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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (June 18, 2009)
The INDEPENDENT, June 18, 2009 Page 13 Banks City Council hears from citizens on Gun Club and UGB Banks City Council heard from several citizens at their June 9 meeting. David Duyck spoke regarding the temporary closure of the Sunset Park Gun Club’s shooting range and con- cerns about lead that is landing in a neighboring field. Accord- ing to Duyck, testing on lead in the ground concluded that in the “sweet spot” lead is about six inches deep. Samples were taken at three-inch increments. The club has located a compa- ny that will collect the lead for scrap, at little to no cost. Duyck said that the park needs to in- crease in size. Dale Evers appeared to comment on the Urban Growth Boundary Expansion (UGB) project. Among several con- cerns about expanding to the west, were that he did not want the expansion to disrupt or re- duce the value of Sunset Park and the standard of living of the people around the park. Addi- tionally, he said that the land west of Hwy. 47 is a flood plain, “the ground is wet and not de- sirable, with springs all around. I have got my swather stuck out there in the middle of June.” Evers also questioned expand- ing to the east, and whether a new housing development near the already established 15 year-old development might af- fect the value of those houses. Another eastside concern re- garded safe traffic access into a new development off Main Street, with three schools and a park. “Get to know your devel- oper,” Evers told Council. “The developer who owns that land is not a real good neighbor to the city – he is a multi-million- aire who the city could not af- ford to litigate with – ask North Plains and be smart and cau- tious about the developer you choose.” Christine Fore, of Banks Ford Family Foundation Lead- ership, appeared to discuss the Main Street pennant project. Fore asked to be put on the agenda for next month’s meet- ing so council can make some decisions about insurance, vol- unteer files, scheduling of cal- endar changes between the city and the chamber, and to establish the organization and transmission of reports with up- date maintenance for the next five to ten years. Fore also sub- mitted a draft time-line and budget. Banks is looking for a com- pany to complete work on sig- nage for the city, and received signage samples and a DVD presentation on prison pro- grams and quality of workman- ship from a representative for the Oregon Corrections Enter- prises “Inside the Wall”. The representative was unable to attend the city council meeting; no decision has yet been made. Deputy Tran reported on law enforcement activity in the city for the past two months. In April the Sheriff’s office received 33 calls for service, made three ar- rests, initiated 35 traffic stops and wrote 17 citations. In May, there were 42 calls for service, one arrest, 32 traffic stops and 19 citations. Tran told council that he, Deputy Woods and two re- serves will be in the city during the Banks BBQ. The Fourth of July will likely be a busy time in Banks, as well, as Banks was reported to be the only place in Washington County with fire- works this year. City Manger Jim Hough pro- vided information on several subjects: – The Washington County Reserves Coordinating Com- mittee has endorsed scaling down the urban reserves study area, and is beginning to re- view specific properties for rec- ommendation to the Metro Re- serves Steering Committee. – The City of Banks was no- tified that its application for an ODOT Small Cities Economic Stimulus Program Grant was declined. – Cameron Crop instituted an open records request re- garding his past water bill; his water bill has been paid up to date. – The city is proceeding with upgrades and replacement of parking markings on the south side of Depot Street. – Washington County Oper- ations and Maintenance Divi- See Council, page 14 6-30/09 S TRASSEL ’ S A UTO R EPAIR & H YDRAULIC H OSES 2-4-6 S PIRAL W IRE S UCTION H OSES A DAPTORS - 3/16” TO 2” A MERICAN & M ETRIC F ITTINGS B ULK O IL P RODUCTS 276 S UNSET , B ANKS 503-324-9808 6/30/09 For Father’s Day Help Dad with the yard Get him a Stihl Trimmer Prices starting at $149.95 PRECISION OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT Banks Hardware 503-324-5221 • 150 N. Main Street, Banks FS 55 Versatile, straight-shaft trimmer and brushcutter for consumer or light-duy professional use. Mon - Fri 8am to 6pm Saturday 8am to 5pm Sunday 10am to 4pm
