Council Meeting Tonight

Meeting tonight at 7pm, 5219 N. Shirley. The link to minutes from recent meetings are listed below tonight's agenda if you want to catch up:

August 19, 2014 Council Meeting
August 5, 2014 Council Meeting
July 15, 2014 Council Meeting
July 1, 2014 Council Meeting

Sewer Rate Increase Hearing Tonight

The council will hold a public hearing tonight during its regular meeting at 7pm about another sewer rate increase. Background information available here...

Another Sewer Rate Increase

Ruston officials will consider passing along a sewer rate increase to its customers that hit from Tacoma on January 1st. First reading of the proposal is scheduled for the council meeting tonight. This increase comes on the heels of a major increase for rate payers last year as the sewer replacement loan repayment began.

Council Meeting Tonight

The meeting tonight will be at the Joyce Community Center (5219 N. Shirley Street) at 7pm. The agenda is below as well as minutes from the last two meetings, just in case you were curious what has been going on - including a special morning meeting right before Christmas. Just click on the image to enlarge. The background material for tonight's meeting is available here...

Council Meeting Tonight

 More regulations on tap for our elected leaders to approve, naming the judge and communication round out the year for Ruston. The minutes from the previous meeting are below, complete with a call to increase the mayor's salary, hire a city manager and pounding sand. All the information for tonight's meeting are available here...

Catch Up

In case you have been wondering what our elected officials have been doing, here are the meeting minutes from the last few council meetings:

 

Council Meeting Minutes: July-October, 2013

As time allows, I will post the links to the minutes of the previous council meetings - just in case you want to follow the latest political rumblings. I'll be posting these in reverse chronological order. Happy reading!

• October 1, 2013
• September 17, 2013
• September 3, 2013
• August 20, 2013
• August 6, 2013
• July 17, 2013
• July 2, 2013

Council Meeting Notes: Feb. 5, 2013

These are notes from the meeting two weeks ago - catching up!
________

The meeting began at 7pm with Councilmember Kristovich arriving late. The agenda was approved with no changes. There were no staff reports.

Public Comments

None

Business

1. Ordinance 1382 - Zoning Code Amendment (2^nd Reading): The mayor began by asking the council to disclose any appearance of fairness contacts on this ordinance. Councilmembers Hedrick, Hunt and Hardin all mentioned an email they had received from a resident. There was no public challenge. Town planner Rob White outlined the process and mentioned that no one testified for or against this change at the planning commission hearing. Hedrick felt that a holistic approach would be a good idea, to eventually bring the commercial zoning down all of 51^st Street to Point Ruston. He suggested that the planning commission look at the issue. He hoped it would bring more traffic to the business district. Mayor Hopkins said the planning commission would begin updating the Comprehensive Plan at their next meeting. An updated plan should help in the search for grants. Hunt also wanted the zoning extended down 51^st Street with the height limit granted at the Coles Tavern. Hardin confirmed the new height limit was 45’ and 3 stories tall. He asked if there was any concern about shadows created on the northern lot since that language was not carried forward from the first ordinance to this one. White noted that the northern lot had the same owner, but he recommended adding the shadow language to include N. 51^st Street. The ordinance was amended and approved.

2. Ordinance 1392 - Nuisance Vegetation (2^nd Reading): Hunt said again she wanted a warning put in the newsletter. Hardin asked why alleys were not included, wondering if they are considered part of streets. Both White and the town engineer were not sure. The issue was deferred until the attorney could comment.

3. Ordinance 1394 – Weight Limits For Streets (2^nd Reading): Hardin amended the ordinance to name the two new streets that are being added in to the ‘where-as’ section and to the title. The ordinance was approved 5-0.

4. Resolution 538 - Environmental Consultant Agreement: White described the need for more expertize on Superfund land use applications. Hedrick confirmed that all the cost for this service will be passed to developer. The $100,000 listed in the agreement was a not-to-exceed amount, not expected costs. Hardin wanted to know if this expense did have to be paid by the town which fund would pay. Hopkins confirmed the general fund, which would have significant impacts. White said the consultant said that EPA pays their (the consultant) bills from an escrow account that Point Ruston sets up with EPA. Ruston would send their invoice to EPA. White needs to confirm that process with EPA. Hunt confirmed that this contractor had not worked for Point Ruston before, so there was no conflict of interest. Passed 5-0.

5. Resolution 539 – Appoint Joe Waters to Planning Commission: Passed 5-0.

6. Resolution 540 – Appoint Tony Camoroda to Planning Commission: This is for an unexpired term (June, 2013) + a new 6 year term. Passed 5-0.

7. Resolution 542 –Adoption of a Police Salary Scale: Hedrick confirmed these were the same figures that were approved in the 2013 budget. Passed 5-0.

8. Resolution 543 – Fire Communications Services with Tacoma: Hunt asked if the new system would save money. Assistant Fire Chief Bruce Allen said it was the same budget amount but a better communication system that would avoid mix ups where Tacoma Fire has been mistakenly dispatched to Ruston. Hardin noted that the agreement included 3.5% increase each year. He thanked Chief Torbet and commended the department for pursuing a safer system for the city. Passed 5-0.

Claims & Payroll 

Passed 5-0 with no discussion.

Mayor’s Time

Hopkins thanked Kevin Moser for volunteering on the electrical undergrounding project. He noted the water line project should start soon and Baltimore Street could then open.

Council Time

Hedrick confirmed the new garbage system was up and running. Hopkins has the staff researching adaptation of old truck to use if new truck goes down. Hedrick also noted the death of his neighbor Manuel Ruiz, probably the longest living Rustonian on Commercial Street. Ruiz was a fine man and a Vietnam vet who raised 3 boys in town.

Hunt also thanked Moser and noted that it was going to be very nice along Commercial Street. She wanted to be sure more electrical line undergrounding is carried forward in the budget. The mayor said that Moser and the town electrician were working on a plan to do just that.

Hardin offered congratulations to the new plan commissioners.

Kristovich had no comment.

Judd had no comment.

The meeting adjourned at 7:39pm.

Baltimore Street To Open By June

The Ruston council approved a specific schedule requiring Point Ruston to complete improvements of Baltimore Street at their special council meeting on January 29, 2013. The construction will be coordinated with a Tacoma Water project on the same road and opened by June. Notes from the meeting are below:
_____________________________________
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Bruce Hopkins at 7pm. All elected officials were present. The agenda was approved with no changes. There were no public comments.

Business

1. Resolution 541 – Update of Stack Hill Plat Conditions: Ruston planner Rob White outlined the proposed action, which is being done at the request of the developer. The required improvements to Baltimore Street under the Stack Hill plat had not been completed on time. Point Ruston proposed to coordinate the road construction with a Tacoma water line project on the same street. The proposal creates phases; 1) street, curb and gutter on the east side of the centerline would be completed with the water project by June, 2) by end of year Point Ruston would complete the remainder of the project (lighting, landscaping). Councilmember Hedrick asked if developer had agreed to this schedule. He had discussed the same issue with them two weeks ago and it sounded like the same schedule he heard from them. He confirmed that the premium had been paid on the bond and that the bond would remain in place through whole project. Town engineer Jerry Morrissette confirmed that the bond amount was sufficient to cover construction costs if the developer went into default.  Councilmember Judd had Councilmember Kristovich confirm what improvements would be done when. Councilmember Hardin confirmed where those details are outlined and enforceable.

Hardin was concerned what would happen if the Tacoma water project was delayed. The attorney said the schedule for Point Ruston does not rely on the water project; if this schedule is not met, Ruston will go after bond to complete the work.  Councilmember Hunt wanted all the construction items listed out in the resolution. White noted the details are laid out in the plans attached to the plat approval. The attorney outlined changes since the draft was published; mostly corrections to the agenda bill (49^th Street for 29^th, 15% should be 150% mark up, some changes to the wording on page 4, completion by 12/31/13). Hopkins asked Morrissette what the road would look like if Tacoma was delayed on their work on the western side of the street - the Tacoma method was to grind out the top 2” and then overlay with new asphalt. Hopkins confirmed the structural integrity of both sides would be ok. White noted that Ruston could require a temporary patch if needed. Hunt confirmed that Baltimore Street should be open by June.

Hedrick announced he would vote in favor of the resolution. The schedule was consistent with what he was told by the developer in his two meetings with Point Ruston. Hardin asked if there were any reasons why Ruston would not be allowing building permits on Stack Hill (was anything dependent on this road work). The two issues were not related. He also announced he would vote in favor of the resolution. He didn’t care what the News Tribune thought; the important thing was that Ruston had a good relationship with the developer. The town had not pressured the developer or taken the bond when they missed their deadline for the Baltimore Street work. He hoped the council would not be vilified in future for that. The resolution was approved 5-0.

Mayor’s Time

Nothing

Council Time

Nothing from anyone.

The meeting adjourned at 7:36pm.

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.

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...

Council Meeting Notes: Jan. 2, 2013

Mayor Hopkins called the meeting to order at 7:05pm. Councilmember Hedrick was excused and Councilmember Kristovich was absent (arriving late). Councilmember Hunt asked if they should add something to the agenda from an email the attorney had sent. After discussion, Item 3 was added to discuss liaisons to the council.

Staff Reports

Engineering: Jerry Morrissette updated progress on the sewer project. The contractor will still be required to repave three alleys in the spring when the weather gets better, but they are protesting. It is time to close out the loan so the city can lock in the interest rate, but keep contract open and use sewer funds for any remaining work. There are still punch list items to complete. The contractor is going through the bond process for any remaining work so the city can declare substantial completion to close out the loan. Hopkins noted that the staff working on other major road projects (Ruston Way, Yacht Club Road, Baltimore Street) and doing great job staying ahead of curve.

Public Comment

None

Business

1. Resolution 531 – Authorizing Contract Award to Fence Specialist: The mayor explained this action is part of the work to move overhead utilities underground along Commercial Street. Hunt questioned language in resolution that states there is an Exhibit A. Exhibit A is supposed to be the scope of work, but it is part of the contract. The resolution was changed to delete the reference to an exhibit. Councilmember Hardin confirmed that work starts Jan. 8^th and there is funding in the 2013 budget. Hardin shared that Hedrick felt that this vote would be a conflict of interest for him since this improvement impacts his property. The mayor said the attorney did not agree – with such a small community many improvements could impact individual council members too often to reasonably recuse themselves for that reason. Passed 4-0.

2. Resolution 532 – Authorizing Contract Award to Tercom Construction, Inc.: Hunt had the same issue with no Exhibit A, so the resolution was changed to remove the reference. Hunt confirmed where the lights will be located; she was concerned about darkness at night by her house. There are no plans for any additional lights right now. Passed 4-0.

3. Discussion – Councilmembers As Liaisons: After discussion, these assignments were agreed to - Hedrick:  budget, Hunt: infrastructure, Hardin: public safety/courts, Kristovich: parks/public works, Judd: land use/development. Motion passed 4-0.

Claims & Payroll passed 4-0 with no discussion.

Mayor’s Time

Hopkins asked Kristovich to work with him with the idea of a system that uses radio to reads electrical meters. The idea is being researched now. The change would allow meters to be read from the street without fighting dogs, or entering private property. Kristovich asked if Tacoma does this. The mayor said no, they are looking at more expensive system. Hardin asked if there are any concerns that the system could be hacked. Hopkins had not heard of any, but will check. He also noted two new building applications for houses at Stack Hill.

Council Time

Hunt wanted to know if the lights on the bridge be changed to new style fixtures or at least paint them to match. Mayor Hopkins will check on the costs.

Hardin, no comments.

Kristiovich, no comments.

Judd, no comments.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40pm.

Council Meeting Notes: Dec. 18, 2012

The meeting began at 7:02pm with all elected officials present. After roll call and the flag salute, the agenda was approved with no changes. There were no minutes presented to discuss.

Staff Reports

Police: Chief Kunkel said the Christmas tree lighting and visit with Santa (that included issuing id’s for kids) all went very well. The toy and food drive were successful with lots of donations. February 23^rd, Kunkel is chairing the Special Olympics fundraiser “Polar Bear Plunge” at Point Defiance. He will be getting wet and invited the mayor and council to join him. The chief then outlined last month’s calls and noted that the department has received their new decibel reader so they can better enforce Ruston’s noise ordinances.

Fire: Chief Torbet echoed the good news on the holiday celebrations and thanked the community for their support. He said the CPR training will start again in January. Torbet had met with Tacoma dispatch today in hopes of reaching an agreement for emergency dispatch services. South Sound 911 (on the agenda) is only for police dispatch at this time. The Tacoma system has superior voice quality and better radio coverage in our area.

The department did their first patient transport today. There were 8 medical aid and 2 fire calls last month. The department is on track to have more calls this year than 2011. They are taking applications for two vacant positions right now. Councilmember Hardin asked about the dispatch equipment needed for Tacoma. The costs should be about the same and within budget. Councilmember Hunt confirmed 25 radios are needed for the department.

Public Comment

None

Business 

1. Ordinance 1375-Adult Entertainment Facilities – New Chapter 25.05 (2^nd Reading): No discussion, passed 5-0.

2. Ordinance 1385- Amend Chapter 25.01 to add definitions related to Adult Entertainment Facilities to Zoning Code – (2^nd Reading): No discussion, passed 5-0.

3. Ordinance 1383-Licensing and Operation of Adult Entertainment Facilities – New Chapter 5.11 (2^nd Reading): No discussion, passed 5-0.

4. Ordinance 1384-Amend RMC 5.05.010 to make consistent with new chapter 5.11 RMC and to delete fees from Chapter 5.05 RMC (2^nd Reading): No discussion, passed 5-0.

5. Ordinance 1389-Amending 18.05.010 (electrical meters) to remove fees (2^nd Reading): Hardin thanked the attorney for these changes, passed 5-0.

6. Ordinance 1390 – Budget Adoption (2^nd Reading): Hunt thanked the mayor for all his hard work on the budget. Hardin apologized to Chief Kunkel for saying his budget was 25% over last year. It was the accounting that was misunderstood, not a problem with how the chief budgeted. The mayor reviewed the budget again (see notes from last meeting for details). After a lengthy discussion about extending medical benefits to police officer spouses, it was decided the mayor would do more research. The council will hold a special meeting on Thursday, December 27th to adopt the budget. The final budget is dependent on the costs for the medical coverage.

7. Resolution 529 – Master Fee Resolution: Passed 5-0.

8. Resolution 530 – South Sound 911 (SS911) Agreement: Hedrick wanted a written response from the SS911 board to the changes requested by the Ruston attorney. It is unlikely they will be granted since so many other municipalities have signed the agreement as presented. Hunt felt Ruston has a good attorney and thought the town should contact the other cities to see if they wanted the same changes. The motion was made to request the mayor to get the agreement changed, passed 5-0.

Claims & Payroll

The cost for the 2012 audit was not in the budget. Another audit is expected in 2013 because of the HUD loan for the sewer project.

Mayor’s Time

The conversion to the new garbage collection system is going well.

Council Time

Hedrick: KING 5 called him about a story. He doesn’t have anything against the adult entertainment industry and understands the constitutional issues, but doesn’t think it’s right that a small, neighborhood city like Ruston should have to allow it. He wished everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and was pleased with the new garbage collection system.

Hunt described her hot water  tank failing recently and felt it was because of dust from Point Ruston.

Hardin said new state representative Jake Fey offered to champion funding for capital improvement projects in Ruston. The mayor pointed out the Pearl Street lighting and other street improvements that have been talked about. Hedrick felt it was difficult to get street projects funded. Hardin noted that projects have to be engineered before the state would consider funding them. Mayor Hopkins informed the council that the cost to underground utilities to Rust Park would be coming before them soon.

Kristovich had no comment.

Judd had no comment.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.