Issue 50
City of Sumner Newsletter
Community Connection Turns 50
When planning the future budget, Councilmembers review all the input citizens have provided over the year of what is working well and what needs to be done.
This is the 50th issue of Community Connection. The first issue came out in April 1997 and was originally a quarterly publication. It replaced the original newsletter, Sumner: Your City Report, that began in 1991. The first Community Connection shows that some things change while others stay the same. Headlines in the first issue include “City’s North End Poised for Development” and “New Senior Center a Popular Place.”
A Look Ahead Shows Need for Financial Tools The City Council may be facing some hard choices ahead. It’s time to prepare the 2008 budget, and the process is beginning with a five-year financial forecast for the City. That forecast is showing some challenges ahead. Most of those challenges are things that are outside the City’s control. In recent years, the building boom in the industrial area brought lots of onetime construction revenue to the City. While building continues, there will be a point when it will slow based on lack of space available. Also, the state’s 1% cap on property tax increases will continue to challenge the budget. Since inflation can raise costs at 4 or 5%, the 1% cap on revenue will mean the City will have less money each year to cover the same expenses.
August 2007
So, what does this mean? Is the City in trouble? Not at all. When the City Council held their retreat to discuss issues such as these, the facilitator, Michael Pendleton, commented that he works with a lot of different cities and government organizations, and it’s very good, and rare, that organizations look forward five years, as Sumner is doing, to make decisions now and avoid any trouble in the future.
This same issue introduced community policing, talked about the Police Department’s Bike Patrol, explained upcoming improvements to the City Cemetery and announced that the School District and City were recognized as a model of cities and districts working together. What never changes is the need for informed citizens, so keep reading and enjoying your Community Connection!
The question that remains is just what can the City do now. Deputy City Administrator Diane Supler defined four key tools the Council has. The first tool is to raise taxes. This one is unpopular with citizens, Continued on page 3
INSIDE: Valley Avenue Phase III • Youth Programs • Traffic Team • Utility Bills Online • Adopting Pets Locally
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Sumner Community Connection
Mayor’s Message After reading about the financial forecast, you may want to ask me, “Is the City in financial trouble?” Here it is: no, we are not in trouble. In fact, this forecast is a good thing. Five years ago, we didn’t have such a forecast. We built the City budget each year with what we got that year. Some years we got more, some years less. The fact that we’re looking ahead and planning for future challenges now—before they happen—is a huge step forward for any city. Here’s one way to look at it: the Titanic knew of iceberg danger and had two guys up front staring into the dark as a lookout. We know how well that went. Nearly 100 years later, the Queen Mary II has high-tech navigational equipment that will detect icebergs so far in advance that the ship can steer around them well ahead of time. This financial forecast allows us to control our financial future like the Queen Mary II. We are getting the forecast far enough in advance that we can use a variety of tools to change our course and not even get close to financial difficulties in the future. And, as a fiscal conservative, I think it’s a good opportunity to get us to look for financial efficiencies and other resources. We simply can’t rely on taxes alone, even if there was no 1% cap. Like a ship having to change its
City of Sumner 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
Diane Supler, Deputy City Administrator
299-5502
Carmen Palmer, Communications Director
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Brett Vinson, City Attorney
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Terri Berry, City Clerk
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Paul Rogerson, Community Development Director 299-5521 Colleen Wilson, Police Chief
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Bill Shoemaker, Public Works Director
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Lee Anderson, Parks and Facilities Manager
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CITY OFFICES
course, it’s an inconvenience
Administration/Finance Cemetery Fire (non-emergency) Golf Course Inspection Line Parks and Recreation Permit Center Police (non-emergency) Senior Center
to make changes. The status quo is always easier. But, with this forecast, I know we’ll all work together to make the hard decisions for our future. Please support me,
863-8300 FAX 863-2850 299-5510 863-1800 863-8198 299-5530 891-6500 299-5523 863-6384 863-2910
MUNICIPAL COURT
the Council and the staff in making the changes we need to change course for smooth sailing through our financial future.
August 2007
Despite the beautiful rainbow caught on film this summer by Sergeant Jeff Engel, there is no pot of gold at the end of the financial forecast.
Judge Stephen R. Shelton Court Offices
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Cathy Pashon, Court Administrator
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EAST PIERCE FIRE & RESCUE Main Number Dan Packer, Fire Chief
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August 2007
Sumner Community Connection
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FINANCES continued from page 1
Council and Mayor. And, the options are very limited. The second tool is to reduce the City’s services. Doing less will cost less. This one can be unpopular too, although the Council is willing to look at small ways to reduce service if it was unnoticeable. For example, what would be the effects of waiting an extra day between mowing the grass in parks? Instead of reducing services, the Council talked more of finding efficiencies, the next tool. The third tool of finding efficiencies is more popular than the first two. It means finding internal efficiencies such as investing in equipment that makes projects get done quicker, reducing staff time. It also means finding efficiencies with external partnerships. The recent consolidation of the fire department is a good example as now Sumner citizens get better service from the larger East Pierce Fire & Rescue than the City ever could have afforded on its own.
The fourth, and perhaps most interesting piece, is what Supler dubbed “growing the pie.” This means bringing more retail within the City limits to increase the sales tax revenue. Some of this work is underway already with the Red Apple redevelopment and the efforts to keep the downtown vibrant. The drawback to this tool is that it can take time--about 18 months at minimum for the fastest project. In the retreat, the Council discussed what else this option meant for the community. For example, would Sumner welcome big box chain stores in its industrial area? Most members seemed open to consider it if they had more data to show what the impact would be on existing businesses. Would citizens shop at chain stores instead of local businesses, or are they already going to chain stores in other cities? At the retreat, the Council gave City staff an idea of what directions to pursue with more information and figures. From that, they will begin to select the combination of financial tools to
take the steps today to be ready for the future. In making these choices, the Council is using citizens’ feedback from this past year’s Sumner University, town hall style meetings, business summits, etc. However, if you have a specific idea or comment, please be sure to let the Mayor and/or Council know.
Do you ever find yourself saying, “If the City would just....”? Now is the time to share your suggestions as the budget decides the projects and services the City will provide in 2008. Mayor Dave Enslow denslow@ci.sumner.wa.us Councilmembers Steve Allsop sallsop@ci.sumner.wa.us Curt Brown cbrown@ci.sumner.wa.us Mike Connor mconnor@ci.sumner.wa.us Leroy Goff lgoff@ci.sumner.wa.us Ed Hannus ehannus@ci.sumner.wa.us Randy Hynek rhynek@ci.sumner.wa.us Matt Richardson mrichardson@ci.sumner.wa.us
Guest Council Column Several weeks ago, I visited Shelly Schlumpf’s office for the Sumner Downtown Association and noticed all the pictures of Main Street that she has displayed on the walls. Some were new, and some were from many years ago. There was one picture in particular that caught my attention, and that was the one of the old and now removed Liberty/Riviera theater building. Or, as Gene Hammermaster told me recently, the Ravioli Theater. So, at a recent Council meeting, I gave Shelly a present. I had the original marquee board from the Riviera Theater that advertised coming attractions. It was placed outside the entry way near the box office.
I obtained that board during the demolition process which, if I remember correctly, occurred in the early 1970s. I was driving by the demolition scene and spotted the marquee board in a pile of ruble. I asked the contractor what he was going to do with it, and he indicated it was designated to go to the dump. I asked if I could have it, and he said yes. I brought it home, and it has been upstairs for nearly 40 years. I remember this board very well as it was standing near the box office. Many years ago, my friends and I paid 15 cents on Friday nights to see the Walt Disney cartoons and various Western movies starring Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and occasionally Hoot Gibson in that classic movie The Empty Saddle.
I have donated the marquee to the Downtown Association so that they will be able to share a piece of the living history of Sumner with those clients and guests who visit their office. Maybe someday, it will end up at the Ryan House Museum in Carolyn’s and my name.
Ed Hannus ehannus@ci.sumner.wa.us
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Sumner Community Connection
Working for City Proves to Be Attractive Sumner’s employees are often sought after by other jurisdictions. On the other hand, Sumner’s reputation for excellence means that it also attracts great professionals to come work here. So, when you visit City Hall, please say hello to our newest faces. Terri Berry is the new City Clerk, replacing long-time Clerk Susan Clary who retired to spend time with her family. Berry began in June, coming from the City of Edgewood where she served as City Clerk/Information Systems Manager.
At the end of July, Beth Anne Wroe began her new role as the City’s Financial Operations Director. Wroe, most recently serving at the City of Bonney Lake, is a member of the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Washington Finance Officers Association.
And, on June 15, Andrew Silveria and Marcus McDonald were sworn in as Sumner’s newest police officers. Both new officers come from miliMayor Enslow swears in Officers tary backgrounds Silveria (left) and McDonald. Also in June, the and are excited to City welcomed Brett be part of the Sumner community. Vinson as the new City Attorney. Vinson came to Sumner from All mentioned Sumner’s reputation as neighboring Puyallup, where he served a reason to come work here, and you as the Deputy City Attorney. He is a are part of that reputation. So, thank graduate of Brigham Young University you for helping us recruit such great and Seattle University School of Law. new employees!
Do you care about the arts, design or planning for our city? Please think about applying to become a commissioner! Go online for an application at www.ci.sumner.wa.us and look under Working and Get Involved.
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.
Adopting Pets Is Closer to Home Than You May Think! Are you thinking about getting a new pet? Did you know that you can now go to a shelter in Puyallup? Located at 1200 39th Ave. SE in Puyallup, the shelter is part of Metro Animal Services, which provides animal control services to Bonney Lake, Edgewood, Puyallup and Sumner. They are open Monday-Friday 10 am - 5 pm and Saturday 10 am - 4 pm. The adoption fee is $75.00 and includes: • Microchip - Permanent ID • First Vaccination - Cats: FVRCP; Dogs: DHLPP • Spay/Neuter - at select vet hospitals • Pet License - (Available only for animals living within City limits.) • Cats only: FeLV/FIV test and FeLV vaccination with neg. test. So, next time you need a new furry friend, visit our own shelter and save yourself a longer trip!
August 2007
Sumner Community Connection
North End of Valley Avenue Gets Face-Lift Over the years, you’ve seen the improvements on Valley Avenue between 410 and Main Street, and then farther north from Main to Washington. This summer, Phase III will improve Valley from Washington to Elm Street. This project will include a number of improvements including • In-pavement lighted crosswalk at Daffodil Valley Elementary School • Five-foot-wide bike lanes • Five-food-wide sidewalks • Center left-turn lane • Bus stop improvements • Improvements to stormwater collection system • Curb, gutters and planter strips to provide buffer between pedestrians and vehicles
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Landscaped islands in the center to reduce speeding Street trees
The City of Sumner received $1.7 million in federal funding, administered by the Puget Sound Regional Council to help with the design and construction of these improvements. Construction began this summer and is expected to finish in the fall. Together, these changes will make the north end of Valley Avenue not only look much nicer but also be safer for drivers, pedestrians, bus riders and cyclists. For questions, contact City Engineer Mike Dahlem at miked@ci.sumner. wa.us or 253-299-5702.
Go Online for Utility Bill Ease and Convenience You can go paperless and pay your utility bills online. Get updated information and check your account any time of the day or night. It’s easy to set up at www.ci.sumner.wa.us NEW! You can now also request getting your bills through e-mail only. When in your online account, click the Options tab. You can select to receive your bill by mail, by e-mail or both!
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Traffic Team Takes on Safety Traffic safety is not just about a police officer giving you a speeding ticket. It is about all of us being aware of how our actions in a car can impact others, often quite literally. The City focuses on “Three E’s” to encourage traffic safety: engineering, education and enforcement. We design roads that work well and “calm” traffic with physical tools; we educate you on safety issues; and if all else fails, we enforce the rule, which is the officer with the speeding ticket. As Sumner and the surrounding area grow, traffic increases, as do traffic stops and accidents. There were 82 more accidents in 2006 than in 2004. What can we do? The City has put together a Traffic Team to further work on the “Three E’s.” This team is made up of employees from planning, police and public works as well as citizens. So far, they’ve collected data, reviewed citizen complaints and identified possible design concerns. As they continue their work, they are asking for your assistance as well. A street can have a perfect design, and officers can give out many tickets, but it really requires each of us to slow down and obey the traffic laws, especially speed limits, for Sumner’s traffic to move safely. Whether you’re late for a meeting or hurrying to pick up the kids, please remember that a speeding ticket is not the worst risk of speeding. The potential impacts to you, your family and your neighbors, can be much worse-just ask anyone who was involved in one of the 247 accidents that happened last year in our city. To send comments or questions to the Traffic Team, contact Robert Holler at roberth@ci.sumner.wa.us or Sgt. Jeff Engel at jeffe@ci.sumner.wa.us.
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Sumner Community Connection
August 2007
Council Action April - July 2007 April
June
Adopted Resolution No. 1218 segregating assessment for property in LID No. 67
Approved Terri Berry for City Clerk
Adopted Resolution No. 1219 segregating assessment for property in LID No. 70
Approved purchase of Family Columbarium Niches from Oregon Memorials
Adopted Resolution No. 1220 surplussing computer equipment
Adopted Ordinance No. 2213 amending the 2007 Salary Schedule
Awarded contract for Ryan Avenue Water Main Replacement to S & W Utility Contractors Inc.
Authorized an interlocal agreement with Sumner School District for Sumner Family Center Coordinator
Adopted Ordinance No. 2208 adjusting cemetery rates
Confirmed Mayoral reappointments of Larry Johns to Parks Board and Patrick Duffy to Civil Service Commission
Adopted Resolution No. 1221 declaring intention to form a Utility Local Improvement District for construction of sewerage facility on Stewart Road Voted for Mayor Dave Enslow to represent small cities and towns on Pierce Transit’s Board of Commissioners Adopted substitute Ordinance No. 2207 to amend Interchange Commercial Zoning Code
Authorized Supplement No. 1 to Preannexation Agreement with Pierce County for Stewart Road Authorized agreement with Intolight for street lights on Stewart Road Adopted Ordinance No. 2215 amending cemetery fee schedule for newly developed sections
May
Adopted Ordinance No. 2214 amending zoning code for lot coverage
Approved firework stand permits
July
Approved an interlocal agreement with Washington State for business licensing
Awarded Chip Seal work to Doolittle Construction, LLC
Awarded bid for Cemetery Phase 1 to Dennis R. Craig Construction
Adopted Ordinance No. 2216 increasing petty cash account
Confirmed Mayoral reappointments of Cindi Hochstatter to Arts Commission, Robert “Doc” Hansen and Jennifer Ahrens to Design Commission, William Dugger to Forestry Commission and Jon Swanson to Planning Commission
Adopted Ordinance No. 2217 amending Boards and Commissions By-Laws
Confirmed Mayoral appointments of Stephen Atkinson and Kevin Clegg to Design Commission Approved Collective Bargaining Agreement with Operating Engineers Adopted Ordinance No. 2210 amending the 2007 Compensation Schedule Accepted Phase II of Rainier View Park construction Accepted State Street project Awarded street striping to Stripe Rite Inc. Recommended Pierce County (the lead agency) award the Stewart Road Project to Site Development, Inc. Adopted Ordinance No. 2211 creating ULID 2007 – 01 for sewer improvements in conjunction with Stewart Road Project Adopted Ordinance No. 2212 amending the Wetlands Protection & Inventory Map Approved Brett Vinson as City Attorney
Adopted Ordinance No. 2218 approving a utility reconnection charge Adopted Ordinance No. 2219 approving a final utility bill fee Awarded Valley Avenue Phase III improvements to Pivetta Brothers Construction, Inc. Awarded North Street Parking Lot, Phase I to Northwest Cascade, Inc. Awarded acquisition of mini-excavator to Jennings Equipment, Inc. Adopted Resolution No. 1222, the SixYear Transportation Improvement Plan Awarded asphalt bid for Cemetery Improvement Phase II to Pacific Paving Company Accepted construction of park enclosures Adopted Ordinance No. 2220 2007 International Building and related codes Adopted Ordinance No. 2221 amending the 2006 Comprehensive Plan Map Adopted Ordinance No. 2222 amending Downtown Parking Code
ASK DR. SUMNER: What’s the difference between a resolution and an ordinance? At Council meetings, you’ll hear these terms, but what are they, exactly? They refer to the various ways the City Council makes decisions. A resolution indicates the Council’s approval of policies, contracts, agreements or other documents. Resolutions are used to declare the City’s official opinion and do not create laws. An ordinance is how the Council approves a law, approves most plans, spends money or sets tax rates. Some other terms used at Council meetings include consent agenda and agenda bills. A consent agenda allows the Council to approve routine items with a single vote. If a Council member needs to discuss an item in more detail, he or she can ask that it be voted upon separately. Agenda bills are the actions that the Council is asked to consider. Some agenda bills require a vote (called a motion) while others require a resolution or an ordinance. It’s a great idea to watch City Council meetings in person or on TV. (They air on the RCC station--see the City website for details.) After all, these decisions affect us all! You can e-mail Dr. Sumner at DrSumner@ci.sumner.wa.us.
August 2007
This year’s Relay for Life has 52 teams raising money to strike out cancer! You can still support a team: go to www.sumnerbonneylakerelay.org. Did you know that 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism? The Tacoma-area 2007 Walk Now for Autism is actually being held this year in Sumner’s Sunset Chev Stadium on August 25. Check the link on the City’s calendar web page for details.
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City Hall Calendar August 13..... City Council study session, 6 pm 14..... Parks Board, 6 pm 20..... City Council meeting, 7 pm 23..... Arts Commission, 6 pm 27..... City Council study session, 6 pm September 3 ...... Labor Day, City Hall Closed 4 ...... City Council meeting, 7 pm 6 ...... Planning Commission, 7 pm 10..... City Council study session, 6 pm 11..... Parks Board, 6 pm 13..... Forestry Commission, 4 pm 17..... City Council meeting, 7 pm 24..... City Council study session, 6 pm 27..... Arts Commission, 6 pm
Community Events Our youth programming continues with the Reptile Man on August The 21. He’ll let you get close to snakes, lizards and all things reptile. And, on August 23, enjoy Japanese music and stories as koto master Elizabeth Falconer shares her tales, enhanced by the music of Japan. Both programs are at 1 pm in the Robert Miller Gymnasium behind Daffodil Valley Elementary School. Free of charge. Sponsored by the Sumner Arts Commission in partnership with the Sumner/Bonney Lake Parks & Recreation Department.
Easel
August 10-11 Relay for Life, Sunset Chev Stadium 11 Stoomendous Seuss, 2 and 6 pm, Heritage Park 21 Reptile Man, 1 pm, Robert Miller Gymnasium 23 Japanese Music & Stories, 1 pm, Robert Miller Gymnasium 24 Music Off Main: Tingstad & Rumbel, 6:30 pm, Heritage Park 25 2007 Walk Now for Autism, Sunset Chev Stadium 26 Classy Chassis Car Show, 10 am - 3 pm, Downtown September 8 Mystery Wine Walk, 4-8 pm, Downtown
Also, we are excited to report that we have rescheduled the rained-out Music Off Main concert of Tingstad & Rumbel. They will perform at Heritage Park on August 24 at 6:30 pm. Rainier View Park opened on July 1. It’s fast becoming a favorite park for many. Visit the park at the corner of Parker Road and Meade-McCumber and stop by the library to see the original designs students made for their ideal park.
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Sumner Community Connection
August 2007
Chip and Fog Seal Coming to a Street Near You Many of you have commented how you like not only the usual chip seal on Sumner’s streets but also the new fog seal. Good news! More streets in Sumner will get the chip and fog seal this summer. Construction work may have a slight impact on local traffic, but in return, we get streets that are easier to travel on now and last longer into the future. A chip seal is a coating of asphalt oil and rock that when compacted with a heavy roller preserve pavement that is in good condition. The fog seal is an additional coating that helps reduce dust and reduce tire noise on the coarse surface. It makes the street look better and adds further years to the life of the chip seal. Check the map to see what streets will get this treatment this year. For questions, contact Greg Schwargerl at gregs@ci.sumner.wa.us or 253-299-5707.
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
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