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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 18, 2014)
city news december18 Vernonia City News... At the December 15, 2014 City Council Meeting Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Gives Presentation About Lake- Council heard a presentation from Robert Bradley, a fish biologist with ODFW, concerning the potential for improvements at Vernonia Lake. Bradley has been working with a group of interested local citizens to address concerns about consistent water levels, bank access and controlling weed growth. Council asked Bradley to work with the Parks Committee and return with proposed solutions. Scout Project Update- Brad Ely gave the Council an update on his Eagle Scout Project. Ely repaired and replaced eighteen interpretive signs at Vernonia Lake and along the Linear Trail. Ely told the Council the project is mostly complete. Council Authorizes Spending for Tractor Repair- Council approved expenditures to rebuild the engine and fuel injector pump on a tractor/mower used at the Vernonia Cemetery. The mower broke down two years ago. Staff presented Council with an estimate of almost $8,000 for new parts. Council directed staff to look for other estimates and search for used parts on-line. If no better option is found by March 1, staff is authorized to move forward with the current bid. Council to Explore Selling Cemetery House- Council heard a presentation from Casey Mitchell of Community Action Team about their Self Help Acquisition Rehab program. Council is considering selling the house the City owns which is next to the cemetery and formerly served as the cemetery caretaker’s house. The house is in disrepair. Mitchell told Council his program helps working class families become owners through USDA funding and sweat equity. Two citizens, Sally Harrison and Shirlee Daughtry spoke against selling the house. Council instructed staff to explore the potential of selling the house through CAT’s program. history. You can also pay your bill online through a third party merchant. Check the bottom portion of your bill for registration information. Please, feel free to call City Hall (503.429.5291) for any assistance. Police Department - VPD • November 2014 Statistics: The total number of calls for service and Officer initiated activity was 212. • December 01, - December 05, 2014: The total number of calls for service and Officer initiated activity was 38. • December 06 – December 12, 2014: The total number of calls for service and Officer initiated activity was 74. • Both of the recently purchased patrol vehicles are now in service. • We have begun the background process for four Reserve Officer applicants. Upon completion, the selected applicants will be 5 Council Approves Amendment for Utility Billing- Council approved an amendment to Ordinance 895 which clarified language in sections 10 and 11, allowing late payment of utility bills without incurring late fee penalties and establishing how and when bills are considered late and service can be shut off. Council Approves USDA Funding- Council approved Ordinance 899, authorizing the issuance of wastewater revenue bonds through USDA to finance and refinance construction and improvements to the wastewater system. The amount of the funding is $5,577,000. Webb and McNair Participate in Final Meeting- Councilors Donna Webb and Bruce McNair took part in their final City Council meeting. Both chose not to run for election after being appointed and serving for two years. Both were thanked for their service. “The way both of you dug into this work, we have definitely become a better community because of having you on the Council,” said Council President Randy Parrow. City Department Updates: December 1-14, 2014 Administration / Utility Billing • This month when the utility bills were processed there was a hiccup in the system and the water consumption portion of the bill was doubled for every account. The problem was not discovered until after all of the bills were mailed out. The problem was corrected and all accounts are now showing the correct charges. City staff would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding. • As of 12/12/2014 the outstanding balances were as follows: 90 day $1,915.62 60 day $7,993.80 30 day $2,4307.68 • Utilities shut-offs will be on 12/22/2014 • We would like to remind all utility customers that they can now register their account online. You can login and view your account information, current balance, and payment 2014 scheduled for medical evaluations. Finance • Finance Director is continuing to work with Public Works Foreman to assess the staffing needs of the Public Works Department. A report is being drafted that will show all tasks that should be done on a regular schedule. Preventative maintenance is the area most neglected due to lack of staff. • Finance Director is working with the Senior Center’s insurance agent and the City’s insurance agent to ensure both parties are properly covered in preparation of the possible move of Senior Center into the Vernonia Community Learning Center next year. • The 2013-2014 Audit Report was delivered. There are copies available at City Hall for anyone interested in reviewing it. Part of the report contains a list of findings. These describe certain procedures or policies that need to be addressed for compliance. In past years there have been as many as 8 findings; we are pleased to report that current year findings are zero. • Finance Director has begun reviewing the filing system and all files kept in the administration office at City Hall. This project is long overdue and will be worked on as time allows. We are hoping to have all files reorganized and condensed by spring. • The City’s IT consultant from ISOutsource started the server upgrade project. The upgrade will add memory capacity to the servers as well as update the operating systems to ensure that all City information is protected and archived properly. Public Works • Public Works staff diagnosed and temporarily repaired pump station #3 this week. A new continued on page 6 Vernonia City Council Meetings and Closures Need more room? See us for the lowest prices GUARANTEED! Let COUNTRY Financial ® Stuff Your Stocking with Discounts Good Student? Yep, you get a discount. Good Driver? You’re on our nice list, discount for you! Expecting a shiny new car with a big red bow? Put the new vehicle discount on your list! Got multiple policies all with COUNTRY Financial? Give me a call today for some serious savings! 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Box 292 Vernonia, Oregon 97064 (503) 429-7867 City Council Meetings are scheduled for 7 PM: Monday, January 5, 2015 City Closures are scheduled for: Wednesday, December 24 - Noon Thursday, December 25 Christmas Day Friday, December 26 Staff Day Wednesday, December 31 - Noon Thursday, January 1, 2015 New Year’s Day 10-5 Tue-Sat 12-4 Sun Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7 Lady’s Night Wed 5-12 Cedar Side Inn Ugly Sweater Christmas Party Events with Karaoke, December 20th New Year’s Eve Party Sat, Dec. 20th Third Member Sunday Breakfast Now serving 10am-9pm Taco Tuesday from opening until 9pm 3 hardshell or 1 softshell $4.25 • Free Pool • Free WiFi • Specialty Pizzas iheck our Facebook page for daily specials and upcoming events 756 Bridge Street, Vernonia 503-429-5841 Dates and times subject to change due to conflicts of schedules • Specialty hamburgers • Draft beer & mixed drinks • Pool tables & satelite TV New Year’s Eve Party with Patrick the DJ • Pool Tourny Most Friday nights • Free Wi-fi • Beer & Kegs to go Sun - Thurs 11 AM - Midnight • 733 Bridge St, Vernonia “STILL BIKER FRIENDLY” Fri - Sat 11 AM - 2:30 AM • 503-429-9999
