NEWS OF THE WEIRD

Ruston Town Council meeting Jan. 3, 2011 at 7 pm:

Bradley motions to add Agenda item 2 Ordinance No. 1328 Repealing Town of Ruston Ordinance No. 1316 and add Executive Session.
MINUTES - No minutes at this time.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim- Town could of been spared this if public was allowed to comment on BUSINESS items.
Sherri- Defend my right to vote.
BUSINESS
Agenda item No. 1 Ordinance 1327 Amending Utility Tax Rates (second reading)
Tabled to next meeting.
Agenda item 2 Ordinance No. 1328 Repealing Town of Ruston Ordinance 1316, and RMC sections 5.02.30, 5.02.40 and 5.02.50 regarding Social Card Games
Jim H- believe State Law is broad enough to encompass... (can't hear)
7:10 EXECUTIVE SESSION 45 minutes reconvene 7:55
7:45 Mayor Hopkins appears to those waiting outside council chambers to announce 15 minute extension.
7:52 Town Attorney David Britton leaves council chambers stands in hallway.
8:00 Council person Bradley Huson emerges to announce second 15 minute extension.
8:15 David Britton opens door to two remaining citizens and Town Clerk.
Next thing I heard was CLAIMS/PAYROLL Passes 5-0.
I cannot hear in this chamber as Town Council et al are up on a stage. Repeated requests to comply with ADA (American with Disabilities Act) have been ignored.
Ordinance 1328 might have been tabled or just disappeared anyway immediately to
MAYOR'S TIME
COUNCIL TIME
8:20 ADJOURN

Are you as confused as I am?

Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Deborah Kristovich, Lyle Hardin, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
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TRIAL OF DOOM

or trial of the century for Ruston. This is a biggee and they are all coming back for a curtain call. More details later unable to purchase copies of amended complaint tonight. Trial schedule 06/04/2012.

I may be around for a while longer God willing. Wouldn't miss this for anything, I do think.

Still have to get copy of nine million dollar claim against the Town of Ruston. All done without public comments, when will they ever learn?

Pierce County Superior Court Civil Case 10-2-15634-3

Case Title: STEVE FABRE VS. TOWN OF RUSTON
Case Type: Tort - Other
Access: Public
Track Assignment: Complex
Jury Size: 12
Estimated Trial Length: 5.0 days
Dept Judge: 09 EDMUND MURPHY

This will be the end Armageddon for the Town of Ruston if they lose. Noticed attorney for all defendants JOHN TURNER KUGLER.

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NEW YEAR BAD OMEN

The News Tribune 1-1-11 VOTER APPROVED CASINO CARD GAME BAN GOING byline Lewis Kamb

Ruston you reap what you sew. After going on seven years of "cabal" rule things are moving to a mutually induced dissolution. Seven years of not allowing citizen comments on Business items has gotten us to this:

After filing a claim for more than $9 million, Fabre has a separate damages suit pending against the town.

Attorney Joan Mell has brought seven to eight (I lost count) lawsuits against Ruston and won everyone!

Remember this started seven years ago with a voter revolt against The Commencement condominiums despite a land sale over four million dollars that has kept the town afloat and paid for huge infrastructre improvements.

But it may all be coming to an end because of a small group of strong willed individuals following a plan to turn Ruston into a bedroom community and hiring their own Special Legal Counsel to advise them.

The members of the council change but their actions to get rid of all businesses are always 5-0.

I wrote the con argument against Ruston Resolution 477 and Referendum number one and very nearly won the day. Now it looks like more millions of dollars going down the drain that could of been used to complete the ongoing infrastructure improvements.

PRO and CON arguments on referendum number one are in prior blog.

Also the main figures in this effort on Ruston's part all refused to return phone calls from The News Tribune.

Will try to get copy of nine million dollar claim against Ruston. Illegal gambling tax invalidated by judge has never been rescinded. Also more information on lawsuit.

Much more to followas RUSTON INSIDER springs back to life.

Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/01/01/1484833/voter-approved-casino-card-game.html#ixzz19olERCFt

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
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SPECIAL ELECTION

Just arguments PRO and CON for now. Will add comments later.
Gambling in Ruston. I AM SHOCKED.

Town of Ruston argument PRO, unsigned. Wonder why?

Voting ‘YES’ on Ruston Referendum Measure 1 will end house-banked card rooms (casinos) in Ruston forever. Finally, “We the people of Ruston” will decide the fate of casinos in our community and not have it decided by business people who don’t live in Ruston. Ruston Measure 1 does not eliminate any current gaming activity, thus there is no revenue loss to the Town. We have to plan for the potential of casinos on the ASARCO site. This is a real possibility as neighboring governments eliminate gaming within their jurisdictions. Casinos traditionally add work load to local police forces, reducing their availability to their community. Indeed casino presence usually comes with a cost to a community that includes reputation, image and lower property values. Ruston Measure 1 was unanimously endorsed by the Ruston Town Council and offers us the opportunity to be heard. Please vote ‘YES’ on Ruston Measure No. 1.

REBUTTAL to town of Ruston statement:
Red herrings:

#1 License was approved by Ruston Town council in good faith.
#2 $30 thousand dollars per year lost in tax revenue.
#3 Gambling tax revenue used to enforce gambling act.
#4 Anti business atmosphere in Ruston is leaving empty buildings.
Ludicrous:
#5 "ASARCO site" referring to POINT RUSTON Urban Village consisting of retail shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, a 175 room 4-star waterfront hotel including a restaurant and lounge, pool and conference facilities.
James L. Wingard

CON argument against Town of Ruston Referendum Measure 1

The Point Defiance Cafe and Casino (Casino) was a successful business serving a public need until the Town Council decided to close them down.
The Ordinance increasing taxes with no public input and a nine minute monologue during a study session forced the closing of the main business with the loss of thirty jobs, Ruston losing it's largest taxpayer. Problem was it was done illegally.
This Ordinance 1316 to prohibit Social Card Games is an action by Ruston to close it down permanently.
A more measured approach would allow the Casino to recoup it's investment and rehire employees.
The Casino is located on a main thoroughfare. They attract a mature customer base.
This measure was rushed through to meet a deadline.
Vote NO on Measure No. 1 and support the Town of Ruston.
submitted by:
James L. Wingard


Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Deborah Kristovich, Lyle Hardin, Jane Hunt

FUSE OPEN

LOOSE CHANGE rock band opened up new restaurant, FuSE Cafe Imbibery, as part of former Point Defiance Cafe and Casino. Sundays will be up and coming ROCK BANDs.

Sorry I got date wrong and missed opening but I understand Ruston Police and Fire Departments showed up in full force ala UNICORN. Whether this was directed by Town Council or I will attempt to find out. But Ruston likes to operate in secret.

Any way have had the pleasure of eating breakfast there twice and love the Garden Variety and roasted veg and ched-pep-jack omelets. Haley and Laurie would welcome you with a smile. Anyone interested in talking Ruston or information for this blog see you there at 9:30 Sundays.

breakfast and lunch:

Friday 7-11 breakfast
lunch 11-3
dinner 6-10
rotating events in the evenings include: trivia, karaoke, comedy, and
1st Fridays

Saturday 8-11 breakfast
lunch 11-2
dinner 6-10
live music every Saturday night - featuring blues/rock n roll/ jazz/ R&B

Sunday 8 -3 breakfast
look for young musicians jam sessions

breakfast and lunch menus

BREAKFAST

EGGS [1 or 2 ($1 more) any style, served with season ed red potatoes and choice of toast]

Additions
6 oz flat iron steak 10
Grilled vegetables 7
3 strips of bacon 6.5
Vegan sausage 7
2 sausage links 6.5
Tomato slices 6.5
Ham 7
CO-MINGLINGS [3 eggs, any combo scrambled with seasoned red potatoes & choice of toast]

The Cure smoked salmon, red onions, tomatoes, havarti cheese 9
Grilled Veg red peppers, onion, zucchini, yellow squash, spinach, and carrots 8
So-Cal chorizo, roasted poblano peppers, sweet onions, and quesa fresca 8.5
The Activist no eggs but all the goodness of tofu, roasted veg, and potatoes 8
Vision of MacGonglinne tender chunks of house roasted corned beef and coarse mustard 9
(2 eggs can be poached, if you insist)

OMELETS [served with seasoned red potatoes and choice of toast]
Hang Town Fry NW oysters, bacon, and cheddar cheese 8.5
I want to go To There Italian sausage, shallots, sweet onions, mushrooms, and parmesan 8
Garden Variety roasted veg and ched-pep-jack 8
Fine! Denver black forest ham, red peppers, sweet onions, and ched-pep-jack 8.5

THE 3 BENEDICTS [served with seasoned red potatoes]

Smoked Salmon cream cheese, smoked Pacific salmon, and hollandaise 9
Traditional Canadian bacon and hollandaise 8.5
Florentine spinach, tomatoes, garlic, and hollandaise 8.5

WRAPPERS [wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, served with potatoes and fresh fruit]
Vegan roasted vegetables, tofu, and garlic, served with salsa on the side 8
Ham & Brie eggs, black forest ham, and creamy brie 8
Spinach Florentine eggs, basil pesto, and spinach 8.5

RANDOM DELICIOUSNESS
Baked Eggs Parmesan baked fresh brioche roll filled with 2 eggs and parmesan 7.5
Biscuits & Graaaavy house made sausage gravy over a billowy buttermilk biscuit 7.5
(add 1 egg for 1 buck, 2 for 2 bucks)
Brioche French Toast soaked overnight in orange-zested batter, served with syrup 7.5
(add berries or real maple for 2 bucks)
Pancakes feathery and light, served with butter and syrup 5.5
(add berries or real maple for 2 bucks)
lil ones 5 cutie cakes stacked high, served with butter and syrup 3.5
(add berries or real maple for 2 bucks)
Granola served with fruit and choice of milk or soy 6
Oatmeal served with dried blues, walnuts, brown sugah, and milk or soy 5.5

BEVERAGES

Coffee Feat. Vashon Coffee Company 2
Juice OJ, grapefruit, cranberry, apple, tomato, pineapple 3
Milk or Soy Organic 3

No personal checks… 20% gratuity for parties of six or more …Corkage - 15 per bottle
We make every effort to use locally grown organic and sustainable products.

LUNCH

YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO
Clams / Mussels 1 or the other or a combo of both 12
Bruschettas wild mushrooms, or goat cheese, honey and pancetta, or 8.5
caprese - or a combo of all
Onion Dip warm caramelized onion dip served with house made potato chips 7.5
Crab Dip Dungeness crab dip and sliced baguette 10

BURGERS [served with hand cut fries]
Tempeh or Garden vegan 1,000 isle dressing, lettuce, tomato, and onion 8
Crab lemon aioli, lettuce, and tomato 10
Bacon Cheddar* thick bacon, cheddar, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and onion 8.5
Grilled Onion& Swiss* sah-weet onions and nutty swiss cheese 8.5
Bleu Cheese & Crimini* earthy cheese and mushrooms 8.5
The Alex* 1 egg, bacon, ham, onion ring, havarti cheese, lettuce, and tomato 10

DAGWOODS [served with house made chips]
Here Fishy Fishy 6 oz grilled white fish on marinated veggies, and lemon aiol
8 served on a crunchy baguette
Roasted Veg mingling of roasted peppers, onion, zucchini, squash, spinach, 8
and garlic, dotted with goat cheese and served on a crunchy baguette
Club FuSE sliced turkey breast, bacon, leaf lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo 8
on sourdough
West Coast Rep-Re-Zent grilled chicken breast, avocado, spinach, tomato, and lemon 8.5 aioli, served on whole wheat bread
The Committee house roasted corned beef, apple cider spiked sauerkraut, swiss 8.5
cheese, and Russian dressing on caraway rye w
WRAPS [in a warm flour tortilla and served with fruit]
Blackened Salmon 6 oz grilled and blackened seasonal Pacific salmon with cooling 9 cucumber raita and mixed greens
Chicken Havarti grilled chicken, crisp bacon, creamy havarti, mixed greens, 8.5
tomatoes, with herbed aioli
Grilled Portobello roasted garlic, grilled Portobello mushroom, mixed greens, brie,8
with thyme aioli

SALADS
Caesar oh you know- add chicken, salmon, tofu, shrimp for 4 bucks 9
Spinach pears, warm caramelized onions, goat cheese, hazelnuts
with balsamic Dijon vinaigrette on the side 8
Steak* 6 oz flat iron steak, wild mixed greens, red onions, crumbles of 11
bleu cheese with balsamic Dijon vinaigrette on the side
ZeGarden wild mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots 7
with your choice of dressing

RANDOM DELICIOUSNESS [served with hand cut fries]
Fish Tacos 3
grilled white fish tacos- corn tortilla, cabbage, ubiquitous 9
lime-jalapeno-cilantro and chipotle sauces , and salsa
Fish & Chips hand cut cod and beer battered 10

SOUPS
Rotating Daily Soup cup 3.5 bowl 6
Clam Chowder cup 3.5 bowl 6

BEVERAGES
Soda Pop coke, diet coke, root beer, sprite, dr. pepper or ginger-ale 1.5
Juice apple, orange, tomato, grapefruit, pineapple, cranberry, or lemon-aid 3
Coffee feat. Vashon Coffee Company 2

No personal checks… 20% gratuity for parties of six or more …Corkage - 15 per bottle
We make every effort to use locally grown organic and sustainable products.

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COUNCIL QUANDARY

Town of Ruston, WA Regular Council meeting Monday, September 20, 2010 7:00 PM
Absent Deborah Kristovich
STAFF REPORTS
Jeremy Kunkel, Police Chief
-Saved 250 dollars with bundling agreement with COMCAST
-Save additional fifty dollars if signed before deadline
-Two tires donated
Jane- Thanks for cutting costs.
Don Torbet, Fire Chief
-Less calls than previous
-Down one firefighter,have three excellent applicants
-Jeff, training coordinator accepted grant not approved
-CPR Training, one instructor
-Cost to put on is Card for $8.50
-Ruston resident no cost
-Training in compliance State of Washington
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim- Need to have public comments on Agenda items as was done for over 100 years until 2004
(Note: This is bewildering as Council cannot decide to restore changes made by previous CABAL council eliminating public comments on agenda items. particularly bewildering as same seven or eight people are regular attendees with one or two more who have interest in particular agenda item. One council person (holdover) and Town Attorney are particularly opposed. In all probability there would be no public comment but it is a matter of decorum and respect for the citizens of Ruston which has been sadly lacking since 2004. They could fix it with simple change but choose to keep the Town's taxpayers silent. Same old thing seems to hold the day except old is new in this case.)
Sherri- representing Bucky Turner. Tall house being built at 5311 N. Shirley appears to exceed roof height limit. Why not inspect now instead of after house completed?
BUSINESS
Agenda item #1 - introducing new Town Electrician JOHN PARKER replacing TIM BURTRON Tim has relocated and can no longer support Town of Ruston.
Agenda item #2 - COMCAST Contract- passes 4-0
Agenda item #3 - KRAFT SIMPSON Contract
David cannot hear, sits in back
Agenda item #4 - Ordinance 1317 Pertaining to the Town of Ruston Planning Commission
.Reduces members from six to five
Rob- Odd number better, reduces deadlocks
David- cannot hear, sits in back
Jane- cannot hear, soft voice
Second reading passes 4-0.
Agenda item #5 - Ordinance 1318 Variance from side yard setback 5402 N. Commercial street
Lyle-One change made over line?
Rob- cannot hear, sits in back
Second reading, passes 4-0.
Agenda item #6 - Ordinance 1319 approval and modification of Ruston Landing Group Master Development Plan, regarding an application made by the Commencement Group, LLC. second reading
Rob- Brief overview for council persons absent at last meeting...
Cannot hear Rob or David sitting in rear. Cannot hear Jane, soft voice.
Lyle-
-Wants to see property on Winnifred street returned to Town
-Commencement is returning property to Town
-Real estate amendments
-Done and recognized and can go away now.
Jane- not prepared to vote on this
Rob-
.Acknowledging changes what occurred
.Request maintenance fee
JimH- (sitting back) cannot hear
Bradley- cannot hear
Moved to EXECUTIVE SESSION following COUNCIL TIME
Agenda item #7 - Garbage Rate Discussion
Bruce-
.Increase rate where it truly belongs now not next meeting.
.Needs to go to 75 dollars per month and eliminate recycle credit
Bradley- ...
JimH-
.Raise rate or outsource
.A hefty one time rate increase
(Note: Appear to be floundering. Where is Mary Joyce when we need her.)
Lyle-
.Intermediate rate meeting our needs
.Not funding insurance
.Few residents qualify for age discount.
.Give hardship, hardship standards
Bruce- Do it now or have two hour STUDY SESSION
Lyle-Earlier study session?
Bradley- ...
(Note: Voices got noticeably lower as decision time neared. Unable to make tough decisions. STUDY SESSION? What a joke. Flakes and flim flam. Could not hear where they went with this one? Stay tuned.)
Agenda item #8 - Discussion on GOOGLE sites
Bruce-
.Best thing we have ever done
.Hardin (Lyle)has done excellent job
.Handles Email.
.Away from SPRINT
.Archive our documents
.Create a website on GOOGLE
.Mirror image of our current site
.GOOGLE allows non technical people to input
.Old system can't get changes fast enough
.Communication from website, Council meeting notes
.All things we need to get done now available
.Bottom line each user $50.00 per year
.twenty five (25) gigabytes per user
Lyle-Current site difficult to use
passes 4-0
MAYOR'S TIME
Bruce- Mostly covered my items defer to Jerry Morrissette, Town Engineer
Jerry-
.90 percent of plans on sewer project to Steve Taylor
.Conflicts Geo Tech good thing
.Hoping to get contract out in 2010]
.Finish in 2011 not feasible
.Bids in December construction starts January-March time frame
.Kevin copies of financial notes
.Good news one project substantially complete, one customer online.
.Two pieces of information came in today
.5228 N. 49th street near Baltimore $1,100.00 plus tax on USDA grant
.Larger item cost wise replace pavement
.Trench patch $38,000.00 total cost $135,000.00
.One inch asphalt $142,000
.Soil on 49th street lower grade. Need to re[lace.
.2 inch asphalt, 8 inch rock, 2 inch ballast, extra inch of asphalt best
JimH-
.Your recommendation
.Why wasn't in original USDA bid?
Jerry-
.Did not fit existing USDA criteria for loan.
.Add ons at your request.
JimH-Hope this is an isolated case.
Jerry-Yes, type of solution makes sense.
Lyle-
.Road resurfacing go with complete road repair partial breaks down.
Jerry-OK. Two inch asphalt better than what is there now.
Lyle-Compaction requirements not strict in past.
Jane- authorize mayor draw up resolution for up to $133,000 adding change order per approval of mayor/attorney.
COUNCIL TIME
Bradley-
.Response to public comments on agenda items, not audible
.Will have car show next year
Jane- $900 came back four fold
Lyle-
.Many car show compliments
.Need to make Mayor's life easier.
.Also Town clerk and staff.
8:45 EXECUTIVE SESSION 15 minutes reconvene 9;00 PM
RECONVENE 9:00 PM
Ordinance 1319 Commencement application passes 4-0.
ADJOURN 9:01PM
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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, John Parker
Electrical Engineer, Mo Fesharaki
Engineer, Jerry Morrissette

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
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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