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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (June 24, 2015)
14A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • June 24, 2015 Polk County News County budget sees FC appoints mayor as city manager minor adjustments By Jolene Guzman The Itemizer-Observer By Jolene Guzman The Itemizer-Observer POLK COUNTY — The Polk County Board of Com- missioners was scheduled to adopt the county’s 2015-16 budget at 9 a.m. Wednesday (today) with minor changes to what was approved by the budget committee in May. The biggest changes will be in the general, public works and behavioral health funds. Each will receive minor increases. In the general fund, County Administrator Greg Hansen estimated the amount the county will re- ceive in the second install- ment of the two-year exten- sion of timber payments approved by Congress ear- lier this year. That money will be placed in general fund con- tingency and used to offset the amount charged to tax- payers in year two of the public safety levy (2016-17). Hansen has adjusted the amount that will be charged for year one (2015- 16) of the levy to 30.4 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, down from the 45 cents per $1,000 approved by voters in May. The decrease is due to the county receiving the first payment of the exten- sion of about $750,000. The increase in public works will go to contin- gency or to the road main- tenance budget, while be- havioral health will see a small boost in its contin- gency fund. Polk County’s budget committee approved the 2015-16 approximately $19 million general fund and about $56 million total budget on May 20. FALLS CITY — The Falls City City Council has decid- ed to take a different path to replace its city manager. For the time being, Mayor Terry Ungricht has been named acting city manager, and the city will be looking for someone to work part- time in the office to assist him. The council appointed Ungricht to the post at its meeting on June 11. Falls City began looking for a permanent, but part- time replacement for inter- im city manager Jon Hanken in April after he accepted another post. The job description in- cluded working 20 to 24 hours per week, something Hanken advised wouldn’t be enough time to fulfill all the typical tasks of a city manag- er, at a wage of $22 to $25 per hour. Falls City received six ap- plicants for that job, but began brainstorming other options in May, including contracting the position or hiring a recent graduate looking for job or intern ex- perience to help out at city hall. Ungricht noted during that discussion that the city was saving about $9,000 per month while the position is vacant. “My recommendation is that there is so much that comes in that there is no way a part-time manager can handle it all,” Ungricht said. For the last few months, Ungricht has been putting in daily hours at city hall as the city’s manager “pro tem.” “It’s looking like I am going to be doing that for a while,” Ungricht said. Ungricht said as far as hir- ing help is concerned, he Government would like to find someone who has the educational background to take over some of the city manager’s responsibilities eventually. “Hopefully someone I can train up for the position, someone who may not have job experience, but has de- grees,” he said. The city’s newly approved charter contains a provision stating: “The manager may be appointed for a definite or an indefinite term, and may be removed at any time by a majority of the council. The council must fill the of- fice by appointment as soon as practicable after the va- cancy occurs.” Ross Williamson, Falls City’s city attorney, said in his understanding, the council has essentially ap- pointed Ungricht as the city manager, and therefore has fulfilled its requirement to fill the position. Williamson said he’s seen other small cities do the same thing in the past. “This is a fairly unusual move, but not unheard of,” Williamson said. “A lot of s m a l l c i t i e s a re c a s h - strapped.” In other business, the council: • Approved an ordinance that allows the city to set tax rates on recreational and medical marijuana by reso- lution. Ungricht said the council will consider a reso- lution setting the rates at zero at its July meeting. City of Dallas applies for Fairview planning grant By Jolene Guzman The Itemizer-Observer DALLAS — The city of Dallas is applying for a grant to develop a master plan for a 120-acre area in the south- western region of the city. Called the Fairview Node, the area is located east of Kings Valley Highway and south of Oakdale Road. The property was annexed into the city in 2009 and, according to city staff, is one of the last large undeveloped areas in the urban growth boundary. Dallas Community Devel- opment Director Jason Locke said interest in developing the area is increasing, more so than when the city first applied for the grant in 2010. “We think it is more time- ly to make the application now,” Locke said. The $135,000 grant would help pay for a plan that spec- ifies land uses within the area, identifies needed trans- portation improvements, en- courages bicycle and pedes- trian-friendly development, and identifies natural re- sources and ways to protect them. The application was submitted on June 12. In other business, the council: Heard that sales were still in negotiations for the four industrial proper- ties owned by the Praegitzer Trust that went up for auc- tion on May 20. The largest property, the 52-acre parcel off Godsey Road, was report- edly sold to a Portland food processing company. Look what’s coming up! Polk Co Fair Summerfest Publishes Aug. 5th Publishes July 22nd Hop & Heritage Publishes Sept. 16th Interested in Advertising call 503-623-2373 Itemizer-Observer 147 SE Court St, Dallas Community Events Calendar brought to you by these Monmouth Business Association participants. We Care About Our Community! Building Unity in Our Community! Please clip out this calendar & post it on your fridge! Monmouth 503-837-0700 www.minetfiber.com Your Local Service Provider LOOKING Saving Carpets Daily 405 Hogan Rd 800-732-0173 464 S Pacific Hwy Monmouth osufederal.com FOR RENTALS? 503-838-1278 503-838-0869 Monmouth Western View Properties Property Management, LLC PCL JULY 2015 Partnerships in Community Living 503-838-2403 480 E. Main St. Monmouth DownTown Trends Monmouth Area Community Events Calendar Pick up next week’s Itemizer-Observer to obtain your copy of the official 4th of July Guide. The publication includes a full schedule of events for the 4th of July Festival in your area! July 2 Every Thursday through August Riverview Amphitheater hosts FREE MOVIES. July movies begin at 9:30 and August movies begin at 8:30. Bring chairs & blankets! Check out http://www.independenceamphitheatre.com/ for list of movies. July 3 Every Friday through August Riverview Amphitheater hosts FREE CONCERTS. Bring your chairs and blankets! Check out http://www.independenceamphitheatre.com/ for a full line up. July 5 Polk Flea Market. Polk County’s oldest and largest market with 183 tables selling antiques, collectibles, tools, etc. 9 am to 3 pm, Polk County Fairgrounds & Event Center 520 S. Pacific Hwy W Rickreall. Website: www.polkfleamarket.com July 5 Rogue Farms Summer Concert Series. Every Sunday June-August at 3pm. Take in the views of Rogue farms, sip on a Rogue ale, cider or soda, and enjoy the music. All concerts are free and all ages are welcome! 3590 Wigrich Road, Independence July 6 W.O.U. Speed Camps. Western Oregon University is committed to improving the athleticism and team skills of our local Student Athletes, by providing a safe, fun, skill based experience for kids ages 7 to 17 years old. WOU speed camps help young athletes gain a step up on the competition through expert instruction in a collegiate environment and interaction with collegiate student athletes. The current dates for the camp are: • July 6, 8, 10 • July 13, 15, 17 • July 20, 22, 24 • July 27, 29, 31 Western Oregon University, McArthur Field - Football Stadium. $80 for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week $25 per week (12 sessions) Visit: WOUWOLVES.COM for Details July 8 Monmouth Music In The Park – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Joe Shinkle and 99 West bring classic country western to Music In The Park. Free and open to the public. Every Wednesday in Main St. park. Monmouth. 142 Highway 99 West 503- 838-1445 Monmouth Monmouth Senior Center 180 S. Warren St. Monmouth 355 N Pacific Ave., Ste A Monmouth 503-838-4268 Serving Polk Co. Since 1875 503-623-2373 503-838-3467 www.windermere.com 297½ N. Pacific Hwy Carpet Hero July 11 FREE Community Barbeque. 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Faith Lutheran Church invites YOU for a day of free FOOD and FUN! There's something for everyone. Please come by and see us! • Coffee and Donuts • Hot Dogs • Raffle Prizes • Yard Sale • Car Wash • Bible Crafts • Lions Club Health Screening • Salem Free Clinic • Popcorn • Face Painting • Inflatable Big Slide • Snow Cones. Faith Lutheran Church 200 Monmouth-Independence Hwy. Monmouth (on the S curve) July 15 Monmouth Music In The Park – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Hillstomp brings their brand of distinctive blues to Music In The Park. Free and open to the public. Every Wednesday in Main St. park. Monmouth. July 22 Monmouth Music In The Park – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Carried Away Trio brings smooth rhythm and blues vocals to Music In The Park. Free and open to the public. Every Wednesday in Main St. park. Monmouth. July 29 Monmouth Music In The Park – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. World' Finest brings a distinctive mixture of reggae and ska to Music In The Park. Free and open to the public. Every Wednesday in Main St. park. Monmouth. 503-838-2951 165 E. Main St. Monmouth 503-838-1773 410 E. Main St. Monmouth 503-838-1141 297 N Pacific Monmouth Every Tuesday May - October Polk County Bounty Market 10 AM - 3 PM Main St. Park Every Tuesday 10:15 AM, Toddler Story Time for ages 18 mos. to 3 yrs. Monmouth Public Li- brary, 168 S. Ecols St. Every Tuesday 7:30 PM - Al-Anon Family Groups, which includes Alateen for younger mem- bers, meets at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in Dallas. Al-Anon is an established community re- source for people affected by another's use of alcohol. The resource can aid the recovery process for the entire family through hope, comfort and loving interchange among members having a common problem. For more information call 503-370-7363, leave a message - you will be con- tacted. Second and Fourth Tuesdays - 9:15 to 11 a.m. Mothers of Preschoolers (MoPS) meets at Mon- mouth Christian Church, 959 W. Church St., Monmouth. Every Wednesday 10:15 AM, Preschool Story Time for ages 3-6 years. Monmouth Library, 168 S. Ecols St. Every Wednesday Helping Hands Emergency Food Bank, 10am to noon, Monmouth Christian Church, 959 Church St. W., Monmouth. For eligible community members; available every Wednesday. 541-404-6517. Every Wednesday 6:30 PM - Al-Anon Family Groups, which includes Alateen for younger members, meets at Trinity Lutheran Church at 320 Fir Villa Rd. in Dallas. Al-Anon is an established community resource for people affected by another's use of alcohol. The resource can aid the recovery process for the entire family through hope, comfort and loving interchange among mem- bers having a common problem. For more information call 503-370-7363, leave a message - you will be contacted. Every 2nd Wednesday Monmouth-Independence Chamber lunch forum. 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Location changes. Please call Jean Love or visit our Calendar of Events at micc-or.org for more information. 503-838-4268 Every 3rd Wednesday each month. BINGO at the Farm, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Come play BINGO in the Chatoe out at Rogue Farms. Join us every third Wednesday of the month through 2014! So bring your family and friends and get ready to win! Boards, daubers, and prizes provided! Rogue Farms Chatoe Tasting Room, 3590 Wigrich Road Independence, OR Every Thursday 7 p.m. 314 Cottonwood Way, Monmouth. Polk and Marion County Women meet to discuss and research alternative/safer approaches to conventional treatments of hor- monal imbalance. Every 2nd Thursday 7:00 PM Luckiamute Watershed Council (LWC) open meeting. Mon- mouth Volunteer Hall. Info: 503-838-8804 Every 3rd Thursday After Hour Mixers with Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members and friends are invited to join us for our FREE monthly after-hours mixers. Mixers are held the third Thursday of each month from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at member locations. Registration is requested to help the host site properly prepare. Attendees are encouraged to bring a small giveaway (less than $10) to promote your business or organization. For location and or more information, contact Jean Love 503-838-4268 or visit our Calendar of Events at micc-or.org for more information. Every Friday TOPS-Weight Loss Group meets at the Monmouth Church of Christ, 127 Heffley St. N., Monmouth. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information please feel free to contact Marilyn at 503-930-7936. Every Saturday Riverview Market Now through October 9 AM - 2 Pm Riverview Park 50 C. St., Independence Every Saturday The Original Independence Farmers Market 9 am to 2 pm Umpqua Bank parking lot in historic downtown Independence. Every 1st Saturday 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Monmouth Senior Center host breakfast. All you can eat, Adults $6 Donation, Children 12 & under $3 Donation. For more info: 503 838-5678 First Saturday 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m.-3 p.m.-Crafter’s Cottage at the Mon- mouth Senior Center, 180 S. Warren St. Handmade items, watercolors, needlepoint, towels, bead jewelry, dolls, blankets, sweaters, jellies, etc....New items always arriving!