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
