Copied this from EXIT133 commenting on "Will Ruston survive":
There is old Ruston with millions of dollars of infrastructure needed, many millions. Then there is Point Ruston a brand new state of the art commercial/residential development.
Separating them is a 105 foot bluff, one will not change the other physically but Point Ruston will definitely be beneficial to Old Ruston taxwise.
The Point Ruston land mass (100 acres) was split off from Tacoma to save the W.R. Rust Smelter operations from being taxed by Tacoma. The Smelter was responsible for RUSTon, get it, and now may again save the town from bankruptcy resurrecting itself as Point Ruston.
Given the choice Tacoma will welcome Point Ruston (boundary review commission) but they could not afford Old Ruston.
Old Ruston is living in a dream world where the RUST, later ASARCO, smelter paid all of the bills. Without them the higher taxes, assessments and LIDs will force most of old Ruston to sell out and move. At the present rate of squandering the Commencement trust fund it won’t be long.
Posted by Ruston34 Jan 9, 01:27 PM
Did anyone notice the "hideous building" comment referring to the Silver Cloud Hotel was deleted from the mintues of the Dec. 15th Ruston town council meeting? It will be an uphill, constant struggle for Point Ruston with that attitude residing on the town council.
Refer to: RUSTON UNBALANCED 12/15/08 and BUDGETLOO 12/16/08.
Showing posts with label hideous bldg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hideous bldg. Show all posts
Friday, January 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
BUDGETLOO
Ruston town council regular meeting Monday Dec. 15th, 2008 page three:
Ordinance No. 1277 - An ordinance adopting the 2009 budget:
Jim H - Makes motion to approve Ordinance 1277, Bradley second.
Dan - Revenues $572 thousand, $721 thousand for employees, $1.2 million expenses. We are approaching a cliff, transfer $500 thousand out of property fund. (Here we go again, is there anything he likes or agrees with)?
Jim H - to be revenue neutral we would have to close police, garbage, parks assuming agreement with city of Tacoma. Not feasible. Budgeting, give up utilities or Police Department. We have a choice. Not exactly.
Dan - our checks will bounce. Not covering 60 percent of expenditures.
Jane - slew of utility taxes we do not pay. We need to tax ourselves. Tacoma will have no qualms.
Attorney - We had meeting on taxes, specific on taxes.
Mayor - My budget, embarrassing but necessary. All laugh.
Wayne - utilities tax would be $1,500 per year per household. Dan previously, $1,600 per year per household.
Jane - not anywhere near $1,500 maybe $300 per year per household. We are limited on increases, need every tax revenue we have. Need to be comfortable with 2009 budget then need long term plan. Revisit in first quarter 2009.
Mayor - hard decisions. There is hope.
At 8:24 first reading accepted Ordinance 1277 Budget 2009. Final vote next council meeting Dec. 22nd, 2008.
Along the way, Interlocal Datasharing Agreement - Washington Department of Licensing approved 5-0.
Ordinance 1274 - B & O taxes approved on a 5-0 vote. No discussion, no public input.
Under REVENUES - TAXES Local retail sales, use tax -
2007 actual was 117,445,
2008 budgeted was 90,000,
2008 to date 235,199 (Commencement),
2009 proposed 100,000.
Funny how the much maligned Commencement keeps coming through for the town. Much the same as the Silver Cloud hotel will do in 2011. There are those on the council still looking to deny the occupancy permit for the Commencement. The same ones trying to stop the Silver Cloud hotel from ever being built. Remember those phantom views much like the view corridor in Stack Hill. The town has plenty of money to tide it over until Point Ruston is developed if we stick together and move forward defying the Tacoma crowd. Remember one of their planks in 2006 was ridding the town of all businesses. Apparently that includes stopping all new businesses in their tracks. Keep a stiff upper lip and we will survive well into the future.
Claims and Payroll -
Bradley - can we use funds for planning?
Attorney - not an easy question to answer. Harbor fund needs to be water related.
Approved 4-0. Wayne abstain. Remember the good old days when Wayne and Bob routinely abstained, once almost shutting the town down when they didn't show up for a vote.
PUBLIC COMMENTS -
Connie - are Reinhold lawsuit costs in budget? Yes. Need to look at Fire Chief's salary and increase.
Sherrie - rebuking Dan. Hideous buildings supported town, provided well paying jobs, supported families. We need to support Hotel as it will also provide jobs.
COUNCIL TIME -
Bradley - stick around for carrot cake.
Clerk - instant correction chocolate cake.
Bradley - food bank - huge amount of food and toys, really proud of residents.
Jim H - Thanks Police chief candidates. Refers in jest to HOPKIN'S BUDGET.
Jane - thanks Chief Reese, accomplished more in less time, wonderful communicator.
Chief Reese - commentators, public and council, of all stripes and persuasions, were unanimous in their praise and acclaim for our outgoing Police Chief whose last day will be December 23rd. Her greatest achievement, in a town divided, unanimity, in their praises and well wishes. Godspeed onto your next success.
Meeting adjourned.
Stay tuned for December 22nd council meeting blog. Will Dan and Wayne agree to pay a single penny increase in their utility taxes to support the Town? Call them to find out early and comment to the rest of us.
Ordinance No. 1277 - An ordinance adopting the 2009 budget:
Jim H - Makes motion to approve Ordinance 1277, Bradley second.
Dan - Revenues $572 thousand, $721 thousand for employees, $1.2 million expenses. We are approaching a cliff, transfer $500 thousand out of property fund. (Here we go again, is there anything he likes or agrees with)?
Jim H - to be revenue neutral we would have to close police, garbage, parks assuming agreement with city of Tacoma. Not feasible. Budgeting, give up utilities or Police Department. We have a choice. Not exactly.
Dan - our checks will bounce. Not covering 60 percent of expenditures.
Jane - slew of utility taxes we do not pay. We need to tax ourselves. Tacoma will have no qualms.
Attorney - We had meeting on taxes, specific on taxes.
Mayor - My budget, embarrassing but necessary. All laugh.
Wayne - utilities tax would be $1,500 per year per household. Dan previously, $1,600 per year per household.
Jane - not anywhere near $1,500 maybe $300 per year per household. We are limited on increases, need every tax revenue we have. Need to be comfortable with 2009 budget then need long term plan. Revisit in first quarter 2009.
Mayor - hard decisions. There is hope.
At 8:24 first reading accepted Ordinance 1277 Budget 2009. Final vote next council meeting Dec. 22nd, 2008.
Along the way, Interlocal Datasharing Agreement - Washington Department of Licensing approved 5-0.
Ordinance 1274 - B & O taxes approved on a 5-0 vote. No discussion, no public input.
Under REVENUES - TAXES Local retail sales, use tax -
2007 actual was 117,445,
2008 budgeted was 90,000,
2008 to date 235,199 (Commencement),
2009 proposed 100,000.
Funny how the much maligned Commencement keeps coming through for the town. Much the same as the Silver Cloud hotel will do in 2011. There are those on the council still looking to deny the occupancy permit for the Commencement. The same ones trying to stop the Silver Cloud hotel from ever being built. Remember those phantom views much like the view corridor in Stack Hill. The town has plenty of money to tide it over until Point Ruston is developed if we stick together and move forward defying the Tacoma crowd. Remember one of their planks in 2006 was ridding the town of all businesses. Apparently that includes stopping all new businesses in their tracks. Keep a stiff upper lip and we will survive well into the future.
Claims and Payroll -
Bradley - can we use funds for planning?
Attorney - not an easy question to answer. Harbor fund needs to be water related.
Approved 4-0. Wayne abstain. Remember the good old days when Wayne and Bob routinely abstained, once almost shutting the town down when they didn't show up for a vote.
PUBLIC COMMENTS -
Connie - are Reinhold lawsuit costs in budget? Yes. Need to look at Fire Chief's salary and increase.
Sherrie - rebuking Dan. Hideous buildings supported town, provided well paying jobs, supported families. We need to support Hotel as it will also provide jobs.
COUNCIL TIME -
Bradley - stick around for carrot cake.
Clerk - instant correction chocolate cake.
Bradley - food bank - huge amount of food and toys, really proud of residents.
Jim H - Thanks Police chief candidates. Refers in jest to HOPKIN'S BUDGET.
Jane - thanks Chief Reese, accomplished more in less time, wonderful communicator.
Chief Reese - commentators, public and council, of all stripes and persuasions, were unanimous in their praise and acclaim for our outgoing Police Chief whose last day will be December 23rd. Her greatest achievement, in a town divided, unanimity, in their praises and well wishes. Godspeed onto your next success.
Meeting adjourned.
Stay tuned for December 22nd council meeting blog. Will Dan and Wayne agree to pay a single penny increase in their utility taxes to support the Town? Call them to find out early and comment to the rest of us.
Monday, December 15, 2008
RUSTON UNBALANCED
Ruston town council regular meeting Monday December 15th, 2008 7pm:
Fire Department report, Chief Don Torbet no incidents for past month. Supports residence program, remodeling residence, provides daytime support, opportunity for people who live far away, money well spent, needs support. Response time down one minute will apply for grant to pay people.
Wayne, cuts no ice with Wayne who looked out his window and saw no car parked at residence. The same Wayne who has tried to do in the Fire Department and the Town in secret meetings with Tacoma. Remember, Beth Torbet ran for council against Wayne and the Cabal. They, the cabal, are consistent: never forgive, never forget. This was demonstrated throughout the meeting when public entreaties to increase the Fire Chiefs salary were routinely ignored. Remember they cut his pay soon after taking office in 2006.
Police Department report - introduced three candidates for replacement police chief: Michael Kendoll from North Carolina with roots here, Marsha Stril experience with Pierce county sheriff department and our very own Ruston police officer Jeremy Kunkel with nine years dedicated and devoted service to the town of Ruston. Hope I got spelling right?
Thanks civil service commission, has eight qualified candidates for one officer opening out of 11 applicants. Working with selection committee: Lyle Hardin, Jim Hedrick and sector 2 Tacoma Police officer. Will bring results to Mayor Hopkins who will make the final pick. Will prepare report on priorities to Mayor for next police chief. Final day December 23rd with all our best wishes.
Planning Department - Rob White reported on Commencement. They have building permit, no violations, should not hold up occupancy. Dan wants copy of document. Jane wants copy of letter. Wayne wants personal copy of all applications and telephone call notification of all Planning committee meetings and hearings. Remember the Cabal crowd have been after the Commencement since one member complained of noise and tearing up the street. Also they gave the town $4.2 million for the lower parking lot saving the town from bankruptcy. Unforgivable, happened BC, before Cabal, not on their watch. Never forgive, never forget.
Planning Committee report, Connie Maglione had several issues commented on need to raise Fire Chief's salary. Maybe after November 2009 Connie.
Ordinance 1275 Silver Cloud hotel substantial development permit (first reading):
Rob White, Town planner, gave the staff report. Hotels are separate from commercial development per 1974 code which clearly defines which clearly defines hotels and commercial development separately. Repeat this ten times to yourself as that was how many times it was explained to Dan who couldn't or wouldn't accept this simple thesis.
Dan - in full battle mode, torpedoes away, went on the attack grilling the town planner relentlessly. For why we wonder, for naught we got. Demands to know if anyone from Point Ruston provided input, yes, to Planning commission. Shoreline management in strong terms no building within 35 feet of shoreline. State law restricts obstructing views. Demands to know how many views obstructed.
Rob - 1974 code clearly defines Hotels separately from Commercial development.
Dan - continues attack, You are jettisoning Ruston Shoreline plan, looking solely at Point Ruston MDP, Master Development Plan, cleared away others, ignored findings of fact, not looking at criteria needed, State says other things. Wow, wonder how he is going to vote?
Wayne - comes to his aid. mistake, oversight, not to include completion of promenade as condition of occupancy permit. Rob reads to Wayne it is a condition of occupancy voted on by council and planning commission. Wayne looks very perplexed, more clarification needed.
Dan - batteries recharged back on the attack. Findings, what used to be down there, hotel is better, but not appropriate, restrictions, limitations in law. formerly HIDEOUS STRUCTURE was there not right to put another HIDEOUS STRUCTURE there (Silver Cloud hotel)? Something about statute, comparison is OK. Violates 35 foot setback, yes.
Rob - NO approved under 1974 code, hotels are separate from commercial.
Dan - ominously, we (council) make decisions right? Answer yes.
Jim - hotel five stories, 61 feet on 21 foot grade. Below grade of upper town, 105 feet.
Let's see now, this has been gone over ad nauseum. Eighty five feet using the old math is twenty feet below the grade of Ruston proper. How could any ones view be obstructed, only Dan and Wayne know the answer. Put it very simply no view is obstructed. We will wait for final result in second reading December 22nd regular council meeting. Expect the same go round in the next edition of the Dan and Wayne show. Where are they going with this. It is obvious if the do in the hotel they also do in the town of Ruston. Maybe, just maybe that is what they want? My prediction it is approved 3-2.
There is more of the Dan and Wayne show tomorrow in Budget 2009 Ordinance 1277 plus Salary classification Ordinance 1276 but it is getting late. Much more, same O same O, dire predictions, obfuscation, but never an answer or solution.
Fire Department report, Chief Don Torbet no incidents for past month. Supports residence program, remodeling residence, provides daytime support, opportunity for people who live far away, money well spent, needs support. Response time down one minute will apply for grant to pay people.
Wayne, cuts no ice with Wayne who looked out his window and saw no car parked at residence. The same Wayne who has tried to do in the Fire Department and the Town in secret meetings with Tacoma. Remember, Beth Torbet ran for council against Wayne and the Cabal. They, the cabal, are consistent: never forgive, never forget. This was demonstrated throughout the meeting when public entreaties to increase the Fire Chiefs salary were routinely ignored. Remember they cut his pay soon after taking office in 2006.
Police Department report - introduced three candidates for replacement police chief: Michael Kendoll from North Carolina with roots here, Marsha Stril experience with Pierce county sheriff department and our very own Ruston police officer Jeremy Kunkel with nine years dedicated and devoted service to the town of Ruston. Hope I got spelling right?
Thanks civil service commission, has eight qualified candidates for one officer opening out of 11 applicants. Working with selection committee: Lyle Hardin, Jim Hedrick and sector 2 Tacoma Police officer. Will bring results to Mayor Hopkins who will make the final pick. Will prepare report on priorities to Mayor for next police chief. Final day December 23rd with all our best wishes.
Planning Department - Rob White reported on Commencement. They have building permit, no violations, should not hold up occupancy. Dan wants copy of document. Jane wants copy of letter. Wayne wants personal copy of all applications and telephone call notification of all Planning committee meetings and hearings. Remember the Cabal crowd have been after the Commencement since one member complained of noise and tearing up the street. Also they gave the town $4.2 million for the lower parking lot saving the town from bankruptcy. Unforgivable, happened BC, before Cabal, not on their watch. Never forgive, never forget.
Planning Committee report, Connie Maglione had several issues commented on need to raise Fire Chief's salary. Maybe after November 2009 Connie.
Ordinance 1275 Silver Cloud hotel substantial development permit (first reading):
Rob White, Town planner, gave the staff report. Hotels are separate from commercial development per 1974 code which clearly defines which clearly defines hotels and commercial development separately. Repeat this ten times to yourself as that was how many times it was explained to Dan who couldn't or wouldn't accept this simple thesis.
Dan - in full battle mode, torpedoes away, went on the attack grilling the town planner relentlessly. For why we wonder, for naught we got. Demands to know if anyone from Point Ruston provided input, yes, to Planning commission. Shoreline management in strong terms no building within 35 feet of shoreline. State law restricts obstructing views. Demands to know how many views obstructed.
Rob - 1974 code clearly defines Hotels separately from Commercial development.
Dan - continues attack, You are jettisoning Ruston Shoreline plan, looking solely at Point Ruston MDP, Master Development Plan, cleared away others, ignored findings of fact, not looking at criteria needed, State says other things. Wow, wonder how he is going to vote?
Wayne - comes to his aid. mistake, oversight, not to include completion of promenade as condition of occupancy permit. Rob reads to Wayne it is a condition of occupancy voted on by council and planning commission. Wayne looks very perplexed, more clarification needed.
Dan - batteries recharged back on the attack. Findings, what used to be down there, hotel is better, but not appropriate, restrictions, limitations in law. formerly HIDEOUS STRUCTURE was there not right to put another HIDEOUS STRUCTURE there (Silver Cloud hotel)? Something about statute, comparison is OK. Violates 35 foot setback, yes.
Rob - NO approved under 1974 code, hotels are separate from commercial.
Dan - ominously, we (council) make decisions right? Answer yes.
Jim - hotel five stories, 61 feet on 21 foot grade. Below grade of upper town, 105 feet.
Let's see now, this has been gone over ad nauseum. Eighty five feet using the old math is twenty feet below the grade of Ruston proper. How could any ones view be obstructed, only Dan and Wayne know the answer. Put it very simply no view is obstructed. We will wait for final result in second reading December 22nd regular council meeting. Expect the same go round in the next edition of the Dan and Wayne show. Where are they going with this. It is obvious if the do in the hotel they also do in the town of Ruston. Maybe, just maybe that is what they want? My prediction it is approved 3-2.
There is more of the Dan and Wayne show tomorrow in Budget 2009 Ordinance 1277 plus Salary classification Ordinance 1276 but it is getting late. Much more, same O same O, dire predictions, obfuscation, but never an answer or solution.
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