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COMMUNITY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
BACK ISSUES--APRIL 1998
New Street Lights Brighten
Downtown
Recalling the past, the City has begun installing street lights downtown. The first lights
are being installed in Heritage Park at Cherry and Kincaid Avenues. The new lights,
similar in style to the lights that were downtown in the 1940's, are glass and the poles
are made of reinforced fiberglass. The 10 lights in the park are being paid for by the
Heritage Park Project, the Street Light Project fund, and donations. The lights in the
park will allow for banners to be hung during festivals and special events.
During this year, additional lights will be installed on Alder Street along City Hall
and the Bank of Sumner and in the alley adjacent to the Masonic Lodge on Main Street. The
Masons are sponsoring the lights around their building.
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65th
Annual Daffodil Festival Parade is Saturday, April 18
The 65th Annual Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade will come to Sumner on Saturday,
April 18. Be sure to arrive early to claim a good viewing spot along Main Street. The
parade begins in Sumner at 3 p.m. and runs from Kincaid to Lewis Avenues.
The Daffodil Festival started in 1933 as a tribute to the Puyallup Valley's flower
industry. An estimated 170,000 spectators view the parade in four cities: Tacoma,
Puyallup, Sumner and Orting.
The parade theme this year is "Up & Away" relating to the festival's
plans to grow, expand and reach for the stars.
The Daffodil Queen, Allison Porter from Curtis High School, was chosen from princesses
representing 19 area high schools. Sumner High School's Daffodil Princess is Anna Newbury.
This year's Parade Grand Marshall will be General John M. Shalikashvili, Ret., former
Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A public reception for Gen. Shalikashvili will be held
in the Sumner City Council Chambers at 2 p.m.
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Mayor's Message
I am getting reacquainted with City government again after being away for 12 years. In
1986, when I left to serve on the County Council, the population was about 5,000 and we
had 50 employees. There was no state Growth Management Act. The Endangered Species Act
hadn't made much impact. Sumner had just begun to manage our drainage problems.
Water quality wasn't discussed much. Development occurred with few restrictions,
especially in the County. We didn't have a golf course. We had no funding for the freeway
interchange on SR167. Because of that, we had almost no development in the north end of
town which we had planned for industrial zoning.
However, Sumner had a lot going for it. We had a population which was protective of our
quality of life. We had a history of good land use planning. We had dedicated, quality
people who chose to work for the City of Sumner. Together with our citizens, they helped
protect our future.
Today our population is 8,100 people with 100 City employees. City government is more
complicated. Enforcement of federal, state and local laws is technically challenging and
can be a source of irritation for our citizens and for those who would like to do business
in Sumner. Our land use plan is protecting the property and quality of life of those of us
who live and own property in Sumner. And just as important, we are served by excellent
people who are qualified and professional. They care about Sumner and our citizens. They
are proud of the jobs they do, wherever they work.
Sumner has a reputation as a wonderful place to live. People like to visit our downtown
and enjoy the small town, old-fashioned atmosphere. I am convinced that we have a
great future before us. The trick is to keep Sumner a livable place while making it a good
place to do business. We'll try to equal the work done by those who passed this way before
us. If you have any ideas, please call me and share them.
-Barbara Skinner
Mayor
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Priorities in '98
Budget Are Public Safety, Transportation
Public safety and the City's transportation system again top the list of priorities for
the City of Sumner's 1998 budget. Through months of planning and review by the Mayor, City
Council and staff, the final adopted City budget emphasizes increased delivery of service;
support to new programs and objectives; and improvement to the City's streets, sidewalks,
utilities, facilities and operations.
The 1998 City budget totals $33,996,392 compared to the $43,679,058 budget approved for
1997. While the total City budget reflects a reduction of over 22%, the General Government
fund was approved with an increase of 11.5% over 1997 funding. One of the major focuses of
General Government was the enhancement of the Police Department which reflects an increase
in their budget by 14%, highlighted with the addition of a new Police Officer, a part-time
Evidence Custodian and continued enhancements to the department equipment inventory. Even
with these increases, this budget reflects a reduction in property taxes levied on Sumner
property owners by approximately $0.42 per $1,000 assessed valuation.
The 1998 budget provides funding for three other new positions: an Accounting Clerk, a
Public Works Operator, and a part-time Receptionist in the Fire Department.
The following public works projects are among many to be accomplished in 1998:
1. Complete construction of Washington and Graham Street projects.
2. Construction of a 2 million gallon reservoir, water line along 24th Ave. NW and
utility/pedestrian bridge across the Stuck River
3. Signalization at Valley Avenue and Mead-McCumber Street
4. Construction of 142nd Ave. and bridge projects
5. Initiate design for expansion of sewer treatment plant
6. Design for Zehnder and Traffic Avenue projects
7. Relocation of City shops; design of RTA rail station
8. Initiate first phase of cemetery development plan
Each year the City publishes an Achievement Report which highlights the various
objectives and projects which were accomplished during the year by all of the City
departments. The 1997 Achievement Report was recently prepared and submitted to the City
Council.
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Sumner Street and Utility Projects
Washington St., Graham Ave.
Construction of Washington Street and Graham Avenue extensions continues this spring
with completion planned for summer 1998. The two new streets will provide improved access
to the Daffodil Valley Sports Complex. The Washington Court development, a mixture of
townhouses and commercial space, is currently being built on Graham Avenue.
142nd Street
Installation of the storm drainage system along 142nd Street in the North Sumner
industrial area is being completed. The City will begin its work on widening and
rebuilding 142nd Street after all utilities are installed. Road work should be completed
in fall of 1999.
New reservoir
Construction will begin this summer on a new 2 million gallon water reservoir near 24th
Street in the northeast part of Sumner. The new reservoir will increase storage capacity
for the City's water system and provide improved fire flow for the north industrial area.
A new utility and pedestrian bridge will be built across the Stuck River at 24th Street.
The pedestrian bridge is part of a planned regional trail.
Truck Routes
New truck routes have been established in Sumner. The routes follow major arterials and
avoid residential areas. New signs signifying truck routes were installed in March. Trucks
should utilize the posted truck routes when possible.
New speed limit
The City Council authorized lowering the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph on East Main
between Valley Avenue and Sumner-Tapps Highway. New speed limit signs were posted in
March.
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Spring Clean-up
April 13 - 17
The annual Spring Clean-up is scheduled April 13 - 17. This free curbside collection
service is for City of Sumner residential refuse customers only. Residents should have
their items at their regular pick-up location by 7 a.m. on your regular scheduled
garbage/recycling day.
You must use the coupons that were attached to a mailer sent to all residential
customers in their utility billings the first week of April. The haulers will accept only
one coupon of each type per residence.
• Coupon #1 is for three extra bags of garbage. There is a weight restriction of
40 pounds per bag.
• Coupon #2 is for three extra containers of yard waste. Each container must weigh
less than 40 pounds.
• Coupon #3 is for one major appliance. (For safety, please remove doors and
latches from refrigerators or freezers).
If you lost or did not receive the coupons, please contact the City's utilities
department at 863-8300 or stop by City Hall during regular business hours, Monday -
Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Items not accepted include: tires, furniture, remodeling debris, small appliances,
microwave ovens and hazardous materials. Please call 1-800-287-6429 for information on
where to dispose of hazardous materials.
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Trees
Being Planted Along Salmon Creek
A group of volunteers on March 14 planted trees along Salmon Creek in the City's
watershed in the north part of the City. This was part of an on-going project to restore
the spawning grounds in Salmon Creek for chum and coho salmon. Many portions of Salmon
Creek are clogged with grass and other vegetation, which slows the stream flow and
discourages spawning. The trees planted along the creek will provide shade for the stream
and eventually overcome the grass and other vegetation.
The Salmon Creek project is being administered by the Stream Team from Pierce County
Conservation District, which receives funding from the City of Sumner.
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Clubhouse
to Honor Late Councilmember
Dene Borg served on the Sumner City Council from 1991 to 1995. Following a courageous
battle with cancer, Councilmember Borg passed away on Feb. 15, 1998.
Mrs. Borg moved to Sumner in 1969 with her husband Stan and their family. Subsequently,
she raised her family, worked at the family dental office, and served on the Sumner
Historical Society. She was a member of the Sumner Planning Commission for 12 years. She
left the Commission in 1991 to join the City Council and continued on the Council until
1995.
During her time on the Commission and Council, she worked to ensure a quality future
for the City; encouraging proper land use planning and growth management. Dene was a
leader in supporting the City's development of a golf course as a means to protect open
space and provide for quality recreation.
As a tribute to her support for the golf course, the City Council on March 2 adopted a
resolution naming the clubhouse at the Sumner Meadows Golf Links for Dene Borg. The
interim clubhouse will bear her name as will the permanent clubhouse when it is built.
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Fountain in
Park Near Completion
A tribute to the pioneering families that built Sumner is nearing completion. The
Heritage Park Fountain is located at the north end of Heritage Park on Cherry and Kincaid
Avenues. The fountain is adorned with the names of 43 heritage families who have been in
Sumner at least 70 years and made significant donations to the park. The fountain also
includes nine etched tiles showing images of Sumner's past. Among them are the Texaco gas
station that stood on the site of the park, the George Ryan Mill, and the 1962 daffodil
float. The fountain was constructed by Harborside, Inc. Funding came from the purchasers
of the heritage tiles, the estate of Senator Reuben Knoblauch, and the City's general park
revenues.
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Ryan House is
Now on Solid Ground
The Ryan House, at 1228 Main Street in downtown Sumner, is once again on solid ground
following construction of a new foundation. Installation of new support beams and a
continuous concrete foundation was completed this spring. The $37,000 project was funded
by the City, which owns and maintains the historic structure. The Sumner Historical
Society operates a local museum at the Ryan House and conducts tours of the building.
The Ryan House was the home of George Ryan who was Sumner's first mayor in 1891. The
home was built as a small cedar cabin in 1875 and expanded in 1885. Heirs of Ryan donated
the property for a library and a park in 1925. The site is included on the National
Register of Historic Places.
Since taking over ownership, the City has rebuilt the covered porch in its original
design and replaced the roof. Wiring and plumbing improvements as well as exterior
painting are planned.
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Community Events
Family Fun Fest
Sunday, May 3
1 - 4 p.m.
A Family Health and Safety Fair! Held in the Sumner High School parking lot, gyms
and foyer. A day of free family fun!
Sponsored and organized by the Communities for Families and the Sumner School District.
EGG HUNT
Saturday, April 11
Sumner High School Stadium
AGE GROUPS
9 a.m. 1- 3 years
10 a.m. 4 - 6 years
11 a.m. 7 - 9 years
noon 10 - 12 years
Food and monetary donations will be accepted for the Sumner Food Bank. Hosted by Sumner
Firefighters.
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Police Join Forces in DUI Patrols
The Sumner Police Department has been joining other area police agencies in DUI
Emphasis Patrols. These are concerted efforts in specific areas to apprehend drivers who
are driving under the influence of alcohol. Police units from a number of jurisdictions
patrol the area. Sumner police recently participated in a DUI Emphasis Patrol in Fife
along with officers from Fife, Milton and Fircrest and made a number of arrests.
A DUI Emphasis Patrol involving police from other jurisdictions is being planned for
Sumner for a "high visibility" weekend when there may be more drunken drivers or
under age drinking than normal.
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Tips For Preventing Vehicle Prowls
This is the time of year when the number of vehicle prowls typically increases. When
the weather improves, more people are out at night, including those looking in vehicles
for something to steal, including the vehicle itself. An estimated 75% of all cars that
are stolen were taken from their owners' driveway or in front of their house. Here are
tips on preventing vehicle prowls and car thefts:
• Park in safe, well lighted, busy areas as close to your destination as possible.
• Do not leave your purse, wallet or checkbook in the vehicle, even if they are
out of sight. Do not leave articles or packages within sight in your vehicle.
• Buy an alarm for your vehicle. While alarms do not prevent all vehicle prowls
and thefts, they are a proven deterrent.
• Lock your vehicle every time you leave, even for a few minutes. Do not hide a
spare key on the vehicle. Crooks know all the hiding places.
• When you put parcels or purse in the trunk, do so before you arrive at your
destination.
• Record serial numbers of your CD player or stereo. Consider borrowing an
engraving tool from your police department to mark your CD player or car stereo with your
Washington State driver's license number. Then put stickers on your car windows indicating
that your property is marked.
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Welcome,
Sampson, to Police Dept.
One of the newest members of the Sumner Police Department is of the four-legged
variety. Sampson, a friendly, cheerful German Shepherd, will help officers in the
detection of illegal drugs. Sampson recently completed a seven-week training program in
drug detection at McNeil Island. He will be riding with Officer Dennis Dorr.
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Earthquake?
Remember to Drop, Cover, Hold
What should one do in the event of an earthquake? The first thing to remember is to
DROP, COVER, HOLD.
• When you feel an earthquake, DROP under a desk or sturdy table. Stay away from
windows, bookcases, file cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other objects that
could fall. Stay under COVER until the shaking stops. HOLD onto the desk or table.
Other tips:
• If you are outdoors, move to a clear area, away from trees, buildings, or downed
electrical wires or poles.
• If you are on a sidewalk near buildings, get into a building's doorway to
protect yourself from falling debris.
• If you are driving, slowly pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid
overpasses, power lines and other hazards.
• If you are in a crowded store or other public place, do not rush for exits. Move
away from display shelves with objects that could fall on you.
• If you are in a wheelchair, stay in it. Move to cover, if possible, lock your
wheels and protect your head with your arms.
• If you are in the kitchen, move away from the refrigerator, stove and overhead
cupboards.
• If you are in a stadium or theater, stay in your seat or get under it if
possible. Protect your head with your arms. Calmly leave after the shaking is over.
For additional information on emergency preparedness, contact the Permit Center or Fire
Station.
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Students Pitch In to
Help Plant Trees along City Streets
The City's Forestry Commission has been working with students of Sumner High School to
plant trees along the City's streets. Along 64th Street East, students from Earth Savers
were joined by Forestry Commissioners and State Representative Jim Kastama. They planted
17 "bird cherry" trees.
On March 7, more than 25 students joined Forestry Commissioners, Mayor Skinner, and
City staff to plant 50 goldenchain trees along the City's entrance at Thompson Street.
These trees complete the project that was started with funding from Puget Sound Energy
(formerly Puget Power) for their "Right Tree - Right Place" Program.
In other tree planting projects this winter, the City of Sumner:
• Planted 100 trees at the Daffodil Valley Sports Complex;
• On Ambar Avenue, replaced the sweetgum trees which were damaged in last year's
ice storms;
• Planted 100 trees at the Sumner Meadows Golf Course;
• On Valley Avenue, planted 14 parrotia trees; and
• Planted 10 more pear trees on Cherry Avenue adjacent to Heritage Park.
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Be a Part of New Commuter Train Station
If you want to help plan the proposed Commuter Rail Station at Narrow Avenue and
Academy Street, please send your name and address to the Department of Community
Development, 1104 Maple St., Sumner, WA 98390. Or email us at cd@ci.sumner.wa.us.
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Improvements Planned at Sumner
Meadows Golf Links
Sumner Meadows Golf Links will see a number of improvements this year, including a
newly landscaped entrance with work being done by horticulture students at Auburn
Riverside High School and Auburn High School.
The two schools have implemented golf course maintenance courses as part of their
vocational program. On April 17, the horticulture students will take a "skills
test" in golf course maintenance at Sumner Meadows.
Other planned improvements at Sumner Meadows include drainage upgrades on the fifth
fairway, and new yardage markers on all par 4 and 5 fairways. The existing black and white
British poles marking 150 yards will remain. Another 100 trees will be planted in groves
on the course in areas where golfers may need protection. Since Sumner Meadows is a links
style course, the trees will not line the fairways.
The concessionaire at Sumner Meadows, Golf Resources Northwest, plans improvements to
the driving range with new signage and new range balls, and a faster check-in procedure
for golfers. The snack bar menu is being expanded to include hamburgers and cheeseburgers,
and a new beverage cart will serve golfers on the course.
The City of Sumner has been reserving a portion of the greens fees to save for a
permanent club house. It is anticipated that with the current level of golf, the permanent
club house structure will be built in late 1999 or early 2000. Plans for the new building
include a cafe, store, restaurant, and meeting facilities.
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Ideas Sought for Names of New
School and New Street
The 1997 Sumner School District capital bond measure included the construction of a new
elementary school (#8) to be built on Valley Avenue. The District plans to have this new
school open for its 550 students in September 1999.
In order to save space on the small site, and to encourage students to walk to school,
the new school will use a new street along the north side of the property between Valley
and Graham Avenues. The new Graham Avenue is currently being constructed adjacent to the
Daffodil Valley Sports Complex.
The Sumner City Council and the Sumner School Board have agreed to jointly name the
school and the street. For example, a street named "Crestwood Street" might have
Crestwood Street Elementary School or Crestwood Elementary School. The street would
otherwise be 53rd Street Court East.
Anyone who lives in the Sumner School District is invited to submit names for the
school and street. A selection committee will choose a name this spring and the School
Board and City Council will make the final choice. Sumner schools traditionally are named
after geographical or community features rather than people. The school and street must
also avoid the names of existing streets or schools. The person(s) who submits the winning
name will win a prize.
Suggested names and explanations should be mailed to Planning Principal Scott Whitbeck,
1202 Wood Avenue, Sumner, WA 98390. Please include your name, address and phone number
with your suggestion.
Questions about the contest should be directed to the School District at 891-6300.
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