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COMMUNITY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
BACK ISSUES--JANUARY 1998
Seibenthaler Park Being Improved
Seibenthaler Park, at the corner of 16th and Bonney Avenue, is being improved with
sidewalks, landscaping, a basketball court and children's play area. Contractors are
finishing work on new sidewalks along two sides of the park. A new full-sized basketball
court will be built on the south end of the park near 16th Street. Benches and bicycle
racks will also be installed.
Improvements to the sanitary sewer lift station will include the addition of an emergency
generator, fencing and landscaping. The landscaping will screen the equipment associated
with the pump station. Early in 1998, a children's play area will be added. It will
feature a variety of safe play equipment for all ages. Benches and picnic tables will also
be included.
This project follows the improvements that were made two years ago to add drainage to the
youth soccer field. The City will work with the Parks Board to determine what improvements
should be made to the north end of the Park. The completion of the sidewalk on the north
will likely be done in conjunction with the pending industrial development across Elm
Street. The project is funded by money from the City's street and sanitary sewer funds,
along with general government resources.
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Sumner's First Night Celebration
Sumner is excited to be a part of this year's First
Night New Year's Eve celebration! This annual event takes place across the
country, celebrating the performing and visual arts in an alcohol free and
family-oriented environment. This is Sumner's first year to be involved with the
event, and we hope to make it a great inaugural year. On Wednesday, December
31st, Sumner High School will be the site of entertainment from 5 p.m. until the
midnight countdown. Entertainment will include an improvisation act, and several musical
groups. There will also be children's activities such as a storyteller, balloon artist,
face painting, and art-making activities.
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Thank you for the opportunity
to serve
After 10 years of continuous community public services, six years as councilmember then
four years as Mayor, it is time to close book two of my life. I was able to attain almost
all my goals in my chosen line of work - transportation and that was book one. Book two
was being able to serve my City. I have been either responsible for or involved in the
development of many issues that have seen this City grow to triple in size and almost
double in population. I would like to present to you a short list of my favorite projects.
Some are large, some are small but all important to you and me.
The City refuse and yard waste curbside recycle program - the best that Pierce County
could produce. Re-establishment of the bridge lights in 1990. It was a pleasure to help
Mr. John Denzler realize a years long dream. The 1891-1991 centennial plaque located at
Heritage Park. The concept and development of Heritage Park. Kick starting the
construction of the new Senior Center. Presented concept promotion for several senior
assisted living units now either being developed or built. The Sumner Meadows Golf Links.
Re-directed financing for the industrial area growth plan. Developed new accountable City
Budget. Since 1990 helped develop the Lower Puyallup River Water Quality Action Plan for
Pierce County and am now the first chair of the new River Council. Presented to the City
Council the need for a social/human services policy. As Mayor I have hired your present
Police and Fire Chiefs, City Administrator and Public Works Director. And in a line of
firsts, was the first Sumner Mayor to vote to replace himself to his old council position.
And new this year, Sumner's participation in Pierce County's First Night New Year's Eve
program - only $8.
Now I will take a breath. It has been a busy, busy ten years. One project has eluded me. A
project I really wanted finished before I left office - Zehnder Street! But let me assure
you I did start the process that at this time there is a street design being developed and
the council should address this issue sometime in 1998. It has been my pleasure to serve
you. I will still be serving you but not in an elected official capacity. Again, thank you
for all those opportunities to serve you and Francis, wherever you are, God bless. -
Robert Moltke
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Learn about your City at
Sumner University
Ever wonder how City government pays for things? Ever wanted to know the origin of
Sumner? You may be interested in attending Sumner University.
Sumner University was established in 1995 to train the volunteer advisors who sit on
various boards and commissions. This is the first year the public has been recruited to
participate in this exciting learning opportunity. Classes are taught by city officials,
community experts, and local professionals. The tuition is free with the textbook
included. Each night's classes are from 6 to 9 p.m. at Sumner Junior High School.
The first night is dedicated to the freshman students and those who want more background
information. The second two nights are for students who are either graduates of a prior
year's Sumner University or have taken the freshman class. Previous graduates may enroll
in the freshman level classes. Below is the schedule for the upcoming sessions:
Freshman Class, January 15
City Organization How we pay for things Comprehensive Plan and New Urbanism
Senior Class- Night I, January 21
Sumner Fire Department What's new in development projects? Welcome to our web page
Building a Community School
Senior Class Night II, January 22
Roles of Boards and Commissions Sumner Talks: The role of technology in our future
This is an excellent opportunity for anyone thinking about being on a board or commission,
considering elected office, or just wanting to know more about their City. To get a
registration form for Sumner University, please contact Janel Hermsmeyer at 891-3303.
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Welcome to New Mayor,
Councilmembers
Sumner welcomes a new Mayor, Barbara Skinner, and two new City Councilmembers, Dave
Enslow and Mark Evers. The three won their positions in the November General Election and
will take office on January 1 to begin their four-year terms. Incumbent Council member
Kris Coppin, who ran unopposed, won re-election to another term.
Barbara Skinner Mrs. Skinner returns to City government after serving eight years on the
Pierce County Council, from 1986 to 1994. Previously, she served on the Sumner City
Council from 1976 to 1986. Mrs. Skinner has lived in Sumner since 1942, graduating from
Sumner High School and raising her three children here. She and her husband own an
accounting firm in Sumner. They live on Valley Avenue.
Dave Enslow Enslow previously served on the Sumner City Council in 1989 for nearly a year.
He served on the City's Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee from 1992 to 1995. Enslow
has lived in Sumner for 25 years and works as an independent investor. He lives with his
wife and three children on Main Street.
Mark Evers The position on the City Council is Evers' first experience as an elected
official. He has lived in Sumner for four years and works as a mortgage broker. Evers
lives with his wife and son on Valley Avenue.
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Design
Commission Writing Guidelines for Residential and Commercial Projects
The City's 1994 Comprehensive Plan required that new commercial and multi-family
development be consistent with the character of the City. In order to accomplish this,
design guidelines were developed for these two types of projects. A Design Commission,
made up of seven appointed individuals, assists with the implementation of the guidelines.
The guidelines require new multi-family development be designed to make the units distinct
(avoiding the huge apartment look), have amenities for residents such as open space, and
be located so residents can walk to nearby services rather than driving. Commercial
development is required to use some of the design styles that were used in the downtown.
Buildings should have windows and architectural details, be located near a street, and
allow for pedestrians and vehicles. Several new buildings have been built or are under
construction using the guidelines. The Commission hopes to improve the design and
construction in order to benefit the community and building owners.
The Commission recently developed standards for certain types of residential subdivisions
called "neo-traditional." In these areas, alleys are used to provide access,
houses are located closer to the street, and the design encourages walking. They are
similar to the designs that were used when the core of the City was built in the early
1900's.
The Commission is currently developing similar guidelines for industrial development. They
are also developing improvements to the appearance and function of downtown parking lots.
An awards program is being developed to recognize new quality development. The Commission
members are Chris Larson, civil engineer; Gary Walker, appraiser; Don Argus, architect;
Stuart Scheuerman, engineer; Nancy Clark, resident; Marshall Bennett, building owner;
David Bisom, landscape architect. The members are appointed by the Mayor and City Council.
Associate Planner Albert Torrico staffs the Commission.
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Fountain Being Designed for
Heritage Park
Artists have completed the design of the fountain in Heritage Park in downtown Sumner.
The project was bid once in November; however, only one bid was received and was
insufficient for the City to award. A second call for bids was conducted in early December
and awarded. Construction should begin in January.
The fountain consists of a wall of water with tiles engraved with the names of founding
families and images of historic buildings. The fountain is located at the northern end of
the park where Cherry and Kincaid Avenues intersect.
Welcome to these new City employees: Darren Young - City Shops Warren Peloli -
Parks/Cemetery Supervisor
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Sumner Street Improvement Projects
Valley Ave.
The Valley Avenue transportation improvement project between Main and Gary opened to
through traffic in December. The final phase included restoration work behind the
sidewalks and general cleanup will continue through January. The project which began in
July was completed on time and slightly over budget. Improvements include street widening,
new curbs, gutters and sidewalks, and a new storm drainage system and new water main.
Washington St., Graham Ave.
Work continues on the new streets that will improve access to the Daffodil Valley Sports
Complex. A new section of Graham Avenue is being constructed between Main Street and
Washington Street. Washington Street is being extended linking Valley and Graham. These
two street projects should be done in spring 1998.
142nd St.
Most of the work conducted during the fall has been installation of the storm drainage
system along 142nd Street in the North Sumner industrial area. Utilities must be installed
before road work can begin. This project includes improving 142nd Street from 24th Street
East to the Stuck River where a new bridge will be built. The City expects to complete its
portion of the project in summer 1999. The State Transportation Department plans to build
a SR 167 interchange at 24th Street East beginning in fall 1998.
Zehnder St.
Preliminary design has been completed for the Zehnder Street improvement project between
Fryer Avenue and Wood Avenue. Improvements will include rehabilitation of the sewer main,
installation of storm drainage, street widening, and construction of new curbs, gutters
and sidewalks. Work is planned for 1998 and will require that a Local Improvement District
be formed. The City will be holding workshops with property owners in the spring.
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New Permit
Center Makes Obtaining City Permits Easier
The Permit Center provides a centralized service for citizens to obtain a variety of
permits for building, land use, utility, and public works activities. Located on the
second floor of City Hall, the Permit Center is open during regular City hours from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Staff from planning, building, and engineering are available to
assist people considering development. The Permit Center was created this year as a result
of second floor remodeling at City Hall. The Permit Center also has a variety of resources
including maps, code books, plans, municipal codes, and property information which may be
helpful as citizens plan a project. For information call Permit Specialist Vicki Fairbanks
at 253- 863-1230.
The list below gives the typical types of questions that should be directed to the Permit
Center: * Do I need a permit? * What's my zoning? * What's the status of my permit? * Do
my neighbors have a permit? * What's happening on the property down the road? * Who do I
file a complaint with? * How much does a permit cost? * Do I need a permit to use the
park? * Can I plant a street tree?
Types of Permits * Land Use (variances, subdivisions, conditional uses, rezones, shoreline
permits) * Special Events * Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Demolition, etc. * Water and
Sewer Connections * Street Obstructions * Grading, Sidewalk and Road Construction * Fire
(sprinklers, alarms, fire-works) * Pre-Application Reviews * Design Review * Comprehensive
Plan Amendments * Signs
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New Connection Fees for Water,
Storm
As we look around the Sumner community, the growth and development that is occurring is
clearly evident. To accommodate the new home, business and industrial development, there
is a continuing need for the City to install water, sewer and storm drainage
infrastructure. In order to ensure sufficient utility rate structures are in place for the
City to pay for these capital improvements, the City hired a rate consultant to take a
close look at our sewer, water, and storm system development charges (SDC's) or connection
fees.
The City's consultant made recommendations for sweeping reform to the water and storm
drainage SDC's and other changes to the utility rate regulations. These changes will
result in providing a more reasonable method for charging for such services together with
ensuring sufficient funding sources to facilitate new development. These new SDC rates
should be in place by the beginning of 1998 to capitalize on the expected growth over the
next few years. A copy of the utility rate structure is available at the Permit Center or
by calling 863-8300.
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Long-time Police Lieutenant
Retiring
After 28 years with the Sumner Police Department, Russ Clary is retiring from police
work on January 5. Russ joined the department in 1969 as a patrolman and worked his way up
to Lieutenant. The department has tripled in size since he started. While Sumner has been
pretty much a quiet town with proportionately few serious crimes, Russ has seen crime
increase over the years as population has grown. Russ has worked a number of high profile
crimes including three bank robberies and one homicide. In all cases, the suspects were
apprehended.
Besides working on solving crimes, Russ said he has enjoyed going into the schools and
talking with students about police work, crime prevention, and drug and alcohol
prevention. What Russ will remember the most from his years in Sumner are the camaraderie
with fellow workers and the support given the police department by the community.
"I've really enjoyed the City of Sumner," he said. Russ and his wife will enjoy
their retirement at their home on Lake Whitman near Kapowsin. He hopes to work again,
possibly as a tour bus driver.
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Fire Department Busy
with Holiday Activities
The Sumner Fire Department held its second annual charity pancake feed on Saturday,
Dec. 6 where they raised $1,921 and served 250 people. The proceeds were used to buy toys
and children's clothes and brought to Saint Andrew Church for the annual "Christmas
House" where needy families can go to get gifts for their children.
In another holiday activity, the Fire Department drove Santa around Sumner neighborhoods
on Dec. 16, 17 and 18 in the City's old 1932 Kenworth fire truck. Santa handed out candy
canes while Fire Department personnel collected food items for the Sumner Food Bank.
Recycle Your Christmas Tree
The weekend of Jan. 10 and 11, residents can bring their Christmas trees to the field next
to the Fire Station on the corner of Harrison Street and Narrow Avenue. The trees should
be free of all decorations, nails or wire. They will be put into a chipper and made into
mulch. Residents are invited to take the mulch for use in their landscaping. Residents are
asked to bring a food item or money donation for the Sumner Food Bank when they bring
their Christmas tree for chipping. Holiday wreaths are also accepted.
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Tips for a Safe and Crime-Free
Holiday
The Sumner Police Department wants residents to have a safe and crime-free holiday
season. This is the time of year when prowlers are on the lookout for packages and other
valuable items left in unoccupied cars. Prevent a car break-in by covering and hiding any
items left in a car. It is best to lock valuable items in the trunk before you leave home.
If you are locking away packages in your car trunk, do it out of view of passersby.
DUI Emphasis
The Sumner Police Dept. is joining other regional police agencies in a holiday emphasis on
DUI (Driving Under the Influence). The theme this holiday season is, "You Booze You
Loose." Police agencies are conducting a regional crackdown on drinking and driving.
No Window Shopping
Prowlers also will be looking in people's homes for valuable items that might prompt a
break-in. Residents should shut the blinds in their homes while away to prevent the wrong
people from window shopping. To have homes checked by police when leaving town, please
register with the Police Dept.
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Work Continues on
West Sumner Neighborhood Plan
The Advisory Committee that is helping to develop the Neighborhood Plan for the West
Sumner Neighborhood is continuing to work with citizens and businesses to draft the future
of the area west of Traffic Avenue. In October, the Committee sponsored a workshop to hear
citizens' concerns about the neighborhood. That was followed by a walking tour on a
Saturday morning. A workshop in November was held to discuss potential solutions to
problems.
The Committee is working on a plan which will address street improvements, noise,
commercial/residential land-use compatibility, traffic, trails, Traffic Avenue, and the
commuter rail station. The Committee is comprised of citizens, property owners, and
business representatives from the area. They will be making recommendations to the
Planning Commission and City Council. The Committee anticipates sending a plan to the
Planning Commission in March. For information about the plan, contact Albert Torrico at
891-3320.
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City Receives Community
Forestry Award
Community Forestry Month was observed October 7 at Maple Lawn Elementary School. Second
grade students joined Mayor Bob Moltke and Smokey the Bear in planting a maple tree at the
school. This month-long celebration of community forestry is sponsored by the Washington
Community Forestry Council. The Council works with state and local agencies to promote
tree planting and stewardship. At the December 1 City Council meeting, the City was
presented with the 1997 Community Forestry Award from the State of Washington for its
outstanding efforts in the area of urban forestry. The City of Sumner is recognized by the
National Arbor Day Foundation as a "Tree City."
Forestry issues in the City are coordinated by the City's volunteer Forestry Commission.
For information about tree planting or the Commission's activities, please contact the
Community Development Department at 863-8300.
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Master Plan Approved for Cemetery
The City Council has given its approval to two years of hard work by the Cemetery
Advisory Committee in preparing the Cemetery Master Plan. The City has established as a
goal the maintenance and operation of a first-rate cemetery. The new Master Plan provides
a guide for the City's improvements to the cemetery over the next 20 years. The Cemetery
is located on Valley Avenue on the way to Puyallup.
The Committee held a number of workshops and surveyed cemetery customers in order to
arrive at the adopted plan. The plan's policies describe the operation of the cemetery
(such as allowing use of credit cards) and propose new facilities. Planned improvements
include the construction of a new mausoleum, a memorial plaza, and a crypt wall between
the freeway and cemetery. Cemetery Advisory Committee members are Larry Johns, Ken Woolery
and Hazel Freehe.
The cemetery is a City-owned facility. It is available to meet current needs but also has
a variety of pre-need options available for those interested in making early arrangements.
For information about the cemetery and burial rates, please contact Darlene Hull at
863-6345.
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Teen Late Night Program
A committee is forming to help organize and plan activities for the Teen Late Night
program. Youths, adults and all others interested in the program are invited to serve on
this committee. The committee will meet monthly and hold its first meeting in January.
Please call the Parks Department at 863-5365. The Teen Late Night program runs the first
Saturday of each month, from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. at Sumner Junior High School. The Teen Late
Night program is intended to provide teenagers with a place to go on Saturday nights to
meet friends, listen to music, and play games. The next Late Night program is February 7.
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City Employees
Chip In to Send Band to Rose Parade
City of Sumner employees conducted their own fund-raising drive to help send the Sumner High School Marching Band to the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena,
California on New Year's Day. On December 4, Mayor Moltke presented Sumner High School
officials and band members with a $607 check and card signed by the City staff.
When City staff members learned this fall that the band was several thousand dollars short
of their goal for the trip, they began a fund-raiser at City Hall and other City
facilities asking employees to contribute what they could. The band has since reached its
fund-raising goal and is flying off to sunny California on Dec. 28. Besides marching in
the Rose Parade, the band will perform at Disneyland and tour Hollywood.
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