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
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