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About Cannon Beach gazette. (Cannon Beach, Or.) 1977-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 24, 2018)
August 24, 2018 | Cannon Beach Gazette | cannonbeachgazette.com • 5A Visitor volume dips on Oregon Coast Tourism spending at an all-time high By Brenna Visser Cannon Beach Gazette At the height of summer, it is easy to believe every Or- egonian has found their way to the Oregon Coast. But while figures from the 2018 Oregon Travel Im- pact report show tourism spending has increased, the number of visitors staying in hotels and rentals dipped slightly on the Oregon Coast, dropping about 1.3 percent between 2016 and 2017. The decline on the North Coast was 1.7 percent. The pattern contrasts with the state overall, where visi- tor volume increased by 2.2 percent, according to the study by Dean Runyan Asso- ciates. Flattening visitor volume should not be seen as an issue for the tourism industry, said Leon Aliski, the company’s project manager. Total des- tination spending grew 2.2 percent to nearly $2 billion on the Oregon Coast in 2017. On the North Coast alone, visitor spending on accom- modations increased from $190 million to $197 million in one year. Many local lodging op- erators have yet to feel any impacts from fewer visitors, with many reporting 2017 as an exceptional year. So how does spending continue to grow when the COLIN MURPHEY/THE DAILY ASTORIAN Paul and Rosalie Lankow, tourists from Hillsboro, enjoy the cool weather in Seaside as people set up for the annual volleyball tournament on the beach. number of people booking rooms is stagnant? Aliski said it indicates higher room rates and more expensive transportation costs. In the last year, room rates in- creased by 4.4 percent. “If they are spending more because a room costs more and gas costs more, and maybe they are spend- ing more on restaurants, then you can have more spending without actually having more people there,” Aliski said. Ideally, the industry would seek higher occupan- cy and growth in room rates simultaneously, Aliski said, but seasonal dips on the coast make this a challenge. With high demand, it is often easier to increase room rates during the peak season than to entice visitors to travel during the off-season when occupancy rates are lower — even with lower room rates, he said. Higher rates for hotel rooms could be having a discouraging effect for some visitors, said Marcus Hinz, of the Oregon Coast Visi- tors Association. But part of the stagnation may just be a sign new lodging is not being built to match growth, with many small towns, like Can- non Beach, already built out. “When you look at the coast’s rate compared with the rate of growth in Port- land, one might think we’re not doing well,” Hinz said. “But Portland is building new hotels left and right; they have more rooms online to be booked, which would add to a rate of growth. On the Oregon Coast, I can only name one new property to come online in the last year.” Hinz also noted that day-trippers contribute to general tourism growth but are not accounted for when looking at room nights. Linea Gagliano, commu- nications director for Travel Oregon, said the dynamic could also point to a different type of traveler. The growth in spending suggests the vis- itors who are here are desti- nation travelers, who often travel in large groups, for longer periods of time and spend more on accommo- dations and local businesses during their stays. The coast has also seen international visitors increase by 5.9 per- cent in recent years — anoth- er group which tends to stay longer and spend more. “What matters to us is that businesses are getting visitor spending, and we are seeing that,” Gagliano said. Whatever the factors may be, the numbers could be pointing to the region reach- ing a certain capacity during peak summer months, Aliski said. “If they are running at a high occupancy at peak sea- son, then the opportunity for growth is not going to be during the time period when most people are choosing to be (on the Oregon Coast),” Aliski said. “There’s plenty of capacity to grow the in- dustry, but maybe just not in the peak time of the year.” This view is in line with efforts already in motion by Travel Oregon and the Ore- gon Coast Visitors Associa- tion to focus marketing dol- lars on encouraging travelers to visit – and pay for a room – in the off-season. “Any substantial growth is going to come from the off-season,” Hinz said. Two arrested on U.S. Highway 26 with meth The Daily Astorian Two people were arrested Tuesday, Aug. 14, on U.S. Highway 26 after more than half a pound of methamphet- amine was located in a car. An Oregon State Police trooper pulled over a white Lexus near the southeastern edge of Clatsop County just after 7 p.m. The drugs were found by a drug-sniffing dog. Travis David Carow, 40, and Jessica Marie Stinnett, 39, both of Astoria, were ar- rested and charged with de- livery of methamphetamine and possession of metham- phetamine. Forest Grove man arrested after Highway 26 chase By Jack Heffernan The Daily Astorian A Forest Grove man was arrested on a host of charges Monday, Aug. 20, after al- legedly leading police on a car chase in the southeastern part of Clatsop County. Oregon State Police at- tempted to locate a black Mercedes with a Hawaii li- cense plate Monday morn- ing. After eluding officers in Banks, the car was spotted traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 26. A trooper followed the car until it pulled into the Bak- er’s General Store parking lot just east of Elsie. The trooper attempted to block the car, but it accelerated, made a U-turn and turned east onto the highway. After chasing the car for about a mile with lights and sirens, the trooper ended the pursuit. Another trooper set up spike strips on the highway about 15 miles east in Wash- ington County. After hitting the strips, the car’s speed in- creased to over 80 mph. But the driver’s side tires became flat about 1 1/2 miles later, forcing the car to stop. When police approached the car, they attempted to arrest Logan Ikaika Franco, 30. He allegedly resisted ar- rest, and troopers used a stun gun on him. After the arrest, troopers recovered a large chunk of cash and suspected methamphetamine. Franco was taken to the Washington County Jail and faces charges of driving un- der the influence of intoxi- cants, attempting to elude, resisting arrest, reckless driv- ing, possession of metham- phetamine, delivery of meth- amphetamine and driving while suspended. Franco was convicted ear- lier this year of attempting to elude and reckless endanger- ment stemming from an in- cident in Yamhill County. In addition to the new charges, he also faces an alleged pa- role violation. CANNON BEACH POLICE LOG Aug. 3 Six incidents of overnight camping are reported. 3:00 p.m., W. Monroe: Subject entered residence. Nothing was reported taken. 11:56 p.m., Highway 101: Police assist other agencies with a motor vehicle accident at MP 32. 6:57 p.m., N. Exit: Police respond to a report of a man yelling at a woman. Unable to locate. Aug. 4 5:18 p.m., Delta Beach: Two beach fires are located and advised to ex- tinguish. Two incidents of overnight camp- ing are reported. ing are reported. Aug. 5 Eight incidents of overnight camp- ing are reported. 5:57 p.m., Indian Beach: A woman who broke her ankle was assisted off the beach and transported to Providence Seaside Hospital. Aug. 6 Five incidents of overnight camp- 5:36 p.m. Ocean Shore: Caller reports two dogs on their own for over an hour on the beach. Prior to police arrival, a surfer emerged from the water to say the dogs belong to him. 4:24 a.m., 1400 block S. Hemlock: Po- lice respond to a report of a subject attempting to enter someone’s hotel room. There were no signs of forced entry. Subject unable to be located. Aug. 7 2:22 p.m., Tolovana Wayside: A person was arrested for violating an order of protection. Nine incidents of overnight camp- ing are reported. 2:56 p.m., Tolovana Wayside: A subject was arrested on a warrant. M U N I C I PA L M E M O AUGUST 2018 MEETINGS City Council Regular Meeting City Council Work Session Design Review Board Planning Commission Five incidents of overnight camp- ing are reported. 12:28 p.m., W. Second Street: A child was bitten by a dog. 8:07 p.m., 3500 block Pacific: A per- son living in their RV is warned of local ordinances. FOR YOUR INFORMATION MAYOR: Sam Steidel COUNCILORS: Mike Benefield, Nancy McCarthy, Brandon Ogilvie and George Vetter CITY MANAGER: Bruce St. Denis Of Interest… SEPTEMBER 2018 4 11 20 27 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 Aug. 8 7:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, August 7, 2018 • City Manager introduced the new City Attorneys from Beery Elsner & Ham- mond, LLP: Ashley Driscoll and Mallory Beebe; • Appointed Mike Morgan to serve on the Tourism & Arts Commission; • Approved the FY 2018-19 Community Grants; • Clatsop County Assistant County Manager presented the details and an- swered Council questions of the recently adopted Clatsop County Transient Lodging Tax Ordinance; CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, August 14, 2018 • Recology Western Oregon presented the annual report and rate increase; • Public Works presented the schedule for maintenance of the city parking lots; • Discussed changes to the zoning ordinance for consideration at the Septem- ber 4 th City Council meeting. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD – The Design Review Board met August 16, 2018 and discussed: DRB 18-04, Eileen Nordquist, Major Modifications to Cannon Beach Commu- nity Church, 132 E Washington St. for construction of a garden/storage shed and removal of four trees. Approved with Conditions PLANNING COMMISSION - The Planning Commission met July 26, 2018 and discussed: ZO 18-01 and CP 18-01, Foredune Management Plan Amendments. Contin- ued to the August 23 meeting. ZO 18-03, Tree Removal Ordinance Amendments. Continued to the August 23 meeting. Of Interest… Don’t Miss This! The Annual Community Grant Potluck is Thursday, September 6th at 6pm Chamber of Commerce Community Hall Bring your favorite dish to share The following awards will be presented: ORGANIZATION AMOUNT Cannon Beach Academy $9,146.68 Cannon Beach Arts Assoc. #1 $3,880.83 Cannon Beach Arts Assoc. #2 $7,679.50 Cannon Beach Chorus $1,538.83 Clatsop CASA $2,766.67 Clatsop Community Action $7,165.00 Clatsop Community College $2,695.68 Coaster Theatre $4,836.00 Lower Columbia Hispanic Council $1,695.83 North Coast Food Web $1,635.00 Seaside Hall $1,250.83 South County Community Food Bank $2,626.67 The Harbor $8,250.33 Tolovana Arts Colony $15,607.14 Wildlife Center $4,225.00 TOTALS $74,999.99 Haystack Rock Awareness Program Beach Volunteers Wanted! Do you enjoy being outside and sharing your love of Haystack Rock? No experience necessary – we train! Families welcome. Please contact: Lisa Habecker, Education & Volunteer Coordinator 503.436.8064, habecker@ ci.cannon-beach.or.us Attention: Candidates filing for the offices of City of Cannon Beach MAYOR OR CITY COUNCILOR If you are interested in running for the positions of Cannon Beach Mayor or City Councilor you are almost out of time! August 28, 2018 is the last day for local (city) candidates to file their declaration of candidacy (SEL 101) and candidate signature sheets (SEL 121) with the City Elections Official. Please contact Colleen Riggs, riggs@ci.cannon-beach.or.us or 503.436.8052) for information. Requirements Any resident of the City of Cannon Beach who is registered to vote in Cannon Beach, Clatsop County may file to become a candidate for City Council, provided they have lived here at least one year prior to the election. Terms/Conditions of Office The Mayor and City Councilors are elected for a four-year term (unless completing a partial term) which begins with the first meeting in January fol- lowing the election. You will be expected to attend City Council meetings, which typically occur twice monthly. Members of the Council may serve a maxi- mum of two four-year continuous terms. How to File Please make an appointment with the City Elec- tions Official (Colleen Riggs) to review the process. The City Elections Official will confirm your eligi- bility (active, registered voter) with the County Elec- tions Office prior to reviewing the process with you. The City of Cannon Beach follows the state guide- lines and the City Elections Official will give you the forms and review the process with you. Step 1: File Prospective Petition Step 2: Collect Signatures Step 3: Submit Signature Sheets Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements All campaign finance reporting is handled at the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division. If you have questions regarding Campaign Finance, please contact the Oregon Secretary of State Elec- tions Division at 503-986-1518 or www.oregonvotes. org Statement of Economic Interest/State Reporting Requirements All persons holding office in the City of Cannon Beach are required to file a Statement of Economic Interest with the Oregon Government Ethics Com- mission. The annual reports must be filed electroni- cally by April 15th every year of the incumbency of the elected official. Information will be requested concerning sources of income, property, busi- ness interests and gifts related to the office. Civil penalties may be imposed for failure to file, or for insufficient information. For additional information or sample forms, information can be found on the Oregon Government Ethics Commission website - www.oregon.gov/OGEC or by contacting the Com- mission at (503) 378-5105. Voter’s Pamphlet Candidates are to file directly with the County Elections Official with the filing candidate statement and required fee. Important Dates August 28, 2018 - Last day for local (city) candi- date to file declaration of candidacy (SEL 101) and candidate signature sheets (SEL 121) with City Elec- tions Official for offices filled at general election. August 31, 2018 - Last day for city candidates to file withdrawal of candidacy. (SEL 150) September 10, 2018 - Last day for local candidate who files candidacy with County Clerk to file can- didate statement for County Voters’ Pamphlet with County Clerk’s office. ($25.00 fee) September 14, 2018 - Materials submitted (candidate statements and measure arguments) for County Voters’ Pamphlet become public record and available for public inspection. November 6, 2018 - Election Day! You may also visit the County website for informa- tion and forms www.co.clatsop.or.us , under Services select Clerk/Elections . City Hall will be CLOSED Monday, September 3rd in observance of Labor Day