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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (July 21, 2016)
6 city news july21 2016 Explaining Code Enforcement Owner’s Association (HOA) type government. While, that sentiment is understandable due to our geography, and lack of traffic lights, the fact remains that Vernonia is a City that has rules. The City acts as stewards to its citizens and their interests, whether, it’s the mitigation of private property use to create a clean and safe environment for its citizens, or mitigating the use of publicly owned lands to ensure available use by its citizens. Vernonia’s Code Enforcement enforces 16 common violations under Title 3 Public Protection Section 3-02 Nuisance Control (http://www.vernonia- or.gov/Forms/Ordinances.asp). These violations include: Trash Covered Premise, Dangerous Structures, Potential Vermin Habitat, Stagnant Water, Junk Vehicles, Attractive Nuisance, Obstruction to Public Right-of-Way, Noxious Vegetation, Trees, Illegal Dumping, Dumping in Waterways, Ditches, Culverts, Nuisance Animals, Radio Interference, and Commercial Zones. Code Enforcement also enforces: • Chapter 3-03 Property Maintenance • Chapter 3-06.03 Livestock and Domesticated Fowl and, Title 9 Land Use and Development (http://www. vernonia-or.gov/Forms/Ordinances.asp) The process for Code Enforcement is very simple and documented in both Title 3 and Title 9. Violations are either self-initiated by City Staff or a result of a citizen complaint. If a complaint is lodged against a property then Code Enforcement will go to the location and verify that the complaint violates City Ordinances. If the owner is present we may speak to them and make them aware of the violation. More often than not, we find that people are unaware of the Ordinance and they will voluntarily correct the violations. If physical contact is not made, then a Notice of Civil Violation is sent to the address of record. This letter will state the violations that need to be corrected and the date they need to be corrected by (usually 14 continued from page 5 days). Enforcement there is no instant gratification. It often At this point it is not uncommon that we are takes time to have issues resolved, and there are times asked for an extension of time. Generally these are a lessor violation will be put to the back of the pile if a granted if progress is being made. When progress more pressing or hazardous violation occurs. It is also does not continue and the situation is not resolved a inevitable that we will miss some violations. This has second letter will be sent with an additional 14 days for nothing to do with bias as everyone is treated the same, compliance. If again the deadline comes, and progress from the citizen, business owner, politician, friends, or has not been made or resolved we send a third letter family, everyone is equal. with an additional 14 days for compliance to be met. Everyone has their opinions on Code Enforce- On both the second and third letter we express ment both good and bad. All are taken with an open that noncompliance could result in a fine of $500 mind to ensure that we better our process, continually per day per violation as set forth by Vernonia City meet the needs of the citizens of Vernonia, and remain Ordinance. Responsible parties also have the option to ultimately transparent in our actions. Vernonia Code sign a Corrective Action agreement that allows them Enforcement is a part of the Oregon Code Enforcement up to, but not more than, six months to become within Association and continually trains with them to ensure compliance. There is no fourth letter. If compliance has good customer service, and the most up-to-date stan- not been met, and a Corrective Action Plan has not been dards and information. signed then an Oregon Uniform Citation and Complaint If you have questions, or would just like to will be issued and the responsible party will be fined have a conversation about the Vernonia City Code feel and have to appear in court. At this time abatement free to come to City Hall. We will be happy to explain or correction of violations by the City is also possible the Ordinance or answer your questions. whereas the property will be cleaned/repaired to Ordinance Standards. The cost, attached to the fines and property is then potentially liened. In the last two years of Code Priorities highlight critical need to providers, and community members. The policies, developed by Enforcement the City of expand training and accountability Vernonia has had over for foster parents and caseworkers, to youth themselves, expose systemic issues 800 violations completed improve support for LGBTQ+ youth, in the foster care system and include: through citizen and to institute a Sibling Bill of Rights improving training for foster families Current and former foster youth and caseworkers on conflict-resolution compliance, only five from across Oregon met in Portland and LGBTQ+ youth; increasing youth citations, and abated one property. It is our goal to and presented policy recommendations engagement around new placement gain compliance rather on July 19, 2016 to an audience of and permanency planning; and lawmakers, Oregon Department of incorporating best practice models for than punitive action. For Code Human Services administrators, service continued on page 16 Empowered Youth Set Policy Agenda to Improve Oregon’s Foster Care System On The Shelves By Shannon Romtvedt Upcoming Events at the Library Friends of the Library Booksale is coming up Jamboree weekend. Open hours: Friday, August 5, 4 – 7 pm and Saturday, August 6, 9 am – 5 pm. Friends of the Library welcome donations for the booksale of books and dvds in good condition. They can be brought to the library during open hours. Please no textbooks, magazines, or books with very outdated information. If interested in volunteering for the booksale, please contact the library (503) 429-1818. Stages Youth Academy per”orm “Ar”!” The library now has a small collection of board games for check-out. Games check out for 1 week. Titles in the collection include: Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Labyrinth, 7 Wonders, Count Your Chickens (Pre-K), Race to the Treasure (Pre-K), I-Spy Game (Pre-K). If you have a game (with all pieces in good condition) you would be interested in donating to the collection, please contact Shannon at the library (503) 429-1818 or shannonr@vernonia-or.gov. Summer Reading is coming to a close this year. Participants can turn in time logs between Monday, July 25 and Friday, August 12 to pick out a free book and enter the grand prize drawing. On Thursday, August 11, 6 pm, there will be a celebration at the library for Summer Reading participants. Door prizes, crafts, activities, cookies, and more. We had 105 children and teens sign up for Summer Reading this year. Prize winners so far include: Brianna Moloney, Tyler Riddell, Cannon McLeod, and Kaiden Van Lom. More winners to come…thank you for reading! Tuesday, July 26, 10:30 am A canine musical of kindness, courage, and calamity. Performed by a children’s traveling theater group based out of Hillsboro, OR. Reptile Man – at the Cabin in Vernonia by Hawkins Park Thursday, July 28, 6:30 pm Oregon’s popular “Reptile Man” comes to Vernonia with live reptiles. For children and families. Doors open at 6:15 pm. Note that this program is not at the library. Friends o” the Library Jamboree Booksale Friday, August 5, 4 – 7 pm Saturday, August 6, 9 am – 5pm Paperback Books $1. Hardback Books $2. Proceeds support library programs and services. Jamboree Parade Saturday, August 6, 11 am The library will have a float in the parade! Please contact Shannon at the library if you are interested in your kids being on the library float. (503) 429- 1818 or shannonr@vernonia-or.gov. Summer Reading Party Thursday, August 11, 6 pm Summer Reading participants and families are invited to celebrate with us. Crafts, activities, cookies, and door prizes. Ongoing Programs Book Discussion Group Last Monday of every month, 5:30 pm Selection for July 25: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr Writer’s Group July 19, 6 – 7:30 pm Third Thursday of the month. For all levels of writing experience. New members always welcome. Baby and Toddler Time Mondays, 10:30 – 11:15 am Songs, short stories, toys, and bubbles for 0 - 3. Older siblings welcome. Staff and Patron Review Display As you walk into the library this summer, please take a moment to look at our display. Books on the display include reviews written by staff or patrons. Books can be checked out and we also encourage patrons to leave reviews. Children, teens, and adults can participate. Help us recommend books in our collection to patrons looking for something new to read. Library Volunteers Welcome to new library volunteers: Sky Williams and Cheyanne Farr-Smith. And to new Library Board members: Betty Ann Smith and Myrrhina Kibben. We appreciate your help and support of the library! Library Closures Saturday, August 6. Open only for the Friends of the Library Booksale 9 am – 5 pm. Hours & Contact In”o Mon, Wed, Fri 10 am – 5 pm Tues & Thurs 1 pm – 7pm Sat 10 am – 4 pm Closed Sundays Phone: (503) 429-1818 E-mail: library@vernonia-or.gov
