- RESOLUTION
to oppose Wild Sky passes unanimously:
Despite Mayor Tolson's suggestion that the council might wish to consider
holding a public hearing before officially opposing the Wild Sky Wilderness,
the Dusty Boucher-led council approved the resolution. While some councilmembers
couched their justification in flowery dialogue (new Councilmember Kristina
Blair chief among them), others were more succinct and up-front in expressing
their personal feelings on this issue (as opposed to what might be best
for all Sultan residents). The City of Sultan now stands alone
in officially opposing this Wilderness initiative. Based on the comments
made last evening, I'm confident that Sultan's current -- dare I say
"rabid" pro-property rights? -- seven sitting councilmembers
are quite proud of that fact. Me? For the first time ever, even through
all of the Rowe Years, I'm embarrassed that "Sultan" is a
part of my street address. Remember, folks: FOUR -- count 'em
-- FOUR council seats will be open in November's elections (the filing
date for placing your name in the hat is mid-July). Those four seats
are as follows: Kristina Blair, Dusty Boucher, Rob Criswell and Bruce
Champeaux.
- Speaking in favor of the Wild Sky resolution to oppose: Leader and author of the resolution, Ed Hussman, Kay George and Bart Dalmasso.
- Speaking against the Resolution: Sue Shawger, Jean Roberts, Josie Fallgatter and Margerie Tyler.
(We will be posting the audio of this, and other, discussions in the next day or two.)
OTHER COUNCIL ACTIONS/INFO: Kudos and Plaques presented for combined city, county and state patrol effort on breaking up criminal fencing ring across the river; framed original artwork for the Centennial logo presented to the City; skateboard park fundraiser will be held (Kiel Mortgage has agreed to donate $100 for each mortgage they write between now and Shindig); open house held for First Street property owners to canvas whether or not they wish to have sidewalks installed; ordinance regulating motorized scooters passed; costs on finalizing the sewer and water comp plans tabled again; resolution passed to set 4/27 hearing to decide if the city will vacate easement running through the Sultan Dental building; City will purchase ASP financial software; requests by former mayor C. H. Rowe and current Plng. Commission member Janie Botting to segregate (i.e., split up) their LID 97-1 assessment was granted and will return to council 4/13 as an official resolution (despite Rob Criswell's tirade that those property owners have "suffered enough,"so why should this be a public issue or anybody else's business?); council retreat will be held in council chambers rather than Camp Huston (a council "action" passed during the discussion period).