[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6272502,"mediaKeyId","3027733-f6dd3cdafb5261f43822312a45a5dfd1","parentId",3027733,"title","Mayor announces Jay Mason to become Tumwater police chief July 1","audioSeconds",182,"startMs",4598000,"endMs",4780000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027733-f6dd3cdafb5261f43822312a45a5dfd1&start=4598&end=4780","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027733-f6dd3cdafb5261f43822312a45a5dfd1/thumbnail_4598000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6272502/Tumwater/Thurston-County/Washington/Mayor-announces-Jay-Mason-to-become-Tumwater-police-chief-July-1","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272502-0f0c9924db323a4a3cfc45dda3fb9a7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197666&Signature=SxJYohEAVpze05Ytqvqeg~6-PGseBofAV1iVhCd~7lMyhwJ6ATuiUpjbnGUdxZJulHV~pGePhCl~QjFClW3II79~VRviy2LvAJF-zXNfvJx65s5erSocVq7rp8UsOeQKvPP4diu4i3DAz7VRMCsHtuDtNhAWya2915PQTmuyFbQ4SAnssa22J4256~vPCqL6Pas4qdYNmMQgrqIHFm0n~HU72MWm7YXUlzWb4a9eG4FUiJ3qAZvD3DdkC16MaNEDDjO-ebW2IUAyKJxLQrI7NTvPk3gXOfQ6Yqq4yiAZsywpj2cjKiNrINtXPaoD4UangGXkTdGjdVhQxtiGGo9dVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tumwater, WA - City Government","date","2025-04-16T15:01:34Z","article","Mayor Debbie Sullivan announced at the April 15 meeting that Chief Wicks will retire effective June 30, 2025, and that Commander/Deputy Chief Jay Mason will step into the chief role effective July 1, 2025.

The mayor said she reached the decision after consultations and ride-alongs with department personnel and leadership. She described Mason as an internal candidate who maintains continuity and said the appointment is intended to avoid prolonged leadership limbo and allow the department to move forward.

Mayor Sullivan told the council that Mason’s appointment will be processed through civil service commission procedures and that the city has a director-contract template (recently approved by council) that covers such hires; accordingly, the council will not vote separately on the contract unless the terms differed from the template.

Why it matters: The appointment sets department leadership following a scheduled retirement and is intended to provide continuity for ongoing public-safety operations. Council members asked clarifying process questions; the mayor said the change is an administrative personnel decision that will be implemented on July 1.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting April 15 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Mayor Debbie Sullivan said Deputy/Commander Jay Mason will become the City of Tumwater’s police chief effective July 1, 2025, following Chief Wicks’s retirement; the appointment will follow civil-service process and use the city’s director-contract template.","taxTitle","Tumwater, Thurston County, Washington","taxId",70653,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6272507,"City hires DHM Research for statistically valid community survey; questionnaire and field dates set",2535,3710000,6245000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027733-f6dd3cdafb5261f43822312a45a5dfd1&start=3710&end=6245","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027733-f6dd3cdafb5261f43822312a45a5dfd1/thumbnail_3710000.jpg","/articles/6272507/Tumwater/Thurston-County/Washington/City-hires-DHM-Research-for-statistically-valid-community-survey-questionnaire-and-field-dates-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272507-84d4f60c854e7c96ccf4ade6958417f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197666&Signature=RDaPwSP~a6ed-VWsprnJtbQhUW9Ac9WeIn7G6whfpSm3i~NpSN4PVZyNElp7F7JNphnWxm850a9Kd3WHrZyLaKeTgFjBKOzmzYK4QMsilY5qXXR4cN-qn8EtITfp-qUk5X8c6B0oZU7HBx1hP5esLSxIrlwURtK8ZNaiTEqK5Efi3Lpbk6Yw~MvnbdqKp2WoQKkasYa2ICI~4adgF99fSY-gDQRFuTSrEjn2Vc1di2Pb6UYeD6NdZoBQDex4zdf4gIBpuLctNVgpU0Kip6NDh4VS~osGNOMh0WD92K7levai93-XKa6~ldMYpOl48IC-DZPtBa-DMyRVGxB~5tu2dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and DHM Research briefed the council on April 15 about a planned two-track community survey: a statistically valid sample of Tumwater residents and a broader community-engagement (opt-in) survey. The city selected DHM through an RFP process; DHM staff said the firm specializes in representative survey work for Pacific Northwest local governments.

Devin (DHM director of research) and Kara Kornochik (DHM research manager) described a hybrid outreach approach (phone calls and text messages) intended to produce a representative sample across age, gender, race/ethnicity, income, and education. DHM said the statistically valid sample goal is roughly 250 respondents, which they estimated would produce a margin of error around ±6.3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. They explained that the statistically valid effort is separate from an open community-engagement version (QR codes, online, event-based collection) so the city can compare the representative baseline with feedback from more engaged constituencies.

DHM summarized proposed questionnaire themes: overall community mood; government performance and priorities; public safety; economy; growth and development; homelessness; and city communications (what residents know about city work). Staff and DHM said the questionnaire will target a 12–15 minute completion time and rely primarily on closed-response items with a limited number of open-ended questions.

Key dates presented: council to receive the draft questionnaire April 18; comments due April 24; final questionnaire approval April 30; statistically valid survey fieldwork beginning May 2 for about 12 days; community-engagement survey to follow with roughly a month in-field; and a combined full report due June 23 (with top-line results provided earlier). DHM said it will produce cross-tabulations and visualized data and will deliver both top-line and full reports. Councilmembers asked about youth representation, outreach to non-residents with local ties (businesses, workers, tribal entities), and ways to encourage participation (signage, QR codes, partner outreach); DHM said those items will be included in the community-engagement track and staff outreach.

Why it matters: The survey is intended to provide a statistically representative baseline of community opinions and a separate avenue for more engaged constituencies; staff said the results will inform strategic planning and communications work.","The council heard a briefing from DHM Research on a statistically valid municipal survey (hybrid phone/text) paired with an open community engagement survey; staff and DHM outlined questionnaire length, sampling approach (n≈250), a 95% confidence interval and a timeline beginning in early May with final combined results due in late June.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6272511,"Council allocates $55,000 for immediate mitigation and monitoring of Davis Meeker Garry Oak",5324,1240000,6564000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027733-f6dd3cdafb5261f43822312a45a5dfd1&start=1240&end=6564","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027733-f6dd3cdafb5261f43822312a45a5dfd1/thumbnail_1240000.jpg","/articles/6272511/Tumwater/Thurston-County/Washington/Council-allocates-55000-for-immediate-mitigation-and-monitoring-of-Davis-Meeker-Garry-Oak","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272511-3ba7a00cb880f4aa291de4a2cef6fedf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197666&Signature=ELTbUl-uebE4L4V~0K0zucJkK3ZmDErip5dgwAna9TcbO2Zg485zl7NAWi9MQIace18ClI3h~rFhJMX6dzF5llrXQkny6U2oZUmgMQMfSbaZw-RurhQnIPTFXZrJMUvrqKdBaxihpnDQkA6ZBf5UAojYsE0PtrEb5DRMXEMQDBkHruc5~RNBTBoCT7jTbOoqVYy0m-sB3WrWhagRP4tkaeI87ICUPSZ~nTGERZ-HMNAaCqOYs4rV2MC9bO4UwiIWLglOlLFXcGIyphoSxhdCbrmZwsLaT0ZrOr~9OtI9Rj7FkzcukzDH6cXuifIsKRYFYtPeFpf1IuT50LUlLTcwFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tumwater City Council on April 15 adopted Resolution R2025-009 to authorize initial mitigation and monitoring work on the Davis Meeker Garry Oak, a landmark tree that city consultants assessed as posing variable failure risk to public targets.

Staff presented recommendations from a level-3 tree risk assessment by Trodd Prager & Associates. The consultant’s preferred package (identified in the report as “Option B”) combines targeted reduction pruning to lower the risk of branch or whole-stem failure, supplemental structural support and cabling (with a priority on the southeast stem that overhangs Old Highway 99), root-zone management including removal of compacted soil and rock, mulching and planting to improve root conditions, and an ongoing monitoring program with regular inspections every three to five years plus post-storm checks.

City staff described the $55,000 figure included in the resolution as a worst-case preliminary estimate to cover contractor and traffic-control costs; staff said the final outlay may be lower because a newly hired urban forester (starting May 1) will perform some monitoring and in-house work. Lisa (city staff) said the resolution authorizes the initial mitigation steps and directs staff to return with a recommended long-term funding and maintenance plan.

Public testimony during the meeting included several speakers urging long-term, careful stewardship of the tree. Chris Kautsky (Davis Meeker/Garry Oak citizen group) urged gentle, expert-led pruning, soil restoration and public access improvements that respect the tree’s cultural value. Craig Unsold and Dave McCandry, both speaking from preservation and historical perspectives, urged the city to preserve the tree and noted its regional significance.

Councilmember Lietta Dalho moved adoption of Resolution R2025-009; Councilmember Kelly Von Holtz seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: The council characterized the action as an initial step to reduce public-safety risk while preserving a locally significant historic tree. Staff noted the resolution is not an end point: it funds immediate mitigation and requires staff to return with options for long-term maintenance funding and monitoring.

Additional details from staff and the consultant’s report: the consultant recommends targeted aerial work, cabling on the southeast stem, significant root-zone remediation, and monitoring after storm events; long-term monitoring at three- to five-year intervals was advised. The resolution requests staff return to council with a budget amendment and a long-term maintenance plan if needed.","Council adopted a resolution authorizing initial mitigation and monitoring of the historic Davis Meeker Garry Oak following a level-3 risk assessment; the city will fund pruning, cabling, root-zone work and monitoring and return with longer-term maintenance recommendations.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6272516,"Council approves sewer conversion agreement for Seventieth Avenue mobile home park",611,2055000,2666000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027733-f6dd3cdafb5261f43822312a45a5dfd1&start=2055&end=2666","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027733-f6dd3cdafb5261f43822312a45a5dfd1/thumbnail_2055000.jpg","/articles/6272516/Tumwater/Thurston-County/Washington/Council-approves-sewer-conversion-agreement-for-Seventieth-Avenue-mobile-home-park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272516-3daaa109aa5c85b6f0c533bb625b2c30/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197666&Signature=EPe0xf3aGBR~OMNODY8yJ1yny6Jwner5npOnXGxEM-Aqn-XadBiKxKgQxssfF-D344U4dtXDsONYIIRX6yxbZwKHWLiH3KqgsBCd-xqTPFy-2Moum5QEt0hGCLrjdgjGk9~X-NvnMq79FxO9ERuxlD3ODOgPNsZkezQKCxOb0DVk6aXzcc316Ljn40~NcuIJXfRV3x2VF4xjUkjlGXYcMllU2RZ0oJPixDAbRA7NsZmcd51KCUL7tvL4ECTLXDJQaeiLC3htmOBtZtiY~x-geDEUmZ1Rh4bXebFZeQOB0xV3x81WK7FwR81cURGda5Ggh8Hc5~zjRFjT9D~HugzTUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tumwater City Council on April 15 approved a development agreement with Seventieth Avenue LLC to convert the Belkombe/Velkombe mobile home park’s on-site septic systems to city sewer service.

City staff framed the measure as a pilot project aimed at converting high-density septic neighborhoods more quickly than the current one-by-one approach. Patrick Soderberg, Water Resources and Sustainability Program Manager, told the council the city has identified nearly 1,000 septic systems inside the city and that conversions at the current pace would take many decades to complete. He said the city sought grant funding and is pairing the Department of Ecology Centennial Clean Water Grant with sewer-utility funds to make a larger, bundled conversion feasible.

The project covers 39 existing units on the park site. Seventieth Avenue LLC (owner Greg Pantanita) will recruit and contract design and construction firms, bring the park up to city development standards for the newly connected pads, and document best practices. City staff will administer the Ecology grant, handle quarterly reporting and reimbursements to the owner, and develop a “blueprint” and social-marketing approach the city can reuse for future conversions.

Greg Pantanita said owners previously paid for septic maintenance and have modified leases so residents will pay sewer fees instead of a rent increase; he said the park is notifying residents and will steer eligible low-income households to a city program that halves sewer bills for qualifying customers. Pantanita gave the council a project total of about $2,000,005.20 (gross), said the city’s passthrough or fee impacts include about $435,000 in fees, and stated the city cost per new pad in his calculations is $9,255. He also said the project includes installing up to eight additional pads (the park is approved for ten) and that new homes planned for those pads would be three-bedroom, two-bath units priced under $250,000.

Councilmember Eileen Swartham moved adoption of Resolution R2025-008 and the development agreement; Councilmember Angela Jefferson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The council and staff emphasized this project is intended as a model. The Department of Ecology grant provides $500,000 toward the effort; remaining costs will be covered by the sewer utility and the park owner with grant reimbursement where eligible. City staff said eligibility under the grant can cover abandonment of septic systems, construction of sewer laterals and lines, grant administration, and outreach. Staff and the owner said they hope to complete construction this year because the grant agreement ends in November 2025.

Why it matters: Tumwater officials described the pilot as a way to protect groundwater and aquifers in areas where high-density septic systems overburden soil filtration. Officials said the blueprint developed from this project will be shared with regional partners and used to pursue additional conversions more efficiently.

Votes at a glance: Resolution R2025-008 (development agreement with Seventieth Avenue LLC) — Mover: Councilmember Eileen Swartham; Second: Councilmember Angela Jefferson; Outcome: approved (unanimous).","The City of Tumwater unanimously adopted a development agreement to convert a 39-unit mobile home park from septic to city sewer service, using a $500,000 Department of Ecology grant plus city sewer funds; the project is staged as a pilot to inform future septic-to-sewer work in high-density areas.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mayor announces Jay Mason to become Tumwater police chief July 1

City hires DHM Research for statistically valid community survey; questionnaire and field dates set

Council allocates $55,000 for immediate mitigation and monitoring of Davis Meeker Garry Oak

Council approves sewer conversion agreement for Seventieth Avenue mobile home park