Fall off fiscal cliff could cause major impact on city of DuPont

As reported by King 5 News today, the potential fall of the "fiscal cliff" could cause major impacts to DuPont and all around Pierce County.  Read the full story, here.

TBD Takes a Holiday Break

Take Back DuPont is taking a break!

Based on the feedback we've received, we're postponing our next meeting until the New Year.

So, please plan to meet at Shawna's home on January 3, 2013 at 7 p.m.  Hope to see you there! An event reminder will be posted. Bring your ideas, tasks, to-do lists, etc. and let's start working again for a better DuPont.  See you then!

Until then,

Warmest wishes for a happy holiday from TBD!

Du Pont 2013 Revised Budget passes

Du Pont city council approved the revised 2013 budget, tonight. Great news, no cuts in police dept staff. Full report is available here: http://www.ci.dupont.wa.us/files/library/110011cf2d0fb1b6_o.pdf

TBD 11-29 Meeting Postponed

Due to so many members being out for other commitments we will reschedule Nov 29 TBD for next Thursday, December 5; same time and location. Thanks.

TBD Minutes, November 15, 2012

MINUTES

Take Back DuPont

Thursday, November 15, 7:00 PM

In attendance:  Shawna Gasak, Tom Colegrove, Mike Gorski, Maurice Toussant, Roger Westman, Matt Royer, David Bungart, Laurie Fait, Ed Healy,

New Member Introductions:  Maurice Toussant, Hoffman Hill, gave a brief introduction about himself; he moved here in 2004. Was involved with the school board and the parks agency.  Wants to get involved and bring solutions not just talk about issues. 

Discussion Items

            Budget and revenue hearing on November 13, 2012

Mike Gorski provided an overview for TBD members not in attendance.  Overall budget is increasing 11%. Plan and answers were lacking to explain increase. Council overall did not do their due diligence to secure new revenues to keep Safer Grant fire staff.  How much revenue will be really generated from the proposed items in Budget B?  Look at South Puget Sound News for the most recent article on the Budget B.  (http://www.southpugetsoundnews.com/news/dupont-faces-drastic-cuts-after-voters-reject-property-tax-increase/ )

Is staff giving council numbers information that passes “the sniff test?” It’s really just garbage in and garbage out that staff is providing on the budget.  What is the real department spending breakdown?  Dialog should shift to what is exactly spent?  Example:  We don’t know what the winter hold for overtime if we get another huge snow storm?  How does he account for this?  Video of the meeting will be posted online by this Saturday. What is the priority for the city for how the money is spent?  An embedded priority lies with the civic center which now takes precedence over public safety.  We’re not a small town anymore.  Unfortunately, staff competence is low; this is an issue that can no longer be ignored.  They need to be the ones who from the crow’s nest yelling, ÏCE BERG! when there is a big issue for the city. This simply is not happening; they continue to rubber stamp requests that should never make it for council approval.

Shawna shared that the entire fire staff attended the meeting on their own.  One has been hired by the city of Federal Way. One of the fireman confirmed through Larry Wilcox that there never has been a plan to secure money for the Safer fire staff.  What is the fire response model that really makes sense for DuPont? Do we want to go on unlock calls when we can’t pay our bills?

What is the solution/action item?  What is our ask to fix this situation?  Go up the microphone..and ask.

TNT Christian Hill contacts us for comment

Tom shared his conversation with Christian Hill with the TNT. Tom about his experiences with the finance committee; levy was a foregone conclusion, the February 22, 2012 email; Larry Wilcox interrupting public comment.  We’re a community based public service to get involved with the running of the city to make sure they are accountable and no position run unopposed again.  It was a thirty minute conversation.  Christian will write another article about what’s going on in DuPont.  Do we want to follow-up to him? 

What is the action item? See next agenda item. 

            TBD designated spokesperson and media contact?  Tom; who is our media contact?  What are these duties and responsibilities?  Now that the press is catching up with us, we need to do a press release.  Do we need to huddle about an out-going message?  Lack of consistency in budget numbers and we are a freight train moving to the fiscal cliff.  We representative the citizens for betterment of the city.  We agree on fundamental issues, but do not have one official position on fiscal matters.

Maurice clarified that we should all be heard and be able to our views within the group; restructuring council so that more ask questions or want to discuss issues.

Action:  Have ongoing discussion with media should continue and our concerns of non-transparency, especially on fiscal issues while still being civil. Lack of listening by council on what the pulse of the citizens.  Council is self-serving.  Ed Healy cautioned about over-sharing with media. We want to talk about one banana at a time, but not the entire fruit salad at once.   Apathy has gotten us where we are today.  No more.  We are leveraging momentum to be the best city based on the resources available.

What is the outcome/action item?  Tom will continue to be spokesperson and media contact. 

            Levy – overwhelming no vote; now what?

            Will the ROA offer to manage parks & green spaces for an additional fee ($16 per month?), Larry Ackerman confirmed this to Laurie Fait that the city has reached out to ROA.  A meeting will occur that also includes COA.  How should we react?  Get a meeting date and try to attend?  Do we really want this to happen?  What is the decision making process and do we want to be a part of this decision?   

What is the action?  We want more accountability … what is the plan?  Laurie will follow-up will up with Larry Ackerman before November 20.

Public service projects update from Tom
 - adopt a trail/street
 - beautification projects

Tom gave an update on his conversation with Peter Zahn on beautification project. He still has no answers to provide but a map should be available soon. Scott Heins will provide an update.  Maurice clarified that the map that Peter Zahn referred to was requested in 2006 and is still not available.  Mike shared this is an example of ineptitude of staff.  David watched Tom’s TBD introduction; he suggests bat houses at all the marshes as a project and offering it as a tourism/group outreach project.  Gorski said we should take on a simple project to get out our name, but where does it take us; what do we get as a group out of the effort?  Matt shared that being able to contribute to the community is what brought him to TBD, to unify the community.  Don’t make TBD just a council watchdog group. Bat houses would provide a natural solution instead of using chemicals in retention ponds. 

Work with the city on:
 - Parking plan (for emergency vehicle access) Maurice shared information on a previous study; easily fixed if enforced the city.  Tabled to ongoing business.

Blogger – Tag Line vs Mission Statement listed at top?  Feedback at next meeting. 

Business Card Distribution –handed out.

Four candidates for November 2013

Recruiting New Members

New Agenda Items

Current mission statement is it compatible for a slate of candidates?  Once they’re elected then we turn on them?  No position running unopposed.  Here are the resources if you want to run for council.

Once and for all:  the group name

Council workshop on November 20…we should craft budget questions ahead of time. 

Next TBD:  November 29, 7pm, Shawna’s home. 

Times will be listed on future agendas from how on; round table will be added to each agenda with a time limit.  We will adhere to these agenda constraints as best we can. 

Ongoing Business:

1.      TBD cards arrived and distributed to all members.  Please pass along to potential members and anyone interested in what TBD stands for.

2.      Tom was appointed spokesperson/mythbuster. We are here to hold city and staff accountable for their actions, their votes, their expenditures, inactions etc.  Council Members answer to the citizens and they need to listen and respect our input. No council position will run unopposed again.

3.      Finance reform?  Extraction tax for revenue option?

4.      Development in DuPont warehouses vs. retail

5.      B&O square footage tax

6.      TBD working on Comp Plan update

7.      Project Status List

8.      Will Council approve large truck traffic on Center Drive?

9.      Take position on the communication tower? EMF, etc. and other non-issues like non-ionizing radiation –formally comment as a group on this issue?  Press release?

10.  Financial Expenditures to be determined/pending 501C3 filing.

11.  Parking plan (for emergency vehicle access) Maurice shared information on a previous study; easily fixed if enforced the city.  Tabled to ongoing business. 11-15-12

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Fait

lauriefait@gmail.com 

ROA, COA and city to discuss park and green-way maintenance

Just off the phone with Larry Ackerman of NW Landing ROA.  The city has reached out to ROA to discuss park and green-way maintenance soon-to-be impacted by budget cuts. Larry confirm that the COA (includes large businesses like Intel, State Farm) will also be included in the meeting.

TBD DRAFT Agenda for November 15, 2012

TBD DRAFT Agenda for November 15, 2012 is posted here:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B3w4xNWhX-9ZQVJMX2p0ZExYYlE

Additions and/or corrections please contact Laurie Fait

DuPont Project Status List 11-13-2012

Sharing the latest information update from the Development Department, posted here:

Project Status List, 11-13-2012

If there is interest, this can be posted as a static page. 

TBD Minutes, Nov 1 2012

Minutes

Take Back DuPont

Thursday, November 1, 7:00 PM

Location:  2228 Anderson Avenue, DuPont

In attendance:  Tom Colegrove, Don Dresser, Roger Westman, Matt Royer, Laurie Fait, Ed Healy, David Bungert

New Member Introductions:  Matt introduced himself and shared what brought him to join the group. 

Discussion Items

            Tom Colegrove’s presentation to City Council

            Council Workshop – Oct 30, Roger walks out

Public service projects
 - Adopt a trail/street or Powderworks Park

What is the commitment needed? How many citizens would be needed? Tom will coordinate. 
 - Beautification projects – coordinate with city staff?

Working with the city on:
 - Parking plan (for emergency vehicle access) – should we attempt to address this?

Business Card Distribution – how are we doing?  The printing account is under Tom’s name.  Additional cards will less?  Let’s wait until a possible name change.

Recruiting New Members – how about a post-election event to bring the community together? 

Old news – discussion on picketing

New news—

Put Toms ideas (for the group) presented to council into a tri-fold hand-out? 
David offered videography of campaigning for the future fantastic four (council members we’re recruiting); he also offered his video library, too.

Posts will be primarily made from the blogspot then posted to Facebook.

Ongoing Business:

1.      TBD cards arrived and distributed to all members.  Please pass along to potential members and anyone interested in what TBD stands for.

2.      Why do we get branded as the NO campaign? TBD will define their own framework.

3.      Tom was appointed spokesperson/mythbuster. We are here to hold city and staff accountable for their actions, their votes, their expenditures, inactions etc.  Council Members answer to the citizens and they need to listen and respect our input. No council position will run unopposed again.

4.      Council behavior in the levy—we are choosing not to address this.

5.      Finance reform?  Extraction tax for revenue option?

6.      Development in DuPont warehouses vs. retail

7.      Will Council approve large truck traffic on Center Drive?

8.      TBD will be included and at the table during the comp plan update

9.      Take position on the communication tower? EMF, etc. and other non-issues like non-ionizing radiation –formally comment as a group on this issue?  Press release?

10.  Financial Expenditures to be determined/pending 501C3 filing.

11.  Attendance at all Neighborhood Meetings will be covered by TBD members.

TBD Group Meeting, Nov 15, 2012, 7pm

The next TakeBackDuPont group meeitng is November 15, 7pm at Shawna Gasak's home.  Here's a link to the FaceBook Group Event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/488229041207748/

10-18-12 DRAFT TBD Minutes

For your reading enjoyment, here are the DRAFT TBD minutes from October 18, 2013,

saved here: MINUTUES

Please plan to review and provide comments during the next TBD meeting on November 1.

Might be a good idea for Laurie Fait to turn these items old and new into a tracking system?

TBD Group Meeting, November 1, 2012

Don't forget!  The next Take Back DuPont group meeting is November 1, 7 p.m. at Shawna Gasak's home: 2228 Anderson Street.  Hope to see you there!

Community Finance Committee - Citizen Contributions Moot

On February 22, 2012 Councilmember Mike Courts sent an email with the subject: Thoughts on Finance Committee and Way ahead. Funny...the first meetings didn't start until March 8, 2012, yet the outcome is clearly spelled out by Mr. Courts, below including the action plan for a Levy-Lid Lift. 

This proves that the Community Finance Committee was nothing more than a puppet show, a moot point. The City did not want to hear any thoughts or suggestions from the Community (citizen’s) Finance Committee or others. None of the other options that the Community Finance Committee presented are being voted upon or addressed in the near future. The City just went thru the motions to put a Levy-Lid Lift on the November 2012 ballot

From: Michael Courts Sent: Wed 2/22/2012 12:26 PM To: Michael Grayum Cc: Dawn Masko; Sandi Hines; Penny Coffey; Erin Larsen; Kathleen Trotter; John Ehrenreich; Roger Westman; Larry Wilcox
Subject: Thoughts on Finance Committee and way ahead
Michael,We had a very productive Study Session last night. Good exchange with the 5 members present. I would like to share with you some of what I took from the meeting:

1. Timing: a. 7 August ballot requires any potential ballot measures to be turned in to the Auditor NLT 11 May (means Council vote NLT 8 May) b. 6 November ballot requires any potential ballot measures to be turned in to Auditor NLT 7 Aug (means last meeting in July for council vote)Thoughts: We appreciate the risk of waiting until November ballot, however, the 8 May deadline does not allow sufficient time for a process most likely to result in success at the ballot. We think the November ballot is the most feasible option, but need to look at some potential mitigation measures to address spending and revenues during the interim.

2. The actual process: We discussed several elements to the process for this effort: a. The committee providing an update at every council meeting with a short presentation at the first monthly meeting as part of a public education process to address some key issues; how different city employees are paid (which funds), various sources of revenues and their limitations, etc. b. Once completed with the committee work, we need a campaign to educate/solicit comment from the public. Ideally the committee provides 3-4 options for the council to consider. These need to be presented in multiple forums and modalities to the public. This is going to be the key to any future ballot measure. c. After public comment is considered, the council needs to debate and decide on an appropriate course of action to address the city's financial challenges. d. Assuming the selected course of action requires a ballot initiative, a second public information effort needs to be undertaken to gain public support. The need for two unique public information efforts is the driver for timing of any ballot measure. Early May does NOT provide sufficient time to sufficiently engage the public.

3. Benchmarking: Kathy, Dawn, Sandi, the facilitator and I need to layout some specific benchmarking for each scheduled meeting, clear objectives, deliverables SOON!

4. Facilitator, generally support this, need the right person and need them soonest. The products we need for individual and larger public engagement should be primarily developed by this facilitator.

5. The staff will have to stay well ahead of the committee otherwise the meetings will be wasted. Product should be available to the committee several days prior to each meeting, at the latest.

6. Basic objectives of the committee: a. Review 2012 Budget to identify any obvious areas for cost savings b. Compare DuPont (benchmarking) to other comparable cities: level of budget, total tax burden, services for taxes, level of public service, salary levels of city employees, quality of life, etc. c. Layout the mandated/must do elements of our budget and draw a cutline based on no change to revenues. Discuss public tolerance for this level of services and implications. d. Have a frank discussion about expectations for levels of public service/quality of life and tolerance for current or potentially increased tax burden. Members need to engage neighbors and friends about this. How we see ourselves and what our expectations are is the critical element to this effort.

e. Discuss and evaluate various revenue options; Levy Lid Lift, B&O increase, Car Tab (and implications), Sewer Franchise. Each of these has pros and cons, some are highly problematic and even of questionable legality, but a clear understanding of the potential sources and the downsides is very important.

This is a big effort and will need to be a primary focus of the staff if we are going to turn this in a reasonable time. We need to shape the outcome to posture DuPont for the long term, consistent with public expectations and tolerance. The better informed the public is, the more thoughtful the discussion will be and the more realistic the outcome will be.We believe all council meetings need to remain on the schedule this year. If individual council or staff members desire time off, that can be managed, but shutting down the process for even one meeting could severely impact an already tight schedule.

We look forward to getting this important task moving forward.For fellow council members, please provide any feedback to my comments back to Erin so she can distribute as appropriate.VR Mike Courts City Council Position #6 DuPont, WashingtonDisclaimer: Public documents and records are available to the public as provided under the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This e-mail may be considered subject to the Public Records Act and may be disclosed to a third-party requester.

Mike Courts' Editorial on Budget C Proposal

There's a very interesting development in an Op-Ed submitted by city of DuPont Councilmember Mike Courts in the South Puget Sound News (our local online news source).  There are a great many comments posted responding to his thoughts on Budget C, presented by Councilmember Roger Westman on October 23.  You might want to check out.   It’s one of many editorials he’s submitted about the DuPont Prop 1 Levy vote.

Several responses are worth reading and are very enlightening including those by Mr. Courts. 

http://www.southpugetsoundnews.com/editorials/editorial-a-response-to-budget-c/#comments

Tom Colegrove Introduces Take Back DuPont at City Council

Many thanks to TBD member Tom Colegrove for introducing the group at DuPont City Council on October 23, 2012.  Video recording is linked, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-RC4IF473o

Here's what Tom presented:

For those that couldn't make it to tonight's city council meeting, here's the text of what I presented on the group's behalf:

My name is Tom Colegrove and tonight I represent the group, “Take Back DuPont”, many of our members are here tonight. There are several reasons we felt the need to introduce ourselves to the council, staff and citizens:

· Provide a description of who we are

· Explain what the group’s purpose is

· Give an insight to our future plans

· Dispel the notion that we are ‘Anti-Levy’

The group members are citizens of DuPont working together to ensure our city maintains its high standards of living, is run in a cost effective manner and to strive to achieve our vision of the DuPont of tomorrow. We are not an organization that will request and expect results; we will become part of the solution. We will not sit idly by and complain about things we disagree with; we will engage to bring change. We will work to understand reasons for actions and inactivity and will share our thoughts collectively and as individuals and do so publicly  We will remind the council and city staff of their statutory responsibilities and accountability to all citizens of DuPont.

In the short time since the group formed it has compiled a list of things it plans to bring to fruition. Samplings of that list include:

· Work with city staff to bring about a city communications policy that

· Helps to bring about regular and widely distributed public announcement, news and updates to the citizens and businesses of DuPont

· We encourage regular town hall and neighborhood meetings and published responses to public concerns

· We request that elected officials submit an outline of their comments prior to the council comments session. 

Deviations are to be captured in meeting minutes so the public can be informed when they cannot attend public meetings

· We will work to identify wasteful practices and request they be changed

· Several public service projects have been identified by group members that will be undertaken in the near future, to name just a few:

· Adopt-a-Trail

· Beautification projects

· Voter registration efforts

· Making and installation of bat-houses around retention ponds to combat mosquitos

· Bring about a clearly defined relationship of the city to the ROA

· Which parks are maintained by whom

· Event sponsorships

· Identify and eliminate any duplication of efforts and costs

· A long term plan and vision for the city

· We will work to identify and support candidates for city and council positions so that no incumbent runs for position unopposed

Shortly after the group was formed and took on the name of ‘Take Back DuPont’ several comments have been overheard, and mentioned in Op-Eds, referring to the group as “Take DuPont Backwards”. All of us take offense to those comments. We are an improvement focused group that believes that the city is in the situation it finds itself today because of public ignorance and apathy. While we have opinions on what should and should not take place in our city, we, as a group, agree to disagree about a many things – the Levy Lid Lift among them. As a group we do not endorse nor do we debate either side of the levy discussions currently going on. 

We instead are working to improve our city, our community, our government.

But as is often the case, people are afraid of things they don’t know. Again, we are citizens of our hometown willing to stand up and be heard and to do what we feel is right for our city. But we won’t stop there – we’re willing to put the sweat equity into the city as well. Our goal also includes bringing more citizens into the city’s activities and to educate its citizens. We merely ask that we be given an opportunity to work on our vision of community.

If anyone has questions about the group or is interested in joining your neighbors, I’m available after tonight’s council session adjourns.

Tough Talk at Mayor's Neighborhood Meeting

The mayor held a neighborhood meeting at The Home Course on Saturday. Another meeting will happen tonight at DuPont's EOC. Hope to see you there.

One person made several comments on Saturday. Listen here at this link:

http://goo.gl/6gmpW

Can you help identify who he is?   If yes, please post a comment, here.

Are you registered to vote in Washington?

DuPont residents, are you registered to vote in Washington State?

To vote in the upcoming November election you first must be registered. Saturday, October 6th is the last day to register to vote or change your address by mail. Mail-in registration forms must be postmarked on or before October 6th. Monday, October 8th is the last day to register or change your address on-line. Register at www.vote.wa.gov. The Pierce County Auditor’s Office will be open Saturday, October 6th from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Monday, October 8th from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM to assist voters should they experience problems registering online. The state online registration site will experience high volumes. If voters experience problems they can call the Elections Division at 253-798-VOTE (8683).

Registration forms are also available on the Auditor’s website at www.piercecountywa.org/elections. Completed forms can be dropped off at any of Pierce County’s ballot drop boxes through midnight Monday, October 8th. The last day to register in person in the Auditor’s Office (new Washington voters only) is October 29th.

Another Finance Editorial by Mike Courts

Council member Mike Courts has written another editorial to South Puget Sound News about the upcoming finance levy; it's posted here:
http://www.southpugetsoundnews.com/editorials/editorial-duponts-decision/

Neighborhood Meetings with Mayor Grayum

Mayor Michael Grayum is hosting a series of Neighborhood Meetings to discuss his top priorities for the City and to listen to the issues most important to the residents of DuPont. These meetings have been set up for various times and locations in the City to increase the opportunity for everyone who is interested to attend.
Neighborhood Meeting Schedule:

Thursday, October 4th 10:00 AM Community Center – 303 Barksdale Avenue

Saturday, October 6th 2:00 PM The Home Course – 2300 Hoffman Hill Blvd.

Monday, October 8th 6:00 PM Public Safety Bldg – EOC – 1780 Civic Drive
Please don’t miss this opportunity to discuss topics important to our community and provide your perspective and insight.

2012 Levy Related Videos

A collection of 2012 levy related videos from City of DuPont. Watch, listen & learn.

Take Back DuPont at Fall Festival

Are you attending the Fall Festival today from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Clock Tower Park? TBD hopes to see you there!

TBD Meeting Sept 27 2012

Don't forget!  Next TBD group meeting is September 27, 2012.  See you there!

Mythbusters DuPont Edition: The Legend of the Low Tax Rate

Check out the fantastic editorial by Elitsa Healy, posted here: http://goo.gl/RpCDA

Town Hall Meeting September 17, 2012, 6pm

Public Notices

COUNCIL NOTICES

A Town Hall Meeting is scheduled with the DuPont City Council to discuss City Finances on September 17, 2012,  6PM, at 1700 Civic Drive, DuPont, WA 98327.

A special Council meeting is scheduled to discuss revenue reform on September 18, 2012, 6PM, at 1700 Civic Drive, DuPont, WA 98327.

http://www.ci.dupont.wa.us/city-clerk/public-notices.html

TBD Minutes August 2, 2012

Minutes

Take Back DuPont
Thursday, August 02, 2012, 7:27 PM


Attendees:
Don Dresser
David Bungert
Shawna Gasak
Tom Colegrove
Mike Gorski
Sharon Gorski
Lauri Fait
Phil Chase

Additional Distribution:
Take Back DuPont (TBD) Facebook Group


Meeting Purpose:
The initial meeting of the TBD members. The agenda items include:
* Introductions of group members
* Discuss and decide upon a change to the group name
* Decide what the group has come together to accomplish
* Produce a mission statement
* Next steps


Action Items From Previous Meeting(s):
None

Discussion Items:
* The group discussed the current group name 'Take Back DuPont' and other possible names. No decision was made to rename the group at this early stage but to rather decide what the group would and would accomplish before deciding on a new name or if one is warranted.
* The bulk of the meeting was spent on what the mission statement should include. Elements brought up during the group discussion are included below:
* Remind the council and city leadership of their statutory responsibilities and accountabilities to the citizens of DuPont
* Bring a transparency in government
* Encourage the creation of a formal communications policy for the city
o Responses within a reasonable amount of time
o Regular and widely distributed public announcements, news and updates
o Regular and published responses to public concerns
* Identify wasteful practices and insist upon change, including audits if necessary
* Request elected officials submit an outline of their comments prior to the council comments session, any deviations from that outline to be captured in the meeting minutes so the public can be informed
* Support citizens seeking election to the city council so no incumbents run unopposed
* Improve the access to city staff and city council by citizens
* Work with the staff and council for widespread changes for the betterment of DuPont
* Creation of an emergency response plan and publishing it, practicing it and pursuing it
* Ensure all city staff have defined job descriptions and qualifications and they receive performance reviews
* An updated long-term plan and vision for the city
* A balanced budget
* A clearly defined relationship of the city to the ROA
o Which parks are maintained by the city laws
o Events sponsorship
o Elimination of duplicate functions
* Enforcement of laws, and minimizing liability to the city
o Dog barking
o Helmet
o Parking
* Ensuring that fire apparatus and snow plows can negotiate city streets
o Fireworks
o Removal of unenforceable codes and laws


Action Items:
* Meeting minutes to be published on the FTB group page - Tom (Due 8/3)
* Draft mission statement created and distributed for comment - Tom (Due 8/6)
* Review the draft mission statement and provide comment to Tom - All (Due 8/14)
* Set up next group meeting - Shawna (Due 8/13)


Mission Statement:
A group of concerned citizens working to:
* Remind the council of their stuatory responsibilities and accountabilities to the citizens of DuPont
* Transparancy in government
* Bring about a communications policy
o Responses within a reasonable amount of time
o Regular and widely distributed public announcements, news and updates
o Regular responses to public concerns that are published
* Identify wasteful practices and insist upon change, including audits if necessary
* Request that elected officials submit an outline of their comments be submitted prior to the council comments
session, any deviations from that outline to be captured in the meeting minutes so the public can be informed
* Support citizens seeking election to the city council so no incumbents run unopposed
* Improve the access to city staff and city council by citizens
* Work with the staff and council for widespread changes for the betterment of DuPont
* Creation of an emergency response plan and publishing it, practicing it and pursuing it
* Ensure all city staff have defined job descriptions a nd qualifications and performance reviews
* Long term plan, vision
* A balanced budget
* A clearly defined relationship of the city to the ROA
o Which parks are maintained by the city laws
o Events sponsorship
* Enforcement of laws, and minimizing liability
o Dog barking
o Helmet
o Parking
o Fireworks
o Removal of unenforceable codes and laws
o Ensuring the fire apparatus can negotiate city streets

TBD Minutes August 16, 2012

MINUTES
Take Back DuPont
Thursday, August 16, 2012, 7:00 PM


Attendees:
Don Dresser
David Bungert
Shawna Gasak
Laurie Fait
Phil Chase
Chet Hunter
Lee Chase
Tim Mahoney

Additional Distribution:
Take Back DuPont (TBD) Facebook Group


Meeting Purpose:
* Further discussion of our mission statement and our goals.
* Potential City Council involvement with our group.
* How to promote TBD within the community.
* Recruiting members.


Previous Action:
Mission Statement


Discussion Items:
* Discussion of our mission statement was postponed due to the absence of Tom Colegrove.
* The group discussed the possibility of City Council involvement and inviting guest speakers to offer insight.
* Promoting TBD within the community.
* Create a TBD “calling card” to pass out to interested parties.
* Target community groups
o Forever Young
o Mom’s Groups
o PTA
o Lion’s Club
* Create TBD Blog and Email
* Write editorial for South Puget Sound News and Suburban Times about TBD.
* Post updates to Friends of Pierce County Facebook Group.
* The group decided to speak at council meetings to request immediate action on Tax Reforms, particularly

Business Tax Reform.

Action Items:
* Meeting minutes to be published on the FTB group page - Shawna
* Set up next group meeting - Shawna
* Post City Council Meetings and Workshops under our Events page for members to see. – Shawna

TBD Agenda 9-13-12

AGENDA / Minutes


Take Back DuPont
Thursday, September 13th, 7:00 PM


Introductions


Old Business:
1. Mission Statement
2. TBD Blog
3. Community Outreach
4. Recruiting the Fantastic Four


New Business:
1. Review of 9/11 City Council Meeting
2. Upcoming 9/17 Town Hall Meeting


Follow up on previous Action Items:
* Meeting minutes to be published on the FTB group page - Shawna
* Set up next group meeting - Shawna
* Post City Council Meetings and Workshops under our Events page for members to see. – Shawna
* Set up parameters for Gmail account and Blog – Laurie
* TBD Logo design, compose a draft of Mission Statement--Tom

TBD Group Meeting, Sept 13

Next TBD Group Meeting

September 13, 7pm at Shawna Gasak's home.  All citizens of DuPont are welcome!

Shawna's House

2228 Anderson Ave, DuPont