COUNCIL CONFUSION

Town of Ruston, WA regular council meeting Tuesday September 7th, 2010:
Jim Hedrick sworn in as Mayor PRO TEM. Absent: Bruce Hopkins,Bradley Huson and Jane Hunt.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim W-suggested restoring public comments on agenda items. Pointed out public comments on agenda items were utilized for over one hundred years and were eliminated by the Council elected in 2004 referred to as the CABAL.
(David interjected here inexplicably "comments heard already".)
Fails to answer why it was acceptable, public comments on agenda items, for over 100 years and not during last two councils.
Dan W-Will have to do serious remodel if Ord 1318 not approved. House was built to close to setback.
Brian-New house is done. Final specs approved all bills paid. Concerns, filled two bathtubs with water to test sewer and it was plugged flooding my new house. Paid $1,600 in fees to Town and officials. Money wasted frustrating. Contractor had it plugged even after all fees paid.
(More on this later on under Mayor's Time.)
Sherri- Compliment Bradley on car show.
Kevin- Still working on sound system. MIC not working. (Could only hear Myriah changes each meeting).
Beth T-Thanks Sherri, Bradley hopes Cadillac show returns next year.
Business community could help with tunnel detours on behalf of Ruston. Current detour bypasses Ruston funnels traffic into Tacoma. Tunnel closure killing business. If continues through winter will cause serious problems.

BUSINESS
Ordinance 1317 - Ruston Planning Commission
Reduce members from six to five to eliminate deadlocks. First reading.
Ordinance 1318 - Variance from side yard setback standards 5402 N Commercial street
To decrease the required side yard setback from 7'6" to 6'8". No significant fiscal impacts are anticipated.
Recommendation: Staff (Planning Commission) recommends the Town Council approve the attached Ordinance as presented. First reading.
Ordinance 1319 - Relating to the approval and modification of the Ruston Landing Master Development Plan, regarding an application made by the Commencement Group, LLC
Rob- (can't hear, sits in back)
JimH-
. Bennett street reconnection, private driveways.
. No public access
Rob- Yes.
David- Driveway requires variance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS on ORD 1319
Sherri- Something... (couldn't hear)
Jim- After four years of delay need to approve this for benefit to Town.
First reading.
MAYOR'S TIME
ceded to Jerry Morrissette, Town Engineer
Jerry-
. No damages in contract (sewer, tunnel closure)
. Time and material contractor
. Under LID by State Legislature
. Benefiting property must pay
. Unusual type of construction
. Ran into abandoned sewer line in future (City of Tacoma)
Jerry- Fixing Morris sewer connect...
JimH- Better to keep comments private.
COUNCIL TIME-
JimH- (appears agitated)
. Town did not run Commencement into bankruptcy.
. Interior design sold on Craig's List.
. Two homes on Bennett street no public access from street. Big problem.
Lyle-
. Asking to fulfill agreement.
. Car show was OK.
. Thanks Beth Torbet.
ADJOURN 8:06
-30-

My comment: Still hard to hear despite efforts of Town to comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Any gaps tapes available at Town Hall five dollars. Next meeting will probably be my last if not fixed. Too frustrating. Want to hear outcome on Ordinances 1318 and 1319.

Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Deborah Kristovich, Lyle Hardin, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
Clerk/Treasurer, Myriah Mesa
Fire Chief, Don Torbet
Police Chief, Jeremy Kunkel
Electrician, Mo Fesharaki
Engineer, Jerry Morrissette