Ruston's utility clerk is moving on to a new job next week. You can stop by at noon today (Thursday) to say goodbye. She has given much of herself in service to this town, so please be sure to give her a hug and wish her success in her new endeavors.
Thank you Jennie, for your outstanding care and professionalism. We will miss you!
Karen
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Ruston Names New Mayor
With no deliberation and only two brief comments, former Council Member Bob Everding was appointed mayor to fulfill Transue's unexpired term until the end of 2009. Everding resigned his council seat in January citing complaints about the former mayor.
Here is a more complete rundown of the meeting:
The clerk called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Council Member Hedrick was appointed mayor pro-tem to run the meeting until the new mayor was appointed, looking a bit surprised. The agenda was approved after removing the legal services contract and adding a rebuttal letter from Council Member Huson and having the scheduled executive session include potential litigation, personnel matters and real estate issues.
Huson read his rebuttal to former Mayor Transue's resignation letter. Huson promised to email a copy of the letter, which I will post. Portions of the sharply critical letter are quoted in the News Tribune article tonight.
Stebner made the motion to appoint Everding as mayor, who was attending the meeting tonight for the first time since resigning last January. Albertson and Hunt gave brief comments about why they supported the motion. Hedrick asked to allow public comment, but was told no by all council members. The motion to appoint Everding passed 5-0.
Huson then discussed his desire to hire a town administrator "now that we have a competent mayor." He would like the council to put out a request for proposals, to be formally acted upon at the next regular council meeting. Hedrick said he was perplexed way there had been an epiphany on the council now the previous mayor had proposed the same thing last fall.
The meeting recessed into executive session at about 7:15 pm and reconvened at about 8 pm. Huson made a motion immediately to adjourn the meeting. Hedrick interrupted him to ask again, since so many people had remained through the executive session, if the council would allow public comment (as they do at the end of regular meetings). He was again told no and the meeting was adjourned.
Here is a more complete rundown of the meeting:
The clerk called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Council Member Hedrick was appointed mayor pro-tem to run the meeting until the new mayor was appointed, looking a bit surprised. The agenda was approved after removing the legal services contract and adding a rebuttal letter from Council Member Huson and having the scheduled executive session include potential litigation, personnel matters and real estate issues.
Huson read his rebuttal to former Mayor Transue's resignation letter. Huson promised to email a copy of the letter, which I will post. Portions of the sharply critical letter are quoted in the News Tribune article tonight.
Stebner made the motion to appoint Everding as mayor, who was attending the meeting tonight for the first time since resigning last January. Albertson and Hunt gave brief comments about why they supported the motion. Hedrick asked to allow public comment, but was told no by all council members. The motion to appoint Everding passed 5-0.
Huson then discussed his desire to hire a town administrator "now that we have a competent mayor." He would like the council to put out a request for proposals, to be formally acted upon at the next regular council meeting. Hedrick said he was perplexed way there had been an epiphany on the council now the previous mayor had proposed the same thing last fall.
The meeting recessed into executive session at about 7:15 pm and reconvened at about 8 pm. Huson made a motion immediately to adjourn the meeting. Hedrick interrupted him to ask again, since so many people had remained through the executive session, if the council would allow public comment (as they do at the end of regular meetings). He was again told no and the meeting was adjourned.
Special Meeting Tonight
Just in case you haven't heard, the Ruston council is holding a special meeting tonight at 7 pm at 5219 N. Shirley Street, Room 100 to appoint an interim mayor and hire "legal counsel" for the town. According to the state Open Meetings Act, council members should hold all their deliberations and make their decision about the new mayor in the public meeting tonight - rather than via phone calls or emails with each other in private. This has not been their practice in the last 4 appointments over the last 6 months.
Please attend tonight and view your elected officials first hand tonight. It's an important meeting.
Please attend tonight and view your elected officials first hand tonight. It's an important meeting.
In The News
KUOW, 94.9 has aired an interview with now former Ruston Mayor Michael Transue. I haven't been able to listen yet (technical problems), but you can listen to by clicking here....
The News Tribune ran a full article about Transue's resignation in today's paper, too. Click here to read it.
The News Tribune ran a full article about Transue's resignation in today's paper, too. Click here to read it.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Council Meeting: June 2, 2008
It’s taken me awhile to recover from the shock of last night’s announcement by Mayor Transue. But there was other business accomplished at the meeting. Here is a rundown of what I found interesting. As always, I encourage you to attend and take in the full meeting yourselves. ~ Karen
The meeting began on time with Council Member Stebner arriving about 5 minutes late. After the flag salute, the agenda was amended to move the discussion about repealing the B&O tax to a study session and adding discussion of the utility clerk position and setting agendas for future study sessions. The meeting minutes were approved with minor changes.
1. LID Counsel: Blair Burroughs provided information on the LID process in general and answered questions about how such a process would work in Ruston. Because this will be an LID with only one property owner, some of the normal process would not apply. In general, there are three steps: 1) Formation: determine what the properties looks like, what improvements are planned, hold a hearing so all property owners can hear the pros and cons – then the council decides to proceed. 2) Confirmation Hearing: the amount of assessment for property owner is announced and owners can comment. There is a protest period allowed. The assessment is not allowed to exceed the value of the improvements. 3) Assessment: the assessment information is given to the county assessor. Owners can prepay or be assessed over time for their portion. Then the bonds are purchased and the improvements completed.
Tacoma has well trained staff in this area. The council can determine how much of the process they will hand over to Tacoma. Council Member Hunt asked what guarantees Ruston has if the developer goes bankrupt. Burroughs explained several options (I had to step out for a few minutes and didn’t get the details). There was discussion of an Environmental Impact Statement traffic mitigation requirement to have the developer pay for improvements on both sides of Baltimore Street all the way up to N. 46th Street. After further discussion, the council directed Mr. Burroughs to craft an agreement where Tacoma does as much of the process as possible but the agreement should have as much protection against default as possible.
2. Utility Locate Contract: Steve Taylor (town maintenance man) and the town electrical planner will give a recommendation on the issue to the council. There are two companies available for the town to use for this service.
3. Sound Inspections: After some discussion, it was clarified that the letter in the packet (from the current building inspector) is what the town is operating under to add planning services on an interim basis after the council fired the town planner. It was unclear if the letter would be added as an addendum to the current contract with the building inspector or if a new contract with the new rates would be needed. The new town attorney (or “legal services to the council” according to Council Member Albertson) would make that determination when they are hired.
4. Police Department: Chief Reese gave an update on several issues. The interlocal agreement for the small cities major incident response team was discussed. It will be explored in greater detail at a study session, after the former town attorney’s questions and the chief’s answers are given to the council. The chief is working on some hazard mitigation plans that will help qualify the town for different grants. She is working with the fire department on those issues. She is planning on a community newsletter and an open house sometime in August. The department has implemented a new program that has the officers walking for some of each shift. The chief wants feedback on how this new program is working for residents. The department will be purchasing a decibel meter and she will be working with Council Member Hedrick to improve the town’s noise ordinance as they start to implement it. The handout from the meeting is now added to the council information on Ruston Reports for this meeting.
5. Council Rules: The formal resolution required to change the council rules of procedure and remove public comment on issues prior to a vote passed 4 to 1 with Hedrick voting no.
6. Shoreline Master Plan: Ruston’s plan is not due until 2010, so it was tabled until it could be discussed at a study session.
7. Request for Proposals for paving behind Commercial Street: I had to step out and did not hear this discussion. If anyone can fill us in, please leave a comment.
8. Request for Proposals for undergrounding utilities in alley behind Court Street: passed 5-0, but I missed the discussion.
9. Credit Union Pump Station: After some discussion the council voted 5-0 to have the town take over the pump at the credit union until a permanent solution could be found, hopefully to connect a new sewer line for these homes into the Point Ruston development. Point Ruston noted that their lines will only run to the bottom of Baltimore Street, but they are willing to discuss alternatives.
10. Utility Clerk Position: The mayor informed the council that he has hired a replacement for the current clerk, who is leaving this Friday. They are interviewing for the part-time office assistant tomorrow. Hunt wants future applications to ask for details on applicants computer skills. Stebner does not want to ask for social security numbers on applications.
11. Study Session Agendas: This item should be on every agenda from now on. After some discussion, the agenda for next week (June 9th) will include a presentation from the town’s electrical planner, a presentation by Point Ruston on the status of Stack Hill (with the hope that the final plat can be approved in time to be added to the tax rolls in 2009) and a discussion of turning over all services to Tacoma on the Point Ruston property (to include police, fire and all utilities). The June 23rd study session will be focus on possible revenue sources such as Stebner’s proposed gambling tax increase and the potential impact of an incentive such as repealing the B&O tax. The June 30th study session will explore the police department’s interlocal agreement for major crimes assistance.
Public Comment: Mr. Knapp confirmed when the casino tax increase will be discussed. Ms. Maglione asked about the utility clerk leaving. Ms. Miller felt the council should have a process for issuing street obstruction permits in case of an emergency after Puget Sound Energy had to wait until the last council meeting for a permit to repair a potentially dangerous problem. I asked the council to allow public input at the next study session on important decisions like giving all services to Tacoma on the Point Ruston development. Ms. Forch asked how the public would be involved with the police department’s hazard planning. Mr. Rosier (hope I got the name correct) asked about the street improvements required by Point Ruston along Baltimore. Ms. McCamment (with Point Ruston) offered more explanation about the plans for Baltimore Street. Ms. Brown thanked the town for thinking about paving the alley behind her house. Ms. Davis thought that homeowners who benefited from these improvements (like paving the alley) should pay for them.
Claims and payroll were approved.
Mayor’s Time: Mayor Transue reminded everyone that fireworks permits are due by this Wednesday. He has appointed John Anderson to the civil service commission along with Connie Maglione and myself. He noted that the planning commission is not functioning and no appointments will be made since this would help speed up approvals for the Point Ruston development. Mayor Transue then read his resignation letter. Click here to read Resolution 418 that is referenced in this letter.
Council Time: Stebner, nothing. Huson, nothing. Hedrick thanked the mayor for his service. Albertson, nothing. Hunt was surprised at the mayor's resignation, she thought they were getting along well at the meeting tonight.
The meeting adjourned around 9 pm.
The meeting began on time with Council Member Stebner arriving about 5 minutes late. After the flag salute, the agenda was amended to move the discussion about repealing the B&O tax to a study session and adding discussion of the utility clerk position and setting agendas for future study sessions. The meeting minutes were approved with minor changes.
1. LID Counsel: Blair Burroughs provided information on the LID process in general and answered questions about how such a process would work in Ruston. Because this will be an LID with only one property owner, some of the normal process would not apply. In general, there are three steps: 1) Formation: determine what the properties looks like, what improvements are planned, hold a hearing so all property owners can hear the pros and cons – then the council decides to proceed. 2) Confirmation Hearing: the amount of assessment for property owner is announced and owners can comment. There is a protest period allowed. The assessment is not allowed to exceed the value of the improvements. 3) Assessment: the assessment information is given to the county assessor. Owners can prepay or be assessed over time for their portion. Then the bonds are purchased and the improvements completed.
Tacoma has well trained staff in this area. The council can determine how much of the process they will hand over to Tacoma. Council Member Hunt asked what guarantees Ruston has if the developer goes bankrupt. Burroughs explained several options (I had to step out for a few minutes and didn’t get the details). There was discussion of an Environmental Impact Statement traffic mitigation requirement to have the developer pay for improvements on both sides of Baltimore Street all the way up to N. 46th Street. After further discussion, the council directed Mr. Burroughs to craft an agreement where Tacoma does as much of the process as possible but the agreement should have as much protection against default as possible.
2. Utility Locate Contract: Steve Taylor (town maintenance man) and the town electrical planner will give a recommendation on the issue to the council. There are two companies available for the town to use for this service.
3. Sound Inspections: After some discussion, it was clarified that the letter in the packet (from the current building inspector) is what the town is operating under to add planning services on an interim basis after the council fired the town planner. It was unclear if the letter would be added as an addendum to the current contract with the building inspector or if a new contract with the new rates would be needed. The new town attorney (or “legal services to the council” according to Council Member Albertson) would make that determination when they are hired.
4. Police Department: Chief Reese gave an update on several issues. The interlocal agreement for the small cities major incident response team was discussed. It will be explored in greater detail at a study session, after the former town attorney’s questions and the chief’s answers are given to the council. The chief is working on some hazard mitigation plans that will help qualify the town for different grants. She is working with the fire department on those issues. She is planning on a community newsletter and an open house sometime in August. The department has implemented a new program that has the officers walking for some of each shift. The chief wants feedback on how this new program is working for residents. The department will be purchasing a decibel meter and she will be working with Council Member Hedrick to improve the town’s noise ordinance as they start to implement it. The handout from the meeting is now added to the council information on Ruston Reports for this meeting.
5. Council Rules: The formal resolution required to change the council rules of procedure and remove public comment on issues prior to a vote passed 4 to 1 with Hedrick voting no.
6. Shoreline Master Plan: Ruston’s plan is not due until 2010, so it was tabled until it could be discussed at a study session.
7. Request for Proposals for paving behind Commercial Street: I had to step out and did not hear this discussion. If anyone can fill us in, please leave a comment.
8. Request for Proposals for undergrounding utilities in alley behind Court Street: passed 5-0, but I missed the discussion.
9. Credit Union Pump Station: After some discussion the council voted 5-0 to have the town take over the pump at the credit union until a permanent solution could be found, hopefully to connect a new sewer line for these homes into the Point Ruston development. Point Ruston noted that their lines will only run to the bottom of Baltimore Street, but they are willing to discuss alternatives.
10. Utility Clerk Position: The mayor informed the council that he has hired a replacement for the current clerk, who is leaving this Friday. They are interviewing for the part-time office assistant tomorrow. Hunt wants future applications to ask for details on applicants computer skills. Stebner does not want to ask for social security numbers on applications.
11. Study Session Agendas: This item should be on every agenda from now on. After some discussion, the agenda for next week (June 9th) will include a presentation from the town’s electrical planner, a presentation by Point Ruston on the status of Stack Hill (with the hope that the final plat can be approved in time to be added to the tax rolls in 2009) and a discussion of turning over all services to Tacoma on the Point Ruston property (to include police, fire and all utilities). The June 23rd study session will be focus on possible revenue sources such as Stebner’s proposed gambling tax increase and the potential impact of an incentive such as repealing the B&O tax. The June 30th study session will explore the police department’s interlocal agreement for major crimes assistance.
Public Comment: Mr. Knapp confirmed when the casino tax increase will be discussed. Ms. Maglione asked about the utility clerk leaving. Ms. Miller felt the council should have a process for issuing street obstruction permits in case of an emergency after Puget Sound Energy had to wait until the last council meeting for a permit to repair a potentially dangerous problem. I asked the council to allow public input at the next study session on important decisions like giving all services to Tacoma on the Point Ruston development. Ms. Forch asked how the public would be involved with the police department’s hazard planning. Mr. Rosier (hope I got the name correct) asked about the street improvements required by Point Ruston along Baltimore. Ms. McCamment (with Point Ruston) offered more explanation about the plans for Baltimore Street. Ms. Brown thanked the town for thinking about paving the alley behind her house. Ms. Davis thought that homeowners who benefited from these improvements (like paving the alley) should pay for them.
Claims and payroll were approved.
Mayor’s Time: Mayor Transue reminded everyone that fireworks permits are due by this Wednesday. He has appointed John Anderson to the civil service commission along with Connie Maglione and myself. He noted that the planning commission is not functioning and no appointments will be made since this would help speed up approvals for the Point Ruston development. Mayor Transue then read his resignation letter. Click here to read Resolution 418 that is referenced in this letter.
Council Time: Stebner, nothing. Huson, nothing. Hedrick thanked the mayor for his service. Albertson, nothing. Hunt was surprised at the mayor's resignation, she thought they were getting along well at the meeting tonight.
The meeting adjourned around 9 pm.
A Voice From The Past
Phil Parker served Ruston as mayor and council member for many years. Those with history in this town remember his big bushy beard, which eventually caused his departure from the fire department when they started requiring only clean-shaven faces. Phil was known for his dry sense of humor and strong dedication to this little town. Phil raised two children here. His son Aaron sent this email today after hearing about our current struggles...
Hello Karen,
This is Aaron Parker, Philip's son. It's been a long time since we have talked/seen each other.
From afar, I have kept my eye on Ruston via the News Tribune and other anecdotal discussions with my mother who lives just outside the town limits on Orchard Street. My, what drama has transpired over the years. For such a little town, the mayor's position seems to be cursed. :-)
Hello Karen,
This is Aaron Parker, Philip's son. It's been a long time since we have talked/seen each other.
From afar, I have kept my eye on Ruston via the News Tribune and other anecdotal discussions with my mother who lives just outside the town limits on Orchard Street. My, what drama has transpired over the years. For such a little town, the mayor's position seems to be cursed. :-)
My father would be saddened by the state of the town. From the status of the town hall, to the police chief, and to the situation of the "Point Ruston" project, the town appears to have has lost its way. As a kid growing up in Ruston, I can recall attending the town council meetings, watching my father sit on the council (along with yourself), partaking in civil council meetings. I recall the joy and pride he took in discussing and working on town business and obligations, not once looking out for his benefit, but rather for the benefit of the town as a whole. To this day, I am still proud to have lived in Ruston.
Though I understand the situation former Mayor Transue was in, I am saddened that he chose to resign. Yes, the fight was too much and yes, his health is a concern, but now the town is left without a leader. It is with great hope that the next election cycle will bring in the leadership that the town so desperately needs.
Thank you for providing the information that has been posted on the Ruston Home blog.
Take care Karen. Know that my thoughts are with you and the residents of Ruston.
Regards,
...aaron
Aaron Parker,
SeaTac, WA
Thank you for providing the information that has been posted on the Ruston Home blog.
Take care Karen. Know that my thoughts are with you and the residents of Ruston.
Regards,
...aaron
Aaron Parker,
SeaTac, WA
News Tribune
Scott Fontaine, the News Tribune's roving reporter, has been in town this morning. He has posted a story on Transue's resignation. Check it out here...
Special Council Meeting
The town council is holding a special meeting tomorrow night (Wednesday, June 4th) at 7 pm to appoint an interim mayor and legal services. Ruston has been without a town attorney since the end of May. Choosing the town attorney had been a point of contention between Mayor Transue and the council majority in recent weeks.
If recent practice is any indication, there will be no public comment allowed on these issues tomorrow night, and the council will likely come into the meeting with a mayoral selection already made. But please attend anyway and give your input to the individual elected officials before or after the meeting. They need to hear from us...
Karen
If recent practice is any indication, there will be no public comment allowed on these issues tomorrow night, and the council will likely come into the meeting with a mayoral selection already made. But please attend anyway and give your input to the individual elected officials before or after the meeting. They need to hear from us...
Karen
Monday, June 2, 2008
How Complete The Destruction
Ruston Mayor Michael Transue resigned tonight - effective immediately. Click here to read Resolution 418 that is referenced in this letter.
His reasons are listed in his letter here, but if you have been at any of the council meetings this year you know how terrible this council has treated Mayor Transue. Agree with him or not, the office of mayor and the considerable efforts of Michael Transue deserve a hell of lot more respect than has been given by this council.
So, thank you Michael for all your efforts. They have been appreciated by the majority of your constituents. You will be missed.
Karen
His reasons are listed in his letter here, but if you have been at any of the council meetings this year you know how terrible this council has treated Mayor Transue. Agree with him or not, the office of mayor and the considerable efforts of Michael Transue deserve a hell of lot more respect than has been given by this council.
So, thank you Michael for all your efforts. They have been appreciated by the majority of your constituents. You will be missed.
Karen
Agenda: June 2, 2008
On tap: follow up on several issues (LID for Point Ruston, utility locates for construction, interim planning services from the building inspector team), some police department issues (like the task force for major crimes), a few issues brought up by Council Member Albertson (alley paving on Commercial, underground utilities on Court, credit union sewer pump) and the first reading on a proposal to remove the B&O tax in Ruston. Should be an interesting night, hope you can join us at 7 pm, 5219 N. Shirley Street. The full packet of information is available at Ruston Reports.
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