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Out-of-date flood maps vex city’s business owners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.
