Residents tell Sumner council settlement rescinded Ryan House demolition permit and remanded for SEPA review

Several residents addressed the Sumner City Council during public comment on Aug. 18 to press the council about the Ryan House litigation and related city processes. Randall Adams said a negotiated settlement and an order by Judge Rumbaugh rescinded the demolition permit and remanded the matter to the city to follow SEPA and the comprehensive-plan amendment process before making any demolition decisions.

"Because the city failed to comply with SEPA before approving the demolition permit, the demolition permit is rescinded," Adams said. He attributed further language in the settlement directing the city to follow proper SEPA and comprehensive-plan amendment processes before any demolition decisions.

Adams also told the council he believes recent proposals presented to the planning commission would let proponents bypass the City Council by routing rezoning or manufactured-home-park decisions to the city hearing administrator. "Instead, they want to do a complete end run around you and go directly to the city hearing administrator," Adams said, arguing that would force residents to hire attorneys to participate.

Other speakers used the public-comment period to criticize council leadership and conduct. Nick Bierman said he observed "no attempt to work together" during the Ryan House crisis and called for new leadership; Melissa Fox and Tina Burnett criticized council members for not making eye contact and for council demeanor during public comment.

City Administrator Jeff Stephens told the council that on Oct. 1 the city will provide Ryan heirs an opportunity to review and collect any items salvaged from the Ryan House, and that more information will be posted on the city website by the end of the week.

There was no formal council action recorded on the item during the meeting; these statements were made during the public-comment period and attributed to individual speakers.