- Council Member Albertson now wants to allow public comment at the beginning of each meeting before discussion of business items. It would remain two minutes per resident and only one time to speak on all business items. Albertson felt that the council deferred to Council Member Huson's limit on public comment because some were being disruptive, but that problem has dissipated now. He stated he has always felt the public should be allowed to speak prior to the council vote. Council Member Hedrick asked if this should be a change to the council rules. Albertson started to answer, but allowed the town attorney to answer when they both started to talk at the same time. The attorney felt a formal rule change was needed, but the agenda could be changed for this meeting. Albertson noted again the public ought to speak before the council vote; "it is a genuine issue and I agree with it."
- Council Member Hunt said that this meeting had been advertised in the News Tribune as a public hearing as required by the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) loan the town is pursuing. The hearing was added to the agenda before Staff Reports.
Public Hearing on Sewer Funding
The town engineer, Jim Morrissett outlined the sewer project and this first phase of repairs. The design is now complete for this initial work and the town is seeking funding. USDA has 40-year loans with low interest rates, but Ruston has too much cash in the bank and the community income level is too high to qualify. Instead, the federal government will guarantee the loan, but the town must secure its own financing. If they cannot find a traditional bank to make a loan, they can go back to USDA for their 40-year loan program. The town attorney outlined several reasons why issuing bonds is not a good option for a town as small as Ruston. The state Public Works Trust Fund loan program is no longer available.
Council Member Stebner asked about the sewer connection for the credit union and homes on that corner. There are some options being explored with City of Tacoma's main line that runs under Ruston (off Baltimore Street) that may help that unique situation. Hunt wants to identify what it will cost residents to hook into the new line, beyond Ruston's $2,000 connection fee (i.e. new sewer line from their property to the main, the new connection 'hardware', any costs to separate the storm and sanitary sewer if they are still connected at the property).
After some discussion, it was determined the cost to repay a 40-year loan on this first phase of repairs would be about $10 per month per household. Stebner and Albertson were concerned about raising sewer rates, but it was noted that a catastrophic failure was likely without this upgrade, which would be more costly in both dollars and potential environmental damage.
The minutes from the May 4, 2009 meeting were approved with one minor correction.
Fire Report
There were 5 calls in April. The chief is working with the mayor and attorney to upgrade the policy on outdoor burning. He also suggested increased enforcement on fireworks rather than an outright ban.
Police Report
Not available yet.
Public Comment
Sherri Forch wanted to be sure neighbors were informed that they could not park cars on their lawns during the Taste of Tacoma since it causes damage to the curb.
Connie Maglione supported allowing fireworks and wanted clarification on who is allowed to light them.
Business
Ordinance 1278 - Private Alarm Systems: Still under review
Ordinance 1280 - Off-leash Areas: Still under review
Ordinance 1285 - Recovery of Expenses for Emergency Response (First Reading): This would allow recovery of up to $1,000 when there is a criminal conviction for intoxication that requires an emergency response for the response costs only (any damages would be separate). Council Member Huson wanted to know how the cost were calculated. There will be a second reading at the next council meeting.
Ordinance 1286 - Banning Fireworks in Ruston (First Reading): Albertson wanted an ban on all fireworks. He represented a young boy who was burned in a lawsuit and did not think the benefits outweighed the potential costs. Stebner wanted both the police and fire chief at the next meeting to discuss the issue. Hunt had been frightened by areas of dry grass getting hit with fireworks in the past.
The mayor suggested if the town ban fireworks that at least there could be a place where the town can gather to celebrate together, such as the new OCF park. Hedrick pointed out that the current regulation only allows "safe and sane" fireworks. The problems described so far were with fireworks that are already banned under the current code. The issue will be addressed again at the next meeting.
Budget Discussion: The report covers the first quarter of 2009 (Jan-Mar). Stebner thought the auditor had some good suggestions, but the report is not public yet. Hedrick noted the municipal court was one of the biggest costs. He wants to explore contracting this service out. Alberston said the only option was to get rid of the court, then the county would pick it up at whatever rate they wanted to charge - but Ruston would loose local control. Hedrick also wanted to explore having the police chief take a patrol shift to reduce the number of officers required and reduce the number of patrol cars.
Albertson was concerned that the town had spent more from the surplus property fund than planned. He had provided a list of suggested cuts but had not seen any action on them. The mayor noted the suggested cuts are under review by himself and staff. Hunt supported looking at the judicial system for cost savings. She also wanted to know how much property tax came in in April ($79,000 plus $13,000 already in the account - which is close to what was budgeted). Retail sales taxes are up because of construction taxes. Hunt was hoping the new state law that required taxes be paid at the point of delivery would benefit Ruston.
The mayor is looking into having Ruston get its own zip code so that retailers can report their sales tax more accurately. Right now we have the same zip code as north Tacoma and retailers have to know Ruston exists and report under the town's tax number in order for Ruston to collect the tax. Hedrick suggested the state Department of Revenue send out a letter to retailers so they can cooperate.
The mayor felt the extra money used from the surplus fund was because the carry over from 2008 was so bad, and the full year of insurance costs had to be paid at the beginning of the year. He said the burn rate is not as fast as expected, in part because the town has not replaced the police chief yet. He felt the town would have to increase the costs of its services, but was confident that at the current rate, Ruston could survive until the tax base increases from the new development. He noted that Point Ruston closed on $1.5 million in sales in April. If The Commencment condos can close on even 15 of their units, it would be a huge boost.
Claims and Payroll passed with the usual 3 yes votes, Stebner voting no and Albertson abstaining.
Mayor's Time
Nothing
Council Time
Stebner said a resident was concerned that the new science-focused high school planned for Point Defiance Park may take space from the boat trailer parking - which may mean boat trailers would clog Ruston streets. He wanted someone from Metro Parks at the next meeting to explain the plans for the new school.
Huson and Hedrick had nothing further. Alberston did not want any council member names listed on agenda items so that the issues would not be prejudiced before discussion.
The meeting adjourned about 8:30 pm.
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