Issue 48
City of Sumner Newsletter
May 2007
Historic Marker Returns to Remind of Sumner’s Heritage After years of service and restoration, a piece of Sumner’s heritage returns. The wrought-iron gateway proclaiming “Sumner the Bulb Capital of the West” was rededicated 77 years to the date after its original dedication. The artwork has a long history that tells of community involvement and pride. Originally, the Women’s Civic
Improvement Club made the sign in following their mission “to promote the welfare of Sumner by beautifying the city....” The club had 137 members at the time and spent a large portion of their budget, $55.98, on this marker for Coryell’s Corner. The marker was the idea of Helen Purvis, the garden chair for the club and also the city’s postmistress.
The club held a commemorative ceremony with speeches from the Mayor, County Commissioner, and the bulb growers’ representative. The sign proudly stood at 19’ long and 8’ high both on its original corner and later on Traffic Avenue. A few years ago, the Sumner Arts Commission worked on the new entrance sign for Traffic Avenue. However, like Mrs. Purvis and the visionary women in the late 1920s, today’s volunteers also saw the beauty in the old sign. They worked with the City’s Public Works shops to have the sign restored to its original glory. The Sumner Historical Society provided information about the sign’s origin and history. And, this spring, the marker returned to its original location (now referred to as Main Street and 160th) on its anniversary. Sumner may not exactly be the Bulb Capital of the West anymore, but the sign’s return and rededication is a monument to all the volunteers of yesterday and today who work to keep Sumner’s heritage and beauty alive and well. And on May 3, the Arts Commission, the Historical Society, the City and Mrs. Purvis’ nephew Stan celebrated this spirit and welcomed the sign home.
Sumner Arts Commission & Mayor Enslow with the refurbished sign
Celebrate the Return You can help celebrate the return of Sumner’s historic bulb sign! Purchase the commemorative mug for $10 and help support the Sumner Arts Commission. Mugs are available for purchase at the Sumner Downtown Association office at 906 Kincaid Avenue.
INSIDE: Cemetery Expansion • Domestic Violence Kiosk • Sidewalk Update • Bicycle Donation • Ask Dr. Sumner
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Sumner Community Connection
May 2007
City of Sumner
Mayor’s Message We’re not alone. In last month’s edition of Governing magazine (there’s a magazine for everything these days, isn’t there?), it said, “Mayors hear it from their constituents all the time: Why don’t we have a Trader Joe’s? Why don’t we have a Bass Pro Shops? What are we, some kind of backwater?” It’s like they took the words right out of our mouths. Especially as we review the proposals for the Red Apple site, many of you have been asking me those very questions, and then following up by asking what individual citizens can do to help get a store here. Tell your favorite stores about how great it is in Sumner--perhaps when you’re shopping there or through contact information provided on stores’
1104 Maple Street Sumner, WA 98390 253-863-8300 253-863-2850 FAX MAYOR
Dave Enslow
299-5790
CITY COUNCIL
Steve Allsop Curt Brown Mike Connor Randy Hynek Ed Hannus Leroy Goff Matt Richardson
299-5793 299-5796 299-5795 299-5792 299-5791 299-5797 299-5794
CITY STAFF
John Doan, City Administrator
299-5501
there’s some-
Diane Supler, Deputy City Administrator
299-5502
thing even
Carmen Palmer, Communications Director
299-5503
better you can
City Attorney
299-5611
do to help us
Susan Clary, City Clerk
299-5500
websites. But,
out. Here it is: help us keep Sumner an active, vibrant community so that stores and businesses will want to come here. A store is a business, not a service. And a business wants a location full of customers. (Remember the old saying, location, location, location?) If they don’t think they’ll have customers nearby on a regular basis, it doesn’t matter how many people say they want them here. In that same article, a consultant named Brad Segal, who helps cities plan for revitalizing their downtowns, said “smart businesses these days are looking for urban amenities that draw people for reasons other than shopping....
Paul Rogerson, Community Development Director 299-5521 Colleen Wilson, Police Chief
299-5641
Bill Shoemaker, Public Works Director
299-5701
Lee Anderson, Parks and Facilities Manager
299-5631
CITY OFFICES Administration/Finance Cemetery Fire (non-emergency) Golf Course Inspection Line Parks and Recreation Permit Center Police (non-emergency) Senior Center
863-8300 FAX 863-2850 299-5510 863-1800 863-8198 299-5530 891-6500 299-5523 863-6384 863-2910
MUNICIPAL COURT
‘a successful downtown is a multidimensional environment that includes hous-
Judge Stephen R. Shelton Court Offices
863-7635
ing, office workers, arts, culture and entertainment.’” So, our Town Center Plan
Cathy Pashon, Court Administrator
299-5621
is calling for just that. To do your part, keep coming to downtown events, shopping downtown, even living downtown. When a retailer sees that, it will want to be part of this vibrant city of Sumner.
EAST PIERCE FIRE & RESCUE Main Number Dan Packer, Fire Chief
863-1800 863-5451
May 2007
Items Passed by the City Council JANUARY
Adopted Ordinance 2200 Amending Sumner Municipal Code relative to fire services Adopted Resolution No. 1214 approving an interlocal cooperative purchasing agreement with King County Directors’ Association Adopted Ordinance No. 2201 approving rate increase for refuse collection Adopted Ordinance No. 2202 amending Sumner Municipal Code regarding recycling Adopted Ordinance No. 2192 approving changes in residential parking configuration requirements Adopted Ordinance No. 2193 approving changes for residential front yard setbacks Adopted Ordinance No. 2194 allowing through lots along minor arterials to have a six-foot tall fence Adopted Ordinance No. 2195 restricting the allowable time to rebuild a damaged single family house Adopted Ordinance No. 2196 allowing outdoor drinking and dining for restaurants and coffee shops Tabled Ordinance No. 2197 allowing outdoor drinking and dining on private property to February 20th
Sumner Community Connection
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Guest Council Column Have you ridden Sounder lately? Where did you park? Unless you were on the first train, I’ll bet it wasn’t at the Station! There is a daily drumbeat of folks asking for a parking garage. Since roughly 90% of the folks who use this Station live outside of Sumner, that drumbeat is mostly coming from surrounding communities. Were a garage to become reality (no time soon since there is currently no funding), appearance is one issue, but the greater questions in my mind are 1....What will a garage solve? 2....What will it do to our worsening traffic situation in town? On the first, I submit that it will be of little value. We see only the tip of the iceberg with Sounder use. The development on the Plateau guarantees usage will continue to increase. Additional Station parking will be consumed as soon as it’s made available, and we’ll be back where we are today.
Adopted Ordinance No. 2198 allowing outdoor seating on public sidewalks
Second, a garage is a car magnet. We increase Sounder parking, and we’re turning our downtown core into a Park and Ride lot. Have you tried to get out of town after trains arrive? Have you seen the streams of commuters passing through our neighborhoods on Park, Wood, Academy, Silver, trying to avoid the congestion on Thompson and Traffic? Increase the parking and you increase the congestion in lockstep measure. That does not enhance our community. We need to focus on alternate means for getting to the station. I’m glad that Sound Transit is working hard with Pierce Transit to provide workable shuttle connections from the surrounding area. We need to have enhanced shuttle service for our town residents too. Please fully engage in this continuing dialogue. You control our destiny. The quality of your community is at stake. Let your voice be heard. Steve Allsop sallsop@ci.sumner.wa.us
Adopted Ordinance 2199, clarifying the mixed use district requirements for mixed use structures
Adopted Resolution 1216 authorizing the Mayor to execute a Latecomers Agreement with Northwest Finish Group, Inc.
Authorized the Mayor to enter into a construction contract with Shinstine & Associates for park restroom enclosures
Authorized participation in the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System lawsuit
Approved a right-of-way land exchange near the 24th Street Interchange
Approved a contract amendment for Shinstine & Associates
Accepted the 2007 – 2009 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 483, Collective Bargaining Agreement
Adopted Ordinance No. 2203 establishing a fee for insufficient funds checks
Approved the Professional Services Agreement with Parametrix for design of the White River Trail Extension
Adopted Ordinance No. 2204 closing out fund No. 207, LID No. 53
MARCH
Approved a Professional Services Agreement with KPG for On-Call Engineering Services
Approved an interlocal agreement with Pierce County for training
Authorized the Mayor to renew the interlocal agreement between the City of Sumner, Sumner School District and the City of Bonney Lake for recreational services through 2007
Adopted Ordinance No. 2206 amending the rates at Sumner Meadows Golf Links
FEBRUARY Adopted Resolution No. 1215 establishing the budget and criteria for 2007 Sidewalk Program
Adopt Ordinance No. 2205 amending the 2007 Salary Schedule Authorized the Mayor to execute the 20072009 Collective Bargaining Agreement with General Teamsters, Local No. 313 Accept the Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project CIP 03-07
Approved an interlocal agreement for purchase of a street sweeper
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Sumner Community Connection
May 2007
Sumner Adds Domestic Violence Kiosk Sumner-area residents who are victims of domestic violence -- or fear they may become victims -- have a new tool to help them protect themselves. A computer kiosk at the Sumner City Hall allows anyone to electronically petition Pierce County Superior Court for a temporary protection order.
Cemetery Expands to Broaden Service Sumner’s City Cemetery will expand this year to offer more services and a wider variety of services. With construction set to begin in late spring, the cemetery will soon have not only more space to offer but new options as well. The new section will include Raised Monument Plots, Family Estate Plots, Granite Face Niches and a Companion Urn Garden. Preparing these new spaces will require using some large pieces of equipment, but know that the pieces are for the expansion only and will not disturb those already laid to rest. Sumner’s City Cemetery dates back to 1864 when Isaac Woolery donated two acres for the Pioneer Cemetery.
In 1902 the “town” section was added. Eventually, the two sections were united under City management. You may want to consider joining in this year’s Memorial Day ceremony, May 28 at 10 am, at the Cemetery to pay respects to the men and women of Sumner who served our country in the military. After the ceremony, everyone is invited to go to the VFW Hall where the Sumner Historical Society will have their Military Collection and Rainbow Girl Collection on display. Pre-need reservations are now being taken. For details, please call Darlene Engels at 299-5510 to have you name placed on the reservation list.
Resources for Relatives Raising Children In Pierce County, it’s estimated that over 11,000 grandparents have grandchildren living in their household. If you are a grandparent or other relative raising children, there are a number of resources available. To request financial assistance or a monthly newsletter, contact Child & Family
Guidance Center, edith@cfgcpc.org or 253-565-4484.
“We are thrilled to have this kiosk in our City Hall,” said Mayor Dave Enslow. “If it helps get even one person out of a situation with domestic violence, it is a wonderful benefit to our entire community.” County Councilmember Shawn Bunney, a Crystal Judson Family Justice Center board member, said the Sumner location is key. “Anyone in this area can apply for a protection order without traveling to the County-City Building in Tacoma. We are committed to locating kiosks throughout the county so someone in need will have access to help.” A temporary protection order is valid for 14 days and can be granted by the court based upon the petition filed electronically at the kiosk. Once the temporary order’s 14 days have passed, the court holds a hearing to determine whether or not a final order -- valid for a year or more -- should be granted.
Support groups are available through Good Samaritan Community Services in Puyallup (253-697-8408) and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tacoma (253-565-4484 x105). There may also be grants, counseling and other assistance available. Ask the above contacts for further information.
Mayor Enslow and County Councilmember Shawn Bunney test the new kiosk at Sumner City Hall
May 2007
Sumner Community Connection
Changes in Faces at City Hall
REI Donates New Bike
There is nothing as constant as change, and there have been some changes recently in the City employees. On April 16, Mayor Enslow conducted the swearing in of Jacob Yancey as Sumner’s newest police officer. Officer Yancey expressed his excitement to be serving Sumner. In the Municipal Court, Cathy Pashon arrived in April to serve as the Court Administrator. After working many years in Puyallup’s court, Cathy moved one city over to take the helm as Sumner’s court continues to grow and evolve. At the same time, the City is wishing bright futures for two long-time employees who are embarking on new adventures. City Attorney Patricia Bosmans left in April to take on new challenges at the City of Des Moines. And City Clerk Susan Clary will retire at the end of June. Searches are currently underway to replace these two positions. Open positions within the City are posted online at www.ci.sumner.wa.us.
There’s a New Paper in Town! After many years, the Sumner community will once again have a community newspaper all its own. The Sumner Reporter will be delivered free to homes and businesses every week, starting June 6. The Reporter is operated by King County Publications, Ltd. Katrina Minton-Davis will serve as the general manager. She has five years of newspaper experience and previously owned a business in Bonney Lake. Shawn Skager will serve as editor. Skager has eight years of newspaper experience, previously working at newspapers in Enumclaw and Puyallup. This will be King County Publications’ first paper in Pierce County, and the City of Sumner is excited to welcome them to our community.
Sumner Receives Tree City Award The City of Sumner, a Tree City USA for thirteen years, received a Tree City USA Growth Award this year. The National Arbor Day Foundation awarded Sumner with this distinction for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program in the activity areas of education and public relations, community-wide tree event, publicity and youth education. This prestigious award recognizes environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities.
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This month, the Sumner Police Department received a new bicycle from REI to help with bike patrols. You’ll soon see the red Novara Float 1.0 bike being used around town by Sumner Police’s Bicycle Patrol. “The Bicycle Patrol helps officers be more flexible. We are more visible to our community and can interact with crowds and pedestrians better than in a car,” said Lieutenant Mark Mears. The City of Sumner thanks REI for their generous gift to our community. REI joins many others across the country to support Bike to Work Week May 14-18 and Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 18. Like the Sumner Police, you too can find ways to replace driving with using your bike. It does double duty to increase your exercise and reduce your impact on the environment! Go to www.ci.sumner.wa.us for how to commute by bicycle on Sound Transit and Pierce Transit.
Somebody Order a Really Big Rock?
The new children’s climbing wall gets moved into place in Rainier View Park. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped put together the play equipment. Soon, Rainier View will be complete and ready to provide hours of fun!
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Sumner Community Connection
City Coloring Book Debuts
Sumner’s Ci BOtyOK ll is where th e Mayor and RINGIt’s also hoHa O City staff wo L me to the Su O rk. C mner Police De a.us
r.w i.sumne www.c
partment.
www.ci.sumn
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The City of Sumner invites all citizens young and old to “color the town” in the new coloring book.
It’s never too early for the youngest citizens to learn about their city’s government, heritage Sumner’s Kenworth Fire Truck from 1932 served for a long time. Now you’ll see it in local parades. and culture. The Sumner Coloring Book provides a fun introduction. It features pages for coloring the city’s entrance sign, the 1932 Kenworth fire engine, City Hall, Ryan House and more. www.ci.sumner.wa.us
Look for free copies at city functions or go online at www.ci.sumner.wa.us to print out pages.
Dog-Gone It: A Reminder As you’re out walking Fido this spring, please remember to pick up after him (or her). Other citizens seldom enjoy finding surprise additions to their gardens--or shoes! mission: To provide needed and valued services that promote our sense of community. vision: Sumner will set the standard of excellence for a progressive small city. values: We are collaborative & professional. We are innovative & visionary. We are responsive & accountable. We serve with respect & integrity.
May 2007
ASK DR. SUMNER: What’s going on with sidewalks?
Just to make things simple, Sumner currently has three separate efforts going to fill in sidewalks throughout the city. The first is the volunteer program you read about in an earlier issue. Homeowners with curb and gutter but no sidewalk were invited to sign up for this program and pay only about half the sidewalk cost. The City pays the other half and will do the construction this summer. The program had a great response: 22 applicants were approved for 26 separate sites, filling in over 2300 linear feet! The second effort was a grant for Safe Routes to Schools that would fill in sidewalks along key routes to Maple Lawn Elementary and Sumner Middle School. Our grant application ranked well, and we’re just waiting to hear if the Governor signed off on the projects. The third effort was also a grant application, this one to the County to finish up the Cyrus Woods neighborhood between Wood and Valley Avenues and Main Street and Elm Street. We just heard at the beginning of May that our application was approved and funded in full. Together, these three efforts will fill in our sidewalks so we can get out and enjoy walking in the sunshine! You can contact Dr. Sumner at drsumner@ci.sumner.wa.us.
May 2007
Sumner Community Connection
Going with the Flow on Ryan Avenue This summer, you’ll notice work being done along Ryan Avenue. This is to replace the water main along that street. The old main was providing enough water for the current residents, but with new residences and businesses coming to the area, more pressure is needed, especially for fire flow. Ryan is one of the last streets with the lower pressure. Work will only be done during the day, and we will work with residents to coordinate brief interruptions in water when the new system comes online. Traffic may be minimally affected. If you have questions, contact Associate City Engineer Kim Scattarella at kims@ci.sumner.wa.us. When school is out for the summer, Tacoma Art Museum is offerThe ing a unique summer camp experience for youth ages 9-12. Each one-week session is led by the museum’s staff artist and special guest artists. The museum’s exhibitions provide thematic focal points for high quality art instruction and inspiration.
Easel
For course descriptions, go to www. tacomaartmuseum.org. Camps fill quickly, so please register soon. Call 253-272-4258 x3030.
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City Hall Calendar May 14..... City Council study session, 6 pm 21..... City Council meeting, 7 pm 28..... Memorial Day--City Hall Closed 29..... City Council study session, 6 pm June 4 ...... City Council meeting, 7 pm 11..... City Council study session, 6 pm 18..... City Council meeting, 7 pm 25..... City Council study session, 6 pm
Community Events May 9 Senior Trip: Northshore Senior Center 23 Senior Trip: Ocean Shores & lunch at Alex by the Sea 28 Memorial Day Services, 10 am, Sumner Cemetery and VFW Hall June 6 Senior Trip: Mt. Rainier National Park - Lunch at the Lodge 20 Senior Trip: Pike Place Market 22 “Surfin’ the Sales” Sidewalk Sales 9am-5pm, Downtown 23 “Surfin’ the Sales” Sidewalk Sales 10am-5pm, Downtown
City Goes to Bat to Strike Out Cancer Every year, the Sumner/Bonney Lake community comes together to raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight cancer and support families that are affected by the various forms of cancer. This year’s theme for the Sumner Bonney Lake Relay for Life is Strike Out Cancer! The relay itself will be held August 10 and 11 at Sunset Stadium. As usual, the City of Sumner has a team and has really embraced the baseball theme, dubbing the team the Sumnerville Sluggers. Soon, you’ll be able to put your name on a bat to hang in City Hall -- just a Buck a Bat! -- and various departments are planning fund-raising strategies. So, if you see city employees really getting into the game, don’t worry, it’s all to make sure cancer is the only loser. To participate and/or support the Sumner Bonney Lake Relay for Life, go to www.sumnerbonneylakerelay.org. If you’d like to support the City’s team, click on the Sumnerville Sluggers team.
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Sumner Community Connection
May 2007
Sumner’s Award-Winning Spring Brings Smiles and Daffodils! Congratulations to Sumner Rotary, Sumner Downtown Association, and everyone who helped with this year’s Daffodil Festival. For the second year in a row, Sumner won the Grand Sweepstakes Award for Best in Parade with its tribute to New Orleans and All That Jazz. The float also won the Best Use of Flowers. In addition, in March, Sumner Downtown Association brought home seven awards from the Washington Association of Festivals and Events, including Most Creative Events By One Organization and Most Unique & Clever Event with September’s Mystery Wine Walk. We always knew Sumner was a fun wonderful place, but it’s great to have others agree!
Sumner’s Queen Michele waves to the hometown crowd during the parade (top). Another favorite was Sumner’s community float (right).
Sumner City Council
Steve Allsop
Curt Brown
Mike Connor
Leroy Goff
City of Sumner 1104 Maple Street Sumner, WA 98390
Ed Hannus
Randy Hynek
Matt Richardson
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SUMNER, WA PERMIT NO. 1
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