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
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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.
