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Community Connection
Issue 62 City of Sumner Newsletter Spring 2010
Sumner Takes Uphill Climb Out of Walking to School You know the favorite line of grandparents: “when I was your age, I used to walk ten miles to school uphill...both ways!” Maybe because of this, many kids don’t walk to school anymore, even if it’s just a few blocks. Yet, walking brings so many advantages: it’s exercise, it reduces fuel use, it encourages kids to talk with each other. And, in Sumner it’s easy! We don’t have hills, and thanks to a Safe Routes to Schools grant, we just installed more sidewalks along the main routes to Maple Lawn Elementary and Sumner Middle School. As the sun begins to shine more, encourage your kids to give walking a try. After all, if they don’t, what will they tell their grandkids?
A Walking School Bus If children are too young to walk to school by them-
Council Is Now On Demand! selves, consider forming a Walking School Bus. The concept is very simple: at least one adult accompanies a group of children to walk to school. You could partner with just one other family to take turns leading the bus, or you could plan a route with lots of families and established points and times when the “bus” with the adult leader meets the next family, just like a vehicular bus. The City is working with the Sumner School District for a Walk to School Day in May.
For safe walking tips, see Safety Sally on page 4.
Shred& Clean
April 24, 2010 Event
10 am - 2 pm Old Red Apple Parking Lot, Downtown
Celebrate spring, Arbor Day, Earth Day, and the ability to see the back of your garage! Here’s what you can get rid of properly all in one place:
Sensitive documents to LeMay Mobile Shredding (limit three grocery bags per person, please)
Left-over prescriptions to Sumner Police for safe disposal
Light bulbs & batteries to McLendon Hardware Old cell phones to YWCA for violence victims Clothes, household items and electronics to Goodwill PLUS, watch the mail for DM Disposal coupons to get rid of extra garbage, yard waste and/or an appliance April 19-23.
Sumner is a great city for walking to school.
Poster Contest
We need your child’s help to encourage kids in Sumner to walk to school. The City of Sumner is collecting poster designs and will select at least one design to use in future Safe Routes to School campaigns. To participate: print an entry form online at www. ci.sumner.wa.us or pick one up at City Hall. Submissions are due by April 30.
Sumner City Council meetings are now offered through Comcast’s On Demand feature. To view, select On Demand programming, Get Local, then Northwest TV and Radio, then PCTV. The meetings should be available for 30 days from the time they are placed there, which is a few days after the meeting occurs. Thank you to Pierce County TV for making this new option available at no extra charge to our city.
Exploring the Art of Walking Quick! Name 10 pieces of public art you can enjoy in Sumner. Can’t get all 10? Then you need the new Sumner Art Walking Tour brochure, recently completed by the Sumner Arts Commission. The tour guides you around town and gives a brief history of the different pieces, their artists and inspirations. After all, Sumner’s art is not just decorative. Each piece means something about who Sumner was, is and will become. For example, the piece shown above, by artist Liz Mapelli, is called Zunkuft, which is German for
“future.” It is located on the high school. The broom leaning against the bench is called Tim’s Broom, by Kevin Keating. It invites you to sit and enjoy the city that Tim Hyland so loved to keep clean with the street sweeper. There are many more stories in the full tour. Download a copy at www.ci.sumner.wa.us or pick one up in City Hall.
Join the Puyallup River Clean-Up We all use it--now it’s time to help clean it! Puyallup River Clean-Up April 17, 9 am - noon Location details at www.ci.sumner.wa.us
Sponsors: Daffodil Valley Kiwanis and City of Sumner For detailed information of what you can dispose, go to
www.ci.sumner.wa.us
Also sponsored by the Puyallup Watershed Council
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Spring 2010
Sumner Community Connection
Mayor Column
Citizens Join Police for Safety Now is a good time for you to get to know your Sumner Police department. Explore the ways you can better understand how law enforcement serves you and how you can partner with police to increase your safety. Enroll in the Citizens Academy Want to tell your friends that you drove a patrol car, searched out a suspect and even joined in weapons practice? The Citizens Academy returns on Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, April 8-May 27. This free series is open to anyone who lives or works in Sumner. If you’ve ever wanted to know first-hand what it’s like to be a police officer, now’s your chance. Sign up at www.ci.sumner.wa.us or contact Pamela Mandery at 253-299-5685 or pamelam@ci.sumner.wa.us.
Mayor Enslow with Mrs. Enslow and Sumner police celebrate with Citizen Academy graduates The recent officer deaths have me worried--not only for officers’ safety, but also that these tragedies attack the nature of community policing, something we hold dear in Sumner. Once at Music Off Main, a father brought his young son to one of our officers and said, “Say hello to a real police officer!” The officer bent down to the boy’s height and asked him if he wears his seatbelt in the car. That boy is now growing up with a healthy view of law enforcement. Chief Galle, our officers, and I believe strongly that “the police are the public and the public are the police.” It’s a good philosophy, but it means that we are all part of the safety solution. When you see a patrol car, do you groan and check your speedometer? When you see two patrol cars together, do you believe that’s one car too many? I’m hoping that we, as the public half of the partnership, change that
thinking. Police serve in the most challenging environment. They frequently must make split-second decisions with no winners and then get second-guessed by “Monday morning quarterbacks.” This month, I’ve seen a change. Our community has given an outpouring of thanks to officers for putting themselves on the line each day to protect and serve us. Perhaps these tragedies have helped us put things into perspective by showing the dedication and sacrifice officers have chosen. Let’s view our officers as our protectors, not ticketwriters. Let’s thank officers when we see them. Like the little boy, you build trust by “saying hello to a real police officer.” It’s going to take a little work on our part to help all of us overcome the sadness and the fear that the past few months created, but we can do it.
Get Crime Reports Did you see a police car stop in front of your neighbor’s house and wonder what happened? You can now check recent police incidents, from thefts to car accidents, online. A map shows different types of crime and where they happened in Sumner. You can also ask for crime alerts for a specific area to be sent to your e-mail. Get started at www.ci.sumner.wa.us. Know Your Neighbors Of course, if you want to know about safety and crime in your neighborhood, another good option is to talk with your neighbors. Just knowing each other is a large step forward in improving your safety, and we have an entire kit to get you started with invitations, information and some things to make your first party fun. To get Block Watch in a Box, contact Jason Wilson at jasonw@ci.sumner.wa.us or 253-299-5642. Become a Police Volunteer--the Vests Are Snazzy! We need volunteers, especially during the Daffodil Parade on April 10, to help police officers keep everything moving along smoothly. This is a good way to get a great spot along the parade route and help out your city at the same time. Contact Jason Wilson at jasonw@ci.sumner. wa.us or 253-299-5642.
Council Column In past columns, each councilmember has a certain style and set of priorities. Sometimes that comes across to different people in different ways, reminding me of an old saying, “familiarity breeds contempt.” Too often, we see what we don’t like about others and over time that becomes all we can see of them. The challenge is to focus on positives, the things we are working for in common. If you took a poll of everyone in Sumner, you’d see the top 10 concerns are usually the same. Solving these problems in our lives is probably also similar from one person to the next. How do we make Sumner a better place to live? How do we solve our city problems, especially after close elections? The closest thing I could compare to would be this: eight uncles and aunts get together once a year to have turkey dinner, but all have their own ideas about how,
where, and when the turkey should be carved or even if they should eat turkey. The one thing we know is that we want to make a decision, get to the chow, and improve the quality of our “family” in the process. The most destructive thing that could happen to this Sumner family, and our Council, is to have it break into factions. As we can see from what’s happened in Puyallup, Olympia, and Congress, factions and partisanship don’t work. Sides should be avoided because in the end, we’re all on Sumner’s side. Being open to you and one another here at city hall is what I remain committed to for the sake of our collective future. Lisa and I wish you the best for the coming spring, and please let me know if you need any help or information regarding regional or city issues.
Councilmember Matt Richardson mrichardson@ci.sumner.wa.us
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 Cindi Hochstatter Randy Hynek Ed Hannus Leroy Goff Matt Richardson
299-5793 299-5796 299-5795 299-5792 299-5791 299-5797 299-5794
CITY OFFICES Administration Cemetery Finance/utilities Golf course Inspection line Recreation Permit Center Police (non-emergency) Senior Center
299-5500 299-5510 863-8300 863-8198 299-5530 891-6500 299-5530 863-6384 863-2910
MUNICIPAL COURT Timothy A. Jenkins 863-7635 Judge, Court Offices Cathy Pashon, 299-5621 Court Administrator
CITY STAFF Diane Supler 299-5502 Interim City Administrator
Terri Berry City Clerk
299-5500
John Galle Police Chief
299-5644
Carmen Palmer 299-5503 Communications Director Bill Pugh 299-5701 Public Works Director Paul Rogerson 299-5521 Community Development Dir. Brett Vinson City Attorney
299-5610
Beth Anne Wroe 299-5541 Financial Operations Director EAST PIERCE FIRE & RESCUE Main Number 863-1800 Jerry Thorson Fire Chief
863-5451
Spring 2010
Sumner Community Connection
ASK DR. SUMNER: Who Is Replacing John? As many of you already know, City Administrator John Doan became Tumwater’s city administrator this last January. Since that time, Diane Supler has been serving as our interim city administrator. I asked Mayor Enslow if there was an update on a permanent selection, and he said not yet. He has received many calls and applications, so we’re doing something right when a
lot of people want to work here. However, he feels it’s too important a decision to rush, and with Diane leading, he has the opportunity to take the time to make the best choice for Sumner. Every one of Sumner’s past administrators was a great fit for that time and added something special to our city. The mayor promises that although he hasn’t decided who the next administrator is yet, that person will build on the legacy of John and the others to add something new and special to Sumner as well.
The good news is that the intersection of Traffic, Fryar and Main is getting a much needed overhaul. The bad news is that the construction will start late this spring, and it will impact your travel through the intersection. You will want to allow a few extra minutes for likely construction delays or, if possible, to use a different route. The City will be meeting with those businesses most affected to see if there’s anything else we can do to help with the impacts during construction. In the end, everyone gets a much more efficient intersection.
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Bubula Finds a Family Bubula came to the Metro Animal Services shelter as a stray. He was thin, scared, and had teeth so infected it was difficult to be in the same room with him. There was something special about him, though. A local veterinarian agreed to donate the necessary dental cleaning, neuter, and ear cleaning so that he could be adopted. Several hours later, he was returned to the shelter. They had to remove all but two teeth due to infection. He finished his medications and found his forever home about a week later. Here is what his new owner had to say a few weeks after his adoption: I just wanted to send an update....He loves
to sleep with his head pressed to the side of my head where he can snore in my ear. He enjoys rides in the car and is such a mellow laid back guy. He has so much love to give and is thoroughly enjoying the one on one attention. He came to work with me and was a big hit. He wasn’t to timid and would go up to people to be petted. He is a great fit in my life and we are best Buds. Thank you for letting me adopt him, I adore him!
Animals Online
With our new website, you can take a look at pets currently needing homes, print a license for your pets, and find out other ways you can help animals in Sumner.
Help more dogs like Bubula at www.MetroAnimalServices.org Shelter: 253-841-5595
Licenses: 253-299-PETS
New Plaques Put Value Solely on Sentiment After metal thieves took off with the original bronze plaques at the Ryan House and the bridge a few years ago, the City got a creative solution. The replacements, produced by Sumner’s own Artistic Solutions, are now laser-engraved on a plastic-based sheet. This way, the full value of our plaques are in their sentiment and history, and they are no longer of any value for potential sticky fingers. Be sure to stop by and take a look at these plaques as they are important reminders of our history. One is in front of the Ryan House (shown right), and the other is on the bridge over the White River.
New plaques place their value solely in history.
City Council Action December 2009-February 2010 Adopted Ordinance 2298 amending the Comprehensive Plan with technical changes Adopted Ordinance 2310, Employee Sick Leave Sharing Adopted Ordinance 2311 authorizing Interfund Loans Adopted Resolution 1285, Assessment Segregation for Local Improvement District No. 75 Adopted Resolution 1286 authorizing the Mayor to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Algona to merge the Learning for Life Police Explorer Posts Authorized Mayor to Request Funds through 2010 Community Development Block Grant Accepted the 2009 Street Striping Project Confïrmed Mayoral Appointment of Earle Stuard to the Planning Commission Adopted Ordinance 2309 amending the 2009-2010 Biennial Budget Adopted the 2010 Legislative Agenda Authorized the Mayor to execute a Right of Entry and Inspection, Option Agreement
& Purchase and Sale Agreement with Fleishmanns Industrial Park LLC Adopted Ordinance 2312 amending the Zoning Code Adopted Resolution 1287 authorizing Unrepresented Employee Holiday Leave Authorized Mayor to execute a Community Recreation Interlocal Agreement Approved Resolution 1280 Adopting Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Regarding Calvary Church Conditional Use Permit Appeal Adopted Ordinance 2313 amending the Compensation Schedule Approved acquisitions of parcels for Fryar/Main Intersection Improvements Accepted Parker Road Storm Repair Project Adopted Resolution 1288 authorizing Mayor to enter into an interlocal agreement for Resource Conservation Program Authorized the Mayor to execute a contract for Alternative Confinement Options Adopted Resolution 1289
authorizing City to begin interlocal negotiations for annexation of area around the Wastewater Treatment Plant Adopted Findings of Fact in support of Interim Development Regulations for accessory and conditional uses in LDR zones Adopted Resolution 1290 reallocating Community Development Block Grant funds Adopted Resolution 1291, the 2010 Lake Tapps Area Water Resources Agreement Authorized Mayor to execute a contract with FCS Group for Utility Rate Revenue Study Accepted Tacoma Ave Pump Station project Confirmed Mayoral Appointments of James Storey to the Planning Commission and Norman LaVerdiere to the Arts Commission Adopted Ordinance 2314 amending code for Building Height exception in CBD zone Adopted Ordinance 2315 for annual adjustment of Solid Waste Rate Adopted Ordinance 2316 amending Stormwater Management Regulations
Take the Stormwater Challenge! If your first thought is “What is stormwater?” then you should take the challenge! We’re going to be talking about stormwater this year, but first we need to know what you already know. Go to www.ci.sumner.wa.us to take the challenge.
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Sumner Community Connection
Spring 2010
SAFETY SALLY SAYS: Be Safe When Walking
17th Annual Sumner/Bonney Lake Area Communities For Families Coalition
Choose the route with the fewest streets to cross. Be visible to drivers: wear bright clothing.
Community Summit
Always keep an eye out for vehicles; drivers are supposed to yield to pedestrians, but it’s good to assume they may not.
March 18 at Bonney Lake High School Join local leaders, youth, and organizations to become informed, inspired and involved! We’ll discuss issues impacting the health and well-being of our local children & families with Eric Boles, president of Edge Learning Institute, as the keynote speaker.
Do not cross within 10 feet in front of a bus or other large vehicle. (Parents, show your kids what 10 feet looks like.) Watch for vehicles pulling out of driveways. Walk, don’t run, across the street. If at a marked intersection, obey all signals. When crossing the street, look left, right and left again.
6–8:30 pm Plenary Session: Dinner, Unsung Hero Awards, Breakout Reports & Keynote Presentation
All drivers can help too! Remember to obey the speed limit. If a vehicle traveling 20 mph hits a pedestrian, there is a 5% chance the pedestrian will not live. If the vehicle is going 30 mph, the likelihood of the pedestrian’s death increases to 45%. Plus, lower speed helps drivers avoid a collision in the first place.
For more information, please call the STARR Project at 253-891-6066.
Learn more about walking to school on page 1. For more safety tips for parents, children and drivers, visit www.saferoutesinfo.org.
3–4:45 pm Pre-Summit Session: Internet/Cell Phone Safety 5–6 pm Breakout Groups: YMCA, Substance Abuse, Teen Talk, Family Resources in Tough Economic Times
“And then my heart with pleasure fills,/And dances with the daffodils.” ~ William Wordsworth (1770-1850) Sumner City Council
Steve Allsop
Curt Brown
INSIDE: Safe Routes to Schools The Art of Walking
Leroy Goff
Ed Hannus
Cindi Hochstatter
City of Sumner 1104 Maple Street Sumner, WA 98390
Randy Hynek
Matt Richardson
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SUMNER, WA PERMIT NO. 1
Shred & Clean Event Citizens Join Police for Safety Bubula Finds a Family
ECRWSS
Postal Customer
Council on Demand Take the Stormwater Challenge
City Hall Calendar March 8 Study Session, 6 pm 9 Parks Commission, 6 pm 11 Forestry Commission, 4 pm 11 Design Comm., 6:30 pm 15 Council Meeting, 7 pm 22 Study Session, 6 pm 25 Arts Commission, 6 pm May April 3 Council Meeting, 7 pm 1 Planning Comm., 7 pm 6 Planning Comm., 7 pm 5 Council Meeting, 7 pm 10 Study Session, 6 pm 8 Forestry Commission, 4 pm 11 Parks Commission, 6 pm 8 Design Comm., 6:30 pm 13 Forestry Comm., 4 pm 12 Study Session, 6 pm 13 Design Comm., 6:30 pm 13 Parks Commission, 6 pm 17 Council Meeting, 7 pm 19 Council Meeting, 7 pm 24 Study Session, 6 pm 22 Arts Commission, 6 pm 27 Arts Commission, 6 pm 26 Study Session, 6 pm 31 City Offices Closed
Community Events mARCH 10 Senior Trip to Hawks Prairie Restaurant, 10:30 am 13-14, 19-21 Beauty & the Beast, Performing Arts Center 14 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 1 pm, Rotary 426-9829 18 Community Summit, see details above 24 Senior Trip to Little Creek Casino, 9 am aPRIL 10 Senior Trip to Harbor Lights Restaurant, 10:30 am 10 Daffodil Parade, 2:30 pm, www.daffodilfestival.net 17 Puyallup River Clean-Up, see details on page 1 17-18, 23-25 Treasure Island, Performing Arts Center 21 Senior Center Trip to Red Wind Casino, 10 am 24 Shred & Clean, see details on page 1 may 2 May Day Kids Parade, 1 pm, Rotary 426-9829 5 Senior Center Trip to Snoqualmie Casino, 9 am 20 Senior Center Trip to Local Nurseries, 10 am 22-23, 28-30 Secret Garden, Performing Arts Center
Coffee with Mayor Enslow April 24, 9 am, at City Hall No agenda, just ask questions or share what’s on your mind!
Daffodil Parade