Enjoy the heat today and fireworks tonight ~ Happy 4th of July!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy July 4th!!!
Here are the rest of the day's parade pictures. We had lots of help from our police and fire personnel, and the Davis family treated everyone to Krispy Kreme donuts afterwards. I haven't heard an official count, but we had plenty of kids (and grown up's) join in the parade, and several neighbors came out to cheer from the sidewalk.
Enjoy the heat today and fireworks tonight ~ Happy 4th of July!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!
Enjoy the heat today and fireworks tonight ~ Happy 4th of July!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!
4th of July Fun
There was a great turn out and lots of fun for the kids young and old today at Ruston's 4th of July parade. Isabelle Davis got the idea started and put together a great application for the parade permit. I'll get lots more photos up as the day progressess.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Point Ruston In The News
The South Sound magazine has a feature story on the Point Ruston and Stack Hill developments. Check it out here....
Ruston's 4th of July Parade
The kids get their own parade on Saturday morning in Ruston. In true old-fashioned American tradition, the town will see a parade down Winnifred Street starting at 10 am. Decorate your bikes, scooters, pets, wagons and babies ~ bring 'em on down to show off! Even grown up kids are welcome.
Word of this community party did not make it into the town newsletter, so let your neighbors know to bring the kids out for some fun 4th of July morning. We'll gather in front of Don's Market at 51st and Winnifred at 10 am. Hope to see you there!
Sunset Over Ruston
Check out this photo of a spectacular sunset over Ruston. It doesn't get much prettier!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Council Meeting Notes: June 15, 2009
Here is a summary of the last council meeting. Some of it is dated now, but there are still details that are interesting. Please attend a meeting yourself and give your input! ~ Karen
The meeting began at 7:01, with Mayor Hopkins and Council Members Stebner, Hedrick and Hunt present. After the flag salute and agenda approval, the council immediately recessed into executive session for 40 minutes to discuss on-going litigation and personnel matters.
The meeting resumed at 7:47 pm. Hedrick moved to approve the minutes from the last council meeting, but Hunt was hesitant to second the motion since she had not been at present for the meeting. After Stebner did not respond, Hunt seconded the motion and the minutes were approved with one minor correction from Hedrick.
Staff Reports
Fire: The fire department report noted one call the previous month. The fire from earlier this month is still under investigation and information on that fire on Shirley Street will provided on the next report. One of the resident fire fighters has been able to find an EMT class and will be starting this week.
Police: Acting chief Kunkel thanked Marla Miller for removing graffiti from the radar trailer so it can be used again. He also thanked the mayor and his wife for organizing the curb painting. He felt it would help with parking enforcement during the Taste.
The Taste of Tacoma will be held June 26, 27 and 28th. The usual no parking zones apply. He noted that if residents were going to park cars in their yards, they were not allowed to drive those cars over any curbs. And if they charged money for the parking, they had to get a business license from Town Hall.
Oral boards are scheduled for July to hire a replacement fulltime officer. The department has a reserve officer who is almost cleared for duty. There are no official findings available yet for the death in the condos on Pearl Street.
Public Comments
Jim Wingard was concerned about the indemnification elected officials are about to grant themselves. All that is required is that the official use “good faith” efforts, but he did not feel that standard had been met in the past given the number of lawsuits filed against the town.
Terry Knapp was honored that the radar trailer had been parked in front of his house, but he asked that someone else be honored for awhile now.
Sherri Forch wants to see all fireworks eliminated. She would also like to find a way to honor the seniors with the 4th of July parade.
JJ McCamment noted that the ferryboat/sales center is undergoing remodeling and the sales center has moved to Stack Hill. The ferry will be moored along the Point Ruston shoreline as soon as permits are issued.
Old Business
Ordinance 1278: Private Alarm System Regulation: Stebner did not see any benefit to Ruston residents with this regulation. The ordinance passed 2-1.
Ordinance 1286: Banning All Fireworks (starting in 2010): Hedrick wanted to see safe fireworks continue for sentimental reasons. Some of the happiest memories with his dad are of family fireworks shows. He has his permit and is looking forward to starting that tradition with his son this year. He felt there were adequate regulations already in place and the problem are coming from fireworks that are already illegal. Stronger enforcement is the answer, not banning all fireworks.
Fire Chief Torbet did not feel this ordinance would not change the behavior of those who are causing the problems. The only change would be that people like Hedrick would not be able to share a legal fireworks show with their kids. He felt that those who follow the rules should not be penalized. Those who don’t follow the rules should be dealt with under the current laws.
Hunt felt that since the rules are difficult to enforce now, it would be easier if no fireworks were allowed. Stebner noted there had only been 6 permits issued for fireworks this year out of 350 households. He felt the people had spoken. Hedrick felt the town would continue to have the same problems. As to how many permits were issued vs. households, he hoped Stebner did not use the same standard for those who say annex vs. don’t annex (given the number of anti-annex signs in people’s windows). The ordinance was approved 2-1 (Hedrick voted no).
Ordinance 1287 (2nd Reading): Indemnification of Town Employees and Elected Officials: After a short discussion, the ordinance was approved 3-0.
Ordinance 1228 (2nd Reading): Amending the Town’s Traffic Code: Approved 3-0.
Ordinance 1289: Amending the Town’s Parking Code: After a brief discussion on enforcement, the ordinance was approved 3-0.
New Business
Ordinance 1290 (1st Reading): Remove refund for town residents when purchasing Tacoma library card. Since Ruston residents are not taxed for library services, the council did not feel the town needed to refund these costs. With the current budget shortfall, it was felt this step should be taken.
Resolution 445: Changing council rules to allow public comment at the beginning of the meeting, which passed 3-0.
Resolution 446: Children’s 4th of July Parade: Stebner wanted to know how much this was going to cost the town. He was concerned police would be paid overtime to block the streets when the town was going to cut library cards. Hedrick reiterated he would pay the permit fee if needed. The resolution passed 3-0.
Mayor’s Time
Hopkins was grateful the tremendous community support they have experienced while painting the curbs. Residents came out asking what is going on and stayed to help. It was an example of what this town should be. He named all the folks who had helped out, and especially thanked Steve Taylor for all his efforts beyond his normal job duties. Someone from the audience thought it was great to have the mayor out there painting curbs too, which brought applause from the rest of the audience. Hopkins also thanked Mike Tallman and his constriction company for volunteering their time and equipment to put in a new line to the park bathrooms.
The mayor noted that he hoped to have the meeting room at the school (the former Commencement sales center) ready in the next 30 to 45 days. They will not tear out the kitchen area so it can be used for community events.
Hopkins has started a monthly meeting with all employees to improve communication. He is asking the council to look at surplusing unused property the town owns. He has appointed Rob White, the town planner, as the point person on all the development issues. They are looking at ways to automate some of the building services.
Council Time:
Stebner had nothing.
Hedrick thanked everyone for the work on painting the curbs; they look great. He was glad to see the sign at the park requiring leashes for the dogs so that the town could comply with insurance requirements. He was happy to hear the police were using an “educational” approach; informing people about the change rather than harsh enforcement. He felt the state auditor was wrong in their finding that Ruston did not collect leaseholder excise tax.
Hunt agreed that the curb painting looked great. The project will be on-going all summer.
The meeting adjourned about 8:45 pm.
The meeting began at 7:01, with Mayor Hopkins and Council Members Stebner, Hedrick and Hunt present. After the flag salute and agenda approval, the council immediately recessed into executive session for 40 minutes to discuss on-going litigation and personnel matters.
The meeting resumed at 7:47 pm. Hedrick moved to approve the minutes from the last council meeting, but Hunt was hesitant to second the motion since she had not been at present for the meeting. After Stebner did not respond, Hunt seconded the motion and the minutes were approved with one minor correction from Hedrick.
Staff Reports
Fire: The fire department report noted one call the previous month. The fire from earlier this month is still under investigation and information on that fire on Shirley Street will provided on the next report. One of the resident fire fighters has been able to find an EMT class and will be starting this week.
Police: Acting chief Kunkel thanked Marla Miller for removing graffiti from the radar trailer so it can be used again. He also thanked the mayor and his wife for organizing the curb painting. He felt it would help with parking enforcement during the Taste.
The Taste of Tacoma will be held June 26, 27 and 28th. The usual no parking zones apply. He noted that if residents were going to park cars in their yards, they were not allowed to drive those cars over any curbs. And if they charged money for the parking, they had to get a business license from Town Hall.
Oral boards are scheduled for July to hire a replacement fulltime officer. The department has a reserve officer who is almost cleared for duty. There are no official findings available yet for the death in the condos on Pearl Street.
Public Comments
Jim Wingard was concerned about the indemnification elected officials are about to grant themselves. All that is required is that the official use “good faith” efforts, but he did not feel that standard had been met in the past given the number of lawsuits filed against the town.
Terry Knapp was honored that the radar trailer had been parked in front of his house, but he asked that someone else be honored for awhile now.
Sherri Forch wants to see all fireworks eliminated. She would also like to find a way to honor the seniors with the 4th of July parade.
JJ McCamment noted that the ferryboat/sales center is undergoing remodeling and the sales center has moved to Stack Hill. The ferry will be moored along the Point Ruston shoreline as soon as permits are issued.
Old Business
Ordinance 1278: Private Alarm System Regulation: Stebner did not see any benefit to Ruston residents with this regulation. The ordinance passed 2-1.
Ordinance 1286: Banning All Fireworks (starting in 2010): Hedrick wanted to see safe fireworks continue for sentimental reasons. Some of the happiest memories with his dad are of family fireworks shows. He has his permit and is looking forward to starting that tradition with his son this year. He felt there were adequate regulations already in place and the problem are coming from fireworks that are already illegal. Stronger enforcement is the answer, not banning all fireworks.
Fire Chief Torbet did not feel this ordinance would not change the behavior of those who are causing the problems. The only change would be that people like Hedrick would not be able to share a legal fireworks show with their kids. He felt that those who follow the rules should not be penalized. Those who don’t follow the rules should be dealt with under the current laws.
Hunt felt that since the rules are difficult to enforce now, it would be easier if no fireworks were allowed. Stebner noted there had only been 6 permits issued for fireworks this year out of 350 households. He felt the people had spoken. Hedrick felt the town would continue to have the same problems. As to how many permits were issued vs. households, he hoped Stebner did not use the same standard for those who say annex vs. don’t annex (given the number of anti-annex signs in people’s windows). The ordinance was approved 2-1 (Hedrick voted no).
Ordinance 1287 (2nd Reading): Indemnification of Town Employees and Elected Officials: After a short discussion, the ordinance was approved 3-0.
Ordinance 1228 (2nd Reading): Amending the Town’s Traffic Code: Approved 3-0.
Ordinance 1289: Amending the Town’s Parking Code: After a brief discussion on enforcement, the ordinance was approved 3-0.
New Business
Ordinance 1290 (1st Reading): Remove refund for town residents when purchasing Tacoma library card. Since Ruston residents are not taxed for library services, the council did not feel the town needed to refund these costs. With the current budget shortfall, it was felt this step should be taken.
Resolution 445: Changing council rules to allow public comment at the beginning of the meeting, which passed 3-0.
Resolution 446: Children’s 4th of July Parade: Stebner wanted to know how much this was going to cost the town. He was concerned police would be paid overtime to block the streets when the town was going to cut library cards. Hedrick reiterated he would pay the permit fee if needed. The resolution passed 3-0.
Mayor’s Time
Hopkins was grateful the tremendous community support they have experienced while painting the curbs. Residents came out asking what is going on and stayed to help. It was an example of what this town should be. He named all the folks who had helped out, and especially thanked Steve Taylor for all his efforts beyond his normal job duties. Someone from the audience thought it was great to have the mayor out there painting curbs too, which brought applause from the rest of the audience. Hopkins also thanked Mike Tallman and his constriction company for volunteering their time and equipment to put in a new line to the park bathrooms.
The mayor noted that he hoped to have the meeting room at the school (the former Commencement sales center) ready in the next 30 to 45 days. They will not tear out the kitchen area so it can be used for community events.
Hopkins has started a monthly meeting with all employees to improve communication. He is asking the council to look at surplusing unused property the town owns. He has appointed Rob White, the town planner, as the point person on all the development issues. They are looking at ways to automate some of the building services.
Council Time:
Stebner had nothing.
Hedrick thanked everyone for the work on painting the curbs; they look great. He was glad to see the sign at the park requiring leashes for the dogs so that the town could comply with insurance requirements. He was happy to hear the police were using an “educational” approach; informing people about the change rather than harsh enforcement. He felt the state auditor was wrong in their finding that Ruston did not collect leaseholder excise tax.
Hunt agreed that the curb painting looked great. The project will be on-going all summer.
The meeting adjourned about 8:45 pm.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Joyce Community Center Plans
Mayor Hopkins provided this update on the town's plans for the new community center space (the former sales center for The Commencement). Many of amenities and appliances will be donated to the town by The Commencement and reused to enhance the new community center. Here are the current plans from the mayor. We'll get photos posted as the work progresses.
______________________
I am attempting to round up a plumber and electrician in an attempt to make the kitchen and bathroom functional. The Commencement is currently having their engineers review the load on the wall where the kitchen currently sits. The plan is to move the kitchen and all the fixtures (donated by The Commencement) into the northeast corner of what used to be the bedroom. The kitchen island will move into the former bedroom as well.
Then the wall that currently has the kitchen against it will be removed – leaving us with an open meeting area. The double doors will be moved to seal off where the former bedroom – now our kitchen – will be. That way during meetings or events the kitchen can be sealed off from the meeting room. They will be leaving the gas fireplace that would be wonderful to get plumbed and vented. The wall that currently hides the stage will we removed and the storage areas to the east will remain for storage of tables & chairs etc…
We are hoping to have everything completed and ready for us by the end of July. This is going to be a first class meeting facility and the possibilities for the space are endless.
______________________
I am attempting to round up a plumber and electrician in an attempt to make the kitchen and bathroom functional. The Commencement is currently having their engineers review the load on the wall where the kitchen currently sits. The plan is to move the kitchen and all the fixtures (donated by The Commencement) into the northeast corner of what used to be the bedroom. The kitchen island will move into the former bedroom as well.
Then the wall that currently has the kitchen against it will be removed – leaving us with an open meeting area. The double doors will be moved to seal off where the former bedroom – now our kitchen – will be. That way during meetings or events the kitchen can be sealed off from the meeting room. They will be leaving the gas fireplace that would be wonderful to get plumbed and vented. The wall that currently hides the stage will we removed and the storage areas to the east will remain for storage of tables & chairs etc…
We are hoping to have everything completed and ready for us by the end of July. This is going to be a first class meeting facility and the possibilities for the space are endless.
The Commencement Grand Opening
The first unit at The Commencement condominium project has been completed. It will used as a sales center for the time being. The the new location should be up and running in the next week or so. The condo management and the town have reached agreement on turning over the former sales center in the school building to Ruston for use as a community center. I'll get more details on the town's plans for that space soon.
A grand opening celebration was held last Thursday, complete with live music. Two hundred guests came in to look at the luxurious finishings, gorgeous views and meet potential new neighbors.
The whole project is due for completion by the end of summer. So far, 14 units are sold and should start closing by early August. After lots of battles, the end is sight. We will soon be expanding our community, just a precursor to more growth already in progress at Point Ruston and Stack Hill.
Welcome to all!
A grand opening celebration was held last Thursday, complete with live music. Two hundred guests came in to look at the luxurious finishings, gorgeous views and meet potential new neighbors.
The whole project is due for completion by the end of summer. So far, 14 units are sold and should start closing by early August. After lots of battles, the end is sight. We will soon be expanding our community, just a precursor to more growth already in progress at Point Ruston and Stack Hill.
Welcome to all!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Post-Taste Clean Up
Over a dozen folks helped clean up Ruston streets last night as darkness fell. Most helpers commented that the town seemed cleaner than in years past, but there were still several bags of garbage gathered and deposited behind town hall. Local seniors baked goodies as a reward for the workers.
It was a great feeling of community - a chance to say hi and feel like you made a difference. I have to admit, trash collection can be addicting. On the way home, my daughter and I could not walk past any garbage on the ground. We came down Pearl Street (which had not been cleaned up yet).
Having already deposited our garbage bags, we collected quite a handful. A woman we didn't know noticed us from her yard as she was heading in from the store. She not only gave us her shopping bag for our garbage, she offered us a Klondike bar. Just another example of how community connections are built and the value living in a small town.
Karen
Sherri Forch, organizer of the baked goods
Lynette Hopkins (Mayor Bruce in the background) and their other "child"
Some of the goodies you missed out on if you didn't attend!
It was a great feeling of community - a chance to say hi and feel like you made a difference. I have to admit, trash collection can be addicting. On the way home, my daughter and I could not walk past any garbage on the ground. We came down Pearl Street (which had not been cleaned up yet).
Having already deposited our garbage bags, we collected quite a handful. A woman we didn't know noticed us from her yard as she was heading in from the store. She not only gave us her shopping bag for our garbage, she offered us a Klondike bar. Just another example of how community connections are built and the value living in a small town.
Karen
Sherri Forch, organizer of the baked goods
Lynette Hopkins (Mayor Bruce in the background) and their other "child"
Some of the goodies you missed out on if you didn't attend!Excitement At The Taste
Ruston saw two major incidents this year as the Taste was winding down. The News Tribune has details about an accident that sent a car into the building at 50th and Pearl. It appears injuries were not life-threatening, but a pretty spectacular scene. Sorry for the poor picture quality, I'm not too good with my phone camera...
A few hours before, a high speed chase ended in Ruston. It started along Ruston Way when a car decided to try to ram a Tacoma police cruiser. The chase came through the tunnel and Ruston police were able to get a device onto the road that took out some of the tires on the car as it sped down Winnifred. The entrance to the parking lot had been cleared at 54th, but since the road was blocked the vehicle turned east on 54th. The car stopped shortly after turning onto Bennett and the driver was arrested.
Another interesting weekend in town! More on the post-Taste clean up fun later.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Life In The Big City
The News Tribune recap of the Tacoma police activity has some interesting notes for the area around Ruston, including more harrasment at Point Ruston. Read details here.....
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