06
vernonia’s
voice
december
city news
2008
CityNews...
City Council November 3, 2008
City Council November 17, 2008
Police No Longer Providing Courtroom Services...
The Vernonia Police have notified Columbia County that, due
to budget constraints and manpower issues, effective No-
vember 1, 2008, Vernonia Police will no longer be able to
provide Courtroom Security and Bailiff Services for Vernonia
Justice Court. Interim Police Chief Mike Kay noted that his
department would still be available to respond to emergen-
cies involving district court.
Council Gives Go-Ahead for Another CDBG...
The City of Vernonia held a public hearing to take comment
on its plans to apply for a $500,000 Community Development
Block Grant to improve public facilities and houses. Jim Tier-
ney, from Columbia County Flood Relief (CCFR) presented a
report, explaining that the grant will be used to match FEMA
money for assisting homeowners who were affected by flood-
ing last year. Tierney explained that grant funds are spe-
cifically for buyouts, and that CCFR is requesting from the
State and County, that rental properties and businesses be
eligible for buyouts, which was not the case previously. The
City staff report stated that the project is estimated to benefit
at least twenty-five persons of whom eighty percent will be
low or moderate income. There were no comments in favor
or opposed to the grant application. Council approved the
application.
VCLC Lease to Flood Relief Ending...
The City of Vernonia and Columbia County will be ending
their agreement for rental office space for Columbia County
Flood Relief (CCFR). The Oregon Community Block Grant
Program has informed the City of Vernonia that its change in
use in regards to the Vernonia Community Learning Center,
from an educational community center to flood relief, does
not meet the requirements for the grant. CCFR has volun-
tarily agreed to relocate and terminate its lease.
Sludge Removal Completed...
The City of Vernonia has completed the removal of sludge
from the sewer lagoons. The project was initiated in re-
sponse to damage caused by flood waters last December.
Interim City Manager Jim Johnson, reported that the project
was completed in scheduled time and was under budget.
Johnson thanked city engineer Dale Merrill for overseeing the
project, and finding funds to complete it.
Council Hears Report on GIS...
Council held a work session and heard from city staff Seth
Lenearts, about the new Global Information System that the
city is developing. Lenearts explained that the new system is
a mapping system, which can be used as a database of infor-
mation. The system has the ability to overlay groups of infor-
mation over maps, and is a very efficient way of looking and
working with information. Lenearts explained that the system
has multiple uses and will benefit the city with increased data
storage, record-keeping, efficiency, and studying patterns of
information. Ben Fousek, of KLS Surveying, who is manag-
ing the development of project for the city, explained the prac-
tical uses of the system. He also explained that they have
begun mapping city utilities, and hope to have the system
operational, beginning next year. Some of the information
will eventually be available to the public online. “The pos-
sibilities are endless with GIS,” said Fousek. Fousek is ask-
ing for public input and ideas of how council and community
residents would like to see this system used.
Council Discusses Urban Renewal Districts...
At the request of the Vernonia Economic Development Com-
mittee, the Vernonia City Council held a work session to
discuss Urban Renewal Districts, and their possible uses in
Vernonia. Interim City Administrator Jim Johnson presented
a report, explaining the workings and uses, and the pros and
cons of Urban Renewal.
Council Discusses Communication Issues...
At the request of Interim City Administrator Jim Johnson,
council discussed communication with staff, and discussed
with Mayor Sally Harrison, her communication style. Coun-
cilor Cindy Ball requested that Harrison bring items before
council before she takes actions. Ball specifically raised
concerns about Harrison’s involvement with development
at the Vernonia Airport, and a plan Harrison has proposed
about voluntary parking meters in downtown Vernonia that
would raise money for local non-profits and charities. Har-
rison defended her actions and statements so far, stating she
made no promises to anyone about the airport, and was only
exploring ideas about parking meters, not committing the city
to any action. She did agree that her enthusiasm for certain
topics may at times be interpreted as speaking for the coun-
cil. Councilor Steve Whiteman reminded the Council that the
only time they have any power is while in session. Johnson
suggested that ideas be vetted with council before any ex-
ploratory work be undertaken.
From Our Elected Officials
Vernonia Vandalism Turns Ugly
By Vernonia Mayor Sally Harrison
By Scott Laird
When Scott approached me about writing an article with the one year anniversary of “The
Flood” in mind, I said, “Oh, sure, I can do that.” But, the more I sat and contemplated the
past year the harder it was to formulate my thoughts. What can I possibly say about you
wonderful people who have shared the same devastation and are not only still standing but
finding ways to rebuild and somehow, someway making our town a better place to live?
Vernonia has experienced a recent outbreak of graffiti and vandalism that has left citizens,
officials and police deeply disturbed, and a number of local youth and young adults in trouble
with the law.
I think we sometimes take our courage for granted. What is courage? Well, it’s not the ab-
sence of fear, frustration, doubt and sadness. It’s the ability to go forward in spite of it all.
Incidents of vandalism on October 11th, 18th, and 31st left graffiti damage to Vernonia school
property, city parks property and the Vernonia Scout Cabin. The graffiti included references
to violent video games, racist symbols, derogatory comments about school teachers, porno-
graphic images, and threats against local police officers.
There is a popular belief that if you visualize your dreams and desires, they are more likely to
materialize to the end. I’d like to share some of my dreams for Vernonia in the coming years.
“The juveniles who drew the swastikas knew exactly what they meant,” said Interim Ver-
nonia Police Chief Mike Kay, expressing concern about the seriousness of these incidents.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Beautiful new school’s in a safe place. Not just new buildings, but a school with new
and inventive methods of providing our kids with the best education they can get.
A new, low cost (how about free) way of moving our sewer lagoons and finally get
out from under the DEQ mandates.
Pursuing all possibilities, all avenues to try and control the amount of flood water
that comes our way next time. Whether, that would include replacing the dam on
Rock Creek or the use of outlet channels or possibly both. I truly believe this is a
doable project. Not quick and easy but doable.
I see pockets of businesses that provide family wage jobs, along with the building
upon the businesses we already have so they can be sustainable.
The completion of both the Bike Skills Park and Skate Board Venue.
A new Senior Center! These long suffering hard working citizens deserve a new
place.
My vision, for Vernonia is to maintain its quaint, friendly atmosphere. A place where
“City Folk” will love to come and get away from their own hectic hubbub. Maybe,
a Drive-in Movie, Community Gardens, Bike Races, Concerts? Where do you stop
dreaming?
I say yes, the past year has been hard, but I also see such hope for beautiful prosperous times
ahead. So, please, brave souls, come and dream along with me.
Vernonia Mayor Sally Harrison expressed disappointment. “Graffiti, hate, and destruction
have no place in our community.”
Damage to Anderson Park was valued at $3,362; to the school buildings at $1,000; and to the
Scout Cabin at $800.
According to Chief Kay, tips from local youth led to the immediate apprehension on October
31 of four juveniles and two adults involved in the most recent incidents on Halloween night.
In addition, four youth were apprehended in the earlier incidents. All have been charged.
Chief Kay praised the youth who came forward to assist police, and the Vernonia Police of-
ficers involved for their quick response in locating, identifying, and apprehending the perpe-
trators within thirty minutes of the crimes being reported.
The two adults who were apprehended on October 31-- a nineteen-year-old female, Kesha
Morgan, from Vernonia, and an eighteen-year-old-male, Devon Mezyk, no address given--
have been charged with criminal mischief in the first degree. The female was also charged
with interfering with a police officer. The four youth involved-- all males, aged thirteen
through fifteen-- have also been charged with criminal mischief.
According to Chief Kay, Oregon state law allows parents to be held responsible for actions
involving underage children. A charge of “Failure to Supervise a Juvenile” is punishable by
a $1,000 fine.
INDEPENDENT · ASSISTED LIVING · MEMORY CARE
“We are not going to stand for this,” said Chief Kay.
Mayor Harrison echoed her Police Chief. “We are not going to tolerate this anymore,” said
Harrison. “I want the people involved to know there are consequences. A lot of people have
worked hard to make this community better, and our hard work is worth something.”
COMES WITH THE EXPERIENCE AND WISDOM
T O K N OW A G O O D T H I N G W H E N Y O U S E E I T.
Graffiti of this nature has been linked to gangs. Chief Kay said he thought the adults in-
volved had been recruiting the youth. “I don’t think we have a gang problem,” said Kay.
“I think we had one starting, but we had an early intervention. We have the same problems
every other community has. We’re just trying to take a proactive stand to it.”
Avamere at St. Helens offers the best of three worlds. We
are a premier Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care
community featuring beautifully landscaped outdoor areas and
walking paths, on-site beauty and barber shops, a therapy spa
room, a full-time licensed nurse, and restaurant-style dining
served in our elegant dining areas.
Life this good is a simple phone call away.
Call 503.366.8070 or stop by today to learn
more about our services and features.
No Move-In
Fee on a
One-Bedroom
Apartment!
ANONYMOUS DONOR
In support of Vernonia’s Voice!
Avamere at St. Helens 2400 Gable Road | St. Helens, OR 97051 | 503.366.8070
1.877.avamere | avamere.com