Council Meeting: Feb. 2, 2009

Here is what I found interesting at the council meetings last night. Even though the new/old location is a bit crowded, it's worth attending! ~ Karen

The study session presumably began at 6 pm, but I was not able to make it until about 6:30 pm. When I arrived, Council Member Albertson was pointing out that many in Ruston are below the poverty line and others are loosing their jobs. The numbers provided by Council Member Hunt (below) would push Ruston’s rates above Tacoma’s in some areas. He did not feel it was appropriate to raise rates on the utilities with reserve funds. The exception would be the sewer rates since that system needs such major repair.

Council Member Stebner felt it was a moral issue – Ruston should not charge a tax on utilities it does not directly operate such as water and natural gas.

Council Member Hedrick wondered if Ruston could provide need-based grants for low income residents. The town attorney will research the issue. Stebner pointed out that if the council were to run the town like a businesses, they would be cutting prices right now, not raising rates. Hunt noted that if we want to remain an independent town, we have to be willing to pay what it costs for these services.

Mayor Hopkins admitted it was bad timing, but some of these tough decisions should have been made a long time ago. Stebner felt that Ruston could not provide a safe level of service based solely on its reserves and current rates. The mayor agreed, but that they had to move forward and do what they could with what money they had. Not doing anything would be wrong and in violation of state requirements and the fiduciary duties of their elected offices.

The council agreed to address the issue again at a study session at 6 pm on March 16th. The town attorney will have answers to questions raised at the meeting and Hunt will add a column to the spreadsheet she created listing Tacoma’s utility rates. She also wants the council to consider other fees such as for having an alarm system (and for too many false alarms), or charging for fire inspections.

Hunt suggested that folks to check their cell phone bills. Some people have discovered a tax going to Tacoma, but have been told by their service provider that Ruston was too small for them to change where they sent this tax. Albertson noted that was grounds for a class action lawsuit. Britton seemed to agree and said he would have to get the phone number of these people.

The study session adjourned at about 6:45 pm.

The regular meeting was called to order at 7 pm by Mayor Hopkins. After the flag salute and agenda approval, Don Evans from UULC gave a presentation about how their agency operates. It is a cost-sharing organization that among other things provides education and dispatch for the “call before you dig” system. Ruston joined the organization in 2003. When calls for utility locates are placed, UULC notifies whomever the town designates (in this case a private vendor since town staff is not available 24/7 for emergency locates). Besides the obvious safety goal, the system protects the town’s infrastructure from damage.

To ensure safety, UULC has a policy to locate utilities with a 50% buffer around what is requested. For Ruston, that may mean locates outside town boundaries. After some discussion, it was determined that Town Hall could receive the notice during business hours and then dispatch the contractor after confirming the need was within Ruston. After-hour emergency notices would go directly to Ruston’s contractor.

The minutes of the January 20, 2008 meeting were approved with some minor corrections.

Business:
Mo Fesharaki discussed his proposal to provide engineering and design for upgrading and replacing deteriorating lighting in some sections of town. Most of these had been installed in the 1960’s and are rusting and the cable failing. He offered two options (in the council packet here). Sidewalk repair would be needed with the project, along with some design changes from the existing system. For instance, along Winnifred pedestrian friendly lighting would be preferred along the sidewalks on either side rather than large street lights in the median.

Stebner wanted to know if grants were available. Fesharaki was not familiar with specifics, but the town would be better off having this step completed. The mayor noted the Department of Energy has grants for improving the lighting’s efficiency. Some of the work is along Pearl Street (a state highway) may mean state monies are available. The mayor wants to work towards uniformity throughout town, matching the style used on the Stack Hill development.

The council decided to pursue Option 2 as outlined in the proposal for about $8,500. The money will be paid from the electric utility reserve fund. Fesharaki mentioned that Tacoma Power has confirmed they will no longer offer their labor and parts at cost to Ruston.

Jerome Morrissett outlined the proposal from his company to prepare a bid package for upgrading Ruston’s sewer system (in the council packet here). They presented 2 options for consideration: 1) replace the entire town (all section that have not been upgraded recently) for $4,125,000 or 2) replace the priority sections outlined in the Comprehensive Plan for $1,035,800. They would provide the engineering to get a package ready to bid, estimated to be $420,000 (not to exceed $500,000) for Option 1 and $103,600 (not to exceed $124,300) for Option 2.

Morrissett noted that Ruston’s sewers were installed in 1919 and 1921. Tacoma uses some of Ruston’s line. They have contacted Tacoma about sharing the cost to upgrade those lines. The types of soil underlying Ruston could pose a problem (clay hardpan about 15 feet down). The town will have decide how much it wants to address “I and I” from private properties (inflow: water incorrectly directed into the sanitary sewer - infiltration: seepage into the lines from underground sources). Some jurisdictions are willing to replace the lateral lines to private homes to reduce I and I.

One of Morrissett’s associates gave a brief overview of the different technologies available (such as minimal trenching systems with pipe bursting).

There was discussion of funding sources, which are limited. Hedrick noted the federal stimulus package is focused on roads and would not have money for sewers. Low-interest loans, LID’s or bonding may be other ways to fund the project. Research for the bid package may reveal some areas that are a higher priority and can be addressed sooner if needed.

Huson supported Option 2 as proposed. It would replace the highest priority pieces and give a better assessment of the remaining system. Stebner wanted to fix the entire system and charge users for the cost. Hedrick wanted to know the time needed for each option (Option 1, 2 construction seasons - Option 2, 1 season). With the time needed to engineer the bid, it would be 2010 before work could begin.

Hunt moved to pursue Option 2, with a role call vote it was approved 5-0. Funding for this phase will come from the sewer reserve, which has about $782,000 currently.

The council approved working with Municipal Energy Consultants. Ruston will get half of any excise fuel taxes they recover.

The first reading of Ordinance 1279 noted that the fire department has been doing the inspection and mapping of commercial structures already. This formalizes the process, which helps with insurance ratings.

A real estate agent confirmed a rental rate of $5 per square foot was reasonable for space at the school. The council approved the Point Ruston lease for additional space with a 5-0 vote.

Albertson outlined his concerns over the budget deficit. He sees two options; balance the budget or explore options for when we run out of money (he estimates that will happen in 2014). He wants the council to open dialogue with Tacoma for annexation. He believes the council can vote to annex, or allow the citizens to vote. Another option is to disincorporate and become part of Pierce County. He felt the town should explore the options to annex to Tacoma.

Huson said he supports dialogue, but when he, Hunt and former Mayor Everding met with Tacoma last July annexation was discussed. Tacoma officials indicated they are not interested in taking over Ruston. Hunt agreed the deficit was a challenge and the council should put together a 3 and 5 year plan to balance the budget rather than pursue annexation.

Stebner made a motion to have 2 council members begin talking with Tacoma about annexation. There was no second, so the motion died. He felt services could better if we were in Tacoma. He would only support annexation if citizens were allowed to vote on it first.

Hedrick pointed out that the federal and state budgets were also greatly out of balance right now. He thought it was absurd to be pursuing some hypothetical collection of options with Tacoma. Albertson noted that Mayor Hopkins had told him previously that he did not support annexation.

The town attorney noted that he had previously researched some of this issue, but he will refresh his research based on Albertson’s comments.

Claims and Payroll were approved as presented (without payment to the utility locate contractor for services outside Ruston).

Public Comment:

Jim Wingard was concerned with the lawsuits the town is facing. Sherrie Forch was glad to see an ambulance now stationed in Ruston. I expressed concern that Ruston’s elected officials should not be pursing annexation only 2 months into a budget challenge. Terry Knapp was frustrated that the public was not allowed to ask questions during the sewer presentation. Ken Brown thanked the council for their progress on the sewer and lighting projects and noted Don Torbet should be thanked for getting the ambulance stationed in town.

Mayors Time:
Nothing

Council Time:
Stebner was pleased with the progress tonight on sewers and lighting, thankful for the ambulance stationed in town and wants the council to explore the options for being annexed by Tacoma.

Huson arranged for a study session at 6 pm on March 2nd for an update on Point Ruston’s progress. He and Hunt had met with them today. There is new information on the grading schedule, Ruston Way realignment, shoreline permits, LID progress, property values and phasing of the project. A handout will be provided in the next council packet so the information can be reviewed prior to the study session.

Hedrick wanted to meet with the mayor to discuss the fire ratings findings and police services for Point Ruston.

Albertson again supported talking with Tacoma about annexation options.

Hunt handed out a spreadsheet showing the Point Ruston building values and schedule for completion (below).

The meeting adjourned about 9:35 pm.