As many of you have noted, I have suspended interaction on the Ruston Truth blog. The exchanges got crazy, nasty and hateful in the last week. I was hoping we could find some new ways to openly exchange opinions, without my being in the center of the mix. My involvement has become a distraction and focal point; and nothing new or positive was happening in our conversation on this blog.
Someone with much more technical know-how has taken this opportunity to set up a new forum called Free Ruston!!! You can get to the main page by clicking here. Everyone can exchange ideas on local politics, memories, town hall or public safety services or even continue the negative conversation if we want on the complaint page.
Here is the welcome message ~ check it out and let's keep talking! ______________________________________________________
Hello and welcome to the Free Ruston Message Forum!
This a new media outlet for the Town of Ruston where you can post your news, pictures, comments, and exchange ideas, both positive and negative, with others who live in Ruston. Why a Message Forum?It's better than a blog. Rather than having an administrator decide what needs to be discussed, all participants can start topics, post comments and participate in active discussion with the issues that matter. I think you'll find it far more enjoyable and refreshing of an outlet than what you have experienced in the past.
How to Participate:
Anyone can read the posts and comments on this entire forum. You DO NOT need to register on this forum to post, but you can if you wish to maintain an active account. Participation is 100% free. If you do register you may receive occasional emails from this forum about updates and news that pertains solely to this forum, but again--you don't need to register to post.
Forum Rules:
Unlike blogs and other outlets in the past, this forum is considered as a "free for all" place to share and exchange ideas, both positive and negative. Share your news, town meeting notes, and opinions about the happenings in Ruston.
Special Features:
Lots of Ruston residents are very vocal and have a lot of things to talk about. They also have issues and complaints to bring up. A special "Complaint Department" has been set up for this purpose. This room has been created in the spirit of the "Ruston Truth" blog, but offers much more flexibility in terms of what you can do there. If you are offended easily, simply do not read that forum. However if you have a complaint, a rant, or are upset about something and want it to be known, that is your forum.
Other Notes:
We highly encourage the owners of the other Ruston outlets (such as Ruston Home) to post meeting minutes, notes, and the happenings from the town just like what is done on the other forums.
One final note:
The only forum that has topics started by administrators only is this one--the Free Ruston Announcements Forum. These announcements pertain only to this Message Forum and not to Ruston, therefore visitors can only reply to messages here. Everywhere else is free game, so enjoy!
Who is Don Knotts:
Call me Mister Furley if you want. I am not a member of the Ruston government system, nor would I want to be. I have lived in Ruston for many years and am very familiar with the politics and hot subjects and know a number of residents there. Who I am is not important--that we have this board, is. Please enjoy this new opportunity and if you have any questions, just let us know. You can send me a message through this forum for ideas or if you need further help.
That's it--start posting!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
I have suspended comments and will not be adding to this blog for the time being. We are not contributing anything of value to our community by our discussions here. Someone else is free to set up an alternative blog if they feel we need to continue this type of "free for all" commentary.
Feel free to email me with your thoughts or input at kpickett22@yahoo.com.
Karen
Feel free to email me with your thoughts or input at kpickett22@yahoo.com.
Karen
Monday, October 6, 2008
Council Meeting: Oct. 6, 2008
Very brief highlights for tonight in no particular order - I'll get the full report up during the day tomorrow...
- Council Member Stebner wants to serve as mayor. There has only been one other verbal application at town hall to date.
- Council Member Huson wants to stay on until the end of October as planned.
- Police pay increases did not bring any objections from the council. Vote will be taken at the next meeting.
- Lengthy discussion on Stack Hill (removal of view corridor requirement). Vote will be at the next meeting. Hedrick said he would be voting for it, Stebner against. The others did not indicate their vote specifically.
- The sparring between Albertson and Huson continued through the discussion of how much time Huson devotes to town business and the discussions Huson, Hunt and former mayor Everding had with Tacoma about providing services to Ruston in July.
- Council supports requiring anyone who speaks at public comment state their home address, but a couple people spoke against it during public comment.
- Council supports raising Ruston's B&O taxes.
- The off-leash dog park is getting very popular. Ruston has some liability when they allow people and dogs to co-mingle. The council will continue to review the issue.
I'll have all the details tomorrow! ~ Karen
Thursday, October 2, 2008
CASINO VS RUSTON
Now on RUSTON LAWSUIT filing on POINT DEFIANCE CAFE AND CASINO VS TOWN OF RUSTON complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief. Learning process but more, much more to follow soon, including BALLET LAWSUIT. Check it out today!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Newest Issue for Civil Service Commission
This letter was presented to the civil service commission at the meeting on Sept. 11th. Former police chief Reinhold is protesting the continued appointment of interim chief Reese longer than the 4 months noted in the regulation quoted in the letter.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
For Sale In The Commercial Core
Although its been for sale for awhile, there are bright new signs up letting folks know that the former Purple Cow building is for sale (N. 51st and Highland). I guess it hasn't been the Purple Cow for years ~ funny how us old folks hold onto names.
Any thoughts on what type of business would do well here? What would enhance our business core? Any guess on how long it will to sell in this market? ~ Karen
Any thoughts on what type of business would do well here? What would enhance our business core? Any guess on how long it will to sell in this market? ~ Karen
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Mayor Anyone?
Ruston needs a mayor. The town newsletter has the invitation front and center this month. There was no deadline mentioned in the announcement. The appointment would be for a little over a year (until the end of 2009) when the mayor's seat and the majority of the council (3 seats) are up for election. Anyone interested in the position should send their resume and letter of interest to the town hall at 5117 N. Winnifred Street.
This is an important role for our community. With thick skin, clear vision and open communication, a mayor could do a great deal to lead Ruston forward. Let's all hope and pray someone with those characteristics will step forward to serve soon.
Those are my thoughts. What are yours? What characteristics do you think would be most important for this role? What are the primary things that need to change in order to encourage the best and brightest among us to step forward?
This is an important role for our community. With thick skin, clear vision and open communication, a mayor could do a great deal to lead Ruston forward. Let's all hope and pray someone with those characteristics will step forward to serve soon.
Those are my thoughts. What are yours? What characteristics do you think would be most important for this role? What are the primary things that need to change in order to encourage the best and brightest among us to step forward?
Monday, September 22, 2008
Cranes, Cranes...
Point Ruston has a crane set up working on their Copperline building, and even had an extra one on site this week to pour the second floor of the parking garage. The Commencement brought in a second crane on Friday too, as work continues on that building. It's a busy place around here these days ~ quite a change from the years and years of waiting...
Any Ideas?
It sits vacant, empty for years and years. A fire from a druggie in the upper apartment caused a lot of damage in July 2004. I spoke to a former owner a couple of years after the fire.
He told me the building inspector told him he would be allowed to make improvements while he repaired the damage under a grandfather system (that would not impose new building codes on the old structure). But once he had the interior stripped out, a new building inspector changed the rules and required that the remodel bring the space up to modern building codes. He felt the change was unfair, as well as more cost than he could absorb.
The building has since sold. Assessor records show Ruston Building, LLC bought it in March 2007.
He told me the building inspector told him he would be allowed to make improvements while he repaired the damage under a grandfather system (that would not impose new building codes on the old structure). But once he had the interior stripped out, a new building inspector changed the rules and required that the remodel bring the space up to modern building codes. He felt the change was unfair, as well as more cost than he could absorb.
The building has since sold. Assessor records show Ruston Building, LLC bought it in March 2007.
Is there any role for us as a community to help get this building back on track? Is encouragement enough? Is there more the town's elected leaders could be doing? It's a tough time in the market right now, but throwing out some ideas can't hurt. It would be great to see something positive happening in this empty space.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Council Meeting: Sept. 15, 2008
Here is what I observed tonight ~ please attend yourself to see your leaders in action! ~ Karen
Mayor Pro-tem Bradley Huson started the meeting at 7 pm. The agenda was amended to delay the tree committee report until next meeting and to hold a 30-minute executive session to discuss real estate issues and potential litigation.
The first item was a public hearing on the codification of Ruston codes, which brings the codes up to date with any recent changes. They are now available on Ruston's web page. Several thank yous were extended to Sally Everding for her work, along with the rest of the web committee for putting this together. Huson will draft a thank you letter for the council to sign. Rather than pay Mrs. Everding (since her husband was mayor at the time), the town will contribute to the community Easter egg celebration.
Fire Chief Torbet noted that all the calls last month were medical aid, although several were for patient assists rather than medical emergencies. He will be updating his report to reflect these types of calls. Police Chief Reese went over several items; calls were routine this month, she is pursing a refund of the department radios that have not worked well, her proposed new salary grid (provides incentives to keep people on and get better applicants) costing $7,563 for the rest of 2008 and $37,717 for 2009. They have several good applicants for police reserve positions. She also discussed her resignation at the end of the year. The police chief and town attorney will look at the noise ordinance to make sure it is enforceable.
Town electrician Tim Burtron presented information on the deteriorating streetlights. After discussion, Burtron will work with the electrical engineer to get a bid on putting a scope of work for replacing the lights on Pearl, Winnifred and 51st Street - taking into consideration the style of new lights on Stack Hill and Point Ruston.
Huson clarified the letter from Betty Fellerman on the dog park. The cost is about $250 a year. Ms. Fellerman has donated $25 towards purchasing doggie bags.
Ordinance 1265 (accepting the codified municipal code) passed 5-0.
Council Member Stebner wants a new study on the condition of the town sewer system. After discussion, the mayor will have the town planner review the current information and come back with a proposal at the next meeting. Storm sewer was also discussed. Once Ruston reaches a population of 1,000 new regulations for storm water discharge is required. Coupled with changes needed for the storm line that runs through the Point Ruston site, this issue will need attention very soon as well. Stebner suggested using Harbor Improvement and sewer reserve funds if needed.
The town attorney presented an ordinance that would control renting or allowing meetings in town facilities. After some discussion, Huson will bring the ordinance back for a second reading at the next meeting with some issues clarified.
There was extended discussion on hiring a town administrator. Hunt has drafted a job description suggesting pay of $75,000 to $90,000 a year. Albertson asked if funding for the position would require 4 votes. The attorney felt it would only require super majority approval if additional funding would be required.
Albertson felt the town could not afford a paid administrator and would not last until Point Ruston was developed. He wants to look at the short-term issues like fixing the immediate needs and thought the council should be talking to Tacoma about what to do when we run out of money, including annexation. Stebner felt the council needed to look at all the options and put annexation up for a vote.
Huson noted that he and Hunt have already met with Tacoma's city manager about taking them over police, fire and other services. They are waiting to hear back on what Tacoma would proposal. He felt the handwriting was on the wall and Ruston could not afford to continue to provide the same level of service to new residents.
Huson felt the town had done well this year, considering all the resignations. They had gotten the legal and planning costs under control and moved important development projects forward. These saving might be enough to pay for an administrator through the end of 2008. He will talk with the town clerk to see if they could find a way to fund the town administrator position within the budget since they would not have the super-majority vote.
Albertson wanted to know if anyone had applied for the mayor's position. The clerk noted there had not been any notice given yet asking for applications. Albertson felt it had been a disastrous year for the town, especially with former mayor Everding’s resignation. Hunt felt an administrator would save the town money in the long run by securing grants.
The clerk supported hiring an administrator and felt there needed to be a central person who could prioritize and recommend how to move projects/issues forward. Stebner chastised the clerk for not getting the meeting minutes done yet. Huson noted that at least the town would not run out of money before Albertson would run out of office - he could be voted out of office before then. Stebner thought that comment was inexcusable.
Claims and payroll were approved 5-0.
Public Comment:
Jim Wingard gave his address as required, but was interrupted by Albertson who demanded to know what Wingard's address was at his residence (not the address of the property he owns in Ruston). Huson gaveled him down, noting that Wingard was still allowed to address the council. Wingard express frustration that Stebner and Albertson seem to be opposing hiring an administrator but supported changing the form of government that would have forced hiring a manager.
Connie Maglione expressed frustration that a part-time administrator was not being pursued. She chastised Albertson for attempting to interrupt her and then noted what she felt was money wasted on frivolous lawsuits and the grant the council walked away from last spring.
I voiced support for new pedestrian-friendly street lighting, asked when the exclusive lease on the Commencement sales center expired and felt it was inappropriate to be talking about annexation.
Terry Knapp wanted to know why Albertson and Stebner supported hiring an administrator before but not now. They responded that they had never supported the concept.
Sherrie Forch likened the town to a boat being skippered by well-intended amateurs. She felt we need a professional at the helm or we would run aground.
Jon Anderson wanted to know if the mayor's position had been advertised yet. Huson noted there had not been a town newsletter since the decision was made to ask for applications at the last meeting. The invitation would be included in the next newsletter.
Nan Leiter felt that a proven record in securing grants should be the top priority for an administrator. She was also concerned about the divisive nature of the meeting.
Mayor's Time:
Huson has met with Paul Wageman of the Commencement to talk about noise, maintenance, cost of utilities and the lease and the relocation of Bennett Street. He has also met with Point Ruston to discuss infrastructure, the LID and the shoreline permit. He and Hunt will be meeting with Point Ruston bi-weekly (Hunt is the council committee person for infrastructure).
Council Time:
Stebner wants to see the fence installed at the dog park as budgeted. He noted the auditor will be auditing the town and he wants to attend the pre-meeting. He and Hedrick will attend.
Hedrick congratulated the business district on a successful music fest. He is sorry to see Chief Reese leave and thanked her for her time a police chief. He will draft a letter of recommendation for the council to sign. He will also take on the process of getting a secretary for the civil service commission after he talks to the commission chair.
Albertson also thanked Chief Reese. He clarified he had not supported hiring an administrator when Transue was mayor. Regarding what he felt were frivolous lawsuits, he asked Jim Wingard how much he was suing Ruston for. Mr. Wingard responded only enough to start a recall. Albertson felt we had not gotten any applications for mayor because we had poisoned the well with too many personal attacks on local blogs. He felt the town government is dysfunctional and policy differences were being turned into personal attacks.
He felt it was wrong for council members to meet with developers in private and that the new hearing on Stack Hill was a back door way to accomplish what had been turned down through the front door. He said people would be shocked at what's gone on behind the scenes to change the outcome of that last vote.
Hunt responded to Albertson’s accusation of ex-parte communication on the last vote on Stack Hill, noting that the town attorney had advised the council that contact with the developer was allowed. She also encouraged the council to review a brochure from AWC on user fees and tax sources.
The meeting moved into executive session for about 25 minutes and adjourned at about 9:30 with no further action.
Mayor Pro-tem Bradley Huson started the meeting at 7 pm. The agenda was amended to delay the tree committee report until next meeting and to hold a 30-minute executive session to discuss real estate issues and potential litigation.
The first item was a public hearing on the codification of Ruston codes, which brings the codes up to date with any recent changes. They are now available on Ruston's web page. Several thank yous were extended to Sally Everding for her work, along with the rest of the web committee for putting this together. Huson will draft a thank you letter for the council to sign. Rather than pay Mrs. Everding (since her husband was mayor at the time), the town will contribute to the community Easter egg celebration.
Fire Chief Torbet noted that all the calls last month were medical aid, although several were for patient assists rather than medical emergencies. He will be updating his report to reflect these types of calls. Police Chief Reese went over several items; calls were routine this month, she is pursing a refund of the department radios that have not worked well, her proposed new salary grid (provides incentives to keep people on and get better applicants) costing $7,563 for the rest of 2008 and $37,717 for 2009. They have several good applicants for police reserve positions. She also discussed her resignation at the end of the year. The police chief and town attorney will look at the noise ordinance to make sure it is enforceable.
Town electrician Tim Burtron presented information on the deteriorating streetlights. After discussion, Burtron will work with the electrical engineer to get a bid on putting a scope of work for replacing the lights on Pearl, Winnifred and 51st Street - taking into consideration the style of new lights on Stack Hill and Point Ruston.
Huson clarified the letter from Betty Fellerman on the dog park. The cost is about $250 a year. Ms. Fellerman has donated $25 towards purchasing doggie bags.
Ordinance 1265 (accepting the codified municipal code) passed 5-0.
Council Member Stebner wants a new study on the condition of the town sewer system. After discussion, the mayor will have the town planner review the current information and come back with a proposal at the next meeting. Storm sewer was also discussed. Once Ruston reaches a population of 1,000 new regulations for storm water discharge is required. Coupled with changes needed for the storm line that runs through the Point Ruston site, this issue will need attention very soon as well. Stebner suggested using Harbor Improvement and sewer reserve funds if needed.
The town attorney presented an ordinance that would control renting or allowing meetings in town facilities. After some discussion, Huson will bring the ordinance back for a second reading at the next meeting with some issues clarified.
There was extended discussion on hiring a town administrator. Hunt has drafted a job description suggesting pay of $75,000 to $90,000 a year. Albertson asked if funding for the position would require 4 votes. The attorney felt it would only require super majority approval if additional funding would be required.
Albertson felt the town could not afford a paid administrator and would not last until Point Ruston was developed. He wants to look at the short-term issues like fixing the immediate needs and thought the council should be talking to Tacoma about what to do when we run out of money, including annexation. Stebner felt the council needed to look at all the options and put annexation up for a vote.
Huson noted that he and Hunt have already met with Tacoma's city manager about taking them over police, fire and other services. They are waiting to hear back on what Tacoma would proposal. He felt the handwriting was on the wall and Ruston could not afford to continue to provide the same level of service to new residents.
Huson felt the town had done well this year, considering all the resignations. They had gotten the legal and planning costs under control and moved important development projects forward. These saving might be enough to pay for an administrator through the end of 2008. He will talk with the town clerk to see if they could find a way to fund the town administrator position within the budget since they would not have the super-majority vote.
Albertson wanted to know if anyone had applied for the mayor's position. The clerk noted there had not been any notice given yet asking for applications. Albertson felt it had been a disastrous year for the town, especially with former mayor Everding’s resignation. Hunt felt an administrator would save the town money in the long run by securing grants.
The clerk supported hiring an administrator and felt there needed to be a central person who could prioritize and recommend how to move projects/issues forward. Stebner chastised the clerk for not getting the meeting minutes done yet. Huson noted that at least the town would not run out of money before Albertson would run out of office - he could be voted out of office before then. Stebner thought that comment was inexcusable.
Claims and payroll were approved 5-0.
Public Comment:
Jim Wingard gave his address as required, but was interrupted by Albertson who demanded to know what Wingard's address was at his residence (not the address of the property he owns in Ruston). Huson gaveled him down, noting that Wingard was still allowed to address the council. Wingard express frustration that Stebner and Albertson seem to be opposing hiring an administrator but supported changing the form of government that would have forced hiring a manager.
Connie Maglione expressed frustration that a part-time administrator was not being pursued. She chastised Albertson for attempting to interrupt her and then noted what she felt was money wasted on frivolous lawsuits and the grant the council walked away from last spring.
I voiced support for new pedestrian-friendly street lighting, asked when the exclusive lease on the Commencement sales center expired and felt it was inappropriate to be talking about annexation.
Terry Knapp wanted to know why Albertson and Stebner supported hiring an administrator before but not now. They responded that they had never supported the concept.
Sherrie Forch likened the town to a boat being skippered by well-intended amateurs. She felt we need a professional at the helm or we would run aground.
Jon Anderson wanted to know if the mayor's position had been advertised yet. Huson noted there had not been a town newsletter since the decision was made to ask for applications at the last meeting. The invitation would be included in the next newsletter.
Nan Leiter felt that a proven record in securing grants should be the top priority for an administrator. She was also concerned about the divisive nature of the meeting.
Mayor's Time:
Huson has met with Paul Wageman of the Commencement to talk about noise, maintenance, cost of utilities and the lease and the relocation of Bennett Street. He has also met with Point Ruston to discuss infrastructure, the LID and the shoreline permit. He and Hunt will be meeting with Point Ruston bi-weekly (Hunt is the council committee person for infrastructure).
Council Time:
Stebner wants to see the fence installed at the dog park as budgeted. He noted the auditor will be auditing the town and he wants to attend the pre-meeting. He and Hedrick will attend.
Hedrick congratulated the business district on a successful music fest. He is sorry to see Chief Reese leave and thanked her for her time a police chief. He will draft a letter of recommendation for the council to sign. He will also take on the process of getting a secretary for the civil service commission after he talks to the commission chair.
Albertson also thanked Chief Reese. He clarified he had not supported hiring an administrator when Transue was mayor. Regarding what he felt were frivolous lawsuits, he asked Jim Wingard how much he was suing Ruston for. Mr. Wingard responded only enough to start a recall. Albertson felt we had not gotten any applications for mayor because we had poisoned the well with too many personal attacks on local blogs. He felt the town government is dysfunctional and policy differences were being turned into personal attacks.
He felt it was wrong for council members to meet with developers in private and that the new hearing on Stack Hill was a back door way to accomplish what had been turned down through the front door. He said people would be shocked at what's gone on behind the scenes to change the outcome of that last vote.
Hunt responded to Albertson’s accusation of ex-parte communication on the last vote on Stack Hill, noting that the town attorney had advised the council that contact with the developer was allowed. She also encouraged the council to review a brochure from AWC on user fees and tax sources.
The meeting moved into executive session for about 25 minutes and adjourned at about 9:30 with no further action.
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