Ruston Council Member Wayne Stebner proposed an ordinance that is ready for a vote on Monday to increase the gambling tax on Point Defiance Cafe and Casino from 2% to 20%.
Steve Fabre, the owner of the casino, was understandably concerned when he heard this rumor. He called Council Members Huson, Albertson, Hedrick and Stebner to ask what was going on. Only Hedrick and Stebner called him back. Stebner's message: Either close the casino now or it will close when Tacoma takes over.
Stebner made this proposal during council time at the last meeting (after public comment had closed). The ordinance is set to be voted into law without any public notice at the very next meeting. Anyone who happens to attend the meeting will be allowed 2 minutes to comment under the new council rules.
This is billed as a way to raise tax revenue. But Fabre says he cannot afford to absorb this increase. It will force him to shut down most of the gambling operation and potentially put 60 people out of work.
Interesting message from our elected leader, especially one who has close ties with the Ruston Connection. Ruston Connection just settled a lawsuit that alleged they were attempting to put the casino out of business. What are your thoughts?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
More Hand Outs
This material was passed out during the study session last night from Huitt-Zollar regarding the state grant for updating Ruston codes for the Point Ruston project.
Study Session: April 28, 2008
The meeting was called to order at about 7:05 pm by the town clerk. Council Members Albertson and Huson were a bit late from a meeting with Point Ruston. Council Member Stebner was at a Boy Scout meeting with his son and arrived about 8:15 pm. Council Member Hedrick was appointed mayor pro-tem (looking a bit surprised).
There was no presentation by City of Tacoma regarding the potential of Tacoma taking over Ruston’s planning and building services. The head of Tacoma's planning department had sent an email asking the Town to formally pass a resolution that authorizes the mayor and two council members to begin negotiations on the issue through the city manager’s office. The resolution will be drafted by Albertson or Huson and sent to the town attorney for review so it can be voted on at the meeting next week.
Council Member Hunt and Huson met with Tacoma Council Member Spiro Manthou (who represents this area of Tacoma). He expressed support of this concept. He will discuss an inter-local agreement with his council members.
Council Member Albertson commented that he thinks the current town planners (Huitt-Zollars) are the Freddy Kruger of Ruston, the council keeps trying to kill them and they won’t die. Someone keeps interfering with the council. He is more than frustrated.
Hunt asked Point Ruston how the plat is coming along. Mr. Cohen said they should be done with the on-site improvements in about 10 days. They will have a list of improvements for the council to bond ready soon. (not sure what this means)
Huson and Hunt went over their handout (below) that outlines the reasons they want to change to a council-manager form of government. Hunt’s research showed most city managers get paid $75,000 to $125,000 annually.
Albertson noted that the council feels they are not getting cooperation from the current mayor, and this change is a way to solve that problem. A hired manager would answer directly to the council, not an elected mayor.
The council noted that there would need to be an "education" of the voters on this issue. Council Member Hedrick cautioned the council that town funds or other support could not be given to a political campaign that is supports one side of an issue like this.
There were 8 residents in attendance with several questions and comments. I’ll let those who attended post their comments here. But an editorial note: during Beth Torbet’s comment time, Albertson was upset that she winked in the direction of the mayor’s table. It’s a friendly gesture that is instinctive to some of us, not a sign of conspiracy or need for public ridicule.
The Huitt-Zollars representative noted that the state is concerned about meeting the timelines for the grant they awarded to Ruston. The town administration feels that to make the Point Ruston developer's agreement work (which cannot be funded by the grant) there are some key updates necessary to Ruston’s codes. She passed out a schedule that correlated to the schedule proposed by Point Ruston to implement these changes:
- Update the Comprehensive Plan to accommodate the Point Ruston plan
- Pass development code that allows for binding site plans such as proposed with the developer’s agreement
- Repeal Ruston Ordinance 1002, which has different requirements for the development than are currently proposed
This work would proceed concurrently with the developer’s agreement and would be funded mostly by the grant. It would ensure that Ruston has laid the necessary foundation for the developer’s agreement and includes a great deal of public involvement.
The grant system provides that Ruston would spend $25,000 by June 30th (which has already been approved by the council and budgeted). Once that condition is met, the state would release another $50,000 in grant money to complete the work. The Town can choose to hire Huitt-Zollars or some other planner to do this work. This issue will be discussed at the next meeting.
There was some discussion about a Memorandum of Understanding that would allow Point Ruston to remove their land use application for the hotel development. Without a pending land use decision, council members would then be free to individually discuss the issue with Point Ruston. (Background: Council members cannot talk about issues privately where they may have to make a “quasi-judicial” ruling, such as land use decision on a specific property. They are supposed to base their decision on the same information provided to the public that would be presented in a public meeting.)
The meeting adorned about 8:30 pm.
Karen
Monday, April 28, 2008
Study Session: April 28, 2008
The winking eye and Freddy Krueger - Council Member Albertson was generous with his commentary tonight. I'll fill more details tomorrow...
Study Session Tonight: Apr. 28, 2008
City of Tacoma may be doing a presentation about Ruston contracting with them for all our planning and building services (at least the issue is on the agenda) - and the council is asking for public comment on changing our form of government. So please attend and join in the conversation! 7 pm @ Ruston School, 5219 N. Shirley, Room 100
Friday, April 25, 2008
Gambling in Ruston
The issue of Ruston increasing their gambling tax, apparently targeted at Point Defiance Cafe and Casino, has generated several comments.
For those who don't know, this business has been the focus of some intense criticism by some who think a casino does not reflect the residential/family neighborhood that Ruston has become. It also opened during the time that Kim Wheeler was mayor (with his support). In my opinion, the business got splashed with some of the anti-condo, anti-Wheeler paint by the very well-organized opposition group. On a side note, I think allegations of an attempt to drive the casino out of business was part of the lawsuit between it and the Chinese Christian Church and the Ruston Connection.
Everyone acknowledges that taxes openly aimed at a specific business is illegal. But given some of the responses I observed when this tax increase was announced, this may very well be covertly targeted at the casino. I haven't confirmed this rumor that Council Members Huson and Albertson threatened to shut down the casino, but I did confirm that a similar rumor about Council Member Stebner was false.
Here are the comments so far. Chime in with your thoughts, questions or observations:
Anonymous said...
It seems to me that the Casino brings in about $60,000 to $70,000 in tax revenue per year to the Town. What other source in Town pays more? I'm not one for gambling. But I have yet to hear of any negative issues regarding this establishment. Is it fair to raise taxes by 16%. I'm not good at math-is that 200% or 400% increase? Looks to me like someone wants them out. We stand to lose yet another law suit. When will we learn.
April 22, 2008 8:38 AM
Anonymous said...
This targeted tax increase is designed and will put the Point Defiance Casino and it's 300 employees out of business. The courts have been very harsh on taxing authorities using their POWER TO DESTROY a business. But this is not surprising following Huson/Albertson visit to the Casino threatening to shut it down if they did not remove there sign. And when the RC jumped all over it. I guess this was a foregone conclusion. BALLET lawsuit now GAMBOL lawsuit?
April 22, 2008 9:26 AM
Anonymous said...
I was told to take a look at local web sites that are currently reporting on community events. Information on local blogs are very important to our decision to invest in a particular area. We found this area to be an up and growing community. My company inquired to the Liquor Board about licensing a business in the Town of Ruston. We have been solicited to work with the state (by the state) to have a gambling license in the Town of Ruston.
We have decided against a new business in Ruston because we have heard we would have to deal with a council that does not support new business. Maybe someday soon this attitude will change. We will keep am eye to the future. I just hope someday soon this community will understand economics and the ability to enjoy the quality of life that a compact mixed use community can provide.
April 22, 2008 11:49 PM
Anonymous said...
The hope here is to clearly become a berg of Tacoma. We will be a residential neighborhood with limited business ventures. Unless of course you happen to own property on the water front. Makes little or no sense, but this is what we have created. We are not just members of NIMBY, we have the President of the club on our Town council. Tax the rich, feed the poor, until there is no rich no more. Alvin Lee
April 23, 2008 8:07 AM
Anonymous said...
Boosting the Gambling tax from 4% to 20% is absurd. I dislike, gambling, but I dislike over-taxing government a lot more. This business is bringing in a LOT of revenue for the town. We can't afford to lose them. I'm getting sick and tired of politicians manipulating business climates based on whether or not they like a certain establishment or not.
April 23, 2008 11:41 AM
Anonymous said...
If you look at any quality mixed use areas you will find they have a blending of retail, service, and residential. They all co-exist and profit from each others existence. I have yet to see a quality mixed use area that has a casino – can you name one? Would you buy a condo above a casino? Not sure many people would want one in their backyard - just ask the voters in Tacoma. In fact - maybe we should ask the Ruston voters if they want casinos in their neighborhood. Tacoma set the precedent and Ruston could do a “me too”. So, either make good money for the town, and $60-$70k isn't enough given what our police department has to deal with - like the shooting in the alley behind the casino? Oh, but our then chief of police was quick to dispel any connection to the casino. So if they weren't patrons then it’s safe to say we all have gun toting people in our alleys at all hours? Not so! The late night establishments draw unsavory crowds and tax our services. Its time they pay their fair share and help us upgrade our police and fire departments. Money has to come from somewhere – so you have to pay to play.
April 23, 2008 3:07 PM
Anonymous said...
Anonymous #6 must have been written by investigator Bill Walker. Just cuz you want it to be because of the casino doesn't make it so. I don't worry about the gun-toting criminals, it's the mean, crooked politicians and the minority of small-minded petty people in this town that scare me.
April 23, 2008 8:56 PM
Karen said...
A couple of things to think about regarding the casino. Even if we as a community (that means all of us, not just a few in power) decide we don't want this type of business (emphasis on "type", not this one building) then we need to go through the correct process and write that into the zoning code. It is entirely unfair to try to drive this business out of town when they are operating legally. Compared to the last couple of operations in that building, this is by far the cleanest business, much less of a drain on our public safety resources than the psychedelic rock and roll dive bar that was there before. With the current antagonism against our local businesses by Ruston’s leaders, I expect this building might sit vacant for years, just like Coles has been.
April 24, 2008 9:33 PM
For those who don't know, this business has been the focus of some intense criticism by some who think a casino does not reflect the residential/family neighborhood that Ruston has become. It also opened during the time that Kim Wheeler was mayor (with his support). In my opinion, the business got splashed with some of the anti-condo, anti-Wheeler paint by the very well-organized opposition group. On a side note, I think allegations of an attempt to drive the casino out of business was part of the lawsuit between it and the Chinese Christian Church and the Ruston Connection.
Everyone acknowledges that taxes openly aimed at a specific business is illegal. But given some of the responses I observed when this tax increase was announced, this may very well be covertly targeted at the casino. I haven't confirmed this rumor that Council Members Huson and Albertson threatened to shut down the casino, but I did confirm that a similar rumor about Council Member Stebner was false.
Here are the comments so far. Chime in with your thoughts, questions or observations:
Anonymous said...
It seems to me that the Casino brings in about $60,000 to $70,000 in tax revenue per year to the Town. What other source in Town pays more? I'm not one for gambling. But I have yet to hear of any negative issues regarding this establishment. Is it fair to raise taxes by 16%. I'm not good at math-is that 200% or 400% increase? Looks to me like someone wants them out. We stand to lose yet another law suit. When will we learn.
April 22, 2008 8:38 AM
Anonymous said...
This targeted tax increase is designed and will put the Point Defiance Casino and it's 300 employees out of business. The courts have been very harsh on taxing authorities using their POWER TO DESTROY a business. But this is not surprising following Huson/Albertson visit to the Casino threatening to shut it down if they did not remove there sign. And when the RC jumped all over it. I guess this was a foregone conclusion. BALLET lawsuit now GAMBOL lawsuit?
April 22, 2008 9:26 AM
Anonymous said...
I was told to take a look at local web sites that are currently reporting on community events. Information on local blogs are very important to our decision to invest in a particular area. We found this area to be an up and growing community. My company inquired to the Liquor Board about licensing a business in the Town of Ruston. We have been solicited to work with the state (by the state) to have a gambling license in the Town of Ruston.
We have decided against a new business in Ruston because we have heard we would have to deal with a council that does not support new business. Maybe someday soon this attitude will change. We will keep am eye to the future. I just hope someday soon this community will understand economics and the ability to enjoy the quality of life that a compact mixed use community can provide.
April 22, 2008 11:49 PM
Anonymous said...
The hope here is to clearly become a berg of Tacoma. We will be a residential neighborhood with limited business ventures. Unless of course you happen to own property on the water front. Makes little or no sense, but this is what we have created. We are not just members of NIMBY, we have the President of the club on our Town council. Tax the rich, feed the poor, until there is no rich no more. Alvin Lee
April 23, 2008 8:07 AM
Anonymous said...
Boosting the Gambling tax from 4% to 20% is absurd. I dislike, gambling, but I dislike over-taxing government a lot more. This business is bringing in a LOT of revenue for the town. We can't afford to lose them. I'm getting sick and tired of politicians manipulating business climates based on whether or not they like a certain establishment or not.
April 23, 2008 11:41 AM
Anonymous said...
If you look at any quality mixed use areas you will find they have a blending of retail, service, and residential. They all co-exist and profit from each others existence. I have yet to see a quality mixed use area that has a casino – can you name one? Would you buy a condo above a casino? Not sure many people would want one in their backyard - just ask the voters in Tacoma. In fact - maybe we should ask the Ruston voters if they want casinos in their neighborhood. Tacoma set the precedent and Ruston could do a “me too”. So, either make good money for the town, and $60-$70k isn't enough given what our police department has to deal with - like the shooting in the alley behind the casino? Oh, but our then chief of police was quick to dispel any connection to the casino. So if they weren't patrons then it’s safe to say we all have gun toting people in our alleys at all hours? Not so! The late night establishments draw unsavory crowds and tax our services. Its time they pay their fair share and help us upgrade our police and fire departments. Money has to come from somewhere – so you have to pay to play.
April 23, 2008 3:07 PM
Anonymous said...
Anonymous #6 must have been written by investigator Bill Walker. Just cuz you want it to be because of the casino doesn't make it so. I don't worry about the gun-toting criminals, it's the mean, crooked politicians and the minority of small-minded petty people in this town that scare me.
April 23, 2008 8:56 PM
Karen said...
A couple of things to think about regarding the casino. Even if we as a community (that means all of us, not just a few in power) decide we don't want this type of business (emphasis on "type", not this one building) then we need to go through the correct process and write that into the zoning code. It is entirely unfair to try to drive this business out of town when they are operating legally. Compared to the last couple of operations in that building, this is by far the cleanest business, much less of a drain on our public safety resources than the psychedelic rock and roll dive bar that was there before. With the current antagonism against our local businesses by Ruston’s leaders, I expect this building might sit vacant for years, just like Coles has been.
April 24, 2008 9:33 PM
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Point Ruston Request
The Tribune has a full story on Point Ruston's request for a tax abatement. Tacoma is considering some zoning code changes to enhance the project, along with the policy change to the tax incentive. Give the story a read and let us know what you think...
No Change in Ruston's Library Card Requirements
The cooperative exchange between Tacoma and Pierce County's library systems will not change things for Ruston residents. We will still need to purchase a library card from Tacoma. But that card will now include access to the Pierce County library system. The News Tribune has more here...
Walk The Waterfront
A group is working to enhance the walking waterfront of Tacoma's Commencement Bay. Ruston is invited to be part of the discussion. Read more here...
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Thoughts For Today
“It’s not political dialogue, it’s shameful!” So says Council Member Albertson, who does not like the caricature of a fellow council member on the free-speaking Ruston Truth blog. Nor does he think I am entitled to discuss civility since I provide a link to this offensive material on this blog. It doesn’t matter that this page also links to Albertson’s favored Ruston Connection (RC) site, where many offensive (dare I say even shameful) lies have been promoted under the guise of “advocacy”.
Mr. Albertson has his own shame issues. In January, he misled the public about a supposed contract he was negotiating with Tacoma Fire. Rather than face the music when it was discovered Tacoma had withdrawn their offer, he used the next meeting to berate Ruston’s fire chief, asking him repeatedly to provide reasons why the council should continue to explore using Tacoma. His actions rank right up there on the “shameful” scale.
I’m not going to defend this picture that Albertson dislikes. It’s a much stronger expression than I am comfortable with. But I will defend our right to express what we think even if it makes me uncomfortable. We don’t all think alike - thank God. Some of us react with force to censorship (the basis for this picture). I’ve learned to allow for these personality differences. Elected officials need to do the same and take the criticism along with the praise for their actions. It’s all part of the reality of politics.
I hope these blogs will provide various formats that encourage dialogue. Some people like the hard-hitting exchanges, some want to focus our collective memories, some like the timely presentation here on Ruston Home. These are open conversation about the issues that are important to us.
In time, I hope even the RC faithful will join in. We are a better community not only when all voices are allowed to speak, but are heard. Just because some of us get labeled “caged animals” by council members does not make our views less valuable. It’s time to get beyond how the message is delivered to what is being said.
Those are my thoughts for today. What are yours?
Karen
Mr. Albertson has his own shame issues. In January, he misled the public about a supposed contract he was negotiating with Tacoma Fire. Rather than face the music when it was discovered Tacoma had withdrawn their offer, he used the next meeting to berate Ruston’s fire chief, asking him repeatedly to provide reasons why the council should continue to explore using Tacoma. His actions rank right up there on the “shameful” scale.
I’m not going to defend this picture that Albertson dislikes. It’s a much stronger expression than I am comfortable with. But I will defend our right to express what we think even if it makes me uncomfortable. We don’t all think alike - thank God. Some of us react with force to censorship (the basis for this picture). I’ve learned to allow for these personality differences. Elected officials need to do the same and take the criticism along with the praise for their actions. It’s all part of the reality of politics.
I hope these blogs will provide various formats that encourage dialogue. Some people like the hard-hitting exchanges, some want to focus our collective memories, some like the timely presentation here on Ruston Home. These are open conversation about the issues that are important to us.
In time, I hope even the RC faithful will join in. We are a better community not only when all voices are allowed to speak, but are heard. Just because some of us get labeled “caged animals” by council members does not make our views less valuable. It’s time to get beyond how the message is delivered to what is being said.
Those are my thoughts for today. What are yours?
Karen
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