Mayor Everding Resigns (Again)

Newly appointed Ruston mayor Bob Everding resigned as mayor effective yesterday. A short email that had been received by some council members over the weekend was read at the meeting tonight. No reasons was given in the email, but Council Member Dan Albertson said he resigned because 3 council members were ramming things through that Everding felt were detrimental to the town (i.e. the Point Ruston/Stack Hill developments). Council Member Jane Hunt regretted that he resigned his position a week early.

The News Tribune has a short story on their political blog about Everding's resignation.
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Here is what I observed during the rest of the council meeting tonight. ~ Karen

Stebener called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Police Chief Reese called roll (all council members present, mayor absent). Council Member Hedrick was appointed mayor pro-tem. Since the agenda did not have any business items, Council Member Huson moved to add a first reading for the ordinance that would endorse the planning commission and staff's findings and recommendation to approve the Point Ruston Master Plan. The addition of this item to the agenda passed 3-2, with Albertson and Stebner voting no.

The agenda was changed again to add discussion about the mayor and allow for a half hour executive session for the police chief to discuss a personnel issue and an on-going investigation and for potential litigation. These changes were approved 4-1 with Albertson voting no.

Staff Reports:
Fire Department: Chief Torbet noted 9 calls in July (only one fire work complaint call, no injuries or fires on July 4th), the new engine is in service and upgrades are in process for the radio system.

Police Department: Among other things, LESA's annual report was provided to the council along with Ruston's call statistics, the department got a grant for a shield to use during forced entries, BNSF Railroad has provided a letter allowing Ruston police to investigate some crimes on their property and the chief provided a suggested pay scale to bring the department's salaries up to comparable levels for this area (all full time Ruston officers have applications out with other agencies).

Business:
Point Ruston Master Plan: The town planner explained the process he and the planning commission had gone through to arrive at their findings. Hunt wanted clarification on the language the planning commission had added that no building would be allowed over 90 feet above sea level. The planner explained this was just another way of stating what was already outlined in the FEIS. Hunt also asked why Point Ruston was given 3 years to get their first building permit (see the commission's deliberations for the reasons) and wanted the sections where "additional language" would be laid out to be provided before they vote.

The town attorney said council members were free to talk to anyone they wanted about this issue before they vote. Hunt made a motion that this would be the first reading of this ordinance and the second reading would be held at the next regular meeting on September 2nd. Albertson felt the issue was being rushed and the council should have all their questions answered before they had their first reading. He noted that the council members who had the most experience with the issue still had questions tonight. Hunt attempted to find a time Albertson could attend a study session so all questions could be asked, but he was unavailable (vacation, etc). The planner noted he had additional language for the council tonight and could answer any questions before the next meeting. The motion to accept tonight's discussion as a first reading passed 3-2.

Mayor Issue: The email from Mayor Everding was read. The town attorney noted that someone could be appointed mayor pro-tem (and retain their council vote) while serving temporally as mayor. Hunt thought since we could be changing the form of government in tomorrow's vote, the town could hire a manager very quickly. After some discussion, Huson was appointed mayor pro-tem until September 5th by a 4-1 vote (Albertson voting no).

Claims and Payroll: Will be addressed at Sept. 2nd meeting

General Public Comment:

• Bev Wombacher praised the planning commission's thorough deliberations.
• I asked why Everding had resigned (Albertson said he was not happy with 3 council members who had chosen to ignore the town attorney's advice).
• Jim Wingard also applauded the planning commission.
• Mike Cohen used his 2 minutes to explain the heights on the Point Ruston development.
• John Shroder complained that the Point Ruston buildings would be too tall.
• Bill Walker said the information on Point Ruston was not understandable.
• Connie Maglione wanted to thank the fire department for quick and professional help to her neighbor, wanted to support Point Ruston and as chair of the civil service commission ask to be allowed to hold a special meeting (that she felt had been blocked by Mayor Everding).
• Edie Tallman felt it was past time to approve the Point Ruston plan and wanted the noise at the Unicorn Tavern addressed.

Mayor's Time: None

Council Time:

• Stebner: None
• Huson: None
• Albertson: He still felt the Point Ruston plan was being rushed, and lamented loosing Mayor Everding.
• Hunt: She also was sorry to see Everding had "resigned a week early". She noted that she knows the planning for Point Ruston better than most, but that she often asks questions even if she knows the answers as a way to get information on the record.

The meeting moved into executive session. After about 35 minutes, the meeting was reconvened and adorned at about 8:45 pm.