ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO

Regular council meeting August 18, 2008 7pm:

Bob Everding reignation letter 8-16 Jim Hedrick appointed Mayor pro tem. One down one to go.

No business on agenda three items added:

Item 1 - Planning Commission approval Point Ruston final plat first reading.
A report was given by Rob White, Ruston Town Planner, and a good one and we are lucky to have him. PC approval vote was 4-0 unanimous. Rob spoke of aesthetic improvements and minor changes to be incorporated into final report. Recommended approval.

Changes, aesthetics that was enough for dangerous Dan, who pounced immediately. Why are they not in package but his major aim was to confuse and setback the whole project and postpone first reading until he had a study session and whatever he needed to postpone or stop the project. When one technical question was not immediately answered even though they already knew the answer, or should of, the Dan and Wayne show wanted a do over, postponement.

It should be noted Dan entered council area immediately bending low to whisper to Wayne Stebner, Wayne holding up a paper to shield their lips from prying eyes. Last minute strategy session? Discombobulation plan?

It soon became evident as they both sighted in on base elevation and building height. Wayne even adding some senseless drivel about the department of Ecology. Anyway they were informed base elevation was sea level. They then moved their attack back to building heights. It was determined it was 90 feet same as the lowest level of the amphitheatre. But Dan kept insisting it was 100 feet as there would be air conditioning units etc., on the roof.

In my mind I kept wondering why does it matter? You would stop this incredible development because of an air conditioning unit? But to hucksters and the do nothing twosome they were running out of air and would soon have to join the real world and, although condescendingly, breathe the same air as the public.

The time of the Cabal is running out just like out our two minute sand timer for public comments. It became very obvious why they do not allow public input on agenda items. The public is obviously far more informed on the issues and could point out their errors and ommissions and distortion of the facts.

Ordinance 1265 first reading Point Ruston Master Development plan passed 3-2, Dan and Wayne negative. The gruesome twosome will get one more try at the September regular council meeting. Be there, we need to support this development by being present and voicing your support. One down one to go.

Item 2 - appointing a temporary Mayor to replace Bob Everding. Jim Hedrick stated it should go to Wayne Stebner as the council person with the most seniority. Loud cheering from the cabal in the audience erupted but they were disapointed when Wayne declined. Bradley Huson was elected by a 4-1 vote to be acting mayor until Friday September 5th. The negative vote was cast by the vindictive, never smiling Dan Albertson.

Yah, after ordering the Point Defiance Casino to remove their sign and championing a targeted tax increase to close the gambling and put 20-30 people out of work. The ostensible reason was the town needed an immediate tax revenue increase to stay afloat. Well Dan we lost about $30,000 in revenue by forcing the business foreclosure but you are strangely silent about a much bigger tax revenue increase needed now to "stay afloat". Or was sinking the town your real aim?

Anyway, Point Defiance Casino vs. Town of Ruston asking $910,000 in damages. At the rate the cabal is getting the town into lawsuits we are going to need a LAW FIRM to represent the Town. Easy to do when it's not your own money you are spending. I think the Pierce County prosecutor needs to look at this as possible embezzlement, using public money for private purposes, namely lawsuits?

Public comments were in favor of Point Ruston except for two people who wanted building height limited to four stories. We are squandering the town's money on frivolous lawsuits while losing town employees, especially police, because we do not, not cannot pay them a competitive salary. Go figure.

Item 3 - EXECUTIVE SESSION, 30 minutes to discuss personnel matters and LAWSUITS, that is plural.