ISSUE 24
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January 2003
SUMNER NEWSLETTER
New Sewer Rates and Simplified Rate Structure Effective Jan. 1
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ew sewer rates that went into effect on January 1 will affect all Sumner households and businesses. The new rates represent an increase of about 18 percent for residential customers in 2003, although due to the changes in the rate structure, some non-residential customers will see a larger increase.
The rate increase is necessary to pay for the $17.4 million expansion of the Sumner sewage treatment plant. Additional rate increases are planned for 2004 and 2005. The treatment plant project cost is being shared by the cities of Sumner and Bonney Lake. Sharing the plant between the cities saves money in operation. Work on the project, which will expand capacity from 2.2 million gallons a day to 4.6 million gallons a day and implement odor control measures, is scheduled to begin in 2003 and be completed in 2005.
See Inside: Learn about your City at
SUMNER UNIVERSITY Details, page 3 ■
Mayor’s Message . . . . . . .pg. 2
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2003 City Budget . . . . . . .pg. 3
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City Hall Calendar . . . . . .pg. 5
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New Police Chief . . . . . . .pg. 6
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Huge Willow To Go . . . . . .pg. 7
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Skate Park Safety . . . . . .pg. 6
In addition to the actual rate increase, there are important changes intended to simplify the rate structure, which remains volume-based: • Winter averaging for residential accounts will be based on six months instead of 4 months. • Residential monthly sewer rates will remain constant for each 12-month period beginning in May of each year. • Non-residential customers using little or no water will pay a minimum rather than just the base rate, which provides for a more equitable rate structure. • Procedures for making adjustments due to water leakage are retained in the code. Approximately 5% of the new rate is required for the debt service on over 200 acres of north-end property, including the Sumner Meadows Golf Course. The sewer utility originally acquired the property for effluent spraying. The land value has since increased significantly. This year, the City will be studying the long-term future of that property.
City Employees Receive Annual Awards
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he City announced its third annual Customer Service and Teamwork Awards. Based on nominations from their peers, the awards go to City employees who display exceptional skills and commitment to customer service and teamwork. The Customer Service Award went to Brian Cunningham, Information Systems Technician. Brian has worked for the City for over a year helping to ensure that the over 70 computers and networks, along with the telephone system, function properly. Brian's commitment to service saved the City thousands of dollars with changes to the telephone system. Receiving Honorable Mention for the Customer Service Award was Michelle Converse. Michelle started with the City in February 2002 working as an Administrative Assistant in Human Resources. She holds certifica-
tion in Human Management.
Resources
The City’s teamwork award went to Nancy Forster. Nancy started with Sumner in early 2002 as the Administrative Legal Assistant. She moved here from Tacoma where she retired after 27 years of service. One of her nominees said of her, "Her professionalism along with her compassion is greatly appreciated." The Honorable Mention for Teamwork went to police officer Jeff Engel, the School Resource Officer for the Police Department. Prior to joining the police, Jeff was active in search and rescue, homeland security, and drug interdiction as a Lieutenant in the Coast Guard. He has taught over 500 Sumner students the DARE drug-education curriculum. Congratulations to all of Sumner's award winners, past and present.
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JANUARY 2003
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
CITY OF SUMNER
2003 Will Be Challenging Year
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003 will be a challenging year for all levels of government in Washington State. However, Sumner is not hit as hard by the passage of recent initiatives as other cities around us. Although our revenues are lower by over $700,000, from 2000-2003, we still have an adequate support base to sustain our current basic activities. Our police and fire services remain untouched and the other cuts we have made are short term. We hope to resume the past level of service in our parks and other areas of the City as the economy improves.
1104 Maple St. Sumner, WA 98390 253-863-8300 253-863-2850 FAX Barbara Skinner
During our budget process for 2003, the City Council and I decided that Sumner needs to develop a more assertive Economic Development program. This year we intend to work toward providing an enhanced tax base to support the various services that our citizens want. We will study what is needed to encourage businesses to locate in Sumner and to ensure that development occurs in the appropriate location. We want to encourage diverse businesses that provide new jobs and add to a more stable economy for Sumner. On another subject, I want to let you know about the volunteer efforts of our City employees. Dozens of Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets, as well as gifts and stockings, were provided to families in our community. Two employees organized the project, put out a call for help, and the response from their fellow employees was outstanding. They even managed to answer a distress call and gathered gifts, food, etc., for two more families on December 23rd. In addition, our Sumner Firefighters raised thousands of dollars to purchase gifts for families through their terrific pancake breakfast. Luann Ugas, Director of the Sumner Family Center, coordinates all the holiday volunteer activities in Sumner and she said that they couldn't make it without the support of the City of Sumner employees. Isn't it great to have employees who represent Sumner like this to the world? They are a group of professional, creative, and caring individuals and we're so lucky to have them supporting our community. Parade Alert: Sumner Promotion Association announces that the St. Patrick's Day Parade will be Sunday, March 16th, at 1:00. Downtown stores will be open and I hear elves will abound!
MAYOR Barbara Skinner
CITY COUNCIL Steve Allsop Mike Connor Dave Enslow Mark Evers Leroy Goff Stuart Scheuerman Ron Scholz, Mayor Pro Tem CITY STAFF Andrew Neiditz Steve Zamberlin
– Barbara Skinner
Asst. City Administrator/ Human Resources
John Doan Asst. City Administrator/ Community Development & Parks Wendy Shook Patricia Bosmans Susan Clary Mary Ann Norquist
Dick Moore
Happy 2003! May it be a year of promise for all of us.
City Administrator
Court Administrator City Attorney City Clerk Finance/Systems Director Fire Chief
Colleen Wilson
Police Chief
Bill Shoemaker
Public Works Director
City Employees Help People in Need Sumner City Hall employees "adopted" three families over the holidays and donated 96 gifts and 4 large boxes of food. The families were adopted through the Helping Hand House in Puyallup, an agency that places needy families in temporary homes. The Sumner Fire Department’s annual Pancake Breakfast was a success, with $5,500 raised for Sumner Family Center’s Christmas House. The crowd at the breakfast went through more than 15 hams and 50 pounds of pancake batter. The funds received helped fill over 320 kids’ wish lists and helped provide sleeping bags, tents and warm clothing for some of the area’s homeless residents. Citizens also helped fill more than 100 stockings for distribution by the Christmas House. City employees also donated a City Hall record amount of $4,080 in the 2003 United Way campaign.
City Staff Comings & Goings NEW HIRES Colleen Wilson
Police Chief
Brian Cunningham Information Systems Tech
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JANUARY 2003
CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
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alancing the City's 2003 budget was a lot more challenging than the two previous budget processes. Departmental requests in the general fund alone totaled almost $1.1 million more than available revenues. The 2003 General Fund of $8,065,815 reflects a 2.2 percent decrease over the 2002 budget. There are no new staff positions proposed in the General Fund, in spite of requests from several departments; however the budget does include one new position in the Technology Services Fund, and 2.5 new Public Works positions funded by Streets and the Utility funds.
CITY DIRECTORY MAYOR Barbara Skinner . . . . . . .891-3318 Andrew Neiditz
The most visible source of revenue within the City's General Fund is the property tax, which is limited by voter initiative to a one percent increase, except for new construction and annexations. The property tax levy for 2003 is $2,896,910, which includes the EMS levy of $377,824. In addition, there is a one-time property tax increase from new annexations of $93,995, and $63,385 from new construction. The actual property tax rate for Sumner property owners will decrease from $2.85 to $2.83 per thousand. The next largest revenue source for this fund is sales tax, estimated at $2,090,000, which is a 1.9 percent increase over the budgeted 2002 estimate. The total 2003 City budget, which is comprised of 44 separate funds, is $48,009,498 compared with $47,917,727 in 2002. The most notable City projects in the 2003 budget include the improvement and expansion of the waste water treatment plant, the completion of Phase II of Traffic Avenue, construction of two phases of the north-end trail system, and completion of the downtown pedestrian project. There will also be an irrigation system for Loyalty Park and funding for the Senior Center expansion.
CITY COUNCIL (Voice mail) Steve Allsop . . . . . . . . . .891-3331 Mike Connor . . . . . . . . . .891-3332 Dave Enslow . . . . . . . . .891-3338 Mark Evers . . . . . . . . . . .891-3330 Leroy Goff . . . . . . . . . . .891-3335 Stuart Scheuerman . . . .891-3334 Ron Scholz . . . . . . . . . . .891-3336 CITY OFFICES Administration/Finance .863-8300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FAX 863-2850 Cemetery . . . . . . . . . . . . 863-6345 Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 863-7635 Fire (non-emergency) . . 863-5451 Golf Course . . . . . . . . . .863-8198 Parks & Recreation . . . . 891-6500 Permit Center . . . . . . . . .863-1230 Police (non-emergency) .863-6384 Senior Center . . . . . . . . .863-2910 Utilities & Billing . . . . . .826-9400 Website: www.ci.sumner.wa.us
Balancing the City's general fund budget will continue to be more difficult in the next several years. While property tax increases will be limited to 1 percent, the City's operating costs, in particular the cost of living increases and medical insurance premiums in our six labor contracts, will continue to exceed 1 percent. – Andrew Neiditz
Learn About the City at Sumner University This year marks the return of the Sumner University. This unique and awardwinning program offers the public a chance to learn about their community's history, government, and traditions. It is also a great place to meet friends and neighbors.
SUMNER UNIVERSITY
The program occurs during two Thursday evenings in February and is conducted at City Hall. The University is free and graduates receive a diploma and t-shirt. Classes include "City Finances" taught by the City's Finance Director, and "Personal Safety" taught by Sumner's Police Chief. Coffee and snacks will be provided.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Sumner University won a Municipal Achievement Award from the Association of Washington Cities as an innovative and fun way of providing citizen education and building community. Past graduates have included City Councilmembers, staff, commissioners, and citizens wanting to learn about their community.
Thursday, Feb. 6 6 - 9 p.m. City Overview, Introduction to City Finance, Comprehensive Plan, Human Services in Sumner
To register (in order to ensure you receive the free textbook), call Sally Abrams at 891-3303 or email her at sallya@ci.sumner.wa.us.
Thursday, Feb. 13 6 - 9 p.m. How to Hold Effective Meetings, New Development, Keeping Yourself Safe, What Makes Sumner a Great Place
PLEASE RESERVE YOUR SEAT BY 5 P.M. TUESDAY, FEB. 4. CALL 891-3303.
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2003 GENERAL FUND BUDGET - REVENUES Grants 6%
Fees 5 %
Miscellaneous 1%
Licenses & Permits 4% Other taxes 1% Property taxes 40% Utility taxes 13%
Sales taxes 30%
2003 GENERAL FUND BUDGET - EXPENDITURES Building Operation 2% Transfers to Other Funds 10% Streets 6% Public Safety 53%
Parks & Rec / Community Services 6% Senior Center 3% Community Development 7% Finance 4% Legislative / Admin HR 4% Court & Legal 5%
Learn About Property Taxes at Special Workshop
Join Ken Madsen, Pierce County Assessor Treasurer February 25, 7 p.m., at the Council Chambers to discuss how your property tax dollars benefit you, property tax exemptions available to those who qualify, learn about the effects of location and how it affects sales price in Sumner and other "goings on" in the Assessor-Treasurer's office. This should be a very educational and informative evening. For further information, contact Sloan Clack, Assistant to the Assessor-Treasurer at 253798-7144 or sclack@co.pierce.wa.us. We look forward to seeing you there!
JANUARY 2003
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Fred Meyer Under Construction The new Fred Meyer store at the corner of Valley Avenue and Main Street is planned to open in spring 2004. An appeal of the City's permit to allow the construction of the 170,000 square foot store was rejected in November by Superior Court Judge Kathryn Nelson. The judge's decision was appealed to a higher court. Construction of the store started in August when the "preload" was placed on the site. The large pile of gravel will compact the soil prior to the construction of the building, which is scheduled to start in April. In addition to the main store, about 20,000 square feet of buildings along the street are planned to include a sandwich shop, video store, gas station and salon.
Panhandle Lots Temporarily Stopped The City Council has put a temporary hold on "panhandle" or "pipestem" lots. Expressing concern about the number of these types of lots, their potential impact on community character, and the need to study the issue further; the Council adopted a sixmonth prohibition on the creation of these lots. The limitation is planned to expire in May. These lots typically are built behind other lots or houses and provide access from a small strip of land or an easement. Several of these types of lots have occurred in the downtown core, causing some to question the impact on the character of the residential neighborhoods. During the next six months, the City staff and Planning Commission will be studying the issue of infill housing to determine how the City is meeting housing goals. For additional information about the Housing studies, contact Ron Buckholt of the Community Development Department at (253) 891-3320.
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JANUARY 2003
CITY HALL CALENDAR FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 3 City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers FEBRUARY 6 Sumner University 6 p.m., Police Conference Room FEBRUARY 10 City Council Study Session, 6 p.m., Council Chambers FEBRUARY 13 Design Commission, 6 p.m., Council Chambers Youth Commission 6 p.m., Conference Rm. #2 Sumner University 6 p.m., Police Conference Room FEBRUARY 17 Presidents’ Day City Hall Closed
FEBRUARY 18 City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers
MARCH 13 Design Commission, 6 p.m., Council Chambers
FEBRUARY 24 City Council Study Session, 6 p.m., Council Chambers FEBRUARY 27 Arts Commission, 6 p.m., Upstairs Conference Room
MARCH MARCH 3 City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers MARCH 6 Planning Commission, 7 p.m., Council Chambers
Youth Commission 6 p.m., Conference Rm. #2 Community Summit Call Sally at 891-3303 for information. MARCH 17 City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers MARCH 27 Arts Commission, 6 p.m., Upstairs Conference Room MARCH 31 City Council Study Session, 6 p.m., Council Chambers
MARCH 10 City Council Study Session, 6 p.m., Council Chambers
COMMUNITY EVENTS
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Survey Drawing Winner
Sunday, March 16 1 p.m.
The citizens who responded to the forestry survey were entered in a drawing for a gift certificate to the Windmill Nursery. The winner was Judy Groff of Sumner. Congratulations Judy and thank you Windmill!
Easter Egg Hunt Santa waves from a fire engine during the annual Christmas parade down Main Street on Dec. 7. Photo by Brinley Vaughan
Saturday, March 29 9 a.m. Sumner High School
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SUMNER COMMUNITY CONNECTION
JANUARY 2003
New Police Chief Feels At Home in Sumner
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aving spent the last 26 years with the Monroe Police Department, Colleen Wilson, Sumner's new police chief, feels right at home in a small hometown community such as Sumner. Colleen started as a patrol officer in 1976 in Monroe and worked her way up the ranks to the chief's position where she served for nine years.
Colleen was attracted to the police chief's position in Sumner because of the department's reputation, and because she wanted to work and live in a town that has preserved its sense of community. She began her new position here on Nov. 25. She calls the Sumner police chief position a "dream job" and gave credit to her predecessor Ben Reisz for building a professional, organized and well-run department. She also appreciates the new police facility that opened last year in the expanded City Hall. She says her immediate goal in her new job is to get herself and officers out into the community to learn what the citizens want their police department to be. She calls herself a
Colleen Wilson calls the Sumner Police Chief ’s position a “dream job.”
"people person" and is anxious to work with residents, business people and the school community to provide the type of police department that best serves everyone's needs. She and her husband, a retired educator, recently moved to Sumner from Monroe. They have two adult children.
Help Keep SK8 Safe! The Sumner SK8 Park is a 9,000-square-foot concrete skate facility located in the Daffodil Valley Sports Complex. Numerous area businesses provided donations to construct the park, and it is being used every day by skaters of all ages. SK8 opened in October of 2001 and officers of the Sumner Police Department have responded to 114 calls ranging from injured skaters to vandalism since then. We are asking parents, and more impor- Skating can be risky at the Skate Park. tantly the skateboarders, to assist the City with reducing the injuries and crime at the park. Rules are posted at the park and on the City’s website (www.ci.sumner.wa.us). Skateboarding at the park is at skaters' own risk; injuries can be reduced by wearing protective equipment such as helmets and elbow, wrist, and knee pads. Since the opening of the park, use of skateboards, roller blades, scooters, and roller skates have increased in prohibited areas within the City of Sumner. Sumner Municipal Code Chapter 10.58, also available on the City website, addresses where it is unlawful to use these modes of transportation. Most importantly, they cannot be operated in the central business district where there is a risk of colliding with citizens who are entering and leaving stores or in a negligent manner anywhere within the City. This includes damaging property and endangering persons by entering street traffic, and using sidewalks and parking lots in a manner that may jeopardize the personal safety of others. The penalty for violating this ordinance is a $25 civil infraction and higher fines for repeated violations. Residents who use, or whose children use SK8 are encouraged to practice safe skating and become familiar with the lawful operation of their favorite wheeled transportation.
Community Summit Planned March 13 City officials participated in the 9th year of Youth Forums at Sumner Junior High and Sumner High School. Students shared their ideas about the good things in their community and areas for improvements. The students proposed solutions to the highest priority problems they identified. This year, the areas of concern include the need for youth activities and facilities, drug and alcohol use, and youth and police interaction. This information will be used at the annual Community Summit to be held on March 13th. The public is invited to the Summit. For additional information, please contact Sally Abrams at 253-891-3303.
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PUBLIC WORKS
City Losing Large Willow Tree
Fluoridation Sumner's water system will become fluoridated by the end of 2003 under a mandate from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. The City has budgeted $124,000 to prepare the water system for fluoridation. Sumner's public water is supplied by two wells and three springs.
The large weeping willow tree that graces the entrance to the City at Thompson and Traffic will soon be removed. While the pending street construction at the intersection will be the immediate cause for removal, the tree's poor health is the true reason. The tree has been damaged over the years by disease and ice. A significant piece of the tree broke off during the past ice storm. The City's arborist and the Forestry Commission have determined that the tree is dangerous to cars, pedestrians, and trains passing by. The Commission will plant a replacement tree in the spring.
The damaged willow is at Traffic Avenue and Thompson Street.
Forestry Survey Shows Support for Trees The prior addition of the Sumner Connections included a survey asking about citizens' views on trees. Over 150 surveys were returned, generally showing strong support for trees. The most popular trees in Sumner were the large maple trees in and around Loyalty Park and the Catholic church. Many other trees received support including the big cedar tree in front of the high school and the golden chain trees on Thompson. Eighty percent of the respondents indicated they would like to see more trees planted in Sumner with the most common reason being for beauty and birds. Neighborhood streets, Main Street, new developments, and parks were areas where more trees should be planted. There was interest in having classes, brochures and web sites which provide informational resources on trees and tree care. The most popular variety of trees for planting in Sumner are maples, followed by cherries, plums, oaks and evergreens. Less common types of trees like ginkgos, myrtles, sequoias, sycamores, and walnuts were also suggested. The opinions were mixed when asked about the degree to which the City should protect trees or require trees on private property. While a majority generally supported some form of regulation of trees on private property, there was strong support for private property rights, including the ability to remove a tree.
New Commissioners Joining the City The City's newest Planning Commissioner is Tom Powers. Appointed to fill the seat previously held by Keith Livingston, who moved out of Sumner, Tom is a longtime Sumner resident and a graduate of Sumner High School. He retired from being a Tacoma firefighter and has done some work as a contractor. Sumner resident Eric Abbott is joining
JANUARY 2003
the Design Commission. A professional engineer, Eric is employed with Sound Engineering. He is married and the father of two children. He fills the position formerly held by engineer Chris Larson. The newest Arts Commissioners are Leslie Hollingsworth, owner and operator of the Stepping Stones Montessori School; Jan Sanford, long-time resident and former owner of A Picket Fence; Libby Hardy, a practicing artist and downtown resident; Tina Waddle,
Valley Avenue The City has received a state grant for $1.86 million to widen and improve Valley Avenue west of the Stuck River. A 2200 foot segment of Valley Avenue in front of The Cannery furniture store will be widened to three lanes. Construction is scheduled to take place in 2004. Puyallup Street Construction of the Puyallup Street extension to East Valley Highway is currently taking place and should be completed by the end of February. Puyallup Street is mainly a truck route served the warehouses and industries in the north part of the city. The project is funded by a federal grant and contributions from the adjacent property owners. Traffic & Thompson The second phase of the Traffic Avenue improvement project will be conducted this spring. The work will include widening, repaving, landscaping and new signalization at the intersection of Traffic Avenue and Thompson Street. Water and sewer extensions Local Improvement Districts 73 (water) and 74 (sewer) are being constructed in the northern industrial section of the city. They are in the final stages of completion. recent Sumner resident with broad community-activity experience; Barbara Bitetto, active weaving artist with an interest in children's activities; Jane Curtis, teacher and librarian at Mountain View Junior High; Lana Hoover, florist and corporate trainer; and Mary Anderson, purchasing analyst with Panasonic. The Sumner Planning Commission currently has a vacancy. To apply for the position or for more information, contact Ryan Windish 891-3301.
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JANUARY 2003
SUMNER CITY COUNCIL
Steve Allsop
Dave Enslow
Mike Connor
Mark Evers
Leroy Goff
Stuart Scheuerman
Ron Scholz
City Council Highlights ITEMS PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOURTH QUARTER, 2002 OCTOBER Adopted Resolution No. 1072 in support of Referendum 51. ■
■ Adopted Ordinance No. 2024 proving an Interfund Loan from the Stormwater Capital Asset Fund to the Water Operating Fund.
Adopted Ordinance No. 2025 refunding Bond Anticipation Notes for LID 75. ■
NOVEMBER Adopted Ordinance No. 2026 establishing the amount to be raised in 2003 by taxation on the assessed valuation ■
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of property of the City and setting the levy rate for the year 2003. ■ Adopted Ordinance No. 2027 requesting an annexation election on February 4, 2003.
Adopted Ordinance No. 2028 establishing the amount to be raised in 2003 by taxation on the assessed valuation of the property of the City and setting the EMS levy rate for 2003. ■
Accepted the 2002 Street Striping Project.
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Re-appointed John Tobias to the Design Commission to a 4-year term expiring in April 2006. ■
Appointed Tom Powers to the Planning Commission. This term expires April 2003.
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light standard. Ordinance No. 2030 adopt ing Interim Development Regulations. ■
■ Adopted Resolution No. 1073 setting a hearing date of December 2 for a vacation of a portion of 137th Avenue East.
DECEMBER Adopted Ordinance No. 2029 establishing the 2003 budget.
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■ Adopted Ordinance No. 2032 setting sewer service rate increases for 2003, 2004 and 2005. ■ Adopted Ordinance No. 2033: 2002 supplemental bud get. ■ Adopted Resolution No. 1075 amending the street
Adopted Resolution No. 1076 rejecting all bids received on the Sumner Senior Center expansion project.
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■ Adopted Resolution No. 1078 accepting a Memorandum of Understanding between Sumner, Bonney Lake and Puyallup to establish Planning Areas to the South of SR 410.
Awarded the Traffic Avenue Improvements Phase II project to Looker & Associates in the amount of $302,497.62 plus 5% contingency.
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■ Accepted the Parker Road Pump Station Phase I Force Main Project.
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