help shape the future of Tumwater through service today. 
 
Volunteer Tumwater event on March 22

Participants in the February 2014
Volunteer Tumwater project picked up litter
along Israel Road, Tumwater Boulevard and Linderson.
Pioneer Park Beautification Day
Saturday, March 22, 2014
10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Removing invasive plants (Scotch broom and blackberries), weeding, picking up litter, etc. Tools will be provided. With all the recent rain, boots are the suggested footwear.

Register: We'd like to have enough tools on hand, so please contact the City's volunteer coordinator to register. Individuals or groups are welcome. Activities for most age groups and abilities can be accommodated at this project.

About Volunteer Tumwater
Each month, the City of Tumwater provides a work party experience called Volunteer Tumwater. Individuals or community groups are welcome to participate. Monthly activities vary and may include park beautification, road side clean-ups, and recreation events. Participants are able to volunteer as often as they would like. To get involved, contact City of Tumwater Volunteer Coordinator Monica Langford at mlangford@ci.tumwater.wa.us or call (360) 252-5424. 
 
Interested in more volunteer opportunities? 
Sign up for the City's new Volunteer News email list to learn about future volunteer events and programs.   
City awarded two energy grants

grant
Congratulations Tumwater! 
This week, the City was awarded two new energy grants from the Washington State Department of Commerce; one solar grant and another to help fund energy conservation improvements to City buildings and street lights.

 

A $20,000 grant previously awarded to Tumwater from PSE's multi-city green power challenge in 2013 helped leverage an additional $219,044 solar grant from the state grant program. Both solar grants will be used to install a photovoltaic (pv) solar array on the City Hall campus. The energy generated will help off-set the City's expenditures on electricity and serve as a demonstration project for the community.

 

In addition, a $500,000 Local Government Energy Efficiency Award (grant) that helps fund a $2,000,000 project to update and replace: 

  • 80% of the City street lights with LED technology;
  • Failing HVAC system at City Hall and install improved controls system;
  • Heat pumps and improve lighting at the library;
  • Boiler and upgrade other heating/cooling systems at Old Town Center;
  • Furnace at the North End Fire Station and make improvements to ventilation and lighting;
  • HVAC controls, ventilation, and hot water system in the Headquarters Fire Station; and
  • HVAC and ducting system at the golf course and convert parking lot lighting to LED. 

The remaining portion of the project will be paid using a combination of reserve funds and financing through the energy savings achieved through the improvements.

 

Learn more about these grants on the Department of Commerce website.
 
 
Fire Chief John Carpenter to retire

retireAfter a life and career of helping people and 32 years serving the City of Tumwater, Chief John Carpenter prepares to say, "Farewell," to the City in April.

 

Retiring Chief Carpenter has seen fire services evolve during his career. First serving in the late '70s as volunteer firefighter and small business owner in a neighboring community, he was hired as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1982 for the City of Tumwater. He served in many roles through the years, including Fire Lieutenant, Training Officer, Battalion Chief of Prevention (fire inspector), Assistant Chief, and finally, Fire Chief since 2006.

 

As for career achievements, the list is long, but when asked about his greatest achievement, Chief Carpenter tells stories about the people that he's had the opportunity to help. And the rare glimpses of those that have shared how they have gone on to help others.

 

In recent years, Chief Carpenter has served a key role in negotiating a regional apparatus maintenance program and training program to improve department effectiveness and efficiencies, lead the Fire Master Planning process, and helped to revive the fire inspection program to improve safety in the community. John is respected by his department and colleagues and will be missed. His retirement travel plans include frequent trips to California to see his granddaughter.

City Hall 

Tumwater City Hall

555 Israel Road SW

Tumwater WA 98501

(360) 754-5855

 www.ci.tumwater.wa.us