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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 6, 2016)
city news At the September 19, 2016 City Coun- cil Meeting: Topics From the Floor – Brett Costley, Chair of the Vernonia School Board ad- dressed the Council and encouraged all Vernonia voters to support the School Bond. David Sterner brought forward a plan for placement of a food cart he would like to operate on City property across the street from Spencer Park. Council suggested he work further with city staff on the location of the business. Council Discusses Staff Appreciation – At the request of Councilor Bruce McNair, Council discussed providing staff with a reward for their improved performance. McNair suggested an ad- ditional paid day off from work this year. “During the last ten years that I’ve been involved in the City business I noticed a marked improvement in the City staff, especially in the last few years,” said McNair. “Given the budgetary restric- tions we have, it’s my proposal that we give them something to show our appre- ciation for their hard work. The change in the culture of the staff across the board has been fantastic. And this won’t cost us anything.” McNair attended a staff meeting on September 28 to inform staff of the Council’s decision to give them an extra day off on October 21. Council Approves Travel Trailer Per- mits – Council approved applications for Inhabiting Travel Trailer Permits Vernonia City News... submitted by Dawn Scott on a property at 915 2 nd Avenue, and for James Wan- less on a property where he is building a new home. Initially Councilors Mike Seager and Bruce McNair suggested that Council not approve any more In- habiting Travel Trailer Permits until Council reviews the ordinance on this issue at a workshop in October, but were overruled by Councilors Kim Tierney and Jill Hult, along with Mayor Randy Parrow, who agreed that the City has current rules overseeing this and should continue to follow them until the Coun- cil makes a change. Council Approves Contract Amend- ment – Council approved by consen- sus an amendment to the contract with city engineering firm Tetra Tech for the Waste Water Treatment Plant project that includes an additional scope of work to prepare an evaluation of ammonia treat- ment the City plans to add to the project. City Administrator Report – City Administrator Josette Mitchell told the Council that staff has begun removing selected trees from the downtown corri- dor as part of the plan to replace the trees with something more suitable. Mitchell told Council the City has received final engineered plans for the picnic shelter that will be constructed at Spencer Park from lumber salvaged by the City from Washington Grade School. At the October 3, 2016 City Council Calling All Artists and Cultural Activists! 2017 Cultural Coalition Grant application now online The Columbia County Cultural Coalition (CCCC) is pleased to an- nounce that funding for the grant year 2017 is available for projects and events that advance the culture, art and heritage of Columbia County. Grant application forms and guidelines are on the CCCC website www.columbiacultural.org/ forms. Applications should be submit- ted to Kannikar Petersen at kpetersen@ akaandesign.com by Friday, November 18, 2016. Grant awards range from $500 to $2,000. Eligible applicants are either 501(c)(3) non-profits, government agen- cies, or individuals/groups that have 501(c)(3) sponsorship. The CCCC is made up of vol- unteers from Clatskanie, Rainier, Scap- poose, Vernonia and St. Helens. Their mission is to fund projects and activities in the arts, local heritage and the human- ities. The priorities of the Cultural Plan include protecting existing cultural as- sets, helping people experience a variety of venues, and increasing access to, and The Vernonia Transfer Station is open on the 2nd and 4th Saturday October 8 & 22 November 12 December 10 Dates are subject to change due to weather participation in, cultural events. The coalition has awarded close to $100,000 since 2005 with funds al- located by the Oregon Cultural Trust (OCT). Established in 2001, the OCT is a public/private partnership that makes annual grants to county and tribal groups. The OCT website, www.cultur- altrust.org, contains information about its programs and the matching gift tax credit available to donors. The CCCC has supported pub- lic art and performances, historical res- toration, community events and other projects across Columbia County that have enhanced people’s lives. Help finding non-profit spon- sors and/or completing the application is available. They would be happy to an- swer any questions. Please contact Cici Bell at cicibell@juno.com. Three positions on the Vernonia City Council (Mayor and two Councilors) will be open for the General Election in November. The following persons are running for City Council: Two Council positions (4-year term) Bruce McNair (incumbant) Mike Buffum Susan Wagner The following persons are running for Mayor: One Mayor position (2-year term) Kim Tierney Mario P. Leonetti Meeting: Council Approves Night Closures at Parks – Based on a recommendation from the Parks Committee, and a plan presented by city staff, Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 911, which amended Ordinance 881, limiting hours of use in certain parks. Shay, Ora Bol- meier and Hawkins Parks will now be closed from dusk until dawn; Vernonia Lake will be closed from 11:00 pm un- til 5:00 am; Spencer Park will be closed from 11:00 pm until dawn; and Anderson and Airport Parks will be closed during quiet hours to non camping guests from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am. Topics From the Floor – Susan Wagner complained about the lack of signage on Highway 47 heading south at the Green Bridge and said it is a hazard for motor- ists. Vernonia Police Chief Mike Conner said he had spoken to ODOT about the issue, who responded that, “there have not been enough fatalities there” to war- rant any action from them. Conner said he would investigate further. Bill Langmaid, representing the Vernonia School Bond Committee, en- couraged everyone to vote in favor of the School Bond. He also introduced a new community event, the Graveyard Run, on October 29 at 10:00 am. Council President Appoints Walton to Planning Commission - In the ab- sence of Mayor Randy Parrow, Council President Kim Tierney, with approval october6 2016 5 from the Council, appointed Jeff Walton to the Planning Commission. Walton is the owner of Vernonia Springs Outdoor Events Park. Council Approves Travel Trailer Permit Request – Council approved a request from Stewart Grady to allow Vance and Alicia Hansen to occupy a travel trailer on his property at 1363 Knott Street for six months. Waste Water Project Receives Savings – Finance Director Angie Handegard in- formed Council that the City will save $51,699 in annual interest payments by taking advantage of a lower interest rate when they close the USDA loan that helped fund the project this month. City Administrator Report – City Administrator Josette Mitchell told Council she was told by HBH contractors that the owners of the remaining lots at Nickerson Ridge Estates have not authorized any work to fix the storm water drainage issues, which was supposed to be completed this fall. Mitchell said she then received an email from the owners, stating they were, “in good faith” beginning the plans. Mitchell expressed disappointment in the lack of progress. She emphasized that there are two separate issues, the storm water, and the conditions of the streets that will not allow the City to accept the streets as their responsibility. Mitchell said fixing the storm water issue will allow continued on page 9 Vernonia Police Blotter • September 15-30, 2016 REPORTS TAKEN • September 15, 2016 Arrest on a Warrant near Heather Lane • September 16, 2016 Recovery of a stolen vehicle near Louisiana Ave. • September 18, 2016 Arrest on a detainer near Bridge Street • September 18, 2016 Report of Assault near Vernonia Lake • September 19, 2016 Report of possible suicide attempt • September 21, 2016 Arrest on a Warrant near River Street • September 28, 2016 Arrest on a detainer for probation violation near Jefferson Avenue • September 28, 2016 Arrest for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, more than an ounce. • September 30, 2016 Arrest was made for a Domestic Harassment and Disorderly Conduct near State Street • September 30, 2016 Arrest on a Warrant near Weed Avenue Avenue • September 25, 2016 Cited for Violation of the Basic Rule, driving 71 mph in a 55 mph near HWY 47 • September 29, 2016 Cited for Driving While Suspended/Uninsured near Bridge Street • September 29, 2016 Cited for No Operators Endorsement near Rose Avenue CITATIONS / OTHER • September 12, 2016 Cited for Driving Uninsured near Bridge Street • September 21, 2016 Cited for Driving While Suspended/Uninsured and Expired Tags near Rose Vernonia Police Depart- ment responds to calls that do not always end in Arrest, Report, or Cita- tion. 09/15/2016 through 09/30/2016 VPD had 182 calls for service. Vernonia City Council Meetings and Closures 291 A Street call Kim City Council Meetings are scheduled for 7:00 pm: Monday, October 17, 2016 Monday, November 7, 2016 City Closure is scheduled for: Friday, November 11, 2016 Veteran’s Day Dates and times subject to change due to conflicts of schedules Lovable service at a reasonable price • Bathing • Haircuts • Nail Clipping • Nail Polishing • Specialty Shampoos
