Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (March 17, 2022)
6 City News March 17 2022 Vernonia City News... At the March 7, 2021 City Council Meeting: Council Approves In-Lieu Fee for Street Improvements – Council voted 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2022-03, implementing an In- Lieu Fee for frontage street improvements for new home building permit applications on lots located within a residential zone. Waivers of Remonstrance for the required improvements will no longer be considered by the City Council. The new fees are as follows: Roadway - $65/L.F., Curb and Gutter - $25/L.F., Sidewalk - $45/L.F., Storm System - $70/L.F., Grading - $45/L.F., Contingency - 10% of sum. Funds collected from the In Lieu Fee shall be placed in a dedicated fund for construction of streets, sidewalks, and/or other related frontage improvements or multi-use pathway within the City. “This is a major decision for this town,” said Councilor Dale Webb. “We’ve been kicking this can down the road for a long time. The former Council and now this Council has been working on this pretty steadily and we want people to know that we didn’t take this decision lightly.” the Liquor License Application for Melissa and Jesse Martin for Buckshot Betty’s, LCC, formerly the All In Pub & Eatery, located at 733 Bridge Street. The application is for Full On-Premises, Commercial, and Off- Premises licenses. Council Approves ARPA Funding for Manhole Testing – Council voted 4-0 to approve a request from staff to spend $36,000 of ARPA Funds for Vacuum Testing Manholes in the City’s sewer system which will help identify manholes that are contributing to the infiltration of groundwater into the sewer system, and help the City to identify the manholes that need to be lined immediately to reduce infiltration. Council Approves Use of Abatement Funds – Council voted 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2022-04, to use $19,000 of abatement funds to bring a property at 959 Rose Avenue up to code, which caught fire in November and was mostly destroyed. The owner of the property has been in jail since the fire and missed the compliance deadline. The City will use the funds to hire a contractor to demolish the remaining structure and remove the remaining debris. The City will place a lien on the property to recoup the expense. Council Approves Liquor License Application – Council voted 4-0 to approve City Administrator Report – City Administrator Josette Mitchell updated the Council on the Weed Avenue stormwater project, the Vernonia SK8 park project, the Clatsop Street sewer project, Bear Creek culverts, City Hall window replacements, and the Ora Bolmeier Park tree planting project. Spencer Park Camera Proposal – Jeremy Hasenkamp from Pacific Tactical, LLC made a presentation to the Council to provide a security camera system for the City to use in Parks and other City properties. Topics From the Floor – City Recorder Stephanie Borst read a letter from Richard Stein which expressed concern about the request to use City funds to repair the Greenman Field Grandstands. What’s Happening at the Vernonia Library By Shannon Romtvedt Upcoming Events St. Patty’s Day Parade Craft Thursday, March 17, 4-5 pm The Library is hosting a craft event right before the annual St. Patty’s Day parade returning this year! The parade will start at 5 pm on Bridge St. at State Ave. Stop by and make something fun to wear at the parade. Author Night: Warren C. Easley Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 pm Oregon Author, Warren C. Easley, of the Cal Claxton mystery series will be visiting the Vernonia Library to talk about his book series, writing process, and will have books available to sign and sell. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Vernonia Library. Computer Help Sessions Tuesdays, April 12 and 26, 1-3 pm Saturdays, April 9 and 16, 1-3 pm One-on-one computer help sessions are now being offered at the Library! Need help setting up an email account, navigating the internet, uploading documents to a form, accessing eBooks? Schedule a help session with the Library. Please call (503) 429-1818 to reserve a time slot. Your Environmental Handprint Wednesday, April 13, 6:30 pm Presentation by Jon R. Biemer, author of Our Environmental Handbook: Recover the Land, Reverse Global Warming, Reclaim the Future. This program is sponsored by the American Library Association’s, Libraries Transforming Communities, Small and Rural Libraries Grant. Ongoing Programs Writers’ Group 1 st and 3 rd Thursday of the month, April 7 and 21, 6-7:30 pm For adult and teen writers with all levels of experience. Writing prompts, opportunity to share current work for feedback, and information on local opportunities for writers. Chess @ the Library 3 rd Tuesday of the month, April 19, 6-7:30 pm Open to anyone interested in playing or learning to play chess. For all ages. Preschool Storytime Fridays, 10:30-11:15 am Stories, movement activities, and a craft for children up through age 6. Each week’s stories and crafts are based on a different theme. Did You Know? Community Service Opportunity The Library is having a Spring Outdoor Clean-Up event on Saturday, April 23, 9 am - 12 pm. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. We also welcome any other volunteers interested in helping at the event. Please contact the Library (503) 429-1818 or library@vernonia-or.gov to RSVP or for more information. Featured Books: Environment and Sustainability BUDGET COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED The City of Vernonia has openings for community member seats on the Budget Committee. Commitment of four to six 2.5 hour evening meetings once a week in late April through May. Please visit Vernonia-or.gov for an application or contact Stephanie Borst at sborst@vernonia-or.gov . The Library purchased several new books and DVDs, currently featured on 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, March 21, 2022 Monday, April 4, 2022 www.vernonia-or.gov City Closures are scheduled for: Monday, May 30, 2022 Memorial Day our display shelf in the Library. Topics for materials came from community discussions hosted by the Library in October 2021, focusing on local environmental issues and sustainability. Subjects include: recycling, ecosystems, traditional ecological knowledge, gardening with native plants, weather patterns, sustainable home projects, Native American perspective on the environment, and more. Check out the display next time you are in the library. Funding for materials made possible by an ALA Libraries Transforming Communities, Small and Rural Libraries Grant. Current Hours & Contact Info: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 am - 5 pm Tuesday, Thursday: 12 pm - 7 pm Saturday: 12 pm - 5 pm Contact Phone: (503) 429-1818 E-mail: library@vernonia-or.gov Website: www.vernonia-or.gov/ departments/library/ Social Media: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram The Vernonia Transfer Station is scheduled to be open on the 2 nd and 4 th Saturday January - October March 26 April 9 & 23 Dates are subject to change Dates and times subject to change Vernonia Police Blotter March 1-14, 2022 Reports Taken/Arrests • March 9, 2022 Report taken of Burglary near Bridge Street Citation/Other • March 5, 2022 Citation issued for Driving While Suspended and Driving Uninsured near Jefferson Avenue Vernonia Police Department had 67 calls for service from 03/01/2022 to 03/14/2022.
