Friday, October 29, 2010
Beautiful Sunshine
What a wonderful, unexpected gift today was. I recognize that each day is a gift to be treasured and spent wisely. But we live in such a beautiful part of the world; whether it's on the drive home or the evening stroll at dusk, we can savor the seasons as they march past us. May the memory of today's unexpected beauty hold us through the winter days ahead...
Monday, October 25, 2010
Hearing This Wednesday
The Planning Commission is holding a hearing on Wednesday, October 27th at 7 pm to receive input on both the Shoreline Plan and on the proposed requirements for landscaping. You can read all the background information on the town's web site here... So check out the details, gather your thoughts and let the commission know what you think!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Glass Pumpkins At The Park Saturday Only
There will be a very nice display of glass pumpkins created by the Tacoma Glassblowing Studio at Point Defiance Park on Saturday. So wander over for look before the rains hit. Pumpkins will be on sale (to benefit kids with HIV) at the Pagoda from 9 am to 4 pm. The News Tribune has a story on the event here...
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
New And Improved
The Town of Ruston recently upgraded its web site. It has lots more information and is more user friendly. You can view background information on the council issues, check out the police and fire reports, get updates on what's happening around town and more. Check it out at www.rustonwa.org.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Building Too High, Garbage Rate Increase on Agenda
The council meeting tonight should include some lively discussion. EPA will give an update on their projects in the area. The town planner has confirmed the new house at 5311 N. Shirley is too tall (read his report here) and the only solution appears to be requiring the builder to rebuild the roof with a steeper pitch. And finally, our garbage rates go up on December 1st from $19.85 per can to $27.31 ($23.00 to $25.85 if you recycle). You can read that full ordinance here.
The town now has their agendas and council packets available on line. The information for all of tonight's discussion is available here. Come by the community center at 5219 N. Shirley at 7 pm to provide your input.
The town now has their agendas and council packets available on line. The information for all of tonight's discussion is available here. Come by the community center at 5219 N. Shirley at 7 pm to provide your input.
Friday, October 15, 2010
No Place Like Ruston
I found this commentary on the 'other' Ruston interesting. Even though the things that attract him to life in Ruston, Louisiana might be different than what makes Ruston, Washington special for many of us, I have to agree that there is no place like Ruston. You can read Mr. Barber's comments here...
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Ruston Opposes Countywide Flood District
UPDATE, October 14, 2010: The News Tribune has an article on this issue today, which even includes a quote from our town attorney...
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Town officials joined several other jurisdictions today to testify against the county's proposal to make all of Pierce County a flood control district. There are several taxing options included in the proposal that Ruston argued against in front of the Boundary Review Board.
Town attorney Dave Britton gave this explanation:
Based on the unanimous resolution of the Town Council, I was directed by Mayor Hopkins to join city attorneys from several Pierce County jurisdictions, including Bonney Lake, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, University Place, Eatonville, Edgewood, Milton and Fircrest, in opposing the County's formation of a countywide flood control district that would include (and of course tax) all citizens of the county, including citizens of Ruston. The Town of Ruston is classified by FEMA as being in a "Flood Control Zone C", meaning there is virtually no risk of flooding here. Ruston residents already pay for their own surface water control, through updgrades to our storm sewers. Now, we are being told by the County that, in addition to paying for our own storm sewers (at no small expense to Town residents), we will also be force to pay for flood control for the three percent of County residents who have elected to live in the 100-year floodplain along the Puyallup, White, Carbon and Nisqually Rivers. In effect, the County if forming a special-purpose taxing district where 100% will pay, but only 3% will benefit.
While Pierce County has argued that it has not decided on which of several taxing alternatives it would use to finance its new flood control district, you can be sure the tax will not be voluntary. One of the tax alternatives available is a $0.50 tax on every $1000.00 of assessed value of property.
In a hearing before the Pierce County Boundary review Board today, the Town asked the Board to exercise its power to review the boundaries of the newly-formed special purpose districts to reject the County's proposed countywide flood control district, or to restrict its borders to a more logical service area (i.e., one in which the residents who benefit are also the residents who pay). Taxing the 97% of County residents who do not live on the 100-year floodplain, for the benefit of the 3% who do, is neither logical or fair.
_______________________________________________
Town officials joined several other jurisdictions today to testify against the county's proposal to make all of Pierce County a flood control district. There are several taxing options included in the proposal that Ruston argued against in front of the Boundary Review Board.
Town attorney Dave Britton gave this explanation:
Based on the unanimous resolution of the Town Council, I was directed by Mayor Hopkins to join city attorneys from several Pierce County jurisdictions, including Bonney Lake, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, University Place, Eatonville, Edgewood, Milton and Fircrest, in opposing the County's formation of a countywide flood control district that would include (and of course tax) all citizens of the county, including citizens of Ruston. The Town of Ruston is classified by FEMA as being in a "Flood Control Zone C", meaning there is virtually no risk of flooding here. Ruston residents already pay for their own surface water control, through updgrades to our storm sewers. Now, we are being told by the County that, in addition to paying for our own storm sewers (at no small expense to Town residents), we will also be force to pay for flood control for the three percent of County residents who have elected to live in the 100-year floodplain along the Puyallup, White, Carbon and Nisqually Rivers. In effect, the County if forming a special-purpose taxing district where 100% will pay, but only 3% will benefit.
While Pierce County has argued that it has not decided on which of several taxing alternatives it would use to finance its new flood control district, you can be sure the tax will not be voluntary. One of the tax alternatives available is a $0.50 tax on every $1000.00 of assessed value of property.
In a hearing before the Pierce County Boundary review Board today, the Town asked the Board to exercise its power to review the boundaries of the newly-formed special purpose districts to reject the County's proposed countywide flood control district, or to restrict its borders to a more logical service area (i.e., one in which the residents who benefit are also the residents who pay). Taxing the 97% of County residents who do not live on the 100-year floodplain, for the benefit of the 3% who do, is neither logical or fair.
Off-Leash Dog Park
UPDATED, 7:23 pm: More fun for the dog lovers among us:
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_______________Point Defiance now has an area designated for an off-leash dog park. Unlike the challenges Ruston faced after Rust Park evolved into a well-used off leash park, Metro Parks has planned for and welcomed dogs and their owners into specified areas.
For those concerned about this issue, park district officials will hold a meeting to discuss the Point Defiance area and the potential for new dog parks. Things kick off at the district offices on Thursday, October 21st at 5:30 pm. More details are below:
Monday, October 11, 2010
Update on Slander Lawsuit
As mentioned in the last update on the Walker vs Jones slander lawsuit, Mr. Walker's fellow Civil Service Commissioner Connie Maglione and myself were added as defendants to the lawsuit last July. The judge issued a summary judgement in favor of Ms. Maglione and myself on September 10th, dismissing us from the lawsuit.
Mr. Walker asked the judget to reconsider his decision on October 1st, but his motion was denied. The lawsuit continues against Ms. Jones, now scheduled for January 4, 2011.
Mr. Walker asked the judget to reconsider his decision on October 1st, but his motion was denied. The lawsuit continues against Ms. Jones, now scheduled for January 4, 2011.
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