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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 7, 2017)
community september7 2017 PCC Going Out for Bond Measure in November living continues to climb. • Advance training in Health and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programs — disci- plines with dynamic career potential, given continued growth in the fields. • Upgrade safety, security, facility lon- gevity, and disability access across the college. Another reason that underscores PCC’s responsibility to deliver on these goals: The college is Oregon’s largest postsecondary institution, serving ap- proximately 75,000 full-time and part- time students in Multnomah, Washing- ton, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. It is an educational leader with significant responsibilities throughout the region: PCC collaborates in myriad ways with the state’s other community colleges, public and private universities, K-12 school districts, as well as work- force, business and industry, and non- profits, among other community part- ners. “Oregon relies on PCC,” said Thorne Ladd. Sylvia Kelley, PCC’s Executive Vice President with oversight of the col- lege’s bond program, added, “PCC is charged with helping to create a stron- ger community and economy by way of education — training students who are skilled and workforce ready by the time they leave the college. In this way, PCC contributes to the economic growth and vitality of the region, as its graduates succeed in high-demand, high-paying jobs.” Unlike the 2008 voter-approved bond measure, which earmarked $374 million toward building renovation throughout the district and the addition of needed facilities — like a comprehen- sive campus in Southeast Portland and the Swan Island Trades Center — the 2017 bond measure is geared more to- ward protecting and maintaining the life expectancy of its existing physical struc- tures, in addition to upgrading technol- ogy needed to achieve this. In the case of a few buildings that weren’t touched as part of the 2008 bond measure, studies indicate the col- lege would be best served by reconstruc- tion to reduce costs for maintenance, en- sure high quality instruction for students, and enhance on-site safety and security. If the 2017 bond measure is passed, fa- cilities to be tackled would include the Portland Metropolitan Workforce Train- ing Center in Northeast Portland, Sylva- nia Campus Health Technology Building in Southwest Portland, Cascade Campus Public Safety Building in North Port- land, and the Rock Creek Campus Child Development Center in Washington County. Similar to the 2008 bond mea- sure, PCC intends to continue its suc- cessful community partnerships in this new bond. One example is the state’s $8 million in capital matching funds to be put toward Sylvania’s Health Technol- Vernonia City News... ogy Building remodel. Another is the 2020 move of PCC’s Dental Program and community dental clinic from the Sylvania Campus to downtown Port- land, to be housed in a new academic facility alongside the Oregon Health & Science University/Portland State Uni- versity School of Public Health, PSU’s Graduate School of Education, and a City of Portland bureau. “Local investment in higher education, collaboration and partnership can open doors and create incredible op- portunities, ones that benefit the com- munity at large because we’re pooling our talent and resources for the greater good,” said PCC President Mark Mitsui. He added that through PCC’s prudent financial stewardship, the college was able to achieve $9.2 million in total sav- ings to taxpayers through general obli- gation refunding bonds. 11 continued from front page PCC is conducting a long term, compre- hensive study of its physical structures, space utilization, academic programs, and technology infrastructure. Feedback gathered has helped, in part, to inform and set the parameters of the 2017 bond measure focused on workforce training, health professions and STEAM, safety, security and facility lifespan longevity. “Our commitment to students and the greater community has been at the center of our discussions throughout this study,” said Linda Degman, direc- tor of PCC’s Bond Program. “The col- lege both supports and belongs to the community. We have a responsibility to maintain PCC’s health and longevity so that we’re able to deliver equitable stu- dent success, educate our future work- force, and contribute to Oregon’s eco- nomic vigor and long term prosperity,” she said. Lions Club Raffle continued from page 9 dedicated to your family, contact Lions Club, PO Box 43 Vernonia, OR 97064. The Lions help individuals as well as the community as a whole. Their membership includes over forty members. They do BIG projects like the restoration of Dewey Pool and smaller projects like placing flags and crosses on Veterans’ head stones for Memorial Day. “Our fundraising gives our people the opportunity to work togeth- er. Bonds are formed as we try to stay in good graces with each other. I was invited to work one year prepping for Jamboree. I had my first encounters with a dozen guys and gals over a four day experience. I really liked a couple of them and decided to join. After sev- enteen years I enjoy my time being with the group ” said Lion George Tice. If you would like to make a dif- ference and enjoy the company of a di- verse group, the Lions welcome you to join. Meetings are the 1st and 3rd Tues- days at 6:30 with dinner at 5:30 pm, at Mariolinos. continued from page 6 Council Approves Water Bill Adjust- ment – Council approved a request from Michael Gillen and reduced by half the amount owed on his water bill for us- age. Gillen told Council he detected a cracked water line on his property at 293 Arkansas Avenue and repaired the dam- D Vernonia Dental DM Council Meets in Executive Session – Council met in Executive Session un- der ORS 192.660 (2) (h) To consult with counsel concerning the legal 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 directed Legal Counsel to answer an Action from the Circuit Court of Columbia County in protest, and is- sue a building permit to Robert Smejkal on a lot in the Nickerson Ridge Estates subdivision. The City had denied build- ing permits in the development due to a dispute over improvements the City said were not originally completed when the development was first constructed in 2000. an Council Discusses Plan to Harvest Timber from Airport Park – Council discussed the possibility of contracting for a selective timber harvest at Airport Park. Council asked the Parks Commit- tee to work with staff to create a pro- posal on how revenue generated might be used. age as soon as the leak was found. e rm Vernonia City Councilor Susan Wagner by David Sterner has been dismissed without an investigation by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. (See full story on page 6.) D h . r C r h p o is t M er . h S c eu 622 Bridge Street Vernonia, OR 97064 phone (503) 429-0880 -- fax (503) 429-0881 Don’t Sell it! Pawn it! 291 A Street For fast cash! call Kim Hunting Season is here! Archery Equipment - Sporting Goods Calls - Cammo - Boots - Accessories Binoculars - Scent Killers - Targets Baseline Pawn, Inc. 2245 Baseline St., Cornelius (Across from Fred Meyer) 503-530-8119 State Licensed PB-0388 Open everyday at 10 a.m. Family owned & operated for over 45 years 834 Bridge St, Vernonia 503-429-6364 Lovable service at a reasonable price • Bathing • Haircuts • Nail Clipping • Nail Polishing • Specialty Shampoos
