The materials for this meeting are available on Ruston Reports here. The material for the study session this same night is available here, including the draft ordinance on licensing adult entertainment.
The regular council meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm with Council Member Hardin still excused. The agenda was approved as presented.
Staff Reports
Police: Chief Kunkel noted the good training on officer safety they just received, using lessons learned from the police killings in last 8 months. He gave a reminder about the Taste coming up next weekend. He also noted this will be the first year that no fireworks will be allowed on July 4th in Ruston. He commended the work of his department in the recovery of a stolen car in town. The new department bicycle has now been delivered and will be used during the Taste.
Council Member Hedrick expressed concern about the atmosphere near closing time at the Taste. Kunkel outlined the plans to address the growing safety concerns. Hedrick wanted to know if there has been any talk about charging for the event to help change the type of the people attending. It has been talked about, but no changes are planned at this point. Hedrick asked Ruston's public safety departments to give suggestions after this year's event on improvements for next year. Kunkel said he and the mayor will be meeting with the developer about imposing an impact fee. Council Member Hunt agreed with the concerns expressed. There will be cookies at town hall for those wanting to clean their street and bring in their garbage bags to town hall at 8 pm on the last day of the Taste.
Fire: There were 4 calls last month; 2 medical aid, 2 fire. The department now has a full roster of fire fighters. They are increasing the level of background checks as well. Ruston is hosting training on weapons of mass destruction. They have focused some training on how to handle calls at The Commencement since it is different type of building with unique features.
The department will be auctioning the old 1968 LaFrance fire engine in September. Chief Torbet is looking forward to having no fireworks in Ruston this year. The department has started a new practice where they focus on a new issue for the public each month - this month is to ensure residents have a working fire extinguisher in their homes.
Public Comment
Edie Tallman wanted to see the alleys cleaned better (remove derelict cars, boats, etc).
Ryan Morris wanted to know (as new Ruston residents) what to expect for their first Taste of Tacoma. Hedrick said he stays home to guard his house. Town attorney Britton joked that Morris should get himself a rocking chair on the front porch with a shot gun (or buy one of the Adirondack chairs).
Ron Stanley had just started process for special use permit to improve his property at 5227 N. Highland. He had heard nightmare stories about making such improvements, and found it was true in Ruston. He questioned the high cost for a process that was not productive such as a $6,000 plan review fee that neighboring municipalities do not charge. The planning commission did not show up at the meeting for his permit request. He is concerned about part time people without planning expertize making these decisions. The mayor then wanted to imposed the 2 minute time limit for public comment. The council granted him 5 minutes to finish his remarks.
Stanley noted that Ruston code allows certain uses outright; conditions which his proposal met. But he is still required to go through a quasi-judicial review process without any guarantee that it will be timely or will have a positive outcome. And the money for the process is going out of town on consultant fees rather than into the property improvements. He suggested the council look to streamline the process.
Business
1. Renewing the agreement for public defender services: Hedrick confirmed that this has been done before. Council Member Huson noted this contract included a 5% cost of living increase even with the economy deflating. Britton had asked Pierce County about it, but they will only make a small reduction to $17,000. The resolution was approved at that amount 4-0.
Claims and Payroll
Passed 4-0 with no discussion.
Mayor's Time
Mayor Hopkins is working on a system to collect residents emails so the town can use that method to send out townwide notices. Property tax revenues are 20% lower than forecast, B&O and sales taxes so far are only at 85%. Slower construction on The Commencement and Point Ruston along with loosing the Chevron are having an impact. He has told staff to look for ways to make cuts. The town has already made adjustments where they can.
He thanked Fire Chief Torbet for finding 85 chairs and 12 banquet tables for use when renting community center. The new code enforcement officer came on board of last week; working half a day each week. The mayor will put him to work on unauthorized home improvements happening around town. Mayor Hopkins liked finding Officer Miller out walking around town as he had suggested.
Council Time
Huson had nothing.
Hedrick liked the Adirondack chair event that was held that evening. He likes those type of events for our community.He will work to see that the 4th of July parade gets approved again this year.
Hunt noted again that the Sunday evening garbage pick up will happen after Taste. Huson and she still working on the policies for renting the community center. They asked to have the issue on the agenda for next meeting.
Kristovich had nothing, although the mayor thanked her for taking the lead on the chair event. Huson asked if study session was still planned for July 6th. Pioneer Baseball Club will be ready with more details on the proposal for Rust Park. A study session was set (with public input encouraged) for 6 pm on July 6th.
Kunkel supports new contract with Pierce County for public defender services. The mayor noted that court fees are bringing in money and was thankful for the efforts of the police department writing tickets.
The meeting adjourned at about 7:35 pm.
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