It was a night for introductions when the Enumclaw City Council gathered on July 21.
Heading the list was a swearing-in ceremony for Tim Floyd, who has taken the reins as the city’s latest police chief. He assumed control of the department with the retirement of Bob Huebler, who spent 25 years with the EPD including the final three as chief.
Floyd began his Enumclaw career in 2013, was promoted to sergeant in early 2018 and was elevated to the rank of commander just five months later. Prior to serving in Enumclaw, he worked for departments in Milton, Puyallup and Fife.
Floyd took the opportunity to thanks his wife and their four children. “If it weren’t for these five I probably wouldn’t be here tonight,” he said. He also thanked Commander Tony Ryan for the “support and guidance” received in recent years. Of Ryan, the new chief said he’s “One of the best police officers I’ve had the pleasure of working with in my career (and) one of the best people I’ve ever known.”
Floyd also acknowledged that “I’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill.” He stated that the department made steady improvements under Huebler’s watch.
Floyd called Enumclaw a “hidden gem” in King County. The city has become even more coveted during the past 18 months, he said, “as the national narrative has been largely anti-law enforcement.
“The members of the EPD recognize that we are lucky to work here because we have a community that supports us,” he said.
Floyd then introduced Mike Graddon, who was hired as one of the Enumclaw Police Department’s two commanders. He fills a slot created by Floyd’s promotion to chief.
Graddon, a Black Diamond native, comes to Enumclaw after serving most recently with the police force in Des Moines. He has been in law enforcement since 1999 and got his start with his hometown department.
The council then listened as Mayor Jan Molinaro introduced two other newcomers to city positions.
Ed Hawthorne may not be new to city employment, but was recently elevated to department-head status. He’s now responsible for the entire Public Works Department and its various functions (engineering, streets, sewer collection and treatment, water, garbage, natural gas). Previously, Hawthorne managed the department’s natural gas utility.
Chris Anderson was introduced as the city’s new finance director. He is charged with directing a staff of four other employees who keep tabs on city finances, including investments and utility billing. He comes to Enumclaw from the city of Fife where he was budget manager of capital projects.
Turning to action items on the July 12 agenda, members of the Enumclaw City Council:
• Closed the books on the project that created a roundabout at the busy intersection of Warner Avenue and Semanski Street. The roundabout was devised as a way to enhance traffic flow and improve pedestrian safety at the intersection that includes Enumclaw High School and high-density housing.
The contract was awarded to R.W. Scott Construction in March and work was completed in early May, ahead of schedule. The final cost was a bit shy of $368,000 (8.6 percent more than the original contract amount) and was paid with Street Department funds.
• Was reminded that downtown will be taken over July 23-24 for the Rotary Street Fair. The annual event (except for COVID-dominated 2020) results in closures to some downtown street and detours for drivers, allowing for merchants to fill Cole Street. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day and will include a car show, 5K run, inflatables for kids, a beer and wine garden for adults and a food court.
