Public Comment
Ms. Jaydosh, a third grader who lives on Commercial Street,
gave a very nice speech about why Ruston should install speed bumps to slow
down traffic in this area.
Mr. Shores wanted to know when the street in front of his
house would be paved now that the sewer had been replaced. He was also
concerned about the necessary sidewalk repairs since his wife is
disabled. The mayor explained the town is in discussion with the sewer
contractor about quality issues with the paving work done to date. The town wants
to resolve that issue before having any more paving done. He hoped to resolve
things soon. He promised to get back to Mr. Shores when he had a date for the
repair work.
Business
Ordinance 1364 – Collective Gardens Zoning Code Amendment (2nd
Reading): (staff report here) Councilmember Judd wanted to add language that only allowed these for
those over 21 years old, required security cameras and make the buffer 500 feet
rather than 300. The town attorney explained that the town could not change
these state codes without risking being sued by the medical marijuana proponents.
The measure passed 5-0.
Ordinance 1367 – Amend Street Excavation Permit (1st
Reading): This ordinance would set the time for permits at 90 days, require the
work to start within 30 days and allow for a 90 day extension. There were no
comments from the council.
Resolution 504 – Purchase of SCBA for Fire Department: Chief
Torbet told the council the old breathing equipment was a hodgepodge that put department personnel at risk. The funds are in the budget and the
department is in compliance with Labor and Industries. Councilmember Hunt
confirmed that $11,000 was from last year’s budget. The resolution passed 5-0.
Resolution 505 – Transformer Purchase: (staff report here) The mayor stated the
purchase was for a new transformer at Baltimore and Commercial Streets and one
for reserve for emergencies. Hardin confirmed the cost will come from the
electrical reserve fund. The total cost was below the legal threshold of $7,500
(not clear what this meant). The measure was approved.
Town of Ruston Business District – Karen Pickett and Beth
Torbet: I outlined my research on the town requirements, what had been required in the past and
the district’s proposal for the Ruston Family Fair. The district was asking for clarification so they could begin signing up vendors, many of whom have already
begun scheduling their summer events. After some discussion, the council
decided they would update their code at the next meeting to require a $10
business license from vendors for special events.
Beth Torbet then showed different sizes of banners,
including one that would be 18” as the town currently requires. The mayor
directed the district to work with the town electrical engineer to resolve the
size and other concerns as part of the project to replace the light poles on Pearl
Street.
Claims and Payroll were approved
Mayor’s Time
Mayor Hopkins wants to install “Children At Play” signs
along Commercial Street by the playfield.
Council Time
Hedrick had no comments.
Hunt wants the town to get bids to install speed bumps on
Commercial as part of the repaving that needs to be done after the sewer
replacement.
Hardin thanked the volunteers for the great job on the town Easter
egg hunt. He encouraged everyone to attend the Ruston Way ribbon cutting on
April 21st and hoped the road would open soon. He was concerned that
so many Ruston roads are closed at the same time. Between the Point Ruston
closures and the sewer project it’s getting hard to get out of town. The mayor
explained under their contract, the town cannot stop the sewer contractor and
he wants to get the project done as quickly as possible. Once the paving starts
it will go quickly.
Kristiovich had no comments.
Judd had no comments.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.
