Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 7, 2017)
6 city news september7 2017 State Ethics Commission Dismisses Second Complaint The Oregon Gov- ernment Ethics Commission (OEC) has informed Vernonia City Councilor Susan Wagner that they will not be opening an investigation into an ethics complaint filed against her by David Sterner. In a letter dated Au- gust 28, 2017 Wagner was in- formed that, “The Commission did not find cause to proceed in an investigation. The matter is, therefore, dismissed and no fur- ther action will be taken.” The letter is signed by OEC Execu- tive Director Ronald Bersin. The complaint was filed by Sterner on July 7, 2017 and alleges that Councilor Wag- ner violated Oregon Govern- ment Ethics Laws when she took part in discussions at the March 13, 2017 City Council meeting regarding placement of food carts, without announcing a conflict of interest. Sterner was seeking permission to place a food cart on City property at that time. The City chose a different loca- tion than Sterner had requested, and is currently allowing food carts to operate at the corner of Bridge Street and Grant Av- enue, which is located next to Rock Creek. According to the OEC report on the issue, filed by in- vestigator Michael Thornicroft, Vernonia City News... on the use of her property and should not have to pay a $100 fee for the per- mit, which only allows her to live in the trailer temporarily for 6 months. At the September 5, 2017 City Council Meeting: Topics From the Floor - Jack Harvey expressed displeasure at the conditions of the Lincoln School property and the business owners there. Jeana Gump encouraged the Council to approve an Ordiannce that would restrict smoking in City Parks. Bill Langmaid asked the Coun- cil if they had any concerns about a pro- posed event he is planning, “The Grave- Sterner stated in his complaint that “Ms. Wagner’s husband also has an interest in operating a food cart in Vernonia...” Thornicroft, in his re- view of audio tapes from the meeting, notes that during the discussion Wagner stated, “I would much rather, and if it were me, and my husband is not the person we are talking about... he would much rather be by the river.” Thornicroft goes on to report that the minutes from the April 3, 2017 City Council meeting reflect that Councilor Wagner clarified, “...that she does not have a conflict of inter- est as no one in her family has a Saturday, September 16, 10 am - 12 pm. Class led by Caitlin Hunter. Bring your own materials if you have them. If you need materials provided or more information, please contact boylandknitworks@gmail.com. Oregon Military History Presentation Tuesday, September 19, 6:30 - 8 pm Presentation by Oregon Military Historians Warren W. Aney and Alisha Hamel. Oregon Military History is a title in the Images of America book series published in October 2016. Movie Night Tuesday, September 12, 6 pm showing The Perfect Game (PG) 118 min. Based on a true story, set in 1957. A group of poor children from Monteray, Mexico shock the world by winning the Little League World Series. Relax and enjoy a free movie and popcorn at the library. Ongoing Programs Kids Book Group *NEW* First meeting on Friday, October 13, 4 - 5 pm. 2 nd Friday of every month, 4 pm. For kids and families. Reading level and grade level interest of titles will vary, ranging from grades 3 - 6. Book title and copies for October’s meeting will was also reviewed by Assis- tant Attorney General Amy Al- paugh. Sterner has also filed an ethics complaint against Verno- nia Mayor Mario Leonetti; the results of that investigation are still pending. Sterner has also officially informed the City of Vernonia that he intends to file a Tort Claim that names the City of Vernonia, City Admin- istrator Josette Mitchell, Mayor Leonetti, Councilor Wagner, and Councilors Bruce McNair, Jill Hult and Mike Seager, and seeks $180,000 in compensa- tion. continued from page 5 yard Dash” on October 28. It was sug- gested he meet with the Cemetary Com- mittee and ask them as well. Langmaid aslo asked Council to approve smoking restrictions in parks. City Recorder Stephanie Borst read into the record emails from Wendy Hargrave, Dennis Martin, Miranda Nut- ting, Heidi George, Delbert Allen and Doris Buchholz that asked the Council to reject the Ordinance that would re- strict smoking in parks. She also read emails from Alisa Scott, Michelle Mo- line and Mark Brown asking Council to approve the Ordinance. Council Discusses Ordinance to Re- strict Smoking in Parks – Council What’s Happening at the Vernonia Library Knitting Class: Triangle Shawl food cart nor do they have any interest in owning one.” With this information available as part of the public record, Sterner chose to pro- ceed and file an official Eth- ics Complaint against Wagner three months later. In the final recommen- dations in his report, Thornicroft stated, “There is no evidence that either Councilor Wagner or her relative is associated with a business, or plans to associate with a business, that would re- quire a conflict of interest dis- closure in this instance.” Thornicroft’s report is also signed as “Approved” by Executive Director Bersin, and be available mid September. If interested in the book group and would like to be on the contact list, call or visit the library (503) 429- 1818 or email shannonr@vernonia- or.gov Writer’s Group Thursday, September 21, 6 - 7:30 pm 3 rd Thursday of every month. For writers with all levels of experience. Book Discussion Group Monday, September 25, 5:30 pm Last Monday of every month, 5:30 pm. Book selection for September: My Abandonment by Peter Rock. Storytimes Baby and Toddler Time Mondays, 10:30 - 11:15 am Songs, rhymes, books, toys, and bubbles! For ages 0 - 3. Older siblings welcome. Preschool Storytime Fridays, 10:30 - 11:15 am Stories and a craft/activity for children up through age 6. Library Hours & Contact Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 - 5 Tuesday, Thursday: 1 - 7 Saturday: 10 - 4 Closed Sundays Phone: (503) 429-1818 E-mail: library@vernonia-or.gov discussed an Ordinance which would restrict smoking or use of inhalant de- livery devices in any form throughout the City Parks system. According to the Ordiannce, Parks where smoking would be prohibited are Ora Bolmeier and Shay Park (excluding the park parking lots adjacent to Maple Street and Adams Avenue.) Parks with designated smoking areas would be Hawkins Park and Spen- cer Park. In parks with smoke free areas no person shall smoke within 50 feet of any playground equipment, sports fields, public restrooms or food preparation areas; parks with smoke free areas are Anderson Park, Airport Park, Hawkins Park, Spencer Park, and Vernonia Lake. Smoking is allowed in designated camp- sites in campgrounds. During the discus- sion citizens Brett Costley and Jack Har- vey encouraged Council to approve the Ordinance. Council took no action and made no changes to the proposed Ordi- nance and will have staff bring it back for approval on September 19. Council Approves Salary Increase for City Administrator – Council approved a 7% increase in salary for City Admin- istrator Josette Mitchell. “This raise re- flects the value of work the City Admin- istrator has performed in the last year,” said Councilor Bruce McNair. Ethics Complaint Against Councilor Dismissed – Council was informed that an ethics complaint filed against continued on page 11
