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About Cannon Beach gazette. (Cannon Beach, Or.) 1977-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 29, 2017)
6A • December 29, 2017 | Cannon Beach Gazette | cannonbeachgazette.com Out-of-date flood maps vex city’s business owners FEMA delays adopting maps cost local merchants By Brenna Visser Cannon Beach Gazette For the past two years, Cheri Lerma of Cheri’s Cafe & Cannon Beach Cookie has spent almost $10,000 on flood insurance she knows she doesn’t need. As a part of a countywide study by the Federal Emer- gency Management Agency, preliminary mapping in 2014 showed flood hazard zones shrinking by 27 percent in Cannon Beach. The changes take almost all of downtown out of a zone that requires mandatory flood insurance. But the federal government has been slow to adopt new flood plain hazard maps, leav- ing some downtown business- es like Lerma’s to pay thou- sands of dollars in insurance. A letter of determination, which ratifies the new maps, is scheduled to be delivered later this month, said David Ratté, a regional engineer for FEMA. After the city receives the let- ter, it will go through a six- COLIN MURPHEY/EO MEDIA GROUP Steve Sinkler looks over his inventory at The Wine Shack in Cannon Beach. COLIN MURPHEY/EO MEDIA GROUP Cheri Lerma, owner of Cheri’s Cafe, grabs a pastry for a customer. month adoption period before the maps will be recognized. “In my mind, I’ve taken a match to $10,000,” Lerma said. “Everyone knows I’m not in the zone, but because it hasn’t been ratified I have to pay for it. Some bigger com- panies could withstand this, but to me, a small business? Paying this much can knock me out of the park.” The project to update flooding risks along the coast started more than seven years ago. There are a few reasons FEMA’s mapping project has faced delays, Ratté said. Con- cerns with the draft coastal analysis in the Columbia Riv- er Estuary, as well as assess- ments of a levee in Warrenton, stalled creating preliminary maps. While Gearhart, Sea- side and Cannon Beach raised no concerns about the maps, Ratté said separating out these communities from the estuary would have been costly and logistically difficult. “This mapping project was tied together as a countywide effort,” Ratté said. “When we shared draft information in 2013, there were concerns Arch Cape keeps water clean at the source Community seeks to maintain watershed By Brenna Visser Cannon Beach Gazette Beside many of the winding roads that weave through Arch Cape’s watershed lie trees marked with orange tags. A few years ago, the timber company that owned the property tried to lessen the impact of fallen trees, said Phil Chick, the manager of Arch Cape Water and Sani- tary District. Three times the amount of tree mass was left in one section to pre- vent eroding sediment from flowing into Shark Creek — the town’s main water source. But after a major winter storm, those trees blew down, too. “On a steep slope like this, when there aren’t trees there to stop that water, the sediment goes into the water intake like a chute,” Chick said. The 20-foot buffers required by the state Forest Practices Act get blown down during the intense wind storms on the coast, Chick said. In the winter, some- times high turbidity from increased sedi- mentation means Chick can’t make drink- ing water for four to six days. In previous years, Arch Cape routinely saw high readings of trihalomethanes, a carcinogen formed when the turbidity caused from runoff reacted with water cleaning agents. “(Property owners) are following the rules. But in this wind, it’s just not enough. It’s like blowing down match- sticks,” Chick said. Water treatment issues are part of the driving force behind why Arch Cape Water District and other community part- ners want their 2,100-acre watershed as a with some of the results in the estuary.” But the delays have cost Steve Sinkler, who owns The Wine Shack and Lazy Susan in Cannon Beach, thousands of dollars in insurance. Sinkler attended a FEMA open house last year where it was projected that the new maps were to be adopted by this spring. He had recently purchased the two properties, and was working with his mortgage company and FEMA to reconcile the discrepancies between the maps and how much he would have to pay Five Zero Trees opens despite community controversy By Brenna Visser Cannon Beach Gazette COLIN MURPHEY/EO MEDIA GROUP A small waterfall in the upper reaches of the Arch Cape watershed contrib- utes to the area’s supply of clean water. community forest. The designation would allow the water district to manage, con- serve and harvest the forestland as they see fit with community input. If acquired, Arch Cape would be one of the few community-owned forests on the Oregon Coast. Cannon Beach’s first mar- ijuana store is now open for business. Five Zero Trees, located at 140 S. Hemlock, opened qui- etly this month with little to no ceremony. It’s the first pot business to open since the city voted to al- low marijuana last November. The company owns multiple stores in the Portland metro area, as well as a storefront in Astoria. “It’s been long-awaited, this location,” store manager Josh Cisco said. “We’ve put a lot of heart and soul into this business, and we are excited to show peo- M U N I C I PA L M E M O JANUARY 2018 Is published monthly by the City of Cannon Beach 163 E. Gower Street • P.O. Box 368 • Cannon Beach, OR 97110 (503) 436-1581 • Fax: (503) 436-2050 • TTY (503) 436-8097 MEETINGS CITY HALL CLOSED JANUARY 2018 2 9 13 18 23 25 City Council Regular Meeting City Council Work Session City Council Goal Setting Retreat Design Review Board City Council Special Meeting & TAC Work Session Planning Commission CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION, December 5, 2017 pouncil met in executive session to consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed. ORD 192.660 (2) (h) CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, December 5, 2017 • Approved staff requests to apply for a State Homeland Security Radio Project Grant and a NAppHO Grant; • Appointed Phyllis Bernt and Richard Bertellotti to Budget pommittee; Marc Bates to the Design Review Board; Barb Knop, Sandi Lundy and Andrew Wilmerding to the Farmers Market pommittee and Joe Bernt to the Planning pommission; • Agreed to send out a Request for Proposal to selected companies for Strategic Planning facilitation services; • Discussed the pomprehensive Plan and cannabis related businesses with the Land Use Planner, pity Plan- ner and pity Attorney. CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION, December 12, 2017 pouncil met in executive session to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions. ORS 192.660 (2) (e) CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, December 12, 2017 • pity Planner Mark Barnes gave an update regarding FEMA’s map update project. The maps could become effect by the end of June 2018; • ponsultant Stacy Burr presented the November emergency manage- ment update; • Public Works Director Jim Arndt 7:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. and ponsultant Mark Wadlington of pivil West Engineering led a utility rate increase discussion and gave a presentation. There will be 2 public meetings in January to discuss sys- tem conditions and the proposed rate structure; • pity Manager Bruce St. Denis led a discussion regarding the benefit of waiting to do another strategic plan- ning until after the pity has gone through a ‘visioning’ process; • pity Manager Bruce St. Denis led a discussion regarding the bud- get process and why it would be good to start earlier than normal to identify major expenditures prior to defining the next budget. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD – The De- sign Review Board met November 14, 2017 and discussed: DRB 17-09, Dave Norstedt, Applica- tion for Exterior Alterations at 2740 S. Pacific. Approved w/ Conditions. FS 17-03, Scott Davidson, Applica- tion for Freestanding Sign at 140 S. Hemlock Approved. FS 17-04, Mike porry, Application for Freestanding Sign at 1347 S. Hem- lock. Approved. PLANNING COMMISSION - The Planning pommission met November 21, 2017, and discussed: SR 17-04, Vanbeek et al, Request for a Setback Reduction in ponjunction with a Remodel at 179 W. Surfcrest. Denied. P 17-01, OTAK, Inc., Request for a Partition for Two Lots Located on N. Hemlock Street. Approved. V 17-02, Mike plark; Request for a Variance to the Minimum Allowed Off-Street Parking Spaces in pon- junction with the Rebuilding of the Sealark Apartments at 124 N. Larch. Approved. in flood insurance. Through this process he went from be- ing required to pay the highest level of insurance to not being required to buy flood insurance at all. “We saw that timeline and thought, ‘Great, we won’t have to pay $9,000 by this time next year,’” Sinkler said. “But then we had to again.” The appeal process did not start until the fall, mostly due to the change in presidential ad- ministrations, Ratté said. Cities now will be expected to update any necessary flood ordinances around the summer of 2018. Monday, January 1, 2018 in observance of New Year’s Day & Monday, January 15, 2018 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day UTILITY RATE DISCUSSION Tuesday, January 16, 2018 6:00 pm & Monday, January 22, 2018 6:00 pm at pity Hall pouncil phambers. pity Staff will be available to discuss system conditions and proposed rate structure. BUSINESS CONTINUITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FORUMS Wednesday, January 24, 2018 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm & Wednesday, February 28, 2018 1:30 pm – 4:00pm at pity Hall pouncil phambers. No business is immune to the effects of an emergency situation and every business should have a plan of action that is commensurate with their needs. This forum will focus on the importance of preparing your business, your employees, and protecting your assets in the event of a disaster. Instructor: Stacy M. Burr, pannon Beach Emergency Manage- ment ponsultant Please RSVP to: email@stacyburrconsulting.com HAYSTACK ROCK AWARENESS PROGRAM Why does HRAP need volunteers? Thousands of people visit pannon Beach every summer, and many are drawn to our local monolith, Haystack Rock. With a small seasonal staff team and limited funds, HRAP depends on volunteers to accomplish its goals. Volunteers play a crucial role in educating the public and visiting school groups while promoting stewardship of our natural treasure. What do volunteers do? Volunteers do all sorts of things. Most visible are the beach interpreters who educate visitors about the amazing marine and bird life at Haystack Rock. Some on the beach duties include: setting up the trailer display, manning bird scopes, guiding tidepool tours, and reminding people about the rules of the rock. Volunteers also help organize potlucks, update educational materials and many other activities. Why volunteer? HRAP volunteers are part of an exciting outdoor education program! Our staff and volunteers have diverse backgrounds and talents making our team dynamic and interesting. Volun- teering is a great way to meet people from all over and to learn more about this special part of the world. Our program began with volunteers in 1985 and will only persist in the future with the help of volunteers. I know nothing about tidepool life or birds. Can I still help? Of course! The only requirements are interest and enthu- siasm! Staff is always present on the beach to help answer questions. Many of our volunteers start with little knowledge, but gain a lot quickly by simply volunteering. HRAP also hosts three trainings each year to help both volunteers and staff gain the knowledge needed to be a successful interpreter. Until the next training, check out our links page to find websites that provide basic marine biology, fun tidepool tidbits, photos and seabird information. Also check out our HRAP resource links below. I’m not sure about being on the beach. How else can I help? We can use you! Serving on a committee, donating equip- ment and services, assisting with mailing --again, interest and enthusiasm are the only requirements. Okay, you convinced me. How do I sign up? Simply contact HRAP’s volunteer coordinator at (503) 436- 8064 or Habecker@ci.cannon-beach.or.us. ple what we do.” The location has been the source of controversy after an ordinance prohibiting mari- juana shops from operating in mixed-use buildings led the property owner to evict the building’s three tenants. Since summer, a debate has ignited over concerns about the appli- cation process and possible con- flicts with the city’s comprehen- sive plan by David Frei, who acted as a spokesman for the Ecola Square Homeowners As- sociation. Opponents argued the store’s proximity to a residential neighborhood and downtown did not fit the character of the town, and urged the city to deny a business license. FOR YOUR INFORMATION MAYOR: Sam Steidel COUNCILORS: Mike Benefield, Nancy McCarthy, Brandon Ogilvie and George Vetter CITY MANAGER: Bruce St. Denis NOTICE OF VACANCIES CITY COMMISSIONS, BOARDS & COMMITTEES The pity of pannon Beach is seeking applications for the follow- ing vacancies: BUDGET COMMITTEE: ONE (1) vacancy to fill a three-year term beginning January 2018. The primary responsibility of the Budget pommittee is to review and recommend the proposed annual bud- get for the pity. The Budget pommittee meets on several occasions between April and the end of June. Meeting times vary. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS (EPREP) COMMITTEE: THREE (3) vacancies to fill four-year terms. The EPREP pommittee meets regu- larly for the purpose of providing evacuation planning and public education regarding emergency preparedness. The Emergency Preparedness pommittee normally holds its regular meetings on the last Friday of each month at 9:00 a.m. and may schedule work sessions as needed. PARKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES: ONE (1) vacancy to fill a four-year term. The primary responsibility of the Parks & pommunity Services pommittee is to review and evaluate existing programs, identify needs, and develop plans for and recommend programs related to the pity’s parks and community services. The Parks & pommunity Services pommittee holds its regular meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m. and may schedule work sessions as needed. PLANNING COMMISSION: TWO (2) vacancies to fill four-year terms beginning January 2018. The primary responsibility of the Planning pommission is to review and consider land use matters and make determinations and recommendations regarding appropriate and orderly physical development of the pity through the applica- tion of accepted standards and criteria. The Planning pommission holds its regular meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. and work sessions are scheduled monthly as needed PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: ONE (1) vacancy to fill a four-year term beginning January 2018. The primary responsibility of the Public Works pommittee is to review all public works projects and make recommendations to pity pouncil. The Public Works pommit- tee holds its regular meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. TOURISM & ARTS COMMISSION: ONE (1) vacancy to fill a four- year term beginning in January 2018. The seven-member Tourism and Arts pommission develops grant guidelines and procedures, and distributes and accounts for the monies in the “Tourism and Arts Fund” which are to be used by local non-profit groups to promote tourism and the arts in pannon Beach. Each member shall have experience in one or more of the following areas: public relations, marketing, advertising, tourism, lodging, promotions, events promo- tion, art and/or publicity. The Tourism and Arts pommission holds its meetings as needed. Note: Tourism and Arts pommission applicants are not required to reside in pannon Beach and are eligible if he or she has worked, at least part-time, within the pity of pannon Beach for at least one year, immediately preceding appointment. To be eligible to serve on a pity committee, applicants must have resided within the city or its urban growth boundary during the one year immediately preceding appointment; or at the time of appoint- ment, shall have owned real property located within the city or its urban growth boundary for at least one year immediately preceding appointment. (See ‘Note’ re: TAp). Applications with questionnaires are available at pity Hall, 163 E. Gower Street, pannon Beach, by email addressed to riggs@ci.cannon-beach.or.us, or on-line at www. ci.cannon-beach.or.us. For consideration at the January 2, 2018 pity pouncil meeting, applications and questionnaires must be returned to polleen Riggs, Assistant pity Manager, pannon Beach pity Hall, at P.O. Box 368, pannon Beach, OR 97110 by December 22nd. Late ap- plications will not be accepted. For more information, please contact polleen Riggs by email or phone at (503) 436-8052.