city/community news november5 2015 City Monthly Departments Update Utility Billing • 11/16 Utility Bills are due, 11/17 Late Fees applied to past due accounts, 11/30 Past Due accounts will be shut off. Police Department • The total number of calls for service and officer initiated activity for August and September 2015 was 590. October 1-28, 2015, Total number of calls for service and officer initiated activity was 265. • 259 total Nuisance Violations at 121 properties. Finance • The City has received information from the group that will organize the 12 Bridges Relay in July 2016. They are adding a walking relay on a separate weekend this year. They were asked to provide information to better inform the community about the event this year. • The City has provided all requested information for the annual financial audit and a final report should be available next month. • Staff has been working to upgrade forms on the City’s website and to make the website more user friendly. • The City Recorder position has been posted; applications are due November 13. Public Works • Installed two new water services, replaced two services, and repaired two services. • Staff installed underground utilities to the Spencer Park restroom. • Staff has been doing some street sweeping and will continue until the leaves are done falling. • Water Plant operations take more during the autumn season as leaves plug the intake. Staff is working with ODFW on a cost share program to install an automatic backflush system that would be installed next year. Library • Library Director Shannon Romtvedt has been on maternity leave during October and returns in November. Baby Fay and the rest of the Romtvedt family are doing well. • The Library was pleased to have Portland author Molly Gloss for a book reading and discussion on October 26. • Several new books have been added to the Library collection with donations made in memory of Faith Reynolds. and other city properties. •Winterized park properties, prepared for flood season, completed final seasonal mowings. • Provided detailed report for Council of general maintenance projects at each of the park properties in the system. City Administration 010412 Contributors Britt Bensen Steele Jeff Dolan Aaron Miller Sarah Rossi Grant Williams Photography Jesse Harbour Scott Laird Want to advertise? Have an article? Contact: scott@vernoniasvoice.com One year subscriptions (24 issues) $35 Vernonia’s Voice is published on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. GIS/Land Use Planning Vernonia’s Voice, LLC PO Box 55 Vernonia, OR 97064 503-367-0098 • Provided support on 8-10 small projects with maps and information. • Continued work to improve the water billing system. Vernonia’s Voice is published on the 1st and 3rd Thursday. Our next issue will be out on November 19th. Parks • Utilized community service workers to remove graffiti from restrooms in advance—that is the best way to make sure your order will be filled (the supply may be limited, so it’s important to order in advance). The price for the wreaths is $20.00 each. They can be picked up at the Bazaar, or a P.E.O. member will deliver it at your request. P.E.O. ladies will also be selling a tableful of homemade goodies and crafts. ALL proceeds from the wreaths and the table items will go toward P.E.O.’s ongoing commitment of furnishing scholarships for college women of all ages. Scholarships are awarded to graduating senior girls every year, and funds are directed toward grants for returning students, as well. See you at the Bazaar—it’s a fun way to catch the Christmas spirit! www.VernoniasVoice.com FULL SPORTS PACKAGE! Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7 EVENTS Sat, Nov. 7th Melody Butchers Sun, Dec. 6th - 2:00pm • Specialty hamburgers Texas Hold ‘Em • 8 Draft beers & mixed drinks • 5 Craft beers on tap • Pool tables & satelite TV • Free Wi-fi “BIKER FRIENDLY” • Beer & Kegs to go Sun - Thurs 11 AM - Midnight • 733 Bridge St, Vernonia Cedar Side Inn For fast cash! Publisher and Managing Editor Scott Laird 503-367-0098 scott@vernoniasvoice.com • City Administrator attended the construction for the WWTP, which is progressing well. Work will continue to complete the in-ground section along Webb Way trail as long as dry weather permits. Staff has asked Tetra Tech for a report regarding trail height at completion of the WWTP. If leaving the trail lower will not cause flooding downstream, the City may elect to not return it to the full height of six feet and save funds. • City Administrator has been working with ODFW and DSL to find resolution to wetland encroachment at Nickerson Ridge. Involved parties will meet in November. P.E.O. Christmas Wreaths It’s not too early to think about Christmas plans, and the local P.E.O. chapter is getting ready for their annual Wreath Sale at the Vernonia Christmas Bazaar, which will be held at the School Commons on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6. The hours are from 10:00 to 5:00 on Saturday and Noon to 5 on Sunday. P.E.O. will have its usual part in the festivities and will again offer fresh Christmas wreaths. Presales are already in progress, following the format of “preorder and prepay” that has worked well in the past. Anyone interested in getting one or more of these beauties can contact Mary Tolonen at 503-429-7214,or Patty Buchanan at 503-429-0264 to place an order and to make arrangements to pay 3 Red Carpet Birthday Bash Fri - Sat 11 AM - 2:30 AM • 503-429-9999 Terry’s Gym Saturday, November 21 Karaoke Every 2nd & Last Friday Taco Tuesday from opening until 9pm 3 hardshell or 1 softshell $4.25 Ladies’ Night every Thursday 6pm-close • Free Pool • Free WiFi • Specialty Pizzas JOIN THE TEAM! 2245 Baseline St., Cornelius (Across from Fred Meyer) 503-530-8119 State Licensed PB-0388 Open everyday at 9 a.m. iheck our Facebook page for daily specials and upcoming events 756 Bridge Street, Vernonia 503-429-5841 503-901-1705 16720 Noakes Rd. Vernonia