The life of Rosemary Dye, the Tacoma native who spent her final moments in Ruston before being hit by a train is featured in today's News Tribune. Read the article here...
This comment just came in on the previous post about Rosemary on this blog. I thought it was worth sharing: "One of Tacoma's child of the light has passed due to losing her way. Let her spirit fly in the heavens..."
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Another Causality in Ruston (of a different sort)
Most of us in the north end have a love-hate relationship with the local deer population. They are increasing in number and often seen at dusk in local yards, especially here in Ruston with the park next door. It's a thrill to see these large, graceful creatures tiptoe through the median on Winnifred or gallop down the street, but challenging if you try to grow roses where their hungry mouths can reach. This time of year, there are many a fawn tucked away in local bushes too.
Ruston recently put in a deer crossing sign at the bottom of 51st Street at the insistence of a resident in the neighborhood. The deer frequently cross between the train gully to head to the park. We had a causality last Friday morning when a doe had to be put down after an apparent impact from a car. No one reported the accident, but there was plenty of evidence left at the scene.
As hard as this was, the challenge was compounded when a young fawn came wandering out from the brush a short time later. Animal control was called, a trap is set and there is hope the youngster can taken to a new home. Another reminder of the challenge of the natural beauty that surrounds us and the difficulty of balancing nature and man co-existing in a very urban environment.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Today’s Commentary
I sent the following email to our elected officials this morning. I am concerned that the new administration will use town resources to promote passage of the upcoming ballot issue (to change our form of government by replacing the elected mayor position with a paid administrator). The Public Disclosure Commission clearly states they cannot use public resources, nor can they promote this issue using anything other than “normal” means. Since the town newsletter has never promoted a specific point of view, I would hope the mayor would not risk using this forum to promote their personal agenda.
The rules also allow the council to pass a resolution taking sides on this issue (which they have done), as long as they allow equal time for dissenting points of view to express their views. This is not even close to how the current Ruston council handled the issue. They did allow comment at one study session, but no public comment was allowed at the regular meetings when the issue was discussed on several occasions (including when a formal resolution was passed).
On a side note, has anyone noticed how alive the Ruston Connection web site is this week (run by new mayor Everding’s wife)? The web site’s format was changed to a “private” venue about the time the Ruston Connection newsletter editors were sued (along with the Chinese Christian Church) by Point Defiance Casino. The change in format meant that most features were no longer available unless you were a pre-approved member. Only those who agreed with them were allowed as members. Most local issues were no longer discussed publicly, and only members could comment on those that were posted.
Mr. Everding, then council member, also stated at the time he no longer had any email, although last night he mentioned having a personal email account that some folks have been using for town business.
There are 9 new posts on the RC web page since last Friday. A few contain the usual complaints about the former mayor and promote the current council and mayor’s agenda. As difficult as this is for me, I encourage town residents to check out their information. I hope you will also continue to check here for balance and alternative viewpoints that are not welcomed by the current town leadership. And Ruston will have an official town web page soon. Pretty good for a 5-square block town!
Here is the email sent today. The full list of PDC rules is available on Ruston Reports.
Just a friendly reminder to our public officials that the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) does not allow the use of Town resources to promote one side or the other on the upcoming ballot issue (to change the form of Ruston's government). I believe that would include any discussion in the Town newsletter or any communication from you in your capacity as elected officials. A full copy of the PDC guidelines will be posted on the Ruston Home blog by the end of the day.
If you intend to promote this issue as council members or mayor, I'd like hear any other interpretations of these rules from you. I look forward to an open dialog on this issue.
Karen Pickett
The rules also allow the council to pass a resolution taking sides on this issue (which they have done), as long as they allow equal time for dissenting points of view to express their views. This is not even close to how the current Ruston council handled the issue. They did allow comment at one study session, but no public comment was allowed at the regular meetings when the issue was discussed on several occasions (including when a formal resolution was passed).
On a side note, has anyone noticed how alive the Ruston Connection web site is this week (run by new mayor Everding’s wife)? The web site’s format was changed to a “private” venue about the time the Ruston Connection newsletter editors were sued (along with the Chinese Christian Church) by Point Defiance Casino. The change in format meant that most features were no longer available unless you were a pre-approved member. Only those who agreed with them were allowed as members. Most local issues were no longer discussed publicly, and only members could comment on those that were posted.
Mr. Everding, then council member, also stated at the time he no longer had any email, although last night he mentioned having a personal email account that some folks have been using for town business.
There are 9 new posts on the RC web page since last Friday. A few contain the usual complaints about the former mayor and promote the current council and mayor’s agenda. As difficult as this is for me, I encourage town residents to check out their information. I hope you will also continue to check here for balance and alternative viewpoints that are not welcomed by the current town leadership. And Ruston will have an official town web page soon. Pretty good for a 5-square block town!
Here is the email sent today. The full list of PDC rules is available on Ruston Reports.
Just a friendly reminder to our public officials that the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) does not allow the use of Town resources to promote one side or the other on the upcoming ballot issue (to change the form of Ruston's government). I believe that would include any discussion in the Town newsletter or any communication from you in your capacity as elected officials. A full copy of the PDC guidelines will be posted on the Ruston Home blog by the end of the day.
If you intend to promote this issue as council members or mayor, I'd like hear any other interpretations of these rules from you. I look forward to an open dialog on this issue.
Karen Pickett
Monday, June 16, 2008
Revenue Sources
I think this is the MRSC handout Council Member Hunt mentioned at the last meeting. These issues of revenue sources for Ruston will be explored in detail at the study session next Monday, June 23rd at 7 pm, including the proposal by Council Member Stebner to increase the gambling tax by over 600% on the casino. If you are interested in the potential tax increases that may be considered (on businesses or other sources), you might read this over before the meeting.
Karen
Karen
Council Meeting Summary: June 16, 2008
These are the items I found of interest. I recorded the meeting, but am working through how to get it posted here. In the meantime, I can email it; just let me know at kpickett22@yahoo.com. I note our new mayor was in a sports coat and tie tonight for the first time in recent memory. ~ Karen
The meeting began on time, with Council Member Albertson arriving about 7:04 pm. The agenda was amended to add discussion of the plat amendments being proposed for Stack Hill. The meeting minutes were approved with some minor changes.
Staff Reports:
Police: Chief Reese said questions have been answered about the interlocal agreement for the small cities major crimes task force. The services would be provided to Ruston at no cost other than the officer’s time and provide valuable exposure, experience and training. The task force would respond in the same time it would take Tacoma to assist, and it does not effect having Tacoma officers back up Ruston on calls as needed. The mayor will have a resolution at the next meeting. There were several other items noted (see handout). May was a busy month and June is expected to be as well.
Fire: There were a total 7 calls in May (including 2 deaths, 1 brush fire, 1 kitchen fire). The “new to us” fire engine has completed its minor repairs and should have its third party inspection this week. The engine will be shipped to Ruston and in service by July 1st, if not sooner.
Maintenance: The mayor will have the maintenance department paint faded curbs as they have time this summer. Council Member Stebner wanted sidewalks also repainted. The area in front of the school building will be converted to a 30 minute loading zone and then painted. An ordinance for this will be prepared for the next meeting.
Business Items:
1. Legal Services Contract: after increasing the insurance coverage (which Ruston will pay for) the agreement for legal services was approved 5-0. There is only a monthly flat rate for all normal services no matter how much time is needed to complete the work, to be charged at $4,167 per month.
2. Tree Committee: Appointees from the 2006 ordinance were confirmed 5-0 with the exception of Bradley Huson being replaced by Ginger Kryger.
3. Planning Commission: The four new members were confirmed 5-0. The mayor will have them meet in 2 weeks on June 30th to elect their chair person and deal with any outstanding issues. It appears the council study session for that night will be canceled.
4. Welcome to Ruston sign: The council liked the new design which has been drafted by one of Point Ruston’s artists with help from Sherrie Forch. Ms. Forch was allowed to address the council to ask that the design changed to shades of blue.
5. Ordinance 1257: Approved 5-0 to increase fines and give the mayor authority to issue a street cut permit in an emergency.
6. Resolution 422: Surplus property disposal, passed 5-0.
7. Resolution 425: This addends Resolution 418 and adds the mayor as also desiring to contract with Tacoma for planning and building permit services. Ruston’s current building official noted that all building departments generate revenue from these services and Ruston should think carefully about giving them away. He will provide some other options for the council to consider. The council will also research the legalities about raising revenue from permits. The resolution to contract with Tacoma passed 4-1 with Council Member Hedrick voting no.
8. Resolution 424: Interlocal Agreement with Tacoma for Services: Hedrick noted the resolution was vague and that the developer never asked for public safety services to be included. He made a motion to remove police and fire services from the discussion, which was seconded by Council Member Hunt. The amendment failed 3-2. The original resolution (to discuss having Tacoma provide all public services) then passed 4-1 with Hedrick voting no.
9. Point Ruston Update: JJ McCammant noted the building permit for the third model home is coming soon. The developer has not heard from anyone on the LID agreement and is anxious to proceed. They will be taking their floating sales center (the former ferry) out during the Tall Ships parade. She encouraged the council to talk to Gary Pederson (their consultant who is retired from Tacoma’s planning department) about the issue of revenue generation from building permits. There were ways to use these fees to help pay for other functions of the building/planning department such as code enforcement. Stebener confirmed the developer is pleased with the new building official.
10. The Commencement Rental Letter was moved to executive session.
11. Town Administrator: Council Member Huson wants to send out RFP’s for an administrator. Stebener noted we are voting on the issue in August. Hunt noted there is nothing in the budget. No action was taken.
12. Study Sessions: Potential sources of revenue will be discussed at the June 23rd session. Hunt has an MRSC hand out on potential taxes the town can impose. The future needs of the police department will be discussed at a study session soon.
13. Plat Amendments for Stack Hill: Huson wanted to confirm the council is willing to proceed on the two amendments (to remove the view corridor at the end of Commercial Street and reduce the side yard requirements). Stebner noted he will not change his mind from the last time he voted and wanted to end all discussion on the issue tonight. Hunt was not willing to cancel the public hearing that has already been scheduled.
Claims and payroll were approved after the mayor noted there was some overtime hours that he had not authorized. He will direct his staff to ensure it does not happen again and bring a supplemental budget to cover the hours. He wants the council to review other personnel policies as well, he thinks there are other things they will want to address.
Public Comment:
Jim Wingard; among other comments, he did not like having public comment removed from business items since the council does not get sometimes valuable input before they vote. Stebner noted the public can address their concerns at the end of the meeting. He said, “If you bring us a valid point at this point, at this point we can bring that issue back up. But you haven’t brought us a valid point yet.”
Bill Walker; liked the idea of a flat rate fee schedule as suggested by the building official.
Terry Knapp; did not like the idea of giving away police and fire services on Point Ruston.
Karen Pickett; same issue, no valid reasons given to even discuss giving away such important services. Hunt responded they have a duty to consider all the options.
Sherrie Forch; announced a celebration for former council member Mary Joyce’s contributions to Ruston to be held on July 26th from 2 to 5 pm at the school.
Cherrie Anderson; wants the view corridor on Commercial Street to stay as it gives her more view of the water.
James Bennett; President of the business district asked for permission to close 51st Street again for the music festival on Saturday, Sept. 6th (one day only). He will get something in writing to the mayor.
Mark Schacht; Among other things, he wanted the codes reviewed so the areas painted reflected the current requirements.
Mayor’s Time:
The civil service will be meeting soon. He has formed a web site committee (Lyle Hardin, his wife and Chief Reese) to put together a town web site that will be formally run by the town. He hopes to have it functioning within a month. The applicants for town engineer will be on the agenda for the July 7th meeting. He is requiring all his staff to only use the new official town emails and encourages council members to do the same.
Council Time:
Nothing from Stebner, Huson or Hedrick. Albertson noted how much he liked working with the new mayor. Hunt will be attending the annual AWC conference in Yakima. She asked the mayor to have the planning commission address concerns raised by a resident in a recent letter to the council.
The meeting moved to executive session to discuss real estate issue (rent on the school space). The meeting reconvened at about 9:10 and immediately adjourned.
The meeting began on time, with Council Member Albertson arriving about 7:04 pm. The agenda was amended to add discussion of the plat amendments being proposed for Stack Hill. The meeting minutes were approved with some minor changes.
Staff Reports:
Police: Chief Reese said questions have been answered about the interlocal agreement for the small cities major crimes task force. The services would be provided to Ruston at no cost other than the officer’s time and provide valuable exposure, experience and training. The task force would respond in the same time it would take Tacoma to assist, and it does not effect having Tacoma officers back up Ruston on calls as needed. The mayor will have a resolution at the next meeting. There were several other items noted (see handout). May was a busy month and June is expected to be as well.
Fire: There were a total 7 calls in May (including 2 deaths, 1 brush fire, 1 kitchen fire). The “new to us” fire engine has completed its minor repairs and should have its third party inspection this week. The engine will be shipped to Ruston and in service by July 1st, if not sooner.
Maintenance: The mayor will have the maintenance department paint faded curbs as they have time this summer. Council Member Stebner wanted sidewalks also repainted. The area in front of the school building will be converted to a 30 minute loading zone and then painted. An ordinance for this will be prepared for the next meeting.
Business Items:
1. Legal Services Contract: after increasing the insurance coverage (which Ruston will pay for) the agreement for legal services was approved 5-0. There is only a monthly flat rate for all normal services no matter how much time is needed to complete the work, to be charged at $4,167 per month.
2. Tree Committee: Appointees from the 2006 ordinance were confirmed 5-0 with the exception of Bradley Huson being replaced by Ginger Kryger.
3. Planning Commission: The four new members were confirmed 5-0. The mayor will have them meet in 2 weeks on June 30th to elect their chair person and deal with any outstanding issues. It appears the council study session for that night will be canceled.
4. Welcome to Ruston sign: The council liked the new design which has been drafted by one of Point Ruston’s artists with help from Sherrie Forch. Ms. Forch was allowed to address the council to ask that the design changed to shades of blue.
5. Ordinance 1257: Approved 5-0 to increase fines and give the mayor authority to issue a street cut permit in an emergency.
6. Resolution 422: Surplus property disposal, passed 5-0.
7. Resolution 425: This addends Resolution 418 and adds the mayor as also desiring to contract with Tacoma for planning and building permit services. Ruston’s current building official noted that all building departments generate revenue from these services and Ruston should think carefully about giving them away. He will provide some other options for the council to consider. The council will also research the legalities about raising revenue from permits. The resolution to contract with Tacoma passed 4-1 with Council Member Hedrick voting no.
8. Resolution 424: Interlocal Agreement with Tacoma for Services: Hedrick noted the resolution was vague and that the developer never asked for public safety services to be included. He made a motion to remove police and fire services from the discussion, which was seconded by Council Member Hunt. The amendment failed 3-2. The original resolution (to discuss having Tacoma provide all public services) then passed 4-1 with Hedrick voting no.
9. Point Ruston Update: JJ McCammant noted the building permit for the third model home is coming soon. The developer has not heard from anyone on the LID agreement and is anxious to proceed. They will be taking their floating sales center (the former ferry) out during the Tall Ships parade. She encouraged the council to talk to Gary Pederson (their consultant who is retired from Tacoma’s planning department) about the issue of revenue generation from building permits. There were ways to use these fees to help pay for other functions of the building/planning department such as code enforcement. Stebener confirmed the developer is pleased with the new building official.
10. The Commencement Rental Letter was moved to executive session.
11. Town Administrator: Council Member Huson wants to send out RFP’s for an administrator. Stebener noted we are voting on the issue in August. Hunt noted there is nothing in the budget. No action was taken.
12. Study Sessions: Potential sources of revenue will be discussed at the June 23rd session. Hunt has an MRSC hand out on potential taxes the town can impose. The future needs of the police department will be discussed at a study session soon.
13. Plat Amendments for Stack Hill: Huson wanted to confirm the council is willing to proceed on the two amendments (to remove the view corridor at the end of Commercial Street and reduce the side yard requirements). Stebner noted he will not change his mind from the last time he voted and wanted to end all discussion on the issue tonight. Hunt was not willing to cancel the public hearing that has already been scheduled.
Claims and payroll were approved after the mayor noted there was some overtime hours that he had not authorized. He will direct his staff to ensure it does not happen again and bring a supplemental budget to cover the hours. He wants the council to review other personnel policies as well, he thinks there are other things they will want to address.
Public Comment:
Jim Wingard; among other comments, he did not like having public comment removed from business items since the council does not get sometimes valuable input before they vote. Stebner noted the public can address their concerns at the end of the meeting. He said, “If you bring us a valid point at this point, at this point we can bring that issue back up. But you haven’t brought us a valid point yet.”
Bill Walker; liked the idea of a flat rate fee schedule as suggested by the building official.
Terry Knapp; did not like the idea of giving away police and fire services on Point Ruston.
Karen Pickett; same issue, no valid reasons given to even discuss giving away such important services. Hunt responded they have a duty to consider all the options.
Sherrie Forch; announced a celebration for former council member Mary Joyce’s contributions to Ruston to be held on July 26th from 2 to 5 pm at the school.
Cherrie Anderson; wants the view corridor on Commercial Street to stay as it gives her more view of the water.
James Bennett; President of the business district asked for permission to close 51st Street again for the music festival on Saturday, Sept. 6th (one day only). He will get something in writing to the mayor.
Mark Schacht; Among other things, he wanted the codes reviewed so the areas painted reflected the current requirements.
Mayor’s Time:
The civil service will be meeting soon. He has formed a web site committee (Lyle Hardin, his wife and Chief Reese) to put together a town web site that will be formally run by the town. He hopes to have it functioning within a month. The applicants for town engineer will be on the agenda for the July 7th meeting. He is requiring all his staff to only use the new official town emails and encourages council members to do the same.
Council Time:
Nothing from Stebner, Huson or Hedrick. Albertson noted how much he liked working with the new mayor. Hunt will be attending the annual AWC conference in Yakima. She asked the mayor to have the planning commission address concerns raised by a resident in a recent letter to the council.
The meeting moved to executive session to discuss real estate issue (rent on the school space). The meeting reconvened at about 9:10 and immediately adjourned.
Council Meeting Tonight
Click here to see all the back up documentation for tonight's meeting. Based on a very quick glance, I found these items interesting:
- The legal services contract for the new town attorney does not have a "not to exceed" limit for his regular services, an area where Ruston was paying extra under past contracts for issues that took more time than expected.
- The tree committee will be: Lucy Davis, Ginger Kryger, Ruth Campbell and Edie Tallman.
- The new planning commission members will be: Kevin Moser, Colett Judd, Cherrie Anderson, Charles Ranes. Current members are Dick Peterson and Matt Davis. All applications for the vacancies are listed (a very interesting read, some are motivated by view protection, others don't list much). The mayor did not choose Bryan Ficiala, Michael Schoenecker, Virginia Carpio or Mark Schacht.
- The new sign logo is set.
- It looks like they are adding quite a bit to the ordinance regarding street cuts (including a provision that allows emergency work).
- The council and mayor have determined they want Tacoma for all planning and building permit work - Resolution 425 gives authority to negotiate an interlocal agreement. They have not considered (at least in public meetings) other alternatives for these services, such as other consultants, other local jurisdictions or such.
- Resolution 424, for the Point Ruston property reads, in part: "The Town Council of the Town of Ruston has determined that it is in the best interests of the Town of Ruston and its citizens that it begin discussion about entering into an Interlocal agreement for public services for the Town of Ruston with the City of Tacoma at the soonest possible date." This includes the potential for all services, including police and fire service. It appears the council wants to keep the tax revenue from this major portion of the town, but is considering contracting out all services.
See you tonight at 7 pm - 5219 N. Shirley, Room 101!
Karen
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Letter to State Auditor
I'm sending the following letter to the state auditor. I have not heard anything officially about the March 13th letter. ~ Karen
___________________________________________________
June 13, 2008
Washington State Auditor
Pierce County Office
949 Market Street, Suite 560
Tacoma, WA 98402-3706
Dear Sirs,
I am writing to express my concern again about how the majority of current council members in Ruston are making their appointments to vacant elected offices. On March 13, 2008 I provided documentation regarding the appointment of Dan Albertson (who was appointed less than 15 minutes after the vacancy was announced) and Jane Hunt to the council (letter enclosed). In both these appointments, there was no public deliberation before the appointments.
Ruston’s mayor resigned his position on June 2, 2008 and the council held a special meeting on June 4th to appoint a new mayor, once again without holding any deliberations in public.
I recognize the council’s right to make this appointment. I realize they may not even need to take applications, allow public input or appoint from their own ranks. But I ask that you confirm those are indeed legal facts. I also acknowledge that following the rules would not have changed the outcome of these appointments. But I feel strongly that Ruston’s citizens deserve to at least observe what is being done on their behalf even if they cannot provide input.
The primary basis of my continued complaint is that the council is making their decisions on these appointments (and most town issues) outside of any public meeting. In this case, the appointee was at the special meeting, although he had not attended any meetings for at least 4 months. It appeared the town clerk had his oath of office already printed prior to the meeting. The motion to appoint him was made 3 minutes after the meeting began. There were only two short comments by council members stating why they supported the motion and the vote occurred about 4.5 minutes into the meeting.
I note in MRSC’s discussion of the Open Public Meetings Act that telephone or email polling of votes outside of a public meeting is not allowed (page 7, available at http://www.mrsc.org/Publications/opma08.pdf). Yet this appears to be common practice among the four-member majority of this council. The process this group has used for the last three appointments serves as a stark illustration of what occurs routinely at most meetings.
It is my understanding that my concerns may not warrant a special audit, but that a routine audit is scheduled for Ruston sometime this fall. I hope this continued pattern will expedite your oversight. It may be that your input will remedy the situation and the community can move forward, a process I would like to see begin soon rather than waiting another 6 months. If my concerns are not warranted, please let me know as soon as possible. I am willing to let this issue drop if you determine there has been no violation of either the spirit or letter of the law.
Thank you for listening and for any help you can provide. I have requested a recording of the June 4th meeting and copies of any emails from or between town officials on the issue. The town clerk has said it may the first of July before she can get a response from each of the council members on this request, although I don’t expect to get any email copies from these council members. One of them has informed me on a separate matter that she deletes all emails on her personal email accounts (even if they deal with town business) because she needs to save room on her hard drive. One of the other council members used the same reason last year for not being able to provide emails that were later provided by other agencies.
I will forward any information I can gather to you as soon as I receive them. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at (253) 228-8529 or kpickett22@yahoo.com.
Karen Pickett
___________________________________________________
June 13, 2008
Washington State Auditor
Pierce County Office
949 Market Street, Suite 560
Tacoma, WA 98402-3706
Dear Sirs,
I am writing to express my concern again about how the majority of current council members in Ruston are making their appointments to vacant elected offices. On March 13, 2008 I provided documentation regarding the appointment of Dan Albertson (who was appointed less than 15 minutes after the vacancy was announced) and Jane Hunt to the council (letter enclosed). In both these appointments, there was no public deliberation before the appointments.
Ruston’s mayor resigned his position on June 2, 2008 and the council held a special meeting on June 4th to appoint a new mayor, once again without holding any deliberations in public.
I recognize the council’s right to make this appointment. I realize they may not even need to take applications, allow public input or appoint from their own ranks. But I ask that you confirm those are indeed legal facts. I also acknowledge that following the rules would not have changed the outcome of these appointments. But I feel strongly that Ruston’s citizens deserve to at least observe what is being done on their behalf even if they cannot provide input.
The primary basis of my continued complaint is that the council is making their decisions on these appointments (and most town issues) outside of any public meeting. In this case, the appointee was at the special meeting, although he had not attended any meetings for at least 4 months. It appeared the town clerk had his oath of office already printed prior to the meeting. The motion to appoint him was made 3 minutes after the meeting began. There were only two short comments by council members stating why they supported the motion and the vote occurred about 4.5 minutes into the meeting.
I note in MRSC’s discussion of the Open Public Meetings Act that telephone or email polling of votes outside of a public meeting is not allowed (page 7, available at http://www.mrsc.org/Publications/opma08.pdf). Yet this appears to be common practice among the four-member majority of this council. The process this group has used for the last three appointments serves as a stark illustration of what occurs routinely at most meetings.
It is my understanding that my concerns may not warrant a special audit, but that a routine audit is scheduled for Ruston sometime this fall. I hope this continued pattern will expedite your oversight. It may be that your input will remedy the situation and the community can move forward, a process I would like to see begin soon rather than waiting another 6 months. If my concerns are not warranted, please let me know as soon as possible. I am willing to let this issue drop if you determine there has been no violation of either the spirit or letter of the law.
Thank you for listening and for any help you can provide. I have requested a recording of the June 4th meeting and copies of any emails from or between town officials on the issue. The town clerk has said it may the first of July before she can get a response from each of the council members on this request, although I don’t expect to get any email copies from these council members. One of them has informed me on a separate matter that she deletes all emails on her personal email accounts (even if they deal with town business) because she needs to save room on her hard drive. One of the other council members used the same reason last year for not being able to provide emails that were later provided by other agencies.
I will forward any information I can gather to you as soon as I receive them. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at (253) 228-8529 or kpickett22@yahoo.com.
Karen Pickett
Friday, June 13, 2008
Council Meeting Agenda: June 16, 2008
It looks like the new mayor and his council majority have wasted no time in moving their agenda forward. We won't have access to the actual documents to confirm details on these business items until Monday, but it appears they will finally appoint a planning commission. It is unclear how that will impact the Point Ruston hearing on June 25th.
I'll update this post on Monday with a link to all the information.
Karen
It appears there is an agreement already for building and planning services with Tacoma, and an interlocal agreement "for services", presumably for all public services (including police and fire) on the Point Ruston property as discussed at the last study session.
They will revisit the requirements for digging and grading permits (perhaps to remove the requirement of council approval before street cuts can be made), there is something about a rental letter for The Commencement condo project and they will finally hire "legal services". I expect a "town attorney" is a thing of the past for now.I'll update this post on Monday with a link to all the information.
Karen
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Today's Diary Entry
I’ve gotta be honest – I get tired of the fight. I expect you get tired of hearing about it, too. This latest squabble with Ms. Hunt is yet another drain of energy that would be better spent on something positive, for both of us. I’ve only listed it here publicly because I think it’s important that we know the temperament of those in leadership.
I'm also tired of being threatened and bullied. On this issue, I plan to wait the required 10 days to hear officially that Jane will not supply these emails. She’s already informed me that she has deleted them (to save room on her hard drive). Then I plan on posting all of them again for the record, unless something comes to light to change my mind from my inquires to some of the oversight agencies.
In the meantime, I want to talk about more important things in Ruston. As Hannah Montana sings, “we’ve got the best of both worlds” (sorry, I have a 6 year old girl at home, we sing this a lot). Ruston has the big city convenience of a mall 10 minutes away, with the safety of our own police department that patrols our 5-square block town. We may squabble like a family feud gone bad, but it's worth it to have the stronger connections and deeper sense of identity.
We share an important history. Ruston has served as a microcosm of America’s shift away from a frontier-style town dependent on natural resources. We’re transitioning from a rough, blue-collar town to an upscale enclave of some of the area’s wealthiest homes. It’s not surprising we struggle at times.
We have a great group of businesses here that care deeply about much more than their own bottom line. They open their shop doors day after day, welcoming strangers to our streets, enticing tourists to exit their cars and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us. They’ve stuck with us year after lean year to help build this community.
All in all, there is a much more that is good and right about Ruston than is wrong. Despite the challenges that get highlighted on this blog, I hope we always remember the precious treasure we have in this town – each other, our shared history and our bright future. ~ Karen
I'm also tired of being threatened and bullied. On this issue, I plan to wait the required 10 days to hear officially that Jane will not supply these emails. She’s already informed me that she has deleted them (to save room on her hard drive). Then I plan on posting all of them again for the record, unless something comes to light to change my mind from my inquires to some of the oversight agencies.
In the meantime, I want to talk about more important things in Ruston. As Hannah Montana sings, “we’ve got the best of both worlds” (sorry, I have a 6 year old girl at home, we sing this a lot). Ruston has the big city convenience of a mall 10 minutes away, with the safety of our own police department that patrols our 5-square block town. We may squabble like a family feud gone bad, but it's worth it to have the stronger connections and deeper sense of identity.
We share an important history. Ruston has served as a microcosm of America’s shift away from a frontier-style town dependent on natural resources. We’re transitioning from a rough, blue-collar town to an upscale enclave of some of the area’s wealthiest homes. It’s not surprising we struggle at times.
We have a great group of businesses here that care deeply about much more than their own bottom line. They open their shop doors day after day, welcoming strangers to our streets, enticing tourists to exit their cars and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us. They’ve stuck with us year after lean year to help build this community.
All in all, there is a much more that is good and right about Ruston than is wrong. Despite the challenges that get highlighted on this blog, I hope we always remember the precious treasure we have in this town – each other, our shared history and our bright future. ~ Karen
In The News
The Tacoma Weekly has an article on Everding's appointment. He has a few details about how events unfolded at the meeting, so take a look.
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