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Residents criticize city handling of Rhine House demolition and legal costs during public comment
Summary
Residents used public comment to criticize the city’s handling of the Rhine House demolition and related legal fees; a Save Rhine House representative said the group will pay a $200 statutory fee but reported the city paid about $35,000 in legal fees to pursue it, prompting calls for transparency.
During public comment at the Nov. 17 Sumner City Council meeting several residents criticized city staff and elected officials over the Rhine House demolition and the city's legal expenses related to the matter.
Randall Adams thanked departing council members but criticized what he called a lack of honesty by staff and said the Rhine House demolition and the associated actions would be a negative legacy for the city.
Nick Bierman of Parker Road East, who identified himself as closely connected to the Save Rhine House case, said his group will pay the $200 statutory attorney-fee award and said he had the check in hand. Bierman told the council that the law firm hired by the city billed about $35,000 during September for work that, he said, occurred after the Save Rhine House group voluntarily dismissed portions of its case. "We do indeed plan to make the payment on the $200. I have the check right here," Bierman said. He added that the city’s legal spending—$35,000—was outsize given the $200 statutory award.
The comments raised concerns from residents and council members about legal costs, transparency and staff decision-making. The mayor and staff did not offer a detailed rebuttal during the public-comment period; the matter arose again in subsequent council processes and committee discussions referenced by speakers.
What’s next: Council and staff may address legal-cost questions in follow-up meetings or committee reports; no formal council action on the Rhine House legal costs occurred at this meeting.
