Stories for DuPont
Letter to the Editor: Reasons given
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DuPont Council Members,
This is the second in a series of e-mails that address the reasons given by City Council members for their vote to approve or disapprove the 2011 Settlement Agreement, as reported in the 1/27/2012 South Puget Sound News article.
Councilwoman Trotter is quoted as saying: "We could not get the [$200,000] restoration plan without the agreement,..."
The $200,000 restoration plan to which she refers does not achieve restoration of an already degraded Edmond Marsh and Sequalitchew Creek. The only actions that will restore degraded Edmond Marsh and Sequalitchew Creek are to (1) prevent their further degradation by not permitting any activity that will result in further lowering the Vashon aquifer groundwater table level since such activity will result in adverse environmental impacts on the groundwater connected and sustained surface water bodies in this watershed, (2) restore continuous flow from Sequalitchew Lake into and through Edmond Marsh and down Sequalitchew Creek, and (3) remove the physical impediments that currently interrupt and impede the continuous flow of water from Sequalitchew Lake through Edmond Marsh and down Sequalitchew Creek to Puget Sound. Permitting CalPortland to dewater the Vashon aquifer (and permanently alter its hydrological function) so as to facilitate mining Vashon aquifer saturated gravel located on 117 acres of its existing 360 acre mine and beneath 180 acres of the South Parcel is not only contradictory to achieving a restored Edmond Marsh and Sequalitchew Creek ecosystem, it is prohibited by provisions of the 1994 Agreement, DuPont's Comprehensive Plan and DuPont's critical and sensitive area ordinances.
SBA Kicks Off Emerging Leaders Initiative for 2012
Posted by | CommentsToday, the U.S. Small Business Administration kicked off its 2012 e200/Emerging Leaders executive-level training initiative in 27 cities and communities. Since 2008 the e200/Emerging Leaders initiative has helped nearly 1,000 promising small business owners in underserved communities across the country sustain and grow their businesses, providing training they use to succeed and create jobs.
“Over the last few years Emerging Leaders has helped expand opportunities for many promising small businesses in underserved communities – in particular those that have been most impacted by these tough economic times,” SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. “Graduates of the program have increased their revenue, created jobs and helped drive local economic growth in their communities. Continuing with this year’s lineup of new classes builds on this success and provides even more entrepreneurs in underserved communities with the support, resources and skills to succeed.”
Tacoma Nature Center and Tahoma Audubon February events
Posted by | CommentsBird Walk
All ages welcome, free
Find out which of our avian friends call the Adriana Hess Wetland Park their home on a guided walk through the park. No registration needed. Call 253-565-9278 for more information.
February 13 noon – 1:30pm
Tahoma Audubon Just for Kids
Budding Scientists
Ages 5-7, $9 per student
Young homeschoolers and other children begin science and nature exploration through games, walks, and crafts. Register two days prior to the session.
This class is held at the Adriana Hess Audubon Center in University Place.
February 1 10:30am – noon Who’s Who
February 15 10:30am – noon Animal Families
February 29 10:30am – noon Bunches & Groups
Friends of Edmond Marsh and Sequalitchew Creek,
It is interesting to note that the City Council's approval of the CalPortland, DOE and Environmental Caucus drafted 2011 Settlement Agreement will obligate the City of DuPont Planning Manager and Hearing Examiner to support CalPortland's mining of the Vashon aquifer saturate gravel that is located beneath 117 acres of its present mine and 180 acres of the South Parcel. Apparently the only unresolved question at this time is the nature and extent of mitigation that it will take to rationalize circumventing application and enforcement of the no alteration of natural conditions provisions of DuPont's Comprehensive Plan and DMC 25.105 sensitive area municipal code. The Countywide Planning Policies for Pierce County, which the Council has approved, stipulates that the City of DuPont will "Maintain natural hydrological functions..." and the Puget Sound Partnership's legislative mandate that Puget Sound and the streams, wetlands, lakes and rivers in the Puget Sound Basin be preserved, protected and those degraded restored by 2020 to achieve the following six goals:
DuPont City Administrator report, Jan. 30
Posted by | CommentsBy Dawn Masko, City Administrator, City of DuPont
1. City Council Vacancy
The City is seeking interested candidates desiring to be appointed to a vacant City Council seat. This is a highly responsible legislative position for a municipal corporation with a budget in excess of 10 million dollars. Eligible citizens must be registered voters in DuPont and have been a resident for at least one year. Councilmembers receive compensation in the amount of $375 per month.
If you have an interest in serving your community, please submit an application and a letter of interest discussing your applicable experience, philosophy on a Councilmembers role, and your thoughts on the most significant issues facing the City in the short and long term. Application packets are available at DuPont City Hall or on our website www.ci.dupont.wa.us.
Application materials must be submitted in person or by U.S. mail (emails and postmarks not accepted) to: City of DuPont, Council Vacancy, Attn: Erin Larsen, City Clerk, 1700 Civic Drive, DuPont, WA 98327 by Friday, February 10th at 4:00 PM.
Public survey on qualifications for Steilacoom High principal
Posted by | CommentsSteilacoom Historical School District is seeking public input to assist the district in the search for a Principal for Steilacoom High School. Your input will be a critical component of the screening team’s deliberation and Superintendent’s final recommendation.
It is the District’s intention to seek the best balance between work experiences, education and preparation, personal qualities, role expectations of the principal, and the ability to respond to the community’s educational needs.
The results of the survey will be compiled and individual responses will be confidential. Input will be accepted until January 31, 2012.
Office of Advocacy Releases Small Business Profiles for All 50 States
Posted by | CommentsToday the Office of Advocacy released the annual Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories. This is the 16th year Advocacy has published a state-by-state profile of American small business for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. The profiles are an invaluable resource for small businesses, legislators, academics, government officials, and policymakers in each state. The Washington profile uses the most recent data available to provide details about the state’s small business employment; business starts and closings; bank lending; business ownership by minorities, women, and veterans; and firm and employment change by major industry and firm size.
“Small businesses are the foundation of economic growth in Washington and in our nation” said Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. “By supporting policies that promote innovation and entrepreneurship, we help small businesses tackle these challenging economic times. These statistics are a resource for a path to economic growth.”
What to do with extra garbage, recycling and storm debris
Posted by | CommentsLast week’s storm affected almost everyone’s trash and recycling collection and many of you are wondering when to set out your containers.
American Disposal, DM Disposal, and Murrey’s Disposal, Lakewood Refuse, LeMay Enterprises, and Pierce County Refuse
For no additional charge, the company will accept twice your normal amount of garbage and recycling on your next regularly scheduled pick up day. If this requires you to use an additional container, please make sure you label it “Garbage” or “Recycling”. Drivers will be on the lookout for these extra containers.
Letter: SCWC Responds to Settlement Agreement Approval
Posted by | CommentsLast night the DuPont City Council approved, by a vote of 5 to 1, the 2011 Settlement Agreement allowing CalPortland Co. to apply for gravel mining permits in areas adjacent to its existing mine, for what could become the largest in the nation.
While proponents of the agreement say that it describes a process that could restore flows to Sequalitchew Creek, the proposed mining expansion and draining of the underlying Vashon Aquifer within the South Parcel will further degrade Edmond Marsh, Sequalitchew Creek, and the near shore seeps along the Puget Sound shoreline. The proposed draining of the aquifer at the site will permanently change the hydrology of the watershed. A permanent and irreversible lowering of the ground water table appears counterproductive to any long-term restoration plan for the Sequalitchew Creek watershed.
BBB Notices Increase in Business Identity Theft
Posted by | CommentsIdentity theft crimes are not limited to individuals; businesses can also become victims. Better Business Bureau warns of a recent surge in business identity theft.
“Impostors hijack and exploit information from legitimate organizations to swindle unsuspecting consumers,” said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB servingAlaska,OregonandWestern Washington.
Copycats often design similar-looking websites, advertisements and solicitations featuring real business names, logos and contact information to cheat consumers under false guise—and potentially ruin other businesses' reputations.
Victimizing deployed soldiers’ families would bring stiffer penalties
Posted by | CommentsOnline Puppy-Selling Scam Takes Consumers for a Bad Walk
Posted by | CommentsBetter Business Bureau serving Alaska,Oregon andWestern Washington has received reports of scams targeting consumers looking to purchase puppies online.
Legitimate-looking websites and classified ads entice pet shoppers with cute puppy pictures, detailed descriptions, and below-average prices. When shoppers contact sellers and attempt to make purchases, they are directed to wire money—typically overseas—to complete paperwork and secure shipping. Buyers then receive emails that contain shipping receipts, animal crate numbers, flight numbers and times, and other seemingly genuine information.
SBA Program Helps to Bridge the Small Business Gap
Posted by | CommentsThe U.S. Small Business Administration’s national network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) plays an essential role in the economic development of their states and local communities through their direct, face-to-face counseling for small businesses, according to a report released today by the SBA. The report, produced by the National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, focuses on SBDCs’ impact on small business access to SBA’s programs and services, including access to SBA capital, procurement, disaster and international trade programs.
“SBA’s Small Business Development Centers give new and growing small businesses the resources they need throughout the year to grow and create jobs,” said SBA Administrator
Denny Heck Named One of the Top Democratic Candidates in the Nation
Posted by | CommentsEarlier today the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the organization charged with electing Democrats to the United States House of Representatives, named Denny Heck one of the first members of the Red-to-Blue Program.
The DCCC’s Red-to-Blue Program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support. Candidates for the program are chosen based on proven success at meeting and surpassing fundraising, organizing, and infrastructure goals and skillfully demonstrating to voters that they are problem-solvers who will protect the middle class when elected to Congress.
BBB Offers Advice on Searching For Trusted Medical Professionals
Posted by | CommentsDon't wait until illness or injury strike; Better Business Bureau recommends beginning the search for doctors and other medical professionals while in good health.
"Trust and patience are critical when searching for doctors," said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. "Sensitive medical information should always be in competent, qualified hands."
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are approximately 97,820 family doctors—also known as general practitioners—operating in the United States, so finding a quality fit may seem like an overwhelming task. Save headaches by considering the following:
DuPont Mayor seeks to improve financial health of the community and empower youth
Posted by | CommentsAfter taking the oath of office on January 10, 2012, Mayor Michael Grayum swore in newly elected Councilmember Mike Courts, and then acted quickly to focus on top priorities. “We must focus on the core role of government, establish clear priorities, and work together to achieve effective outcomes,” said Mayor Grayum.
DuPont City Administrator report, Jan. 16
Posted by | CommentsBy Dawn Masko, City Administrator, City of Dupont
1. City Council Vacancy
As Michael Grayum took the oath of office for Mayor, his seat was vacated on the DuPont City Council. The City is now seeking interested candidates desiring to be appointed to fill this vacancy. This is a highly responsible legislative position for a municipal corporation with a budget in excess of 10 million dollars. Eligible citizens must be registered voters in DuPont and have been a resident for at least one year. Councilmembers receive compensation in the amount of $375 per month.
If you have an interest in serving your community, please submit an application and a letter of interest discussing your applicable experience, philosophy on a Councilmembers role, and your thoughts on the most significant issues facing the City in the short and long term. Application packets are available at DuPont City Hall, 1700 Civic Drive, or on our website www.ci.dupont.wa.us.
