ASARCO CLEANUP

Asarco: The cleanup holdouts in Ruston by ROB CARSON; Staff writer of THE NEWS TRIBUNE Sunday january 24th, 2010 Tacoma, WA.

(click here):
Asarco: The cleanup holdouts in Ruston

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SERENITY IN RUSTON

Town of Ruston, WA regular council meeting Jan. 19, 2010 at 7:07 pm:

A 35 minute session. This is quite a bit different Ruston council than the last one. Civility and equanimity are the order of the day. No more diatribes, monologues they are now a thing of the past. All is serene and a down to business attitude. Getting things done is now the main priority.
Construction will start soon on the new light poles and installation of the new sewer system. Ruston has a better than most financial status due to the sale of land to the Commencement.

GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS - none

STAFF
Jeremy Kunkel, Police Chief
. Read a list of violations
. Police car in accident has been fixed
. Responding to a question grants are for equipment not money.
Don Torbet, Fire Chief
.Jeremy and I attended funeral for fallen officer
. Out poring of police was impressive
. New firefighters coming on board
. Involved in protecting The Commencement
. Commencement bought Knox Box and installed it one master key
. Commencement re keyed all locks for one master key at substantial cost
. Also have elevator key. Three keys for entire building.
. National average eight minutes to respond to fire
. In Ruston one minute
. State allows one minute to change clothes
. Time is from dispatch to arrival on scene minus one minute
. Ruston is under one minute so minute not deducted
Lyle - Complements both chiefs on their uniforms
. Fire chief has five stripes Police chief three stripes on sleeve

BUSINESS
Agenda item No. 1 - Ordinance 1304 Repealing Chapter 1.12 RMC (Ruston Municipal Code)
Bradley - Don't have this, two versions.
Lyle - Numbers are incorrect
Bradley/Jim motion to approve, second
David -
. Set forth entire internal Employee policy.
. This new version repeals old, gets rid of ambiguity
Jane - If we take out of Ordinance still available to public
David - Yes. like any Resolution it is available
Lyle -
. After quick review, description of employee Internet use in there
. Everything in old in new?
David - Cannot certify.
passes 5-0
Agenda item No. 2 - Ordinance 1305 - Amending RMC 19.01.110 amd RMC 1.14.050 to provide separate fee and permit review ... (first reading)
David -
. First two versions not correct, my fault.
. I added separate enforcement provision
. Building permit, apply, no no mechanism for enforcement
. Fines, jail time not enforceable
. Cost recovery only
Bruce - $10,000 due. I am playing bill collector.
Lyle - Is this a common way of doing this?
David -
. Yes, under our statute we have jurisdiction
. Cannot put off on Superior Court
. No mechanism for enforcement
Lyle - When does this go into effect
David - When fees late they are collectible
Bruce - Using short order
Jim - No court costs. If significant we cannot recover?
David - No way. Reasonable costs only. Else considered tax.

CLAIMS AND PAYROLL - passes 5-0

MAYOR'S TIME
. Sewer lines. Jerry Morissette told me construction fees are coming on us.
. Need to look at laterals, cost, how we pay.
. BIAS in process of taking over
. Taking me three weeks with Mariah's help
. Bureaucratic maze, online checking
. Costs us $50 a month, unresponsive
. Need to take a look at new bank
. Regarding Study Session - Video Imaging
. Passionate about this, need volunteers
. Cost $66,000 can knock off $15,000
. Encourage council to consider
. Rob and planners can use
. Welcome to digital world

COUNCIL TIME
Bradley -
. JJ asked for stay Point Ruston presentation until February 1 Regular Council meeting
. Moved to Columbia Bank, they bend over backwards to help
Jim-
. In Olympia every day
. Asarco settlement $188 million dollars came through
. Money is in jeopardy to be used for other purposes
. Our legislative delegation needs to protect money or will be used for other
purposes
. Please contact your legislators and ask for funds to be used for intended purposes!
Jane -
. Ongoing saga of utility tax
. Company tracks utility taxes, Washington state the worst
. Citizen called why not on bill? Will be on in February.
Lyle -
. Need ideas for Mayoral assignment on computer systems
. Contact me by email if you can help
. Jane helped out on copier
. Several items pending

At 7:42 meeting ended for 30 minute EXECUTIVE SESSION

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 Morissette
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PEACE AND TRANQUILITY

Ruston, WA regular council meeting January 4,2010 7 pm:

Peace and tranquility reign over the Ruston Town Council after four strife filled years. The change was immediate and provides a platform for moving ahead. Call me Mr. NICE from now on. Although I may disagree on some points that seem contradictory there is no doubt the Town is now moving forward with one voice. With the major development underway Ruston is in better shape than a lot of other towns undergoing dramatic cuts. But times are tough and the future murky for the whole country. But efforts to resolve problems rather than create them is a formula for success.

This blog is relatively unimportant now that conflicts are not the mainstay. I will post a link to Karen Pickett's RUSTONHOME here. Karen's hearing is better than mine and she records each meeting for accuracy. I try more for a play by play.

AGENDA approved 4-0 as amended.
Swearing in of mayor Bruce Hopkins and council person Jane Hunt followed by the newest council person swearing in Deborah Kristovich with a huge smile. Welcome.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sherri - Visited Mary Joyce. She is up and walking and should be home soon.
Karen - Advocates public comments on agenda items.
JJ McCamment - LID underway in Point Ruston. Locating pipes and sewers caused month delay.

BUSINESS
Agenda item #1 STREET LIGHTING - MO FESHARAKI
. Gave presentation of costs and details of three bids.
. Tacoma Electric Supply low bidder
. Saved Town $2,300 dollars. By coincidence my cost.
. Poles $930 each Fixtures $890 each.
. Shipping costs included, damage not included. Shipped FOB.
. Fixtures stored at school, poles apart.
Jane - include tops for STACK HILL? Answer Yes.
Lyle - Security storing poles outside?
Mo - Delivery in 8-10 weeks. Contractor working on conduit.
Jane - Target time to install?
Mo - Ten weeks if approved tonight.
End of presentation.
Agenda item #2 Resolution 459 ORDER STREET LIGHTS AND POLES
Bruce - Need motion which bid to accept.
Jane - Thought Tacoma Electric saved $2,300?
Bruce -
. Intent was to give us on 47 poles, fixtures.
. Now replace 10 street lights Stack Hill.
Jane - Go with DARK SKY.
Passes 5-0.
Agenda item #3 Online Bill-pay Vendor Agreements

Jim - Why four vendors?
Bruce - Just for Utility payments.
Jane -
. Impressed with BIAS organization
. Credit card use is less costly
. Check clearance only .38 cents
Bruce -
. Biggest feature is billing.
. Was done manually before
. Point of sale credit card swipe
. Building permit pay with credit card
Passes 5-0
Agenda item #4 Ordinance No. 1304 Repealing Ch. 1.12 RMC (first reading)
David -
. Sally Everding did Master Revision in 2004 put code online
. Nevertheless doing revision now
. Provisions need to be changed, redundant, contradictory need reorganizing.
. Personnel in Municipal code not good. Need to replace this.
. Will be more changes in the future.
. On rustonwa.ord click on Municipal code
First reading - no vote

CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
Jim - Need to code bills by fund.
Bruce -
. BIAS will provide that. Breakdown on percentage basis.
. Disperse phone charges by percentage to individual funds. Before all were charged to general fund.
. You can get breakdown by what you want to see.
Passes 5-0

MAYOR'S TIME
Welcome to Deborah. Truly appreciate what you are doing. Things have changed here. We now work together. As a business owner you add valuable experience. Very pleasurable, dialog open

BUILDING PERMITS
. Except for things in past we would not be in position we are today.
. Putting things in place to prevent future problems
. Notification process for building permits in process
. Have in place in January. Mariah does.
. BIAS professional services contract
. Whole internal process, including accounting function.
. If too expensive we fire them, hire outside.

COUNCIL TIME
Bradley -
. Happy new year to all.
. Congratulations to Deborah
. A better situation for everybody.
. Spoke to my banker to get better interest rate for town
. To JJ, would like revised schedule for Point Ruston. What is going on?
. Present at next council meeting Jan. 19th.
. ten (10) light fixtures left over from Stack Hill we need to sell on Craig's List.
Jim -
. Thanks to Deborah.
. We now have an august council.
Jane -
. Welcome Deborah, a good neighbor.
. Wonderful business person
. Has point of view, not bashful.
Lyle -
. Mariah, one hour bring up to date what it does (BIAS)
. Change to be beneficial
. BIAS not for large cities for small towns
. We are the smallest town to use
. Question why surveying going on in alleys?
Bruce - for sewers.
. Identify need for laterals
. Charge residents over time
. Street light construction starting soon, sewers soon after
. Fircrest does not have funding we have
Lyle - nothing
Deb -
. Thanks to all in room
. I am honored and privileged to serve
. Warm welcome means a lot to me
. Software beneficial to businesses
. Will be assigned public works and parks liaison responsibility

8:47 ADJOURN

Just a note on my disagreements:
1) DARK SKY (Ruston), v. SAFE STREETS (Tacoma). Everywhere except Ruston more lighting is encouraged. This action was the result of one persons repeated complaints. Not only running up the costs on STACK HILL but now Ruston has ten light poles to sell at a loss.
2) Mayor notifying street lights on Tacoma side of POINT RUSTON will not be acceptable for the Ruston side of POINT RUSTON. Figure that one out. Not one person currently residing in the Town of Ruston will be affected by these lights. This is senseless and emphasises why Point Ruston is building out on the Tacoma side first. That Ruston officials have this infinite knowledge that Tacoma lacks has not been explained. Obstructionism, pure and simple, running up the costs needlessly.
3)The better shape the Town of Ruston is in is due solely, 100 percent, to the COMMENCEMENT. Why not recognize this and apologize for the four year hostile campaign the town mounted against the condominiums.

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
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FINAL EDITION 2009

Town of Ruston regular council meeting Monday December 21, 2009 7 pm:

Short meeting 35 minutes. There are less long winded diatribes lately. More of a budget, business attitude. Of note, Wayne Stebner's last meeting having served four years.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
One person listing accomplishments of last four years.
1- Annexation to Tacoma campaign
2- Getting rid of Ruston Volunteer Fire Department campaign
3- Ballet lawsuit v The Commencement
4- Sign removal lawsuit v The Point Defiance Cafe and Casino (still ongoing)
Two people complaining of lights on STACK HILL.

BUSINESS
Agenda item 1 Resolution 457 Extension of Agreement for Judge Sandra Allen
Passed 5-0
Agenda item 2 2010 BUDGET
BIAS Software Accounting purchase
Wayne, Bradley motion second.
Jane - To Mayor, appreciate all your work. Voting for.
Jim -
. Echo Jane, very knowledgeable, understanding of Budget.
. Mayor has done due diligence providing information
. Have spent hours working with Chief Kunkel
. Understand where he is going
. Feel pretty good about budget
. We are starting 2010 on a good footing.
. Borrowed $139 thousand dollars from Surplus Property Fund
. Burn rate significantly lower
. $500,000 last year came out $343,000.
. My complement to the Mayor
passes 5-0

CLAIMS AND PAYROLL not available
Town employees have been paid
Extend C & P until January 14th meeting.
passes 5-0

MAYOR'S TIME
. STACK HILL lights- strong argument (Kevin Mosier) to replace
. Now is the time, save on price and shipping.
. Letter to Mr. Cohen, POINT RUSTON, type of lights for Point Ruston on Ruston side need approval by Ruston Planning Department.
. Putting in at first of permit process
. Thanks Mark for BIAS software presentation (Special Session preceding)
. Loss of Clerk/Treasurer dilemma less with BIAS
. Provides tremendous opportunities, efficiencies
. BIAS - allows online utility payments
. STEBNER - Thanks outgoing council person for four years dedicated public service. People should appreciate his volunteer services. Always readily available.
COUNCIL TIME
Wayne - Nothing
Bradley -
. Thanks for finding positive solution to Clerk/Treasurer problem
. BIAS hour very positive
. Happy Holidays see you January 4th
Jim -
. Spent time with Chief Kunkel to identify problems
. Will have cost estimates for upgrades to provide Police protection
. Expansion and down the road improvements
. Thanks council person Stebner for four years service
Jane -
. Lights on STACK HILL need to check zoning
. Need to pass law for Town Planner and Planning Commission
. Thanks Stebner for four years, did a great job
Lyle - Thanks residents for support

8:35 adjourn

NOTE: Clerk/Treasurer will not be replaced. Will use BIAS accounting system.
After four years of discord and opposition to development we were hoping for change.

a) Lights on Stack Hill basically the problem of one town person. But the council jumps to attention like a bunch of toy soldiers ignoring the other 750 towns people.

b) The four year harassment of the Commencement went on until the final day when given approval to move in. Now they are paying the price as they apparently have been denied use of the much ballyhooed Mary Joyce Community center after 5 pm.

c) Am hoping to see abatement of the harassment of small businesses in the Town. They could start by restoring the parking in front of the Ruston Market.

d) Stop grandstanding on Stack Hill. More lighting defends against burglars, car break ins, street crime. Find out about SAFE STREETS and use the information in Ruston. Criminals benefit from lower lighting.

e) But the harassment of POINT RUSTON is shameful. The closest Ruston resident lives 200 feet up a cliff and blocks over. There is no plausible explanation for street lighting in the Tacoma part of Point Ruston and the Ruston part of Point Ruston being different. Tacoma has engineers plural, Ruston on consulting only.

f) You either want Point Ruston in Ruston or you don't. Be forthright not disingenuous. I commend Mike Cohen for having the patience of Jobe dealing with the stalling and tactics of the Town of Ruston over the past four years. From the EPA scare tactics, Jobs for Justice, and the comment those "hideous buildings".

I will, however, be around for the million dollar lawsuit Point Defiance Cafe and Casino v Ruston. A who's Who of Ruston will be on the witness stand April 5, 2010 when the lawsuit is held. Apparently the town is banking on a minor settlement having refused arbitration and settlement offers. Attorney fees for the Town however are given a blank check or in poker terms NO LIMIT.

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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MERRY CHRISTMAS

and a HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO. Click here for MERRY XMAS.

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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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