Ruston, WA town council meeting Monday May 18, 2009 7pm:
BUDGET DISCUSSION new business C
Wayne- started last year so far out what is use?
Mayor- auditor had suggestions for budgeting expenses.
Bradley- nothing.
Jim-
.We can save significant expenses contracting out courts. It is expensive to keep up, Judges salary.
.Do we need 24/7 police service?
.Need to narrow down number of officers.
.Reassign chief to patrol.
.Is there a need for five police cars?
.Pay electrician out of Utility account.
.Pay Steve for time spent out of Utility account. We have a robust Utility account. Use for operational expenses.
Dan- Utility account funds needed for street lighting.
.Cannot contract out courts, get out of. It is cheaper if we can afford to have local control. Save money only depending on County charges.
.Spent $225 thousand dollars out of $500 thousand dollars budgeted from surplus fund.
.Proposed budget itemized listing of cuts, several hundred of thousands of dollars unless went to round file.
Jane-
.Agree with Jim Hedrick on Judicial system going to County. Need to determine cost.
.to Karen $200 thousand budgeted?
Karen- $213 thousand dollars through April $92 thousand used.
Jane- retail sales tax higher than estimated.
Karen- We won't see much of that.
Mayor- goes by ZIP code. We need our own ZIP code to get proper payment.
Jim- Department of Revenue we have our own ZIP code. They may send out letter. Mr. Cohen buying lumber from X company should use Ruston code. Department of Revenue will do. Large corporations will not do it.
Sherri- SONY asked Ruston or Tacoma ZIP code.
Karen- some retailers do this.
Mayor- to Jim Hedrick: know anybody at Department of Revenue to direct me to?
Mayor-
.budget picture skewed, overall we are at 21 percent of budget, high due to insurance costs paid.
Dan- High?
Mayor-
.five percent less than anticipated.
.$65 thousand dollars per quarter.
.$250 thousand dollars less this year. Majority from Police department budget not filling Police Chief slot.
.Proposal revenue budget police department. Working with acting Police Chief Jeremy to bridge gap. Burn rate at $250 thousand dollars per year manageable.
.Incrementally go after increases in our tax base.
.Tacoma has natural gas tax Ruston does not.
.Have to do utility rate increases, presently low, getting solid revenue up. Have to!
.Development online 10 to 12 years.
.Point Ruston $1.5 million in sales last month.
.Commencement units sold at $1 million dollars apiece.
.Stack Hill sold model home.
.Let's bring up taxes one at a time. Annexation or no annexation utility rates will stay the same as Tacoma.
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Wayne Stebner, Dan Albertson, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
Clerk/Treasurer, Karen Carlisle
Best I can come up with listening to CD of meeting. Any discrepancies let me know.
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
SEWER FOLLIES
Ruston Regular council meeting May 18th, 2009 7pm
Jane - add to agenda Public Hearing meeting on SEWERS published in Town Newsletter but no official notification under NEW BUSINESS.
town attorney - first I have heard of this.
Jerry Morissette - town engineer - public meeting, sufficient input.
Attorney - public hearing requires notice by mail.
Jerry - people here allowed to testify.
Bruce (mayor) - need to move forward, something catastrophic could happen soon.
Council - consensus is public meeting.
Agenda approved 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS -
Jerry (town engineer) Phase 1 sanitary sewer replace all scoped out phase 2 option
1- replace entire system $4.25 million dollars depends on LID.
2- engineering plan bid calls phase $1.2 million dollars. Finance options to replace 11 locations, streets:
1- South end of 51st down alley,
2- North Highland drive, Rust Way South 51st street
3- Alley off Winnifred
4- Short section on Baltimore
5- alley Court street to Commercial
7- North Baltimore to Bennett
Best I could come up with off of CD not seeing map. Will continue at next meeting Monday June one for exact details.
Wayne - does it stop at Shirley street down 51st?
Jerry - stops at Bennett, house at end of 51st not included.
Jerry - City of Tacoma is looking at sewer along railroad tracks transition up to Bennett street, perhaps to replace sewer for problem house and Credit union.
Mayor - worst case we are responsible for, not a big item $15 thousand dollars (problem house)
Wayne - what process will be used?
Jerry - looked at slip line, trench less technology, pipe bursting, both to replace aged sewers (1917-1921) recommend open cut dig new pipe not as easy as options
1 or 2.
Dan - How do we pay for this?
Jerry - apply for Department of Agriculture for loan. Ruston has high commercial income level, too much money in the bank. Need loan guaranteed by Federal government.
Dan - we negotiate bank determines interest rate, bank may not finance. Need to pursue other possibilities for high density urban communities. $1.2 million dollar start and hope we get loan?
Jerry - we have approved engineering costs.
Dan - $700 thousand dollars from Utilities fund, $250 thousand dollars for engineering.
Bruce - $500 thousand dollars down payment
Jerry - will be shovel ready hope for second stimulus package.
Dan - must get financing first. If financing doesn't go through town will have to pony up entire $1.2 million dollars. We have liability if failure.
Mayor - thank God for Jerry providing us with different options.
Jane - Jerry has done a tremendous job for the Town. We need to get this done one way or another. What is estimated costs for homeowners to cut into new sewer?
Jerry - if connect now hookup is free.
Jane - private property lines are aged, old hookups.
Jerry - This is advance plan see where to go. Connection fee for vacant lots will be $2,000 dollars per connection.
Wayne - First quarter of project in November. When will other 3/4 be shovel ready?
Jerry- Industry in general 10-12 percent to get project documents ready or $300,000 for $3.2 million dollar project. BANK OF AMERICA has loan plan for smaller communities.
(note: aren't they hanging on with stimulus money themselves, technically bankrupt?)
finally the public in public comments:
Sherri- Sewer at north 41st and Bennett collapsed.
Jerry- short distance up alley.
Lyle- Financing in general. How do we plan to pay it back? LID or?
Mayor- look at assessments. For $1 million dollar loan 3.75 percent 40 years will require payment of $40,000 per year. ($10 dollars per month per household).
Lyle- LID not viable?
Dan- originate print bonds, not ready.
Don- Roads sinking in different places fire engine has to drive around repairs. Roads are being blocked off fire department not being notified. Fire engine got stuck only got out because it had dual axles. Jerry Morrisette extremely competent, reliable.
Wayne- financing for households?
Jerry- individual will have to pay if storm water being diverted into sanitary sewer system. They must be separated.
Wayne- half getting sewers half not. Town may be liable.
Mayor- we have to start somewhere.
Bradley- $48 thousand per year for loan each individual household pays $10 per month.
Jerry- $100 dollars times 415 households equals $41 thousand dollars.
Jane- councilman Stebner not up to date on Tacoma standards. Tacoma will do LID. Need to move forward bite the bullet.
Dan- cost the same no matter how you pay. Councilman Stebner's point well taken, "Do not benefit few, rest to pay, not fair.We don't have $4.2 million dollars. One quarter of town benefits from $1.2 million dollar Phase one. We need to take this into account.
Jane- In talks with City of Tacoma this was brought up. Tacoma has 10 year payback on LID. Assessment on 40 year loan less hardship.
Wayne- If failure in one part of system how do we pay for it?
Jerry- Out of emergency general sewer funds to make system operational, fund will be going up significantly in future.
Jerry- One scary issue. You've got pyhsical outs due to steepness, then you have to look at DOE (Department of Ecology) frowning on it.
Connie- Dan and Wayne not happy with $10 fee. Each condominium will get $10 dollar fee(Ruston only). Have camera pictures, get us through before backups occur. One problem area will affect other areas.
Dan- $40 month OK all the way through?
Sherri- senior citizens on fixed incomes this is a lot. Need to start now.
Jane- need to raise sewer rates. Close or adjourn open meeting?
Jim- fifteen day notice requirement if closed will have to start over.
Dan- continue close at next meeting.
Motion to continue passes 5-0.
Note: If you didn't pick up on it Dan and Wayne problem is Wayne is not included in Phase one.
No mention was made of assessments for Phases 2, 3 and 4. Who pays them and how much?
LIDs are the only fair and expeditious way to move forward before the entire system collapses and people in the hundreds are forced to move to temporary housing wherever they can find it. Looks good for the new hotel at Point Ruston.
This sewer problem was pointed out to them three years ago but they were to busy filing private lawsuits using town money. Total costs not in yet but could easily exceed $1 million dollars.
Quit squabbling and do entire sewer project using LIDs if financing possible at this stage. Otherwise face certain bankruptcy when system fails. Don't forget not flushing won't stop the storm water.
p.s. Sorry I am late. Missed the meeting and had to record this off of CDs. Time consuming and tedious. Can not vouch for accuracy and any doubts please get your own CDs available at Town Hall (PRR required) or better yet attend council meetings. There are still vacant seats.
Hard to hear town attorney and clerk/treasurer although council and public comments come in strong. A lot of shuffling and banging going on doesn't help.
Second half of town council meeting on BUDGET DISCUSSION will follow.
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Wayne Stebner, Dan Albertson, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
Clerk/Treasurer, Karen Carlisle
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SEWER MANIA
Meeting started with an agenda change by Dan Albertson to allow public comments before BUSINESS so residents of Ruston could comment on agenda items before council hearing and vote. A pleasant change to the hostile attitude of some council persons to the townspeople. All was well up to here but Dan unnecessarily added "Things have calmed down. Previously people didn't know how to behave." All in all a very conciliatory motion to bring the town together in a time where budget and survival are prominent in the minds of all. Him Hedrick made motion to make permanent. Jane Hunt call for vote on motion which passed 5-0.Jane - add to agenda Public Hearing meeting on SEWERS published in Town Newsletter but no official notification under NEW BUSINESS.
town attorney - first I have heard of this.
Jerry Morissette - town engineer - public meeting, sufficient input.
Attorney - public hearing requires notice by mail.
Jerry - people here allowed to testify.
Bruce (mayor) - need to move forward, something catastrophic could happen soon.
Council - consensus is public meeting.
Agenda approved 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS -
Jerry (town engineer) Phase 1 sanitary sewer replace all scoped out phase 2 option
1- replace entire system $4.25 million dollars depends on LID.
2- engineering plan bid calls phase $1.2 million dollars. Finance options to replace 11 locations, streets:
1- South end of 51st down alley,
2- North Highland drive, Rust Way South 51st street
3- Alley off Winnifred
4- Short section on Baltimore
5- alley Court street to Commercial
7- North Baltimore to Bennett
Best I could come up with off of CD not seeing map. Will continue at next meeting Monday June one for exact details.
Wayne - does it stop at Shirley street down 51st?
Jerry - stops at Bennett, house at end of 51st not included.
Jerry - City of Tacoma is looking at sewer along railroad tracks transition up to Bennett street, perhaps to replace sewer for problem house and Credit union.
Mayor - worst case we are responsible for, not a big item $15 thousand dollars (problem house)
Wayne - what process will be used?
Jerry - looked at slip line, trench less technology, pipe bursting, both to replace aged sewers (1917-1921) recommend open cut dig new pipe not as easy as options
1 or 2.
Dan - How do we pay for this?
Jerry - apply for Department of Agriculture for loan. Ruston has high commercial income level, too much money in the bank. Need loan guaranteed by Federal government.
Dan - we negotiate bank determines interest rate, bank may not finance. Need to pursue other possibilities for high density urban communities. $1.2 million dollar start and hope we get loan?
Jerry - we have approved engineering costs.
Dan - $700 thousand dollars from Utilities fund, $250 thousand dollars for engineering.
Bruce - $500 thousand dollars down payment
Jerry - will be shovel ready hope for second stimulus package.
Dan - must get financing first. If financing doesn't go through town will have to pony up entire $1.2 million dollars. We have liability if failure.
Mayor - thank God for Jerry providing us with different options.
Jane - Jerry has done a tremendous job for the Town. We need to get this done one way or another. What is estimated costs for homeowners to cut into new sewer?
Jerry - if connect now hookup is free.
Jane - private property lines are aged, old hookups.
Jerry - This is advance plan see where to go. Connection fee for vacant lots will be $2,000 dollars per connection.
Wayne - First quarter of project in November. When will other 3/4 be shovel ready?
Jerry- Industry in general 10-12 percent to get project documents ready or $300,000 for $3.2 million dollar project. BANK OF AMERICA has loan plan for smaller communities.
(note: aren't they hanging on with stimulus money themselves, technically bankrupt?)
finally the public in public comments:
Sherri- Sewer at north 41st and Bennett collapsed.
Jerry- short distance up alley.
Lyle- Financing in general. How do we plan to pay it back? LID or?
Mayor- look at assessments. For $1 million dollar loan 3.75 percent 40 years will require payment of $40,000 per year. ($10 dollars per month per household).
Lyle- LID not viable?
Dan- originate print bonds, not ready.
Don- Roads sinking in different places fire engine has to drive around repairs. Roads are being blocked off fire department not being notified. Fire engine got stuck only got out because it had dual axles. Jerry Morrisette extremely competent, reliable.
Wayne- financing for households?
Jerry- individual will have to pay if storm water being diverted into sanitary sewer system. They must be separated.
Wayne- half getting sewers half not. Town may be liable.
Mayor- we have to start somewhere.
Bradley- $48 thousand per year for loan each individual household pays $10 per month.
Jerry- $100 dollars times 415 households equals $41 thousand dollars.
Jane- councilman Stebner not up to date on Tacoma standards. Tacoma will do LID. Need to move forward bite the bullet.
Dan- cost the same no matter how you pay. Councilman Stebner's point well taken, "Do not benefit few, rest to pay, not fair.We don't have $4.2 million dollars. One quarter of town benefits from $1.2 million dollar Phase one. We need to take this into account.
Jane- In talks with City of Tacoma this was brought up. Tacoma has 10 year payback on LID. Assessment on 40 year loan less hardship.
Wayne- If failure in one part of system how do we pay for it?
Jerry- Out of emergency general sewer funds to make system operational, fund will be going up significantly in future.
Jerry- One scary issue. You've got pyhsical outs due to steepness, then you have to look at DOE (Department of Ecology) frowning on it.
Connie- Dan and Wayne not happy with $10 fee. Each condominium will get $10 dollar fee(Ruston only). Have camera pictures, get us through before backups occur. One problem area will affect other areas.
Dan- $40 month OK all the way through?
Sherri- senior citizens on fixed incomes this is a lot. Need to start now.
Jane- need to raise sewer rates. Close or adjourn open meeting?
Jim- fifteen day notice requirement if closed will have to start over.
Dan- continue close at next meeting.
Motion to continue passes 5-0.
Note: If you didn't pick up on it Dan and Wayne problem is Wayne is not included in Phase one.
No mention was made of assessments for Phases 2, 3 and 4. Who pays them and how much?
LIDs are the only fair and expeditious way to move forward before the entire system collapses and people in the hundreds are forced to move to temporary housing wherever they can find it. Looks good for the new hotel at Point Ruston.
This sewer problem was pointed out to them three years ago but they were to busy filing private lawsuits using town money. Total costs not in yet but could easily exceed $1 million dollars.
Quit squabbling and do entire sewer project using LIDs if financing possible at this stage. Otherwise face certain bankruptcy when system fails. Don't forget not flushing won't stop the storm water.
p.s. Sorry I am late. Missed the meeting and had to record this off of CDs. Time consuming and tedious. Can not vouch for accuracy and any doubts please get your own CDs available at Town Hall (PRR required) or better yet attend council meetings. There are still vacant seats.
Hard to hear town attorney and clerk/treasurer although council and public comments come in strong. A lot of shuffling and banging going on doesn't help.
Second half of town council meeting on BUDGET DISCUSSION will follow.
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Wayne Stebner, Dan Albertson, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
Clerk/Treasurer, Karen Carlisle
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Thursday, May 7, 2009
TNT EXCLUSIVES
The following stories from the Sunday May 3 edition of The News Tribune are of some interest to residents of Ruston. Click on story line for full article.
Investigation finds threat allegations puzzling front page byline Steve Maynard.
An interesting quote "Roque declined comment for this story. Her attorney, Dan Albertson of Tacoma, has not returned phone calls from The News Tribune over the past three months."
Water funds runneth over South Sound section page B1 byline Melissa Santos
But not apparently to Ruston. Remember we were told it was not necessary to be on the preliminary list for STIMULUS FUNDS.
Interesting quote "Pierce County, meanwhile, will receive $750,000 from the stimulus package for a loan program that helps homeowners replace failing septic systems.
That money is part of $65.4 million in stimulus funds Washington state is receiving for sewer projects."
Where oh where has Ruston been?
Hopefully a stumble at the start.
Better late than never been?
At the round table, eating pop tarts?
-30-
Investigation finds threat allegations puzzling front page byline Steve Maynard.
An interesting quote "Roque declined comment for this story. Her attorney, Dan Albertson of Tacoma, has not returned phone calls from The News Tribune over the past three months."
Water funds runneth over South Sound section page B1 byline Melissa Santos
But not apparently to Ruston. Remember we were told it was not necessary to be on the preliminary list for STIMULUS FUNDS.
Interesting quote "Pierce County, meanwhile, will receive $750,000 from the stimulus package for a loan program that helps homeowners replace failing septic systems.
That money is part of $65.4 million in stimulus funds Washington state is receiving for sewer projects."
Where oh where has Ruston been?
Hopefully a stumble at the start.
Better late than never been?
At the round table, eating pop tarts?
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Wednesday, May 6, 2009
SNOOKERED
Ruston town council meeting May 4, 2009 7:30 pm cont.
aka / CIRCULAR FIRING SQUAD as they take pot shots at each other. What? Are we becoming another Puyallup? Or did we lead off? Anyway, Nights at the Round Table aka ...
COUNCIL TIME
Wayne - need a letter to property owners showing cost, use of dog park. also the Alarm Permit fee to Tacoma.
Bradley -
.too many sandwich signs on Pearl street on town property. Do they need a sticker, permit?
.properties in Ruston overgrown, not kept up
.meeting with Point Ruston regarding both roundabouts inside town of Ruston. Have design contest posted in town newsletter.
.tree committee semi dysfunctional, need to get back on track.
(Bruce - no money)
.get donations like dog park. Need 70 trees.
(Mayor - need funds agree.)
Jim - nothing at this time.
(Gets very adversarial here after slow start. Hold on.)
Dan -
1. Neighbor wants one way on Court street reversed so traffic flows out to Baltimore. No way out at present except down through Ruston Terrace and back up. Two way street not acceptable because of sight problem.
2. LID resolution. This is not aimed at JJ (McCament) nor Point Ruston. We were asked to approve. Had problems issues with contract with Point Ruston to be resolved on final hearing. Apparently signed recorded, never see again, irritated, need to protect interests of the town. Later on, found out next day, amended agreement submitted. Approval was final vote. Changes needed to be made. I need to be involved.
(note: agreement was with Tacoma and Point Ruston. Ruston OK was a formality required by law. Ruston has no fiduciary involvement but achieves great benefit as well as Tacoma and Point Ruston.)
3. ANNEXATION -
. I support annexation strongly.
. Did not support till on council.
. We have dysfunctional council.
. For financial reasons we need to balance budget.
. Need street lights, falling down, and sewers.
. violations of parking 30 feet from stop signs. Curbs need to be painted.
. We have a dysfunctional council!!!
. Last council gave us the COMMENCEMENT. They were a model of propriety compared to present council.
. Giving Point Ruston a free ride. No oversight.
. We haven't addressed financial problems.
Jane - spent 25 hours finding tax increases similar to Tacoma. Two council members refuse to cooperate. We could balance budget using LIDs like Tacoma. If we join Tacoma they will not hesitate to form LIDs.
Note: I guess things aren't going Dan's way. No fun getting SNOOKERED.
Town of Ruston officials:Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Wayne Stebner, Dan Albertson, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
Clerk/Treasurer, Karen Carlisle
-30-
aka / CIRCULAR FIRING SQUAD as they take pot shots at each other. What? Are we becoming another Puyallup? Or did we lead off? Anyway, Nights at the Round Table aka ...
COUNCIL TIME
Wayne - need a letter to property owners showing cost, use of dog park. also the Alarm Permit fee to Tacoma.
Bradley -
.too many sandwich signs on Pearl street on town property. Do they need a sticker, permit?
.properties in Ruston overgrown, not kept up
.meeting with Point Ruston regarding both roundabouts inside town of Ruston. Have design contest posted in town newsletter.
.tree committee semi dysfunctional, need to get back on track.
(Bruce - no money)
.get donations like dog park. Need 70 trees.
(Mayor - need funds agree.)
Jim - nothing at this time.
(Gets very adversarial here after slow start. Hold on.)
Dan -
1. Neighbor wants one way on Court street reversed so traffic flows out to Baltimore. No way out at present except down through Ruston Terrace and back up. Two way street not acceptable because of sight problem.
2. LID resolution. This is not aimed at JJ (McCament) nor Point Ruston. We were asked to approve. Had problems issues with contract with Point Ruston to be resolved on final hearing. Apparently signed recorded, never see again, irritated, need to protect interests of the town. Later on, found out next day, amended agreement submitted. Approval was final vote. Changes needed to be made. I need to be involved.
(note: agreement was with Tacoma and Point Ruston. Ruston OK was a formality required by law. Ruston has no fiduciary involvement but achieves great benefit as well as Tacoma and Point Ruston.)
3. ANNEXATION -
. I support annexation strongly.
. Did not support till on council.
. We have dysfunctional council.
. For financial reasons we need to balance budget.
. Need street lights, falling down, and sewers.
. violations of parking 30 feet from stop signs. Curbs need to be painted.
. We have a dysfunctional council!!!
. Last council gave us the COMMENCEMENT. They were a model of propriety compared to present council.
. Giving Point Ruston a free ride. No oversight.
. We haven't addressed financial problems.
Jane - spent 25 hours finding tax increases similar to Tacoma. Two council members refuse to cooperate. We could balance budget using LIDs like Tacoma. If we join Tacoma they will not hesitate to form LIDs.
Note: I guess things aren't going Dan's way. No fun getting SNOOKERED.
Town of Ruston officials:Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Wayne Stebner, Dan Albertson, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
Clerk/Treasurer, Karen Carlisle
-30-
POINT RUSTON LAWSUIT
Tacoma Weekly Thursday April 30, 2009 section A page 2 byline John Larson:
POINT RUSTON DEVELOPERS FILE $20 MILLION DOLLAR LAWSUIT
vs.
Pacific Northwest Council of Carpenters, Jobs With Justice Education Fund and indiviuals and representatives of both organizations.
"Property damage on the site includes slashed tires and glued locks. The 'activism' has crossed the line into the context of defamation. We are outraged by the tactics they have resorted to to pursue their agenda. We are confident with our facts." said Loren Cohen. legal affairs amnager for Point Ruston.
POINT RUSTON DEVELOPERS FILE $20 MILLION DOLLAR LAWSUIT
vs.
Pacific Northwest Council of Carpenters, Jobs With Justice Education Fund and indiviuals and representatives of both organizations.
"Property damage on the site includes slashed tires and glued locks. The 'activism' has crossed the line into the context of defamation. We are outraged by the tactics they have resorted to to pursue their agenda. We are confident with our facts." said Loren Cohen. legal affairs amnager for Point Ruston.
BEEN THERE DONE THAT
Ruston town council meeting Monday May 4, 2009 7:30 pm.
Usual stuff, much ado about nothing. Round and round they go.
EXECUTIVE SESSION took up the first half hour. The poor denizens of Ruston (citizens) were sent out into the cold and rain to fend for themselves. Did note two cabal attendees showed up at 7:30. How convenient.
Agenda item 1 - Ordinance no. 1278 Regulation of private Alarm System
Town Attorney - not ready for approval still looking at model ordinances.
Jane - service selected works with LESA.Company provides service for 108 alarm companies. Will build website for Ruston. Provide all information. Will not do service with present ordinance. Administered by professionals.
David (TA) - will draft up new ordinance.
Wayne - $30 dollar permit! What do we get for it?
Jane - we need to know number of alarms provide information to police.
Dan - permit fee $25 dollars not thirty.
Bradley - I alone have six alarms.
Wayne - wait for five years when population increases.
Jane - withdraws motion.
NO ACTION TAKEN time used 15 minutes
(wonder how Dan and Wayne will vote on this? My prediction final vote 3-2.)
Agenda item 2 - Ordinance number 1280 Designating permitted off leash areas
David - surprised at this ordinance. Drafted previously, outdated.
Dan -
. park is for recreational use
. this is not current version of ordinance
. charge for access creates liability
. will never apply to children. Parent cannot give release for child.
. Doberman chews a child's arm the town pays
. attractive nuisance now current fault
. $10 pet license fee to use park is a disguised use payment
Jim - no charge, limit usage
Jane - 50 to 75 people
Dan- have we talked to insurer?
David - not done yet.
Dan - change (existing) we lose immunity. Oppose any limitation of recreational use.
(BRAVO to Dan a voice of reason in this ubiquitous charade.)
Dan -. We are overspending and still at each meeting we spend more, twice as much as intake. This is not fair to Ruston residents under present circumstances. This is not realistic only a limited number of people benefit. We have no discipline, no will power to limit spending.
(Haven't heard this kind of talk since Mary Joyce left the council. Another BRAVO.)
Bruce - remove amendment, back to prior use park only.We need to spend money to enforce.
Jane - Children most important. Dog owners not cleaning up.
David - small expenditure for sign.
Bradley withdraws motion.
NO ACTION TAKEN took 17 minutes.
(Who started this? It never made sense and has gone on for at least a month using hours of council time chasing their tails.)
Agenda item 3 - Ordinance number 1271 Control of Dogs in Public Areas
No discussion passes 5-0. Apparently reinstates previous ordinance, back to square one.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sherri -
1- Apologize to doctors and lawyers previous statement (How did I miss that one?)
2- Wants NO on ANNEXATION sign (available at Ruston Market)
3- We have no resources to manage a dog park
4- Ruston park is for people not dogs
Connie - agree with Dan no dog park, not appropriate. Sponsor a little league baseball team. A much healthier use.
Beth - How is ordinance 1271 different from previous ordinance?
Edie - Brick building at 51st and Pearl in poor condition, terrible corner.
Mayor's Wife - Moved in 17 years ago and registered alarm. Money goes to Tacoma.
MAYOR'S TIME
Bruce -
. Alarms need to have boxes allowing access to buildings. Especially to school building.
. Curbs, no parking need paint. Notified Steve Taylor. Taste of Tacoma coming up, potential revenue from lawbreakers.
. Need a community paint party.
. Letter to Tacoma late. Out of town most of week. Will get it done.
. Copies of 4/23/2009 budget provided to peruse make mental notes. We may need a study session.
. Agrees expenses are out of line.
. No problem with donations to dog park.
All for now. Finished this last night and brushed a key and it all disappeared. The cost of blogging. Do it in word pad or email now and copy in. Used to have automatic save before. Where did it go?
Final episode COUNCIL TIME a separate blog entitled CIRCULAR FIRING SQUAD. Whatever happened to that round table Bradley was going to use. Maybe too dangerous. Just too exciting not to have a separate blog. Stay tuned. Did Dan get SNOOKERED
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Wayne Stebner, Dan Albertson, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
Clerk/Treasurer, Karen Carlisle
-30-
-30-
Usual stuff, much ado about nothing. Round and round they go.
EXECUTIVE SESSION took up the first half hour. The poor denizens of Ruston (citizens) were sent out into the cold and rain to fend for themselves. Did note two cabal attendees showed up at 7:30. How convenient.
Agenda item 1 - Ordinance no. 1278 Regulation of private Alarm System
Town Attorney - not ready for approval still looking at model ordinances.
Jane - service selected works with LESA.Company provides service for 108 alarm companies. Will build website for Ruston. Provide all information. Will not do service with present ordinance. Administered by professionals.
David (TA) - will draft up new ordinance.
Wayne - $30 dollar permit! What do we get for it?
Jane - we need to know number of alarms provide information to police.
Dan - permit fee $25 dollars not thirty.
Bradley - I alone have six alarms.
Wayne - wait for five years when population increases.
Jane - withdraws motion.
NO ACTION TAKEN time used 15 minutes
(wonder how Dan and Wayne will vote on this? My prediction final vote 3-2.)
Agenda item 2 - Ordinance number 1280 Designating permitted off leash areas
David - surprised at this ordinance. Drafted previously, outdated.
Dan -
. park is for recreational use
. this is not current version of ordinance
. charge for access creates liability
. will never apply to children. Parent cannot give release for child.
. Doberman chews a child's arm the town pays
. attractive nuisance now current fault
. $10 pet license fee to use park is a disguised use payment
Jim - no charge, limit usage
Jane - 50 to 75 people
Dan- have we talked to insurer?
David - not done yet.
Dan - change (existing) we lose immunity. Oppose any limitation of recreational use.
(BRAVO to Dan a voice of reason in this ubiquitous charade.)
Dan -. We are overspending and still at each meeting we spend more, twice as much as intake. This is not fair to Ruston residents under present circumstances. This is not realistic only a limited number of people benefit. We have no discipline, no will power to limit spending.
(Haven't heard this kind of talk since Mary Joyce left the council. Another BRAVO.)
Bruce - remove amendment, back to prior use park only.We need to spend money to enforce.
Jane - Children most important. Dog owners not cleaning up.
David - small expenditure for sign.
Bradley withdraws motion.
NO ACTION TAKEN took 17 minutes.
(Who started this? It never made sense and has gone on for at least a month using hours of council time chasing their tails.)
Agenda item 3 - Ordinance number 1271 Control of Dogs in Public Areas
No discussion passes 5-0. Apparently reinstates previous ordinance, back to square one.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sherri -
1- Apologize to doctors and lawyers previous statement (How did I miss that one?)
2- Wants NO on ANNEXATION sign (available at Ruston Market)
3- We have no resources to manage a dog park
4- Ruston park is for people not dogs
Connie - agree with Dan no dog park, not appropriate. Sponsor a little league baseball team. A much healthier use.
Beth - How is ordinance 1271 different from previous ordinance?
Edie - Brick building at 51st and Pearl in poor condition, terrible corner.
Mayor's Wife - Moved in 17 years ago and registered alarm. Money goes to Tacoma.
MAYOR'S TIME
Bruce -
. Alarms need to have boxes allowing access to buildings. Especially to school building.
. Curbs, no parking need paint. Notified Steve Taylor. Taste of Tacoma coming up, potential revenue from lawbreakers.
. Need a community paint party.
. Letter to Tacoma late. Out of town most of week. Will get it done.
. Copies of 4/23/2009 budget provided to peruse make mental notes. We may need a study session.
. Agrees expenses are out of line.
. No problem with donations to dog park.
All for now. Finished this last night and brushed a key and it all disappeared. The cost of blogging. Do it in word pad or email now and copy in. Used to have automatic save before. Where did it go?
Final episode COUNCIL TIME a separate blog entitled CIRCULAR FIRING SQUAD. Whatever happened to that round table Bradley was going to use. Maybe too dangerous. Just too exciting not to have a separate blog. Stay tuned. Did Dan get SNOOKERED
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Wayne Stebner, Dan Albertson, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
Clerk/Treasurer, Karen Carlisle
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-30-
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
SNOOKERED
Ruston town council meeting Monday May 4, 2009 7:30 pm.
Usual stuff, much ado about nothing. Round and round they go.
EXECUTIVE SESSION took up the first half hour. The poor denizens of Ruston (citizens) were sent out into the cold and rain to fend for themselves. Did note two cabal attendees showed up at 7:30. How convenient.
Agenda item 1 - Ordinance no. 1278 Regulation of private Alarm SystemTown Attorney - not ready for approval still looking at model ordinances.Jane - service selected works with LESA.Company provides service for 108 alarm companies. Will build website for Ruston. Provide all information. Will not do service with present ordinance. Administered by professionals.
David (TA) - will draft up new ordinance.
Wayne - $30 dollar permit! What do we get for it?
Jane - we need to know number of alarms provide information to police.
Dan - permit fee $25 dollars not thirty.
Bradley - I alone have six alarms.
Wayne - wait for five years when population increases.
Jane - withdraws motion.
NO ACTION TAKEN time used 15 minutes
(wonder how Dan and Wayne will vote on this? My prediction final vote 3-2.)
Agenda item 2 - Ordinance number 1280 Designating permitted off leash areas
David - surprised at this ordinance. Drafted previously, outdated.
Dan -
. park is for recreational use
. this is not current version of ordinance
. charge for access creates liability
. will never apply to children. Parent cannot give release for child.
. Doberman chews child's arm the town pays
. attractive nuisance now current fault
. $10 pet license fee to use park is a disguised use payment
Jim - no charge, limit usage
Jane - 50 to 75 people
Dan- have we talked to insurer?
David - not done yet.
Dan - change (existing) we lose immunity. Oppose any limitation of recreational use.
(BRAVO to Dan a voice of reason in this ubiquitous charade.)
Dan -. We are overspending and still at each meeting we spend more, twice as much as intake. This is not fair to Ruston residents under present circumstances. This is not realistic only a limited number of people benefit. We have no discipline, no will power to limit spending.
(Haven't heard this kind of talk since Mary Joyce left the council. Another BRAVO.)
Bruce - remove amendment, back to prior use park only.We need to spend money to enforce.
Jane - Children most important. Dog owners not cleaning up.
David - small expenditure for sign.
Bradley withdraws motion.
NO ACTION TAKEN took 17 minutes.
(Who started this? It never made sense and has gone on for at least a month using hours of council time chasing their tails.)
Agenda item 3 - Ordinance number 1271 Control of Dogs in Public Areas
No discussion passes 5-0. Apparently reinstates previous ordinance, back to square one.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sherri -
1- Apologize to doctors and lawyers previous statement (How did I miss that one?)
2- Wants NO on ANNEXATION sign (available at Ruston Market)
3- We have no resources to manage a dog park
4- Ruston park is for people not dogs
Connie - agree with Dan no dog park, not appropriate. Sponsor a little league baseball team. A much healthier use.
Beth - How is ordinance 1271 different from previous ordinance?
Edie - Brick building at 51st and Pearl in poor condition, terrible corner.
Mayor's Wife - Moved in 17 years ago and registered alarm. Money goes to Tacoma.
MAYOR'S TIME
. Alarms need to have boxes allowing access to buildings. Especially to school building.
. Curbs, no parking need paint. Notified Steve Taylor. Taste of Tacoma coming up, potential revenue from lawbreakers.
. Need a community paint party.
. Letter to Tacoma late. Out of town most of week. Will get it done.
. Copies of 4/23/2009 budget provided to peruse make mental notes. We may need a study session.
. Agrees expenses are out of line.
. No problem with donations to dog park.
All for now. Finished this last night and brushed a key and it all disappeared. The cost of blogging. Do it in word pad or email now and copy in. Used to have automatic save before. Where did it go?
Final episode COUNCIL TIME a separate blog entitled CIRCULAR FIRING SQUAD. Whatever happened to that round table Bradley was going to use. Maybe too dangerous. Just too exciting not to have a separate blog. Stay tuned. Did Dan get SNOOKERED
-30-
David (TA) - will draft up new ordinance.
Wayne - $30 dollar permit! What do we get for it?
Jane - we need to know number of alarms provide information to police.
Dan - permit fee $25 dollars not thirty.
Bradley - I alone have six alarms.
Wayne - wait for five years when population increases.
Jane - withdraws motion.
NO ACTION TAKEN time used 15 minutes
(wonder how Dan and Wayne will vote on this? My prediction final vote 3-2.)
Agenda item 2 - Ordinance number 1280 Designating permitted off leash areas
David - surprised at this ordinance. Drafted previously, outdated.
Dan -
. park is for recreational use
. this is not current version of ordinance
. charge for access creates liability
. will never apply to children. Parent cannot give release for child.
. Doberman chews child's arm the town pays
. attractive nuisance now current fault
. $10 pet license fee to use park is a disguised use payment
Jim - no charge, limit usage
Jane - 50 to 75 people
Dan- have we talked to insurer?
David - not done yet.
Dan - change (existing) we lose immunity. Oppose any limitation of recreational use.
(BRAVO to Dan a voice of reason in this ubiquitous charade.)
Dan -. We are overspending and still at each meeting we spend more, twice as much as intake. This is not fair to Ruston residents under present circumstances. This is not realistic only a limited number of people benefit. We have no discipline, no will power to limit spending.
(Haven't heard this kind of talk since Mary Joyce left the council. Another BRAVO.)
Bruce - remove amendment, back to prior use park only.We need to spend money to enforce.
Jane - Children most important. Dog owners not cleaning up.
David - small expenditure for sign.
Bradley withdraws motion.
NO ACTION TAKEN took 17 minutes.
(Who started this? It never made sense and has gone on for at least a month using hours of council time chasing their tails.)
Agenda item 3 - Ordinance number 1271 Control of Dogs in Public Areas
No discussion passes 5-0. Apparently reinstates previous ordinance, back to square one.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sherri -
1- Apologize to doctors and lawyers previous statement (How did I miss that one?)
2- Wants NO on ANNEXATION sign (available at Ruston Market)
3- We have no resources to manage a dog park
4- Ruston park is for people not dogs
Connie - agree with Dan no dog park, not appropriate. Sponsor a little league baseball team. A much healthier use.
Beth - How is ordinance 1271 different from previous ordinance?
Edie - Brick building at 51st and Pearl in poor condition, terrible corner.
Mayor's Wife - Moved in 17 years ago and registered alarm. Money goes to Tacoma.
MAYOR'S TIME
. Alarms need to have boxes allowing access to buildings. Especially to school building.
. Curbs, no parking need paint. Notified Steve Taylor. Taste of Tacoma coming up, potential revenue from lawbreakers.
. Need a community paint party.
. Letter to Tacoma late. Out of town most of week. Will get it done.
. Copies of 4/23/2009 budget provided to peruse make mental notes. We may need a study session.
. Agrees expenses are out of line.
. No problem with donations to dog park.
All for now. Finished this last night and brushed a key and it all disappeared. The cost of blogging. Do it in word pad or email now and copy in. Used to have automatic save before. Where did it go?
Final episode COUNCIL TIME a separate blog entitled CIRCULAR FIRING SQUAD. Whatever happened to that round table Bradley was going to use. Maybe too dangerous. Just too exciting not to have a separate blog. Stay tuned. Did Dan get SNOOKERED
-30-
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