Study Session Discussion: Mar. 10, 2008

Before I get to the details of the discussion, I have to note that Beth Torbet and I had a very refreshing civil dialogue with Council Member Huson after the meeting. He may be working on getting public comment back sooner than the formal adoption of the council rules (which may make take a few weeks). Stay tuned for more details about other pressures that may be helping that change of heart. We'll have more details by 1 pm tomorrow. Regardless, it is a welcome change that is good for our community. ~ Karen

There were only few residents to observe tonight, and Mike Cohen of Point Ruston with two of his staff. Mr. Cohen was invited to speak about his concerns with Ruston's current planning consultants. As per the new council rules, no one else was allowed to speak or ask questions.

The mayor was not able to attend tonight, so Huson was appointed mayor pro-tem. The council wanted to meet in a round table format, so Huson and Hunt pulled chairs up and had their back the audience. It made it hard to hear at times.

Albertson had researched the change to a council-manager form of government. The council could pass a resolution and put the issue up for a vote at the next general election. Or the issue could be placed on the ballot by a petition of the people. Hedrick suggested using the petition method because it would give a better sense of what the community wanted. Alberston noted that if the change was approved, all the council seats would have to be voted on again at the next general election (2009). That would impact Huson and Hedrick, but the rest are up for re-election anyway.

There was some discussion of hiring an executive manager to assist with the administrative work rather than changing the form of government. Stebner said the Municipal Research and Service Center (MRSC) thought Ruston would be the smallest municipality to function as a council-manager if we make the change. 80% of Washington's cities and towns have the strong mayor form of government like we currently do. There were several questions that will be researched further and more information brought back to the next study session.

The council majority liked Fircrest's council rules and procedures. Alberston will alter to their rules to say Ruston instead of Fircrest and eliminate the reference to a city manager. He will bring a draft back to the next study session. Hedrick asked for a change to require two readings (at two different meetings) for ordinances.

The discussion on the town planner centered on Cohen's complaints about Huitt-Zollars. Albertson wants to fire them (terminate their contract) at the council meeting next week. Hedrick is concerned about leaving the town with no planner. Council members will research other options for planning services, such as hiring another municipality and bring information to the next study session. Huson may have Thurston County make a presentation.