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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 22, 2011)
city news november22 Vernonia City News... At the November 7, 2011 City Council Meeting: Council Authorizes RFQ for Wastewater Engineering—Council authorized the City Administrator to publish a Request For Qualifications (RFQ) and begin the process to advertise for an engineering firm to create pre- design and final-design documents for the Wastewater Treatment Project, based on approval of the RFQ by the City Attorney and City Engineer. Council Approves HRA/VEBA for Non-Union Employees—Council Authorized the City Administrator to create a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) Voluntary Employee’s Beneficiary Association (VEBA) for non-represented employees. The City is currently modifying health benefits to all employees and previously completed negotiations with AFSCME union employees and established HRA/ VEBA accounts in lieu of offering a COLA for those employees. Under that contract agreement the City provided a one-time initial contribution of $500 and a monthly pay-in of $25 per month for each covered employee. This current action would establish the same health benefit for non-represented employees. The City expects to see a net drop in costs through this benefit program. Council Hears Second Reading and Adopts Ordinances—Council heard the second reading of Ordinance 878— establishing the Budget Committee and prescribing powers and duties, and Ordinance 879—waiving certain sections of the development regulations to allow temporary emergency structures to be placed in general commercial zones. Council Approves Amending Cemetery Fees—Based on a request from the Vernonia Cemetery Committee, Council approved Resolution 28-11, amending the Master Fee Schedule and allowing increases to fees at the Vernonia Memorial and Pioneer Cemeteries. Council Sends Trailer Request Back to Planner—Council sent a request to extend a temporary habitation use permit for an RV back to the City Planner for more information. On January 13, 2011 the Vernonia Community Church received approval for their part-time pastor to live in an RV parked on church property for six months, in accordance with city code. That six months has expired and the church has requested additional time. Council chose to wait to make a decision pending further information. 2011 5 Council Approves Tree Removal Plan at Airport—Council approved a plan presented by the Vernonia Airport Committee to remove some trees that present a liability, authorizing the City Administrator to work with volunteers, including the Free Wheelers Club, to drop and remove the trees. Council Grants Discount for Class at VCLC-- Council approved a request from the Vernonia Community Learning Center (VCLC) Committee for a discounted rate of $180 for a proposed twelve week Hebrew Language Class for a group of local citizens. The VCLC Committee requested and received a 50% discount from the normal non- profit group rate of $15/hour. Kay Intends to Sue City of Vernonia An attorney representing former Vernonia police officer Michael Kay has sent a letter to the City of Vernonia ex- pressing her intent to file a Tort Claim against the City on Kay’s behalf. The letter, dated November 4, 2011 and received by the City on No- vember 7, was addressed to the City of Vernonia and Mayor Josette Mitchell. The letter states that it is intended to serve as formal notice of Kay’s intent to sue the City of Vernonia, “...for actions of Vernonia employees and agents taken against Officer Kay resulting in his un- lawful and unconstitutional termination from employment.” The letter is signed by Michelle R. Burrows, an attorney whose office is located in Portland. Kay’s employment with the City of Vernonia was terminated on June 27, 2011 after a 4-0 vote by the Vernonia City Council. He had been placed on paid administrative leave on March 21, 2011. The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) recommended revocation of Kay’s Po- lice certifications for life on May 19, 2011 and that decision was upheld on July 28 th . Kay and Burrows, in their let- ter to the City, state they intend to name Vernonia City Administrator Bill Haack, former Police Chief Frank Grace, cur- rent Interim Police Chief Mike Conner, Justice of the Peace Wally Thompson, Kathy Peck, Dian Rubanoff, former Mayor Sally Harrison, and Vernonia Po- Terry’s Gym TRAIN LIKE A CHAMPION! INBA World Champion Collin Moeller works out at Terry’s Gym - You can too! 503-901-1705 16720 Noakes Rd. Vernonia lice Officer Shawn Carnahan in the suit. in the letter. “Until it exists I can’t com- other city staff who may be called upon In the letter, Burrows states that ment on it,” said Haack. to provide information or who might be she intends to litigate pending employ- According to Haack, Citycounty deposed to testify in the case. ment arbitration for Officer Kay and Insurance Services (CIS) will be respon- Haack said he did not know will be filing the lawsuit in federal court sible for handling the litigation for the when the City would have more infor- before the arbitration is scheduled. Bur- City. “A civil action brought against mation about the intended lawsuit. “I rows states that in the lawsuit she will the City is covered under the City’s in- have no time frame for whether this will seek back pay, front pay, and emotional surance policy,” said Haack. Haack actually be realized as a civil tort claim damages for loss of an entire career. Ac- said direct costs to the City for this suit and if so, when,” said Haack. cording to the letter the suit will be in the would come in the “high six figures.” form of indirect Vernonia City Administrator staff support to Why not pay off your mortgage before Bill Haack, when asked about the let- CIS from the City he heads off to college? ter on November 15 th , said the City Attorney as well has not yet received any official notice as any time from that a Tort Claim has been filed, just the letter of intent. 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