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Bruce - Pearl street withdrawn due to budgetary constraints.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