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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 5, 2000)
The INDEPENDENT, January 5, 2000 Page 9 ok forward to continued improvements as 2000 gets underway MAYOR RAY DEETH and BOB PRICKETT, Banks City Recorder undertaking was the sidewalk project which replaced a lot of sidewalks and made pedestri ans safer. “There were three major projects completed in 1999. Construction of the new reser voir (Carston) was completed this year — a major project. And the formation of our local police department happened. We relied on the county and contract services through North Plains. Now we have three full time officers. Our other major JUDY CLIFFORD, Banks City Council member “The biggest accomplish ment or change in the City of Banks actually began about four years ago when the area south of town began to be de veloped. At that time the popu lation had remained constant for at least 20 years. With the impending growth the city had to develop and implement a plan to meet these needs. With a combined effort of the then Mayor Crippen, the City Plan ner, the City Engineer, the staff and Council built an infrastruc ture that has accommodated the growth. The water system has been refurbished, roads throughout the City have been improved, sidewalks have been upgraded, a police force has been added, and a building “As for the year 2000, our major project will be trying to get funding to replace a mile of our waterline. We have to do it — the line is 50 years old. We’re going to build another reservoir at the treatment plant for chlorination. We’re working on it! We don’t want to raise water rates if possible, so we have to clarify interest rates to get the work done the best pos sible way. Water and trans portation are the big issues for the future; they will allow for smoother growth in the future.” As 1999 came to a close and 2000 began, The INDE PENDENT asked several people what were the most important things that hap pened in their communities during the past year, and what they would like to see accomplished during the new year. CINDY DAUBERT, Banks resident and mom “In 2000 I’d like to see the high school upgraded. Also, I’d really like to see the log trucks not going through Main Street. They pass all the schools and sometimes don’t stop or slow down. Maybe we could work on a bypass.” last year a group of citizens drafted a 2--year plan for the future. The Council is currently revising it. A park study is being done which will help identify what the community needs for its playgrounds and parks. The log cabin (an historical land mark) will be renovated and re stored. There will also be a ‘Welcome to Banks’ sign locat ed at the south end of town. “All of these projects (and others not mentioned) could not be accomplished without the dedicated efforts of the City Council, the Mayor, the staff and the numerous volunteers that have put hours and hours into making these ideas be “For the year 2000. there are come a reality. Talk about com many things to be done. This munity spirit!” the completion of many of these projects, and the City of Banks has many new citizens, who I hope feel welcomed. Banks needs gas tax for road work GRETCHEN BAYLESS, 15, Banks High School sophomore “The best thing in 1999 was the new school system, obvi ously! Upgrading, painting and lots of volunteer work went into that. for our city library was complet ed. This year (1999) has seen “The best thing in 1999 was the opening of the grade school and getting the new jun ior high gym. It’s great for the younger kids because more teams can practice. My younger brother will benefit. “In 2000, I’d like to see the Subway put in at Jim’s! And fin ish the floor in the high school." COPT & r a x SERVICE The INDEPENDENT 725 Bridge Street, Vernonia 429-9410 Banks Mayor Ray Deeth is working hard to get the word out about the critical need for more funds to repair and im prove local roads and bridges. City officials have developed a detailed list of proposed proj ects that would be funded from the proceeds of a five-cent per gallon increase in the gas tax. Oregon voters will cast bal lots in May 2000 on Measure 82 to decide whether specific projects at the city, county and state level are worth an addi tional five-cents per gallon. The increased gas tax and registra tion fees will amount to about $3.75 per month for the aver age motorist. “It’s a small price for better roads and less congestion,” said Deeth. “Voters in Banks and the surrounding area will hear and see plenty about Measure 82 between now and when they cast their ballot. I want to make sure local resi dents understand how we will use their funds if they approve the increase.” The Banks list includes three priority projects: 1. Grinding and resurfacing Highway 47 from Trellis Way to Banks Road. 2. Addressing serious safety concerns at the intersection of Banks Road, Sellers Road and Highway 47. 3. Regrading and resurfac ing Banks Road from milepost .01 to milepost .16, including pedestrian safety improve ments. In addition to the local proj ects, Measure 82 would imme diately invest $600 million on specific new highway and safe ty projects across the state to ease traffic congestion and im prove the flow of traffic. It also includes $3 million a year for rural Eastern Oregon counties where timber receipts for local roads have been greatly diminished; $3 million a year for emergency repairs to weather damaged roads and bridges; $72 million per year to go directly to cities and counties for maintenance of lo cal roads and bridges, and $120 million a year for mainte nance and preservation of ex- Please see page 12 BG75 25.4cc 9.6 lbs ■ O i l . 377 cfm air volume 95 BR320 BR400 HR.I20 FEATURES • 2.7 '» cu. m./45 cc • 18.5 It*. • 589 (tin air vulumc BR400 FEATURES • 5.44 cu. m./56.5 c*. • 18.51b« • 624 cfm air volume s3 7 9 ’5 » 4 2 9 95 32” Bar 52C.C 8.6 lbs 018C w/14" Bar & Chain 025 029S U P E R w /18" Bar & Chain w /2 0 " Bar & Chain *29995 95 S trassel ’ s A uto R epair & H ydraulic H oses 2-4-6 Spiral Wire • Flange Head • Suction Hoses Adaptors • 3/16” to 2” • Bulk Oil Products 276 S unset , B anks • 324-9808 W ash • •• $ 1 .0 0 D r y ...2 5 € 1 8 0 S. 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