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Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, November 20, 2024 -- SEVEN New FEMA requirement creates even more hassles for floodplain development -Continued from PAGE ONE plicated calculations in- being delayed over next common offenders are. Creek is not a habitat for salmon or steelhead. “As far as I can see, Heppner, Lexington and Ione, the cities on Willow Creek, are the only cities in that entire map area that are supposed to go along with this FEMA/NFIP/ PICM plan that aren’t on a stream that’s affected by salmon/steelhead habitat,” said Doherty. “How can we per- form a habitat assessment when there are no species listed?” he asked. “How do we show ESA (Endan- gered Species Act) compli- ance without endangered species present?” He also said he ques- tioned how FEMA calcu- lated space usage. “They couldn’t ex- plain it,” he said. “We’re basically getting a lot of stuff from FEMA where, ‘You guys have to do this,’ but we’re not getting a lot of guidance.” Doherty said he recommended the per- mit-by-permit option, but that would mean a lot of work in habitat assessment for each permit. “I think we’d have to take a hard look at fee structure,” he said. “It in- volves looking at perme- able services, total cubic feet of surfaces developed, anything removed, all of the vegetation. “If you cut down a 15- inch tree, you’ve got to plant three saplings, and they’ve got to be native to the watershed,” he added. “It’s going to cause a lot of headaches.” Heppner council mem- ber Adam Doherty said he had experience with FEMA requirements for archaeological surveys. He said the wait time for an archaeologist to come and do a site survey could be as much as two years. “My only concern is, they slap something like that on you and say you have to hire a third par- ty, and then your permit to build something is de- layed by 12-18 months, and we’re deterring a lot of potential improvements or construction,” Adam Doherty said. John Doherty said FEMA had not mentioned an archaeologist but that there were numerous com- volved in the process. Heppner City Attorney Bill Kuhn suggested con- tacting county’s congress- men and asking them to look into it. “This is a lot of work for us to protect…noth- ing,” Kuhn said. Doherty said the hab- itat assessment would be difficult but that the other requirements would still be a “nightmare.” “It’s a nightmare for cities that have plan- ning departments,” John Doherty said. “It’s been a nightmare for me.” Heppner Mayor Co- rey Sweeney suggested the city move forward with the permit-by-permit option. “As we get more infor- mation, we’ll address these issues,” said Sweeney. John Doherty said the best-case scenario was that FEMA would remove the Willow Creek communi- ties from the requirement. “But I wouldn’t expect it,” he said. Also at the Nov. 12 meeting, the city council approved a contract with engineering firm Anderson Perry as the engineer of record for the City of Hep- pner. Doherty said the con- tract was pretty “boiler plate” and comparable to Anderson Perry’s contracts with other cities where they are the engineer of record. However, the Hep- pner contract is more spe- cific about responsibilities and provisions. Doherty said he also contacted other municipal- ities about the fee sched- ule, and it is the same across the board. The city council will hold a work session with engineering firm Anderson Perry regarding the wa- ter system master plan on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. In other engineering news, Doherty said he had hoped to begin work on the Gilmore Street project in spring of next year. An- derson Perry had advised against it, though, saying it is too late in the year to create a design for the Gilmore Street project and get it out to bid in time to begin work in the spring of 2025. If work begins later in the year, it might end up winter. The city now hopes to have the engineering firm begin the design and plans to begin work in 2026. Regarding the recent election, Doherty reported that there were 80 write-in votes for the empty coun- cilor position, Position #3. Morrow County Clerk Bobbi Childers told him that Nov. 26 would be the earliest she could provide a final count. At the same time, if a qualified individual re- ceived a majority of votes and was interested, that person would have to be appointed to the council as duly elected. The council also re- viewed the minutes from the Oct. 23 Economic Development Committee meeting. The notes showed good news regarding fund- ing for a new childcare fa- cility in Heppner. However, Heppner council member Ian Mur- ray gave a less optimis- tic update about finding a suitable site for the facility, saying the previously se- lected site wasn’t turning out as well as expected. “I’m worried that there’s going to be a mo- mentum issue with this, if there’s just denials every- where,” Murray said. “I’m not as hopeful as I was before, and I would hate to see these opportunities missed.” The childcare facility would need about half an acre of ground. Murray said the group might be coming to the city coun- cil for options. They have about $2 million in grants lined up if they can find the property. As part of his report, John Doherty told the council that the recycling station on Riverside is an ongoing issue, with people leaving recyclables like cardboard outside the bins when they’re full. Leaving items outside the bins is a littering offense. The station is on city property but is a county service and is maintained by Miller & Sons. Doherty said he thought it was partly a scheduling issue with pick- ing up the bins but that the county is also looking into finding out who the most Sweeney said the recy- cling center might be more of a hassle than it was worth. “And everybody’s al- ways littering all the time because there’s always trash there,” said Sweeney. Doherty said that he hoped finding the offend- ers and putting a stop to it would fix the problem. Sweeney responded that he thought either the ser- vice should be discontin- ued or emptied more often, since having people throw away recyclables defeated the point of the recycling station. In other business, the Heppner City Council: -Learned from Hep- pner Fire Chief Steve Rhea that in October the fire de- partment had conducted 12 EMS lift assists, secured the landing one four times, responded to one motor ve- hicle accident with injuries and two without injuries, Heppner Rural Fire Protec- tion District responded to an out-of-control burn near Lexington and a controlled burn not called in, for a to- tal of 44 chief calls for the month and 178 call to date. -Received a report from Morrow County Sheriff’s Office of 22 traf- fic stops, two with citations and 20 with warnings, one theft, one trespass, five suspicious activity, five juvenile complaints, two driving complaints, three domestic disturbances, three dog complaints, six other animal complaints, one assault and 15 citi- zen assists. Of the 410.75 hours logged in Heppner, MCSO deputies spent 291 hours on patrol, 45.5 hours on traffic, and 35.25 hours on investigations and fol- low-up. The city contracts for 320 hours per month. -Heard from Heppner Public Works Director Chad Doherty that his de- partment replaced three water meters, finished the lead and copper inven- tory with no lead lines found, investigated a wa- ter leak, tested hydrants around town, did nine septic dumps and 20 bio- solids loads, fixed a stop sign, painted over graffiti and helped winterize the Heppner pool among other responsibilities and meet- Heppner band prepares to boost Mustangs in semifinal clash ings. -Learned from Barb Orwick of the Neigh- borhood Center that the Neighborhood Center’s annual food drive was a success. The Giving Tree will be available at Hep- pner Market Fresh starting Dec. 2. Eligible families can also be “adopted” for Christmas. Gifts are due Dec. 18. Kid shopping day will be Sunday, Dec. 15. Lots of volunteer oppor- tunities are also available during the holidays. The next Heppner City Council meeting will be Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Heppner City Hall. 177 N Main St. Heppner, Or 97836 O: 541-676-9228 E:sykeschris@hotmail.com Broker Chris Sykes 541-215-2274 Price Reduced $170,000 Charming 1900 Victorian Home in Heppner, Oregon – A Unique Opportunity! Step into history with this 1900 Victorian gem, located in the picturesque town of Heppner, Oregon. This two-story home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Classic Victorian Style: From its timeless architecture to intricate woodwork and high ceilings, this home exudes vintage appeal. 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms: Plenty of space for a growing family. Detached Garage & Basement: A versatile space for storage, a workshop, or future renovations. Ideal for those with a vision, this property offers the opportunity to restore and personalize to your taste. With a little love and care, this house could become a stunning blend of classic and modern. Enjoy the charm of small-town life in Heppner while crafting the home of your dreams. Don’t miss out on this rare chance. Selling as-is. 195 N COURT ST Heppner MLS#:24426505 -Continued from PAGE ONE for the Mustangs.” As the even higher. The band’s The Mustangs will take on in all the songs they’ve played and the new music that seems to come every week. “The band’s energy is contagious,” said Mus- tang Principal, Ryan Gerry. They’re an essential part of this team’s success.” “We are so proud of how the band has come together this season,” said Brooke Baker, who has been leading the band with enthusiasm and precision. “Their energy and dedication to the team and the school are truly in- spiring. It’s been an honor to watch them play a role in this exciting journey Mustangs look to advance further into the playoffs, the Heppner High School Band continues to stand by them, ready to keep the energy high and the spirits commitment to excellence and school spirit remains unwavering as they play a vital role in creating an un- forgettable atmosphere for the Heppner community. St. Paul at the semi-final football game on Saturday, November 23rd at Caldera High School in Bend at 2pm. 177 N. Main P.O. Box 337 Heppner, OR 97836 Chris@sykesrealestate.net Broker Chris Sykes 541-215-2274 For Sale $220,000 Print & Mailing Services *Design *Print *Mail Sykes Publishing 541-676-9228 This cozy 1950s home, located in a peaceful community, offers a blend of classic charm and modern comforts. The 3-bed, 2-bath property features a finished basement with two bedrooms and a bonus room, perfect for extra space or an office. The well-maintained yard, complete with mature fruit trees, provides a relaxing outdoor space. Essential appliances, including a fridge, range, washer, and dryer, are included, making it move-in ready. Sold as-is or with conventional financing, this charming home is ready for you to make it your own! 285 W ARCADE ST Lexington MLS# 24676541
