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About The Hood River news. (Hood River, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (May 13, 2015)
A10 Hood River News, Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Port of CL bans smoking at park playground By PATRICK MULVIHILL News staff writer Smokers will be warned to steer clear of the kids’ play area at the Cascade Locks marine park this summer. The Cascade Locks Port Commission passed a resolu- tion at a work session Friday that prohibits smoking, alco- hol and vaping within a 50- foot radius of the children’s playground at the port’s ma- rine park along the Colum- bia River. Cascade Locks Interim General Manager Paul Koch said the port’s “smoke free” resolution began with a re- quest from the county, and conversations over the last six months with Belinda Bal- lah, Hood River County To- bacco Prevention Specialist. Because the resolution is not an ordinance, county of- ficers will most likely not en- force the smoking ban, Koch said. However, the county will be putting up a no-smok- ing sign at the site, produced by Hood River County Pre- vention Network. The sign hasn’t been erected, but it is authorized. Ballah said the sign has not yet been created. The port’s action against smoking is part of a county- wide push to curtail tobacco in public areas. In 2013, Hood River County commissioners voted to make all properties “smoke and tobacco free.” The City of Hood River passed a similar resolution April 13, 2015, which pro- hibits tobacco on all city owned properties. The city council noted in its resolu- tion document that “tobacco related chronic disease costs Oregonians almost $2.5 bil- lion each year in medical ex- penses and lost productivity” and “pose(s) a risk to tod- dlers, pets and wildlife due to ingestion.” The Port of Cascade Locks went as far as to include pro- visions barring alcohol and vaping at the park play area in their May 8 resolution on the grounds that “park pa- trons who do not smoke, vape or consume alcohol should not be subjected to second hand smoke or vap- ing or the effects of alcohol while enjoying the Chil- dren’s Playground.” Koch said making the play area smoke free was the “log- ical first step” in applying the resolution to additional port properties — possibly all of them in the future. “We may take the big jump as many communities have,” said Koch. The port’s current resolu- tion applies only to a small circle drawn around the park’s playground. The com- mission considered other op- tions, such as designating smoking areas or making the entire park smoke free. How- ever, smoking areas had a high projected maintenance cost for cleaning up trash and cigarette butts, and mak- ing the entire park smoke free could have conflicted with neighboring businesses who “may have a smoking need,” Koch said. However, Koch said the port commission had “an in- creasing number of con- cerns” regarding campers Photo courtesy of Port of Cascade Locks THE CASCADE LOCKS Port Commission passed a resolution Friday banning smoking at the children’s playground area at the port’s ma- rine park on the Columbia River. and visitors who occupy the park each summer, many of whom smoke or drink. “We begin to see people from Portland and Seattle camp- ing at the marine park and … people staying in pickup trucks.” Another concern was the state’s decision to approve recreational marijuana. Ac- cording to Oregon.gov, Ore- gon Measure 91 will take ef- fect July 1, allowing personal possession of marijuana, and the Oregon Liquor Con- trol Commission will begin taking applications for com- mercial growers and sellers in January of 2016. In its resolution docu- ment, the port commission barred “smoking” and “vap- ing” at the playground in general, and did not specify a tobacco-only limitation to that ban. In other action items at the work session Friday, the Cas- cade Locks Port Commission appointed David Lipps, owner of Thunder Island Brewery, to the commission’s budget committee and autho- rized an application for a $160,000 federal g rant through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for park security enhancements. Koch described the grant as necessary to get port buildings and waterfront fa- cilities “up to date.” The funds would go toward hir- ing a security consultant to analyze port properties, and replacing or enhancing cur- rent smoke alarms, burglar alarms, security cameras and other technology. The port owns several old build- ings near the waterfront in- cluding the pavilion and his- tory museum that haven’t seen major security up- grades in decades. BOOK SIGNING / EVENING LECTURE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE National Scenic Area C OUNCIL Continued from Page A1 Regarding utility fee in- creases, city planner Stoner Bell and consultant Ray Bartlett, along with public works director Mark Lago, presented a lengthy and de- tailed report on the state of sewer and water facilities, which will need a total of $12 million to $14 million in re- pair and upgrade projects over a five-year period. “Improvements are up for discussion, but these are the ones we feel need to be done,” said city manager Steve Wheeler. Bartlett and Bell identified $43.7 million in potential water projects, with $7 to $9 million to be dealt with in the five year-plan and in sewer, the figures are $29 mil- lion and about $5 million. Water rates were last in- creased in 2012, up 15 percent from $26.72 per month for typical residences to the cur- rent $32.30. Bartlett said rates would likely need to go up another 15 percent next year for both sewer and water, and about five percent annually for the next four years, to pay for projects under the five-year plan. For sewer, rates were set lowered in 2013 by 15 percent, to $41.75 in 2013, down from the $48 approved by council in 2010. Bartlett urged the council to consider doing away with the residential 5,000 gallon monthly base amount and decreasing it gradually to as low as 1,000 to encourage conservation and reward those who use less water. This summer council will be discussing the water and projects to be done, and the resulting increase in fees as well as looking at other fund- ing sources such as grants, loans or bonds. Bartlett also suggested the city look at raising system development charges (SDCs) for new con- struction, 33 to 43 percent, to help pay for projects. Decisions on projects will flow into an updated Com- prehensive Plan (the city’s first since 2001) and then go through a public process be- fore the council decides on changes in rates. Bell said that many water projects were put on hold in the past five years as the city completed the $10 million mainline replacement in 2010-13, done with city funds and state grant money. “That project absolutely needed to be done and every- thing else got put on hold,” Bell said. Critical issues come down to three: ■ Lead pipes and joints that leach into the water sup- ply; ■ Clay pipes car rying sewage that are in need of re- pair or are at the end of their intended life, and many are used in high-pressure areas; ■ Water pressure that is too high (areas of down- town) or too low (throughout the Heights and west Hood River) in times of high use or when water is used for fire suppression. Bell said the staff will rec- ommend projects that can be carried out in an affordable five-year plan, and with cur- rent personnel. “The problem is that our largest growth is to the west, yet as you go west, the g round rises slightly,” adding to flow and pressure challenges, Bell explained. (The Indian Creek pump sta- tion on the Heights was built in the past year to serve the Heights and the southwest and southeast areas of the city sewer system, and is about to go on line.) Critical factors are sewer lines on flat slopes, con- ducive to buildup of oils that constrict the lines and re- quire frequent maintenance; in some areas, crews must clean lines three or four times a year. “Surfacing” or surcharge incidents affect peoples’ backyards and even base- ments, and potential projects involve easements or other line relocation methods so that sewer lines “go where they belong, underneath the street,” Lago said. One current water pipe project is going on now on Fairview Drive, just off Bel- mont, to increase pressure to the Fairview/Rock y Court/West May neighbor- hoods; a similar pipe project is planned in 2016 just to the north, off West Cascade. Also on the books are about $800,000 in improve- ments at the wastewater treatment plant at the water- front; at least one project will help abate odor from the fa- cility, according to Lago. Photography by Peter Marbach Essay by Janet Cook ■ Council also gave official support to a request council Member Becky Brun will make to Sustainable North- west for the city host a work- shop on developing sustain- able energy projects “I’ll be collecting ideas from the community about the things we want to com- mit to getting further assis- tance, including technical help,” Brun said. Because of the impending application deadline, the council agreed to pass a “minute action” rather than resolution, at city manager Steve Wheeler’s suggestion. That means the council goes on record in the minutes of the May 11 meeting as sup- porting the application. Join photographer Peter Marbach and author Janet Cook for the unveiling of their new book: COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA May 27 at Columbia Center for the Arts Book signing starts at 6:30, public program “Wild at Heart in the Columbia River Gorge” starts at 7PM Event sponsored by Weinstein PR PRINTED BY COLUMBIA GORGE PRESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING 2015 Call today to reserve your space in these Hood River News special sections! 541•386•1234 Ask for Liana, Kirsten, Jody or Chelsea Find the newest member of your family Look for the pet’s name above his photo. You can adopt them from the location listed underneath - right next to their local sponsor. AAD - Adopt-A-Dog • HAL - Home At Last • BMCA - Be Mine Cat Adoption • PFCA - Purrfect Fit Cat Adoptions • CPC - Cascade Pet Camp 541-354-1083 541-296-5189 541-386-3776 541-386-5099 541-354-2267 HUGS FRECKLES LADY BUG LOGAN Adopt-A-Pet Only 1 sponsor space left AAD Call Today! Carol Annala 2495 Cascade Ave, Hood River 541.387.6563 OTIS AAD Happy Tails 70 Acme Rd., White Salmon, WA 509.493.4255 ROSIEBEE AAD AAD The Pilates Studio of Hood River LLC 541.490.0660 Footwise 413 Oak St., Hood River 541.308.0770 BENJI BO www.hoodrivernews.com Gone, But Never to be Forgotten This Memorial Day, we salute the heroes of our Armed Forces, past and present, for their courage and dedication to our country. On Memorial Day, we honor the brave servicemen and servicewomen whose hopes and dreams were cut short in battle. They sacrificed their own lives to protect the lives and freedom of others. Noble, courageous and just, we remember them today and every day in our thoughts and prayers. Join us as we honor our heroes. Hood River Nazarene Church Recognized by the Department of Veteran Affairs. 541.386.1942 541.296.2289 WWW.HeartOfHospice.Org Remember those who gave their lives Jo h n T . T a yl o r , o w n e r In grateful thanks for your faithful service Honor our heroes 2168 Belmont • Hood River 541-386-2604 1139 Tucker Rd. • Hood River (in front of bowling alley) www.hrnaz.org 541-386-3333 Buy Local. Bank Local Wy’East Fire District 4000 Westcliff Dr • Hood River 2500 Cascade Ave • Hood River columbiagorgehotel.com 541-308-1300 2995 Van Horn Dr Hood River • 541-386-2900 302 Columbia St. • Hood River 541-386-3565 Honoring the fallen Windmaster Market Honor 1465 Barker Rd • Hood River 541-386-3133 508 Cascade Ave Hood River 386-1161 Radio-controlled vehicles, games and much MORE! Store Thrift Thrift We’ve got Best Prices in town! Local Artists Must See! Memorial Day Sale Reserve e ad space by: st T i r s e Downtown Hood River Find our events on Facebook 116 Oak St. • 541-386-5474 May 13 Anything and everything a chap can unload, Is sold on the streets of Good Karma Road... 3140 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR 97031 (541) 386-1123 (541) 490-3655 Fitness Honor and Respect Honor the Fallen 1785 Meyer Parkway • Hood River 541-386-3939 Equipment 110 4th St. • Hood River •541-386-1223 B e P r o m i s V a lu e 1120 1 1 2 0 Tucker T u c k e r Road R o a d • Hood H o o d River R i v e r Mon-Sat M o n - S a t 10 1 0 a.m. a . m . - 6 p.m. p . m . 1650 Tucker Rd. • Hood River 541-386-4499 Memorial Day Weekend Sale Perfect gifts for Dads and Grads! Good Karma Let us not forget but remember SERVING THE GORGE Downtown Hood River 116 Oak St. • 541-386-5474 The Fitness Store for Gorge Athletes 3450 Cascade Ave. Hood River • 541-386-5676 Remember those who served 541-386-5566 Yasui Building 109 First Street, Hood River 541•386•7423 www.sushiokalani.com Experience the Art of Glassblowing! Glassometry Studios Ages 5 & up Make your appt call/email curious@glassometry.com open wed-sun 11-5pm Paul Henne’s Honoring those who served Radio Shack Standing Tall Forget them not 1101½ Pine St. • Hood River 541-386-2677 1116 12th St. • Hood River Honoring Those Who Serve 541-386-2810 Your supply source for the Gorge 541-386-5787 www.tallmanladders.com 1108 12th St. • Hood River 541-308-3355 Truck • Motorcycle • Snowmobiles Never forgotten Thank You for Your Service 504 Cascade • Hood River 541-386-3444 1203 12th St. • Hood River 541-387-6688 Fun for the whole family! Blow your own glass workshops Working Studio + Sculpture Garden kettle bell - trx bosu ball jump rope foam roller medicine ball yoga mats Downtown Hood River 116 Oak St. • 541-386-5474 SUPERMARKETS A salute to our fallen heroes Thank you May 18 Supporting our soldiers today and everyday Defenders of our freedom 755 Frankton Rd • Hood River 541-386-2929 1945 12th St. • Hood River • 541-386-2757 3831 Eagle Loop • Odell • 541-354-3000 Semper Fi! Memorial Day Tribute Reserve ad space by: 1460 Tucker Road Hood River 541-386-2733 HOODRIVERSUPPLY Remember, understand, and honor our veterans 101 Oak Street • Hood River 541-387-2633 Wy’East Fire District Remembering those that have served before us Honor and Remember 541-387-4192 $5.99 lb., Any size package Los Hermanos Remember those who served! 99¢ lb., 3-lb. to 4-lb. avg. weight 3431 Odell Hwy • Odell 541-354-1648 12th & Pacific • Hood River 541-387-4444 3324 Odell Hwy. • Odell 541-354-5880 Pepsi or 7-UP Products 541-386-1606 Fine Writing Pens CROSS • SHEAFFER • FISHER 3015 Lower Mill Dr. Hood River 541.354.3015 | Glassometry.com Hood River Stationers Downtown on Oak • 541-386-2344 Dansko Trunk Show Saturday, May 24th • 9am-3pm Join us for a day of Danskos, Discounts and Free gift w/Purchase! Foster Farms Chicken Hindquarters $5.79, 24-ct., 12 oz. cans, Selected varieties & G a l l e r y o f G a m e s 107 2nd Street • Hood River For Graduates: 20% off USDA Choice Beef T-Bone Steak 1004 Pacific Ave •Hood River In Honor of those who gave their ALL! SPRING SUPER SALE Up to 50% off! Come in for these Great Deals! 1-800-386-2555 541-386-2555 AUTO SERVICES A11 Soccer Szeremi’s & Espresso Valiant defenders Honor and Respect Hood River News, Wednesday, May 21, 2014 Op e n 7 n i g h t s a w e e k f o r d i n n e r , s t a r t i n g a t 5 : 0 0 L a t e - N i g h t H a p p y H o u r s t a r t s a t 9 : 0 0 t i l c l o s e Lay’s or Tostitos Chips $1.89, 6-oz. to 12-oz., Selected varieties 1867 12th St. • Hood River 541-386-1119 20% off ALL 101 Oak St. • Hood River Danskos ... 1 Day ONLY! (541) 386-5787
