Our new police chief has her first major challenge. A woman's body was found along the rail road tracks last night. The Tribune as a short story here.
UPDATE, SATURDAY: The Tribune is reporting that the woman has not been identified yet.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Trouble For Point Ruston
The News Tribune is reporting that Point Ruston and Tacoma are being sued by a group of mostly local labor activists. They claim problems in the permits issued by Tacoma, but the move comes after Cohen refused to sign a 99-year agreement promising "living wages" and "affordable housing" with Jobs For Justice.
"Closed Sunday ~ Church Parking"
"Closed Sunday ~ Church Parking" So reads the electronic casino sign. Given the history between the two neighbors, one might wonder if this signals a new chapter in the battle.
Not so! Because business has been slow on Sundays, the casino will be closed. Church members from the Chinese Christian Church next door are welcome to use the casino parking lot during Sunday services.
The casino will likely reopen Sundays around the Taste of Tacoma, but for now they are being downright neighborly.
Not so! Because business has been slow on Sundays, the casino will be closed. Church members from the Chinese Christian Church next door are welcome to use the casino parking lot during Sunday services.
The casino will likely reopen Sundays around the Taste of Tacoma, but for now they are being downright neighborly.
Phil Parker and Ruston
"It's a small world" doesn't begin to describe how life can sometimes have eerie similarities. Today, two pieces of Ruston's small world came together on my Google news alert ~ the Phil Parker blog entry on Ruston.
We had our own Phil Parker in Ruston. He served us well as a longtime council member and mayor. I still miss seeing his bushy beard parked on the soda fountain window seat at Don's Market. He had a wonderful quiet sense of humor and calm sensible leadership that I miss. He was an important influence both on my life personally and on Ruston until life overwhelmed him.
There is also a train engine bearing the name Ruston. The Phil Parker on my news alert has a blog entry that discussed building a "bonnet" to shelter such a engine.
A gentle reminder that life is fragile, that community matters and that we should tell each other often that we care. That's the "bonnet", the legacy of our Phil Parker.
Karen
We had our own Phil Parker in Ruston. He served us well as a longtime council member and mayor. I still miss seeing his bushy beard parked on the soda fountain window seat at Don's Market. He had a wonderful quiet sense of humor and calm sensible leadership that I miss. He was an important influence both on my life personally and on Ruston until life overwhelmed him.
There is also a train engine bearing the name Ruston. The Phil Parker on my news alert has a blog entry that discussed building a "bonnet" to shelter such a engine.
A gentle reminder that life is fragile, that community matters and that we should tell each other often that we care. That's the "bonnet", the legacy of our Phil Parker.
Karen
In The News
John Larson, reporter for the Tacoma Weekly, was at the last Ruston council meeting. He has this report on the decision to leave the town without planning services.
The Tribune had a brief follow up to the gambling tax increase on Tuesday as well.
The Tribune had a brief follow up to the gambling tax increase on Tuesday as well.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Festival Fun
As many of you know, Ginger Kryger is a longtime Ruston resident who is very talented in both pottery art and gardening, among other things. Ginger and her friend Karen are bringing a raku artist to the music fest this year (Saturday, September 6th). Here is some background on the art and plans for our celebration to wet your appetite!
American raku is not like the original Japanese raku or regular glaze-fired ceramics. In American raku, the bisque-fired pieces are decorated with particular types of glazes and quickly fired to 2000 degrees or so. Once the glaze is properly melted, the pieces are removed from the kiln immediately—while they are still hot! The pots are placed in cans with straw, leaves or newspaper. Once this flammable material ignites, lids are clamped down. There is flame and smoke and then the hardest part—waiting. The end result is vibrant and smokey metallic-flashed blues, greens, copper or crackled glazes. These pieces are not for food use or to hold flowers. Each one is a work of art.
The F.I.N.E. Mudhens have contracted with Clay Art Center to do a raku firing for the Music Festival. There will be two men with two kilns and all the supplies necessary to decorate and fire pots. We will have small (ish) bisque-fired ceramic pieces available for the public to purchase and decorate for about $10. The raku artists from Clay Art will do the actual firing of decorated pieces. The public can stay and watch the process or return in 45 minutes or so to retrieve their decorated pieces. I believe the raku firers will be available for about 6 hours. It is really hot and tiring work.
Sounds wonderful! Hope you'll join us!
Karen
American raku is not like the original Japanese raku or regular glaze-fired ceramics. In American raku, the bisque-fired pieces are decorated with particular types of glazes and quickly fired to 2000 degrees or so. Once the glaze is properly melted, the pieces are removed from the kiln immediately—while they are still hot! The pots are placed in cans with straw, leaves or newspaper. Once this flammable material ignites, lids are clamped down. There is flame and smoke and then the hardest part—waiting. The end result is vibrant and smokey metallic-flashed blues, greens, copper or crackled glazes. These pieces are not for food use or to hold flowers. Each one is a work of art.
The F.I.N.E. Mudhens have contracted with Clay Art Center to do a raku firing for the Music Festival. There will be two men with two kilns and all the supplies necessary to decorate and fire pots. We will have small (ish) bisque-fired ceramic pieces available for the public to purchase and decorate for about $10. The raku artists from Clay Art will do the actual firing of decorated pieces. The public can stay and watch the process or return in 45 minutes or so to retrieve their decorated pieces. I believe the raku firers will be available for about 6 hours. It is really hot and tiring work.
Sounds wonderful! Hope you'll join us!
Karen
Perspective
It's always good to have another perspective on issues, another set of eyes to help balance us, especially as a small town. Jason Hagey, News Tribune reporter, had read the Marcott study of Ruston's financial situation. He has a short report on their political blog.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Council Meeting: May 5, 2008
These are some of my notes from this meeting. There was more discussion than I could capture here, so please attend the meetings or order a recording yourself from Town Hall. Thanks for staying informed and involved! ~ Karen
The meeting began at about 7 pm. I was in the hallway waiting to sign up to speak on agenda items until 7:10 pm (per new council rules). It appeared that the ordinance increasing the gambling tax was postponed until the May 27th study session.
The electrical consultant hired by Ruston to oversee both The Commencement and Point Ruston developments was on hand to explain why he decided to have the underground lines installed as they were at the school alley on 53rd Street.
There was discussion (as outlined in the notes from Huitt-Zollars) about the discrepancy in Ruston’s codes for when council approval is required on permits. In the past, street obstruction permits were handled administratively, but the council interpreted the code to require their approval. Council Member Albertson proposed a cease and desist order for the Commencement under this interpretation, but the town attorney notified him that permits could not be changed after they had been issued. The mayor confirmed that any emergency sewer repair that required a street cut would then need council approval. The motion passed 5-0.
The council was informed that they must take action to implement the schedule and work outlined in the state grant at tonight’s meeting or the grant would be rescinded. The mayor felt there was too much work involved in tracking which work was reimbursable and recommended giving the money back. The council moved to terminate the contract with the state, which passed 4-1. Hedrick voted against, noting he did not believe we should leave money on the table.
The outstanding bills from Huitt-Zollars were approved without any more explanation beyond the notes provided. Council Member Huson then moved to terminate Huitt-Zollars services as soon as possible. Alberston berated what he called the mayor’s interference with the council’s attempts to negotiate with Tacoma’s planning department for services.
Hedrick stated he thought this was a vendetta by the council against Huitt-Zollars (as evidenced with Albertson calling them the ‘Freddy Kruger of Ruston’ at the last meeting). He felt the town should have other planning services secured before terminating this contract. The mayor pointed out that any building permit needing planning services would be put on hold (i.e. current projects underway) or not issued (for new permit applications). Albertson said current developers he had spoken with would prefer to wait for a new planner. The mayor cautioned that based on his conversations with the Tacoma city manager, it would be at least 45 days until Tacoma’s services could be secured. The motion passed 4-1.
Point Ruston noted that they have received the foundation permit for the development on the Tacoma side. The dirt movement at the south end of the site was to prepare the basement for this building. They are working on the shoreline permit process (I think Ruston has a different consultant for this permit than Huitt-Zollars).
The town attorney asked if the resolution supporting a change to a council-manger form of government was having its first reading tonight (per the new council rules). The timing of the election for this measure was discussed and the council wanted it passed at this meeting so it could be placed on the August 12th primary ballot. It was pointed out that more residents would likely be voting in the November primary election, but the motion passed 5-0.
Resolutions 416 and 417 passed with little discussion (supporting Point Ruston and the agreement outlining the process for negotiating the developers agreement).
Instead of the ordinance on gambling taxes, Albertson unexpectedly passed out a new resolution authorizing the council to negotiate with Tacoma for planning services. The mayor expressed disappointment that this resolution did not reflect the good faith agreement he thought he had reached with the council on how to proceed. Council Member Hunt said this was only an attempt to follow the instructions of Tacoma Council Member Manthou. She tried to change the wording so that the mayor would also be authorized to negotiate on this issue. Her request was denied.
Hedrick noted he was only supporting this because the town now had no planning services. The mayor felt that services with Tacoma should be set up on a direct hourly rate rather than a fee schedule. Tacoma’s fee schedule uses an average cost (some actual costs are below, some are above the average), which might not be a fair way to pay for Ruston’s services. Council members, in their talks with Tacoma’s planning department, had not explored this approach yet. The resolution passed 5-0.
Sally Everding (wife of former council member Bob Everding and editor of the Ruston Connection web page) was authorized to correct scrivener’s errors as she codifies Ruston’s codes.
Appointments of the council liaison (as required in the new council rules) were postponed until the May 12th study session. The tree committee issue was also postponed.
There were a few public comments. The mayor briefly discussed the problem with the sewer pump station at the credit union. He will have the town attorney look into the issue.
The meeting adjourned a little after 10 pm with no council time.
Here is the surprise resolution:
The meeting began at about 7 pm. I was in the hallway waiting to sign up to speak on agenda items until 7:10 pm (per new council rules). It appeared that the ordinance increasing the gambling tax was postponed until the May 27th study session.
The electrical consultant hired by Ruston to oversee both The Commencement and Point Ruston developments was on hand to explain why he decided to have the underground lines installed as they were at the school alley on 53rd Street.
There was discussion (as outlined in the notes from Huitt-Zollars) about the discrepancy in Ruston’s codes for when council approval is required on permits. In the past, street obstruction permits were handled administratively, but the council interpreted the code to require their approval. Council Member Albertson proposed a cease and desist order for the Commencement under this interpretation, but the town attorney notified him that permits could not be changed after they had been issued. The mayor confirmed that any emergency sewer repair that required a street cut would then need council approval. The motion passed 5-0.
The council was informed that they must take action to implement the schedule and work outlined in the state grant at tonight’s meeting or the grant would be rescinded. The mayor felt there was too much work involved in tracking which work was reimbursable and recommended giving the money back. The council moved to terminate the contract with the state, which passed 4-1. Hedrick voted against, noting he did not believe we should leave money on the table.
The outstanding bills from Huitt-Zollars were approved without any more explanation beyond the notes provided. Council Member Huson then moved to terminate Huitt-Zollars services as soon as possible. Alberston berated what he called the mayor’s interference with the council’s attempts to negotiate with Tacoma’s planning department for services.
Hedrick stated he thought this was a vendetta by the council against Huitt-Zollars (as evidenced with Albertson calling them the ‘Freddy Kruger of Ruston’ at the last meeting). He felt the town should have other planning services secured before terminating this contract. The mayor pointed out that any building permit needing planning services would be put on hold (i.e. current projects underway) or not issued (for new permit applications). Albertson said current developers he had spoken with would prefer to wait for a new planner. The mayor cautioned that based on his conversations with the Tacoma city manager, it would be at least 45 days until Tacoma’s services could be secured. The motion passed 4-1.
Point Ruston noted that they have received the foundation permit for the development on the Tacoma side. The dirt movement at the south end of the site was to prepare the basement for this building. They are working on the shoreline permit process (I think Ruston has a different consultant for this permit than Huitt-Zollars).
The town attorney asked if the resolution supporting a change to a council-manger form of government was having its first reading tonight (per the new council rules). The timing of the election for this measure was discussed and the council wanted it passed at this meeting so it could be placed on the August 12th primary ballot. It was pointed out that more residents would likely be voting in the November primary election, but the motion passed 5-0.
Resolutions 416 and 417 passed with little discussion (supporting Point Ruston and the agreement outlining the process for negotiating the developers agreement).
Instead of the ordinance on gambling taxes, Albertson unexpectedly passed out a new resolution authorizing the council to negotiate with Tacoma for planning services. The mayor expressed disappointment that this resolution did not reflect the good faith agreement he thought he had reached with the council on how to proceed. Council Member Hunt said this was only an attempt to follow the instructions of Tacoma Council Member Manthou. She tried to change the wording so that the mayor would also be authorized to negotiate on this issue. Her request was denied.
Hedrick noted he was only supporting this because the town now had no planning services. The mayor felt that services with Tacoma should be set up on a direct hourly rate rather than a fee schedule. Tacoma’s fee schedule uses an average cost (some actual costs are below, some are above the average), which might not be a fair way to pay for Ruston’s services. Council members, in their talks with Tacoma’s planning department, had not explored this approach yet. The resolution passed 5-0.
Sally Everding (wife of former council member Bob Everding and editor of the Ruston Connection web page) was authorized to correct scrivener’s errors as she codifies Ruston’s codes.
Appointments of the council liaison (as required in the new council rules) were postponed until the May 12th study session. The tree committee issue was also postponed.
There were a few public comments. The mayor briefly discussed the problem with the sewer pump station at the credit union. He will have the town attorney look into the issue.
The meeting adjourned a little after 10 pm with no council time.
Here is the surprise resolution:
Frame It! (Opinion)
Today's editorial in the News Tribune about Ruston ought to framed and hung over the mantle of every house in town, or at least in home of our leaders.
"But overcoming Ruston’s challenges will require town officials to develop a comprehensive financial strategy."
This type of planning has been advocated for years by many in town. Even beyond the financial plan, we need a full strategic plan that outlines who we want to become and steps to achieve those goals.
Creating yet another plan seems tedious. But in order to create this one, we would have to actually come together and talk. We would have to think beyond our petty differences. We'd have to let go of the bitterness and try to listen. At least that would be the ideal way to create such a plan, with everyone participating. The plan could be developed by a hand-selected group that only listens to itself ~ as is the norm around here for the last few years. But there is no hope of success with such a closed-minded vision.
My MBA culminating project in 2005 focused on just this issue (here and here). The three main recommendations for dealing with the upheaval and change underway in Ruston were 1) develop a vision, 2) communicate that vision and 3) ensure organizational fit (set up systems to deal with conflict, address issues around the shift in our internal culture for example). It breaks my heart to see the destruction we faced years ago multiplied now.
"Ruston has a fighting chance, if only it would stop fighting with itself."
The in-fighting is killing us. But everyone has to stop fighting for this to be effective. The problem is that every compromise that is offered to this council is plummeted into the ground, every "unapproved" voice is publicly berated, every enemy is ridiculed or killed. That's no way to 'advocate' for our community.
Our best hope is that Council Members Stebner, Huson, Albertson and Hunt will heed these wise words from the Tribune's editorial board. Maybe a framed copy for each of them isn't a bad idea.
Karen
"But overcoming Ruston’s challenges will require town officials to develop a comprehensive financial strategy."
This type of planning has been advocated for years by many in town. Even beyond the financial plan, we need a full strategic plan that outlines who we want to become and steps to achieve those goals.
Creating yet another plan seems tedious. But in order to create this one, we would have to actually come together and talk. We would have to think beyond our petty differences. We'd have to let go of the bitterness and try to listen. At least that would be the ideal way to create such a plan, with everyone participating. The plan could be developed by a hand-selected group that only listens to itself ~ as is the norm around here for the last few years. But there is no hope of success with such a closed-minded vision.
My MBA culminating project in 2005 focused on just this issue (here and here). The three main recommendations for dealing with the upheaval and change underway in Ruston were 1) develop a vision, 2) communicate that vision and 3) ensure organizational fit (set up systems to deal with conflict, address issues around the shift in our internal culture for example). It breaks my heart to see the destruction we faced years ago multiplied now.
"Ruston has a fighting chance, if only it would stop fighting with itself."
The in-fighting is killing us. But everyone has to stop fighting for this to be effective. The problem is that every compromise that is offered to this council is plummeted into the ground, every "unapproved" voice is publicly berated, every enemy is ridiculed or killed. That's no way to 'advocate' for our community.
Our best hope is that Council Members Stebner, Huson, Albertson and Hunt will heed these wise words from the Tribune's editorial board. Maybe a framed copy for each of them isn't a bad idea.
Karen
Council Meeting: May 5, 2008
Just a few highlights for tonight. I’ll fill in more when I have time:
- The council passed a resolution that requires all obstruction permits (those that require a curb or street cut) to now be approved by the council. Town code had been interpreted in the past that this would be an administrative function of the mayor, but this council disagrees with that interpretation. Any sewer problem or other issue that requires a cut into a Ruston street must now wait for council approval at the next regular council meeting.
- All services with the town planner are terminated, effective May 15th (10 day written notice is required). All building permits that require review by a planner are now on hold until further notice.
- Ordinance 418 was passed out to the mayor and council just as discussion opened on the issue. After complaints from the audience, a few copies were passed out to us. It authorizes the council to negotiate with Tacoma for planning services. The mayor said Tacoma’s city manger estimates it will take at least 45 days to have an inter-local agreement in place.
- The Town is walking away from the $75,000 state grant from Community and Economic Development (CTED). Ruston will have to pay for any services that have been provided.
- The council wants to change the form of government. Their resolution passed on its first reading. It was decided not to have a second reading so it could be put out for a vote in the primary election in August rather than wait until the general election in November (when Ruston will have other issues to vote on).
- The gambling tax increase was moved to the study session on May 27th for council discussion (where no public comment is allowed).
- The new council rules took effect at this meeting. The audience was required to sign up to testify before the meeting on each of the 13 business items on the agenda, with a separate page for each item. They had to declare if they were pro, con or other on each item when they signed up before the meeting. One audience members assessment, "It sucks." Another suggested having the sign in sheets available a few days in advance to help with the line at the sign in book before the meeting.
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