G.R.I.T.

Governmental Responsibility, Integrity and Truth

Ray Kistenmacher and Loretta Storm, Co-founders

Mayor C. H. Rowe

City of Sultan

319 Main Street

Sultan, Washington 98294

Mr. Grant Weed, Attorney

21 Avenue A

Snohomish, Washington

Dear Mayor Rowe and Attorney Weed:

At the previous two council meetings, objections have been raised related to the method we use to record council meetings; first at the beginning of the December 5^th meeting, which a safety concern was raised about using a chair as a height aid by which to affix our remote microphone to one of the acoustical ceiling cross-braces, and again during the December 19^th meeting, wherein the mayor expressed concerns about the manner in which our recording is attached to an acoustical ceiling brace.

In response to the first complaint, that of safety, we have purchased a heavy-duty step-stool, specifically designed with safety as its primary feature.

A second complaint (which was communicated by the mayor just prior to the start of the December 19^th meeting) involved concerns of "structural integrity" of, or "structural damage" to, the ceiling brace. The mayor stated that "the city attorney" had "expressed concerns" about the complaints and comments the city had received from unidentified persons. However, when queried by Loretta Storm, Attorney Weed had no apparent knowledge of any complaint or concerns having been expressed or received. Mayor Rowe quickly stepped in to reiterate the city's concerns centered on possible "structural damage" and that the city had "received complaints." The mayor allowed us to lay our microphone on the speaker podium, rather than attaching it to the ceiling. We are herewith requesting documentation of any and all concerns expressed by any party relative to the placement of our microphone.

As you're aware, in May and June of 2000, Mr. Kistenmacher offered several times to work on the city's P.A. and recording system, due to the significant inadequacies that existed. The audio quality was extremely poor, and the system set-up resulted in large gaps in the recordings because of the problems inherent in waiting for the tape to run out, turning it over and begin recording again on the other side. Tapes from the city's system were virtually inaudible. Mr. Kistenmacher's offer was repeatedly rebuffed, and eventually died due to disinterest by the city.

An important piece of information for you to know is that the total weight of our remote microphone set-up is 3.5 ounces. It includes our remote microphone, two small binder clips, a small wire which acts as an antenna, and a small 2x2" transmitter unit. It is affixed to the steel acoustical ceiling brace by a small binder clip. It does not block anyone's view of the proceedings. It does not hinder anyone's movement. It does not even touch the top of the head of Sultan Police Chief Fred Walser, who stands 6 feet, 7 inches (approximately).

A concern has also been raised relative to our recording equipment interfering with the city's P.A. system. Mr. Kistenmacher is a qualified and highly-experienced electronic engineer, familiar with RF and electrical interference of all types. He has checked out both systems while operational, and confirms that no possibility exists of interference by or between either of the two systems.

Rather than addressing each and every future concern which might be raised by unknown persons on a continual ongoing basis, we hereby formally request that the city attorney, the mayor and city staff review this subject and advise us specifically of their concerns, in order that we may find a solution mutually satisfactory to all.

Sincerely,

Ray Kistenmacher Loretta Storm

Cc: City of Sultan Council Members

Attorney General Christine Gregoire

Ken Robinson, The Monroe Monitor and Valley News

Leslie Moriarity, the Everett Herald

Mr. William Trippett, Attorney