[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6374663,"mediaKeyId","2143827-d86be4deba91191c4137483368ffd4b1","parentId",2143827,"title","Residents press council on Rhine House transparency and ask for details on $2.92M LTAC grant for Hops Alley","audioSeconds",347,"startMs",887000,"endMs",1234000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2143827-d86be4deba91191c4137483368ffd4b1&start=887&end=1234","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2143827-d86be4deba91191c4137483368ffd4b1/thumbnail_887000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6374663/Sumner-City/Pierce-County/Washington/Residents-press-council-on-Rhine-House-transparency-and-ask-for-details-on-292M-LTAC-grant-for-Hops-Alley","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374663-3472bb4910b79d6258b58381c733418a/orig.mp4?Expires=1772969066&Signature=a1LBfOL5lgGkkr2Tsup~y79vtN5GpV4vKGuTszrPbV4FMuujVgH0peZcSi87M6jzlaOb7tAAfAz5pZPSH6BezCyAmZ5hliIwCAJlcK9Ov6dkKlZ0AurTS8J5VWEv5678uaN2nm33BrXn5cyuA0oSII8yM157PnbmbhNsm7RU7SSdhNHsROtH2PfhuSoKnet3HUl8SgFo8i-k6ckRy3127zud-wSHg4i5UNKUzbNLs6BevBBJPz0U2vsjcvn1KxiV0eUjxEAWfON7XhjVuecCgJU8a33Ssy5gLT65FB5gq85CmYhl9L~Aoz~VVErZRdai~juy2yWY1XrWRFpqEWAPRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Sumner, WA","date","2025-01-22T17:32:50Z","article","Multiple residents raised concerns during public comment about transparency related to the Rhine House and about the size and purpose of a Pierce County LTAC grant approved on the consent agenda for Heritage Park at Hops Alley Phase 2.

Resident Randall Adams said public comments submitted before the meeting were not being included in the formal meeting minutes as they had been previously and accused the city of intentionally limiting public knowledge about plans to demolish the Rhine House. Adams also referenced a contractor bid of approximately $28 million discussed for a phase of a utility complex and asked why golf-course proceeds would cover general-fund contributions for that project. He said he had previously submitted documents and requested that city officials provide fuller disclosure.

Resident Nick Beerman likewise raised questions about the $2,920,000 Pierce County LTAC grant for Heritage Park and Hops Alley that was approved on the consent agenda and asked what the funds would be spent on; he said the documentation in the packet did not make the details clear and asked for clarification.

Why it matters: Public trust and transparency around historic-preservation decisions and large grant-funded projects were at issue in these comments. Residents asked the council to provide more detailed disclosures on grant uses, budget allocations, and the decision-making timeline for the Rhine House.

Ending: Officials acknowledged the comments; staff follow-up and clearer public documentation were requested by commenters during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","1/21/25 Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment residents accused the city of withholding information about the Rhine House process and asked the council to explain why a roughly $2.92 million Pierce County LTAC grant for Heritage Park Hops Alley was approved on the consent agenda without prior public discussion.","taxTitle","Sumner City, Pierce County, Washington","taxId",71857,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6374668,"Top Down Brewing owner, residents ask Sumner council to address food-truck parking and pedestrian safety on Graham Street",219,376000,595000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2143827-d86be4deba91191c4137483368ffd4b1&start=376&end=595","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2143827-d86be4deba91191c4137483368ffd4b1/thumbnail_376000.jpg","/articles/6374668/Sumner-City/Pierce-County/Washington/Top-Down-Brewing-owner-residents-ask-Sumner-council-to-address-food-truck-parking-and-pedestrian-safety-on-Graham-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374668-1dc5f966d622e7d522125f803c12e62f/orig.mp4?Expires=1772969066&Signature=M5L4lTmPCdzTy6BMY8AkfQLgOMML1q~Pn9vNWrbz0~tQOJMzg5AzMSXq7LGhGYtsPDLHtCiwN8wIV6OQu-Bt~E5kSrP8EX~bWWFme3CytJi5q2QaZ0P7qJnyQW90ybwMLynTr90W9TKFyWt525HYx~EFRTqwUqvtGa-qbPAJkh3hGXMf-x3saVZ5SKdbkbw6OyYQCux4FH67NJZaYDaPSEaNx0q4i9m~7giiU3N8BFhPQJS3RlIriqxcc-lpzDt4eqZCiO34Om8dGBtMRi3cy4XKi-oATc5is2AHaUR1VZNhLibQt5P-YQGcVcXA--NGzS3iYn87y26i4S4PTcr68Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Greg Bird, owner of Top Down Brewing Company in downtown Sumner, used public comment on Jan. 20 to raise pedestrian-safety and reputational concerns after food trucks shifted from private lot parking to Graham Street.

Bird said the food trucks had historically parked directly in front of Top Down Brewing, but were later asked to move and now park on Graham Street. \"There's also a high volume of pedestrians that are then crossing Graham Street to access the food trucks and then come back to the brewery,\" Bird said, citing poor lighting and busy traffic periods. He also said local Facebook posts had criticized the businesses for parking issues that owners cannot fully control.

A staff member told Bird that Ryan Windisch (name referenced in the meeting) was already working with him on the matter and recommended bringing the issue to the Community Development committee for further review. Council members said they appreciated the comment and suggested signage and a targeted resolution might help; one resident who also spoke recommended a signage solution or designated parking window such as 3:30 to 8 p.m.

Why it matters: The issue combines public safety (pedestrian crossings, lighting, vehicle traffic) and downtown economic vitality (food trucks and businesses relying on shared customers). City staff and the council indicated they will pursue a staff-led follow-up and committee consideration.

Ending: The mayor and staff directed the commenter to continue coordinating with staff (Ryan Windisch) and to bring the matter to the Community Development committee for potential signage and parking-zone recommendations.","Local business owner and residents asked the council to address pedestrian safety and negative social media attention tied to food trucks parking on Graham Street near Top Down Brewing; staff said a city employee is already working on the issue and committee follow-up was suggested.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6374673,"Residents cite California BESS fire while urging caution over proposed battery site near Sumner aquifer",191,664000,855000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2143827-d86be4deba91191c4137483368ffd4b1&start=664&end=855","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2143827-d86be4deba91191c4137483368ffd4b1/thumbnail_664000.jpg","/articles/6374673/Sumner-City/Pierce-County/Washington/Residents-cite-California-BESS-fire-while-urging-caution-over-proposed-battery-site-near-Sumner-aquifer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374673-e16c5b1f7d6d69ae84dd45b296674219/orig.mp4?Expires=1772969066&Signature=DZlhy-46wSH3CY6W02aWiWMFyEs3PSPnjBA4~inl33~JapCm44IjjiowKfSUL-8Skw-Jir1yzLnwvEp~2KAnEfTl2QQLfzg6B1U1Jzkq4xQFucvlqTqFC~Ox3bzdLJKZLUO4sqO2s64hddSePgesvVSlcw9xzODPO6CkOlBIUwzLcJavpdU-2Ribf29K8k~pgqU~WysBoaIQfBcyaINYMzbFtKJjKnwfm2gZ3HBaNP7-QYsvmteyN2dd5pe1GKKiQlbhXkLeixnefr56HsKW-dCITvTvUvncuf8GsJiMHND3ZU58RU-Dkjdz1a-X8DZ2-1Cmx~M~oUW2NQJI~xrwzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents used the Jan. 20 public comment period to urge caution about the proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) sited near Sumner's aquifer for the Derringer well, citing a large fire at a Moss Landing, California, BESS facility as cause for concern.

Tina Burnett, a Sumner resident, told the council she attended the recent study session where Puget Sound Energy’s presentation on the proposed BESS was discussed and said two days later a fire broke out at the Moss Landing plant in Monterey County. Burnett described the Moss Landing site as \"the largest lithium ion battery system in the world\" and said the facility experienced a fire that required evacuations and extensive emergency response. \"I love BESS. It's a vital infrastructure that we need. I'm not opposed to it,\" she said, while urging preparedness and updated emergency planning.

Another commenter, Nick Beerman, echoed concerns about ongoing smoke and potential local implications and urged the community to follow developments in California closely. City staff and council members said they were tracking the issue: a staff member noted the city and fire department are working together for information, and at least one council member said they hoped the city's emergency management plan would be updated.

Why it matters: Commenters highlighted potential fire, air quality and evacuation impacts from large lithium-ion battery installations and asked the council to ensure local emergency plans and permitting reviews address those risks. The comments referenced out-of-jurisdiction incidents to underline the importance of robust local safety oversight.

Ending: Council members acknowledged the concerns and indicated follow-up through staff briefings with the fire department and emergency management to confirm local readiness and any permitting implications.","Public commenters raised safety concerns about a proposed battery energy storage system near Sumner's Derringer well after a large fire at a Moss Landing, Calif., BESS facility; commenters urged review of emergency plans and local preparedness.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6374679,"Sumner Council adopts ordinance updating park impact fees, shifting to bedroom-based methodology",104,1330000,1434000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2143827-d86be4deba91191c4137483368ffd4b1&start=1330&end=1434","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2143827-d86be4deba91191c4137483368ffd4b1/thumbnail_1330000.jpg","/articles/6374679/Sumner-City/Pierce-County/Washington/Sumner-Council-adopts-ordinance-updating-park-impact-fees-shifting-to-bedroom-based-methodology","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374679-f3d43e8fb7cc6f0b4c93405cb4aa4e36/orig.mp4?Expires=1772969066&Signature=jzkg1bDyQIp2hcr9SZUuB-aOBVv567zdVJimN31G-ioN2a9Swj4vrwvSbr7JRH-rF94Ku65x3DOXw7cMzxjb3ougjDFhmsplRTbtlfhBAz0poXHabU4ev4lPiTICJi0IwZtXJSQPCt2QmFsYH3GW~VfASgJldn8j7jb73tTq7JGA3R4gSPSUPjVdzr8xZDkomKdFaut4JKnATXPvw2j7Elg2qYclTYMZ5Al8DFI0p8TZ9Cr5-~XvjRWXjkhKNIGF6LGRugVyW9WfGvkeYDyOklj0vb9DhiIuQ0tqI40A-H7Njf1EQVzHbtA9hkGfYmvghdETZO5aWyKK0xJmDwrIjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sumner City Council on Jan. 20, 2025, adopted Ordinance No. 2916, amending Sumner Municipal Code 12.38 to update the city's park impact fees. The ordinance passed on a unanimous vote after a staff presentation explaining why the change is needed.

Community Services Manager Derek Berry told the council the city must update park impact fees because: removal of trail fees from the transportation plan, recent state case law changes, and updates to the parks and trails plan and the capital facilities plan. \"The methodology behind it is a big reason that it looks quite different,\" Berry said, explaining the new approach moves the city toward a proportional-share model. \"We are moving with residential fees based on the number of bedrooms,\" he added.

Under the new methodology presented, fees vary by dwelling size (bedrooms), accessory dwelling units are charged half of a single-family unit, and commercial/industrial fees were adjusted downward. Berry said the majority of permitted homes in the last five years were two- and three-bedroom units and compared Sumner's approach to practices in Puyallup and Bothell.

Council discussion focused on the fairness of assessing fees based on likely park use. One council member noted that parks are especially important as the city develops denser neighborhoods, while another said the Master Builders Association had raised concerns but that the new structure \"seems pretty fair.\" No amendments were offered.

The ordinance was moved by Council member Elfers and seconded by Council member Cole; the clerk conducted a unanimous roll call and the ordinance passed.

Why it matters: Park impact fees fund park development and help ensure that new development contributes proportionally to park needs. Changing the fee methodology affects developers, new homeowners and future park funding.

Ending: The council directed staff to follow through on administrative updates needed to implement the new fee schedule and to provide comparative data on neighboring jurisdictions as requested during the study session.
","Council adopted Ordinance No. 2916 to amend Sumner Municipal Code 12.38, updating park impact fees to a bedroom-based methodology after a staff presentation and brief council discussion; the ordinance passed unanimously.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6374684,"Sumner City Council approves consent agenda and excuses deputy mayor; routine votes pass unanimously",101,201000,302000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2143827-d86be4deba91191c4137483368ffd4b1&start=201&end=302","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2143827-d86be4deba91191c4137483368ffd4b1/thumbnail_201000.jpg","/articles/6374684/Sumner-City/Pierce-County/Washington/Sumner-City-Council-approves-consent-agenda-and-excuses-deputy-mayor-routine-votes-pass-unanimously","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374684-7bf1e8094b053e11fd54fbceff64f285/orig.mp4?Expires=1772969066&Signature=n3CG4T12pIzObwnuVuWKAGq6f1bSquArqdc~QoCEQAVNGX73kiZyzoI-OfOKADqr1UdBvCrbxN70MF-VnoulKYlKrHgbxsn-zBRF42CO6YY6uy7YFhUQfHyi6iyI91ToIxnwH61JRQnU1As6wKPGmOCJbWKk8S1014pI-MSwX80067Ye5lH5xM7CbTcw8oViAs-2h-sBE52GmV3fqtKJSNjZXr4PJjYk6KuiPJ4VtTitHVGiFCuk2v0EtbZ04PVzA1FXMDDx-MReK789IVC7TVWL-QBMSIimoGeuezHC0ZgN4BzUv6V5is3c4b~QZk~LJZTX5yi9oF3LccPwSm38NQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sumner City Council on Jan. 20, 2025, voted unanimously to excuse Deputy Mayor Barbara Bowman from the meeting and to approve the consent agenda, which bundled several resolutions, grant acceptances and routine items.

The consent agenda approved by the council included: approval of checks and electronic payments (amount read aloud during the meeting was garbled and not specified in the record), Resolution No. 1708 (Heritage Park at Hops Alley Phase 2 — Pierce County LTAC grant acceptance), the White River Restoration Project construction management consultant supplement, Resolution No. 1711 (endorsement for administration of the Sumner-Bonney Lake joint pretreatment program), Resolution No. 1705 (setting a public hearing for a multi-tax exemption ordinance), Resolution No. 1709 (simple possession advocacy and representation grant acceptance), and approval of minutes from the Jan. 6, 2025, regular meeting and the Jan. 13, 2025 study session.

During the meeting Mayor (name not specified in the record) called for a motion to excuse Deputy Mayor Bowman; a council member moved to excuse her and another council member seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with no opposition. The clerk then read the consent agenda items aloud; Council member Beteto moved to adopt the consent agenda, Council member Cole seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: Consent agendas package routine matters and grant acceptances for single votes; the packet the council approved included multi-agency and grant-funded projects that will move to implementation or later public hearings. Several members of the public raised questions about specific consent items during public comment, including the LTAC grant for Hops Alley, prompting requests for clearer public documentation.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to excuse Deputy Mayor Bowman — mover: council member (name on record: motion made), second: (name on record: second made); outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Consent agenda adoption (items listed above) — mover: Council member Beteto; second: Council member Cole; outcome: approved (unanimous).

Ending: The council moved from the consent agenda to regular business and public comment after the votes, scheduling routine follow-ups in subsequent staff briefings and committee work.","At the Jan. 20, 2025, Sumner City Council meeting the council excused Deputy Mayor Bowman and approved the consent agenda, which included several grants and resolutions; all procedural votes passed unanimously.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press council on Rhine House transparency and ask for details on $2.92M LTAC grant for Hops Alley

Top Down Brewing owner, residents ask Sumner council to address food-truck parking and pedestrian safety on Graham Street

Residents cite California BESS fire while urging caution over proposed battery site near Sumner aquifer

Sumner Council adopts ordinance updating park impact fees, shifting to bedroom-based methodology

Sumner City Council approves consent agenda and excuses deputy mayor; routine votes pass unanimously