Small Town, Big View
110 Train St, SE
Orting, WA 98360
360.893.2219
Mayor's message continued
As we look back on the past year, we are proud of our accomplishments and look forward to the challenges that will face us in 2012.
One of our biggest challenges is maintaining quality water, sewer and storm facilities. This year we have completed a rate study for those utilities. To ensure reliable and quality water, sewer and storm facilities I expect there will be an increase to your monthly utility bill. Most of you have probably read about the desperate condition of our nation’s infrastructure. Your Orting government is committed to not allow this to occur here. The saying “pay me now or pay me later” applies. The longer you put off maintenance, upgrades, and replacement, the costlier it becomes later with dramatic price increases. You can probably expect about a 10% increase or about $7-8$more a month next year. I encourage you to attend City Council meetings to express your ideas and concerns.
The Storm Water utility will be the most expensive. For the last three years the City has been in the process of designing a new set back levee off the Puyallup River. Your Storm Water utility rate reflects this work. The new levee will protect the city for many years to come. It will also eliminate the need for new costly flood insurance that would have impacted about 1100 households in Orting. We still have not raised all the necessary funds to build the levee and will be going to your national and state legislators for additional funding.
We continue to be blessed with many concerned and reliable volunteers that serve the City in many capacities. We are also fortunate to have many hardworking and highly experienced employees working for the City. I would like to thank the City Council and City staff for their continued support during these difficult and challenging times. Their hard work has resulted in a balanced budget that has not compromised existing levels of service and continues to be prepared for the needs of the future.
Cheryl Temple, Mayor
SEPTEMBER 7, 2011
Medical Marijuana Moratorium
The council passed a six-month moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries and collective gardens. During the six months, the council will study location, operation, licensing, maintenance and establishment of the dispensaries and gardens.
We heard from plenty of citizens who are against dispensaries and the gardens within our City limits. I would like to hear from those who support the issue. Anyone?
Fishing Parking Permits Update
Fishing parking has been difficult at best for residents in the City. While we are welcoming to those who want to fish our rivers, we enacted permits for the two designated fish parking areas in town, AND ask they be mindful and respect the folks who live here. Some of the sports folks are balking at the permits and we’re working with them.
Get a $10 permit at City Hall (110 Train St. SE) to park at two designated fish parking areas:
1. At end of Calistoga St E – intersecting River St E;
2. At end of Rocky Rd E (near sewer treatment plant).
Otherwise, park in any public area including the newer parking lot near the Public Safety Building. Residential areas near the river are resident-only areas during fishing season and violators are ticketed. If in doubt, look for the signage.
I would ask that you pass this information on to those friends of yours who fish the Puyallup River.
Legislative Priorities
The council recently set its legislative agenda for the upcoming year. We rely on these agreed-upon priorities when we lobby our federal, state and county elected officials. Tell me what you think!
1. Flood Solutions: It is critical we maintain our stance that flood solutions will involve all levels of government – Federal, State, County and City.
2. Orting Valley/Agriculture: Our strategy with the state and county is to lobby for reduced taxes on farmland and farming activity to stimulate agriculture.
3. Municipal Budgets: Lobby to protect city budgets from state budget balancing efforts (through fees, charges, etc.).
4. Pierce Transit: The City desires that either Pierce Transit provide bus service to Orting or the City be allowed to de-annex and form its own bus service.
5. Postpone requirements of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit 2. Orting has met NPDES requirements to date but the 2012 requirements are vague or not yet stated. The known requirements will be expensive to implement, and still contain significant unfunded liability. This is not the time for new expenses and risk for cities.
6. Public Records requests. Statewide is a trend of abuse where petitioners make vague requests for thousands of documents without stating a clear purpose.
7. Law and Justice (election of judges). At the very least we believe cities below 10,000 in population be exempted.
8. Greater flexibility in the use of Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) funds.
9. State highway priorities: SR 167/SR162/SR 162-Hwy 410 interchange. We need a new initiative to keep them in the state transportation plan.
10. Support for the Evacuation Bridge (Bridge for Kids).