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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 28, 2020)
8A | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020 | SIUSLAW NEWS the union in the form of any counterproposals despite what we were initially promised. As with SVFR, we are hopeful the new union lead negotiator will enable us to reach a contract agreement sooner rather than later.” McClure presented an over- view of the monthly expendi- tures and an office equipment update. She also reported the ex- pected reimbursement for the WLFEA participation in the August Sweet Creek fire has been received in the amount of $19,000. Reports from Division Chief of Operations Matt House showed a slight increase in call response volume for EMS for September from this year to last, but a much more dramat- ic increase in SVFR responses, from 78 last September, to 168 this year. The upswing reflects in an annual increase from 252 at this time last year, to 508 at this point in 2020 — a 49 per- cent increase — with three months remaining. “Increases in fire and gener- al service calls was due in part to the storm that came through on Labor Day weekend, which caused a huge influx of calls through that period,” House said. Another program with a sig- nificant impact, not only for Florence but surrounding com- munities, is the Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) team. Lori Severance, LCSW, coor- dinates the program which sup- ports the community in areas that are not necessarily criminal or violent in nature and which do not require first responders. These include issues which may be suited to discussion, empathy and advice. “Several meetings were held this past month with Kathy Smith, Lane County contract facilitator, and Jason Hawkins, CEO of Peace Harbor Hospi- tal, to transition the MCR Case Manager position from being a PeaceHealth employee to being an MCR worker who will work part-time as the MCR Case Manager,” said Severance. “This will not only be more efficient but will also result in a cost sav- ings for the MCR program.” Negotiations have also begun to allow PeaceHealth emergen- cy department staff to request an MCR response for patients with mental health, trauma-re- lated or homeless issues. This would increase MCR’s ability to address the mental health needs in the Florence area in a much more comprehensive and im- mediate manner than simply by police referral. Another issue discussed in the meeting, brought to direc- tors by Schick, was the retention of Liz Loomis in public affairs to coordinate efforts related to the roll out of the information cam- paign for the district’s upcom- ing levy request. Loomis has a strong record of accomplishment, according to Schick, who has worked with her firm in the past. He assured directors that hiring Loomis would be a significant advan- tage in placing the request for financial support before voters. Loomis’ presentation covered the services she was willing to provide to inform and educate the public about the levy and the need for the public support of that levy. Loomis was asked a few ques- tions regarding her $60,000 ser- vice fee, and for clarification on what additional expenses might be expected. The board then agreed to revisit the proposal at a later time, with additional in- formation in hand. Directors also discussed PERS issues and how best to present that impending organi- zational expense to the public in an attempt to educate residents on this major financial obliga- tion. There were no director com- ments and the meeting was ad- journed. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 19. COMMITTEE from page 1A expansion of communication between PAC and the public. that we want to work with them He also applauded another — not govern them or judge idea discussed by Vice Chair Jo them.” Beaudreau, encouraging PAC to This comment was well re- focus not only on the visual arts, ceived and was emblematic of but also drama, poetry, culinary a new approach to the purchase and performance arts. and display of art in Florence — One of the main issues that one that takes the personalities has surfaced in the past two out of the equation and focuses years has been funding for on the end result of providing PAC. The original relationship an economically beneficial and between PAC and the Florence visually appealing component Urban Development Agency to Florence. (FURA) was supportive, with City council ex-officio mem- funds from FURA used to pur- ber Councilor Woody Wood- chase the Quince Street Mural. bury was supportive of this The reaction to the mural’s content — and what some voiced was a seemingly closed circle of input — was the main catalyst for FURA funding be- ing redirected away from the PAC. When this shift occurred, part of a growing public conflict between Mayor Joe Henry and Councilor Joshua Greene, fu- ture FURA funding for art was eliminated. PAC was left with few city-supported options for the purchase of art pieces. This dynamic has forced PAC to re- consider its mission and how to implement that mission with essentially no incoming funding. Springer addressed the changed nature of the PAC pro- cess by reminding members that there was a way for PAC to move forward. “We have a very detailed grant management plan that was done for us about a year ago. It essentially lays out month by month and by organization where grant money is available to the committee, how much it is and what you have to do to get it. And we have that plan, it is ours,” Springer said. He said he would reintroduce the formation of a sub-commit- tee or other forum to address these possible grant opportuni- ties more directly in the future. The final PAC workplan will be consolidated by Moehrke, adding suggestions from mem- bers to the previously uncom- pleted goals of PAC, then have them ready for presentation to the full council in November. Moehrke then presented one topic for members to consider in an attempt to expand what PAC can do to keep the public involved safely with public art. One of the projects is a “Coastal Quest” scavenger hunt, which would be created and presented to coastal communities by Ore- gon State University. The idea would be to identi- fy unique art-related locales or outdoor art installations which people could travel to and find on their own. The advantages of this type of a program include avoidance of large groups, as well as promoting outside ac- tivities related to the scavenger hunt that would be safer than traditional activities and at a lower cost for participation. The next PAC meeting is scheduled for Nov. 30. For more information, visit www.ci.flor- ence.or.us/bc-pac. WLFEA from page 1A Contract negotiators have been unable to reach a middle ground on a number of issues, said Schick, and Financial Of- ficer Dina McClure suggested a change in the individuals ne- gotiating could improve the sit- uation. “With the breakdown in con- structive negotiations, the dis- trict requested that both sides go to mediation,” said Schick, who explained that the first me- diation session was held Oct. 8, with a second meeting set to take place Nov 4. “During the first session, we did see some positive move- ment to move us towards a pos- sible agreement,” Schick said. “Unfortunately, we still have not received any cooperation from NOTICE Readers Choice Voted #1 Realtor During these uncertain times, we are accessible by phone, email and by appointment only. We are conducting business as safely as possible for our clients as well as our staff. 541-997-7653 Jim_hoberg@hotmail.com We’re buying used cars, trucks and SUV’s. Any make or model, paid for or not. 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