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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (April 29, 2015)
Wednesday, April 29, 2015 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon LETTERS Continued from page 20 Cloverdale Road being constructed, when the foundation was built and then torn out I asked what happened, I was told due to ADA restric- tions and available land the first foundation was not going to work. Had there been proper oversight, this issue should not have been a problem and were it not for generous com- munity members donating time and equip- ment there would have been a significant cost overrun. A few years ago, the district purchased a piece of equipment for $100,000. In the cur- rent budget that unit is to be surplused and re-sold for something between $50,000 and $80,000. For a district the size of Cloverdale to take even a $20,000 loss in only two or three years, to me, is quite concerning. Following the passage of the bond mea- sure, the board approved the spending of $800,000 for new engines without actually knowing what the specifications of those engines would be. I attended the most recent board meeting in which the plans for the new facilities were presented to the board for the first time — and approved within 20 minutes of being presented. I have been involved in hundreds of construction proj- ects over the years and can tell you the speed with which these plans were approved is unheard of. The volunteers and the constituents deserve thoughtful consideration, critical thinking and vigorous discussion when significant financial decisions are made. I don’t believe that is cur- rently the case and would urge you to check into it for yourself. If elected I will assist in providing those things to the process to ensure the best, most appropriate decisions are made going forward. Rob Malone s s his tenure as chief. That said, the district is facing a chal- lenge that it has not previously undertaken and I’m afraid the lack of experience is show- ing. As the residents of the district know, a bond was recently passed for $2.475 mil- lion to do significant upgrades and improve- ments to facilities and apparatus. Managing those funds and improvement projects will be a significant task. The strain has already shown itself through lack of oversight and mismanagement. Questions: Why is the Sisters Rodeo Association willing to spend money to move and salvage a structure that Cloverdale Fire District was not willing to salvage? Why did the new building foundation of Station 602 have to be torn out and re-poured, likely at taxpayer expense? Why are new engines being purchased, while a newly purchased engine is being surplussed at a likely $50,000 loss. A truly functional board of directors employs group process to make better deci- sions. The board thrives on difference of opin- ion and takes in information from many dif- ferent sources and life experiences to arrive at a better decision than individuals can make on their own. For the first time in a number of years the voters have a choice of candi- dates willing to offer their experience and opinion to help create a more well-rounded board. I would encourage the voters not to vote for specific candidates, but to talk to the incumbents and candidates and ask how we got to where we are now; what do they plan to do to keep the district on track; and who is watching the $2.745 million (plus 20 years of interest) to assure that it is wisely spent. Todd Williver s To the Editor: As a former decade-long director of the Cloverdale Fire District, I have the utmost respect for the members and volunteers of the district. A volunteer fire district is difficult to staff, and Cloverdale has managed to accom- plish that for decades through the dedication of the men and women of the district. I also believe the chief has done a good job of man- aging the daily operations of the district and brought forward many needed changes during s FURRY FRIENDS FOUNDATION. ORG 30 Rural & Residential Property Sales Protecting your investment is my number-one priority! It does make a difference who you hire to represent you. Patty Cordoni, Broker 541-383-7600 offi ce 541-771-0931 mobile patty.cordoni@sothebysrealty.com 541-593-4277 431 E. Ctsctde Ave., Sisters Etch offi ce is independently owned tnd opertted. Black Butte Ranch Property Specialist Ed Derksen Broker BBR Owner since 1980 503-706-4556 541-549-6000 offi ce derksen@reedbros.com REED BROS. REALTY 291 W. Cascade Ave., Sisters s s T JUS Local bikeway may lose designation The Metolius Loops Scenic Bikeway may lose its designation because it con- flicts with the Wild & Scenic designation for the Metolius River. However, the route will remain open to bicycling, even if it’s not a designated scenic bikeway. According to Alexandra Phillips, bicycle recre- ation specialist with the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, “the process to get to removing the designa- tion started with many meet- ings (in person and calls) with the Forest Service, Camp Sherman businesses owners, Friends of the Metolius, resi- dents of Camp Sherman and the local bikeway proponents all trying to find a way for the bikeway designation, with its promotion goals to live com- fortably and happily with the Wild and Scenic Corridor Plan written by the Forest Service which was based on public comment that discour- ages promotion and does not allow for video permits.” The public can comment through May 18 at Oprd.pub- liccomment@oregon.gov. The State Parks and Recreation Department direc- tor will make a recommenda- tion to the commission and the State Parks Commission will hold a vote on removing the designation June 24. The Metolius Wild and Scenic plan calls for protect- ing these important values by reducing congestion, consid- ering the primitive experi- ence, and not permitting com- mercial entities to promote the area to draw visitors. Designated scenic bike- ways have proven very popu- lar. They promote visits to an area and draw many cyclists, which conflicts with the values laid out in the older (1998) Metolius River plan. Quality Electrical Wiring • New Construction • Remodels • Service Calls David Marshall D! L O S 541-549-3233 CB#181111 / CCB#152389 541-419-WIRE (9473) 5 SERVING CENTRAL OREGON FOR OVER 10 YEARS www.marshallelectricoregon.com • Sold for $330,000 at BBR • $15,000 above asking price • Pending in only 5 days Ellen Wood, Ell W d Broker, GRI, ABR 541-588-0033 541-588-6614 290 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters (Across from Sisters Bakery) www.SearchingCentralOregon.com
