Originally posted on June 5, 2008.
As you know, the Ruston council has had a measure placed on the ballot for August that would change our form of government from a strong mayor to a council-manager format. Last week, at the direction of Council Member Hunt, I was contacted to write the opposing statement for this proposal for the Voters Pamphlet, which was due by the end that day. I was later informed that no statements would be needed. What I was supposed to understand was that Ruston would not be officially setting up committees to write these statements. Such is life in our politically charged little town.
I did some research yesterday and sent an email to our council members based on the information I had received from the elections office. Since it appears there will be no formal committee appointed by the Town, I will head up an effort to write an opposing statement by next Monday, June. 9th. Please contact me with any input you may have at kpickett22@yahoo.com.
I thought you might like to see the email exchange with Council Member Hunt. I have listed the exchange in chronological order here. ~ Karen
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UPDATE, June 10, 2008: Council Member Hunt contacted me tonight to demand that I remove these emails because I used her personal email address to make my inquiry. Although she was clearly acting in her capacity as a public official (signing the email as "Council Member Jane Hunt"), I have decided to honor her demand until I can more fully explore my legal options. Thanks for your patience as we sort this all out.
Karen
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
What Others Think
This comment came in response to my exhortation to read the News Tribune's editorial on June 6th. It represents a different point of view from what we usually hear on this blog, so I wanted to get it out front. I've added some responses at the end. I appreciate hearing from those who disagree with me ~ its a healthy discussion when all points of view can be freely aired. Thanks to whomever posted this, it got me thinking!
Karen
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The editor's don't live in Ruston to have endured a history of stagnant government and continued mismanagement.
This really goes hand in hand with why Obama is in the position he is in - it's about "Change".
Many residents have approached past council's and mayors only to be met with resistance because many times change equals work for either group.
No one is giving this council credit for their individual make-up. This is a very diverse group of elected officials that are willing and able to have their own opinions and express them. They all stand for "Change" and the status quo is unacceptable. I surmise that the editors are right - it might be an "us versus them" situation but it is not the condo issue - its change versus stagnation. Right or wrong, change or stagnation, new verses old, anti-condo or pro-condo - how ever you want to spin it the town needed change. Ruston needed to evolve and move ahead and it simply wasn't happening. Once the Commencement is built and you are looking at it in all its glory - maybe you will finally admit "Yes" its wonderful - but maybe it could have been a couple of stories shorter?
What has this council done that has you so riled up? Not letting the public rant on every topic actually saves the town money. We were paying our consultants hourly, not to mention town employees overtime, while everyone in the audience got up and felt they needed to tell everyone their opinion. I don't know why you would be angry over them attempting to save the town money? What ordinances have they passed or decisions have they made that you find so outlandish? (Other than moving public comment to the end of the meetings)
I have seen the current council approve the purchase of a new fire truck, approve the purchase of a new police car, and talk about upgrading all departments as well as our town's tired infrastructure. What is so bad that has you fighting and speaking out at every turn? Your credibility continues to erode and - until there are documented missteps - I would think you would be supportive of our elected officials.
Let's remember - the media feeds on controversy so always take them with more than a grain of salt.
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I don't agree that the foundational issue is change vs. stagnation. Most of the controversy started when former Mayor Wheeler started making decisions on issues that had been studied to death under previous administrations. Unfortunately, I think much of the current challenge is directly related to the condo controversy and the remaining bitterness. The anger, fighting and attacks have been embarrassing and caused many to fear expressing their views. I am reluctant to have any more conversations with Jane Hunt, for example. The trend that began with the condo debate has gone from bad to ugly in the ensuing years. I've attended most council meetings for the last 20 years or so. I've watched it evolve.
It's not the removal of public comment that is my primary concern. That is a symptom of a much deeper problem ~ one of close-mindedness where only certain people are welcome to provide input. I don't think the council (no matter who they are) can make the best decisions for this community when they exclude minority voices.
I've agreed with this council on issues at least as much as I did with former Mayor Transue. I've said publicly (although not on this blog) that I wish the condo controversy could have been handled differently. Maybe less money for a shorter building might have been worth it. I hope the council explored that option at the time. But I didn't sit in those negotiations and it was vital that Ruston do something to survive. The Town could not wait another year operating at a deficit.
I appreciate that this council is looking out for our public safety needs. Again, they are doing many things right in my opinion. But I think it was a "mis-step" to waste money trying to evict The Commencement from their sales center. It was a "mis-step" to fight Stack Hill development. It is a "mis-step" to raise gambling tax under the guise of needing revenue. These are attacks against this group's declared "enemies". I hope they will focus on positive steps to move the important issues forward, not on how to harm those projects and people they don't like.
Thanks again for your comments - let's keep the conversation going!
Karen
Night Out In Ruston
Chief Reese wants to remind everyone that the national Night Out Against Crime is coming up soon on Tuesday, August 5th. To register this year, just go to http://www.nationalnightout.org/. Once you sign up your block, you'll get a packet in the mail and our local police department is notified. It sounds like street closures will be coordinated via this registration, too. The sooner you can get registered, the better!
This is the 25th annual Night Out in America. A great time to celebrate this effective tool for crime fighting in our neighborhood.
This is the 25th annual Night Out in America. A great time to celebrate this effective tool for crime fighting in our neighborhood.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Study Session: June 9, 2008
The meeting began at 7 pm with Council Member Stebner arriving as roll call was taken. The agenda was approved after switching items 2 and 3.
1. Mo Fesharaki, Ruston Electrical Consultant: After hearing from Tacoma on the proposal to add a second feeder to Ruston's electrical system, Mr. Fesharaki now recommends that we no longer pursue this option (see packet for details). Tacoma now wants a contract with Ruston if they are going to continue to provide power. Tacoma must find ways to get 15% of their power from new renewable sources, such as solar and wind by 2020 and undertake cost-effective energy conservation which can be very costly. This new contract gives Tacoma some protection against these costs and the stranded conservation cost needs to be recovered should Ruston decides to switch to BPA after say a few years. Mr. Fesharaki thought that Ruston was probably the only Tacoma Power customer that resells the power it purchases. Ruston does not have a special rate, but buys power as part of class of customers. There are other customers that buy power in this class besides Ruston.
Ruston has the option of buying power from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) or from Tacoma. The cost is approximately1 cent less per kilowatt hour with BPA, but Ruston would have to pay to install a telemetering equipment. The cost for a meter could be as much as $100,000, but Ruston could petition to have that cost waived. The decision to waive the cost would be made after Ruston requests to purchase power from BPA. Council Member Hunt wants to meet with Tacoma and Mr. Fesharaki to get a better understanding of the issues. Stebner confirmed that Tacoma would not charge to use their lines to have BPA deliver power to Ruston (this is according to BPA representative). Ruston could save about $55,000 with BPA, but may have to pay for the meter.
2. Stack Hill Update: Gary Pederson gave a slide presentation regarding Stack Hill final plat. In order to get the final plat for this development approved in time to get on the assessors tax rolls this year, quick action is needed. Point Ruston is asking for 2 changes to the development plan that were added by the council after planning commission approval last summer: 1) make the side yard set backs 7.5' rather than 10' (7.5' is the normal residential requirement in the rest of town) and 2) reinstate a building lot at the end of the view corridor that was eliminated when the preliminary plat was approved. Point Ruston had a display board showing the elevations/views and reasoning for their proposal that is available for viewing by calling their office (I'll list a phone number here tomorrow). John Anderson, who lives on Commercial Street , protested the reinstatement of the building lot and the reduction in length of the view corridor, but Hunt reminded him there would be a public hearing where his concerns could be heard.
After further discussion, the mayor confirmed his intention to have the council serve as the planning commission on this issue. Point Ruston will send notice of a public hearing tomorrow, to be held on June 25th for an ordinance to approve the final plat and make these two changes to the development plan. The town will need to designate Sound Inspections as the Town Engineer for this project at its meeting next week. It sounds like the council may suspend their rule for a second reading on this ordinance and make a decision on it the same night as the public hearing in order to get the final plat recorded and on the property tax rolls by July 1, 2008 for 2009 tax collections.
Any work that has not been completed yet will be bonded to insure it will be done. Stebner asked what would happen if the LID was not approved (the developer would bear the cost of the LID). Council Member Alberston confirmed that Stack Hill is part of one large tax parcel that includes the lower waterfront portion, all of which is he thought was assessed at about $5 per year right now. This plat approval breaks off Stack Hill from the larger parcel and puts about $8 million in raw land value on the rolls for 2009 (about $15,000 property tax income for Ruston). As homes are built, the improvements are added to the tax rolls. Huson thought the next council meeting would have to be continued to June 25th rather than holding a special meeting.
3. Point Ruston Services: Point Ruston has asked Ruston to consider giving the utilities to Tacoma on all the lower property. This will give Point Ruston cost savings and efficiencies as they build the infrastructure. The City of Tacoma has asked for a resolution from Ruston stating that the mayor and council agree to begin negotiations to have Tacoma take over Ruston's services (such as building and planning). Huson wants to talk to Tacoma about having Tacoma provide all public services to the entire Point Ruston property to include:
1. Mo Fesharaki, Ruston Electrical Consultant: After hearing from Tacoma on the proposal to add a second feeder to Ruston's electrical system, Mr. Fesharaki now recommends that we no longer pursue this option (see packet for details). Tacoma now wants a contract with Ruston if they are going to continue to provide power. Tacoma must find ways to get 15% of their power from new renewable sources, such as solar and wind by 2020 and undertake cost-effective energy conservation which can be very costly. This new contract gives Tacoma some protection against these costs and the stranded conservation cost needs to be recovered should Ruston decides to switch to BPA after say a few years. Mr. Fesharaki thought that Ruston was probably the only Tacoma Power customer that resells the power it purchases. Ruston does not have a special rate, but buys power as part of class of customers. There are other customers that buy power in this class besides Ruston.
Ruston has the option of buying power from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) or from Tacoma. The cost is approximately1 cent less per kilowatt hour with BPA, but Ruston would have to pay to install a telemetering equipment. The cost for a meter could be as much as $100,000, but Ruston could petition to have that cost waived. The decision to waive the cost would be made after Ruston requests to purchase power from BPA. Council Member Hunt wants to meet with Tacoma and Mr. Fesharaki to get a better understanding of the issues. Stebner confirmed that Tacoma would not charge to use their lines to have BPA deliver power to Ruston (this is according to BPA representative). Ruston could save about $55,000 with BPA, but may have to pay for the meter.
2. Stack Hill Update: Gary Pederson gave a slide presentation regarding Stack Hill final plat. In order to get the final plat for this development approved in time to get on the assessors tax rolls this year, quick action is needed. Point Ruston is asking for 2 changes to the development plan that were added by the council after planning commission approval last summer: 1) make the side yard set backs 7.5' rather than 10' (7.5' is the normal residential requirement in the rest of town) and 2) reinstate a building lot at the end of the view corridor that was eliminated when the preliminary plat was approved. Point Ruston had a display board showing the elevations/views and reasoning for their proposal that is available for viewing by calling their office (I'll list a phone number here tomorrow). John Anderson, who lives on Commercial Street , protested the reinstatement of the building lot and the reduction in length of the view corridor, but Hunt reminded him there would be a public hearing where his concerns could be heard.
After further discussion, the mayor confirmed his intention to have the council serve as the planning commission on this issue. Point Ruston will send notice of a public hearing tomorrow, to be held on June 25th for an ordinance to approve the final plat and make these two changes to the development plan. The town will need to designate Sound Inspections as the Town Engineer for this project at its meeting next week. It sounds like the council may suspend their rule for a second reading on this ordinance and make a decision on it the same night as the public hearing in order to get the final plat recorded and on the property tax rolls by July 1, 2008 for 2009 tax collections.
Any work that has not been completed yet will be bonded to insure it will be done. Stebner asked what would happen if the LID was not approved (the developer would bear the cost of the LID). Council Member Alberston confirmed that Stack Hill is part of one large tax parcel that includes the lower waterfront portion, all of which is he thought was assessed at about $5 per year right now. This plat approval breaks off Stack Hill from the larger parcel and puts about $8 million in raw land value on the rolls for 2009 (about $15,000 property tax income for Ruston). As homes are built, the improvements are added to the tax rolls. Huson thought the next council meeting would have to be continued to June 25th rather than holding a special meeting.
3. Point Ruston Services: Point Ruston has asked Ruston to consider giving the utilities to Tacoma on all the lower property. This will give Point Ruston cost savings and efficiencies as they build the infrastructure. The City of Tacoma has asked for a resolution from Ruston stating that the mayor and council agree to begin negotiations to have Tacoma take over Ruston's services (such as building and planning). Huson wants to talk to Tacoma about having Tacoma provide all public services to the entire Point Ruston property to include:
- power
- water
- sewer
- storm water
- streets
- garbage and solid waste
- police
- fire
- Click! (broadband Internet service)
Stebner asked why Point Ruston even wanted to be in Ruston if they wanted all their services provided by Tacoma. Mike Cohen and JJ Mc Cament offered assurances that they want to remain part of Ruston. Their primary request was to have the utilities served by Tacoma. This proposal does not include Stack Hill. Stebner wanted more information on what the costs would be. Hunt felt there would not be any answers until negotiations began. She noted that Ruston may want to give all the electrical services to Tacoma so residents could qualify for Click!.
Alberston confirmed with Cohen that only half the retail development will be done when the hotel opens in 2014, the rest will be built based on market demand. Cohen noted the Ruston is prohibited from making a profit from its utilities, but Mr. Fesharaki mentioned that the Point Ruston development and the existing services would provide a gross revenue of about $530,000 annually for the electric reserve, which could be used for system upgrades and repairs throughout the entire system (in other parts of town). It appeared the council would entertain a resolution to negotiate with Tacoma for providing all public services to Point Ruston.
The meeting adorned about 8:25 pm.
Study Session Agenda: June 9, 2008
The council will discuss several issues related to Point Ruston tonight, including the potential of turning all public services over to Tacoma (including police and fire) for the entire project. This is an important decision. The council does not usually take public comment before voting on issues, so this may be the only time to let them know what you think after you hear what they say tonight. You'll need to contact the council members directly at the emails listed to the right, or in person.
See you tonight at 7 pm at 5219 N. Shirley Street.
See you tonight at 7 pm at 5219 N. Shirley Street.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Suicide At Ruston's Park
Exactly two weeks ago today, Ruston fire and police department were swarming into the Rust Play Field. Someone walking their dog at the park early Saturday morning of Memorial Day weekend saw what looked like a man standing near the basketball hoop. As he approached, he saw that the man had hung himself.
His name has not been released yet. Sometime during the darkness of that previous night this 41 year old man, despondent over a fight with his girlfriend, wrote a suicide note, rode his bike to Ruston and took his own life. We know he did not live in Ruston, but for some reason he chose to die here.
Police Chief Reese said there is still some follow up being conducted, but by all appearances this is a suicide. Our Ruston emergency crews responded quickly with professionalism and care. Thankfully, this scene was not discovered by a child coming to play.
It is a difficult and challenging situation. Our hearts go out to this man's family. Our thanks go out to Ruston's fire and police department. We pray this is the last untimely death we will see in Ruston for a long, long time.
His name has not been released yet. Sometime during the darkness of that previous night this 41 year old man, despondent over a fight with his girlfriend, wrote a suicide note, rode his bike to Ruston and took his own life. We know he did not live in Ruston, but for some reason he chose to die here.
Police Chief Reese said there is still some follow up being conducted, but by all appearances this is a suicide. Our Ruston emergency crews responded quickly with professionalism and care. Thankfully, this scene was not discovered by a child coming to play.
It is a difficult and challenging situation. Our hearts go out to this man's family. Our thanks go out to Ruston's fire and police department. We pray this is the last untimely death we will see in Ruston for a long, long time.
Friday, June 6, 2008
News Tribune Editorial
A must read in today's News Tribune. The editorial board has great insight into what makes a community function as it should ~ and a warning to others about how to shut it down.
Regarding Ruston they say, "With former Mayor Michael Transue’s departure, there is unity again, but at great cost. The council majority has wasted no time in installing its own guy as mayor. Gone are any real voices of dissent, and with them, any claim the council has to being truly representative." Click here to read the full commentary, its well worth reading.
Karen
Regarding Ruston they say, "With former Mayor Michael Transue’s departure, there is unity again, but at great cost. The council majority has wasted no time in installing its own guy as mayor. Gone are any real voices of dissent, and with them, any claim the council has to being truly representative." Click here to read the full commentary, its well worth reading.
Karen
Thursday, June 5, 2008
In The News
We made the news again today. Yesterday I noted an interview of former Mayor Transue on KUOW, 94.9 radio and a News Tribune article. KUOW aired an interview with Council Member Dan Albertson today (click here to hear it) and the News Tribune ran an article about Everding's appointment as mayor last night (click here to read it). Scott Fontaine (News Tribune) also noted some items that didn't make it into his story on his Word on the Street blog (click here to read it).
Huson Rebuttal Letter
The Ruston Connection web page has Council Member Bradley Huson's rebuttal letter posted. Bradley had promised to send it to me once he got it typed out, but Sally Everding was able to get it up before he had time to get it to me. Please feel free to leave your comments or respond directly to Mr. Huson at bhuson@wamail.net.
On factual correction is needed. Contrary to Huson's letter Transue caused the many recent resignations, Bob Pudlo did not resign is his seat two years early because of Mayor Transue. He resigned because the Ruston Connection group maintained control of the council after the November 2007 election. He felt his input would continue to be ignored and similar to former Mayor Transue, the personal attacks and resulting stress were having a negative impact on his health. ~ Karen
On Monday, June 2, Michael Transue resigned as mayor of Ruston. True to form the resignation came as a complete surprise to most of the council but this is behavior that we have come to expect. Many of us worked hard to elect Michael Transue to his term of mayor and we sat quietly for the first five months of 2006 and watched him put off decision after decision until he could ‘get his arms around it’, a term that to this day gives me a nauseated feeling every time I hear it.
Mr. Transue was unable to move forward without the help of thousands of dollars of consultants’ advice, which was a constant sticking point with past and current Councils.
Mr. Transue’s admission of lack of time and suggestion of a part-time administrator to assist him at $100,000 a year was met with derision. Why wouldn’t it be? He continually overspent the budget for planning services, coming to the Council with a supplemental budget after the money had already been spent. And what did that several hundred thousand dollars get us?
On factual correction is needed. Contrary to Huson's letter Transue caused the many recent resignations, Bob Pudlo did not resign is his seat two years early because of Mayor Transue. He resigned because the Ruston Connection group maintained control of the council after the November 2007 election. He felt his input would continue to be ignored and similar to former Mayor Transue, the personal attacks and resulting stress were having a negative impact on his health. ~ Karen
On Monday, June 2, Michael Transue resigned as mayor of Ruston. True to form the resignation came as a complete surprise to most of the council but this is behavior that we have come to expect. Many of us worked hard to elect Michael Transue to his term of mayor and we sat quietly for the first five months of 2006 and watched him put off decision after decision until he could ‘get his arms around it’, a term that to this day gives me a nauseated feeling every time I hear it.
Mr. Transue was unable to move forward without the help of thousands of dollars of consultants’ advice, which was a constant sticking point with past and current Councils.
Mr. Transue’s admission of lack of time and suggestion of a part-time administrator to assist him at $100,000 a year was met with derision. Why wouldn’t it be? He continually overspent the budget for planning services, coming to the Council with a supplemental budget after the money had already been spent. And what did that several hundred thousand dollars get us?
- Development of the Point Ruston site which is completely bogged down and behind schedule because of the mayor’ unwillingness to direct his staff at Huitt Zollars to spend more time moving the project forward and less time trying to figure out how to squeeze more money out of the town and Mike Cohen;
- two threatened and now pending litigations with regard to the work at Huitt Zollars, which was the mayor’s staff and directed solely by him,
- pending litigation from our former police chief regarding his termination, another staff member who was directed solely by him, with advice from legal counsel directed solely by him
There have been four resignations from this Council in the last seven months, two of them because of the conflict between the mayor and the Council. In fact there is only one person on the Council who has served more than two years. The common denominator of these resignations was Michael Transue.
It has become more clear that as the current Council became more knowledgeable and proactive, the former mayor became more obstinate. It also became clear that the mayor was working behind our back to hinder us from moving forward with items and ideas that would be very beneficial to us and the town in the long run. The former mayor’s inability and unwillingness to listen to anyone else’s ideas on any subject and his constant and meaningless rebuttals to thwart us from moving forward did not solve problems; it created them.
I, for one, am thrilled that Mr. Transue has resigned so that the united Council can move forward without fear of being ignored, undermined or attacked. I hope that the citizens will be patient over the next several weeks while we clean up the mess that Mr. Transue has left us, though unlike the former mayor I think that you will find it won’t take us a lot of time to ‘get our arms around’ the situation.
Thank you.
Bradley Huson
Goodbye Party
There was a great turn out for Jennie's party today at noon. The police chief and officers, the maintenance men, our town electrical planner, office staff, the new mayor and several residents came by to send our utility clerk off in style. We even had a reporter show up, although I doubt the party was the focus of his story.
We managed to keep from crying (those will come later no doubt). Marla Miller made a beautiful flower bouquet, the cake was lovely and delicious. Jennie will be working through tomorrow, so stop in and join us in thanking her for 7 and a half years of a job well done.
Karen
We managed to keep from crying (those will come later no doubt). Marla Miller made a beautiful flower bouquet, the cake was lovely and delicious. Jennie will be working through tomorrow, so stop in and join us in thanking her for 7 and a half years of a job well done.
Karen
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