Issue 43
City of Sumner Newsletter
August 2006
Planning Sumner’s Transportation Through 2012 In July, the City Council adopted Sumner’s new six-year Transportation Improvement Plan. This plan outlines the priority street projects for 2007-2012. Priorities may mean that a project needs attention for further study, funding or construction. Together, they help the City keep Sumner’s traffic moving. 2007-2012 Priorities #1--At the intersection of Traffic Avenue and Main Street, close West Main to left-turn and straight traffic in order to increase capacity for vehicles on Traffic and Main. A thicker asphalt will be laid in the intersection, and the City will decide if Fryar Avenue should be restriped as three lanes plus bike lanes. #2--Improve Stewart Road to five lanes in 2007. Replace the two-lane bridge with a four-lane bridge with a sidewalk on the south side and trail crossing on the north side after 2007 EIS money is available. #3--Study whether a 24th Street bridge is needed to link 142nd Ave E to East Valley Highway.
The dog days of summer came early with Mutts Off Main in July (above) followed by the Sumner Vintage Motorcycle Show (below).
#4--Add traffic signals and possibly new ramps to the SR 410 interchange with Sumner-Lake Tapps Highway and Wahl Road. Although a State project, the City may need to contribute in order to improve access in a timely manner. #5--Reapply for a State Transportation Improvement Board grant to improve Valentine Road (136th Ave E) to minor arterial (truck route) standards. #6--Improve the intersection at Main Street and 160th; widen to minor arterial standards with bike paths and sidewalks. In addition, the City will continue with recurring annual projects including the Street Overlay Program to rebuild exisiting streets, Striping for Safety and Neighborhood Traffic Control Program. Find more details online at www.ci.sumner.wa.us.
The Transportation Improvement Plan helps keep Sumner’s roads up to date to serve thousands of cars each day.
See Inside Mayor’s Message Council Corner New Firefighters New Commissioners Dr. Sumner: Jury Duty
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Sumner Community Connection
Mayor’s Message The fireworks of the 4th of July are a faded memory, but I want to remind you that the important part of our country’s birth is the fact that this is a nation of
August 2006
City of Sumner 1104 Maple Street Sumner, WA 98390 253-863-8300 253-863-2850 FAX
the people. That’s something to celebrate every day. It is what gives us our wonderful freedom. It also gives us the responsibility to take part in our
MAYOR Dave Enslow
government, and that responsibility starts at home with your city government. As in many cases, Sumner is way ahead of most communities. You are a very involved and caring group of citizens. When we sent out those sidewalk surveys, we received nearly 500 back completed. That’s an amazing response rate!
CITY COUNCIL Steve Allsop Curt Brown Mike Connor Randy Hynek Ed Hannus Leroy Goff Matt Richardson
City’s government, which is wonderful to hear. So, on Saturday, September 9, we’re introducing a new way to hopefully improve that connection: a Town Hall meeting starting at 9 am. This meeting isn’t anything fancy. It’s just coffee and doughnuts in City Hall, and I’ll be there with some of the council members and City staff to chat with you about what’s on your mind.
299-5793 299-5796 299-5795 299-5792 299-5791 299-5797 299-5794
CITY STAFF
This is one of the main reasons that Sumner is the strong community that it is. In fact, I heard from many of you that you want a better connection with our
299-5790
John Doan, City Administrator
299-5501
Diane Supler, Deputy City Administrator
299-5502
Carmen Palmer, Communications Director
299-5503
Patricia Bosmans, City Attorney
299-5611
Susan Clary, City Clerk
299-5500
Paul Rogerson, Community Development Director 299-5521
I hope you’ll be able to stop by and ask questions, listen and be part of your government in action. There probably won’t be any quick answers or easy solutions, but when do the really important things in life ever have quick, easy answers? The long-term complexity of most of the issues facing our city is the very reason why we need to continue to have open conversations together.
Colleen Wilson, Police Chief
299-5641
Dan Packer, Fire Chief
863-5451
Bill Shoemaker, Public Works Director
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Bruce Johnson, Community/Senior Services Manager 299-5731 Lee Anderson, Parks and Facilities Manager
Whether or not you can make it to this Town Hall meeting, please
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CITY OFFICES
be involved: attend or watch City
Administration/Finance Cemetery Fire (non-emergency) Golf Course Inspection Line Parks and Recreation Permit Center Police (non-emergency) Senior Center
Council meetings, visit City Hall, call us when you have a question, be an active member of the community. Together, we’ll continue to make Sumner the model of an active, democratic community.
863-8300 FAX 863-2850 863-6345 863-5451 863-8198 299-5530 891-6500 299-5523 863-6384 863-2910
MUNICIPAL COURT
Mayor Dave Enslow
Meeting and chatting with citizens is one of the best parts of being mayor.
Judge Stephen R. Shelton Court Offices
863-7635
Wendy Shook, Court Administrator
299-5621
August 2006
Council Corner
The Heritage of Active Citizens It has been a very enlightening six months since being elected. I serve on the Public Safety and Finance committees. After seeing things from the inside and looking at other cities around the state, I must say that the former leaders and elected officials in Sumner have done a good job. It is my sincere intention to listen to the will of my constituents. That is why it is so very important to convey to me your thoughts and concerns. I would like to thank the following citizens for their recent involvement: Derrek Berkompas and Sarah Spencer regarding the sidewalk issue and especially Kathy Hammad, Julie Moltke and Sara Hoime for their past and current citizen involvement. Unfortunately, I don’t have the space to list the hundreds of other citizens who have volunteered their time and money over the years. Sumner is blessed with a rich history of citizen involvement and it has played a critical role in shaping the city we call home. When informed, active citizens get involved, great changes are possible. As the pace of change seems ever increasing with your active, informed involvement, I believe we can steer a course to preserve for the coming generations what the prior generations have bequeathed to us. We have many issues facing us in the future: parking, pass-through traffic, trains, mandated growth, to name a few. It is an honor to represent you, and I want to thank you for the opportunity. Sincerely, Randall Hynek
Sumner Community Connection
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Change Comes to Heavy Manufacturing Zone On June 19, the City Council passed an ordinance that permanently removes the following four land uses from the list of uses permitted in Sumner’s Heavy Manufacturing, or M-2, zone: • hazardous waste off-site treatment and storage facilities • hazardous waste on-site treatment and storage facilities • manufacturing, refining or storage of noxious, volatile or explosive products • pharmaceutical plants. As stated in the ordinance, the Council made this change because such land uses “could be contrary to the City’s vision, Comprehensive Plan, and Town Center Plan and have negative effects on the long-term development and character of the City.” The changes will apply to new businesses coming into the M-2 zone and won’t affect existing permit applications.
according to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Sometimes, as in this case, the City Council determines that the code no longer follows the vision set forth in the Comprehensive Plan, so it makes adjustments like this to ensure that our present rules lead us to the future we want for Sumner. Sumner’s Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code are available online at www.ci.sumner.wa.us.
M-2
As with all cities, Sumner’s Municipal Code provides the rules by which the City governs. The zoning section, Title 18 of the Code, provides the policies and procedures that guide and regulate development within the City of Sumner The purple shows the M-2 area zoned for Heavy Manufacturing. Each zone has its own set of policies and procedures to ensure that each area of Sumner continues to develop to serve the activities and functions that occur there.
Visit us at www.ci.sumner.wa.us for up-to-date information on City of Sumner services, projects, special events and more!
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Sumner Community Connection
August 2006
City Responds to Pandemic Flu Potential A pandemic flu is a world-wide outbreak of influenza, whether it’s the much discussed bird flu or another strain. Amid all the hype is the fact that pandemic flus are always a possibility. The world experienced it in 1918 and again in 1957 and 1968. The City of Sumner has a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan that covers a wide range of potential emergencies. This past spring, the City added a section that
outlines the City’s response plan to a pandemic flu. This plan will supplement the extensive preparation being done at the federal, state and county level to serve you in the event of a pandemic. There are many internet sites that can help you prepare your own home and family for emergencies, including a pandemic flu. www.pandemicflu.gov www.doh.wa.gov/panflu/ family_brochure www.redcross.org
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.
Sumner Welcomes Six New Firefighters in the Past Year As the Sumner Fire Department gets more and more calls, it must also increase its staff in order to continue to provide you a quality level of service. This summer, the department welcomed Rhonda Grant, Eric Shurtz and Tomas Sumbera. They join three other firefighters who came to the department last year: Corey Sanderford, Don Cole and Mason Lewis.
mandatory service in the army. He has made the United States his home since 1993. His entire family lives here now, and he’s happy to have moved with his wife from Florida to the Pacific Northwest a year ago. Don Cole, originally from Salem, Oregon, received his initial medical training when serving eight years of active duty in the Air Force Pararescue. Cole now lives in Puyallup with his wife Christie and 18-month-old daughter Hannah.
Mason Lewis grew up on a farm in University Place before earning his AA at Tacoma Community College and his Bachelor of Science at Central Washington University. Lewis has worked at a private ambulance company in King County, as a volunteer firefighter in University Place and for Pierce County Rural/Metro before coming to Sumner.
Corey Sanderford, originally from Texas, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Health, Recreation and Sports Management. While working in Vancouver, Washington, as an athletic trainer and soccer coach, Sanderford volunteered with Eric Shurtz is from Puyallup Clark County Fire and recently came from five years at District 1 and attended Moses Lake. He’s glad to be back Paramedic school. He on this side of the state and resides in worked in Longview Bonney Lake with his wife and five before coming to boys. Sumner with his wife Jennifer. Their son Tomas Sumbera was born and Evan joined the famraised in Czechoslovakia (now the ily eight months ago. Czech Republic). After working in From left, Corey Sanderford, Tomas Sumbera, Rhonda an aircraft factory, he was drafted for Grant, Eric Shurtz and Mason Lewis Rhonda Grant is a native of Edgewood and lives in Graham. She has been a paramedic in Pierce County for 12 years and most recently worked at Pierce County Fire District 17. She is married with a 2-year-old son.
August 2006
Pierce County Bonds Assist Local Business This summer, Charles Girtz, owner of Quality Stamping and Machining of Sumner, took advantage of a little known resource for manufacturing businesses: industrial revenue bonds. The Economic Development Corporation of Pierce County offers tax-exempt, non-recourse economic development revenue bonds to new and expanding manufacturers. “Non-recourse” means that the bonds carry no risk to the City or the County. The purpose of the bonds is to support jobs and economic development in Pierce County. In Girtz’s case, he will be using the bonds to greatly expand his operation. For 15 years, Quality Stamping has made metal aircraft parts. Their market is expanding, and they are now producing a wide range of custom and high quality parts for the transportation and manufacturing industries. Currently, Quality Stamping’s 34 employees work in a 7,200-squre-foot building on 137th Avenue. With the help of the bonds, they will expand with a 20,000-square-foot addition to accommodate double the number of employees. While stories often focus on globalization and overseas manufacturing, it’s good to know the resources available for those things right here in Sumner. For further information, contact Susan Suess, Economic Development Corporation of Pierce County, at 253-383-4726 or susan@edbtpc.org
Sumner Community Connection
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New Commissioners Jump Into a Variety of Roles Sumner’s commissions provide a way for experts from many walks of life to become involved in Sumner’s government. Recently, new commissioners have joined in to help shape the City’s present and future activities. Please thank these individuals when you see them for their service and dedication.
Jon Swanson is a retired business owner who has previously been involved in Sumner Rotary and Sumner Downtown Association. He noted that his business background “would be helpful in analyzing facts and figures necessary to making decisions.”
ARTS COMMISSION Melinda McColley is a stayat-home mom who has a BA in interior design from Washington State University. “I’m deeply interested in...the role public art can play in elevating arts appreciation and promoting civic pride,” said McColley. Kellie Monette-Chapman is a bank branch manager who is also involved with Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. Said Monette-Chapman, “I have a passion for the arts and will enjoy applying my passion and experience to the The hard work of Sumner’s commissioners can Arts Commission.” be seen all around town. For example, the Arts Commission brings the annual favorite, Music Off Main. Salary Commission met in May and June to review and PARKS BOARD set the salaries of the Mayor and City Barbara Skinner previously served Council. This commission consists of on the Sumner City Council, Pierce three members who review the salaries County Council and most recently as every five years. Sumner’s mayor. Skinner is also an accountant who has lived in Sumner April Evers is an escrow officer who through various times of her life. felt that her role as a small business owner and wife of a former counPLANNING COMMISSION cil member gave her an idea of the Jonathan Haines works for the state amount of time that the positions legislature and is earning an MA in require and fair compensation for such Conflict Analysis & Management. work. In high school Haines served on his local youth commission and has been William Heath, a retired educator involved with various chambers of who has been a member of service commerce. clubs for 46 years, thought that public officials’ salaries need to be reviewed periodically and found the commission a way for him to serve the community.
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Sumner Community Connection
August 2006
Planning Continues for Future Fire Services Early this summer, a task force of citizens recommended that the City immediately increase staffing for the Sumner Fire Department. They also strongly recommended that the City look for a partnership with another agency in order to expand the services, reduce overhead costs and maximize the quality of service to Sumner citizens and businesses. They were particularly concerned that the increased demand on the department was also increasing the amount of time it took for the department to respond to calls. The City Council reviewed these recommendations as well as those of a consultant who helped the task force. The Council decided to hire three additional paramedic/firefighters, bringing Sumner to a total of 21 firefighters and paramedics. (See related story on page 4.) The Council also agreed to continue to review and examine the long-term possibilities for the City to partner in some form with another agency. Starting in August, Dick Moore, former Sumner Director of Fire and
Emergency Services, started working with the City Administrator to review the available options for a partnership and what could make the best fit for Sumner’s needs, culture and future. In this temporary position, Moore will combine his experience in Sumner with his first-hand knowledge of similar projects, which he gained while serving as Tacoma’s Fire Chief. The City Council expects to be reviewing options for long-term fire services in October.
In 2005 the City entered into a contract with East Pierce Fire and Rescue (Fire District No. 22) to provide the command and administration of the Sumner Fire Department. The partnership with East Pierce has allowed time for the City to study the Fire Department and make changes to staffing, training and organization. While a continued partnership with East Pierce is an option, the City will be examining all the options around Sumner. The pride of the past meets the changes of the future in Sumner firefighting: the 1930s Kenworth and the new medic vehicle.
Call Before You Dig
Go to www.2good2toss.com to get rid of or find everything from bricks to refrigerators. Items are $99 or less-many are free! This service helps you clean your house while recycling useful items to keep them out of the landfill.
For additional information about the Fire Department, please contact Fire Chief Dan Packer at 253-863-1800 or dpacker@eastpiercefire.org.
Parking Lots Get Makeover
1-800-424-5555
If you’re digging call the Utilities Underground Location Center at least two business days before you begin to avoid hitting underground utilities and causing injury to yourself.
The task force was composed of the members of the Sumner Planning Commission, additional representatives of the residential and business community, Fire District No. 1, and City Councilmember Steve Allsop. The task force found that in addition to growth in the community, the need to expand services is also related to the aging population, increased reliance on the fire service, and traffic growth around Sumner.
Parking downtown just got a little easier. The City worked with Sumner Downtown Association to put up new signs at the five public parking lots. These signs help new visitors find the lots. Plus, each lot has a unique name, helping everyone remember where they parked. In keeping with Sumner’s character, each lot is named after a daffodil species.
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The Mt. Hood lot is just south of North Street.
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King Alfred is on the corner of North Street and Ryan Avenue.
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Cheerfulness is at the corner of Ryan Avenue and Main Street.
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Fortune runs between Kincaid and Alder Avenues.
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Golden Ducet is just off Main Street, east of the dry cleaners.
To complete the makeover, the City recently repaved and restriped the King Alfred and Fortune lots.
August 2006
ASK DR. SUMNER
Sumner Community Connection
City Hall Calendar August 21..... City Council meeting, 7 pm 28..... City Council study session, 6 pm September 4 ...... Labor Day -- City Hall Closed 5 ...... 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
What is the Jury Duty Questionnaire I got in the mail? A trial by jury is one of our country’s great rights. Dr. Sumner counts it up there with freedom of speech and the right to vote. However, it requires citizens to serve as jurors, including in Sumner’s own Municipal Court. Each year, the Court sends out questionaires to establish its pool of potential jurors. By law, you are supposed to fill out and return this questionnaire. However, the Court sends out about 700 questionnaires annually, and only about 200 citizens return it. Perhaps people don’t fill these out because they don’t know what it is or are frightened that jury duty will pull them away from their responsibilities to family and jobs. However, Sumner Municipal Court only handles misdemeanor crimes, and trials rarely last more than one day. Please do your part: if you receive a jury duty questionnaire, fill it out and send it in. It’s a great thing you can do to further the pursuit of justice. You can contact Dr. Sumner at drsumner@ci.sumner.wa.us. For questions about Municipal Court, contact Court Administrator Wendy Shook at wendys@ci.sumner.wa.us or 253-863-7635.
October 2 ...... City Council meeting, 7 pm 9 ...... City Council study session, 6 pm
Community Events September 9....Town Hall Discussion, 9 am, City Hall 9....Wine Walk, 4-7 pm, Downtown Sumner 17..Classy Chassis Car Show, 10 am - 3 pm, Downtown Sumner October 7....Scarecrow Celebration Contest, 10 am - 5 pm, Downtown Sumner 7....Autumn Evening, 5 - 8 pm, Downtown Sumner
Come to a Playground Raising Party! October 21 & 22 Rainier View Park Help install the new playground equipment and join your neighbors in building a future for Sumner’s parks.
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Sumner Community Connection
August 2006
Sumner City Council
Steve Allsop
Curt Brown
Mike Connor
Leroy Goff
Ed Hannus
Randy Hynek
Matt Richardson
ITEMS PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL MAY/JUNE/JULY 2006 MAY
for a vehicle exhaust system
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2172, interim development regulations for the Light Manufacturing (M-1) and Interchange Commercial zones
• Approved contract for street striping
• Approved a Professional Services Agreement with the Buxton Company
• Approved firework stand permits
• Adopted Resolution No. 1191 declaring the Council’s intent to create an LID for phase I of the sidewalk program
JUNE
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2171 authorizing the refunding of ULID No. 67 bonds • Reconfirmed members of the Arts, Design and Planning Commissions and the Parks Board • Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Pierce County regarding grant monies for meth lab responses • Approved an agreement for participation in the Pierce County 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points • Approved a contract with Microflex, Inc. for conducting a tax and licenses audit • Adopted Resolution No. 1196 for repayment of the Golf Course Operating Fund’s Interfund Loans • Adopted Resolution No. 1195 to award bid
• Adoped Resolution No. 1197 designating the Financial Operations Director responsible for issuing official intent certificates
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2172 adding uses prohibited in the IC zone for six months • Adopted Resolution No. 1198 exchanging right-of-way and relocating storm water bioswale along 142nd Ave E
• Approved contract with Springbrook Software for online utility billing services • Adopted Ordinance No. 2175 approving the 2006 supplemental budget • Adopted Ordinance No. 2174 removing four land uses from list of permitted uses in the Heavy Manufacturing (M-2) zone • Adopted Resolution No. 1199 supporting issuance of economic development revenue bonds for Quality Stamping and Machining • Accepted the Cannery Pump Station upgrade project • Approved hiring of three firefighter/ paramedics
• Approved acceptance of work by MCD McDonald & Co. for Zehnder Street
JULY
• Approved Professional Services Agreement with Gray & Osborne for Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2176 executing Franchise Agreement with Pierce Co. for storm drainage pipes
• Approved grant agreement with National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for trail planting
• Adopted Resolution No. 1201 outlining Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan
• Approved interlocal agreement with Sumner School District for partial support of Sumner Family Center Coordinator
• Appointed Melinda McColley and Kellie Monette-Chapman to the Arts Commission
• Approved interlocal agreement with Valley cities for fiber optic and wireless broadband study
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2177 revising SMC for petty cash account
City of Sumner 1104 Maple Street Sumner, WA 98390
• Accepted 2.0 MG Water Tank improvements
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