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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 16, 2007)
Page 12 The INDEPENDENT, August 16, 2007 Banks Council introduced to new city manager at August meeting Jim Hough was introduced as the new city manager for the City of Banks, at the city coun- cil meeting August 14. He will officially start on August 15. Hough addressed the coun- cil and citizens after being sworn in, saying that he was excited to be the city manager for Banks; that the city has charm and is an interesting place, “I didn't sleep much last night in anticipation” of this meeting. Hough also comment- ed that he was impressed with the interview process, with council and city staff, “there is a lot of knowledge that sits on that side of the table,” he said, “it’s impressive.” He acknowl- edged that, although he comes to the city with experience, he is always learning and believes in two-way communication; and that he does not have telepa- thy. Hough concluded his com- ments, saying he is “just wait- ing to hear back on an offer that I put on a home.” Council Pres- ident Pete Edison and Mayor Teri Branstitre formally wel- comed Hough. The first reading was heard for Ordinance #2007-08-01, which adopts methodology and procedures to implement sys- tems development charges for parks caused some public dis- cussion. Marion Steinbach, a citizen, questioned, “why is it an emergency?” Mayor Branstitre explained that there is some upcoming building in the works. Councilor Dan Keller expressed several concerns with the ordinance. Greg Henes, of Five Star Since Since 1976 1976 Duron Duron Roofing Roofing 503-615-8426 503-615-8426 1898 E. E. Main Main St. St. 1898 Hillsboro OR OR 97123-4346 97123-4346 Hillsboro CCB # 36084 Builder Inc., voiced his con- cerns over the ordinance. He commented that he has been here 15 years and is develop- ing some land on NW Banks Road which is plotted for six homes. Pursuant to this ordi- nance he would have to pay $1,800 per home, approximate- ly $11,000, which he has not budgeted for. With the ordi- nance, he will be required not only to pay for park develop- ment, but also to build a park in the subdivision, which is quite expensive. Henes said that there is not a piece of land in the city to build on that would warrant this expenditure. Mayor Branstitre comment- ed that the city is exploring ex- panding the urban growth boundaries. Henes commented that he has heard this for years; Mayor Branstitre interjected that the city is getting closer. Henes requested that the city get back to him on whether he will have to pay these charges, if the ordinance passes, be- cause of where he is at in the application process. City Attor- ney Jim Lucas didn’t know how it would affect Henes; the city will need to get back to him. Edison remarked that the ordi- Got Wood? Get a Stihl! MS170 Chain Saw MS290 Farm Boss ® Chain Saw Our most popular model. 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Deputy Wilson commented, “Leave as much personal information as confidential as you can.” Two juveniles were charged with criminal mischief for the damage in Greenville Park that has been under investigation, Deputy Wilson reported. No names were released. Addition- ally, an $1,800 custom bike that was left out at the storage shed was stolen, another bike was taken, some domestic disputes, and some parking issues in the development on the private drive have been issues. The deputy does not have the au- thority to cite parking violation on private drives, although he has been communicating with the car owners that they are parking in no parking areas. The city may need to contact Marshall Decker with Washing- ton County Land Use to resolve the issue, or the fire depart- ment may need to take action. He also reported that a 21 year- old is under investigation for sexually abusing two young fe- males over a four-month peri- od. Two bicycle deputies will be joining Wilson during the Banks BBQ, distributing public safety information and assisting with enforcement. Rod Branyan, Acting Direc- tor for Washington County De- partment of Health and Human Services, Disability, Aging and Veteran Services, along with department supervisor Jeff Hill, presented information to coun- cil regarding strategic planning for 2007. This is done every five years. New planning is be- ing incorporated with the “baby boomer generation” now be- coming part of the equation. In 2005 one in eight Oregonians was 65 or older; 68,000 reached age 85; projections show that by 2030 one in five Oregonians will be 65 or older; by 2025 more than 95,000 Ore- gonians will be 85 years or old- er, an increase of almost 40 percent. Information is avail- able on the Washington County Web site. Citizens of Banks can also fill out a survey on the web site. Banks city recorder will check on having the surveys sent out with the water bill. Council approved the ap- pointment of Lynda Goovaerts to the Library Commission. Mark Schmidlin, Chairman of Children’s Activities for Sun- set Park, submitted a request to the city for a donation to help defray costs of the Banks BBQ. offsetting costs of prizes for the frog jump and greased pole climb. Council approved a do- nation of $200, on a motion by Please see page 13 Please Join us! Banks Christian Academy Open House Sunday August 19 th 1pm – 4pm • Preschool – Grade 12 • Before & After School Care • Transportation: Banks, Vernonia, N. Plains, F.G. • Affordable Tuition for an Excellent Education • Mon - Fri 8am to 6pm • Saturday 8am to 5pm • Sunday 10am to 4pm Preschool 3 = Full or ½ day T,TH Preschool 4 = Full day M,W,F Kindergarten = 3 or 5 Full day 503- 324- 4500 22785 NW Fisher RD. Buxton, 97109 www.bankschristianacademy.org Established Since 1983
