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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2021)
4 City News July 1 2021 Vernonia City News... At the June 21, 2021 City Council Meeting: Citizen of the Month – Councilor Grant Williams nominated long-time Vernonia resident Robb Wilson, who is always willing to help, volunteering at the Pioneer Museum and other places. Topics From the Floor – Wendy Sears provided the Council with an update on the Vernonia SK8 Park. She said there are four skate park construction compa- nies interested in bidding on the project when the City is ready to put it out to bid. Council Adopts Utility Rate Changes – Council adopted Resolution 2021-13, which updates the City’s Master Fee Schedule and accepted the recommen- dation of the Rate Review Committee for changes, which increases City water rates but also lowers sewer rates, with an average net reduction of about $4- $5 per month for residential customers. (See full story on front page.) Council Approves De-annexation Ap- plication Process – Council heard a request from Darrel Dixon to de-annex a property he owns within City bound- aries, which is adjacent to a property he also owns outside City limits, with- in County boundaries. Based on a rec- ommendation from the City Planner, Dixon asked the Council to remove his property from the City boundaries so Vernonia Police Blotter June 13-28, 2021 Reports Taken/Arrests • June 18, 2021 Arrested on a Warrant near California Avenue • June 18, 2021 Informational Report Taken near North Mist Drive • June 25, 2021 Report of an Assault, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, and Disorderly Conduct near Bridge Street Citation/Other • June 13, 2021 Cited for Careless Driving near Nehalem HWY South • June 13, 2021 Cited for No Operators License near Nehalem HWY South • June 18, 2021 Cited for Driving While Suspended and No Motorcycle Endorsement near California Avenue • June 18, 2021 Cited for Nuisance Violations near State Avenue • June 19, 2021 Cited for Speeding 71 mph in a 55 mph near HWY 47 South Vernonia Police Department responds to calls that do not always end in Arrest, Report, or Citation. 06/01/2021 through 06/28/2021 VPD had 145 calls for service. What’s Happening at the Vernonia Library Summer Reading 2021 Sign-up at the Vernonia Public Library any time before July 17. For children, birth through age 14. Return your time log between July 26 and August 13 to enter prize drawings and earn a free book! Featured Performers in the Park (Hawkins Park) Mad Science: Tuesday, July 6, 6 pm What Do You Know About H 2 0? Learn with a Mad Scientist all the amazing attributes of water and the importance of conserving. Jugglemania!: Tuesday, July 20, 6 pm With “Pixar-like” comedy, Rhys Thomas has performed in 30 different countries. Rhys has performed several times for the Vernonia Library and is a favorite with families. Penny’s Puppets: Tuesday, August 10, 6 pm Animals Got Talent! An original musical puppet play. Penny’s animals will sing, dance, and show off their talents, the audience gets to pick their favorite acts! Summer Outdoor Storytimes (Library Courtyard) Wednesdays, 10:30 am Stories, movement activities, and crafts designed for children up through age 6. Themes vary each week, including: Pirates, Fairies, Circus, Bugs, Ocean, Dinosaurs, and more! Library Courtyard Activities Thursdays, 11 am July 1 - August 12 For families with children, preschool and elementary age Oobleck!: July 1 Chess and Board Games: July 8 Cake & Ice Cream Science! July 15 Popped Bubble Art: July 22 Penny Spinners: July 29 Elephant Toothpaste: August 5 Ice Cream Party: August 12 Writer’s Group Join fellow writers every 1 st and 3 rd Thursday, 6 - 7:30 pm at the Library. For all levels of writing experience. For more information and to be on the contact list for meeting reminders, email library@vernonia- or.gov . Upcoming Closures Monday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day Hours & Contact Info Mon, Wed, Fri 10 am - 5 pm Tues & Thurs 12 pm - 7 pm Sat 12 pm - 5 pm Closed Sundays Phone: (503) 429-1818 E-mail: library@vernonia-or.gov Online Catalog: https://vernonia.biblionix.com/catalog/ he can construct a “fishing accommoda- tion” which is allowable under County zoning ordinance. Council voted to al- low Dixon to continue with the applica- tion process to de-annex his property. Council Approves Equipment as Surplus – Council adopted Resolution 2021-12, which declared a 2006 Black Ford Escape owned by the City as no longer needed and to be sold. City Administrator Report – City Administrator Josette Mitchell said the Council and citizen panel will hold in- terviews on Saturday, July 17 with po- tential City Council candidates to fill the current empty seat on the Council. Positions Open on the Vernonia City Planning Commission The City of Vernonia is seeking volunteer applicants for the City of Ver- nonia Planning Commission. The Com- mission makes recommendations and decisions regarding land use and any other matter relating to planning and de- velopment of the City and surrounding area. The Commission may authorize and supervise studies, hold hearings, and prepare reports and recommenda- tions on its own initiative or at the re- quest of the City Council. The Planning Commission con- sists of 5 members, of which 4 must live inside the city limits and 1 may live within 5 miles of the city. When a position goes unfilled for more than 3 months, an additional member may be appointed from outside the City. There are currently 2 positions open on the Planning Commission, of which 1 may be filled by a citizen from outside the city limits. Planning Commission meet- ings are typically held on the 1 st and 3 rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm. Persons interested in positions should expect to attend all Planning Commission meetings and devote time for study of issues prior to meeting at- tendance. Volunteer time is vital in working toward solutions to local gov- ernment issues. If you are interested in serving your city and getting involved, consider applying for the Planning Commission. Applying for a position is easy! Ap- plications can be downloaded from the City’s website (www.vernonia-or.gov) and are available at Vernonia City Hall during regular business hours. If you have any questions please contact City Recorder Stephanie Borst at (503) 429-5291 x 105 or sborst@ver- nonia-or.gov. Vernonia City Council Meetings and Closures Please check the City’s website for details on upcoming City Council Meetings scheduled for 7:00 pm: Tuesday, July 6, 2021 Monday, July 19, 2021 www.vernonia-or.gov City Closures are scheduled for: Monday, July 5, 2021 Independence Day Observed Dates and times subject to change NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to allow both RV and Manufactured Home uses within the Riverside Park (combo park) with a total of 37 spaces on 16.25 acres File No. CUP 21-03 When: July 15, 2021 at 7:00 pm Where: See agenda for the hearing. This may be on-line only, it may be person, depending on the COVID restrictions in place at the time. The agenda will clarify. Why: The application seeks to allow both RV and Manufactured Home uses within the Park (combo park) with a total of 37 spaces on 16.25 acres. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vernonia Planning Commission, will conduct a public hearing regarding File No. CUP 21-03. SAID PUBLIC HEARING will be held before the Vernonia Planning Commission on Thursday, July 15, 2021, see agenda for details of how to attend. The hearing will be at or after 7:00 pm, 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.