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About Hermiston herald. (Hermiston, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (May 10, 2017)
A6 • HERMISTONHERALD.COM City loans chamber employee in exchange for training By JADE McDOWELL Staff Writer The city of Hermiston has loaned the Greater Hermiston Area Chamber of Commerce one of its employees in exchange for training on how to run the Hermiston Conference Center. The City Council amended its contract with the chamber Monday, cre- ating a transition to when the city’s parks and rec- reation department takes over management of the center from the chamber on Jan. 1, 2018. The chamber’s own conference center facilita- tor recently resigned, and the chamber’s executive board and city staff came to an agreement that for the rest of 2017 a parks and recreation employ- ee will fill the position. The city will not reduce the amount of money it is paying the chamber to run the center, how- ever, in recognition of the valuable training that employee will receive on facilitating events in the building. The staffing move was one of several discussed during a work session be- fore the council’s regular meeting Monday. Byron Smith, city manager, said as the city has grown and circumstances have changed, the city has be- come overdue for some restructuring. Some of those chang- es will involve new titles and duties (and corre- spondingly, salary levels), so Smith said he wanted to run them by the coun- cil before including them in the upcoming 2017-18 budget. The changes will add about $50,000 per year in salary costs, but Smith said the city is netting about $25,000 per year af- ter a recent change to U.S. Bank helped increase in- terest earnings and reduce fees. He said the city will also save about $85,000 more per year thanks to a decision to outsource utility bill mailings to a national company. “Mixing that with the new (remote-read) water meters we’re installing, that’s really going to free up staff to take on some other roles,” he said. Smith said the city doesn’t really have one dedicated person to han- dle human resources, and so he would like to re- classify one of the city’s customer service repre- sentatives as a human re- source specialist after she goes through the needed training. City finance director Amy Palmer’s title would change to administrative services director and she would take on some new duties such as supervision of the human resources position. Palmer was pre- viously the city recorder as well, but that duty would be transferred to the city’s executive assistant, Lilly Alarcon-Strong. The city’s current part- time accounting techni- cian who spends .25 FTE on city duties and .25 FTE on the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Cen- ter would be bumped up to a full-time employee spending half of her time as an administrative assis- tant for public works. “If it makes us more efficient, and it’s not go- ing to cost us significantly more money, then our job is to set policy and yours is to steer the ship,” May- WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2017 COMMUNITY or David Drotzmann told Smith after council mem- bers said they trusted the suggestions. On Monday during their regular meeting, the council approved chang- es in parking downtown. The city has already be- gun restriping parking on Gladys Avenue in front of the Hermiston Public Li- brary to change from par- allel parking to diagonal, which will add four more spaces. On Monday the coun- cil agreed to also switch to diagonal parking on the east side of Southeast Second Street between Main Street and Hurlburt Avenue, netting two extra spaces. That will eventu- ally match the diagonal parking planned for the eastern side city’s new festival street between Main and Gladys. Morgan said business owners along Second Street were excited for the diagonal parking, which will create extra spots, be more welcoming to peo- ple who don’t like parallel parking and reduce ineffi- ciencies from long vehi- cles hanging over into the next spot. The city had sent out legal notice of a discus- sion to expand Herm- iston’s enterprise zone, which gives certain types of companies a proper- ty tax break for capital construction projects that bring new jobs to the city, but the council tabled that discussion until June 12 because Smith said the city is still negotiat- ing with the company in question. Contact Jade Mc- Dowell at jmcdowell@ eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4536. IN BRIEF Youth performers stage SAGE Saturday includes flower pot craft fairy tale spin-off After months of prepara- tion, the Hermiston Parks & Recreation drama class will stage “The Poisoned Apple.” Described as a spin-off from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, “Show White,” di- rector Jenny Walker said au- dience members of all ages should enjoy the production. In addition, it’s a great oppor- tunity to applaud the efforts of the youths who are perform- ing. The performances are Thursday and Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Armand Larive Middle School, 1497 S.W. Ninth St., Hermiston. Admission is $3 at the door or $2, if pre-ordered. For more information or to order a ticket, call 541-667- 5018 or stop by the recreation office, 180 N.E. Second St., Hermiston. Fitness center offers free jazzercise classes Free exercise classes are continuing through the month of May at Higher Power Fit- ness. The jazzercise sessions provide a fun way to get fit, increase confidence and make new friends. The free classes are available to new custom- ers who haven’t attended in more than six months. The free classes, which offer various intensity levels, are provided at 2120 N. First St., Hermiston. The times in- clude: • Mondays: 9 a.m., 4:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m. • Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m., 4:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. • Wednesdays: 9 a.m., 6:30 p.m. • Thursdays: 4:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m. • Fridays: 9 a.m. • Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. For more information, vis- it www.jazzercise.com or call Bridget Shultz at 503-347- 5021. LETTER TO THE EDITOR Chamber supports school bond The Greater Hermiston Chamber of Commerce board of directors supports the efforts of the Hermiston School District Bond that will be on your May 2017 ballot. In most communities, even when education is a priority, the older facilities where learning takes place often do not get visited by the general public to see how inadequate the rooms are. Some class rooms are so small you can barely walk between the desks, some of the rooms have very ineffi- cient air conditioning and heating systems; age plays a major factor in all those conditions. While a quality education does not require flashy facilities, it cannot be accomplished in a building that suffers from age, safe- ty and deficiencies. That means the cost of maintain- ing these buildings is also high. New facilities are de- signed to use energy wisely and create a safe place for our children to learn. Business and industry are attracted to locations where there are quality schools. Schools also will create a well-qualified workforce and a higher standard of living. Busi- nesses benefit because more events bring more people to town to shop, eat and utilize services here in Hermiston. When businesses, corpora- tions or employee recruits are seeking information about Hermiston, schools and what they offer are typ- ically at the top of the list for inquiries, which leads to visits and tours of the facil- ities. Local residents reap the benefits of increased prop- erty values. Building the new schools reflects how we feel about our commu- nity. New facilities will provide more venues for adult and youth events and add to our economy. Communities experience economic growth, lower crime rates, increased par- ticipation, volunteerism, and charitable giving. Our local schools should be a source of pride, a symbol of our community’s deter- mination to ensure a better future for everyone who lives here. We have a lot to be proud of and in order to continue to grow and pro- vide for the needs of our stu- dents, we must think about building and expanding to adequately provide the classroom space needed. DEBBIE PEDRO HERMISTON, GREATER HERM- ISTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Editor’s note: Election Day is May 16. Then next issue of the Hermiston Her- ald will not be published until Wednesday, May 17, so we can no longer accept election-related letters to the editor or guest commen- taries about the election for publication in print. If we receive letters between now and Tuesday, May 16, we may be able to post those online to our website if staff duties permit. LUNCH AND LEARN: • $104 millon bond will yield $187 million over 10 years to Hermiston’s economy DROP YOUR BALLOTS OFF AT HERMISTON CITY HALL BY 8PM, THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2017 STEPS TO SUCCESS f A YES VOTE is less than $0.90 per thousand assessed value. $175,000 home = $157.50 a year. Less than $14.00 a month. Paid for by Vote Yes for Kids PAC 1000 S. Hwy. 395, Ste. A, #146 • Hermiston, OR 97838 The Irrigon Chamber of Commerce has opportunities for people to serve. Due to the recent move of a board member, there is a vacancy on the board of directors. The position is a one-year term with a com- mitment of about two hours per month. In addition, with the travel season starting, the visitor’s center is seeking volunteers. People are needed to work at least one four-hour shift per month. The visitor’s center is open Friday through Mon- days. For more information, contact Laurrie Blackman at irrigonchamber@irri- gonchamber.com or Phyl- lis Danielson at 541-922- 3857. WORSHIP COMMUNITY The Full Gospel Home Church 235 SW 3rd • Phone 567-7678 Rev. Ed Baker - Rev. Nina Baker Sunday: Sunday School........10:00 am Worship...................11:00 am Evening Service........7:00 pm Wednesday Service..7:00 pm “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Pet. 5:7 St. Johns Episcopal Church Join Us On Our Journey With Jesus. Scripture, Tradition and Reason Family service 9am Sunday N.E. Gladys Ave & 7th, Hermiston Fr. Dan Lediard, Priest. PH: 567-6672 We are an all inclusive Church who welcomes all. First United Methodist Church Hermiston 191 E. Gladys Ave , Hermiston OR Wednesday, May 17 • 12:00-12:30pm Sunday Worship 11am • 541-567-3002 Nursery available Check us out on Face Book POWERFUL TOOLS FOR THE CAREGIVER: Worship Livestream at herfumc.com Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors Rev. Dr. Jim Pierce, pastor Learn how to reduce stress and relax, communicate effectively, reduce guilt and anger, make tough decisions, set goals and problem solve. FREE. Seventh-day Adventist Church Must pre-register, call 541-667-3509 DIABETES LIVING WELL: BETTER CHOICES, BETTER HEALTH Do you want to know more about your diabetes and learn ways to better manage it? This class will assist you with learning about diabetes and its effect on your mind and body. 6 weekly classes Starting May 17 • 3-5pm Must pre-register, call 541-667-3509 SCREEN-FREE WEEK Rediscover the joys of life beyond the screen! Plan to unplug from digital entertainment and spend all that free time playing, daydreaming, creating, exploring and connecting with family and friends! Bike ride/walk, garden planting event: Good Shepherd Thursday, May 11 • 6pm registration starts at 5:30 For additional info, call 541-667-3509 yesforkidshermiston.com yesforhermistonschoolbond With more than 23 years of experience, Specks Copy & Print Center is now offer- ing services in Hermiston. The business specializes in commercial printing and of- fers a full service copy center. Customers can email docu- ments for convenient pick-up. Specks is open Monday through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from Bring your lunch and learn about the importance of how a walking routine can improve your health. FREE. Tuesdays • 6:00 - 8:00pm May 16 through June 20 • Currently $5.7 million a year in third party economic spending due to improved facilities Specks offers full service copy center Irrigon chamber seeks board member, volunteers First Christian Church “Proclaiming the Message of Hope, Living the Gospel of Love” Bible School: 9:15am Worship Gathering: 10:30am 567-3013 775 W. Highland Ave., Hermiston 1255 Hwy. 395 S. • 567-5834 oasisvineyard.us Worship 10:00 AM “come as you are” 6 weekly classes HERMISTON ECONOMIC BENEFITS Children and their parents are invited to free admission and activities during SAGE Saturday. This month’s special activ- ity includes making a spring flower pot. It’s a perfect gift idea for kids to give to their moms for Mother’s Day. The event is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road, Boardman. For more information, call 541-481- 7243 or visit www.visitsage. com. 1-4 p.m. It’s located in the Hillcrest Plaza, at 80866 N. Highway 395, Hermiston. For more information, contact 541-922-3222 or specks@ specksprinting.com. Information or to register call (541) 667-3509 or email healthinfo@gshealth.org www.gshealth.org Saturdays Sabbath School........9:30 a.m. Worship Service......11:00 a.m. English & Spanish Services 567-8241 855 W. Highland • Hermiston Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church 565 W. HERMISTON AVE. DAILY MASS: Monday-Friday ...............................English 7:00 am Thursday...............Spanish 6:00 pm SATURDAY:.........English 5:00 pm ...............................Spanish 7:00 pm SUNDAY:..............English 9:00 am ..........................Bilingual 11:00 am ..............................Spanish 1:00 pm Offi ce..............................567-5812 Echo Community Church 21 N. Bonanza Street, Echo OR Phone: (541) 376-8108 Sunday School • 9:30am Worship • 10:45am Children’s Church • 11:15am Potluck & Communion ~ First Sunday of the Month LANDMARK BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E. Beech Ave. • 567-3232 Pastor David Dever Sun. Bible Classes...................10:00am Sun. Worship Service..............11:00am Sun. Evening Worship..............6:00pm Wed. Prayer & Bible Study......6:00pm www.hermistonlmbc.com NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Worship Service 10:30 AM Sunday School 9:00 AM Pastor J.C. Barnett Children’s Church & Nursery Available 700 West Orchard Avenue P.O. Box 933 Hermiston, Oregon 541-567-8441 Grace Baptist Church 555 SW 11th, Hermiston 567-9497 Nursery provided for all services Sunday School - 9:30 AM Worship - 10:45 AM 6:00 PM Wed Prayer & Worship - 7:00 PM “Proclaiming God’s word, growing in God’s grace” To share your worship times call Terri Briggs 541-278-2678
