We Care!

Did you receive outstanding customer service from an Olympia employee? Is there an individual, team or department who should be recognized for exceeding your expectations? Send me an email or call my office at 360-753-8447. Thanks!

- Steve Hall, City Manager

November 2008

Expert Inspection Services

I had two City of Olympia inspectors visit my home this morning to inspect a new heat pump:  Scott Hopp and Ryan Miller.

Both men were extremely courteous, friendly and professional.  They arrived at the appointed time, did their work efficiently and were on their way.

I appreciate having people like Mr. Hopp and Mr. Miller working for the City of Olympia.


August 2008
Olympia Police Officer Shows that "We Care"

I just wanted to send a brief e-mail thanking your department for the work of one of your officers, P. Johnson (I'm not sure what his first name is).

This past Friday, I was driving south on Cooper Point Road, right where it's Capitol Auto Mall Drive. In front of the Volvo dealership, my car, I had three lug nuts blow off my tire, one with such force that it took part of the bolt with it. Turns out the last person to do tire work tightened the bolts much greater than the 80 pounds it's supposed to be and created undue stress on the bolts.

Anyway, my tire luckily didn't come all the way off and I was able to get to the middle lane.

Officer Johnson stopped and helped me get the car up and the tire back on and the whole time was concerned very much for both my personal safety as well as the public safety (didn't want a backup from either cautionary driving or rubbernecking). He was friendly, sympathetic and, above all, represented the department well.

Interestingly enough, I've been living in the area since I was 8 years old and in 20 years, this was the first experience I've ever had with the Olympia Police Department. If first impressions mean anything, this was a great first impression. Officer Johnson should be commended as a wonderful public steward.


August 2008
Kudos to Olympia Parks - Positive Resolution to a Perennial Problem

My wife and I own a home on Flora Vista Road. earlier this year your department held two hearings that were well attended. As a result of these meetings, and the hard work of your employees, the additional parking has yielded great results.

During the process we anticipated that the Summer period would be a real test of these plans. I want to give you some positive feedback that the park is cleaner, the street is open to emergency vehicles and the noise issues have abated. This outcome is a blessing to the neighborhood and a welcome partnership to protect Priest Point Park forever.

Your staff is to be commended for their diplomacy and actions. They are a great example of city employees.


April 20, 2008
Outstanding Service Recognized

To the City Council and Public Works Department, City of Olympia -
I am once again writing to thank you all for the outstanding service rendered recently. I had a leak in a bathroom water valve and requested the City turn off my water at the main so I could address the problem.

Water was turned off at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, and turned back on at 3:30, exactly as requested. However, when Public Works turned the water back on, the lady noticed a slow leak (flow) at the meter. She knocked on my door. I was not home at the time. Due to the concern, she called the utility desk and asked for my phone number, called me with her concern. I came home and met the lady who was concerned that there may have been some damage.

After sopping up the water in the bathroom, I reconnected the fitting and asked her to turn the water back on at which point, all was well.

It's gratifying to know that she was willing to stay on site until I got home (5 mins) and was deeply concerned for my welfare and the welfare of my property.

This letter is my way of thanking her, the City Council, and our great Public Works Department for service, though expected, is greatly appreciated! Thank you all very much!


February 29, 2008
Graffiti is no Match for Olympia Parks Staff

David and Linda:
Thanks very much and our regards to you and the crew(s) that worked on the graffiti removal and the big maple tree. The graffiti on the Margaret McKenny sign is completely gone, and the tree has a section cut out permitting easy walking on the trail.

Thanks again for the very quick and responsive work in Watershed Park.


February 12, 2008
Olympia Lends Staff Assistance to City of Centralia for Flood Damage Inspections

Thanks a million for sending down Ryan Miller to help us out. His attitude is very good and he is a very good reflection on the City of Olympia. I am getting nothing but good comments on his interaction with the people of Centralia and his continued support of our efforts to provide the FEMA RSDE Inspections to all the homes flooded during the 12/07 flood. Again thank you.

LG Nelson, CBO
Building Official
City of Centralia

February 7, 2008
Policing the Olympia Way - Kudos to Officer Steve Hurd

I received the following compliment in the mail that exemplifies our Policing the Olympia Way philosophy...

I don't know if OPD (Olympia Police Department) has an officer of the month program. If you do he (Officer Steve Hurd) should get it. It's good to know that there are officers out there that still care about all people, even if they have done some wrong things in their life.

I was relesed from jail and I needed to get my belongings from my soon to be ex-wife. But there was a no contact order against me. So I called OPD. They sent Officer Hurd.

He helped me get my stuff. I was on foot, so he gave me a ride to the mision and gave me his card.

Later one, I needed to get the rest of my belongings. He responded to my ex's house, but she wasn't home. So he told me to try again.

Officer Hurd has also done welfare checks on my kids because I was concerned about them. They were living in the same house as my brother and he is a sex offender. He told me how to get a no contact order which he served.

Thank you to Officer Hurd.


December 31, 2007
Message from Outgoing Mayor Mark Foutch to Olympia City Employees

It's been a tremendous honor to serve on the Olympia City Council these past 16 years. One of the best things about my time on the Council has been getting to know so many of our terrific City employees. But whether I met you personally or not, the quality of your work made me proud, time after time, to say I represented the City of Olympia.

The City workforce is recognized throughout our community as innovative, responsive, courteous, and professional. Our residents and businesses, our customers and visitors, see the results of your work every day and they greatly appreciate what you do. And you are recognized regionally, statewide, nationally and sometimes even internationally for your willingness and ability to "break the mold" and achieve new levels of service. You are truly awesome, a class act if I ever saw one!

Starting tomorrow there will be a new Mayor and two (soon to be three) new Councilmembers. I'm leaving secure in the knowledge that you and your work will continue to be a source of confidence and satisfaction and learning for them and that your relationship will be constructive, collaborative, and enjoyable.

Thank you for all your great support and friendship over the years.

Wishing you all the best in 2008.

Mark Foutch, Mayor


December 14, 2007
Exeptional Customer Service from Olympia Police Department

The following letter was received by the Mayor and Council this week. It's great that one of our residents took the time to recognize the service that our police officers provide day in and day out in our community (holiday's included).

I am writing in praise of our Olympia Police Department, specifically Patrol Officer Steve Hurd.

On November 12, 2007, I went to the police department to file a report. As the office was closed for the holiday, I used the telephone in the foyer and then waited a few minutes until an officer arrived. Officer Hurd was ready to hear my concerns and assist in filing the report. He was understanding and concerned, despite the cold and rain, and was patient through my report.

Officer Hurd was sensitive to my needs and assured me of my action. He gave me his business card and told me to call if I had other concerns. He also instructed me as to methods to help keep safe.

I applaud the Olympia Police Department and specifically the actions and support of Patrol Officer Steve Hurd. Thank you for policing the "Olympia Way" to keep our citizens and neighborhoods safe and secure.

Sincerly,
Marilyn


December 10, 2007
Professional Police Service

An email I received today ...
My daughter was involved in an automobile accident on the afternoon of December 6. One of the responding officers was Shelby Nutter. I would like to thank her for her professional and courteous responce. While interacting with a police officer is not one of my preferred actions during any given day, Officer Nutter's courteous and efficient responce left me with a very positive attitude regarding our city's police force.

PS - While I did not get the names of the other two responding police officers, their actions also reflected highly on the City of Olympia.

Jill, Olympia, WA

AND MY RESPONSE ...
Thanks, Jill. Shelby was the City's Employee of the Year for 2007 (our SPIRIT Award Winnder)! You can see why! Thanks for the note.


November 27, 2007
We Care on Holidays, Too...

Early Thanksgiving morning (5:00 AM or so), individuals drove down my street overturning some recycling carts, including the cart at our house.

At 7:00 AM, the collector who picks up for the weekly garbage customers stopped at our house, righted our recycling cart, picked up the dumped items, then got a broom and dustpan off his truck and swept up the broken glass. My wife reports that he was very pleasant and she thanked him profusely. (I was still in bed.) He also apparently cleaned up another dumped cart farther down our block. By the time the recycling collectors got there, they may not even have known these incidents occurred, everything was so tidy!

We don't know the collector's name, but you probably do. It's great that the City has employees that care about their city and care about their neighbors. Please pass along our gratitude.


November 6, 2007

Grafitti Busters ...

On behalf of the Northeast Neighborhood Association, I would like to send a big thank you to the Fire Department.

Our neighborhood has been the target of graffiti "artists" over the past few months. We have been working with Amy Stull to clean up the sites. Amy got in touch with Frank Spickelmire to let him know there were two fire hydrants in our neighborhood that had been tagged. She asked him if he would like us to send out a cleaning crew. Frank told her that the fire department would handle it, due to the need for uniform color and possible usability issues.

Frank then drove out to the sites and noted the graffiti that afternoon. Within the week, they have both been repainted!

Thank you so much for helping us in our neighborhood's battle against vandalism, and Frank, thank you for responding to our call so quickly.
People like you make the city of Olympia a great place to live.