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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 20, 2022)
6 City/Area News October 20 2022 Vernonia City News... At the October 17, 2022 City Council Meeting: Council Tables Selection of Planning Firm for UGB Adjustment – Council discussed a proposal from Winterbrook Planning Services to complete an adjust- ment to the City’s Urban Growth Bound- ary (UGB). Winterbrook’s proposed budget for the project is $16,600. Coun- cil voted 4-0 (Councilor J.R. Allen was absent from the meeting) to table a deci- sion to authorize the City Administrator to sign a Professional Services Contract with Winterbrook for the proposed ser- vices until staff could clarify where the funds for the project would come from in the budget. Police Department Report – Mayor Rick Hobart commended Sergeant Shawn Carnahan for his collaborative work with other public safety agencies to help locate a missing child on October 13. Quarterly Finance Report – Finance Director Angie Handegard provided a written Quarterly Report for the 2022-23 fiscal year. Handegard told the Council all funds are close to 25% of their annual budget except for Cemetery which is us- ing less funds, Parks which is slightly over budget because staff has been caring for Nehalem River Park since there has not been a camp host there, and Streets which is high because of the ongoing construction of ADA ramps at sidewalk intersections. City Administrator Report – City Ad- ministrator Josette Mitchell said since she had met with Council several times in the last week and discussed most City projects in detail with them, she was not providing a report but was available to answer any questions the Council might have. It’s Time to Order Your Christmas Wreath from P.E.O. P.E.O. is now taking orders for our lo- cally produced Christmas wreaths. Thanks to a wetter spring, they are expected to be even fuller than last year’s. The wreaths will be available Thanksgiving weekend, and members will also be taking orders at R&S Market in early November. Quantities are limited so please reserve one now. All come with colorful bows made by our members. This year’s price is $30 for wreath and bow. All proceeds go for LOCAL student scholarships, both from our local chapter, state, and international association projects. P.E.O.’s Vernonia Chapter has been selling wreaths since 1997 for this purpose and has given over $75,000 in local student aid. Text or call Tobie Finzel at 503-705-2173 with your reservation request or watch for our Facebook posts and flyers that will go up soon. P.E.O. is an international women’s or- ganization founded in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1869, by seven college friends at Iowa Wesleyan College and has grown to a quar- ter million members in the U.S. and Canada. There are over 170 chapters in Oregon alone. The Vernonia Chapter was established in 1945. P.E.O. owns a college, Cottey, in Ne- vada, Missouri, but it supports education of women in colleges and universities around the world. Thanks for your support! What’s Happening at the Vernonia Library By Shannon Romtvedt The last eight years working as the Library Director for the Vernonia Public Library have been a whirlwind! I started working for the Vernonia Library back in December 2014. At the time, my son was 1 ½ years old and we were expecting my daughter later in 2015. Working for the Library while starting a family in Vernonia was a challenge, but I loved it. I have learned so much and worked with some amazing volunteers and community members. My kids have grown up listening to stories alongside their friends, come to every craft program and performer, worked alongside volunteers to clean up the grounds. We have so many wonderful memories here. It was a very difficult choice to make, but I have decided to resign my current position as Library Director. I’ve loved my job and the amazing opportunity I’ve been given, but I’m personally ready for a new chapter in life and interested in having time to volunteer and support the activities my children are involved in. I will be working for the Library through the end of October, and after that plan to continue offering my support as a Friends of the Library member and volunteer. I am pleased to announce our current Library Associate, Brandi Fennell, has recently accepted the Library Director position. Brandi has been working for the Library for over seven years. In fact, she was the first person I hired, only a few months after I started working here. Brandi is looking forward to taking on this leadership role and will keep the Library going strong for the community. Thank you to everyone who has listened to my ideas, supported me, and volunteered to work with me at the Library over the past several years. In particular, I would like to thank Brandi Fennell, Cici Bell, Brittanie Roberts, Donna Webb, Nancy Burch, Angie Handegard, Josette Mitchell, Scott and Kate Laird, and Brady Romtvedt. These wonderful people VOLUNTEER POSITIONS OPEN FOR THE FOLLOWING 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, as needed Location: City Hall, Council Chambers Open Positions: 2 vacant seats, of which 1 may be from out of town (Within 5 miles) 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: 3 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 or out of 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: 2 vacant seats for in-town or out of 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. have helped me so much since I started here eight years ago. You will still see me in town. Vernonia is my home, and I will be working locally at the Vernonia Dental office. I’m also planning on volunteering for the school once a week and will be an active member of the Friends of the Library, helping with projects, grant opportunities, and the annual booksale. I will still be making trips to the Library to browse for books every week. I love our Library and look forward to helping it thrive in my new role as volunteer, patron, and Friend of the Library. See you in the stacks! Ongoing Programs Writers’ Group 3 rd Thursday of the month, October 20, 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. Closures: We will be closing Mondays starting in November through December and will be open regular hours and days starting back in January 2023. Meetings: Library Board: Wednesday, November 5, 6 pm (Library) We appreciate your patience as we make a transition with new staff at the library. At this time, we offer preschool storytime but other Library sponsored activities are on pause until we are fully staffed. If you are interested in volunteering for a program or have an idea, please contact Brandi Fennell at the Library, fennell@vernonia-or.gov or 503-429-1818. Friends of the Library: Tuesday, November 8, 6:30-8 pm (check with Library for location) Preschool Storytime Phone: (503) 429-1818 E-mail: library@vernonia-or.gov Website: www.vernonia-or.gov/ departments/library/ Social Media: Follow us on Facebook Fridays, 10:30-11:15 am Stories, movement activities, and crafts. Themes change every week. Designed for children up through age 6. 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, November 7, 2022 Monday, November 21, 2022 www.vernonia-or.gov City Closures are scheduled for: Friday, November 11, 2022 Veterans Day Current Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 am - 5 pm Tuesday, Thursday: 12 pm - 7 pm Saturday: 12 pm - 5 pm Contact Info: The Vernonia Transfer Station is scheduled to be open on the 2 nd and 4 th Saturday, January - October October 22 It is scheduled to be open on the 1 st and 3 rd Saturday in November & December November 5 & 19 December 3 & 17 Dates are subject to change Dates and times subject to change Vernonia Police Blotter September 15 - October 15, 2022 Reports Taken/Arrests • October 15, 2022 Report of Felony Warrant Arrest near North Street Citation/Other • October 2, 2022 Citation issued for Driving While Suspended and Driving Uninsured near Jefferson Avenue Vernonia Police Department had 149 calls for service from 09/15/2022 to 10/15/2022.
