Town of Ruston regular council meeting Monday October 20, 2008 7pm:
EXECUTIVE SESSION at start 20 minutes followed by an announced of settlement of Chief Reinhold's lawsuit for $125,000. If we lose lawsuit it would be catastrophic for Town of Ruston. Time is of essence, public emergency funding, first reading. Come back to this resolution needed to pursue settlement, need motion for approval, given. There will be a hearing on the 27th and public comment at second reading of Ordinance 1271 on December 3rd. Hope I got all this right was writing furiously, wish I knew shorthand.
Public Comment -
The undersigned responded to Resolution 432 (Addresses) with a stirring response of his families history in the Town of Ruston extending back over 100 years going back to before Ruston was Ruston. Grandfather worked in smelter helped build the stack. Grandmother ran a boarding house for smelter workers as well as being an astute real estate investor. Father was born in town in 1906 and lived in Ruston over 90 years. Me, born in Ruston 1934 on Shirley street during the smelter's heyday and have suffered no ill effects from smelter operations. I must be getting under some body's skin to have them go to such lengths.
Mayor's Time - relocation of Bennett street, risk management and reference to EPA closure of storm sewer outlet.
Council Time -
Stebner - regarding sewer need for Engineering firm to address any problems. Mayor comment we need a Study Session involving new Mayor and Town Planner to get all on board. Public comment revealed much storm water was diverted into sanitary sewer, including town hall, before it was illegal and any rupture could send half the town into Puget Sound (north side of 51st street).
Hedrick - met with Point Ruston and the Mayor on impact on public safety regarding terrorist acts against Point Ruston. Enlisted services of four contractors to do risk assessmnet, insurance rating, and negotiated with Point Ruston on payment in lieu of property taxes, very preliminary Chief Reese involved.
Albertson - Alley needs paving, need new street lights cost in six figures, over budget. Look at future expenditures we will not last until Point Ruston kicks in, Commencement minimal, we are not looking at the future, alternatives. OPTION: talking to City of Tacoma, why Mayor's seat is so important. Current recession will be wide and long, fiscal sanity needed.
A general public comment was given regarding a coyote sighting in a residents yard during broad daylight. He looked hungry.
Adjourn 9:35 pm extended one half hour.
Annexation anyone?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
MAYOR ANYONE
Ruston Council Meeting Monday Oct. 20, 2008 7pm:
Agenda item 1 - Discussion of Mayor Appointment
Michael, oh Michael where are you? When we need you most? Your worst adversaries have been stalemated, relegated to backbiting and the disloyal opposition.
A spirited discussion with the animated Dan Albertson leading off with a motion to appoint Wayne Stebner "only applicant, no negatives, works harder, above and beyond, truly improved reputation of Town, kept cool during trying times!"
Jim Hedrick - we need a public process. Have been shutout of of process for last three Mayoral appointments and we also need public input. Set a hard date to apply and extend Mayor pro tem Bradley Huson.
David Britton, Special Legal Counsel, when asked length of time a mayor pro tem can serve replied four months, must be working towards a permanent Mayor. Yah, four in nine months, not so permanent.
Jane Hunt we need to publish request for Mayoral applicants one more time, publish notice in next Town bulletin. Extend deadline to Nov. 12th. Wanted Mayor pro tem Huson's service extended to hiring of new Mayor. And a plea "We must work together".
Jim Hedrick corrected Special Legal Counsel regarding Mayor pro tem servitude: it is six months.
Dan Albertson (sorry, can't read my own writing on this comment).
Wayne Stebner those who haven't applied by now are not eligible! I should be appointed.
Jane Hunt absolutely not, you were offered the job and turned it down stating you did not have the time.
Dan Albertson surprise candidate sitting in this room! (never identified) Jane Hunt stated she had heard of one applicant in waiting. When Wayne Stebner demanded name be revealed he got Jane's response "none of your business!"
Dan Albertson's motion to appoint Wayne Stebner was voted down after a second only to bring it to a vote. A Council vote was taken to set deadline for applications to Nov. 12th with interviews on Nov. 14th and a final vote on new mayor set for regular council meeting Nov. 17th passing 3-2 (Dan and Wayne voting no).
Wayne Stebner demanded to know cost of staff time and was informed there was none. It would be handled by the Council. Where is Dan when you needed him?
Jim Hedrick I am tired of being blindsided on these Mayoral appointments, let's do it right and get public involvement.
Bradley Huson got in the last word "I will apply and if elected give up my Council position." BRAVO, Bradley you have the Town heading in the right direction and are most deserving. Your courage and strength in the face of blatant attacks are to be commended. BRAVO!
Agenda item 1 - Discussion of Mayor Appointment
Michael, oh Michael where are you? When we need you most? Your worst adversaries have been stalemated, relegated to backbiting and the disloyal opposition.
A spirited discussion with the animated Dan Albertson leading off with a motion to appoint Wayne Stebner "only applicant, no negatives, works harder, above and beyond, truly improved reputation of Town, kept cool during trying times!"
Jim Hedrick - we need a public process. Have been shutout of of process for last three Mayoral appointments and we also need public input. Set a hard date to apply and extend Mayor pro tem Bradley Huson.
David Britton, Special Legal Counsel, when asked length of time a mayor pro tem can serve replied four months, must be working towards a permanent Mayor. Yah, four in nine months, not so permanent.
Jane Hunt we need to publish request for Mayoral applicants one more time, publish notice in next Town bulletin. Extend deadline to Nov. 12th. Wanted Mayor pro tem Huson's service extended to hiring of new Mayor. And a plea "We must work together".
Jim Hedrick corrected Special Legal Counsel regarding Mayor pro tem servitude: it is six months.
Dan Albertson (sorry, can't read my own writing on this comment).
Wayne Stebner those who haven't applied by now are not eligible! I should be appointed.
Jane Hunt absolutely not, you were offered the job and turned it down stating you did not have the time.
Dan Albertson surprise candidate sitting in this room! (never identified) Jane Hunt stated she had heard of one applicant in waiting. When Wayne Stebner demanded name be revealed he got Jane's response "none of your business!"
Dan Albertson's motion to appoint Wayne Stebner was voted down after a second only to bring it to a vote. A Council vote was taken to set deadline for applications to Nov. 12th with interviews on Nov. 14th and a final vote on new mayor set for regular council meeting Nov. 17th passing 3-2 (Dan and Wayne voting no).
Wayne Stebner demanded to know cost of staff time and was informed there was none. It would be handled by the Council. Where is Dan when you needed him?
Jim Hedrick I am tired of being blindsided on these Mayoral appointments, let's do it right and get public involvement.
Bradley Huson got in the last word "I will apply and if elected give up my Council position." BRAVO, Bradley you have the Town heading in the right direction and are most deserving. Your courage and strength in the face of blatant attacks are to be commended. BRAVO!
STACK HILL UPDATE
Ruston council meeting Monday October 20, 2008 7pm:
Ordinance No. 1268 An Amendment to the Development Plan for Stack Hill
Nothing new here, same arguments pro and con covered in DEAD SHEEP ATTACK. Returns view corridor lot to developer which did not benefit the development and saves the Town a bundle of cash.
Ordinance No. 1268 An Amendment to the Development Plan for Stack Hill
Nothing new here, same arguments pro and con covered in DEAD SHEEP ATTACK. Returns view corridor lot to developer which did not benefit the development and saves the Town a bundle of cash.
Friday, October 10, 2008
DEAD SHEEP ATTACK
in Ruston council meeting October 6, 2008 at 7:20 pm:
Agenda item 2 - Ordinance No. 1268 - An Amendment to the Development Plan for Stack Hill (View Corridor lot 12) - first reading
Being in the loyal minority of two has not reduced nor diluted the level of vitriol displayed and discoursed by the Tacoma twosome, Dan and Wayne. Their tone and scatter gun approach to civility and proper manners is very discouraging to those who would like to move forward and put the Town of Ruston on the path to salvation. Resign, Resign and let us once more return to moderation, civility and decorum in the town halls and meetings and discussions among ourselves. We will need no more blogs or two minute time limits.
Their only approach to governance seems to be constantly in the attack mode and annexing the Town to Tacoma. The plea from the citizens of Ruston is to give it up so we can move forward and you can move on. Their petty salvos on the Mayor and fellow council members is a reminder of the response of a British politician under sustained attack by the opposition, who referred to the situation as "being savaged by a dead sheep".
Albertson again led the browbeating, opposition not just in substance, original voted down. We voted on it did not give away view corridor. Matter of council cooperating, not acting in the interest of the Town. We are getting zero, getting there through a lawsuit, all prearranged. Full public disclosure required, this is not on the merits. I surmise he was referring to restoring lot 12 as a building site? We did not give away anything, view corridor did not benefit the development and was an illegal taking of property rights.
Hedrick in response there was full public disclosure. We are mitigating an issue out of the courtroom, original not recorded giving us a second chance. Matter referred to Planning Commission for full public hearing where the vote was affirmative and sent back to the Council. Lot 12 STACK HILL is below the 136 foot elevation of the smelter stack and same as base elevation of the old smoke stack. This is a proper process and will settle the issue out of court resulting in a more cost effective solution for the Town.
Albertson not convinced continues on the offensive; This was voted down, we should not change results. This will not prevent litigation but will result in more litigation. We need an Executive Session to discuss this improper procedure. More litigation! Where is a lawyer when you need one? This is way beyond me. Settling out of court will result in more litigation? Can somebody explain this in plain English?
Hunt The original was never sent to the Planning Commission as we did not have a Planning Commission at the time. This is the original and proper procedure.
Stebner, Wayne oh Wayne, this puts us in jeopardy! It is our duty (Dan and Wayne) to protect anyone who complains, our duty. Anyone Ruston or anyone cabal? Wayne, the Mayor and Council are supposed to represent and protect the interests of all 750 residents of Ruston! And also the interests of non-resident property owners. Remember you took an oath of office?
Hedrick MDP (Master Development Plan) did not contemplate 60 foot view corridors up to lot 12. This is in the interests of the citizens of Ruston.
Albertson I remember when you were all running around with your hair of fire in a hurry to pass the original. Dan, the council has been revamped since then and has become gloriously Ruston friendly.
Full names of council members on RUSTON HOME. More later.
Agenda item 2 - Ordinance No. 1268 - An Amendment to the Development Plan for Stack Hill (View Corridor lot 12) - first reading
Being in the loyal minority of two has not reduced nor diluted the level of vitriol displayed and discoursed by the Tacoma twosome, Dan and Wayne. Their tone and scatter gun approach to civility and proper manners is very discouraging to those who would like to move forward and put the Town of Ruston on the path to salvation. Resign, Resign and let us once more return to moderation, civility and decorum in the town halls and meetings and discussions among ourselves. We will need no more blogs or two minute time limits.
Their only approach to governance seems to be constantly in the attack mode and annexing the Town to Tacoma. The plea from the citizens of Ruston is to give it up so we can move forward and you can move on. Their petty salvos on the Mayor and fellow council members is a reminder of the response of a British politician under sustained attack by the opposition, who referred to the situation as "being savaged by a dead sheep".
Albertson again led the browbeating, opposition not just in substance, original voted down. We voted on it did not give away view corridor. Matter of council cooperating, not acting in the interest of the Town. We are getting zero, getting there through a lawsuit, all prearranged. Full public disclosure required, this is not on the merits. I surmise he was referring to restoring lot 12 as a building site? We did not give away anything, view corridor did not benefit the development and was an illegal taking of property rights.
Hedrick in response there was full public disclosure. We are mitigating an issue out of the courtroom, original not recorded giving us a second chance. Matter referred to Planning Commission for full public hearing where the vote was affirmative and sent back to the Council. Lot 12 STACK HILL is below the 136 foot elevation of the smelter stack and same as base elevation of the old smoke stack. This is a proper process and will settle the issue out of court resulting in a more cost effective solution for the Town.
Albertson not convinced continues on the offensive; This was voted down, we should not change results. This will not prevent litigation but will result in more litigation. We need an Executive Session to discuss this improper procedure. More litigation! Where is a lawyer when you need one? This is way beyond me. Settling out of court will result in more litigation? Can somebody explain this in plain English?
Hunt The original was never sent to the Planning Commission as we did not have a Planning Commission at the time. This is the original and proper procedure.
Stebner, Wayne oh Wayne, this puts us in jeopardy! It is our duty (Dan and Wayne) to protect anyone who complains, our duty. Anyone Ruston or anyone cabal? Wayne, the Mayor and Council are supposed to represent and protect the interests of all 750 residents of Ruston! And also the interests of non-resident property owners. Remember you took an oath of office?
Hedrick MDP (Master Development Plan) did not contemplate 60 foot view corridors up to lot 12. This is in the interests of the citizens of Ruston.
Albertson I remember when you were all running around with your hair of fire in a hurry to pass the original. Dan, the council has been revamped since then and has become gloriously Ruston friendly.
Full names of council members on RUSTON HOME. More later.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
SANCHO PANZA FOR MAYOR
Ruston council meeting October 6, 2008 at 7 pm:
Agenda item 5 - Discussion about mayor pro tem
Items 4 through 7 were Dan A.s personal STUDY SESSION which we were all forced to endure.
Item 5 was a "Don Quixote" attack on Mayor pro tem Bradley Huson by our very own Daniel reminiscent of the attacks on Mayor Michael Transue which led to his resignation. Mr. Huson came off as the adult in this skirmish and demonstrated a courtliness all of us should admire.
Daniel, with a smile, imitating a whirling dervish tilting at windmills launched into a verbal assault on the number of hours Bradley was spending as mayor. Full time it turned out outside of his permanent job and eight hours on his day off, including Saturday and Sunday. We need two more just like you Brad and more and more appreciate the wisdom of former council person Mary Joyce in recognizing your accomplishments and dedication earlier than most of us. Remember Dan and Wayne were glad handing that award. What happened Dan?
The now familiar inquisition started. Are you spending eight hours? How much time to town business? What is not being done? Getting down to business we need a full time mayor and I am nominating my sidekick buddy Wayne Stebner, alias Sancho. Both smiling Wayne added I am available, willing and able, and I could take over right now if you resigned.
These two pro Tacoma council persons obviously have a grand plan in mind and can't wait to start implementing it. The view corridor on lot 12 STACK HILL seems to be their immediate target. We voted it down running around with our hair on fire he continued. Dan, lot 12 never belonged to the town so we couldn't give it away. It was taken illegally and now is being given back legally through the planning commission which had an open and thorough hearing into the matter.
How low can we go in Ruston, Wayne Stebner our full time mayor? The same Wayne who turned down the mayor pro tem position when it was offered to him previously as senior council person. Squire Sancho at your service. Bradley Huson, the withering attack notwithstanding, was firm in his determination to serve RUSTON until October 31st.
I implore all of you and anybody who will listen to apply for the Mayoral position and save the town this ignominy.
Essayons et faisons. More later.
Agenda item 5 - Discussion about mayor pro tem
Items 4 through 7 were Dan A.s personal STUDY SESSION which we were all forced to endure.
Item 5 was a "Don Quixote" attack on Mayor pro tem Bradley Huson by our very own Daniel reminiscent of the attacks on Mayor Michael Transue which led to his resignation. Mr. Huson came off as the adult in this skirmish and demonstrated a courtliness all of us should admire.
Daniel, with a smile, imitating a whirling dervish tilting at windmills launched into a verbal assault on the number of hours Bradley was spending as mayor. Full time it turned out outside of his permanent job and eight hours on his day off, including Saturday and Sunday. We need two more just like you Brad and more and more appreciate the wisdom of former council person Mary Joyce in recognizing your accomplishments and dedication earlier than most of us. Remember Dan and Wayne were glad handing that award. What happened Dan?
The now familiar inquisition started. Are you spending eight hours? How much time to town business? What is not being done? Getting down to business we need a full time mayor and I am nominating my sidekick buddy Wayne Stebner, alias Sancho. Both smiling Wayne added I am available, willing and able, and I could take over right now if you resigned.
These two pro Tacoma council persons obviously have a grand plan in mind and can't wait to start implementing it. The view corridor on lot 12 STACK HILL seems to be their immediate target. We voted it down running around with our hair on fire he continued. Dan, lot 12 never belonged to the town so we couldn't give it away. It was taken illegally and now is being given back legally through the planning commission which had an open and thorough hearing into the matter.
How low can we go in Ruston, Wayne Stebner our full time mayor? The same Wayne who turned down the mayor pro tem position when it was offered to him previously as senior council person. Squire Sancho at your service. Bradley Huson, the withering attack notwithstanding, was firm in his determination to serve RUSTON until October 31st.
I implore all of you and anybody who will listen to apply for the Mayoral position and save the town this ignominy.
Essayons et faisons. More later.
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