Resident raises legal concerns about Ryan House demolition during public comment

During the public-comment period of the Oct. 6 Sumner City Council meeting, Randall Adams of Sumner urged the council to address what he described as potential improper city actions surrounding the demolition of the Ryan House while related court questions remained pending.

Adams asked the council to review "actions taken by the city" and questioned whether a court stay was intended to halt demolition work. He asserted that after the court issued a notice the city issued a demolition permit "after business hours the next day" and proceeded with demolition despite the court seeking clarification about whether a stay was effective.

"If the city is actually caring about not incurring further legal bills, this should be presented to the city council in a public hearing, not behind closed doors," Adams said. He asked the city attorney to stand at the podium and answer the questions so a future lawsuit could be avoided. Adams also asked whether placing a gazebo on the Ryan parcel could trigger a reversionary clause in the deed that would return the property to the Ryans.

Adams referenced a prior admonition to follow the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) process and the comprehensive-plan amendment process before decisions about demolition, and he cited "Resolution 1663" and dates in 2023 in relation to the series of actions he described. The transcript records Adams making factual claims and legal questions but does not record any response by the council or city attorney during the meeting.

Mayor Kathy Hayden and council members did not respond during public comment; the council moved on to new business after the public-comment period closed. Adams concluded his remarks with an aside unrelated to the topic.

No formal council action was recorded on the matter during the Oct. 6 meeting.