scc_fall10

CommunityConneCtion

The 2011-2012 budget is heading toward adoption in November, but as you might have guessed, it’s full of tough choices.

Revenue has not picked back up yet. In fact, it’s lower than the most conservative projections. When less is coming in, less can be spent. The good news is that Sumner has been finding savings since 2007, so the gap between rev-enues and expenses is not as large as other cities are facing. The bad news is that Sumner has been finding savings since 2007, so the City is down to the fundamentals and still needs to reduce expenses.

Mayor Enslow and then

the City Council will need to go back to the following four tools in their “budget toolbox” to make the ends meet.

Tool 1: Bring in More RevenueIn this budget, roughly half

of the General Fund will come from sales tax revenue. The General Fund pays for things like parks, police, planning, etc. It’s great that businesses like Honda opened. Even still, revenue continues to decrease as people save rather than spend.

This summer, a market study reported that Pierce County residents give an esti-mated $46 million in taxable retail sales to King County

each year. The City is explor-ing long-term ways to capture some of that revenue at home, like the proposed Orton Junc-tion.

Revenue is not just about the General Fund, though. The City has many funds that are like individual businesses. For example, animal licenses pay for animal control ser-vice. If people fail to license their pets, there is no money to feed and shelter stray cats and dogs waiting for homes.

Tool 2: Find EfficienciesThe City has been finding

savings for three years already (see related story, right). Some of those efficiencies, such as reducing janitorial service, can continue with no impact to you. Others, however, were borrowing time. For example, the 09-10 budget delayed buying new police cars.

Tool 3: Reduce ServicesThe last budget eliminated

one senior-level position and installed a hiring freeze. Due to people naturally leaving the City with no replacement, the City is now down 10% of its workforce. That’s a lot less people handling the same demands. To adjust, the City mows lawns less often, has reduced hanging baskets to decrease watering time, and is paying for two police officers with grants rather than from your taxes. But what about the remaining City services? With the City now down to the basics, you would notice

Saving the City MoneyPart of the challenge of finding savings is that the City has been saving since 2007. There are fewer and fewer places left to reduce. Since the City tried to find savings where you’d notice them the least, you’re likely unaware of how much has changed. Here are just a few examples. (Dollar values are for the 2009-2010 budget.)

$8,800 saved by reformatting the newsletter

$9,000 saved by reducing newsletter to 4 issues per year

$17,850 saved by reducing janitorial service

$8,000 saved by reducing hanging baskets

Over $400,000 saved in salaries and benefits by holding positions vacant

$1,200 saved by reducing number of code books

Over $20,000 saved in 4 months by using electric home monitoring in certain instances instead of incarceration

Over $55,000 saved by using grants to buy police equip-ment such as bullet-proof vests, radars, portable breath test instruments, diagramming software, a digital finger-printing system and replacement undercover vehicle

$8,500 saved by charging persons convicted of DUI to reimburse the city for their emergency response

Issue64CItyofsumnernewsletter Autumn2010

Council, Citizens Face Tough Budget for 2011-2012

Unfortunately, this rainbow didn’t also come with a pot of gold for the City budget.

continued on page 2

It’s one of the first things all Sumner citizens ask for: completed trails. Whether students at the middle school or residents attending Sum-ner University or even new businesses moving in, people always ask when Sumner’s trails will be complete.

While the answer isn’t clear yet, Sumner continues to get closer and does not give up searching for funding. Last fall, the City applied for a Federal grant to finish the system. The competition was fierce with over 1400 ap-plicants. Two projects were funded in Washington State, both road projects, in Seattle and Spokane.

Undaunted, the City is now competing for funding for two

sections, shown to the left in red, through the State Recre-ation Office. The City must wait to hear how much money the State legislature allocates, but one of the projects has ranked very high (6th out of 25) and has a good chance of getting funded.

Some people have asked if they can help by building the trail. The cost, however, is not in the labor or the actual pavement but in all the design work and right-of-way the City must follow. Just like anyone building anything, there’s a process. Because much of the trail is near the river, there’s also a lot of environmental processes.

So, stay tuned, and keep your sneakers handy because

When Can Sumner Sing “Happy Trails”?

2010 Grants

Completed Trail

Future Trail

Sumner intends, one way or another, to have finished trails.

If you’re curious, you can read Sumner’s Master Trail Plan, which outlines where exactly the trail will go. The plan is available online at http://www.ci.sumner.wa.us/Living/Trails.htm.

If you want to help, tell us why a completed trail system is important to you. We may use your comments in future grants as we make the case for why others should invest money in Sumner’s trails. Send your trail comments to Carmen Palmer, communica-tions director, at [email protected].

Fall Clean Up on November 1-5As your leaves take their leave, remember to use your blue recycle bins. With Fall Clean Up, DM Disposal will take up to three additional containers of yard waste plus extra gar-bage and an appliance--all for free! That’s much better than blowing leaves into the street to clog up the street sweeper.

Read about more savings in the preliminary City budget, which will go online at www.ci.sumner.wa.us in October.

Authorized mayor to enter professional services agreement with Long Bay Ent., Inc. for Comprehensive Plan Update EIS Market Analysis Authorized mayor to amend consultant contract with Parametrix, Inc. for Fryar/Main improvementsApproved Resolution 1297 authorizing grant application for water and sewer system improvementsAuthorized mayor to execute contract with R.W. Scott Construction Co. for Fryar/Main improvementsAuthorized mayor to amend professional services agreement with ICF International, Inc. for preparing an EIS for 2010 Comprehensive Plan UpdateAuthorized mayor to execute a contract with Apply-A-Line, Inc. for 2010 Street Striping ProjectAuthorized mayor to execute a contract with Parametrix, Inc.for professional services for 30% design of 24th St Setback LeveeApproved Resolution 1298 adopting a Green House Emission Policy

Approved Resolution 1299 authorizing applications for Wash. Wildlife and Recreation Program grants

Authorized mayor to enter an Interlocal Agreement with City of Algona for animal control services

Authorized mayor to enter an Interlocal Agreement with City of Pacific for animal control services

Adopted Ordinance 2327 updating Traffic Code

Authorized mayor to execute a contract with Doolittle Construction for 2010 Chip Seal

Authorized mayor to execute agreement with Auburn, Bonney Lake, Valley Regional Fire Authority and Pierce County Fire District No. 22 regarding municipal annexation

Approved Resolution No. 1302: 2011-2016 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program

Adopted Ordinance No. 2328: International Fire Code, 2009 Edition with local amendments

Adopted Ordinance 2329: 2009 Edition of the International Building, Residential, Plumbing and Mechanical codes

City CounCil ACtion June-August 2010

MAYORDave Enslow 299-5790

CITY COUNCIL

Steve Allsop 299-5793Curt Brown 299-5796Cindi Hochstatter 299-5795Randy Hynek 299-5792Ed Hannus 299-5791Leroy Goff 299-5797Matt Richardson 299-5794

CITY OFFICES

Administration 299-5500Cemetery 299-5510Finance/utilities 863-8300Golf course 863-8198Inspection line 299-5530Recreation 891-6500Permit Center 299-5530Police (non-emergency) 863-6384Senior Center 863-2910

MUNICIPAL COURTTimothy A. Jenkins 863-7635Judge, Court Offices Cathy Pashon, 299-5621Court Administrator

City of Sumner1104 Maple Street,

Sumner, WA 98390253-863-8300

253-863-2850 FAX

MAyor ColuMn

Authorized mayor to execute a contract with Charon Drilling, Inc. for drilling the Central Well

Authorized mayor to execute an environmental services contract supplement with Parametrix for the White River Trail project

Authorized mayor to execute a professional services contract amendment with Robinson Noble for Fleischmann’s Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

Adopted Ordinance 2331 amending SMC 3.44.230 petty cash account

Adopted Resolution 1303: Petty Cash Threshold

Adopted Findings of Fact in support of Ordinance 2330

Adopted Resolution 1304 expressing support for Pierce County Flood Control District

Adopted Ordinance 2332 providing an Interfund Loan

Adopted Ordinance 2333 adjusting rates for Water, Sewer and Storm Drainage Utility

Adopted Ordinance 2334 renewing Interim Development Regulations

CITY STAFF

Diane Supler 299-5502City Administrator

Terri Berry 299-5500City Clerk John Galle 299-5644Police Chief Carmen Palmer 299-5503Communications Director

Bill Pugh 299-5701Public Works Director

Paul Rogerson 299-5521Community Development Dir.

Brett Vinson 299-5610City Attorney

Beth Anne Wroe 299-5541Financial Operations Director

EAST PIERCE FIRE & RESCUEMain Number 863-1800

Jerry Thorson 863-5451Fire Chief

sumnerCommunItyConneCtIon2 Autumn2010

When George Ryan wanted trains to stop here, he built the depot. When the city needed a cemetery, Isaac Woolery donated the land. Our founders built what is now Sumner with their vision, energy and dedication. There was no “Sumner” before them.

What are we building for the future? We inherited not just the town from our founders but the responsibility to make it stronger. They did their part, and now it’s our turn.

I believe we do this by expanding the UGA for the Orton Junction project. For years, people of all ages have said, “we love Sumner, but there’s nothing to do after 5 pm.” We once had a movie theater, college and bowling alley but lost them. Let’s fix that.

Orton Junction brings a YMCA and the potential for medical facilities, farmers market, shopping and dining into the evening, maybe even a movie theater. It

Budget continued from page 1

CounCil ColuMn

strenghtens what we have now, not replaces it. I enjoy our downtown and East Main areas, but it was not our founders’ vision that we drive to King County when we need a new suit. Or to Puyallup to squeeze into their overcrowded YMCA. Or to Bonney Lake to see a movie.

I don’t worry that Sumner will be replaced: I worry it’ll be swallowed up by our neighbors. Ballard used to be a cute town north of Seattle. We need to stay an independent community. That means building a stronger financial retail base and healthy activities for people of all ages to do.

Change is challenging. But I don’t think building a train depot was a picnic for Mr. Ryan either. Working toward

a strong future is the true legacy that we inherited from our founders...and what we’ll leave our grandchildren.

Councilmember Curt [email protected]

Since its founding, Sumner has a long history of building its own future. This advertisement ran in the Sumner News-Index on March 16, 1950.

any further reductions. If Council relies heavily on this tool, will you be okay with the consequences the next time you need a permit or a water leak repaired?

Tool 4: Raise Fees & TaxesThis is the hardest option on citizens, especially since other

jurisdictions such as the State are increasing other fees and taxes. The Council raised water and sewer rates for 2011, but even that increase was less than what was recommended just to cover costs.

Answering Tough QuestionsAs you’re reading this, are you thinking that it raises more

questions than answers? You’re correct! Even some of the numbers could still change: for example, if voters pass the two liquor initiatives, the City loses an estimated $223,000 in revenue for this budget.

The Mayor will present his balanced budget to Council in October, and then the Council either accepts or changes the Mayor’s recommendations before passing a balanced budget in November. This process is open to the public with lots of chances to comment.

There are tough choices ahead as the budget is down to the bottom line with no room left to make changes that you won’t notice. All of your elected officials and many of your employ-ees are spending countless hours trying to find solutions, so stay tuned and stay educated.

Stay informed: check the draft budget and meeting agendas online at www.ci.sumner.wa.us.

There are many large items/decisions affecting us: Orton Junction/expansion of our growth area, chemical tank farm, MIC, finishing trails and sidewalks, utility increases, drilling for a new fresh-wa-ter well, among others that could be spoken about. But with it being September, a couple smaller yet important things cross my mind. Being a teacher, school opening is one of them. We’re bound to see increased traffic on the sidewalks and streets. Giv-ing kids a “brake” is ever so important. Congestion around Sunset Chev. Stadium for soccer and football games, Sumner Middle School with

construction and the bustle at other school buildings should be enough for us to be even more careful when navigat-ing around Sumner. Though pedestrians need to be careful, it’s we in vehicles who need to take even more precautions.

September causes me to take time to appreciate the leaves on our many trees. Privacy, noise reduction, and shade are all provided by my large maple. Raking and blowing the leaves into piles is an an-nual activity. Even with my kids being older, the dogs still take advantage of playing in the piles. The leaves are good for compost or they can be re-moved to a landfill in Bonney

Lake, South Hill or recycled in our blue yard waste containers. Please don’t rake or blow the leaves into the street. Do-ing so plugs the storm sewer drains, requires more man hours along with wear and tear of our street sweeper, and plainly causes a mess. The more we can do individually the less the city will have to do to clean up what we could have done. This saves money.

Feel free to attend a coun-cil meeting and share your thoughts about what’s going on in our city. Enjoy the won-derful fall weather and all that comes with it.

Congrats to Chief EthanSumner Middle School student Ethan Delarme (right) served as Sumner’s Chief for the Day in August. Thank you to the businesses who supported Ethan: Bank of America in Sumner, Dil-lanos Coffee Roasters, Far-relli’s Pizza, Starbucks in Sumner, Uni-fied Grocers, and Walmart in Bonney Lake.

When you need help moving the living room furniture? No. When you think something is just not right in your neighbor-hood? Definitely.

The number (911) is easy, but knowing when to dial can be hard. Here’s a rule of thumb: if you need to speak with an officer urgently, you should call 911.

Many people are afraid that they may be “bothering” the police. The reality is that your eyes and ears help the of-ficers more than any high-tech equipment. Sumner’s eight square miles include over 9000 people living and about 7200 people working here. Officers can’t be everywhere at once, and the odds are slim that they’ll happen to be near you when you need them--unless you call them.

This does not mean, however, that you should misuse the system. The citizen who called because her television was not working was not helping anyone out of even a potential emer-

gency. Other than obvious instances like that, don’t be afraid that you’re “bothering” the police if you call. Be ready to provide any details that you can, even if they seem unimportant to you.

For non-emer-gency questions to Sumner Police, call 253-863-6384.

ASK DR. SUMNER:When Do You Call the Police?

sumnerCommunItyConneCtIon 3

No! Despite what the song says, grease does not

have groove,

or meaning. If you are frying

bacon or saute-ing vegetables or

even deep-frying food, you may have grease and oil left

in your pan or cooker. If you pour it down the drain, it’s going to solidify when it cools down. It may solidify

grease and oil down the drain?in your kitchen pipes or in your side sewer pipes or in the City sewer line. The bottom line is it will solidify somewhere, and no where is a good place for it. A block-age in your pipes or the City sewer line will end up costing you money. You may need to hire a plumber to fix your pipes, or you may have sew-age blocked and backing up into your home. Even if the blockage happens in the main sewer line, you’re paying the the City crew through your

Can I dump left-over

Autumn2010

The City of Sumner Relay for Life team raised $8,500 this year, $1,000 more than last year. Most of that was thanks to all of

the individuals and businesses who helped with the Golf for Life tournament. Thank you again for your support!

Presenting Sponsors: Denny’s Valley Autobody & DM DisposalDinner Sponsor: Branks BBQToast for Life Sponsor: The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse

Hole Sponsors: Jay Lee’s Honda of Sumner, Parametrix, Dan Roach, Top Foods of Lakeland Hills

In-Kind Sponsors: American Hardware Mutual Insurance Co., Derek & Marylee Barry, Bella Balls of Tacoma, Grant Bullo, Cascade Ice, Patty Denny, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, High Cedars, Ted & Erin Hill, The Home Course, JLV Photography, Keller Williams, KPG, Midtown Sta-tion, Outdoor Creations, Peterson Brothers, Bill Pugh, Sorci’s Italian Cafe & Enoteca, Specialty Home Design, Starbucks, Jeff Steffens, Sumner Lawn & Saw, Sumner Meadows Golf Links, Tacoma Rainiers, Top Foods Lake-land Hills, Toysmith, U.S. Amateurs at Chambers Bay, Vision Quest Sports and Fitness, Ross Widner

“Above Par”ticipation

utility bill to repair something that could have easily been prevented.

Save yourself the headache and the disgusting mess. The next time you’re holding the pan, choose an alternative! Let the grease cool down. While it is still a liquid, pour it into a sturdy container such as an empty yogurt cup, water bottle or jelly jar. After it solidifies, dispose of it in the garbage. No more grease means clear sewer pipes.

You can ask Dr. Sumner a question at [email protected].

This look at a Sumner man-hole shows the disgusting mess grease leaves if poured down the drain. This entire manhole is blocked by a dam of solidified grease.

The sewer lines running through the center and up to the top should be connecting to individuals’ sewers but are also completely blocked with grease.

Traffic & MainWork is underway! West Main is off the light signal and is a right-in, right-out only. Evening utility work is also underway as part of the proj-ect. Drivers are experiencing delays but the intersection remains open. If you’d like updates by email, sign up at www.ci.sumner.wa.us.

Stewart RoadStewart Road (or 8th Street) is looking much better. Four lanes of traffic, plus a center turn lane, now extend to the bridge and sidewalks are added on both sides. This joint project with Pierce County should be nearing completion in this fall. Thank you for your continued patience as we improve Sumner’s roads!

Process Underway for Orton Junction

The Community Center Task Force hears Mike Corliss share his vision for Orton Junction and a Sumner YMCA. Similar presentations are scheduled for Rotary, the Chamber and Downtown Association. If you have questions about Orton Junction or the YMCA, contact Carmen Palmer at [email protected].

Before people comment on the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments related to the proposed Orton Junc-tion/YMCA, they often ask how it will affect Sumner. What about traffic or water quality? How will it affect existing businesses?

The answers are all avail-able for you to view in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Believe it or not, it’s over 1000 pages of answering just such questions! Rather than be alarmed at the size, take a look. It’s available in hard copy to browse at City Hall or at the Sumner Pierce County Library. It’s also available online at www.ci.sumner.wa.us, divided by

chapters, so you can

quickly get to the parts that primarily interest you.

The document is called “Draft” because this is when you can also com-ment. Is something miss-ing? Do you disagree or agree with the assessments? Send your comments to Ryan Windish, Planning Manager, at [email protected] or Ryan Windish, City of Sumner, 1104 Maple Street, Suite 250, Sumner WA 98390. Ryan must receive your comments by 5 pm on Oc-tober 8 to be included for the final report.

BEFORE AFTER: four lanes extend to the bridge with a center turn lane and sidewalks.

Phot

o: P

aram

etri

x

Road WorkUpdate

Drop Off Your Old DrugsWhat do you do with left-

over prescription medicine? It’s not safe to just stick it in the garbage because someone may dig through and find it. It’s also not safe for the environment to flush it down the toilet.

The answer is inside City Hall. A green bin, similar to a postal box, is available right in the first-floor lobby by the Police Department. You don’t have to talk to anyone or fill out anything: simply come inside and drop any left-over medicine in the secure bin.

Look for the green bin in the first-floor Police lobby of City Hall to drop off unused medication.

INSIDE: Council, Citizens face tough budget for 2011-2012

Trail Update

Drop Off Your Old Drugs

When to Call Police

Orton Junction Process Underway

Road Work Update

IMPROVE YOUR“CONNECTION”Get news between mailed newsletters with the e-newsletter. Sign up on the City’s website at www.ci.sumner.wa.us.

City of Sumner1104 Maple StreetSumner, WA 98390

ECRWSS

Postal Customer

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

SUMNER, WAPERMIT NO. 1

suMner City CounCil

Steve Allsop Curt Brown Cindi HochstatterLeroy Goff Ed Hannus Randy Hynek Matt Richardson

sumnerCommunItyConneCtIon4 Autumn2010

“This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are.” ~Plato (427 - 327 BC)

SAFETY SALLY SAYS:

City HAll CAlendAr

SEPTEMBER20 City Council Meeting, 7 pm21 Public Works Committee, 5 pm23 Arts Commission, 6 pm27 Council Study Session, 6 pm28 Finance Committee, 5 pm

OCTOBER4 City Council Meeting, 7 pm7 Planning Commission, 7 pm11 City Council Study Session, 6 pm12 Parks Commission, 4 pm13 CD/Parks Committee, 4:30 pm14 Forestry Commission, 4 pm14 Design Commission, 6:30 pm18 City Council Meeting, 7 pm

19 Public Works Committee, 5 pm21 Public Safety Committee, 4:30 pm25 City Council Study Session, 6 pm26 Finance Committee, 5 pm28 Arts Commission, 6 pm

NOVEMBER1 City Council Meeting, 7 pm4 Planning Commission, 7 pm8 City Council Study Session, 6 pm9 Parks Commission, 4 pm10 CD/Parks Committee, 4:30 pm11 Holiday--City Offices Closed11 Forestry Commission, 4 pm11 Design Commission, 6:30 pm15 City Council Meeting, 7 pm16 Public Works Committee, 5 pm18 Public Safety Committee, 4:30 pm18 Arts Commission, 6 pm22 City Council Study Session, 6 pm23 Finance Committee, 5 pm25-26 Holiday--City Offices Closed

CoMMunity events

SEPTEMBER25 Washington Small Business Fair, 8 am - 3:30 pm, Renton Technical College25 Write in the Valley--Chapter 2 authors’ event, 10 am - 2:30 pm, Senior Center26 Ride Sounder from Sumner to the Seahawks game, 10:37 & 11:02 am

OCTOBER2 Scarecrow Celebration Contest, 10 am-5 pm, Downtown2 Ride Sounder from Sumner to the Sounders FC game, 10:17 am2 Autumn Evening, 5-8 pm, Downtown3 Ride Sounder from Sumner to the Mariners game, 11:17 am9 Come Walk With Me Cancer Benefit, 8:30 am, Downtown13 Senior Center Trip to Spiro’s Greek Island Restaurant, 10:30 am16-24 Pride & Prejudice, Manestage Theatre Co., Performing Arts Center24 Ride Sounder from Sumner to the Seahawks game, 10:37 & 11:02 am31 Halloween “Street of Treats” 5-7 pm, Downtown

NOVEMBER1-5 DM Disposal Fall Clean Up--watch mailbox for coupons7 Ride Sounder from Sumner to the Seahawks game, 10:37 & 11:02 am13 Hometown Holiday Celebration, 10 am-7 pm, Downtown26 Bridge Lighting & Fireworks 5 pm, Old Cannery & bridge27-Dec 12 It’s a Wonderful Life, Manestage Theatre Co., Performing Arts Center28 Ride Sounder from Sumner to the Seahawks game, 10:37 & 11:02 am

Are you ALERT?Have you signed up for Pierce County’s Alert! notification system yet? This system helps you get information quickly during an emergency.

In past emergency events, like flooding, the City used a call system to let residents know to

evacuate. But the old system could only call traditional, or land-line phones. The

new Alert! lets you sign up to 10 devices of your choosing including email, text message, a call on your cell phone and more. This way, if you spend winters in Arizona or work in King County or don’t even own a

land-line phone, you can still know when there’s an emergen-cy. Please be aware that if you

sign up 10 devices, messages will go to all 10 devices in an emergency. You can also enter up to five addresses in Pierce County, so you’ll know if there are emergencies occuring where you work, live or perhaps where your extended family lives. Sign up at www.co.pierce.wa.us.

Once again, this is a “full wail” test of the lahar siren. Pierce County’s Department of Emergency Management, who owns and operates the sirens, is proposing to do “full wail” tests twice a year. In addition, they would like to audibly test the sirens at a consistent time every month by using the “chimes” sound.

You’ll be notified the time for the montly testing as soon as it’s set. In the meantime, listen for the “full wail” on October 5. And remember, the sirens are just one tool to alert you in the event of a lahar or any kind of emer-gency. Signing up for Alert! is another tool.

Lahar Siren TestOctober 5 at 10 am

You don’t have to adopt to stop in to visit the Metro Animal Services shelter. You can also come by to

enjoy visiting the animalsask a question about how to care best for your petlicense your petshow your children how animal control cares for pets.

••••

Visiting Kittens & Puppies for Free!

Open Mon-Fri 10 am - 5 pm and Sat 10 am - 4 pm

You can also take a virtual tour of the shelter and browse pets needing Forever Families anytime at

www.metroanimalservices.org

Shelter: 253-841-5595 Licenses: 253-299-PETS

Puyallup

South Hill Mall

Shelter

Top Foods

Walmart

Borders to Shaw Rd

WREATHS IN OCTOBER? If you have a loved one at the Sumner City Cemetery, you have the option to purchase a wreath that the cemetery will place for you during the holiday season. You will receive an order form in the mail in October, or you can contact Darlene at 253-299-5510.