Y O U R C I T Y . Y O U R N E W S . F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4

TAKE5

Page 2TMB Access

Page 3PTO Cash Out

Page 7Pre-Retirement Seminars

IN THIS ISSUE

Page 2BUZZWORTHY

Page 4PERSONAL TOUCH

Page 8KUDOSCELEBRATIONS

Page 9CITY EXCHANGE OUT ON THE TOWN

CONTENTS

TABL

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TACOMA HAS A NEW TV NEWS SOURCE:

Tacoma Report is a contemporary news program that delves into the happenings of Tacoma’s community, and highlights the services and programs offered by the City of Tacoma and its partners.

The show will feature what is new and important to you, human interest stories and more…

Tacoma Report began airing Feb. 1 on TV Tacoma. It will air a new broadcast every two weeks starting in April.

TV Tacoma is available on both the Click! and Comcast cable systems. On Click!, TV Tacoma can be seen on Channel 12 within Tacoma city limits and in Pierce County, with the exception of University Place, where it can be found on Channel 21. On Comcast, TV Tacoma can be seen on Channel 12 within Tacoma city limits and on Channel 21 in Pierce County. For programming information or program streaming, visit tvtacoma.com.

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MARCH

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NEWSBUZZWORTHY...BADGE NOW NEEDED TO ACCESS AREAS ABOVE THIRD FLOOR AT TMBIn an effort to continue building the City’s commitment to government transparency through core service delivery, continuous improvement and credibility, the City has launched a new customer service effort called P.A.S.S., which stands for Public Access, Service and Security. The initiative provides residents and visitors with a level of access to City services designed with an enhanced customer experience in mind.

In October 2013, the City implemented the TacomaFIRST Customer Support Center – a “one stop shop” for City services offering a concierge feel in the way of reception, face-to-face interaction, telephone and online contact.

In addition, office footprints have been reassessed through space planning efforts in the Tacoma Municipal Building complex, with the goal of eventually moving all public interface functions to the first three floors of the Tacoma Municipal Building. As a City employee, please be sure to wear your employee badge so you can access areas above the third floor of the Tacoma Municipal Building. A Frequently Asked Questions document for employees is available for your reference. An interactive guide for newcomers to the Tacoma Municipal Building is available at cityoftacoma.org/tmb.

NEW E-FLYER REPOSITORY ON GNETAn e-flyer repository is now available on Gnet as a way for the Media and Communications Office to share PDF flyers about City or community sponsored activities that have educational, civic, recreational or cultural value for you, the City employee. Posting flyers electronically conserves resources and saves costs, while also preserving the beauty of the historic Tacoma Municipal Building complex. The e-flyer repository has replaced elevator bulletin boards in the Tacoma Municipal Building and Tacoma Municipal Building North. Flyers and announcements posted to the e-flyer repository will be arranged by general topic and archived after the information presented has expired. Flyers must be submitted to mco@cityoftacoma.org in PDF format for consideration and posting.

Required Training 17 New Employee Orientation

TMB 1444 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

18 Domestic Violence Policy Awareness* TMB 1444 9 - 9:30 a.m.

Discrimination/Sexual Harassment Prevention TMB 1444 9:30 a.m. - Noon

Cultural Awareness TMB 1444 1 - 4:30 p.m.

Computer Training 11 govME Level 1

TMB 1530 8:25 a.m. - Noon

12 Excel 2010 Level 2 TMB 1530 8:25 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

13 Excel 2010 Level 1 TMB 1530 8:25 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

19 Word 2010 Level 1 TPU Computer Training Room 8:25 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

20 PowerPoint 2010 Level 1 TPU Computer Training Room 8:25 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

26 Excel 2010 Macros TMB 1530 8:25 a.m. - Noon

Excel 2010 Pivot Tables TMB 1530 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

27 Excel 2010 Level 1 TMB 1530 8:25 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

General Training 18 EDPR Overview

TMB 1444 8:30 - 9 a.m.

HR Process Training—Requisitions TMB 248 10:30 a.m. - Noon

19 HR Process Training—Requisitions TPU Auditorium 10:30 a.m. - Noon

It’s Not WHAT You Say, It’s HOW You Say It: Essential Skills TMB 1444 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

20 It’s Not WHAT You Say, It’s HOW You Say It: Advanced Skills TMB 1444 8:30 a.m. - Noon

Occasionally, training schedules are revised. For the latest information, please view the Human Resources Department’s intranet site.

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NEWSBUZZWORTHY...GET TO KNOW AN ECO-CHAMPSenior Engineer Frank Terrill, Planning and Development Services

At work: As a young man, Frank restored homes which led to commercial building renovations, teaching historic preservation classes and his current role creating new codes, removing barriers to sustainable development and helping developers to incorporate existing structures and craft new buildings designed for the long run.      

At home:  Frank believes in steady maintenance and how it keeps small problems from becoming big ones that suck up lots of resources (i.e. time, money, materials).

Most fun:  Frank is working on a “Remains of the Day” art series which reuses materials from his projects. He also enjoys facilitating the TMB’s third floor lobby/conference area rotating photo gallery which highlight sustainable aspects of innovative Tacoma buildings.  

Guilty pleasure:  Mac & Cheese at Margaret’s Kitchen.

Philosophy:  We can (and should) make thoughtful decisions about the things we buy, places we go, heat we use and garbage we landfill, but to make the kind of big impacts we need, we’re going to have to do our part as citizens to drive national and international policy.

Got an Eco-Champ to highlight? Email Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability Manager Kristin Lynett at kristin.lynett@cityoftacoma.org.

WANT TO CASH OUT PTO?Check your eligibility and complete the form by Feb. 7.

Employees enrolled in PTO (Personal Time Off) leave may be able to cash out up to 80 hours of PTO if they meet the following requirements:

Eligibility for payout of up to 40 hours of PTO

• You must have been enrolled in PTO for the entire calendar year 2013. • You must have used no more than two work days of unplanned personal time off (PTU)

in 2013. • In accordance with the Tacoma Municipal Code, the payout will be at 90 percent of your

regular rate of pay.

Eligibility for payout of up to 80 hours of PTO

• You must have been enrolled in PTO for the entire calendar year 2013. • You must have used no more than two days of PTU in 2013. • You must also have used at least 80 hours of PTO in 2013. • In accordance with the Tacoma Municipal Code, the payout

will be at 90 percent of your regular rate of pay.

Process to receive the cash payout:

1. Get the payout form online or from your timekeeper.

2. Return your completed form to your timekeeper no later than Friday, Feb. 7, to be eligible.

Payouts will only be processed on the pay periods ending Jan. 26 and Feb. 9. Timekeepers will have a list of eligible employees for their area. Questions? Contact HR Senior Analyst Karen Short at (253) 591-5424 or kshort@cityoftacoma.org.

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NEWSBUZZWORTHY...PERSONAL TOUCH

PERS

ONAL EMPLOYEES APPROVED

FOR DONATED LEAVELee Walston Environmental Services

Tiffany Bestwick Finance

Stephanie Peterson Information Technology

Troy Ihlen Public Works

Janet McQuade Public Works

Paul Howard Tacoma Fire Department

Donald Carroll Tacoma Public Utilities

Brett Copeland Tacoma Public Utilities

Eric Green Tacoma Public Utilities

Douglas Johnson Tacoma Public Utilities

If you wish to donate leave, please contact your timekeeper or Human Resources, (253) 591-5400,for a Sick Leave/Paid Time Off Donation Form.

TACOMA DOME’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WRAPS UP The Tacoma Dome’s 30th Anniversary Celebration recently wrapped up with a public rededication of Brotman Street (at the intersection of Brotman and D streets). From there, the celebration moved to the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall entrance where the community watched as a time capsule placed at the Tacoma Dome 30 years ago was opened. Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland (right) is pictured here with Public Assembly Facilities Director Kim Bedier (left) as they look at the capsule’s contents.

Would you like to see the great things your

department is doing highlighted in Take5? Have workplace tips, kudos, fun

stories and more that you’d like to share with your fellow employees? Submit content for the March 2014 issue of Take5 by Friday, Feb. 14

at 10 a.m. to take5@cityoftacoma.org. If you have general comments, questions or suggestions about Take5, contact Maria Lee

in the Media and Communications Office at maria.lee@cityoftacoma.org or

(253) 591-2054.

WE

WANT T

O HEAR FROM YOU!

2014

7TH ANNUAL

MARCH 1 – 10AM TO 3PM – FREE ENTRYTACOMA CONVENTION AND TRADE CENTER

Businesses, organizations and individuals promoting environmentally, economically and socially sustainable

practices. Workshops and activities for adults and children.

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GTCTC STAFF MEMBER SINGS NATIONAL ANTHEM FOR MONSTER JAM SHOWS AT THE TACOMA DOME Emily Cook, catering manager at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, recently sang the national anthem for the opening of four Monster Jam shows at the Tacoma Dome. “I was happy to sing the anthem for Monster Jam. It was especially fun for me because I truly like engines and dirt.” Singing in large venues is not new to Emily. She began singing at age four; she sang the national anthem in the Kingdome for a Mariners game when she was only nine years old, and in 2012 at Century Link Field for the Supercross event, which she will repeat this April.

NEWSBUZZWORTHY...

CITY OF TACOMA JOBSFor the latest City of Tacoma job postings, and to submit an application, visit cityoftacoma.org/jobs. Occasionally, closing dates are revised. For additional assistance, call (253) 591-5400, Ext. 1.

GTCTC WELCOMES NEW SALES TEAM MEMBER LEXI AMESPlease join the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center in welcoming Lexi Ames as the Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau’s part-time Washington, D.C. sales representative for the Convention Center sales team. Lexi will be responsible for uncovering group/event opportunities and selling space at the Convention Center. This local position will focus on developing the Washington, D.C. association, government, education, non-profit and corporate markets.

Lexi was most recently director of operations for a corporate event planning company, which gave her a great understanding of account development, client relationships, communication and event needs.  She loves boating, crab louie and all of the different experiences available throughout Pierce County and Tacoma. Welcome, Lexi!

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TAP INTO RAIN GARDEN RESOURCES If you own a home in Tacoma, you may request free soil testing and design assistance to help you install a rain garden. It’s a voluntary pilot program, so finding enthusiastic applicants willing to provide constructive feedback is key. City employees are welcome to participate in this innovative approach. Rain gardens filter and decrease the amount of rain that runs into community waterways while providing attractive low-water use landscape features for homeowners.

Environmental Services staff have developed an information packet to assist you with layout and design, and Environmental Specialist Mike Carey can help answer any questions. The Surface Water Division is partnering with the Pierce Conservation District to provide the soil tests that determine if your proposed location has good drainage. Plus, if your home is in the Flett Creek or Leach Creek Watershed (central/south Tacoma) and your location is suitable, you may also qualify for a rebate of up to $2,000 to help with installation costs. Rebates are only offered in these two watershed because these watersheds have system capacity issues and downstream salmon habitat. On-site stormwater management techniques, such as rain gardens, can minimize expensive storm system expansions and improve the health of the Puget Sound.

If you’re interested, contact the Environmental Services Surface Water Division now so that you’re ready to plant this spring. Learn more at cityoftacoma.org/raingarden or contact the Environmental Services Surface Water Division at (253) 591-5588 or raingarden@cityoftacoma.org.

NEWSBUZZWORTHY...

View a residential rain garden or attend a March 15 rain garden workshop at the City’s EnviroHouse (3510 South Mullen St.).

TREATMENT PLANT CHANGES NET BIG ENERGY SAVINGS Three years ago, the City of Tacoma’s main Wastewater Treatment Plant began partnering with the Bonneville Power Administration and Tacoma Public Utilities on a High Performance Energy Management program. The City worked with program consultants at EnergySmart to identify areas where operational changes alone – without any new infrastructure - could realize energy savings.

Eric Johnson convened Wayne Reed, Frank Solorio, Jody Bratton and Bill Smith to form an Energy Team.  Given that the Plant is a part of Environmental Services and that there’s already been a lot of facility work done to conserve power, they didn’t expect to find much low-hanging fruit. Yet, the City just received a $48,548 incentive check from Tacoma Power… a reward for realized energy savings above and beyond our reduced energy bills. The team’s work, along with a lot of work by other Treatment Plant Operations staff in 2013 (year two of the five-year program), turned up at least one big, somewhat hidden opportunity that’s made a very positive financial impact.

Bonneville Power Administration’s High Performance Energy Management program is designed to do exactly this – help public and private industrial users reexamine their operational practices. It’s a good deal for Tacoma Public Utilities too. It allows them to avoid the expenses associated with adding greater electrical capacity.

In 2014, the Energy Team intends to keep finding energy savings, even if it takes lots of little changes to add up.

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The Human Resources Department and the Tacoma Employees’ Retirement System invite City of Tacoma employees and their family members to attend this four-part retirement planning seminar. All sessions will be held in the Tacoma Public Utilities Auditorium.

Thursday, April 3, 2014, 6 - 8 p.m.Charting Your Course: Reaching Your DreamsCertified Financial Planner Jim Reinke will walk you through 10 critical questions for retirement planning. After attending this seminar, you will hopefully be on your way to defining your retirement vision, estimating retirement expenses, managing taxes and investments and much more.

Thursday, April 10, 2014, 6 - 7:30 p.m.TERS OverviewCity of Tacoma Retirement Director Monica Butler and Benefits Specialist Melanie Panui will give an overview of retirement system benefits and options. They will also review the retirement calculator tool. You should leave this presentation with a clearer understanding of how to determine what your specific retirement benefits will be. A Human Resources representative will briefly discuss post-retirement health care options for purchase.

Thursday, April 17, 2014, 6 – 7:30 p.m.Are You Really Ready? The Personal Aspects of RetirementHave you thought about a second career? Have you planned how you will fill your time? This session will feature a panel of TERS retirees who will share their own unique perspectives on being retired from the City of Tacoma. One of the questions employees typically have for retirees is, “Is there something you wish you had planned before you retired?”

Thursday, April 24, 2014, 6 - 7:30 p.m.Estate PlanningEstate planning is the process of creating a master plan to preserve and finally “give out” your assets – both during your lifetime and after your death. Attorney Al Falk will discuss basic estate planning concepts to help ensure that your assets are disbursed according to your wishes.

NEWSBUZZWORTHY...FEB. 2 - 8 IS TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL WEEK IN TACOMAIn concurrence with Governor Jay Inslee’s proclamation, Mayor Marilyn Strickland has proclaimed February 2-8, 2014 as Toastmasters International week in Tacoma. What a great opportunity to find out what all the publicity is about!

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills. Since 1924, Toastmasters has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. Won’t you take advantage of this great personal development tool? Make yourself an Outlook reminder to check out one of the 3 City-sponsored clubs this week:

Tacoma Bureaucrats Wednesdays at Noon TMB 248

Talk on the Water 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. Center for Urban Waters Commencement Bay Room

Tacoma Public Utilities Toastmasters Fridays at 7 a.m., Thursdays at Noon TPU ABS G-5

CELEBRATE

TOAS

TMAS

TERS FINANCIAL WELLNESS: PRE-RETIREMENT

SEMINARS IN APRIL 2014

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NEWSBUZZWORTHY...ARE YOU A PARENT?Child Care Aware is part of the Neighborhood and Community Services Department, and they serve as a community resource for child care.

• They help families find quality child care.• They work with child care programs and

teachers to improve the quality of their programs.• They provide business and civic leaders with information about the value and importance

of quality child care and early learning.

As a service to employees, Child Care Aware can help you with your child care needs. They are your resource for finding the right child care program for your family, or for obtaining more information about other early learning resources. They can also help other immediate family members as well. Please contact Victoria Jones at (253) 591-5870, or email her at vjones@cityoftacoma.org. You can also look online at cityoftacoma.org/childcare. Their services are confidential.

KUDOS

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CONGRATS!CELEBRATIONSCONGRATULATIONS TO JEFF LUEDERSJeff Lueders was recently elected by his peers from across the country to serve a second two-year term (2014-15) on the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Board of Directors. NATOA is a professional association made up of individuals and organizations responsible for – or advising those responsible for – communications policies and services in local governments throughout the country. In addition, Jeff was also recently re-elected to serve a two-year term on the Washington Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Board of Directors as the Region 5 Washington state representative.

GREATJOB!GREATJOB!

RESIDENT PLEASED WITH CITY’S URBAN FORESTRY EFFORTS Kudos to Urban Forester Ramie Pierce in Environmental Services as well as Craig Hamburg, Jeff Maki, Jeff Gallagher, Daren Holter, Tracy Dillard, Josh Talamantes, Mason Moore and Jake Green in Public Works from a resident who wrote via Facebook that the North Union tree removals and planting was “such an impressive operation”. “My heart sank when the signs went up that the old trees were coming down, and yet within days here is the next generation,” she added. “Beautiful.”

TELECOM TEAM CONTINUES TO EARN HIGH PRAISES Kudos to Linda Trehuba in Information Technology / Telecom as well as Dan Baltazor, Dick Myers and John Kennedy for their continued commitment to speedy, customer-focused service. Their customers frequently note how impressed they always are with the Telecom team and this hasn’t changed over the years.

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EXCHANGE

CITY UPCOMING EVENTS AT

THE TACOMA DOMEFeb. 15 Asia Pacific New Year

Feb. 16 Miley Cyrus

Feb. 21 and 22 WIAA Mat Classic Wrestling WIAA Gymnastics

March 6 - 8 WIAA Hardwood Classic Basketball March

March 15 and 16 Professional Bull Riders

March 29 and 30 Tacoma Wedding Expo

April 5 and 6 Nuclear Cowboyz

April 12 George Strait

Sept. 13 Katy Perry

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE GREATER TACOMA CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER Feb. 6 MultiCare Do Something Healthy

Feb. 7 - 9 Charity Choice Invitational (Gymnastics Competition)

Feb. 15 and 16 The Best of the Northwest Cheerleading and Dance Championship

Feb. 20 Boys & Girls Club Legacy of Hope

Feb. 22 Aloha Seattle Cheer & Dance Championships

Feb. 28 Economic Development Board Annual Meeting & Luncheon

March 1 Universal Cheer Association Northwest Championship

GET OUTOUT ON THE TOWNARE YOU LOOKING FOR A MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION CART?Cathy Gantenbein in Human Resources has a black, three-shelf multimedia presentation cart manufactured by the HW Wilson Company made of tough heavy-gauge plastic that resists dents and scratches. It holds up to a 40” flat screen TV, features four swiveling casters (two of them locking) for easy mobility, includes a UL-listed three-outlet mini surge protector with a 15-foot cord and cord wrap. Contact Cathy at (253) 591-5435 or stop by the Tacoma Municipal Building (Room 1336) for more information.

For full details about items available through City Exchange, please visit the Green Team site at gnet/greenteam, go to “Waste Reduction,” then “City Exchange.” Contact the Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability at sustainability@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 502-2223 if you would like to add or remove items from the list.

Check out the special events calendar for more information on other upcoming events around Tacoma.