Ruston, WA regular council meeting Monday, October 19, 2009 7:00 pm:
Jim Hedrick appointed Mayor Pro Tem in the absence of Mayor Bruce Hopkins.
Another donnybrook with Dan berating a fellow council member and Town Historian/blogger Karen Pickett who dared to counter some Jobs for Justice propaganda. An arsenic laden salvo aimed at the heart of the town. As their time on the council nears its end they appear to be getting edgy as their anti Point Ruston podium will fade away and we can go back to being the Ruston I knew for 75 years.
But wait a cabal write in campaign aimed at the Mayor and a citizen running unopposed. A dedicated citizen and a dedicated Mayor devoted to working for the Town's survival. Implausible yet they, the Tacoma cabal, have dedicated tireless adherents looking to oppress the small town spirit so unique to Ruston. Plausible if you don't exercise your right to GET OUT AND VOTE. MAIL IN THAT BALLOT marked to salvage what is left of Ruston.
Agenda amended to remove Item 3 Appointing Ruston Police Sergeant Jeremy Kunkel as Chief of Police for the Town of Ruston
Arguments waged back and forth but support appeared to be unanimous for this Resolution No. 456 with the major impediment being the absence of the Mayor. The Town Attorney put the Resolution on the Agenda at the request of the Mayor without realizing the Mayor would be absent. Will be presented at the next regular council meeting Monday November 2nd and passage a foregone conclusion. Passes 5-0 as amended.
STAFF REPORTS
Don Torbet, Fire Chief
Police and Fire Departments will cooperate on handing out candy to children on Halloween at the Town Hall 5-8 pm. Coffee will be provided for adults in attendance.
Fire Department volunteers will receive swine flu shots Thursday night.
Jeremy Kunkel, Police Chief
Getting darker earlier use headlights. Anytime you use windshield wipers turn lights on.
Interviewing for a full time position.
Received grant money from Department of Justice reimbursement for training
NOF means Notice of Practice
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Terry Knapp - hoped Jeremy Kunkel would be approved tonight. Been nine months since we have had a police chief in Ruston.
Dan Wombacher - owns lot on Commercial street, need flexibility. Zoning not required by Planning Commission unless substantial impact. Can us segregation to separate out. Mayor should take care of. No subdivision, not in State regulations.
Jim Wingard - objected to Dan's report titled "Environmental Issues in the Town of Ruston" previous meeting. Felt they were over the top.
Karen Pickett- Evil message (refer to previous comment) needs to be dealt with. Has great concern. Need to research issues not promote it. Need facts.EPA has soil samples, Jobs for Justice involved, area outside plant not remediated. Has pictures on website, RUSTON HOME.BLOGSPOT, of JFJ spinning out tires creating a dust cloud then getting out and taking pictures. Pictures on Karen's site show JFJ taking pictures with car running. Need to research before meeting.
Beth Torbet - Hope for EPA to be here to address issues, prioritizing properties. Why not test Point Defiance Park not just Ruston, prioritize. Dan's comments should have been cleared with EPA before being presented to Council. Many properties are lower than standards set.
BUSINESS
Ordinance No. 1297 BUDGET ANENDMENT
Bradley motion to approve, Jane second. Passes 5-0.
Agenda Item 2 - Environmental Issues in the Town of Ruston (Albertson)
Dan - Kevin Rochlin of EPA invited Nov 2nd for Study Session to begin at 6pm. Citizens for Healthy Bay to also be here. Have heavy schedule.
. talks about thalidomide.
. person who works for company suspect.
. arsenic known carcinogen
. Independent lab found 20 time state standard
. need answers from EPA
. Rochlin bring data from past
. protect residents from known hazard
. Nothing more tonight, updates only.
. no motion
. Study Session starts at 6pm
Jane - need to put in Town newsletter
Karen - I will put in newsletter
Jim - High time EPA reaches out to community.
. Own 2 houses in Town.
. What was done in community.
. EPA has not done "due diligence"
Ordinance No. 1298 International Fire Code (first reading)
David - thought already adopted. 2006 International Fire Code adopted by State of Washington. Cannot force to submit to fire inspection without warrant.
Ordinance No. 1299 Creating a new Chapter 5.10 of the Ruston Municipal Code relating to Utility Tax Rates (first reading)
David - directive from Mayor. Electric, gas, telephone. Clear statutory requirement, fixed rate.
Jane - need to change quarterly to monthly. Money to general fund. Need to not pay tax to Tacoma. Needed in Ruston.
Dan - raising utility tax rate in Ruston to Tacoma level. Will raise to max.
Jim - need fiscal statement.
Wayne - We are doing little to control sky high budget. Need to balance budget first.
Dan - need to see fiscal statement.
Jane - easy to do. Need for budget.
Jim - Don't like new taxes with no new services.
Jane - money going into funds cannot use for fire, police. Tax needs to go into general fund to use for services.
Dan - dedicated funds, cannot use money, backwards. Should not raise taxes until need shown.
Jim - we are using utility fund for street lights.
Jane - cell phone taxes do not go into a fund.
. charge on bill goes into fund
. State law states use.
. can loan money from fund with interest.
. need to get money into general fund.
. Town deficit not that great.
Dan and Wayne - erupt with laughter.
. not a handicap burden with taxes.
Dan - meeting with David and the Mayor.
David - special tax can go into general fund.
Wayne - feels sorry for people on fixed incomes.
Jim - talk to Mayor need budget recommendations.
First reading, public comments allowed next meeting.
CLAIMS AND PAYROLL - Dan abstain, Wayne no, passes 4-1.
MAYOR'S TIME absent
COUNCIL TIME
Wayne - tapes of meeting not good quality. Cannot hear Mayor and Counsel. Defective microphones?
. speaks in support of Police Sergeant Jeremy Kunkel, doing excellent job.
Bradley - two telephone calls regarding lights at Commencement.
Jim - Use 'dark sky' maintenance
Note: Stack hill now Commencement. They sure do like to keep Ruston in the dark.
Jim - regarding Resolution 456 put behind us. I support Sergeant Kunkel but the Mayor needs to be here. Need to clean this up. Jeremy has been on force for 10 years. He is highly dedicated and appreciate job he is doing.
Dan - (on high horse) I voted to resolve issue tonight. On agenda at request of Mayor. Strenuously object to council persons remarks. Revealing private conversation harmful.
. Public comment misrepresented danger of arsenic. Her and her blog have done damage and harm to reputation of the town. Note: anger with vehemence.
. Wayne Stebner had guts to say publicly we need the Tacoma Fire Department. Citizens came to meeting showing an appalling lack of civility.
. Website (now taken down) had anonymous comment accusing Wayne Stebner of having a sexual relationship with member of Tacoma Fire Department.
Note: a blockbuster statement had not heard before. Will attempt to clarify and debunk clearing the air at next meeting.
.In deposition admitted to posting anonymous comments on her blog.
Jane - I owe Sergeant Kunkel an apology. I think Jeremy has done a wonderful job. Support him 100 percent. Want Mayor to be here.
David - my fault. I put it on agenda with Mayor absent.
ADJOURN 7:59 pm
Special note: Hearings on ASARCO and fallout went on for years. Every time a new person comes into the town things get stirred up again. If this is being done to harm private development and hurt the Town it is most appalling. If this is being done out of ignorance it is even more grievous especially from a council person who should know better. This is a byproduct of shutting out the citizen's of Ruston from commenting on BUSINESS issues. A tremendous knowledge of the town sits in the audience waiting to be heard but they choose not to listen. Ignorance is bliss the old saw goes.
NOT ONE PERSON IN RUSTON HAS EVER BEEN HARMED BY ASARCO IN THE LAST 120 YEARS. THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT DID STUDIES ON RUSTON AND NEARBY REIDENTS FOR YEARS. I WAS BORN IN RUSTON TWO BLOCKS FROM THE PLANT ON 51ST AND SHIRLEY AND SPENT MY FORMATIVE YEARS PLAYING IN THE SO CALLED CONTAMINATED SOIL. I AM APPROACHING 76 YEARS AND HAVE YET TO SHOW ANY ILL EFFECTS. A PREVIOUS BLOG SPOKE ABOUT A RETIRED SMELTER WORKER NEARING 100 YEARS OF AGE WHO WORKED 37 YEARS IN THE FURNACE ROOM AND IS HEALTHIER AND SMARTER THAN ONE COUNCIL MEMBER.
SO FAR WE HAVE ASPERSIONS, INNUENDO, STAGED FAKE PICTURES, ACCUSATIONS, ALL UNFOUNDED. LET'S CUT TO THE CHASE. WHERE ARE YOU GOING WITH THIS. THIS SAME COUNCIL PERSON HAS IN THE PAST REFERRED TO ASARCO AS THOSE "HIDEOUS BUILDINGS". SURPRISING AS HE IS PRIVY TO THE INNERMOST HISTORY OF ASARCO, HIS FATHER-IN-LAW HAVING RETIRED FROM THE SMELTER.
TO GET TO THE TRUTH ALLOW PUBLIC COMMENTS AND NOT ONE-SIDED DIATRIBES. THIS TOWN IS UNDER ATTACK AND THE CITIZENS MUST RISE TO ITS DEFENSE.
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
Fire Chief, Don Torbet
Police Chief, Jeremy Kunkel
Electrician, Mo Fesharaki
-30-
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
TARGET POINT RUSTON
Ruston, WA Town Council meeting October 5th, 2009 7pm:
Short and sweet with a negative diatribe on POINT RUSTON entitled ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE TOWN OF RUSTON?
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim Wingard - noted almost automatic approval of items requiring budget revisions with the lone exception "raises for town employees".
Kevin Moser - commented on the glare from street lights on STACK HILL. Need to eliminate glare, not considerate of town. Likes street lights on 49th street better where light is downward directed. Used up his allotted two minutes.
Dan- motion to allow time to finish, Jane second. Passes 5-0.
Kevin continues -
Provided handout of four different types of street lights.
Wayne - You need to talk to me on this.
Bruce - street lights are out for bid now. Deciding between 100 watt bulbs or 70 watt bulbs, out for research. You have access to town electrician.
Jane - lights from Commencement light up my deck.
Dan - surprised neighbors have not complained?
Bruce - they (Point Ruston) paid for lights. See no need to change no homes affected.
Note: PROGRESS IS BAD, STOP IT OR SLOW IT DOWN WHEN POSSIBLE? Couldn't be could it?
JJ - Lights needed for security purposes.
Beth - follow through like Point Ruston.
Note: I thought SAFE STREETS encouraged outdoor lighting? Apparently Ruston hasn't got the word. Extra lighting deters burglars and vandalism elsewhere.
BUSINESS
Agenda item one - ORDINANCE 1297 BUDGET AMENDMENT
Wayne - budget why are we shifting.
Bruce - so money comes out of budget not electrical reserve fund
Wayne - why not $6 thousand dollars instead of $12 thousand dollars?
Karen - will be further expenditures
Wayne - would like to approve all expenditures individually
Jane - lining up items
Bruce - access ability there anyway. We cannot know exact dollars
Wayne - I am only one vote.
David - fund transfer requires public comment
Note: big brouhaha takes place whether it is one fund or two funds?
Jane - only one fund
Karen - Karen - budgeted out of 401, Electrical fund, paying out of 402 (Electrical reserve fund). Like checking and saving accounts.
David - excess funds
Bruce - not moving funds, just allocation source. Pay out of reserve fund.
Dan - just have public comment. Nobody will comment anyway.
Jane - need to cover
PUBLIC COMMENT ORDINANCE 1297
Kevin Moser - Saves money to have MO working hourly. More cost effective than bidding out.
First reading complete.
Agenda item two - Environmental issues in the town of Ruston (Albertson)
Dan - concerned about arsenic in Town.
.arsenic extremely toxic. Source of many cancers, names several.
.soil samples taken outside Point Ruston
.EPA standards 230 ppm
.testing shows, 300 ppm and 460 ppm
.Who in Ruston is monitoring?
.EPA fact sheet, in almost all cases, shows material leaving site below levels
.Shows picture of large dust cloud, cause for concern
.Gate is in Tacoma
.Why training for creating hazardous waste
.Nobody checking
.need EPA regulators to show up at council meeting
.Independent lab in Seattle did testing on readings from public street
.need explanation
.Why I put this on agenda Have not talked to Kevin Rochlin of EPA. Talked to Citizens for Healthy Bay.
.happy to have EPA and Citizens for Healthy Bay give 1/2 hour presentation to council
.am concerned about contamination off of Point Ruston
Wayne - We need Department of Ecology too.
Dan - forced to agree, regret it
Jane - called all government agencies. EPA, Federal Government, in charge.
Need this project to go forward.
Note: public comments not allowed on agenda items so here is my two cents for next meeting.
. sounds like another JOBS FOR JUSTICE hit job
. Ruston is not the right venue to vent your spleen.
. Public streets in Tacoma?
. Tacoma annexation duo has plenty of contacts in Tacoma
. Appears to be a last minute hatchet job by departing soon council member
. no documents provided
. no proof provided
. no witnesses identified
. In my Introduction to Law class it was made clear HEARSAY is inadmissible in a court of law
. But all Dan's comments appear to be HEARSAY!!
. I have yet to determine a reason for all this vitriol except to hamstring the town of Ruston leading to it's demise
Agenda item three - Meter Deposits (hopkins)
Bruce - Only one deposit required. Holding $11 thousand dollars in noncollectable utility bills from 2006. One utility deposit given back after ten years.
Note: Aren't unclaimed deposits required to be turned over to the state after three years?
Jane - change our laws. hold owner liable not tenant.
Wayne - why was meter not pulled?
Karen - not legal to pull meter November 15th to March 15th during winter.
All - on and on, landlord tenant, no pay no rental, make landlord responsible. do not accept deposit if overdue, etc., Note: It appears they don't have a clue!!!
Bradley - a voice of reason has had enough. Let's table this for a future study session.
Note: Wow, way to go or this could of went on all night in their now familiar chasing your tail routine or the circular firing squad. Thank you Brad from those of us who have another life.
MAYOR'S TIME - nothing
COUNCIL TIME
Wayne - worried about going above $40 dollar monthly sewer charge for residents
Bruce - BofA wants money in bank despite guarantee by Federal government and three percent interest.
Jane - need to spread our money around for safety
Bruce - Need to set investment policy. Remember Bof A owns Merrill Lynch holder of many suspect loans. need to address our own policy, self financing.
Jim, Bradley - nothing
Dan - three percent loan may be good years from now.
. Need to fund up front.
. When will Copperline condos be occupied?
. When is Point Ruston money coming in?
. If funding gap what happens?
. Need to see Point Ruston building plans
Bruce - need to focus on being able to get by on our own.
. facing services cuts nobody will like.
Dan - takes off on spiel on COMMENCEMENT
Bruce - They want temporary occupancy permit.
. I go down there two or three times a week.
. Dialog schedule meeting.
. reward at end of project.
. for now we need to survive seven to eight years on our own.
Jane - wants Point Ruston timetable. When is revenue coming in?
. need to know what is in front of us.
. thanks Kevin Moser and volunteers for work on Mary Joyce community center
. in talking to Kevin Commencement not completing anything in center
David - send Notice of Violation
Wayne - people moving furniture in. We need a stop work order.
David - violation of permits
Bruce - elevator is signed off.
Note: For God's sake don't try to help out getting things completed. Throw as many obstacles in their path as you can. It's not like Ruston needs the money or anything.
ADJOURN 8:07
Note: Another council meeting another step backwards!!!
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
Fire Chief. Don Torbet
Police Chief, Jeremy Kunkel
Electrician, Mo Fesharaki
Short and sweet with a negative diatribe on POINT RUSTON entitled ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE TOWN OF RUSTON?
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim Wingard - noted almost automatic approval of items requiring budget revisions with the lone exception "raises for town employees".
Kevin Moser - commented on the glare from street lights on STACK HILL. Need to eliminate glare, not considerate of town. Likes street lights on 49th street better where light is downward directed. Used up his allotted two minutes.
Dan- motion to allow time to finish, Jane second. Passes 5-0.
Kevin continues -
Provided handout of four different types of street lights.
Wayne - You need to talk to me on this.
Bruce - street lights are out for bid now. Deciding between 100 watt bulbs or 70 watt bulbs, out for research. You have access to town electrician.
Jane - lights from Commencement light up my deck.
Dan - surprised neighbors have not complained?
Bruce - they (Point Ruston) paid for lights. See no need to change no homes affected.
Note: PROGRESS IS BAD, STOP IT OR SLOW IT DOWN WHEN POSSIBLE? Couldn't be could it?
JJ - Lights needed for security purposes.
Beth - follow through like Point Ruston.
Note: I thought SAFE STREETS encouraged outdoor lighting? Apparently Ruston hasn't got the word. Extra lighting deters burglars and vandalism elsewhere.
BUSINESS
Agenda item one - ORDINANCE 1297 BUDGET AMENDMENT
Wayne - budget why are we shifting.
Bruce - so money comes out of budget not electrical reserve fund
Wayne - why not $6 thousand dollars instead of $12 thousand dollars?
Karen - will be further expenditures
Wayne - would like to approve all expenditures individually
Jane - lining up items
Bruce - access ability there anyway. We cannot know exact dollars
Wayne - I am only one vote.
David - fund transfer requires public comment
Note: big brouhaha takes place whether it is one fund or two funds?
Jane - only one fund
Karen - Karen - budgeted out of 401, Electrical fund, paying out of 402 (Electrical reserve fund). Like checking and saving accounts.
David - excess funds
Bruce - not moving funds, just allocation source. Pay out of reserve fund.
Dan - just have public comment. Nobody will comment anyway.
Jane - need to cover
PUBLIC COMMENT ORDINANCE 1297
Kevin Moser - Saves money to have MO working hourly. More cost effective than bidding out.
First reading complete.
Agenda item two - Environmental issues in the town of Ruston (Albertson)
Dan - concerned about arsenic in Town.
.arsenic extremely toxic. Source of many cancers, names several.
.soil samples taken outside Point Ruston
.EPA standards 230 ppm
.testing shows, 300 ppm and 460 ppm
.Who in Ruston is monitoring?
.EPA fact sheet, in almost all cases, shows material leaving site below levels
.Shows picture of large dust cloud, cause for concern
.Gate is in Tacoma
.Why training for creating hazardous waste
.Nobody checking
.need EPA regulators to show up at council meeting
.Independent lab in Seattle did testing on readings from public street
.need explanation
.Why I put this on agenda Have not talked to Kevin Rochlin of EPA. Talked to Citizens for Healthy Bay.
.happy to have EPA and Citizens for Healthy Bay give 1/2 hour presentation to council
.am concerned about contamination off of Point Ruston
Wayne - We need Department of Ecology too.
Dan - forced to agree, regret it
Jane - called all government agencies. EPA, Federal Government, in charge.
Need this project to go forward.
Note: public comments not allowed on agenda items so here is my two cents for next meeting.
. sounds like another JOBS FOR JUSTICE hit job
. Ruston is not the right venue to vent your spleen.
. Public streets in Tacoma?
. Tacoma annexation duo has plenty of contacts in Tacoma
. Appears to be a last minute hatchet job by departing soon council member
. no documents provided
. no proof provided
. no witnesses identified
. In my Introduction to Law class it was made clear HEARSAY is inadmissible in a court of law
. But all Dan's comments appear to be HEARSAY!!
. I have yet to determine a reason for all this vitriol except to hamstring the town of Ruston leading to it's demise
Agenda item three - Meter Deposits (hopkins)
Bruce - Only one deposit required. Holding $11 thousand dollars in noncollectable utility bills from 2006. One utility deposit given back after ten years.
Note: Aren't unclaimed deposits required to be turned over to the state after three years?
Jane - change our laws. hold owner liable not tenant.
Wayne - why was meter not pulled?
Karen - not legal to pull meter November 15th to March 15th during winter.
All - on and on, landlord tenant, no pay no rental, make landlord responsible. do not accept deposit if overdue, etc., Note: It appears they don't have a clue!!!
Bradley - a voice of reason has had enough. Let's table this for a future study session.
Note: Wow, way to go or this could of went on all night in their now familiar chasing your tail routine or the circular firing squad. Thank you Brad from those of us who have another life.
MAYOR'S TIME - nothing
COUNCIL TIME
Wayne - worried about going above $40 dollar monthly sewer charge for residents
Bruce - BofA wants money in bank despite guarantee by Federal government and three percent interest.
Jane - need to spread our money around for safety
Bruce - Need to set investment policy. Remember Bof A owns Merrill Lynch holder of many suspect loans. need to address our own policy, self financing.
Jim, Bradley - nothing
Dan - three percent loan may be good years from now.
. Need to fund up front.
. When will Copperline condos be occupied?
. When is Point Ruston money coming in?
. If funding gap what happens?
. Need to see Point Ruston building plans
Bruce - need to focus on being able to get by on our own.
. facing services cuts nobody will like.
Dan - takes off on spiel on COMMENCEMENT
Bruce - They want temporary occupancy permit.
. I go down there two or three times a week.
. Dialog schedule meeting.
. reward at end of project.
. for now we need to survive seven to eight years on our own.
Jane - wants Point Ruston timetable. When is revenue coming in?
. need to know what is in front of us.
. thanks Kevin Moser and volunteers for work on Mary Joyce community center
. in talking to Kevin Commencement not completing anything in center
David - send Notice of Violation
Wayne - people moving furniture in. We need a stop work order.
David - violation of permits
Bruce - elevator is signed off.
Note: For God's sake don't try to help out getting things completed. Throw as many obstacles in their path as you can. It's not like Ruston needs the money or anything.
ADJOURN 8:07
Note: Another council meeting another step backwards!!!
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
Fire Chief. Don Torbet
Police Chief, Jeremy Kunkel
Electrician, Mo Fesharaki
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