RUSTON OR TACOMA? TAKE YOUR PICK AND VOTE ACCORDINGLY IN NOVEMBER.
The day the Tacoma Cabal came to power in 2006 the Town started on a downhill slide. In the Town less than two years and determined to eliminate it through annexation and when that did not work bankruptcy. The Commencement condominiums they hated gave the town a $4.2 million dollar cushion which should have saved the town if they had not launched a campaign of spend and squander. Even harassing local businesses and eliminating tax monies the Town needed to survive.
Two years and no history in the town they limited public comments and eliminated comments on agenda items before the town council. Instead of taking advantage of the significant knowledge in the Town they only listened to themselves and precious time was wasted. Thus problems that should of been fixed three years ago were left to fester. Take for instance sewers. Way past their life expectancy they ignored the problem until a Tacoma Cabal Council person suddenly realized his house was connected to the failing sewer system.
Unfortunately a lot of long time Ruston citizens are in financial jeopardy due to this policy of rule by ignorance. Five to ten more millions in deferred maintenance on other Town projects also is lagging.
Every surrounding community has applied for Obama infrastructure grants (Sunday TNT February 8, 2009 front and back page section one) except Ruston. Quote "Some local officials started compiling a wish list back in November. Others were still getting theirs in order last week. "
You would think with the big sewer guy and two attorneys at each council meeting we would have gotten better advice. That is if they were representing Ruston. But one attorney was hired by the another attorney as a Special Legal Counsel reporting apparently directly to him and not the Mayor. Through a pattern of harassment of the then Mayor who resigned an old cabal mayor was appointed and voila the Special Legal Counsel was hired as the Town Attorney who is supposed to be hired by the mayor and report to the mayor.
Complicated yes. A recent PRR (Public Records Request) for a town ORGANIZATION CHART was denied stating that they did not have one. The same request asked for the reporting relationship if no ORGANIZATION CHART existed. This too was also denied as the request amounted to creating an ORGANIZATION CHART which they contended they did not have to do. So who reports to who in the Town of Ruston? Your guess is as good as mine. Apparently nobody knows or if they do they are not talking. It's in this know nothing atmosphere the Tacoma Cabal thrives in mischief making and annexation fixation.
So where is the money going? The big ticket item $420,000 for the police force which before the cabal consisted of one officer for the whole town. How many do they have now or will have by the end of the year? I doubt if they will provide that information but I will try to get it.
The next culprit is frivolous lawsuits not for the town's benefit but more aimed at bankrupting the town and forcing it into annexing to Tacoma which will never happen as they have been told many times, not interested. Be prepared to become part of Pierce County and have fun trying to fix your infrastructure problems then.
Lawsuit number one a cabal member wanted to hold "ballet classes" in the space preciously leased to the Commencement for 500 years for their sales/show room. They lost and had to pay court costs for both sides. All the lawyers collected though.
Next the biggee. It started in earnest after the cabal mouthpiece was sued by the POINT DEFIANCE CAFE AND CASINO (PDC&C) and settled out of court. Soon there were rumblings of a tax increase on the PDC&C. Meanwhile two council wannabes showed up at the PDC&C asking that they take down their sign which they considered demeaning to the town's image. When the sign did not come down a twenty percent tax increase later lowered to twelve percent was imposed by a council vote of 3-2 - no public input, no second reading - emergency measure. This tax increase was promoted as a way to save the town?
This obtained the desired result and the town's largest taxpayer $30,000 per year was forced to close its gambling operations after an injunction was denied when the Town Attorney/Special Legal Counsel (TA/SLC) apparently acting on the advice of someone in the town advised him to refuse to stipulate to the 3-2 vote in the council imposing the tax increase. The biggest taxpayer operation shutdown and with it $150,000 (5 years) in taxes. Please no more poor mouthing, no grant pleading.
Then again the TA/SLC refused all efforts to settle the lawsuit out of court again either he is acting on his own or is receiving guidance from an unknown member of the town government. No documentation is available or provided on this relationship. So we don't know who is pulling the strings in the bankruptcy ploy.
What we do know is the Casino (PDC&C) sued the town for $9.7 million and immediately the Town raised its liability coverage with the AWC, Association of Washington Cities, from five million to ten million dollars. Not exactly a vote of confidence. Also we know the Attorneys will make a bundle on this win or lose as depositions are already underway and a jury trial could run up to $25,000 dollars in legal fees and court costs. Wow, nice work if you can get it in a recession. Sort of fills up the old retirement sack now doesn't it.
You know I doubt if the AWC will take kindly to paying close to ten million dollars over the aesthetics of a legal business advertising sign? So the town stands to be liable for the whole amount. Bye bye Ruston. Time to call in the Prosecuting Attorney.
It is really hard to know who is who in the Tacoma Cabal. Absolute secrecy and doing business behind closed doors is mandatory. The best measure is the displeasure of the main man Tacoma Cabal council person. The lone member of the cabal to escape his censure is his "second" mate Cabal council person. As the unchallenged leader of the cabal he has vented his anger at anyone, including public commenters, who disagree with him, even the members who appointed him to the council and voted him in: "We need him now!!!"
How could two council persons exert so much control over the destiny of the Town of Ruston? Well let's suppose the Town Attorney reports directly to one council member directly and not the Mayor as was the policy over the previous 100 years of the Town's existence.
Seven months to redemption. Seven months to the November election.
If they are replaced, voted out, what will the Town be left with? Ten to fifteen million dollars of infrastructure in need of replacement or upgrading. Even failing to apply for stimulus funding. Ten million dollars in lawsuits. Who will the Town Attorney/Special Legal Counsel report to when the council changes?
One common thing they are adamant in is not spending one red cent in supporting the Town either in increased taxes or patronizing local businesses!
Time is running out to save the Town and I will be be bowing out soon. It is a no win task.
Good luck RUSTON.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
STIMULUS MONEY
Attaching list of cities applying for STIMULUS MONEY (18) total listed in Sunday's The News Tribune. Even the small town of Steilacoom is listed as asking for 7.75 million dollars for "replacing sewer lines" and other infrastructure improvements. The only Town not listed is RUSTON. To see the entire article click on "Who'll get What" from the Sunday News tribune February 8, 2009.
Very perplexing, the Town that need 4.1 million for replacing sewer lines but did not apply. Grants are a major topic at every Ruston Town Council meeting. Possibly because the last two grants (1) $35,000 grant for business district analysis after completion was amended in the council to be almost useless (2) grant for $70,000 to update the Ruston MDP (Master Development Plan) was allowed to lapse after it was approved.
One interesting paragraph "Some local officials started compiling a wish list back in November. Others were still getting theirs in order last week. "
Where was Ruston and the almighty Tacoma cabal? Somebody was AWOL or asleep at the switch. Or a deliberate non-action?
Meanwhile back at the Ruston Council they are deliberating a 4.1 million sewer upgrade or a smaller version 1.2 million phase one sewer upgrade. using the Town's Surplus Property Fund or a a low interest loan from the AWC (Association of Washington Cities). The public was told engineering needed to be complete to apply for federal stimulus funds.
TNT article by Melissa Santos.
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Very perplexing, the Town that need 4.1 million for replacing sewer lines but did not apply. Grants are a major topic at every Ruston Town Council meeting. Possibly because the last two grants (1) $35,000 grant for business district analysis after completion was amended in the council to be almost useless (2) grant for $70,000 to update the Ruston MDP (Master Development Plan) was allowed to lapse after it was approved.
One interesting paragraph "Some local officials started compiling a wish list back in November. Others were still getting theirs in order last week. "
Where was Ruston and the almighty Tacoma cabal? Somebody was AWOL or asleep at the switch. Or a deliberate non-action?
Meanwhile back at the Ruston Council they are deliberating a 4.1 million sewer upgrade or a smaller version 1.2 million phase one sewer upgrade. using the Town's Surplus Property Fund or a a low interest loan from the AWC (Association of Washington Cities). The public was told engineering needed to be complete to apply for federal stimulus funds.
TNT article by Melissa Santos.
-30-
Monday, February 9, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
CLUELESS IN RUSTON
We're goin' around in circles,
We don't know where we are?
Our thinking is less than agile,
We haven't moved very far.
Our efforts so far are futile,
The lights may go out soon.
We live in a world of surreal,
The sewer backup looms.
LIGHTS OUT
Item one - Ruston Street Lighting - Mo Fesharaki
$300,000 already budgeted $402,000 in electric reserve fund - total available $702,000.
Mo will charge $60 for diagram, half of his normal rate, max $8500.
Total estimated cost under $700,000 replacing with Point Ruston type fibreglass.
No guarantee of cables if done by different inspector.
Wayne motion to move forward, seconded by Bradley.
Jim listen to Jerry Morrisette, town engineer, on project.
Jerry "You have a good deal".
Steve Taylor between 51st and 54th not entire town.
Jane do we have the money? Yes, in electric utility fund.
Jim need second reading.
passes 5-0.
SEWER DILEMMA
Item two - Jerry Morrisette - JWM & A
Mayor asks for two options to replace sanitary sewers?
Jerry - it (system) is in trouble, put in in 1919 - 1921. Life expectancy 70 years, value received need to move forward. Replace entire system,
option one, or those improvements in comprehensive plan, 3,700 lineal feet, cost design $100,000 cost $1.2 million.
option two, Ruston has 20,630 lineal feet of sewer, 7100 already replaced, 13,000 lineal feet remaining average cost replacing laterals $4.1 million dollars.
Steve Willie, project Engineer talked about various alternatives and storm water infiltration. Hard pan 15 feet down collects storm water flows along pipeline can get into pipes. Laterals on private property big question not included.
Jerry - went into financing and funds. Public Works Trust Fund low cost loan most likely paid for from sewer utility funds. Huge competition for grants.
Jim - LID available with utility tax increase.
Jerry - possibility LUD is for utilities.
Bradley - option one only does 3,700 lineal feet leaving 10,000 lineal feet remaining.
Jane motion to go with option two Bradley second.
Wayne - issue entire town will be taxed for partial project. Makes sense to do entire project.
Bradley - agrees with Wayne but we have to start somewhere. Will prioritize the remainder (10,000 lineal feet).
Dan will be more than $1.2 million because of two partials with Tacoma.
Jane agrees with Wayne we need long range plan.
Jim to build out the entire town how many years?
Jerry different stages bonding issue.
Jane How many years?
Option one - one year engineering 4-6 months, looking at 2010 construction season. Vast array of clients in need, pushed back.
Option two - two years to complete.
Jim are we meeting top priorities? Scope?
Jerry do not know. One manhole is 40 feet deep. If Tacoma does no problem. Ruston, big problem.
Mayor there are serious ramifications! The town is liable.
Council votes 5-0 to proceed. I think with engineering option one, not sure, at this time we were approaching two hours.
VERY COMPLICATED. Don't hold your breath. Will extend past November elections.
NO PUBLIC INPUT ALLOWED - Would liked to have asked additional cost of option one piecemeal approach versus doing the entire town project option two?
Attendees were told to send emails or comments and they would be asked at next session.
Study sessions were set for March 2nd (update on Point Ruston) and March 16th (potential tax/utility rate increases)
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson
Council, Jim Hedrick
Council, Wayne Stebner
Council, Dan Albertson
Council, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
More details on these and other items not covered here on:
http://rustonhome.blogspot.com/
-30-
We don't know where we are?
Our thinking is less than agile,
We haven't moved very far.
Our efforts so far are futile,
The lights may go out soon.
We live in a world of surreal,
The sewer backup looms.
LIGHTS OUT
Item one - Ruston Street Lighting - Mo Fesharaki
$300,000 already budgeted $402,000 in electric reserve fund - total available $702,000.
Mo will charge $60 for diagram, half of his normal rate, max $8500.
Total estimated cost under $700,000 replacing with Point Ruston type fibreglass.
No guarantee of cables if done by different inspector.
Wayne motion to move forward, seconded by Bradley.
Jim listen to Jerry Morrisette, town engineer, on project.
Jerry "You have a good deal".
Steve Taylor between 51st and 54th not entire town.
Jane do we have the money? Yes, in electric utility fund.
Jim need second reading.
passes 5-0.
SEWER DILEMMA
Item two - Jerry Morrisette - JWM & A
Mayor asks for two options to replace sanitary sewers?
Jerry - it (system) is in trouble, put in in 1919 - 1921. Life expectancy 70 years, value received need to move forward. Replace entire system,
option one, or those improvements in comprehensive plan, 3,700 lineal feet, cost design $100,000 cost $1.2 million.
option two, Ruston has 20,630 lineal feet of sewer, 7100 already replaced, 13,000 lineal feet remaining average cost replacing laterals $4.1 million dollars.
Steve Willie, project Engineer talked about various alternatives and storm water infiltration. Hard pan 15 feet down collects storm water flows along pipeline can get into pipes. Laterals on private property big question not included.
Jerry - went into financing and funds. Public Works Trust Fund low cost loan most likely paid for from sewer utility funds. Huge competition for grants.
Jim - LID available with utility tax increase.
Jerry - possibility LUD is for utilities.
Bradley - option one only does 3,700 lineal feet leaving 10,000 lineal feet remaining.
Jane motion to go with option two Bradley second.
Wayne - issue entire town will be taxed for partial project. Makes sense to do entire project.
Bradley - agrees with Wayne but we have to start somewhere. Will prioritize the remainder (10,000 lineal feet).
Dan will be more than $1.2 million because of two partials with Tacoma.
Jane agrees with Wayne we need long range plan.
Jim to build out the entire town how many years?
Jerry different stages bonding issue.
Jane How many years?
Option one - one year engineering 4-6 months, looking at 2010 construction season. Vast array of clients in need, pushed back.
Option two - two years to complete.
Jim are we meeting top priorities? Scope?
Jerry do not know. One manhole is 40 feet deep. If Tacoma does no problem. Ruston, big problem.
Mayor there are serious ramifications! The town is liable.
Council votes 5-0 to proceed. I think with engineering option one, not sure, at this time we were approaching two hours.
VERY COMPLICATED. Don't hold your breath. Will extend past November elections.
NO PUBLIC INPUT ALLOWED - Would liked to have asked additional cost of option one piecemeal approach versus doing the entire town project option two?
Attendees were told to send emails or comments and they would be asked at next session.
Study sessions were set for March 2nd (update on Point Ruston) and March 16th (potential tax/utility rate increases)
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson
Council, Jim Hedrick
Council, Wayne Stebner
Council, Dan Albertson
Council, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
More details on these and other items not covered here on:
http://rustonhome.blogspot.com/
-30-
SHOWDOWN RUSTON
Ruston Town Council meeting February 2nd, 2009 7pm:
Countdown till November
-------------------------------
The boys their days are numbered,
There's trouble in the Town.
The town folk woke up deluded,
They're gearing up for a big take down.
Item 6 Budget Discussion (Albertson)
Daniel at his best pro Tacoma monologue: No criticism but my worst vote ever was for this (2009) budget. We are spending two dollars for every one we take in. We have made no cuts (budget). We are surviving on the surplus property fund. We have no revenue projections. We deed a (drop dead) date that we run out of money. Maybe 2014 with no increase in expenses, we are burning through the money. To use an analogy building is on fire and Point Ruston is the fire department but the economy may not improve. Now to the real issue:
options when we run out of money:
(1) - ANNEXATION to Tacoma need to investigate what that entails, benefits, need talks.
(2) - UN INCORPORATE and become part of Pierce County with lower service levels.
We have a potential to go bankrupt and then what? Then we have nothing to offer Tacoma. Reasonable managers need options. We need to open dialogue.
Bradley - Opening dialogue with Tacoma fruitless. We have tried it prior and got a big yawn "Why would we be interested in Ruston?"
Wayne - makes motion to open talks with Tacoma (never voted on). Maybe not a bad thing, could be positive.
Jane - We need a 3-5 year plan.
Dan - I know the Mayor opposes this still we need to examine.
Bruce - We face a challenge to remain Ruston.
Jim - Anybody can shout "righteous indignation". Any member can setup liaison but it doesn't happen that way. The people would have to vote to dis incorporate.
PUBLIC COMMENTS -
Karen - You were not elected, appointed to annex to Tacoma. You are not fulfilling your duties.
Jim - Re: bankruptcy. Stop involving the Town in ridiculous lawsuits: Ballet Classes vs. Commencement (Wayne) and take down your Sign vs. Point Defiance Cafe and Casino (Dan) and when they refused taxing them out of business.
SPECIAL COMMENT -
Let's reconnoiter, this didn't just appear out of the blue. It has been their stated goal since day one. Remember back when their was great discontent over the Commencement and "the Cabal" came to power in 2006. Wayne and Bob being elected while Dan was defeated. Remember their spaghetti campaign feed at the Yacht Club. One of their main planks was to close every business in Ruston. After that no person outside of the cabal has been appointed to a town office which gets us where we are today. Didn't this come up once before when Wayne and the gang were having secret meetings with Tacoma back in 2006 and were uncovered on a PRR to Tacoma?
Well that was our worst day. They were hired to govern not destroy. I think the oath of office states that. Then came Daniel on an appointment, no other applications taken, no public input. I remember the supporting comment "We need him now!" The greatest mismove in the history of Ruston. We have lived under the misrule of the cabal for three years but the end is in sight if we can hold together until November and the ship is righted.
Thankfully, The Tacoma Cabal is now down to two and thus their misrule is coming to an end in "righteous indignation". November can't come soon enough.
Question: Police department budget $420,000 good place to start on reducing the $500,000 budget deficit. Why so high?
Coming up SEWER DILEMMA.
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson
Council, Jim Hedrick
Council, Wayne Stebner
Council, Dan Albertson
Council, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
-30-
Countdown till November
-------------------------------
The boys their days are numbered,
There's trouble in the Town.
The town folk woke up deluded,
They're gearing up for a big take down.
Item 6 Budget Discussion (Albertson)
Daniel at his best pro Tacoma monologue: No criticism but my worst vote ever was for this (2009) budget. We are spending two dollars for every one we take in. We have made no cuts (budget). We are surviving on the surplus property fund. We have no revenue projections. We deed a (drop dead) date that we run out of money. Maybe 2014 with no increase in expenses, we are burning through the money. To use an analogy building is on fire and Point Ruston is the fire department but the economy may not improve. Now to the real issue:
options when we run out of money:
(1) - ANNEXATION to Tacoma need to investigate what that entails, benefits, need talks.
(2) - UN INCORPORATE and become part of Pierce County with lower service levels.
We have a potential to go bankrupt and then what? Then we have nothing to offer Tacoma. Reasonable managers need options. We need to open dialogue.
Bradley - Opening dialogue with Tacoma fruitless. We have tried it prior and got a big yawn "Why would we be interested in Ruston?"
Wayne - makes motion to open talks with Tacoma (never voted on). Maybe not a bad thing, could be positive.
Jane - We need a 3-5 year plan.
Dan - I know the Mayor opposes this still we need to examine.
Bruce - We face a challenge to remain Ruston.
Jim - Anybody can shout "righteous indignation". Any member can setup liaison but it doesn't happen that way. The people would have to vote to dis incorporate.
PUBLIC COMMENTS -
Karen - You were not elected, appointed to annex to Tacoma. You are not fulfilling your duties.
Jim - Re: bankruptcy. Stop involving the Town in ridiculous lawsuits: Ballet Classes vs. Commencement (Wayne) and take down your Sign vs. Point Defiance Cafe and Casino (Dan) and when they refused taxing them out of business.
SPECIAL COMMENT -
Let's reconnoiter, this didn't just appear out of the blue. It has been their stated goal since day one. Remember back when their was great discontent over the Commencement and "the Cabal" came to power in 2006. Wayne and Bob being elected while Dan was defeated. Remember their spaghetti campaign feed at the Yacht Club. One of their main planks was to close every business in Ruston. After that no person outside of the cabal has been appointed to a town office which gets us where we are today. Didn't this come up once before when Wayne and the gang were having secret meetings with Tacoma back in 2006 and were uncovered on a PRR to Tacoma?
Well that was our worst day. They were hired to govern not destroy. I think the oath of office states that. Then came Daniel on an appointment, no other applications taken, no public input. I remember the supporting comment "We need him now!" The greatest mismove in the history of Ruston. We have lived under the misrule of the cabal for three years but the end is in sight if we can hold together until November and the ship is righted.
Thankfully, The Tacoma Cabal is now down to two and thus their misrule is coming to an end in "righteous indignation". November can't come soon enough.
Question: Police department budget $420,000 good place to start on reducing the $500,000 budget deficit. Why so high?
Coming up SEWER DILEMMA.
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson
Council, Jim Hedrick
Council, Wayne Stebner
Council, Dan Albertson
Council, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
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