Issue54CItyofsumnernewslettermay2008

INSIDE: Peak at Investco’s New Headquarters • Use Water Wisely • Meet New Employees • Find Sumner on TV

The City of Sumner and Sumner Downtown Association are working together to help the owners of down-town’s old buildings. A new historic preservation ordinance is moving through the City’s process to allow building owners to voluntarily apply to declare their property historic. Once they do that, they qualify for special grants that help them renovate and more fully use the buildings.

Often, building owners run up against modern safety codes. Maybe they can’t use a second floor to its full potential because there’s no eleva-tor for disabled access. Or, perhaps they can’t recruit a restaurant tenant because the building doesn’t meet re-

Historic Preservation Keeps Sumner’s Old Buildings a Part of the Futurequirements for fire sprinklers. Adding modern systems into older structures is very costly for owners, much more so than if they built a new building complete with modern amenities.

However, grants and tax breaks are available from both the State and Federal levels to help off-set the cost of such upgrades. If a building is fully usable, it will last much longer than if it sits half empty. Plus, if buildings are reused and full of retail and ser-vices, cities like Sumner get to keep a vibrant downtown full of character and charm. To qualify for these grants and tax breaks, buildings need to be declared historic. Currently, Sumner has no program to give that designa-

tion. The proposed ordinance creates the program and keeps it voluntary so that only those owners who want the designation apply for it.

If you’d like to learn more about the proposed process and what it means, join the Mayor’s Town Hall-style meeting on May 31, at 9 am in City Hall. May is Historic Preservation Month, and with everyone working to-gether, Sumner will have its beautiful old buildings and reasons to use them!

If you have questions about the ordinance, contact Paul Rogerson, Community Development Director, at paulr@ci.sumner.wa.us or253-299-5521.

City of Sumner1104 Maple Street

Sumner, WA 98390253-863-8300

253-863-2850 FAXMAYOR

Dave Enslow 299-5790

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

CITY STAFFJohn DoanCity Administrator 299-5501

Diane SuplerDeputy City Administrator 299-5502

Carmen Palmer Communications Director 299-5503

Brett VinsonCity Attorney 299-5611

Terri BerryCity Clerk 299-5500

Paul Rogerson Community Development Director 299-5521

Beth Anne WroeFinancial Operations Director 299-5541

John GallePolice Chief 299-5644

Bill Shoemaker Public Works Director 299-5701

Lee Anderson Parks and Facilities Manager 299-5631

CITY OFFICES

Administration/Finance 863-8300 FAX 863-2850Cemetery 299-5510Fire (non-emergency) 863-1800Golf Course 863-8198Inspection Line 299-5530Parks and Recreation 891-6500Permit Center 299-5523Police (non-emergency) 863-6384Senior Center 863-2910

MUNICIPAL COURT

Judge Stephen R. SheltonCourt Offices 863-7635

Cathy Pashon, Court Administrator 299-5621

EAST PIERCE FIRE & RESCUE

Main Number 863-1800Dan Packer, Fire Chief 863-5451

sumnerCommunItyConneCtIon2 may2008

Mayor’s Message

Being “green” seems to be the in thing these days. Celebrities, magazines and public officials are all talking about being environmentally friendly. We do need to take care of this planet, but how much is talk rather than real action? Last year, I went to a meeting with other officials, and we found out we were sup-posed to be across the street. The other officials got into their hybrid cars and drove across the street. I walked.

Sumner is more about action than perception. In this newsletter, you’ll read about our historic preservation efforts with Sumner Downtown Association. While not typically a “green” movement, it should be. Would you rather re-cycle a pop can or an entire building? These efforts help owners keep the older buildings useful, saving the materials and energy used to build them plus all the charming architecture and memories that go with it.

Here’s another example: we used to hire trucks to haul the byproduct of the wastewater treatment plant over near Woodinville to be destroyed. Those big haulers probably got six miles to the gallon. Instead, last year we built a shed and made this soil amendment available to gardeners. We reduced our fuel use, cut an expense and have a free asset that gives gardeners a much better alterna-tive to chemical fertilizers.

As other cities focus on light bulbs and shopping bags, Sum-ner is continuing its focus on the bigger picture through planning and transit-oriented development. You can live in Sumner, walk a few blocks to the Sounder station, and be in

downtown Seattle in 40 minutes, all without using one drop of gas. In Sumner, you can still walk to

stores, restaurants, parks, the library, and schools

while keeping the car in the garage. To me, that’s a real green solution.

Mayor Enslow reports on the state of Sumner for business at a Chamber lunch in April.

sumnerCommunItyConneCtIonmay2008 3

Council Action March-April

Adopted Ordinance No. 2250, amending nuisance regulations to address graffiti

Authorized expenditure of up to $2000 for Community Garden Project from the Neighborhood Matching Grant Program

Authorized Mayor to execute sewer service agreement with Forest Canyon Estates, LLC

Approved professional services agreement with Parametrix for design of Tacoma Avenue Sewage Pump Station

Appointed Community Development Committee to Pierce County Joint Determining Authority

Adopted Ordinance 2251, increasing monthly utility tax exemption to $1500 per month

Adopted Resolution 1236, authorizing Mayor to execute interlocal agreement with Pierce Conservation District

Adopted Ordinance 2252 establishing a biennial budget

Confirm Mayoral reappointments of Barbara Bitetto, Lana Hoover, Mary Dearing and Melinda McColley to the Arts Commission; Gene McCaul and Dennis Tompkins to the Urban Forestry Commission; Paul Surek to the Parks Board; confirm Doug Henken and Jeanne Walter to the Design Commission

CounCil ColuMn

MISSIOn To provide needed and valued

services that promote our sense of community.

vISIOn Sumner will set the standard

of excellence for a progressive small city.

vALueS We are collaborative & professional.

We are innovative & visionary. We are responsive & accountable.We serve with respect & integrity.

Some have said, “as goes the family, so goes the nation.” This reminds me that the people of Sumner are also a family. We share a common respect for the past, we work daily for the wellbeing of our families, and hold common dreams for the future. We also live in a city that still feels like a bygone decade when neighbors were family and the city was really just a bunch of neighbors. People unaccus-tomed to this spirit, laud the special place we call home.

Like a family, the city has always been the place where civilization and progress join together to make something new out of something old. Sometimes the pressure of a city leads humans to fight or conspire against one another out of

competition or self preservation. unfortunately, a breakdown like this often leaves individuals at a disad-vantage when faced with the social energies and sheer weight of numbers represented by the average city. In short, when and where it can- the city controls.

Here in Sumner, we have been doing things a little different for a long time. The city doesn’t control anything against the will of the people and our public deliberations are not entangled in politics. This has allowed our more pleasant social energies to be appreciated, and the sheer weight of (few) numbers to be enjoyed by so many of us.

The challenges I see are both internal and external to the city. Internally, the revitalization of the downtown core in keeping with its traditional character will be critical to our way of life. Sec-ond, the city’s engagement in regional partnerships to preserve our place in the valley will be critical to our survival. Together, I am confident we will continue to find ways to succeed in both arenas.

Ancient civilizations rose and fell on the health of their cities. Some might say, “as goes the city- so goes the na-tion.” I say, the more cities there are like Sumner, the better our country will be.

Matt Richardsonmrichardson@ci.sumner.wa.us

Thank you to all the volunteers and supporters who made Sumner’s 2008 community float another fun and award-winning success!

sumnerCommunItyConneCtIon4 may2008

Treasure in Our Backyard: Siebenthaler Park

We should have seen the last of snow by now--finally. And, as the weather heats up, evenings become great times for a basketball game, kicking around the soccer ball, or having a picnic dinner.

For residents on the north side of town, Siebenthaler Park is a great op-tion, especially since it often gets less

use than the other parks.

Originally named for a Boy Scout leader, Siebentha-ler is not a new park in

Sumner. It opened in 1945 to serve the community and has been a great option for fun times outside ever since.

next time you get a little spring fever, stop by Siebenthaler for a great escape outdoors.

SIEBENTHALER

At: Bonney Ave. & 16th St.

Key Amenities: BasketballSoccerPicnic areaKids play area

As weather warms up, water use goes up. Sumner has a good supply of water, but we still want to use it well.

Shorten your shower by a minute or two.

Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.

use a hose nozzle while you wash your car.

Turn off the water while you shave.

Place ice cubes under the moss or dirt in hanging baskets, planters and pots to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.

Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up and use this water to flush toilets or water plants.

Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by simply walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it’s time to water. And, when it needs water, you can wash your pets or your car on the lawn to water and clean at the same time!

if you need to shut off your water at the main, be sure to call Public Works at 253-299-5740 to make an appointment to do it for you. No matter how low flow a system you’re installing, it doesn’t save water to accidentally break the main or your line and cause a “gusher”! Tips from www.wateruseitwisely.com. Check out more tips online.

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Using Water Wisely--Tips Save Drops and Dollars

Saves up to 300 gallons/month

Saves up to 150 gallons/month

Saves up to 25 gallons/month

Saves up to 100 gallons each time

Saves up to 300 gallons/monthPlus, you can

And remember,

Honoring a Loved One in Sumner

If you’re looking for a unique gift, perhaps for a mother, father or graduate, you can purchase brick pavers at Heritage Park. For $35 per brick, you get up to 3 lines of 20 characters to be included in the circle of memory bricks behind the park’s gazebo. Now is the time to reserve space so that they can be installed in good weather (which we assume will come eventually)! If you would like a larger option, Rainier View Park still has items that can be named. For details, contact Sally Abrams at sallya@ci.sumner.wa.us or 253-299-5520.

Matt Eller joins Sumner PD. May 11-17 is Police Week, so be sure to thank a police officer!

sumnerCommunItyConneCtIonmay2008 5

I recently had a wonderful holiday in America...we stopped in Sumner

for a break, and we had a lovely warm welcome from the local people we

met.... they all wanted to talk to us, I think they liked an English

accent. My wife wanted to stay longer, but we had to move on. We won’t

forget how friendly everyone was to us, especially the police officer we met,

although he was on duty, he made time to talk to us, and he made us feel

so welcome.-Mr. Danny Schuurman, Ipswich, Suffolk, England

Recently, our community appeared in newspapers, magazines and even on TV. And, it’s all very flattering.

In April, John Curley hosted an epi-sode of KInG 5’s Evening Magazine here. He kept commenting on how friendly Sumner is, perhaps even the friendliest town in the northwest!

Dorothy Wilhelm filmed her My Home Town in Sumner. The half-hour show features Rainier view Park, rhubarb pies and building the float. Details and air times are avail-able at www.itsnevertoolate.com, and the show is on Comcast channel 76.

In the spring edition of South Sound magazine (pictured), author Georgie Nickell calls Sumner “the best defini-tion of a ‘small town’ that the north-west has to offer.” She tells readers that “With award-winning schools, safe neighborhoods, beautiful parks and a pedestrian-friendly downtown core, Sumner may have it all--that and one amazing piece of rhubarb pie.”

And on April 23, the Seattle Post-In-telligencer took a Short Trips article to Sumner. Wrote Reporter Cecelia Goodnow, “With its low-key Main Street and neat, sleepy neighborhoods, this tidy little town is sometimes lik-ened to a modern-day Mayberry.”

So, be sure to keep smiling because Sumner is getting its close-up!

Sumner Shines in MediaThere are a few changing faces in City Hall. In June, Public Works Direc-tor Bill Shoemaker will retire, cap-ping off a long career in construction and public works. Or, as Bill says in his understated way, “One day I walked in here; one day I’ll walk back out.” During his time in Sumner, Bill oversaw the building of the 24th Street Interchange and the new Wastewater Treatment Plant plus the improve-ments to State Street, both valley Avenues, Traffic Avenue and Zehnder.

not to be confusing, Bill Pugh will fill Bill Shoemaker’s shoes as Public Works Director. Pugh served the City of Tacoma’s Public Works Department for 34 years. Most recently, as Assistant City Manager/Public Works Direc-tor, he managed the largest de-partment in Tacoma’s general government with 900 employ-ees and a biennial budget of approximately $900 million.

Over in Police, Detective Dennis Dorr is also retiring to enjoy more time outdoors with his family. Dorr spent 22 years of his 30-year law enforcement career in Sumner. He began in 1986 under Chief Hyland and Mayor Lewis Noel, starting as a Patrol Officer and

A Deputy, a Detective, an Officer, and a Pair of Billslater served as Shift Com-mander, Acting Sergeant, Detective and K-9 Officer, his favorite duty with faithful partner Sam.

At the same time, the police are welcoming new Officer Matt Eller, who recently served in Orting, and a new deputy chief, Brad Moericke. Many Sumner citizens may recognize Moericke,

who began his law enforcement career in Sumner. Since then, he has attended law school and most recently served in the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office. So, Moericke will bring to Sumner both law and order!

So, if you see a new face in City Hall,

be sure to say hello and find out more about Matt, Brad and Bill.

Bill Shoemaker

Dennis Dorr with Sam

sumnerCommunItyConneCtIon6 may2008

Don’t get too excited. This isn’t a dating

service. It is, however,

a good alternative to transit parking. You may notice that on north-bound Traffic Avenue,

there’s a nice turn-in area for cars. This is a Kiss and Ride. Much more

common on the east Coast, the idea is that commuters get dropped off at the station (and picked up) to ride the train.

So, as gas prices rise and more people ride the trains, you may want to see if there’s someone who can drop you off at the station. The kiss is optional.

Sound Transit continues to work on other long-term parking solutions. In fact, Sound Transit will be in Sumner

ASK DR. SUMNER:What is a Kiss and Ride?

In April, Investco Financial Corpora-tion announced the plans for their three-story mixed-use building in Sumner. Located on east Main and Graham streets, the project’s two buildings will house Investco’s offices as well as retail space.

With restaurant, retail and office spaces, the project will continue the east Main Street plan and complement buildings already in place up against the street. And, Investco’s tradition of innovative projects continues with this design’s enclosed skywalk, open plaza with outdoor seating, and roof garden with meeting areas.

“This project is the culmination of years of planning and will be a terrific new addition to the Sumner business district. Serving as the new head-quarters for Investco, it will allow us to grow our company and continue to maintain our presence in the city we have called home for over 25 years,” said Michael Corliss, CeO for Investco.

Designed by McGranahan Architects, the two buildings of the project are ex-pected to be completed in 2009. now, they will begin to go through the City design and permit process.

Sumner Company Shares Innovative Design

McGranahan Architects

on Wedensday, June 3. They’re host-ing an open house to get your com-ments on the Sound Transit 2 plan. They will also have information on the proposed 2008 revisions to the plan.

But in the meantime, think about switching from the great parking space hunt to the kiss and ride!

You can e-mail Dr. Sumner at DrSumner@ci.sumner.wa.us.

Beads Mean Life

The Easel

As part of the Pierce County ReADS program this spring, the Sumner Arts Commission hosted BeadforLife in Sumner. The Commission sold

beaded necklaces, earrings and bracelets made out of recycled paper by women in uganda. The money goes back to the beaders to help provide housing, food and medicine for them and their families.

For example, Aduna Alice is a widow with two boys. All of them were slowly starving. Alice learned to roll beads, and when she made her first sale, she fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. “Is this money really mine? All of it?” She had earned $18, the largest amount of money she had ever made in her lifetime.

Sumner’s program was a great suc-cess with shoppers lined up before the opening time. At the end of the day, Sumner had raised $2800 to send back to uganda. For more in-formation, including an online store, go to www.beadforlife.org.

Sound Transit Open House

June 3, 5:30-8:30 pmDaffodil Valley

Elementary School

What would you like the future of bus, train and light rail service to

look like? Hear about the plans, and give Sound Transit your feedback!

sumnerCommunItyConneCtIonmay2008 7

City Hall Calendar

CoMMunity events

May5 .....City Council Meeting, 7 pm8 .....Forestry Commission, 4 pm ........Design Commission, 6:30 pm12 ....City Council Study Session, 6 pm13 ....Parks Commission, 6 pm19 ....City Council Meeting, 7 pm26 ....City Hall Closed, Memorial Day27 ....City Council Study Session, 6 pm29 ....Arts Commission, 6 pm31 ....Mayor’s Town Hall Meeting, 9 am

June2 ......City Council Meeting, 7 pm5 ......Planning Commission, 7 pm9 ......City Council Study Session, 6 pm10 ....Parks Commission, 6 pm12 ....Forestry Commission, 4:30 pm ........Design Commission, 6:30 pm 16 ....City Council Meeting, 7 pm23 ....City Council Study Session, 6 pm 26 ....Arts Commission, 6 pm

Sum-more News

Memorial Day Remembers VeteransCelebrate Memorial Day at the Sumner Cemetery

May 26 at 10 am

The VFW will be placing flags on the veterans’ graves on Thursday, May 22, 4 pm. The veterans with military headstones/markers will receive flags.

If you have a loved one in the Sumner Cemetery who does not have a mili-tary stone, there will be flags at the cemetery office for family members to pick up and place on a veteran’s grave.

The Sumner City Cemetery Office will be open 8 am – 4:30 pm on Sat-urday, May 24; Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26.

Chat with Mayor Enslow Got some-thing on your mind? Join Mayor enslow on Saturday, May 31, at 9 am in City Hall for an informal town-hall style meeting. He will discuss the proposed historic preservation ordi-nance in case anyone has questions, but there will also be time to discuss anything else about the City that you may be wondering!

Comm Center Transitions Sumner is now providing 911 dispatch service for Sumner police only. After a suc-cessful partnership, the City of Bon-ney Lake chose to transition to the 800 megahertz technology available soon in Puyallup. While we don’t know the long-term future of dispatch service in our region, for now, we will continue serving our own residents well. So, next time you hear “What’s your emergency,” the dispatcher is with you in Sumner.

Carrying the Torch Sumner Police are again participating in the State-wide Law enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. The run will be on May 30. Sumner will meet Auburn PD at 8th/Lake Tapps Park-way and run on Stewart Road, 136th Avenue, 24th Street, 142nd Avenue, Fryar Avenue, Traffic Avenue to meet Puyallup PD on east Main at Mama Stortini’s. The total distance is ap-proximately 5 miles.

From left, Officers Backus, Kaylor, DeGrandis and Watson with Spokane PD officer at a previous torch run.

sumnerCommunItyConneCtIon8 may2008

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

Safety Sally Says, Work Together

Remember to 1. Think about how you will respond to emergencies.

2. Prepare at home.3. Prepare for while you’re away from home.

In steps 2 & 3, think about your neighborhood. If you’re not home, does a neighbor know how to shut

off your gas? If you are home, do you know which of your neighbors may need assistance?

Talk to your neighbors about forming a Pierce County neighborhood emer-gency Team. This is training you can do to figure out how to work together as a neighborhood in an emergency. For more information, go to http://co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/dem/pcnet.htm or call 253-798-6595. It will soon be time to add chip and fog seal to protect our city roads.

Check the map for the streets that will be done this summer.