Purple Cow

This building is known to old timers like me as the Purple Cow. It once housed an antique shop that had a life-size purple cow figure out front. The cow was stolen by vandals before the shop closed. The building was transformed into classy office space with a killer view several years ago, but the name still persists for some of us.

The building is available for rent or purchase these days. The Edward Jones building to the east is part of the same lot and would be included in any sale. The floors have been redone since the last tenant left. The lot was for sale for several months, now it's for rent. But the representative for the owner (a bank in Germany) said they are willing to entertain purchase offers.

If you know anyone interested, you can contact Louie Gabini at (206) 372-0725 or louiegabini@gmail.com. Maybe we can help generate some forward momentum in our very local economy! And maybe a few more years with a new business at this location I can stop calling it the Purple Cow. ~ Karen

Going to Trial?

Jim Wingard (RustonInsider) in reporting that motions for summary judgement filed by both sides in the Point Defiance Casino lawsuit were denied in court today. Both Ruston and the casino had asked the judge to decide in their favor without a full trial (a summary judgement) A trial date is set for August according to Jim.

Clarence Bundrock: 1917-2009

Ruston has a strong history. In many ways, our heritage is carried in the memories of our elder statesmen. We are losing much of that collective memory in recent years as folks move out or pass on.

One of Ruston's longest-standing couples is Clarence and Roberta Bundrock. Sadly, Clarence passed away on Independence Day this year. The military brought him to town during WWII to man one of the crash boats stationed at Point Defiance, according to his obituary in yesterday's paper.

We lose some of our community fabric when we lose friends like Clarence. Our hearts go out to Roberta and her family. Please know that we treasure your history and contributions over the many decades you have given us. May Clarence rest in peace, knowing he was an important part of the life of this little town.

Fire Recovery Update

The Bergman family has settled into their new home in Old Town this week. Joanne remains deeply grateful for the support and concern from her Ruston neighbors after a fire destroyed their home on June 3rd. The family was technically tenants at the time of the fire and had no insurance to cover their losses. Neighbors have collected almost $250 to help so far.

Joanne said the cash helped get her into her new place, but even more important is the emotional support she has received. She always believed that people were kind and generous, but when it became personal like this, its has been overwhelming. She is humbled and deeply grateful.

The basic household needs have been met so far. Joanne claims she's always been a great thrift store shopper and those skills have come in handy. They are slowly rebuilding. Loosing all your material possessions, but knowing your family is safe puts it all in perspective. Somehow the "stuff" doesn't matter as much anymore.

Even though the Bergman family is safe and has a roof over their heads, it feels good as neighbors to help get them started on a new chapter in their lives. You can still make donations at the Tacoma Narrows Federal Credit Union at the bottom of 51st Street to the Bergman Family Fire Fund, or in the donation buckets at Don's Market or Town Hall.

Council Meeting Quick Notes: July 6, 2009

Just a few quick notes on the meeting tonight. After a 35 minute executive session for personnel issues and pending litigation again, the meeting started about 7:45 pm.

Ordinance 1290: Repeal Library Card Reimbursement: Moved to next July 20th meeting.
Ordinance 1292: Administration of Development Regulations: Hedrick tried to waive the second reading and grant approval tonight. The measure failed 3-2 (Stebner and Albertson voting no). Even though it won majority approval, a super-majority is needed to waive the second reading. I'll have more details on the interesting exchange later, made more interesting given this issue is the heart of the casino lawsuit. The ordinance will have its second reading at the next council meeting.
Ordinance 1292: Increasing Heights on Pearl Street: First reading, no comments
Ordinance 1293: Public Records Policy: First reading, no comments
Ordinance 1294: Indemnification for Town Officials: First reading, no comments
Resolution 447: Surplus Property (old police car): Passed 5-0
Resolution 448: Legal Services Contract: Passed 5-0 (included rate increases)
Professional Services Agreement for Communications Maintenance: Moved to July 20th meeting so an ordinance could be prepared.
Claims and Payroll passed 3-2 (Stebner and Albertson voting no)

Council Meeting Tonight

Here is the agenda for the council meeting tonight. There are lots of things up for discussion under new business from public records policy to increasing the building height in the commercial zone along Pearl Street as recommended by the planning commission. The full packet of background information is available on Ruston Reports.

Be sure and attend tonight, 7 pm at Town Hall ~ 5117 N. Winnifred Street. It's always interesting in a unique, small-town kinda way!