Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 16, 2014)
community State of the City over 50 years, and the intent in which the current players had planned to resolve any and all issues. I feel encouraged that the two entities will have a document agreed upon that can come before Coun- cil for approval this month. 3. How about other major City proj- ects—What can you tell us about the progress on the Wastewater Treat- ment Upgrade project? How about the New Spencer Park Construction? Anything else the City is working on that you think people should know about? The City has many small and a few larger projects currently going on. The upgrade to the Wastewater Treatment Fa- cility may be the biggest. The City has to remove the biosolids that exist from the sewer lagoons; that Request for Propos- als is going out this month. Once those biosolids are removed the City must elevate the dikes around the lagoons, it helps to protect the dike edges that are vulnerable during flood events and is required by DEQ. The last part of the project for completion is the construc- tion of a building to house the new fil- tration system and digging of discharge trenches. The filtering system will allow us to make an affluent product that then can be released into the trenches which will allow it to slowly be released back into the water table. This whole project is to solve the problems we have with vulnerability, storage, and discharge of wastewater. Another big project that the City is involved in is the New Spencer Park, on the old school site. The building of the january16 2014 19 continued from front page replacement fields is actually the respon- sibility of the Vernonia School District; however the City is a partner. The School District will be replacing the fields that existed at the old Spencer Park where the new school now sits. The City has projects they are working on in the same plan; a restroom facility to serve the new fields and a covered picnic shelter area are in the works using grant funds from Oregon Parks and Recreation Depart- ment. The Parks Committee is working through plans and the hope is that these amenities will follow field construction. product in Vernonia. The utility rates are stable and we are paying down the debt 7. Is former Police Officer Mike Kay of our system upgrades. The parks and finally gone? How much did all the public spaces are being used by citizens legal issues surrounding him cost the for community events. I hope citizens still feel about Vernonia in 5 years the City? The City prevailed in the arbitra- way they felt when first coming here or tion case with Officer Michael Kay. The growing up here. It is a fantastic town in entire case cost the City $227,561; the the woods; I hope it continues to be the place we all love to live. arbitration alone cost $86,054. In 20 years I see the same as my 5 8. What is your “big picture” vision year vision, but still with the small town for the City of Vernonia. Where do feel; knowing your neighbors, safe for you see the City in five years? In twen- children, nature all around. ty years? 4. Are you comfortable with the way In 5 years I see Vernonia having 9. What do you see as the biggest chal- the City Council handled the firing a thriving new Senior Center, Food lenges to making the City successful? of previous City Administrator Bill Bank, and Health Center on the Rose There are many challenges to mak- Haack? Avenue property. The downtown busi- ing the City successful, however, if as Yes nesses are successful. People are walk- a community we stay focused toward ing the downtown, frequenting the local moving forward together to better our 5. Did the City Council do the right shops. No empty storefronts, perhaps community, I feel we can overcome all thing when they rehired Bill Haack in new services we don’t have currently. the challenges before us. We have done September 2011? We have more companies providing liv- it before, we can do it again. At the time I think it was the right ing wage jobs, perhaps making some decision. There was a lack of communi- cation within the Council when he was fired in 2010. The newly formed Council felt that he was the best candidate. 6. With the firing of Bill Haack, should the people of Vernonia expect any oth- er major changes, not necessarily per- sonnel related, in the operations of the City? I don’t see any changes that will affect the community from the recent termination. Council and Staff are con- tinuing the work the City has going. Staff has been working hard to continue to serve the community with all the ser- Baby and Toddler Time Songs, rhymes, very short books, toys and bubbles! Starting March 12th 11:00 - 11:30 2nd Wednesday of every month Vernonia Public Library For ages 0-3, older siblings welcome Mariolino’s Pizza & Grill Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner Ice cream - cones, shakes & sundaes Daily Specials Family owned and operated for over 40 years. 721 Madison Avenue, Vernonia (503) 429-5018 vices they would expect.
