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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (March 2, 2017)
city news march2 2017 5 Vernonia City News... At the February 21, 2017 City Council meeting: Council Approves Change to Utility Billing Process – Council approved Or- dinance 912 and incorporated suggested changes from staff to the current process used for utility billing by the City. Staff member Ben Fousek told the Council that when the City converted to a new billing system at the end of 2014, cer- tain changes were made that need to be rectified to simplify the billing process for both staff and customers. The new changes would adjust the billing to go out the last week of the month and no later than the first business day of the month, would have bills due the 15 th of each month, and set water service shut off for the 25 th of the month. Council Moves Forward with MOA on Nickerson Ridge – Council re- cessed to Executive Session under ORS 192.660 (2)(f) “To consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection.” and (h) “To consult with legal counsel concerning the rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.” Upon returning to Open Ses- sion, Council approved a motion to au- thorize the City’s legal counsel to offer a Memorandum of Agreement to the own- ers of the empty lots at Nickerson Ridge Estates. Topics From the Floor – Bob and Bon- nie Lawrence asked for help with flood- ing from Bear Creek that is eroding the yard at their property on Maple Street. Bonnie Lowrance told the Council there are issues with a culvert that was re- cently replaced just above their property. City Administrator Josette Mitchell told the Lowrances that she has discussed the issue with a Department of State Lands representative and that the Council has made the flooding on Bear Creek a pri- ority. She also noted that the installation of the larger culvert and logging that happened this past summer in the ravine above the creek has led to more water in Bear Creek during heavy rains. Carol and Steve Calhoun spoke separately and both told the Council they were unhappy with the decision to re- move all the downtown trees. Carol Cal- houn encouraged Council to replace the trees with a proper species and offered suggestions for appropriate trees. Steve Calhoun told the Council he has had a business presence on Bridge Street for twenty-three years and thinks there are The Vernonia Transfer Station is open on the 2nd and 4th Saturday from 8am-2pm March 11 & 25 April 8 & 22 Dates and times are subject to change due to weather benefits to having trees in the downtown corridor. He said any well designed city has a diversity of plants and trees and asked Council to consider replacing the trees that were removed. He provided ideas for urban designs that included trees. Terry and Gretchen Lindauer, who live on Nickerson Avenue, ad- dressed Council concerning the devel- opment issues at Nickerson Ridge Es- tates. Terry Lindauer told Council they have lived in Vernonia for 27 years and recently purchased adjoining lots in the Nickerson development, one for their house and one for a shop they intend to build. Lindauer said he did his due dili- gence and talked with “authorities that have jurisdiction” before purchasing the lots, but has had several problems that has not allowed for the construction of the shop. According to Lindauer the original development was constructed 15 years ago and since then eight homes have been permitted and constructed. Lindauer said inadequate street drain- age has led to standing water on both their lots and those issues have led the City to stop issuing building permits to the developers or anyone else on any of the remaining lots in the development. Lindauer said that mistakes have been made on both sides but Council needs to resolve the issue. Dr. Joseph Dombek, who also lives in the Nickerson Ridge Estates de- velopment and is also having drainage issues with his home, asked the Council to resolve the issue. Council Gives Extension on Code Vio- lation – Council approved a six month extension to Janet Henry to develop a suitable site to store her RV at her prop- erty on B Street. Henry said she has been parking vehicles in this spot for 23 years and was recently cited by lo- cal code enforcement for obstructing the right-of-way. Henry had signed a Voluntary Correction Agreement in Au- gust, with a deadline of March 1. Henry asked to be allowed to continue parking in the spot until the road is widened in the future. Henry was told the City can- not make an exception for individuals on code violations. Henry told the Council it would cost her thousands of dollars to create a new space on her property, but was told she needed to comply with the code and fix the issue. Council Hears Update on Columbia County 9-1-1 – Council received an up- date from Columbia County 9-1-1 Com- Vernonia City Council Meetings and Closures City Council Meetings are scheduled for 7:00 pm: Monday, March 6, 2017 Monday, March 20, 2017 City Closures are scheduled for: Monday, May 29, 2017 Memorial Day Holiday Dates and times subject to change munications District Director Steve Wat- son. Watson told the Council the com- munications center is upgrading their computer system which will be linked to systems used by Washington and Clack- amas County 9-1-1, as well as the City of Lake Oswego. Watson said the new system will provide an upgrade for the local Vernonia Police Department and the Vernonia Rural Fire Protection Dis- trict. Watson said they are also working on an agreement with Verizon for radio system improvements that would benefit Vernonia. Watson also mentioned that the District is currently at an all-time high for staffing levels and has been making great strides in their training and retention programs. Watson told the Council that Text 9-1-1 is now live and operational in Columbia County, along with numerous other counties around the region. Council Tables Vendor Request – Council tabled a discussion about a ven- dor request from David Sterner, who wants to set up a food stand on City property, because Sterner was not in at- tendance. Council Approves Public Space Use for Jamboree – Council approved a re- quest by the Jamboree Committee for use of City property and for street clo- sures during Jamboree. The request in- cluded use of Shay Park, Hawkins Park, Spencer Park, Vernonia Lake, the lot at the corner of Bridge Street and Grant Avenue, the parking area at the corner of Bridge Street and Washington Avenue, the parking area near Greenman Field, and the parking area at the corner of Ma- ple Street and Adams Avenue. Nicole Penney, Chair of the Jamboree Commit- tee was told she would need to get per- mission from the School District for use of the sports fields at Spencer Park that are leased by the District, and that the City would work with the Ridge Riders to secure use of the horse arena. Council Approves Open Air Market Street Closure – Council approved a re- quest from the Open Air Market to close Adams Avenue on Saturdays between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm from May 20 to September 30, with the exception of Au- gust 5 which is during Jamboree. continued on page 6 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION Proposed Zoning Code Amendment in the City of Vernonia, File No. PA 17-01 CORRECTIONS ARE IN BOLD When: March 16, 2017 at 7:00 pm Where: Council Chambers, City of Vernonia, 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR Why: Proposed Zoning Code Amendment to Travel Trailer Provisions NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vernonia Planning Commission, will conduct a public hearing on a request by the City of Vernonia to amend the Zoning Code as it relates to the temporary habitation of travel trailers. SAID PUBLIC HEARING will be held before the Vernonia Planning Commission on Thursday, March 16th, 2017, in the Council Chambers of Vernonia City Hall, 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR at or after 7:00pm, at which time proponents and opponents of the proposed home occupation will be heard. A staff report will be available to the public at City Hall one week before the hearing, and may be copied for a nominal fee. Failure to raise an issue in a hearing, in person or by letter or failure to provide statements or evidence sufficient to afford the decision-maker an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the board based on that issue. Public testimony is welcome, and written statements will also be received before the hearing. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the public hearing to Stephanie Borst at 503-429-5291 ext. 105, TTY 1- 800-735-2900 or at City Hall, 1001 Bride Street, Vernonia, OR 97064. The City of Vernonia is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Vernonia Police Blotter • February 14-27, 2017 REPORTS TAKEN / ARRESTS • February 13, 2017 Report of a Stolen Vehicle near Rose Ave. • February 18, 2017 Report of Assisting an Outside Agency • February 19, 2017 Arrest on a Warrant near State Ave. • February 24, 2017 Arrest for Assault IV near 1st Avenue CITATIONS / OTHER • February 13, 2017 Cited for Violation of City Ordinance • February 14, 2017 Cited for Violation of the Posted Speed 52 mph in a posted 35 mph zone. Near North Mist Dr. • February 16, 2017 Cited Violation of the Posted Speed 48 mph in a posted 20 mph zone. Near North Mist Dr. • February 17, 2017 Cited for Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance near HWY 47 • February 19, 2017 Cited for Driving While Suspended near HWY 47 • February 20, 2017 Cited for Violation of the Posted Speed 55 mph in a posted 35 mph near Rose Avenue • February 21, 2017 Cited for Driving While Suspended near East Bridge St. • February 22, 2017 Cited for Violation of the Posted Speed 57 mph in a posted 35 mph zone near Rose Avenue Vernonia Police Department responds to calls that do not always end in Arrest, Report, or Citation. 02/14/2017 through 02/27/2017 VPD had 183 calls for service.
