Council Meeting Notes: Jan. 15, 2013

Mayor Hopkins called the meeting to order at 7:01pm. Councilmember Hardin was excused. The agenda and Nov. 20, 2012 and Dec. 4, 2012 minutes were approved with no changes.  

Staff Reports

Police: Chief Kunkel announced that Sgt. Lawless is joining the Tacoma Police Department and on January 8^th he appointed Vic Cellis as the new sergeant. There is one out of state applicant available for lateral transfer under consideration. The chief then outlined last month’s calls. Hedrick asked if the officers were using the new decimal meter. It is in use, but they are waiting for clarification from the mayor and the attorney.

Fire: Chief Torbet highlighted the hundreds on volunteer hours given last month. He noted they are losing one fire fighter, but they have three applicants for the vacancy. Torbet said they had hundreds of donations for toy and food drive in December. He is still working on getting the new-to-Ruston radios from Tacoma Fire. The chief then outlined training planned, including the CPR training available to local residents. The mayor thanked him and the department for saving his friend’s life with the CPR training. Torbet felt that incident was one of the highlights of his career and noted that many lives were changed for the better that day.

Public Comment

John Mace, wanted to see resolution to Stack Hill development issues.

Business

1. Hannah Aoyagi, Ph.D. – Tacoma Smelter Plume Update: Ms. Aoyagi from the State Department of Ecology introduced project manager Amy Hargrove and 4 others. Hargrove let everyone know their project is in the final design phase with public comment coming soon. The state program is different from the federal EPA yard replacement project: 1) it is a statewide program, 2) it is voluntary with only one chance to participate and 3) the state has a 100ppm arsenic action level instead of 230ppm. They hope to do 15 homes in Tacoma this year. The process for yards in Ruston will begin with a review of the EPA sampling results to see if the property qualifies. The owner then gets a letter and would have to allow the work. Ecology then meets with owner before the construction contractor meets with them. All the EPA sample results are in a public database. Ecology will use a weighted average of arsenic and lead in the 0-6” layer, then look at 6-12" layer. Any overall yard averaging above 90 parts per million (ppm) arsenic or 500ppm lead or single subunit average over 200ppm arsenic or 1,000ppm lead at those depths would be replaced. The lowest priority are those yards with clean soil down to 6 inches. If the top 12 inches was replaced with clean soil, no further action will be taken. The initial priority is yards where no EPA action was done. The homeowner must agree, and remove sheds, trees and such if they want soil in those areas to be replaced. Ecology plans to offer changes to the yard that include more native plants, rain gardens and other environmentally friendly ideas. Public comment on the design is expected in March. They are also working with Metro Parks for additional cleanups at Point Defiance and Jane Clark parks.

Councilmember Hedrick confirmed the cleanup was voluntary and funded thru Asarco settlement funds. He confirmed cleanup standards as compared to EPA and that the state has the authority to redo a federal cleanup. He asked why the state standards are more stringent. Hargrove said the EPA decision was 20 years ago and that other cleanups around the nation have a lower standard. Ecology felt there was still risk out there and new people might want a lower cleanup level. Hedrick wanted to know if there would be any stigma from this new standard. Ecology said they are not putting anything on property titles, but the work would be listed in the public database. It was noted that the state cleanup extends way beyond EPA Study Area. Councilmember Hunt confirmed who has sample results listed in the database and explained her understanding of the EPA program. Councilmember Kristovich had personal questions and took a phone number to call later. Mayor Hopkins was glad to see progress.

2. Ordinance 1392 – Noxious Weeds (1^st Reading): The attorney explained that under state law the city can only enforce removal of certain noxious weeds. This change to Ruston code gives more specific details and outlines the process so it can be enforced. Hunt wanted a warning about enforcing this published in the town newsletter.

3. Ordinance 1394 – Weight Limits for Streets (1^st Reading): Ruston already restricts heavy truck traffic on some streets. This change adds several streets and makes city code consistent with state law. The city engineer wanted to add the same restrictions on N. 52^nd and 53^rd from Pearl to Bennett Street (which was approved and added). There are exemptions allowed for emergency vehicles, city trucks, school buses or you can apply for an exemption if needed. Kristovich confirmed that the park district or anyone using 54^th Street must have exemptions granted (including all the Point Ruston construction work). Hunt confirmed Ruston owned all of 51^st Street and must pay all maintenance costs.

4. Resolution 534 – Assignment of Electrical Consultant Contract: This agreement keeps the same electrical engineer, who is now with new employer. Approved 4-0 with no discussion.

5. Resolution 535 – Code Enforcement, Environmental Review Contract: Approved 4-0 with no discussion.

6. Resolution 536 – Radio Maintenance Contract: Approved 4-0 with no discussion.

7. Ordinance 1382 – COMP-P Zoning Map and Text Amendment (1^st Reading): The change from commercial zone to Commercial Pearl zone (COMP-P) effects only one building lot and was initiated by the property owner. The mayor asked for disclosure of any appearance of fairness issues or exparte contact on the issue from council members and asked the audience if there were any challenges on that issue. There were none. Planner Rob White outlined the history, including details about the planning commission public hearing on this issue. The changes include correcting type-o’s in the code, updating lighting standards, changing this one lot from commercial to commercial-Pearl zone and updating the map with several recent changes.

Hunt recalled a prior approval for upgrading the old Coles tavern and felt only that plan should be approved. The planner clarified this change is a different property. Hunt only wanted the higher limits allowed on Pearl Street, not 51^st. Planning commission chair Kevin Moser noted that the amenities required in the Comp P zone are not required in the regular commercial zone, so it made sense to extend the same look and feel one lot down 51^st Street.

Claims and Payroll, approved 4-0 with no discussion.

Mayor’s Time

Hopkins said that Commercial Street will be without street lights for 10 days as electrical lines are undergrounded. A resident asked for a place on the town web page to make donations to fire department, so he is looking into that. He met on new electrical meters recently and the issue will be coming before the council for approval in the next 60 days.

Council Time

Hedrick expressed mixed emotions about Sgt. Lawless leaving. He is an outstanding officer and he is sorry to lose him. Hedrick thanked him for service to Ruston.

Hunt had no comment.

Kristovich had no comment.

Judd had no comment.

The meeting adjourned at 8:02pm.

Baltimore Finally Opening?

The Ruston council will hold a special meeting at 7pm tonight to consider a revision to the Stack Hill plat that lays out a specific schedule for completion of the Baltimore Street connection to Ruston Way.

Even though Ruston Way has been open since last summer, Ruston officials have kept Baltimore Street closed, citing safety concerns (first due to the sewer replacement project - link here, now the staff report says the closure is because of alignment concerns - link here). Regardless of the reasons, tonight's action will set enforceable deadlines for Point Ruston to complete the required street improvements. Tacoma is scheduled for waterline work along the same stretch of road in March. The goal is to coordinate both projects and finally have Baltimore Street open by this summer.

Latest On Point Ruston

Point Ruston just issued their January newsletter (link here) with details about their latest work. From capping sediments just off-shore, to working on the Copperline Apartments, to nearing completion of the Waterwalk art work - the project is continues to progress. The first layer of asphalt now covers the road to the Copperline, new plastic caps cover more of the site, Ruston is reviewing new building permits for Stack Hill; all steps getting us closer to completion!

New Entertainment At Point Defiance Cafe

UPDATE 12:19pm: This is one of the many things that make living in a small town so great - after tonight's scheduled karaoke group failed to show to set up today,  Ruston's own fire chief Don Torbet will step in to save the day. Besides serving as Ruston's fire chief, Torbet and his wife own and operate Don's Ruston Market. Don has sung and played drums in local rock and roll bands since high school and recently bought a professional karaoke system. He's upgraded with thousands of new songs and has been looking for a way to share his new toy with others. Everyone wins! Be sure to stop in and check out the fun for yourself tonight (5037 N. Pearl, Ruston, 98407)!
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Point Defiance Cafe and Casino owner Steve Fabre announced this week that they have added some nice enticements to get customers in the door. The popular karaoke crew that worked at the now closed Ruston Inn will be entertaining guests at Point Defiance on Friday and Saturday nights after 5pm.

The cafe also has newly remodeled room that now serves as a sports bar - with special pull tabs that are not available anywhere else in the state. Stop in soon, sing a song or two and support another local business!

Business District 2013 Priorities

Ruston-Point Defiance Business District President Beth Torbet recently sat down to chat about what is on the horizon for our local businesses. First and foremost was her expression of thanks to the neighbors who support our local shops. Input and involvement from the community is also very important, so she encouraged folks to stop by Ruston Market or email her with ideas and suggestions (bethtorbet@gmail.com).

One major visible accomplishment last year was the completion of the design and installation of historical plaques on a few buildings. Designed by local sculptor Paul Michaels, the plaques describe the buildings first use and offer a hint to our history. Watch for more plaques around the district soon.

One priority for the near future are improvements to our gateway entrance on Pearl Street. Ruston leaders have been discussing new street lighting for a few years and the district is leading the way trying to coordinate discussion with Tacoma. The project is complex and costly, so no firm decisions have been made yet. Torbet hopes that all parties can keep the area a priority and improvements start soon.

Stop in a local shop soon and show your support!

Preliminary Pearl Street Light Design

Time Flies

January 16, 1993

It's been 20 years already. Two decades ago today, we had 100,000 people gather in Ruston to watch the Asarco Tacoma smelter stack fall. We made national news. Some of of us wept for the end of an era, far more cheered the change. The landscape dramatically changed that day and has been changing ever since.

Join us today as we gather to reminiscence, raffle off a few bricks from the old landmark and celebrate 20 years of change in Ruston - 3-7pm at the VFW Hall, 4741 N. Baltimore.

Father of Dune

Erik Hanberg, who contributes to the Post Defiance blog, has written a great piece about Frank Herbert. Herbert was a well-known science fiction author who grew up in and loved Tacoma. It turns out our very own Ruston smelter and the fears that pollution like it would wipe out the earth helped inspire Herbert's work. You can read more at Post Defiance here...

Council Meeting Tomorrow

There are a few changes under consideration by the council tomorrow night. On tap is an update from Ecology about their soil clean up plan, prohibiting heavy trucks on Winnifred, 49th and 54th Streets and changes to the comprehensive plan to make way for development on the lot behind the old Coles Tavern on 51st. The full agenda and information is available on the town web page here. The fun begins at 7pm tomorrow night at 5219 N. Shirley...

Shoreline Plan Commenting Open

In case you missed the opportunity to comment with our local planning commission, you have another chance. The Department of Ecology is asking for comments on Ruston's new Shoreline Master Plan for our 200 feet of waterfront. You can get more details and comment on Ecology's web page here...

Lone Sentinel

As regular readers of this blog know, on rare occasions I share some personal thoughts on things that interest me. This time it was catching a glimpse of this shed at Point Ruston. It is the last remnant of Asarco (above ground at least). It's newer construction from the 1990's, used to house monitoring equipment for an old storm water outfall - soon to be demolished. As you may also know, I worked for Asarco here in Tacoma until 2010, spending more than one blustery day standing here fighting the cold and the birds who used those eaves for shelter.

I guess as we get older, we find more and more places exist only in our memory. We can close our eyes and picture our childhood home or first schoolroom, even if there is no brick and mortar left to touch. The memory can be almost as real as the physical place.

Not that an old shed or even an old smelter are worth remembering for many. I understand the value of moving on, of building a bright new future. It is a good and beautiful thing that is rising from the ruins of this vast industrial complex. But the people who worked that industry matter. They built a town, they supplied metal that society demanded and they were proud to do so.

It's been two decades since the smelter stack took its final bow. My granddaughter has no idea what our skyline looked like when that massive chimney dominated our view. So many now have no idea that a smelter ever existed on that beautiful waterfront. There were some at the time who wanted to save the stack. We even had a mayor back then who suggested painting it like a finger pointing at Seattle, or putting restaurant on top...

It's good we have moved on. But it's also important to pause and glance back at what brought us to today. This lone sentinel was that pause for me this week - a window to a past I value and people I miss.

Karen