Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (July 11, 2007)
Page 3 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, July 11, 2007 Zoning for annexations queried; appeal hinted Land-use activist claims city not obeying rules ARTFUL AMBLING - Various media will be repre- sented during Second Friday Art Walk in Downtown Cave Junction on Friday, July 13. The list of features and locations is in an advertisement, partially backed by Ever- green Federal Bank, on page 14. VINEYARD MIXER - Foris Vineyards is the setting for an Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce mixer Fri- day, July 13. Hosted by Nelson Maler, a financial adviser with SmithBarney, the get-together will begin at 5:30 p.m. RSVPs are requested by phoning 476-8060 or send them to nelson.r.maler@smithbarney.com. Notes the chamber, “We will learn what is happening within our community as we support and promote our local commerce through communication, advocacy and partnership.” Foris is reached by turning at Holland Store and following the signs. VIOLENCE & ASSAULT - A free 40-hour training course to learn about dealing with domestic violence and sexual assault is offered by Illinois Valley Safe House Alliance. The classes are designed for anyone interested in the field of advocacy or who simply wants to know more. Classes will be held Fridays and Saturdays, July 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with lunch provided. Classes on Tuesday, July 24 and Friday, July 27 will run from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information or to register, phone “Loren” at 592-4147. ‘PENNIES FROM HEAVEN’ - Ever wanted to help a worthy cause, but felt that you couldn't “afford” to help? Every year the Illinois Valley Christmas Basket Program serves more than 700 valley families, and helps put toys for the children under trees in homes. Every year, all I.V. High School graduating seniors help by fill- ing food baskets and candy bags, and distributing toys. Program leaders continued, “With the rising cost of gasoline, and everything else it seems, we fear we will not have enough time or resources to serve our families and children. This year, we are starting early. We are kicking off the season with a six-month coin drive through Nov. 20. Every little bit helps. Bring pennies (and silver coins if you’re feeling rich) to the Illinois Valley Christmas Basket Program in the Family Re- source Center at 535 E. River St. in Cave Junction Mon- days through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or phone 592-4149, Ext. 223 or 225.” NOTEPAD - Siskiyou Bluegrass Festival at Lake Selmac is set for Saturday, July 21. Illinois Valley Cham- ber of Commerce is the sponsor with great help from Home Valley Bank, and Wild River Brewing & Pizza Co. … Illinois Valley High School classes of 1952, 1957 and 1962 were among those that raised the most for the schol- arship fund of The Association of IVHS Alumni and Friends and KUHS Alumni Inc. … MAMAS (Mothers Against Methamphetamine) meets on first and third Thursdays in the Josephine County Bldg. in Cave Junc- tion from 7 to 9 p.m. … “Ben Rice and the Youth of Blues” (wireless/interactive Blues) will perform Tuesday, July 17 at 7 p.m. in Riverside Park, courtesy of Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce. LAST WORDS - *It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong. (Voltaire) *Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy loving kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. (Psalm 25: 6, KJV) $9 million for boating projects Twenty-two boating fa- cility grant requests worth $9 million, none in Josephine County, were approved by the Oregon State Marine Board June 26. Funds come from boat title and registration fees, motorboat fuel tax revenues, plus federal funds adminis- tered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service including a partnership with the Dept. of Fish & Wildlife. The latter administers federal Sport Fish Restoration grant dollars). Other funds for these facility projects come from cash and in-kind contribu- tions from applicants. Among recipients are Multnomah County, receiv- ing $3,388,500 in state and federal funds; and Deschutes County, which will receive $921,107. LIVING WELL (chronic disease self-management) Are you or a loved one living with arthritis, cancer, heart dis- ease, diabetes, stroke, asthma, or other chronic diseases? Stanford University designed the Living Well With Chronic Health Problems work shops to help those who have significant health problems learn how to take control of their care in order to live happier and healthier lives. Sign up today (6 classes in each series) No charge - Registration required - Enrollment limited Contact: Bernadette, 864-9611 www.sohealthyoregon.org Class beginning: July 12, Thursdays, 9:30 to Noon All workshops will be held at The Washington Outpatient Center, 1505 N.W. Washington Blvd., Grants Pass. Brought to you through a partnership of local health and human service providers in collaboration with the Rogue Valley Council of Government Senior and Disability Services. By SCOTT JORGENSEN IVN Staff Writer Claiming misuse of funds, Hugo resident and land-use activist Holger Sommer has filed a notice of intent to appeal the zoning changes that accompanied the city of Cave Junction’s annexation of two properties owned by developer Larry Osborn. Sommer said that he plans to file his complaint with the state Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). The properties are at 25210 and 25156 Redwood Hwy., and were included in the city’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) prior to the annexation, which took effect Wednesday, July 11. Sommer’s July 1 com- plaint was addressed to Wayne Dunlap, a commu- nity development program director from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s (USDA) Oregon office. ‘Misuse’ of Funds Listed “I am writing to you with great concern of mis- used funds from USDA Utility Grants to the City of Cave Junction,” Sommer wrote. “The City of Cave Junction received grant monies for a drinking water treatment plant and a waste- water treatment plant some time ago. “Both plants were di- mensioned such that man- aged growth of the city could be accommodated. In recent years, however, the growth of the city has been mainly driven by land speculation resulting in non- conforming use of utilities.” In his complaint, Som- mer wrote that because Mayor Tony Paulson and City Recorder Jim Polk run most of the city’s daily op- erations, “oversight and con- trol of new developments is non-existing and federal, state, county and city laws are continuously violated.” As an example, Som- mer cited the city’s waste- water treatment plant, stat- ing that it is “not staffed by an appropriate number of personnel.” Sommer’s Assertions Denied by CJ Officials He went on to claim that the system is “over- burdened, even through small storm events because storm water enters the sewer system. This problem is mainly due to infiltration of storm water in the aging sewage system in the old part of the city, but also seems to be compounded by new developments draining storm water in to the sewer system, rending the treat- ment process ineffective.” Sommer broadened his accusations against city offi- cials in later sections of the e-mail complaint. “The uncontrolled and mismanaged, rampaging sprawls together with in- competence, special interest and open conflict of interest of city officials has placed the sane operation of these essential utilities of Cave Junction in jeopardy,” Som- mer wrote. Accusation About City Budget Mismanagement Additionally, Sommer alleged that the city “also has not been able to manage its budget appropriately.” “An audit of the city finances should be con- ducted because a recent amendment of the 2006- 2007 budget and the ap- proval of the 2007-2008 budget give the impression that the same revenue is counted twice,” he wrote. Paulson denied Som- mer’s assertions, and said that the state Dept. of Envi- ronmental Quality must sign off on any proposed subdi- visions. “He makes a lot of ac- cusations with no facts,” Paulson said. Property owners within a city’s UGB “have a right to annex in,” Paulson said. As for city finances, Paulson said that those fig- ures face regular independ- ent audits. Mayor Notes City Meeting Mandatory Audits “That’s something every government agency has to have,” Paulson said. “It’s not something we can get out of.” He said that the new developments in the city are up to code, and that any po- tential problems would stem from older structures. “There was a lack of rules back then,” Paulson said, adding that there also were fewer state and federal regulations. The mayor rejects Som- mer’s arguments regarding the city’s wastewater treat- ment plant, stating that it has a “level four treatment op- erator.” The city is meeting its legal requirements in operat- ing the facility, Paulson said, while noting that finan- cial limitations prevent it from acquiring an ideal number of employees. “Would we like more personnel? Yes,” Paulson said. “But we can only do what the budget allows.” On Monday, July 2, Sommer received an e-mail reply from USDA Commu- nity Program Specialist Clem Singer. Singer was one of the original recipients of Sommer’s complaint. In the July 2 e-mail, “ If your dog is overweight, YOU need more exercise!” Now forming: ‘Dog Walking Group’ for well-mannered, licensed and neutered dogs & their people. 3 to 5 miles; Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays; 5:30 to 7 p.m. Heidi 592-5142 Kerby Belt Lodge BREAKFAST Saturday, July 14, 8 to 11 a.m. Jubilee Park Eggs-Bacon Taylor’s Sausage Hash Browns Biscuits & Gravy Juice-Coffee-Tea Proceeds support youth activities & scholarships ROTARY IS COMING TO ILLINOIS VALLEY. . . . . . and you’re invited to join us. Tuesdays at Noon at The Junction Inn 406 S Redwood Highway, Cave Junction Note: Most Rotary meetings last ONE hour. Come and find out how Rotary, one of the largest and oldest service organizations in the world, is the civic organization of choice for so many of your friends and colleagues. Learn about how YOU can be part of an organization that has played a key role in the world and about local Rotarians. We’ll tell you about Rotary peace programs, humanitarian efforts and much more. We hope you will join us. For more information, phone 476-8060. (Continued on page 8) Want to make a difference in your community? Illinois Valley Safe House Alliance is recruiting volunteers. Your chance to help create a safer community and provide support and guidance to your neighbors in need. The Alliance is starting a volunteer program on July 13, 2007. We are looking for dedicated volunteers like you to participate. The program includes 40 hours of professional training to prepare you to make a difference. Phone Loren Yarbrough at 592-4147 to reserve your space or to find out more about how you can help. More than a safe place
