Council Meetings: Nov. 17, 2008

It's late, but here are the notes from the council meeting two weeks ago.

6 pm Special Meeting:

After agenda was approved, Mayor Pro-tem Huson asked the council to read the questionnaires and answers submitted by the mayoral applicants, then decide how to proceed. He said he, along with Wayne Stebner and Bryan Ficiala had withdrawn their names from consideration. That left Bruce Hopkins, Kim Wheeler and himself. After some discussion, it was decided that the council would read at 6 pm meeting, interview and make decision at 7 pm meeting. The special meeting was adjourned @ about 6:10 pm.

7 pm Regular Meeting.

The agenda and minutes from the previous meeting were approved 5-0.

Staff Reports: No police report. Fire Report: 7 calls in October, Santa will arrive on the fire engine on December 20^th, and visit town hall from noon-2 pm.

Rural Metro Service: Council Member Stebner asked them to attend the meeting because they are thinking about stationing ambulance in Ruston. The manger for Rural Metro explained their process and why they are considering this. Fire chief Don Torbet supported idea as it gives even quicker response times for Ruston emergencies. Mayor Pro-tem Huson asked Don to keep council up to date on progress.

Jeff Wherrett, Ruston’s web site manager gave an update. He outlined the procedure for keeping the web site current. Submissions for the community calendar or council agenda need to get to the town clerk by the 1^st, 3^rd Thursdays. Council Member Hunt would like to see the council meeting agenda posted. Huson thanked Mr. Wherrett for volunteering his time on the web page and also as a volunteer fire fighter in Ruston.

John Jabobs from Master Licensing Services gave a presentation. Their mission is to streamline licensing for businesses. The program was mandated by the governor several years ago. The town maintain regulator control. Several months of preplanning are needed before work could begin. The council made motion to allow questions from the public. Former council member Mary Joyce to asked question as did local business owner Lyle Hardin. Don Torbet, who owns Don’s Ruston Market noted that he uses service and it works very well. Since the council supports the concept, Huson will have the town attorney meet with MLS to develop the concept further.

Ordinance 1272 - Supplemental Budget for Engineering Services: Town Attorney Britton noted this was the second reading and public comment was required. No one commented and the ordinance passed 5-0

Resolution 425: contract for engineering services. There were some changes regarding mileage needed, so the clerk and attorney worked on it while the council moved on to other business.

Resolution 436 - Pierce County Fire District Interlocal Agreement for HazMat Services: Stebner noted that this was tabled at the last meeting so they could have Police Chief review it. He had not heard from Chief Resse although Huson was sure she had reviewed it. Stebner wants to hear from her specifically before voting, so the agreement was tabled again.

Resolution 437 - Infectious Waste Agreement: Approved 5-0

Mayor Selection:

Huson explained process the council had set up and asked the applicants answer questions in public that were asked in the questionnaire. Wheeler and Hopkins were brought to seats up front. A brief summary of their qualifications - Wheeler: lots of background, familiar with town operations, direct experience in position, want to bring community back together. Bruce: respect for Transue, loves Ruston, has management and leadership skills.

After all the questions were reviewed, Hedrick thanked both and applauded the transparent process used to fill the vacancy this time rather than just showing up and voting. Hunt thank Bryan Ficiala for putting name in and then withdrawing to stay in planning commission. The public allowed to ask candidates questions: Jim Wingard: supported Wheeler and wanted to know if Hopkins would continue to attack Unicorn Tavern. Hopkins said he does not attack the Unicorn. Mary Joyce: supported Hopkins because he has no baggage, but felt that Wheeler brought baggage. Don Torbet: supported Wheeler. He has been with him in places no one should go, under great stress and seen him perform extraordinarily. There is no question of his love for Ruston. Wheeler may have baggage but also has lots of experience. Beth Torbet: She outlined some of what Wheeler had accomplished when he was in office and felt he would keep momentum going. Edie Tallman: supported Hopkins and felt that since Wheeler had lost an election bid he should not be appointed. Deb Kristovich: She liked how Bruce calmly speaks up for his neighbors.

Stebner then moved to appoint Hopkins as new mayor, which was seconded by Albertson. Hunt thanked both men for applying. Hedrick felt Hopkins would be able to bring council and community together. He noted that Wheeler had given everything he could to this town and has a legitimate and sincere passion for this town. Albertson thought Wayne or Bryan would have been good as mayor also and noted that Wheeler had some good ideas. The motion to appoint Hopkins as mayor was approved 5-0.

Resolution 425: contract for engineering services was amended as read by attorney and approved 5-0.

Claims & payroll: approved 5-0

Public comments: Lyle Hardin thanked both applicants for applying, thanked the council for open process, thank Bradley for his time as interim mayor. Marla Miller thanked each elected official for what they do. Jim Wingard thanked for Bradley as mayor pro-tem and was concerned about Hopkins having a vendetta.

Mayor time: Huson noted he continued working on shoreline and comprehensive plan updates with the town planner, as well as the Point Ruston shoreline plan, electrical system and LID implementation. TacomaTacoma will not provide labor, materials or services to Point Ruston or other large projects. Ruston’s electrical engineer has some good ideas. Phase 2 power for The Commencement project should be a top priority for the new mayor. Huson promised to work for smooth transition and to keep the forward momentum. Tacoma wants to exercise punitive measures for not having a contract for electrical services.

He ended with this note of thanks for the kind comments for his time as mayor pro-tem and “most importantly thanks to the town staff. They are the true backbone of this town. With all the upheavals over the last year, the changes in personality and changes in administration they done their job calmly competently and with professionalism. We would be hard pressed to find better.”

Council time:

Stebner wants to get the sewers done.

Huson wants to get 2009 budget discussions underway next Monday.

Hedrick was glad to see Mary Joyce at meeting. He thanked Huson for his time as mayor pro-tem time and noted he got a lot accomplished in his time in office.

Albertson was concerned that the proposed 2009 calls for removing $500,000 from surplus property fund to balance budget. He said the council should get copies of all building permits. He felt the street lights need to be repaired for safety of residents – wants something put in front of them to solve it. Huson said there are 3 solutions, tear out, temporary repair or replace fully. The council needs to let mayor know which approach they prefer.

Hunt asked to have a presentation at first meeting in December from the town electrical engineer.

Bruce Hopkins was then sworn in a mayor by the town clerk and the meeting adjourned.