Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
LAND AHOY
Ruston, WA regular Town Council meeting December 7, 2009 continued:
2010 BUDGET
Bruce - Whole lot of items, spending money.
. Most with efficiency ramifications.
. Lyle Hardin joining us and
. Town website needs functionality.
. Each Council member will have assignment.
. Need to integrate all Town services.
. Provide better communication with residents.
. $24 thousand dollars $2 thousand dollars per month to upgrade and maintain Town website.
. This is vital to Town and Community.
. An application for a "lot line adjustment" could be printed off of website.
. We are now operating in the dark ages.
Bruce - Other HOT BUTTON item - Document Imaging.
. Need to contract for copying all Town documents.
. Public Records Request, FOIA, documents could be retrieved off of server.
Bruce - POLICE/FIRE DEPARTMENTS
. Requires new uniforms, professionalism.
. When exiting vehicles they are the first line of interaction with public.
. Need to carry the flag.
. Things are getting better in the Town.
. Investors, home buyers need to see a good image of the Town.
. First meeting is a call for service.
. Need to take care of items.
Bruce - POLICE
. Need to protect them.
. Facilities need help: No security, no surveillance cameras, now have hollow core doors.
. No cost estimate yet.
. We need to be the Town people want to live in.
. Needed to separate us apart.
. Current deficit $125 thousand dollars reduced shortfall by $350 thousand dollars.
Jane - Document Imaging, website. Are these added charges?
Bruce - Yes. Interest income at 1.7 percent.
David - Need to vote on budget by next council meeting is deadline. Can amend.
Jane - Public has right to know.
. We pay more for black and white copier than RICO scanner.
. I feel good about what we are doing.
. We are getting things under control.
Jim -
. $24 thousand dollars to upgrade website seems high.
. Ability to pay utility bills online I support that.
. Police Department needs added security.
. Need hard costs. No set time limit.
Wayne - We can establish for less, lower maintenance.
Bruce - Flash on hope we get it.
Jane - WA State Statute requires we approve budget by year end.
MAYOR'S TIME
Bruce - I have rambled enough. One more thing I need help. Wayne Stebner is off the hook. Assignments follow:
Bruce -
. Jim Hedrick
. appreciate your effort in lawsuit.
. Takes huge amount of time.
. Continue to appreciate time expended.
Jeremy Kunkel
. Continue to make environment safer.
Don Torbet
. Will work with.
Bradley Huson
. Work with Rob on impact fees.
. Establish investment policy for the Town.
Lyle Hardin
. Update Town website.
. Who and how we can work with.
. Would like audio and flash pictures.
COUNCIL TIME
Wayne - Nothing.
Bradley -
. I agree with most all
. One thing. Need capital improvement fro Town Hall.
. Expending luxuriously on two things one has to go.
. Need to sell School. It needs to go.
. Has a remaining 495 year lease.
. Is a source of continuing problems.
Bruce -
. Razing school is ill conceived.
. Building is compromised.
. Continually generates problems.
. Need a new building.
. Could go three stories without blocking views.
Jim -
. Congratulations to new Council Person Lyle Hardin.
. What if our Police compromised. Windows and blind corners are bad.
. As of recent events Police policies will change across the nation.
. Thanks to resigned Town Clerk/Treasurer Karen Carlisle for service to Town.
. People standing at corner of 49th and Baltimore have come to my attention.
. One was recently taken downtown by police on an outstanding warrant.
. Whoever is paying them it is time for them to go.
. They are using Park facilities to relieve themselves.
. They are disrespectful to Police officers.
. Will write letter and show to Mayor and Town Attorney.
Jane -
. I will be happy to sign letter.
. Utility tax Ordinance properly distributed.
. Process followed AWC and PSE standards.
. Encourage meeting with Business District.
. We could make Town Hall three stories to accommodate all.
. Will cost $300 thousand dollars to remodel.
. Need notice to home owners with oil tanks free insurance is available.
. Recent oil tank spill brought in WA State Department of Ecology who had boats in the bay to contain spill.
. Cost of cleanup incurred by resident.
. Liability insurance is provided free if you ask.
. Need to get out to citizens in Town Newsletter.
Bruce -
. Have notified them sidewalk is torn up.
. Remediation is substantial.
. Town will not bear cost.
. If not repaired timely we pay and send bill to homeowner.
Lyle - Briefly.
. Thanks Community for trust placed in me.
. Thanks Council.
. Has neighbor paying two cents per gallon heating oil to cover liability insurance.
Motion to ADJOURN 8:30 passes 5-0.
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Wayne Stebner, Lyle Hardin, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
Clerk/Treasurer, ??????????
Fire Chief, Don Torbet
Police Chief, Jeremy Kunkel
Electrician, Mo Fesharaki
-30-
2010 BUDGET
Bruce - Whole lot of items, spending money.
. Most with efficiency ramifications.
. Lyle Hardin joining us and
. Town website needs functionality.
. Each Council member will have assignment.
. Need to integrate all Town services.
. Provide better communication with residents.
. $24 thousand dollars $2 thousand dollars per month to upgrade and maintain Town website.
. This is vital to Town and Community.
. An application for a "lot line adjustment" could be printed off of website.
. We are now operating in the dark ages.
Bruce - Other HOT BUTTON item - Document Imaging.
. Need to contract for copying all Town documents.
. Public Records Request, FOIA, documents could be retrieved off of server.
Bruce - POLICE/FIRE DEPARTMENTS
. Requires new uniforms, professionalism.
. When exiting vehicles they are the first line of interaction with public.
. Need to carry the flag.
. Things are getting better in the Town.
. Investors, home buyers need to see a good image of the Town.
. First meeting is a call for service.
. Need to take care of items.
Bruce - POLICE
. Need to protect them.
. Facilities need help: No security, no surveillance cameras, now have hollow core doors.
. No cost estimate yet.
. We need to be the Town people want to live in.
. Needed to separate us apart.
. Current deficit $125 thousand dollars reduced shortfall by $350 thousand dollars.
Jane - Document Imaging, website. Are these added charges?
Bruce - Yes. Interest income at 1.7 percent.
David - Need to vote on budget by next council meeting is deadline. Can amend.
Jane - Public has right to know.
. We pay more for black and white copier than RICO scanner.
. I feel good about what we are doing.
. We are getting things under control.
Jim -
. $24 thousand dollars to upgrade website seems high.
. Ability to pay utility bills online I support that.
. Police Department needs added security.
. Need hard costs. No set time limit.
Wayne - We can establish for less, lower maintenance.
Bruce - Flash on hope we get it.
Jane - WA State Statute requires we approve budget by year end.
MAYOR'S TIME
Bruce - I have rambled enough. One more thing I need help. Wayne Stebner is off the hook. Assignments follow:
Bruce -
. Jim Hedrick
. appreciate your effort in lawsuit.
. Takes huge amount of time.
. Continue to appreciate time expended.
Jeremy Kunkel
. Continue to make environment safer.
Don Torbet
. Will work with.
Bradley Huson
. Work with Rob on impact fees.
. Establish investment policy for the Town.
Lyle Hardin
. Update Town website.
. Who and how we can work with.
. Would like audio and flash pictures.
COUNCIL TIME
Wayne - Nothing.
Bradley -
. I agree with most all
. One thing. Need capital improvement fro Town Hall.
. Expending luxuriously on two things one has to go.
. Need to sell School. It needs to go.
. Has a remaining 495 year lease.
. Is a source of continuing problems.
Bruce -
. Razing school is ill conceived.
. Building is compromised.
. Continually generates problems.
. Need a new building.
. Could go three stories without blocking views.
Jim -
. Congratulations to new Council Person Lyle Hardin.
. What if our Police compromised. Windows and blind corners are bad.
. As of recent events Police policies will change across the nation.
. Thanks to resigned Town Clerk/Treasurer Karen Carlisle for service to Town.
. People standing at corner of 49th and Baltimore have come to my attention.
. One was recently taken downtown by police on an outstanding warrant.
. Whoever is paying them it is time for them to go.
. They are using Park facilities to relieve themselves.
. They are disrespectful to Police officers.
. Will write letter and show to Mayor and Town Attorney.
Jane -
. I will be happy to sign letter.
. Utility tax Ordinance properly distributed.
. Process followed AWC and PSE standards.
. Encourage meeting with Business District.
. We could make Town Hall three stories to accommodate all.
. Will cost $300 thousand dollars to remodel.
. Need notice to home owners with oil tanks free insurance is available.
. Recent oil tank spill brought in WA State Department of Ecology who had boats in the bay to contain spill.
. Cost of cleanup incurred by resident.
. Liability insurance is provided free if you ask.
. Need to get out to citizens in Town Newsletter.
Bruce -
. Have notified them sidewalk is torn up.
. Remediation is substantial.
. Town will not bear cost.
. If not repaired timely we pay and send bill to homeowner.
Lyle - Briefly.
. Thanks Community for trust placed in me.
. Thanks Council.
. Has neighbor paying two cents per gallon heating oil to cover liability insurance.
Motion to ADJOURN 8:30 passes 5-0.
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Wayne Stebner, Lyle Hardin, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
Clerk/Treasurer, ??????????
Fire Chief, Don Torbet
Police Chief, Jeremy Kunkel
Electrician, Mo Fesharaki
-30-
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
SHIP AHOY
Ruston, WA regular Town Council meeting December 7, 2009 7 pm:
The storm is coming to an end for the town of Ruston and outside of a few squalls it appears smooth sailing is in our future. First order of business was swearing in of LYLE HARDIN as the newest council person. Welcome aboard Lyle.
Mariah, the Town Utility clerk was acting Town Clerk. Nothing was reported on the hiring of a new clerk to replace Karen Carlisle who resigned December 1 after four arduous years under the previous administration. Only her diligence and dedication to serving the Town of Ruston helped her make it through. Karen was an obvious pawn caught in between the Tacoma Cabal members of the Town and the pro Ruston side which led to multiple resignations. She bore the brunt of the internecine warfare that dominated the council for four years. All her knew her admire her perseverance and wish her well.
Apparently no exit interview was held. No goodbye no thank you. No goodbye coffee klatch. It wasn't always like this. The Town has lost a lot of it's small town atmosphere and just plain friendliness.
BUSINESS AGENDA
Motion by Wayne Stebner to move Agenda Item 3 up to number 1 was seconded and approved 5-0.
Agenda Item number 1 - STREET LIGHTING DISCUSSION
involed presentation of bids by Mo Fesharaki, Town Electrician.
Mo -
. Four streets selected: Pearl, Highland, Shirley and Winnifred.
. One contracor or multi contractor? Lowest price was using three lowest bidders.
Bruce - Pearl street withdrawn due to budgetary constraints. Pearl street is a State Highway. Will work with city of Tacoma. Work on three contractor phased approach. Currently $372 thousand dollars in reserve fund.
Mo -
. Pearl street to be done later low bid $90,840.
. Low bids: $101 thousand dollars for Winnifred, $71 thousand dollars for Highland, $9 thousand dollars for Shirley. Not sure about Shirley bid.
. POINT RUSTON being on Ruston Way requires better lighting and will not use more expensive "dim bulbs" lights to be used in Ruston. Better known as the lights in the iron mask.
Wayne - Where will funds come from.
Bruce -
. Hotel, Motel tax will be used later.
. Have to get started not big enough Town to do all at once.
Wayne - Use property reserve fund?
Bruce - We have enough in reserve.
Jane - enter contract discussions with Tacoma and State of Washington for Pearl street.
Jane and Wayne - Do all three now get it over with.
Wayne - Present lights are dangerous.
Wayne makes motion to do all three at once, Jane second.
David - Motion is to authorize contractor negotiations.
Bruce - Don't mean to cry broke then spend money but reserves can only be used for specific purposes.
Mo - Total for lights $345 thousand dollars plus approximately three thousand dollars shipping.
Mo - Don't forget Engineering fees.
Motion to allow Mayor to enter negotiations passes 5-0.
Agenda Item 2 - Extension of agreement for Judge Sandra Allen
Put off for next meeting 5-0.
Agenda Item 3 - 2010 BUDGET
Bruce -
. From now on you will receive Electronic delivery. No more printing expense no more Police time expended making delivery.
. Budget deficit for next year $125,543 dollars.
. Involves spending money.
. Harbor Improvement fund transferred into sewer reserve fund. Additional $334 thousand dollars puts Sewer fund at $713 thousand dollars.
. Separation interview with outgoing council member pointed out need to improve Town Hall.
. Needs weatherization and no more huddling around space heaters.
. Provide better and safer working environment.
Wayne - bring up to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards?
Jane - Major cost will be bathrooms.
Wayne - What about Fire trucks?
Bruce -
. Fulfills need to bring Town into 21st Century.
. The old school building is an absolute mess.
. We have only joint use parking 5 am to 5 pm.
. 495 years left on lease.
. Mary Joyce community center will only be used for Town events.
. When court is in session very busy.
Bradley - What about space we have in school?
Bruce - suitable only for offices.
Lyle - Meeting with Planning Commission Wednesday "Shoreline Management".
Bruce -
. Engineering plans already drawn.
. We have $25 thousand dollar grant.
Lyle - No additional costs?
Bruce -
. Shoreline goes away becomes private.
. No ongoing planning for Shoreline management.
Jim - Can we plow Harbor Fund into sewer loan?
Bruce - No. We need money to loan to residents who can not afford side sewer replacment.
Jane - Street to house requires private funding, cannot us loan money.
Wayne - Heavy rains cause sewage treatment plant to be overwhelmed.
Bruce - I have whole list of items requiring spending money.
TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW GETTING LATE.
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Wayne Stebner, Lyle Hardin, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
Clerk/Treasurer, ??????????
Fire Chief, Don Torbet
Police Chief, Jeremy Kunkel
Electrician, Mo Fesharaki
The storm is coming to an end for the town of Ruston and outside of a few squalls it appears smooth sailing is in our future. First order of business was swearing in of LYLE HARDIN as the newest council person. Welcome aboard Lyle.
Mariah, the Town Utility clerk was acting Town Clerk. Nothing was reported on the hiring of a new clerk to replace Karen Carlisle who resigned December 1 after four arduous years under the previous administration. Only her diligence and dedication to serving the Town of Ruston helped her make it through. Karen was an obvious pawn caught in between the Tacoma Cabal members of the Town and the pro Ruston side which led to multiple resignations. She bore the brunt of the internecine warfare that dominated the council for four years. All her knew her admire her perseverance and wish her well.
Apparently no exit interview was held. No goodbye no thank you. No goodbye coffee klatch. It wasn't always like this. The Town has lost a lot of it's small town atmosphere and just plain friendliness.
BUSINESS AGENDA
Motion by Wayne Stebner to move Agenda Item 3 up to number 1 was seconded and approved 5-0.
Agenda Item number 1 - STREET LIGHTING DISCUSSION
involed presentation of bids by Mo Fesharaki, Town Electrician.
Mo -
. Four streets selected: Pearl, Highland, Shirley and Winnifred.
. One contracor or multi contractor? Lowest price was using three lowest bidders.
Bruce - Pearl street withdrawn due to budgetary constraints. Pearl street is a State Highway. Will work with city of Tacoma. Work on three contractor phased approach. Currently $372 thousand dollars in reserve fund.
Mo -
. Pearl street to be done later low bid $90,840.
. Low bids: $101 thousand dollars for Winnifred, $71 thousand dollars for Highland, $9 thousand dollars for Shirley. Not sure about Shirley bid.
. POINT RUSTON being on Ruston Way requires better lighting and will not use more expensive "dim bulbs" lights to be used in Ruston. Better known as the lights in the iron mask.
Wayne - Where will funds come from.
Bruce -
. Hotel, Motel tax will be used later.
. Have to get started not big enough Town to do all at once.
Wayne - Use property reserve fund?
Bruce - We have enough in reserve.
Jane - enter contract discussions with Tacoma and State of Washington for Pearl street.
Jane and Wayne - Do all three now get it over with.
Wayne - Present lights are dangerous.
Wayne makes motion to do all three at once, Jane second.
David - Motion is to authorize contractor negotiations.
Bruce - Don't mean to cry broke then spend money but reserves can only be used for specific purposes.
Mo - Total for lights $345 thousand dollars plus approximately three thousand dollars shipping.
Mo - Don't forget Engineering fees.
Motion to allow Mayor to enter negotiations passes 5-0.
Agenda Item 2 - Extension of agreement for Judge Sandra Allen
Put off for next meeting 5-0.
Agenda Item 3 - 2010 BUDGET
Bruce -
. From now on you will receive Electronic delivery. No more printing expense no more Police time expended making delivery.
. Budget deficit for next year $125,543 dollars.
. Involves spending money.
. Harbor Improvement fund transferred into sewer reserve fund. Additional $334 thousand dollars puts Sewer fund at $713 thousand dollars.
. Separation interview with outgoing council member pointed out need to improve Town Hall.
. Needs weatherization and no more huddling around space heaters.
. Provide better and safer working environment.
Wayne - bring up to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards?
Jane - Major cost will be bathrooms.
Wayne - What about Fire trucks?
Bruce -
. Fulfills need to bring Town into 21st Century.
. The old school building is an absolute mess.
. We have only joint use parking 5 am to 5 pm.
. 495 years left on lease.
. Mary Joyce community center will only be used for Town events.
. When court is in session very busy.
Bradley - What about space we have in school?
Bruce - suitable only for offices.
Lyle - Meeting with Planning Commission Wednesday "Shoreline Management".
Bruce -
. Engineering plans already drawn.
. We have $25 thousand dollar grant.
Lyle - No additional costs?
Bruce -
. Shoreline goes away becomes private.
. No ongoing planning for Shoreline management.
Jim - Can we plow Harbor Fund into sewer loan?
Bruce - No. We need money to loan to residents who can not afford side sewer replacment.
Jane - Street to house requires private funding, cannot us loan money.
Wayne - Heavy rains cause sewage treatment plant to be overwhelmed.
Bruce - I have whole list of items requiring spending money.
TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW GETTING LATE.
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Wayne Stebner, Lyle Hardin, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
Clerk/Treasurer, ??????????
Fire Chief, Don Torbet
Police Chief, Jeremy Kunkel
Electrician, Mo Fesharaki
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