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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2007)
vernonia’s voice letters to the editor december 2007 05 From Your Elected Officials: Long Range Plans for Vernonia By Sally Harrison, Vernonia Mayor I was asked by “Vernonia’s Voice” to write to you again. This time I thought I’d tell you about some long range plans in the works. Let me digress a little and give you my take on why this kind of planning is so vital. Since the City of Vernonia doesn’t have a business based economy, that leaves the home owners as the only tax resource for major infrastructure projects and the day to day operation of the city. Who pays for water, sewer, streets, storm water control, park maintenance and police protection? You, the homeowners, do through property taxes and water and sewer rates. Wouldn’t it be lovely to set the stage for something or someone else to help share this responsibility? What we need to do is draw on the assets we have to make that a reality. “What assets?” you may ask. Well, look around. We have beautiful parks, a linear trail, and a state park in our back yard. We have a bike skill park being built and a skate park in the works. We have events and festivals that are well attended and a refreshingly old fashioned town with friendly citizens. We also have the benefit of our rich logging history. All of these assets can be used to build a tourist industry. If the businesses we have and other businesses that will come were also to succeed and prosper, they can contribute to the care of the community. As we encourage and support local business and projects, we are forging our way to economic stability. The two areas I personally have earmarked for improvement are the Vernonia Air- port and the replacement and realignment of the Mile Bridge (aka Green Bridge in Riverview). The Vernonia Airport has been our “Little Jewel” for years. Being adjacent to the golf course and a stunningly beautiful park plus its close proximity to Vernonia makes it an ideal project for improvement. In years past, it’s barely paid its own way. Now it’s in the red to the Vernonia taxpayers to the tune of $10,000. This is unacceptable. It is an asset that should not only be paying its own way but helping the community. With the help of the Airport Committee, we are well on the road to achieving that goal. Tim Bero has purchased property adjacent to the airport and has graciously offered the city 600 ft. to be added to the end of the runway. Hopefully, this will open the door for grants to make the needed improvements to the airport. Also, Mr. Bero will be putting airport related businesses on his own property. In order to use the airport these businesses will contract with the city. A win-win situ- ation. As to the Mile Bridge, about a year and a half ago we met with ODOT representa- tives to discuss the need to replace it. It was on their STIP to be replaced in 2009. I’m assuming because of budgetary constraints it has been pushed to 2011-2013. I cannot stress how important that bridge will be to the community. With the impend- ing linear park coming our way from Scappoose, we will need a way for bicycle, horse and pedestrian traffic to safely cross the Nehalem River. It will be wonderful when the Crown Zellerbach trail and the Vernonia/Banks linear trail hook up at Vernonia Lake making Vernonia the destination hub. Unfortunately, before we can really get down to serious planning of the lake development, we need to know the plans ODOT has for the bridge. I’ve been given assurance by an ODOT representa- tive that these plans will be forthcoming. Just a reminder, we are not advocating the replacement of this bridge for aesthetic reasons only. It has serious problems like peeling lead paint and a 54% rating at its last inspection. They had to remove the new road overlay due to weight restrictions. So there are real concerns about its stability. After the bridge disaster in the mid- west, I feel any bridge that is considered marginal should be closely monitored. There you have two long range plans. We are also having an engineering report done that will give us the proper picture of the city’s infrastructure needs concerning wa- ter, sewer, storm water and streets. I am not anticipating good news, but at least we will know where we stand and can start the long range planning to fix it. We are also starting the lengthy and expensive process of finding a new city admin- istrator. Unfortunately this will take time and money I would much rather have spent in other areas, but here we are. Due to personnel changes and the budgetary constraints of the city, it is with my deepest regret that I must cancel the Mayor’s Ball this year. I want to thank every- one for their support last year. It was great fun and good deeds were accomplished. Hopefully next year we will be able to continue, and it will be bigger and better. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to call me at 503-429-8425 or e-mail me at sallyharrison@verizon.net. ANONYMOUS DONOR In support of Vernonia’s Voice! THIS WINTER- vernonia IF YOU NEED LOCAL TOWING SERVICE IN THE VERNONIA AREA- Make sure you request service from a local provider. Police and County personnel are required to use a rotating pool of available providers, unless you specifically ask for a service by name. For towing emergencies this winter in and around the Vernonia area, please ask for R & R TOWING 503-429-9797 community learning center We would like to thank the Vernonia community for volunteering, taking classes, & offering other forms of support. Because of your involvement, the VCLC is entering into its 2nd year, stronger and busier than ever. Thank you very much. With demand for classes and services increasing, so is our list of supplies needed to meet these demands. Help us enter into the new year, by considering the VCLC when you give this holiday season. Wish List: There for you, when you need it the most! Creatures & Flowers Diamond Quality Pet foods and Supplies We carry Hillsboro Feed! Grooming Available Florist Special Orders Welcome! Call Today! (503) 429-PETS (7387) We Deliver!!! 736 Bridge Street C L Computer Software Courtyard Plants Monetary Donations More Local Instructors Office Supplies Quality Art Supplies Your Support! it’s the center to build your community. Please contact or visit the VCLC for specific details & wish list items. 939 bridge street vernonia, 97064 503.429.1030 vclc@vernonia-or.gov for specif
