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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (March 16, 2017)
city news march16 2017 5 Vernonia City News... more accessible; the fee was reduced through of the Wastewater Treatment from $35 to $20 and scholarships are of- project. Mitchell said the City did not fered through the Friends of the Library. sign off on substantial completion and Police Chief Makes Two Presentations instead signed Change Order #11 which – Vernonia Police Chief Mike Conner Romtvedt Provides Library Update Mayor Appoints Bryson to Library gives the contractor until May 15, 2017 presented Offi cer Cody Pesio with the – Library Director Shannon Romtvedt Board – Mayor Mario Leonetti, with a to fi nish all work on the project. Life Saving Award for his heroic ac- presented Council with an updated Be- recommendation from the Library Board Mitchell said she met with the tions in saving a female resident during havior Policy that she created with help and approval from the rest of the Coun- Lowrance family and with a represen- a house fi re in January. Conner also pro- from staff and the Library Board. Rom- cil, appointed Veronica Bryson to the Li- tative from Columbia Geotechnical to moted Offi cer Shawn Carnahan to Patrol tvedt told the Council the policy was brary Board. discuss their State Emergency Repair Sergeant. (See full story on front page.) developed after reviewing policies from Council Approves Budget Calendar Permit to stabilize their stream bank on other libraries, including Hillsboro, St. Council Discussed Vendor Request, – The Council appointed City Admin- Bear Creek. Mitchell said the Lowranc- Helens and Banks. The two-page policy Schedules Workshop – Council heard istrator Josette Mitchell as the Budget es will be allowed to do more permanent provides guidelines for acceptable be- a request from David Sterner to place a Offi cer and approved the Budget Calen- work after water fl ows decrease. She havior and general conduct of patrons food cart at the parking lot across from dar presented by Finance Director An- also said the Department of State Lands of the Library and notes that individu- Spencer Field on Bridge Street. Sterner gie Handegard. The calendar calls for is aware of a culvert that was placed in als may be trespassed from the Library if has been working with the City for sev- the fi rst Budget Committee meeting to Bear Creek and the subsequent problems they willfully violate the rules and do not eral months to try to receive approval be held on Tuesday, April 11, with ad- that have occurred following the instal- respond to staff warnings or requests. for his new business. Sterner told the ditional meetings as needed every week lation of that culvert. Romtvedt also provided the Council his cart would be a moveable on Tuesdays. Meetings are scheduled Mitchell said she talked with Council with the results of a community trailer that would be at the location from for 6:30 at the Cabin in Vernonia (Scout Robert Bradley from ODFW who is survey about the Library. The survey April until October. Council discussed Cabin). There are two open positions on heading up the installation of a new was available from December 4 through the need for a lease agreement and the the Budget Committee for anyone who pump at Vernonia Lake. Bradley said January 5 and had 135 responses. The possibility of developing a different site would like to be involved in the process. the pump should be installed in April stated purpose was to fi nd out what ser- for vendors at the corner of Bridge Street and operational by May 15. vices patrons value, give patrons an op- City Administrator Report – City and Grant Avenue, the site of the former portunity to comment on hours and give Administrator Josette Mitchell told the health clinic, but noted the high cost to general feedback, and help guide future Council there was a meeting and walk develop the site, including the installa- projects. While Romtvedt tion of electric power. Sterner said the said there was nothing that site at Grant Avenue would be his pre- was especially unexpected ferred location and Council scheduled a in the results she did learn workshop for March 13 to discuss their some interesting informa- options and respond to Sterner as quick- Columbia County Habitat for Human- Anderson Executive Director, CCHFH. tion. One thing Romtvedt ly as possible. The new Habitat for Humanity house noted was that almost 90% ity (CCHFH) is opening up the application Council Approves Water Leak For- of respondents considered process to a new group of potential home- slated to be built will be located in St. Helens giveness Request – Council heard a the Library either “very owners. The application process will kick off on North 12 th Street. Any low income family request from Steven Assad for some important” or “important.” with two application information meetings on who has lived in Colum bia County for at least help with a large water bill following a She also noted that 21% of Tuesday, March 21 at 6:30 pm and March 25 at one year is eligible to apply. The program re- leak that went undetected for almost a respondents did not have a 10:00 am, both at Warren Community Fellow- quires accepted homeowners to put 300 hours month. Assad is the new owner of Riv- library membership. She ship. of sweat equity into the construction of their erside Meadows RV Park and told the also discussed the positive “Becoming a partner family is a huge home as well as attend homeowner education. Council he is trying to provide a low impact that the reduction commitment. Among other requirements, fam- “The process is designed to empower income housing option for the com- in the fee, implemented last ilies have to have a stable income to be able to families to make a better life for themselves. It munity. Assad said one of his tenants year for members who live make an affordable mortgage payment. That’s is amazing to see the transformation over time was away for the winter when a leak of outside the City limits, has why we make the information meeting a re- that a stable home can make,” says Anderson. over 500,000 gallons of water occurred. had in making the Library quired part of the application,” states Jennifer continued on page 9 At the March 6, 2017 City Council Meeting: Council offered to reduce Assad’s bill by $1,107.78 and provide a payment plan for the balance. Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Available in St. Helens Reserve Police Offi cer Job Announcement The Vernonia Police Department has openings for Reserve Police Of- fi cers. Interested citizens can obtain an application and complete job description in person at the Vernonia Police Department. Minimum quali- fi cations include, but not limited to: must have a high school diploma or GED; must be at least 21 years of age and be a U.S. Citizen; have a valid Oregon driver’s license; be able to pass a criminal background in- vestigation; and pass medical and psychological evaluations. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Chief Michael Conner (503) 429-7335 ext. 110. Budget Committee Positions Available The City of Vernonia currently has two positions open on the Budget Committee. The committee is made up of the City Council and fi ve community members. This is your chance to be a part of the process! If you are interested please contact City Hall for an application. The Vernonia Transfer Station is open on the 2nd and 4th Saturday from 8am-2pm March 25 April 8 & 22 Vernonia City Council Meetings and Closures City Council Meetings are scheduled for 7:00 pm: Monday, March 20, 2017 Monday, April 3, 2017 City Closures are scheduled for: Monday, May 29, 2017 Memorial Day Holiday Dates and times are subject to change due to weather Dates and times subject to change Police Blotter • March 1-13, 2017 REPORTS TAKEN/ARRESTS • March 6, 2017 Report of Criminal Mischief near North Street CITATIONS/OTHER • March 3, 2017 Cited for Violation of the Posted Speed 52 mph in a 35 mph near N Mist Dr. • March 4, 2017 Cited for Violation of the Posted Speed 53 mph in a 35 mph near N Mist Dr. • March 7, 2017 Cited for No Seatbelt and Failure to Provide Insurance or Registration near Bridge St. • March 11, 2017 Cited for Violation of the Posted Speed 74 mph in a 55 mph near Nehalem HWY South • March 12, 2017 Cited for Failure to Obey a Traffi c Control Device near East Bridge St. Vernonia Police Department responds to calls that do not always end in Arrest, Report, or Citation. 03/01/2017 through 03/13/2017 VPD had 139 calls for service.
