city news
may7
2020
City Begins Budget Process continued from front page
year reduction of the term. Sewer Debt
consists of DEQ loan R93643 that was
used for the bio-solids project, which
will be paid off in 2032 and the new
USDA loan which will be paid off in
2056. All required loan reserves have
been set aside.
In Water Debt Service, a plan
to refinance the current water bond
was due to take place in March 2020.
The COVID-19 crisis has delayed that
as interest rates continue to fluctuate.
Once the economy has recovered, the
City will continue with the process.
The Streets Fund continues to
meet the maintenance requirements of
the City’s streets while maintaining a
conservative budget. There is a large
paving project planned for this year us-
ing funds received from ODOT’s grant
program. The City applied for and was
awarded $100,000 for the 2020 cycle.
This will be used to pave Umatilla and
River Streets, and Arkansas Avenue
this fall.
The System Development
Charges (SDC) income in the proposed
budget is based on four new homes be-
ing built. SDC funds can be used for
new development to expand capac-
ity in the Parks, Water, Sewer, Storm
Water, and Streets Departments. In the
proposed budget, there are funds bud-
geted in the Parks SDC fund for a new
pay station at Spencer Park.
Parks revenues are fore-
casted to come in considerably over
budget. This is due to the closure of
campgrounds ordered by the Gover-
nor which opened more sites for ex-
tended stay; the City currently has 15
sites rented through the end of the fis-
cal year. There is an 8% increase in
payroll in the proposed budget, which
includes a full-time parks maintenance
person. Formerly this was a part-time
position with other Public Works staff
filling in as needed. A dedicated staff
person will allow for better mainte-
nance of the parks facilities and in turn
increase revenues.
In the Airport Fund, han-
gar revenue has increased slightly as
all hangers are now occupied. A new
hanger will be built sometime this year,
but it is not included in the proposed
budget. $4,000 was spent this year on
the new equipment shed at the host
site. This cost was split with Parks.
Cemetery revenue was down
almost 80% this fiscal year. It was nec-
essary to forego the budgeted transfer
out to the reserve fund in order to have
enough carry forward for a budget for
next year. The City is hopeful that the
niche wall will be constructed this
summer and generate revenue for the
fund.
The City has created a new
Timber Fund to track revenue from
past timber cutting and any that will
be done in the future. An Abatement
Fund was created to set aside money
collected from fines associated with
nuisance violations. It will be used to
abate properties when necessary.
The City has a number of
Reserve Funds which are restricted
for specified maintenance or projects
which may differ for each of the funds.
Policy will be created to ensure that no
inappropriate use of funds occurs. It
is intended that the funds set aside be
used for major maintenance projects or
repairs that cannot be covered in the
operating budget. Any request for use
of these funds will require a project
plan and council approval. The Gen-
eral Fund Facilities Reserve was cre-
ated to set aside money to maintain/re-
pair City Hall, Library and VCLC. The
Water Facilities Reserve was created
to set aside funds to maintain/repair
the water plant, public works shop,
infrastructure, and any other buildings
deemed appropriate. The Sewer Facili-
ties Reserve was created to set aside
funds in order to maintain the facility
and help eliminate the possible need to
assume any new debt in the future. The
Parks Maintenance Reserve was creat-
ed to set aside money for projects or re-
pairs at the City’s parks. The Memorial
and Pioneer Cemetery Reserve Funds
were created when money previously
held by the Cemetery Beautification
Committee was given to the City for
management. These funds will be used
to track donations to each cemetery.
Funds will be used by approval from
City Council.
The City also has two Operat-
ing Reserve Funds. A Water Operating
Reserve fund was created during the
2016-17 budget process. This fund was
created to set aside money each year
in order to create a comfortable oper-
ating reserve in case of an emergency.
An operating reserve is also beneficial
in the event that the City would need
to seek private financing in the future.
The goal is to reach a fund balance that
matches the cost of operations for three
months. The Sewer Operating Reserve
fund was created during the 2018-19
budget process. It will also be used
to set aside money equivalent to three
months operating costs for the Sewer
department.
The Budget Committee will
continue to meet on Tuesdays until the
process is complete. Council is ex-
pected to adopt the final budget at their
June 15 meeting.
Vernonia Police Blotter
April 1-30, 2020
Arrests/Reports Taken
• April 1, 2020 Arrest for Attempt to
Elude, Reckless Driving, and Reckless
Endangering near Nehalem Hwy North
• April 15, 2020 Arrest on a Warrant near
Scappoose Vernonia Hwy
• April 17, 2020 Arrest for Driving Under the
Influence near Nehalem Hwy South
• April 18, 2020 Arrest for Driving Under the
Influence, Reckless Driving near Riverside
Drive
• April 27, 2020 Report of a Stolen Vehicle
The Transfer Station
is scheduled to be
open on the
2 nd and 4 th Saturday
January - October
May 9 & 23
Currently not accepting
oversized items
(mattresses, couches, etc.)
and limiting the number of
vehicles in the yard at one time.
Dates are subject to change
near Madison Avenue
• April 29, 2020 Report of Forgery 1 and
Theft 1 near Jefferson Avenue, 3 arrested
and additional charges pending.
Citation/Other
• April 22, 2020 Citation for Driving While
Suspended near Washington Avenue
Vernonia Police Department responds
to calls that do not always end in Arrest,
Report, or Citation 04/01/2020 through
04/30/2020 VPD had 146 calls for service.
Vernonia City
Council Meetings
and Closures
Please check the City’s website
for details on upcoming
City Council Meetings
scheduled for 7:00 pm:
Monday, May 18, 2020
Monday, June 1, 2020
www.vernonia-or.gov
City Closures are scheduled for:
Monday, May 25, 2020
Memorial Day Holiday
Dates and times subject to change
5
Vernonia City
News...
Council Approves Agreement Following
Executive Session – The Vernonia City
Council met in a special Executive Session
on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 under ORS
192.660 (2) (h) “To consult with counsel
concerning the legal rights and duties of a
public body with a regard to current litiga-
tion or litigation likely to be filed.” Upon
returning to Open Session, the Council took
no further action.
On Wednesday, April 29, the Coun-
cil again met in Executive Session under
the same ORS. After returning to Open
Session the Council voted 4-0 “To present
the agreement, as reviewed, to the oppos-
ing counsel.” Mayor Rick Hobart declared
a conflict of interest and did not vote.
At the May 4, 2020 City Council Meet-
ing, held by phone conference:
Council Tables Decision to Reduce Speed
Limits – Council voted to table a vote on
Resolution 923 which would reduce speed
limits on selected non-arterial streets that
are located in a residential district, currently
designated as 25 miles per hour, to 20 miles
per hour. Council decided to table the Reso-
lution until the Council meets in person
so the community would have a chance to
comment on it.
Mayor Appoints Hollenbeck to Airport
Committee – With approval from the rest
of the Council, Mayor Rick Hobart ap-
pointed Richard Hollenbeck to the Airport
Committee.
City Begins Contract for Records Man-
agement – City Administrator Josette
Mitchell informed the Council that the City
has started the process of contracting with
Chavez Consulting and the Oregon State
Archives for ORMS Software for records
continued on page 11
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS OPEN FOR THE
FOLLOWING CITY COMMITTEES:
Volunteers are needed to serve on various City Committees.
Participating on a City Committee is a rewarding experience,
providing an opportunity to learn and share your skills. It also enables
volunteers to become involved in their local government.
VERNONIA PLANNING
COMMISSION
The Planning Commission shall
control the subdivision of and may make
recommendations to the City Council, to the
public officials, and to individuals regarding
land use; location of thoroughfares, public
buildings, parks and other public facilities;
and, regarding any other matter relating to
the planning and development of the City
and the surrounding area. The commission
may authorize and supervise studies,
hold hearings, and prepare reports and
recommendations on its own initiative or at
the request of the City Council
Meeting Day and Time: 1 st and 3 rd Thursday
of the month at 7:00 PM
Location: City Hall, Council Chambers
Open Positions: 1 vacant seat for an in-
town or out of town resident
AIRPORT COMMITTEE
Meeting Day and Time: 4 th Tuesday of the
month, As Available
Location: City Hall, Council Chambers
Open Positions: 3 vacant seats for in-
town residents
CEMETERY COMMITTEE
Meeting Day and Time: 2 nd Thursday of
every month at 7:00 pm
Location: City Hall, Council Chambers
Open Positions: 2 vacant seats for in-
town residents
PARKS COMMITTEE
Meeting Day and Time: 4 th Wednesday of
every month at 6:30 pm
Location: City Hall, Council Chambers
Open Positions: 2 vacant seats for in-
town residents
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Meeting Day and Time: 2 nd Thursday of
every month at 6:00 pm
Location: City Hall, Council Chambers
Open Positions: 1 vacant seat which may
be from outside city limits & 2 vacant seats
for in-town residents
MEMBERSHIP COMMITMENT
AND QUALIFICATIONS
General duties and responsibilities of
committees include:
*Act in an advisory capacity to the City
Council.
*Promote the general welfare and economic
benefit of the city and its citizens.
*Participate in studies, and prepare reports
and recommendations on their own or at the
request of the City Council
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete an application for
Appointment (www.vernonia-or.gov) and
return to City Hall, 1001 Bridge Street,
Vernonia OR 97064, Fax to 502-429-4232
or email to sborst@vernonia-or.gov. Any
questions please call the City Recorder at
503-429-5291 ext. 105.