Tumwater on Tap
 
City of Tumwater, Washington  |  www.ci.tumwater.wa.us  |  June 2014
 
Councilmember Profile: Neil McClanahan
topCouncilmember McClanahanNeil McClanahan was first elected to the Tumwater City Council in October 2003 and currently serves as the Mayor Pro Tem. He initially ran for City Council because of his passion for helping homeless children and families.  He felt that becoming a local elected official was the best way to help solve the homelessness problem.

Councilmember McClanahan serves on the boards of charitable organizations such as Catholic Community Services, Thurston County Housing Task Force, Thurston Council for Children and Youth Leadership, Tumwater United for Families, and several more. 

Neil received his Bachelor's Degree in Human Behavior from The Evergreen State College, completed 2 years of graduate studies in the University of Puget Sound MBA program and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Neil has been a civil servant for more than 41 years. Before his retirement in 2007, Neil served as the Thurston County Undersheriff for more than 20 years. Councilmember McClanahan is a highly decorated law enforcement officer with two distinguished service awards for bravery in the line of duty and five Life Saving awards.

Neil and his wife Sandra live on Capitol Boulevard in the historic "HL and Jane Whiting House." He enjoys spending time with three grown daughters and four grandchildren and is an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.

As a City Councilmember, Neil most enjoys interacting with citizens, representing the City, and doing "good works" to build a stronger sense of community. He thinks of his service on the Council as a "vehicle to help those in need" and always welcomes open dialog with citizens that have concerns or issues. 
Fireworks regulations in Tumwater
fireworksfireworks Be a good neighbor this Independence Day.
Celebrate in a safe and enjoyable manner that is within the law. In 2012, the Tumwater City Council amended the Fireworks ordinance (TMC 8.30) to narrow the timeframe allowed to discharge fireworks and to reduce the number of fireworks stands permitted within the City. This holiday season, please remember: 
  • Ignition or discharge of safe and sane fireworks are allowed within the City of Tumwater on July 3 and 4, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. only.
  • Patrol officers will enforce these regulations. Violators can be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000.
  • If you choose to use personal fireworks, please dispose of the litter in a prompt and safe manner.
As an alternative, the City will host the annual Independence Day Parade, Artesian Family Festival and Thunder Valley Fireworks Show on Friday, July 4, 2014. Select the links above for event details. 
 
Visit the City website for more information on Fireworks in Tumwater.

Personal fireworks permitted in the City of Tumwater on July 3 & 4, from 3-11 p.m. only.  
Celebrate Independence Day in Tumwater

It's not too late to participate in the parade. 
Contact Tumwater Parks & Recreation at
(360) 754-4160 to request a current parade entry packet or download the packet from the City website.  The deadline to apply is June 23.

Festival and Fireworks in the Valley!
The Artesian Family Festival & Thunder Valley Fireworks Show is the biggest and best fireworks festival in the County - and it happens in Tumwater! On the Tumwater Valley Golf Course driving range, you'll find music, food, games and a lot more waiting for you. Pets, alcohol, and personal fireworks are prohibited at the family festival. 
Event gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the fireworks show begins at 10:15 p.m. 
Festival entry is FREE! Parking for the event is $10/car. A special thanks to the Tumwater Downtown Association, our event sponsor.

Please Note: For safety and maintenance reasons, Pioneer Park will be closed all day on July 4.

Director Jim Hendrickson says 'farewell' to daily City finances
retires
After 24 years, Finance Director Jim Hendrickson will say 'farewell' to his daily routine at the City of Tumwater. Although not always visible from the outside, Jim's role touches every City service; revenues and expenditures for 19 City budget funds, including utilities, taxes, fees, salaries and services that pass through the Finance Department, in addition to overseeing public records functions.  At one time, he was the agency risk manager and oversaw the fund that maintains all computer technology and fleet vehicles for the City too.

Reflecting on his time with the City, Jim is most proud to continue good financial stewardship practices. He has been an integral part of planning and administering some of the City's "big leaps" in recent years. Notably, he developed the financial projections and accounting structure to administer the Public Safety Levy Lid Lift "promises," and arranged financing for the police expansion and fire truck acquisition implementation; led the department's criminal court and public defense services transition to the County; implemented the financial aspects of a major annexation in 2008 that increased the City size by 20%, and conducted 5-year financial projections to facilitate the City's biennial budget, now approaching the third cycle. The City's Standard & Poor's bond rating was also upgraded to 'AA' with stable outlook during his tenure. 

Jim began working for the City as an Accountant in 1990 and has watched the City grow from 7,700 to its present population of nearly 19,000. He was promoted to Deputy Finance Director/Financial Services Manager in 1992, and has been serving as Finance Director since 2008. He was president of the Washington Municipal Treasurer's Association, and served on advisory committees for the Washington State Treasurer and the State Auditor's Office.

In coming years, Jim hopes to spend much less time with spreadsheets and calculators, and much more time with his wife Karin at their beach home in Seaside, OR. In early July, the newest Hendrickson, an 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy (yet to be named), will join their family.

Jim will not be saying 'goodbye' to the City just yet. Beginning June 20, he will return as Budget Officer on a part-time basis through the end of the year to facilitate the 2015-2016 biennial budget process.
 
Summer calendar
farmers-market-logo
calendarTumwater Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
June through October  
Corner of Israel Road SW and Capitol Boulevard
www.tumwaterfarmersmarket.org
 
 
 
Independence Day Parade, Artesian Family Festival & Thunder Valley Fireworks
Friday, July 4, 2014
Parade at 11:00 a.m. along Capitol Boulevard and Israel Road
Festival gates open at 6:00 p.m. at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course Driving Range, Fireworks @ 10:15 p.m.

  

  

  

 
Looking for Summer activities for the kids?
It's not too late to register for Summer Day Camps, classes, sports programs through Tumwater Parks & Recreation.
Browse the Parks & Recreation Summer Brochure
and find out How to Register on the City website
or call (360) 754-4160 for assistance. 

  

    

 
Tumwater Artesian Brewfest
 Saturday, August 23, 2014
1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tumwater Valley Golf Course Driving Range
www.tumwaterartesianbrewfest.com

Hosted by the Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau and the City of Tumwater to celebrate the tradition of brewing in the community.

  

  

visittumwater.com 
Visit the community calendar at www.VisitTumwater.com

 

Whether you're entertaining guests from out-of-town, planning a stay-cation or just looking for something to do this summer, check out the new Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau website. Browse to www.visittumwater.com to find a community calendar with events and activities from all around Thurston County.
  

Opening day of the Tumwater Farmers Market 2014 season.

Tumwater City Hall

555 Israel Road SW

Tumwater WA 98501

(360) 754-5855

 www.ci.tumwater.wa.us