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Residents urge council to save Ryan House, ask about storage benches and electric charging misuse; arts commissioner resigns
Summary
Several residents urged the council to preserve the Ryan House and offered fundraising support; speakers also asked about park benches in storage, reported non‑electric vehicles occupying EV charging stalls, and announced a resignation from the Sumner Arts Commission.
Public comment at the Jan. 6 Sumner City Council meeting focused heavily on preservation of the Ryan House and related downtown historic concerns.
"We're not trying to save the Sumner Historical Museum. That can be housed anywhere. ... We are trying to save the Ryan House and the small town character of the whole downtown area," Tina Burnett said, identifying herself from 228 Sumner Avenue and speaking for the Save Ryan House group. Burnett said the group has a donor "willing to put up $500,000 to jump start a community match program" and urged the city to form a special subcommittee to work with volunteers to develop a plan.
Randall Adams of 15013 63rd Street Court East told the council he believes a court ruling and the comprehensive plan affect the city's authority to make certain financial decisions related to demolition permits. "The judge determined that the city had not been consistent and validated the demolition permit, instructed the city go back through the comprehensive plan pro update process, receive input from the public, and amend those provisions that were inconsistent with demolition before moving forward," Adams said. He also referenced "Resolution 1663" and said he believes prior financial choices are inconsistent with the plan. Those comments were presented as Mr. Adams— account of the court action.
Nick Bierman, 5802 Parker Road East, reiterated an offer of community partnership: "We are not asking the city to undertake this project on its own and to fund the entire cost ... Our group seems to be a partner in this effort. We have received a generous offer, ... and we're working to secure other donors." Bierman also asked the city to help locate heritage park benches believed to be in city storage and to discuss reuniting benches with families.
Donna Hartke, a charter member of the Sumner Arts Commission, said the commission—s volunteer work has produced projects such as the Rainier View Park Plaza and entry signage and that she is resigning from the commission. "I just think it was a wonderful opportunity and I love this community ... I will do whatever I can to do that, but I can't do it under these circumstances. Thank you," Hartke said.
Jerry Yoder of 910 Traffic Avenue reported electric vehicle charging stalls being occupied by gasoline vehicles and suggested enforcement: "...there's 4 of them there. ... I pull in there and there's 3 cars parked in the charging station ... they weren't electric cars. They were gas cars that were using up the parking for the electric cars." He asked the police chief to consider enforcement checks.
Why it matters: Multiple speakers described fundraising momentum and volunteer interest to preserve the Ryan House and requested clearer city engagement on preservation options. Other comments highlighted civic concerns about historic artifacts (park benches) and the operation and enforcement of public EV charging infrastructure.
Response and next steps: Council acknowledged the comments; no formal council action or vote on the Ryan House or benches was recorded at the Jan. 6 meeting. Several speakers asked the city to meet with volunteer groups and to consider creating a subcommittee to coordinate next steps, but the transcript shows no formal direction or referral was made at this meeting.
