RUSTON MOVES FORWARD

reconvened Council meeting August 12th continued from August 4, 2008:

Hooray for Hollywood,
And ballyhoo for Ruston too.
All's well that turns out good,
Even if the final vote was 3 to 2.

Jim Hedrick appointed May pro tem in Bob Everding's absence.
One moment of comedy after much finagling with the recorder Wayne Stebner went over and plugged it in. Please come back Karen, it took three people to turn the recorder on.

8:04 Item 1 - Resolution 430 Interlocal Agreement with Tacoma LID
No discussion, passed 3-2, Albertson, Stebner voting no.
This LID will allow all improvements to Point Ruston to start when financing is approved.

8:05 Item 2 - Resolution 429 Stack Hill final plat as amended
continued from previous regular council meeting by Bob Everding who refused to sign it in the absence of Special Legal Counsel David Britton after passing by a 3-2 council vote, Albertson, Stebner voting no. Reason given one council person had recused previously.

This changed from recusal to procedural problem per Dan Albertson. Stebner said it would lead to litigation. Albertson continued regardless of vote there was legal liability, subject to legal challenge. Who would file legal challenge was left out. Maybe Jobs for Justice? Anyway Dan wanted a reconsideration and full public hearing on 7.5 foot setbacks or 10 foot setbacks and a prolonged drawn out study session, another do over. Dan got no takers so Stebner called for Executive Session as it was disclosed applicant had filed suit vs. Town of Ruston. Fifteen minutes was agreed upon.

7:31 back in session, again Dan called for reconsideration, to fix procedural flaws, cure legal defect and undo divisiveness. Still no takers. Vote was taken to reapprove and results were the same, 3-2, Albertson, Stebner no votes.

7:33 Jim Hedrick pointed out that previous vote was approved automatically after five days signed or unsigned and resolution was already in effect as eight days had passed.

7:34 Adjourn.

Stack Hill will be built out 34 new homes to join the Ruston community. Why such an outstanding development took years to approve needs to be looked at! Thank you Lord applicant didn't sue for exhorbitant fees he had to pay along the way and the deliberate, inordinate delays.