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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 25, 2011)
city news Vernonia City News... At the January 18, 2011, City Council Meeting: Council Holds Workshop to Discuss Processes-- New Vernonia Mayor Josette Mitchell led a public work session in which Council discussed use of a slightly revamped agenda format designed to streamline the business that is brought before Council and the discussions that occur during Council meetings. Mitchell noted that most of the suggested changes were based on research she had done to see how other cities conduct their business. Among the minor changes proposed and agreed to by the council were the process for citizens to speak during “Topics From the Floor”-- citizens will now be required to fill out a form that announces their intended topic of discussion and give that form to the City Recorder who will then pass those on to the Mayor so the citizen can be recognized at the appropriate time. This process was already being used at times during council meetings, but it appears Mitchell intends to enforce it during future meetings. Council also discussed at length the suggestion that the new agenda format include a section for “Consent Agenda for Approval”-- and would include items previously presented to Council that need decisions or that staff is recommending for approval. Council also held a lengthy discussion about the “Business from Departments” section of the agenda. Mitchell is suggesting that this time is specifically for reports from department heads and that discussions about specific projects and project details should be moved to work sessions, committee meetings or other scheduled meetings. Council also heard from Interim Police Chief Mike Conner about safety concerns for the Council while in chambers, and suggested that he might provide a “safety training” for Council in the future. Council was also presented with a four-page list of the work Interim City Administrator Bill Haack is working on. Council also discussed the need to set priorities and goals and schedule upcoming work sessions. Council was tentatively scheduled to meet on Monday, January 24 th , in another work session. Council Approves Requests For Committee Appointments-- With Council’s approval, Mayor Josette Mitchell granted two requests from former Mayor Sally Harrsion. Mitchell appointed Harrison to a position on the Economic Development Committee and to a position on the Airport Committee. Simmons Asks for Help From the City with Flooding on Bear Creek-- Citizen Leonard Simmons told Council that Bear Creek has been flooding more frequently this year and asked for help in solving the problem. Council directed Interim City Administrator Bill Haack to look into the issue and seek consultation with experts and other local residents in the neighborhood to try to find a solution. Council Approves New Liquor License-- Council approved a request Local Properties For Rent 458 North St - 3 Bedroom, 2 Baih, Wood floors ihroughoui, Gas heai, Living room wiih freesianding wood siove, Tile couniers in kiichen, Garage and Paiio, $895/mo. from “All In One Eatery” for a new Liquor License that included a change of ownership. The location of the new business is at 733 Bridge Street-- the former business name was Lyons Den Pub and Eatery. Applicants were Ernest and Robin Smith. Vernonia Coffee Roasters 5 applicant Samuel Semerjian. Council Approves Amendments to CDBG Contracts-- At the request of Community Action Team (CAT), Council approved amendments to two grant contracts: CDBG No. 08030 and CDBG No. D08017. According to CAT’s Jim Tierney, who was on hand to answer questions about the request, the contracts deal with changes to the rate schedule, payments and reimbursement processes for CAT staff working on flood relief projects. Terry’s Gym TRAIN LIKE A CHAMPION! Family owned & operated for over 40 years Get Ready For Winter! INBA World Champion Collin Moeller works out at Terry’s Gym - You can too! VIP Property Management, Inc. 2011 Council Approves Temporary Travel Trailer Parking-- Council accepted the approval from City Planner Carole Connell for the temporary placement of a travel trailer on church property at the Vernonia Community Church for use by an interim pastor. The request is for 30- 90 days; according to city code the city Council Approves Resolution may permit this use for up to six months. Honoring Fallen Rainier Police Chief-- Council approved Resolution Council Plans Training-- Council 02-11 Honoring Fallen Police Chief of agreed to a six-hour Council Workshop Rainier, Ralph Painter, and extending for themselves provided by the League heartfelt condolences to the City of of Oregon Cities (LOC) at an estimated Rainier, its staff, Chief Painter’s family cost to the city of $1320. The workshop and the citizens of Rainier. All five was tentatively scheduled for February Vernonia City Council members, along 12, based on funds being identified with all three Vernonia police officers to pay for the training and LOC staff attended the Memorial Service for Chief availability. The training agenda is Painter in Portland on January 14, 2011. expected to include items such as Roles and Differences & Relationship, The Council Informed of DEQ Wastewater Political Process-- Roles, Effective City Plan Approval-- Council received a copy Councils, Elements of Effective Teams, of a letter from the Oregon Department Good Public Policy, Ethical Leadership, of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Problem Solving, and Common informing them that the Wasteweater Mistakes. Facility Plan Update, submitted by engineering firm Brown and Caldwell Council Accepts Site Review for on behalf of the City, has been approved. Blue House-- Council accepted the City Administrator Bill Haack informed recommended approval of a Site Design Council that this clears the way for the Review from City Planner Carole planning process to move forward. Connell for the Blue House Restaurant, 1125 Ruth Ave - 3 Bedroom, 2 Baih, Large "greai room concepi", w/ free-sianding wood siove, Oak kiichen opens io greai room, Gas siove, Gas heai, 2 Car garage, Large deck, $950/mo. For more info contact Danielle 503-784-9560 or leave message at 503-255-2959 january25 503-901-1705 16720 Noakes Rd. Vernonia Generators Kerosene Batteries Ice Melt/De-Icer Propane Chains “QUALITP COFFEE ROASTED TO PERFECTION” 503.429.0850 503.816.2265 WWW.VERNONIACOFFEEROASTERS.COM (503) 429-6364 834 Bridge St., Vernonia
