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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 20, 2018)
city news december20 2018 5 Vernonia City News... At the December 17, 2018 City Coun- cil Meeting: Council Approves Shoring Up Grand- stands – Council heard a proposal from the Save the Grandstands Committee to have Northwest Scaffolding place a se- ries of braces to support the failing truss- es at the Greenfield Field Grandstands. Rick Hobart, JR Allen, and John Brewer all spoke in favor of the proposal dur- ing Topics From the Floor. Allen had secured the service through his connec- tions in the construction industry. Coun- cil was told there would be no cost to the City, as Northwest Scaffolding was do- nating the material and the service to set them up; Council was told this service was valued at $40,000. During their discussion, Council was told by City Administrator Josette Mitchell that the City has not yet formally received con- trol of the Grandstands, and is waiting for the Vernonia School District to end their lease, which Mitchell said should be completed in the next few days. Council voted to authorize Mitchell to move forward with the proposal and ne- gotiate a services agreement with North- west Scaffolding once the lease with the School District is terminated. Council Takes No Action on Public Works Recommendations – Council held two long discussions on two rec- ommendations from the Public Works Committee (PWC), but took no action on either. The PWC, represented by Dale Webb and Tony Schrader, recommend- ed that the City formalize and move for- ward with a street resurfacing program using the street inventory and priority list developed by staff and the Council. The recommendation specifically would target streets not eligible for grant fund- ing and include drainage plans; the pro- gram could include a new transportation fee assessed on City utility bills to fund these repairs. The discussion centered on the changes to State grant funding, which has increased in recent years. City Administrator Josette Mitchell said the City already has a five-year plan in place that would address most of the priority issues identified in the inventory. Coun- cil agreed that a review of the City plan should take place in the near future. The PWC also recommended that the City create a policy and guide- lines for staff concerning the extension of City water lines and service to resi- dences outside the City limits. Council discussed the need to only extend water lines when it will not negatively impact the City financially. City Administrator Josette Mitchell expressed concern that a single policy would be difficult to cre- ate and enforce as each situation when water extension and service is requested is unique. Council added the topic to the list of future workshops for further discussion. Mayor Appoints Thomas to Library Committee – Based on a recommen- dation from the Library Committee and with approval from the rest of the TOO BUSY? Call your LOCAL bookkeeper R Y O A LL PL P US LLC Edi Sheldon 503-429-1819 edisheldon@gmail.com Licensed tax consultant • Full service payroll Personal & small business bookkeeping • QuickBooks assistance CORPS, S-CORPS, LLC, Partnerships • Personal one-on-one service LTC #29629 - Oregon licensed tax consultant RTRP #P00448199 - designated as a registered tax return preparer by the Internal Revenue Service The IRS does not endorse any particular individual tax return preparer. For more information on tax return preparers, go to www.IRS.gov. Council, Mayor Mario Leonetti appoint- ed Troy Thomas to the Library Commit- tee. Thomas told the Council he recently moved to Vernonia and wanted to be in- volved in the community. He said he has previous work experience in both school and public libraries. City Administrator Report – City Ad- ministrator Josette Mitchell reminded Council and the public of the tour of the Wastewater Treatment facility, sched- uled for Saturday, December 29 at 11:00 am. Mitchell told the Council the City has received approval from DEQ to continue operating the local transfer sta- tion. Mitchell told the Council that City staff is working with an extended stay tent camper at Anderson Park and has approved the stay until January 31, 2019 while more stable living conditions can be secured. favor of a proposal to use scaffolding do- nated by Northwest Scaffolding to shore up the failing trusses in the Greenman Field Grandstands. Brewer also asked the City to fix the street in front of his house. Richard Stein thanked Council for their hard work and for always put- ting the City’s interests first. Topics From the Floor – Rick Hobart, JR Allen, and John Brewer all spoke in The Vernonia Transfer Station is scheduled to be open on the nd 2 and 4 th Saturday January - October 8:00 am - 2:00 pm January 12 & 26 Dates and times are subject to change due to weather NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for the Vernonia School District File No. CUP 18-01 & SDR 18-02 When: January 3, 2019 at 7:00 pm Where: Council Chambers, City of Vernonia, 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR Why: To consider a request by the Vernonia School District to expand the existing facility with an addition of 5,754 square feet and to construct a metal shop. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vernonia Planning Commission, will conduct a public hearing regarding File No. CUP 18-01, on a request for the construction of a two-story, four-classroom addition measuring 5,754 square foot and a 2,080 square foot metal shop. SAID PUBLIC HEARING will be held before the Vernonia Planning Commission on Thursday, January 3rd, 2019, 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 Conditional Use Permit 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 State Land Use Board of Appeals 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. Cedar Side Inn FULL SPORTS PACKAGE! 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