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COMMUNITY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
BACK ISSUES--JULY 1998
Sports Complex Ready For Play
Nine years of effort by the Sumner Rotary Club to build a Sports Complex in the heart
of the City has wrapped up. Later this summer or fall, the Rotary Club and City will
dedicate the Daffodil Valley Sports Complex. (Please watch for notices of the dedication.)
The centerpiece of the Daffodil neighborhood is the 12 acre complex which features
baseball, soccer, softball, tennis, basketball, picnic and volleyball. The children's play
area was coordinated with future construction of the new Daffodil Valley Elementary School
and is now open. The Rotary Club's efforts started in 1988 with a grant for $40,000 from
Boeing and the Seattle Mariners. With that money as the start, the Club raised an
additional $1.8 million in cash, materials and labor. The project manager since day one
has been former high school principal Bill Heath who has worked countless hours on making
the complex a reality. The complex will be dedicated to his hard work and commitment and
to the determination of the community to build this beautiful sports facility. Work Begins
on New Bridge Across River Work is getting underway this month on the new bridge that will
cross the Stuck River in the northern industrial portion of Sumner. The four-lane concrete
span will connect Tacoma Avenue on the south side of the river with an extension of 142nd
Avenue East, north of the river. The City is currently widening and reconstructing 142nd
Avenue from 24th Street East to the river crossing. When completed, the new bridge and the
improved 142nd Avenue will provide better truck access to the northern industrial area
from downtown. The State Dept. of Transportation early next year is expected to begin work
on a new SR 167 freeway interchange at 24th Street, which will greatly improve access to
the northern part of Sumner and to downtown on 142nd Avenue and across the new bridge. The
City has completed installation of sanitary and storm sewers and other utilities along
142nd Avenue and is currently working on expanding water service to the area.
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New City Logo Reflects Sumner's
Past
The new City logo is making its debut at the top of this issue. The design gives Sumner
a unique and exclusive identity from neighboring cities. The logo has a new look, while
reflecting the City's rich historic character. The daffodil and river symbolize two key
elements that have shaped Sumner's identity, and the overall design is reminiscent of
images found on produce crates years ago. The logo will appear on City documents and
publications, and be incorporated into other City items in the future.
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Mayor's Message
Sumner Will Have A Busy Summer This Year
1998 is the Centennial Year of Sumner High School. A Centennial Reunion of all classes of
SHS will be held at Emerald Downs Race Track, August 22, 1998. We look forward to seeing
former teachers and all students, Sumner grads or not, in attendance. If you or your
children haven't received a registration form, give me a call or drop a note. I'll be glad
to send you the form. Call (253) 891-3318. The 25th annual Sumner Summer Festival, the
best small town street fair in Washington State, will be held July 31st and August 1st.
From its beginnings in 1973 our Festival has proven to be very popular. One early year, on
a Saturday, it rained so hard that the covers of the booths were collapsing. Several
artists were moved into the lobby of SeaFirst Bank and merchants along Main Street invited
other artists from the booths into their stores. That spirit of cooperation and support
from the Sumner merchants is a major factor in the Festival's success. The Sumner
Promotion Association produces this Festival each year and it is great! Sumner will
celebrate the dedication of the Daffodil Valley Sports Complex this summer. Our community
owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Rotary Club of Sumner, and especially to Bill
Heath, Rotarian and past principal of SHS, for sticking with this project through the past
ten years of fund raising, construction, and the many details of managing this huge
project. There will be announcements of the dedication in the local press so keep your
eyes open. Come and share in our celebration of Rotary's gift to our City.
Finally, several public works projects will continue through this summer's construction
season. It's great to have improvements in our community but we realize that it is not
easy living in the middle of one of these projects. We appreciate your patience. If you
have any questions regarding a project please give us a call.
Have a safe and sunny summer.
- Barbara Skinner, Mayor
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Cultural Arts Task Force Formed
Sumner has taken the first steps in creating a Cultural Arts Strategy by developing a
Cultural Arts Task Force. This group of citizens will be committed to creating a Sumner
Arts Strategy and putting its ideas into action. The goal is to enhance the lives of
Sumner residents and visitors by incorporating the arts into daily life. In preparing the
Cultural Arts Strategy, the Task Force will spend several months evaluating Sumner's
current cultural environment. This will include conducting public workshops and surveys to
determine the public's interest in the arts in Sumner. The completed strategy will
inventory the existing arts in the City, propose a program to address cultural needs, and
provide information on funding and support. The strategy will provide arts and cultural
events in Sumner with direction, purpose and vision. If you would like to be included on a
mailing list or serve on the Task Force, call Janel Hermsmeyer at 891-3303 or e-mail your
name and address to janelh@ci.sumner.wa.us.
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Sumner University Program Recognized
The annual Sumner University has been awarded Honorable Mention in the Association of
Washington Cities Municipal Achievement Awards. The award program recognizes unique and
innovative programs that make government better. Sumner University is a program open to
citizen advisors, staff, and the general public which teaches the operation of City
government. Next year's Sumner University will be in February 1999.
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Citizens Sought to Serve on City Commissions
The City is recruiting interested individuals to help Sumner remain a great place to
live, work, and play. Openings exist on the Forestry, Design, and Planning Commissions.
All of these groups have been instrumental in maintaining the character of the community
in the face of growth, technology, and environmental change. Not all boards require Sumner
residency. Business representatives and new residents are particularly encouraged to
apply. A brochure called "You're Invited" is available at City Hall. To receive
a brochure and application, stop by City Hall or call Janel Hermsmeyer at 891-3303.
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Stuart Scheuerman Appointed to Council
Stuart Scheuerman was sworn into office on June 1 as the newest Sumner City Council
member. Stuart was appointed to the position vacated by Scott Engle, who resigned to take
a police officer's position with the Sumner Police Department. Stuart's Council term runs
through the year 1999 when he must run for election if he wishes to continue on the
Council. Stuart works at ESM Consulting Engineers in Federal Way as a project manager. A
civil engineer by profession, he brings expertise to the Council in areas related to
public works. As a citizen, Stuart has served on the City's Design Review Committee and
the advisory committee for the new Sound Transit train station. He has also provided input
into development of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Stuart serves as chair of the City
Council's Parks Committee and sits on the Finance and Personnel Committee. Stuart and his
family have lived in Sumner since 1991. He and his wife Nancy have two children; Sara, 14
and Emily, 7.
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Tips on How to Conserve Water
Water is one of our most valuable resources - every drop counts. An average single
family home uses 165 gallons of water per day; the average apartment uses 110 gallons.
Post this checklist on your refrigerator as a reminder of the ways you can conserve water
and save money. A family of four can save more than 68,000 gallons of water a year by
following checklist conservation tips. You can make a difference!
WATER CONSERVATION CHECKLIST
* Check for and fix any and all leaks.
* Water flower and vegetable gardens by hand instead of using a hose or sprinkler.
* If you haven't already, install water efficient shower heads and faucet aerators.
* Use a toilet tank displacement device (other than a brick) and do not use your toilet as
a garbage can.
* Use faucets at less than full pressure.
* Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, washing your face and shaving.
* Fill the bathtub only half full.
* Use your dishwasher and washing machine for full loads only and on the shortest cycle
needed.
* When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink or basin for wash and rinse instead of
letting the faucet run.
* Wash vegetables in a basin instead of letting the water run.
* Keep a jug of water in the refrigerator for cold drinking water.
* Use a shut-off nozzle on the hose when you wash your car.
* Clean your driveway/patio with a broom instead of a hose.
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Be an Odor Sleuth
As part of the planning for renovations to the City's sewer treatment plant, the City
is asking citizens to call in complaints about odors to 891-3294. This information will be
used to determine the times of day and under what conditions the treatment plant smells.
It will also allow the City to determine what other sources of odors exist. To make a
complaint, the message system needs a description of the odor, time, day, and location.
You do not have to leave your name on this 24-hour message line.
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New City Employees
Jason Brooks, Fire Fighter
Sloan Clack, Administrative/Legal Assistant - Administration
Jeffrey Engel, Police Officer
Scott Engle, Police Officer
Mark Gatto, Operator I - Sewer Treatment Plant
Jerry Martin, CAD/GIS Technician - Public Works
Marsha McGehee, Administrative Assistant - Police
Glen Neumann, Account Clerk II/Payables - Finance
Shaun Piper, Operator I - Shops - Public Works
Elaine Rodwell, Communications - Police
Bambi Thawsh, Communications Supervisor - Police
Wes Tucker, Police Lieutenant
Glen Whaley, Evidence Technician - Police Department
Ryan Windish, Senior Planner - Community Development
Scott Woodbury, Assistant City Engineer - Public Works
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Downtown Alley Will Become
a Mini-Park
Working with surrounding businesses and property owners, the City is improving a former
alley downtown into a mini-park. Located between the Masonic Lodge and the Berryland Cafe,
the park will provide a place to sit, rest, and have lunch or coffee. The improvements are
partially funded by the Phoenix Lodge which contributed money for the lights in the alley.
In addition to lighting the alley, the donation by the Masons will light the parking lots
to the rear.
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Agreement Reached on Sewage Outfall
An agreement has been worked out between several governmental jurisdictions which will
allow the City of Sumner to increase outfall from the sewage treatment plant into the
Puyallup River system as the City grows. In 1994, the state Department of Ecology
conducted a detailed study of the Puyallup River system to determine its capacity for
accepting effluent from bordering communities. The study determined that there was
additional capacity for effluent discharges while still meeting federal clean water
standards. Following completion of the study, representatives from cities within the
Puyallup River watershed, Pierce County, Indian Tribes, state and federal environmental
agencies, and public environmental groups began discussions in 1996 on how to allocate the
river's reserve capacity. The City of Sumner was allocated a share of capacity that will
adequately meet residential and industrial growth in Sumner. The City is still planning an
upgrade of the sewage treatment plant to improve the quality of discharge to meet higher
government standards.
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Land for New Park Purchased
The City completed the purchase of land for a future park at the corner of Parker Road
and Meade-McCumber Street. The land which is known for having been used to grow corn will
someday be a neighborhood park similar to Loyalty and Seibenthaler Parks. The first two
acres were purchased in 1994 from Allen Day. The purchase of two additional acres last
month from Edward and Mildred Kennedy brings the total park size to four acres. The
funding to purchase the land comes from development impact fees and debt financing.
Planning for uses in the new park will begin next year. Persons interested in this process
should contact the Community Development Department to be on the mailing list.
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Don't Post Signs
City ordinances prohibit posting of private signs, such as garage sale signs, on
utility poles. Please do not post any signs on utility poles since they can pose a hazard
to utility workers. Contact the Community Development Department to find out what signs
you can post.
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Sidewalk Funds
The City of Sumner has received a grant for the City's 1999 Sidewalk Rehabilitation
Project. The grant will pay for 65% of the $100,000 project while the City will pay the
remaining 35%. The sidewalk improvements will take place mostly in the downtown core. It
includes new sidewalks and wheelchair ramps.
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Robinson Road Water Line
The Robinson Road waterline project at the south end of Sumner Avenue is almost
complete. About 750 feet of the existing 1 inch waterline was replaced with an 8 inch
line.
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Police in
Sumner, Puyallup Finding Ways to Share Services
The Cities of Sumner and Puyallup are exploring ways to share municipal services and
facilities to both save taxpayers' money and best serve residents of both communities. One
proposal that has been approved in concept is for Sumner to provide animal control
services for both cities in exchange for the use of the Puyallup City Jail. Sumner's
current jail is undersized and does not meet current standards. Instead of building an
expensive new jail, Sumner would use Puyallup's larger, more modern jail for longer
sentences while still using its current jail as a short-term holding facility. Sumner
would get about $75,000 worth of jail services from Puyallup and provide $75,000 a year
worth of animal control services in exchange. Sumner would have to hire an additional
full-time animal control officer to cover the larger territory. Sumner would also be
responsible for vehicles and operating and maintaining the animal shelter in Puyallup,
which would serve both cities. It is hoped that the shelter could be open for walk-in
service at least 20 hours a week. Both Sumner and Puyallup City Councils have approved the
proposal "in concept" and the details are now being worked out.
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Fill-the-Boot Drive
The Sumner Fire Department will be providing support for "Jerry's Kids" with
the MDA "Fill the Boot Drive" on July 31 and August 1, 1998. The Sumner Fire
Department will be at Fryar Avenue and Main Street to collect donations for this worthy
cause. "Give Burns the Boot" will be on October 3 and 4 to raise money for the
Northwest Burn Foundation. Your continued support for these charitable causes is greatly
appreciated.
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Heat-related injuries
At this time of year, it would be appropriate to talk about heat-related injuries and
their causes. Heat-related emergencies are grouped under the classification of
hypothermia. The least serious of these is called heat exhaustion. When this occurs, the
person might feel weak or dizzy. The person could have a headache or muscle cramps. Their
skin might be pale, sweaty, and normal in temperature. The first thing to do in this
situation is to remove that person from the warm environment. Find a cool shady place, and
remove appropriate clothing. Cool down with water or ice, and replenish fluids
immediately. If heat exhaustion is not taken care of, it could turn in to the most serious
problem of heat stroke. Heat stroke can be deadly, and is an emergency situation where 911
should be dispatched. With heat stroke, the body can not adequately cool itself down. In
about half of the people, they will not be sweating at all and will be warm to the touch.
In these people, the skin instead of being pale will be red in color. The appropriate
action to take is removing the individual from the hot environment, and cooling
immediately. Call 911, pour cool water over the patient's body. Use cold packs or ice and
place at the groin, sides of neck, armpits, and behind each knee to best cool the person.
If ice is not available, use a towel or sheet that is soaked in cool water, and wrap
around the person.
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Swimming Safety
Swimming season is now upon us, and here are some important reminders about children's
safety. Children need to be supervised 100% of the time when around or near any body of
water. It only takes a second for a child to drown. If you need to answer the phone or get
something off the stove, take your child with you before you go. Make sure if a child can
not swim that they are wearing a personal flotation device and are supervised continually.
Have a fun and safe summer from the Summer Fire Department. If you have any questions
about these or any other situations, feel free to call at 863-5451.
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Volunteers to Help
Enforce Handicapped Parking Laws
The Police Department is enlisting the aid of citizen volunteers to enforce new and
existing laws governing use of parking places for the handicapped. A new state law which
went into effect on June 11 strengthens laws related to disabled person's parking permits.
One element of the law authorizes enforcement agencies to appoint volunteers with a
limited commission to issue notices of infractions for violations of disabled parking
laws. Sumner Police Department already has a few applicants for the volunteer positions,
and anyone else interested is encouraged to apply. The volunteers will go through training
and be given limited commissions. They will wear windbreakers with Police Department
patches identifying them as police volunteers. They will be authorized to write
infractions only, and will be in radio contact with police if assistance is needed. The
new law also provides for greater permit identification including a picture, stricter
issuance and renewal procedures, and stricter penalties for fraudulent use of parking
permits. Further, the law penalizes merchants who don't mark and maintain handicapped
parking spaces. It changes the maximum time a handicapped person can park in a handicapped
space from unlimited to four hours.
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Building Sumner's new
'Daffodil Neighborhood'
Seldom is change as evident as is happening in the "daffodil neighborhood" in
the middle of Sumner. New roads, a church, sports complex, school, housing, and commercial
development are coming together to create a new neighborhood that is built on the same
ideas as the older part of the City. The drawing (right) shows a map of this neighborhood.
The informal neighborhood name of daffodil comes from the names of the school, sports
complex, and new street. Washington St., Graham Ave. open up neighborhood. This month, the
City completed the Graham Avenue and Washington Street projects. Funded primarily by the
adjacent property owners, the new streets provide access to the new St. Andrew's Church,
the newly completed Daffodil Valley Sports Complex, and several residential developments.
In addition to providing overflow parking for adjacent uses, the streets will be unique
because of their trees. Graham has been planted with a mixture of hornbeam, incense cedar,
and crabapple trees. When the trees are planted in the fall on Washington, they will be
Zelkova trees. The Zelkova is very similar to the elm tree but is more disease resistant.
The new Graham Street will eventually connect to the new Daffodil Street.
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Housing
Meets Traditional Community Design Standards
The new Daffodil neighborhood features a variety of new housing types.Started last
year, the Sumner Farms subdivision uses many of the design ideas of the original City of
Sumner to help create community. Narrower streets with sidewalks and street trees are
inviting for pedestrians. Alleys and garages located on the back of houses allow the front
of the houses to have porches and promote interaction with passers-by. More emphasis on
architectural details and mixing the types and sizes of houses make the new development
fit in with the community. Sumner Farms is a 65-lot subdivision on the west side of Parker
Road where all the houses are scheduled for sale. The Washington Court project is an
example of an innovative mixed use project. It contains 42 rental housing units, mostly
single family and a few duplexes. It also has 8 units in four "live-work"
buildings. This unique form of housing creates living space above versatile commercial and
light industrial spaces. The keystone to the project is a new brick building on the corner
of Washington and Graham Avenues which has ground floor retail and 7 residential units on
the second floor. The building is modeled after the mixed-use buildings of the early 20th
century which contained neighborhood services. Both of these projects demonstrate
implementation of the City's new Comprehensive Plan and development regulations. Sumner
Farms takes advantage of incentives which encourage the use of these traditional designs.
The Washington Court project uses the new design guidelines which support a mix of housing
and commercial activities to create stronger neighborhoods. Other traditional housing
projects:
* Hawks Landing (29 lots) - under construction 158th Ave. and 64th Street
* Landing Phase II (75 lots) - pre-construction Rivergrove Drive and 72nd Street
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New Street and
School Reflect Valley's Daffodil Heritage
The City of Sumner and Sumner School District have collaborated on the naming of the
new school and street being built east of Valley Avenue. In the last Community Connection,
it was reported that the School District and City would kick off the contest to name the
school and street. From the more than 130 suggestions submitted, the District chose the
name "Daffodil Valley Elementary School." The District felt the name (which was
the same as the school that previously existed on the site) reflected the role that
daffodils played in Sumner's heritage. The role of daffodils was reinforced when the name
Daffodil Street was selected for the new street being constructed along the north side of
the new school. The City Council approved the "Daffodil Street" name at their
June 1 meeting. It is interesting to note that the new elementary school will be located
on the corner of Daffodil Street and Valley Avenue. The new school is being designed as a
community school by including community meeting space and corridors and security which
allow use of recreation spaces while keeping classroom spaces secure. The school's
interior will reflect a "community within a school" both in the function of
education programs and the design. The hallways will be named for streets and different
spaces will be designed to look like buildings along the street. This new school will be a
welcome addition to the Sumner community. The District plans to open the school in
September 1999.
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