Polk County News
2A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • January 11, 2017
BOC considers 2017 ballot measure NEWS IN BRIEF
By Jolene Guzman
The Itemizer-Observer
DALLAS — The Polk
County Commissioners on
Tuesday approved moving
forward with considering
placing an up to $10 million
facilities maintenance bond
on the May 2017 ballot.
Tuesday’s unanimous vote
was not the final decision on
the bond, but the first step in
the process of getting one
onto a ballot. A final decision
would come after a public
hearing on the issue. The
amount the board could ask
of voters is still in flux.
See COUNTY, Page 7A
Maintenance bond project costs may increase
By Jolene Guzman
The Itemizer-Observer
DALLAS — Results from a
survey testing for lead-
based paint and asbestos in
Dallas School District build-
ings may increase costs of
maintenance bond projects.
The district commis-
sioned the study, performed
by JSE Labs of Milwaukie, to
help prepare for mainte-
nance work projects. It re-
vealed what officials had
thought would be the case
with lead-based paint.
“In the lead-based paint
testing, we were able to
confirm suspicions, and we
found lead paint in every
one of our buildings,” said
Kevin Montague, the dis-
trict’s facilities director, dur-
ing Monday’s Dallas School
Board meeting.
That included the Dallas
High School stadium, which
had readings that were par-
ticularly high for lead-based
paint.
“The results of the tests
will result in significant
cost increases to any fu-
ture renovations to the
bleachers as a result of the
lead paint mitigation that
we now will have to under-
take, knowing that facility
has a significant amount of
lead-based paint,” Mon-
tague said.
Asbestos testing had a
few surprises in store in that
items expected to contain
asbestos didn’t. The oppo-
site is also true.
“Overall the new assess-
ments provide us with a
more detailed plan and a
quick-reference map which
will allow staff to quickly
identify areas which contain
asbestos containing build-
ing materials,” Montague
said.
In other business, the
board:
• Learned the district will
have more time to finish
seismic upgrades at Whit-
worth Elementary School.
The state awarded the dis-
trict a grant for seismic im-
provements at the school in
May 2016, with a 24-month
timeline to finish the proj-
ect.
Mo n t a g u e s a i d t h a t
meant all the work had to
be condensed into one
summer, which would have
been difficult to pull off. The
district requested an exten-
sion of the deadline, and
the state granted it. Projects
now must be done by No-
vember 2018.
• Learned the Dallas High
School production of “The
Aristocats” raised more
than $1,300 for Sable
House.
• Heard the district’s
food service program do-
nated several cases of per-
ishable food to Christmas
Cheer after school was
canceled due to snow just
before Christmas break.
The food, which would
have spoiled before stu-
dents returned to school,
was used to fill more than
300 food boxes delivered in
the community.
The Itemizer-Observer
DALL AS —
years, Chelsea
event planner
Dallas Chamber
Center and the
After 12
Metcalfe,
with the
& Visitors
organiza-
tions’ former executive di-
rector, is leaving the or-
ganization.
JD Shinn, the chamber’s
CEO, announced her depar-
ture on Jan. 3, which was
Metcalfe’s last day on the
job.
M e t -
calfe has
played a
major role
ove r t h e
last 12
years with
the cham-
ber and
Metcalfe
visitors
center, Shinn said.
She has served in many
capacities, including board
member, board president,
executive director and chief
event planner.
“It’s time to make room
for new leadership and a
new direction,” Metcalfe
said in a statement. “I’ve
come to realize that it’s time
to step away fully from
these organizations so that
they can move in a new di-
rection that will be best for
the Dallas area.
“This community has my
heart and I have enjoyed
being a part of both organi-
INDEPENDENCE — Independence police officers made 10 driv-
ing under the influence of intoxicants arrests during the month of
December, including three on New Year’s Eve.
The average breath test result for DUII alcohol arrests was 0.15
percent blood alcohol content. The legal limit in Oregon is less
than 0.08 percent.
Four of the 10 arrests were cannabis-induced impairment.
Overtime shifts were given to officers through a partnership
with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Grant for
extra patrols. This grant will continue through November.
Super Bowl Sunday will be the next required date for extra en-
forcement. There will also be unannounced days throughout Jan-
uary with extra enforcement.
The Independence Police Department reminds citizens to find
another way to get home if impaired and to call 911 to report an
impaired driver who cannot be persuaded not to drive.
Martin Luther King honored at free event
DALLAS — A free event on Martin Luther King Day, Monday,
aims to help people learn about and participate in local social jus-
tice advocacy.
Martin Luther King Day of Service Celebration will take place at
Dallas First Presbyterian Church, 879 SW Levens St., Dallas. Admis-
sion is free and child care will be provided by Dallas Indoor Play
Park, which organized the event.
The event will begin with live music by the Dallas Evangelical
Church worship band and blues artist Gabriel Cox from 5:45 to
6:50 p.m.
Dallas Indoor Play Park is hosting children’s activities from 6:50
to 8 p.m. during the main event, the celebration service.
Starting at 7 p.m., the service will be in honor of Martin Luther
King Jr.’s legacy and features speakers Dr. Rev. Furniss, a theolo-
gian and Bible scholar, and representatives of Causa of Oregon,
and local groups James2 Community Kitchen and Polk County
Taskforce on Human Equality.
For more information: 503-623-3397.
Ron Lines Bridge dedication Saturday
Metcalfe leaves chamber
By Jolene Guzman
Independence officers make 10 arrests
zations through the years. I
am confident in JD’s ability
to lead the organizations
from where they are now to
new heights.”
Shinn, who took over as
CEO in October 2016, rec-
ognized Metcalfe’s years of
service in Tuesday’s an-
nouncement.
“Chelsea has a great
amount of knowledge about
the area and the town of
Dallas, as well as a great
passion for this communi-
ty,” he said. “I have no
doubt in my mind that she
will be successful in her
next endeavor.”
Shinn said Metcalfe will
be replaced, but he said he
isn’t sure what the job de-
scription on the position
will look like just yet.
“That will be a little up in
the air,” he said. “I would
hope to have someone by
the end of the month.”
Metcalfe had been focus-
ing on planning events with
the Dallas Area Visitors Cen-
ter since stepping down as
the chamber’s executive di-
rector in October.
DALLAS — The Ron Lines Memorial Bridge ribbon cutting and
memorial walk has been rescheduled to Saturday.
The memorial walk will begin at 11 a.m.
The ribbon cutting for the bridge, which is named after former
parks supervisor Ron Lines, who helped secure the grant that
made the project possible, will follow at 11:30 a.m. The event will
take place on the side of the bridge closest to the Dallas Aquatic
Center, 1005 SE LaCreole Drive.
Parking is available at the aquatic center and at the lot on Wal-
nut Street. Refreshments will be provided.
JD Shinn, the Dallas Area Chamber of Commerce CEO, Mayor
Brian Dalton, and City Manager Ron Foggin will speak during the
ceremony.
For more information: 503-831-3502.
OCSO arrested two during DUII patrols
POLK COUNTY — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested two
people on driving under the influence of intoxicants and handed
out 34 unrelated traffic warnings during DUII patrols conducted
from Dec. 15, 2016, to Jan. 1.
In October of 2016, Oregon Department of Transportation
(ODOT) and Oregon State Sheriff's Association (OSSA) awarded
the sheriff’s office a grant directed toward DUII enforcement.
During the more than two-week period, deputies worked 17
hours of focused DUII patrols. The sheriff's office will continue to
participate in the DUII grant throughout the year.
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