Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 18, 2010)
The INDEPENDENT, February 18, 2010 Page 13 Banks City Council told there are objections to UGB process City Manager Jim Hough presented the 2009 gold certifi- cates for Safety and Wellness from City County Insurance Services and League of Ore- gon Cities (CCIS/LOC) to May- or John Kinsky at the February 9 Banks City Council meeting. Hough commented that the city staff is enthusiastic when it comes to safety and wellness. The gold awards represent a successful safety program in the city, which had no time loss days in 2009. According to CCIS Executive Director Noel Klein, in his letter to the city, “any city that becomes a safety and/or wellness award medalist can be proud, as it represents recognition for having focused on a safe workplace with excel- lent results.” Kinsky proclaimed the week of March 15-21 as Banks Fix-A- Leak Week, then read and signed the declaration which encourages the wise use of wa- ter. According to the Environ- mental Protection Agency’s ed- ucational information, via Wa- terSense Program, household leaks account for nearly one trillion gallons of water wasted in the United States each year. An American home can waste, on average, 11,000 gallons of water each year from running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks. Malmedal Plumbing and Five- Star Plumbing are offering to provide leak repair plumbing services to the citizens of Banks with the first half-hour of service being donated free dur- ing March 15-21 as part of the program for water conserva- tion. Hough said that the city will be utilizing the two compa- nies’ offers to repair a couple of leaks in the city, as plumbing services are quite expensive. The City of Banks Annual Police Report for 2009 was pre- sented by Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick Cher- tude. In 2009 there was an eight percent increase in calls for service, with 622, compared 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 to 579 calls in 2008. Traffic pa- trol had a 73 percent increase. In 2008, 237 traffic stops were made with 98 citations issued (41 percent); in 2009, there were 410 traffic stops, with 163 citations issued (39 percent). Banks experienced a 25 per- cent decrease in crimes report- ed, with 56 in 2009, and 75 in 2008. The City Manager’ report in- cluded the following: • The Sellers Road Realign- ment Project has gone to bid. It is likely that construction will start on June 1 and be finished by October 31; • Hough is requesting agen- da items, if any, to be given to him in preparation for the March 4 Region-Two quarterly meeting of the 2010 League of Oregon Cities, Small Cities Network, which Banks will host. Mayor Kinsky will preside, and the city anticipates a number of guests from around the region. • Banks has been solicited to submit projects to the county as part of a review of projects that might be eligible for Economic Recovery Zone stimulus money from the ARRA. Although it is not anticipated that any local projects will survive the review process, the city will submit eli- gible projects. • The City of Banks has shared in a distribution of insur- ance reserves money. This year the city will receive a check for $2,576 from CIS; the money will be applied toward next year’s insurance premi- ums. • Hough is in the early stages of researching a poten- tial tree growing project in con- junction with Clean Water Ser- vices. The city will be advised as the idea progresses. Banks resident Frank Hart- man requested that the city re- move three pin oak trees on the Trellis Way parking strip be- cause he thinks the trees will break the sidewalk. Council de- nied the request, based on the recommendation of the Banks Tree Board. Hartman was invit- ed to resubmit a replacement application when sidewalk dis- tention occurs. A February 5 memorandum to the city from attorney Phillip E. Grillo, of Miller Nash Attor- neys at Law, stated objections to the City of Banks UGB deci- sion-making process. Nash, who attended the meeting, stat- ed three objections on the record, noting that the “intent is to avoid an even more compli- cated and expensive process later”. The firm represents landowner Jim Crawford. The objections include whether or not Councilor Craig Stewart has an actual or poten- tial conflict of interest in the de- cision. Grillo believes that council is tainted by Stewart’s participation in UGB matters because Stewart owns property adjacent to, or near property currently being considered for inclusion in the UGB. Another objection regards Planning Commissioner Sam Van Dyke’s failure to declare a conflict of in- terest because he owns land east of Banks which is included in the area under consideration Your New Best Friend for inclusion in the UGB. Van Dyke abstained from participat- ing in the January 13 proceed- ing, so the issue is whether or not he timely declared a conflict of interest. The final objection regards providing proper notice and opportunity for a full and fair hearing. City Attorney Jim Lucas and Grillo disagree on the terminology of these meet- ings, Grillo characterizes the proceedings as “hearings” with evidence and testimony being taken, and Lucas identifies them as “meetings”. State no- tice requirements are different Ye Olde Dingheiser for “meetings” and hearings”. Grillo asked the city to re- scind and reconsider its Janu- ary 13 decision and that Stew- art and Van Dyke recuse them- selves from further proceed- ings. Council decided to hold a special meeting on the subject, on February 18 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Councilor Stewart ab- stained from participating or voting on the motion. The next regular City Coun- cil meeting will be held at Banks City Hall, March 9, at 7:00 p.m. Just the finest in collision repair Pub & Restaurant VISA - MC - ATM Access BEER • WINE • FOOD KEGS & ICE TO GO Lunch, Dinner and Cocktails Served Daily All Lottery Games 11:00 am to closing Closed mondays 47100 NW Sunset Hwy. Manning • 324-4848 No Custom Work CHERRY PRODUCTS Auto Body & Paint 1875 E. Baseline Cornelius 503-359- 5993 Prices effective: February 17th thru 23rd, 2010 IS WAITING FOR YOU AT THE BONNIE L. HAYS SMALL ANIMAL SHELTER 1901 SE 24th Ave., Hillsboro. For information call 503-846-7041 Or visit us online at: www.co.washington.or.us/pets Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. & Wed 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Dexter Shelter Visitors LOVE my charming and interactive personality! Not only do I like talking to you, I love to listen to you too... I do a beautiful natural "Sit up Pretty" and look really awe- some when I do that... I guess my long tail helps me to balance so well! Come see me, I'm such a cool cat! All pets have been spayed or neutered, come with shots; a microchip, and a one-year license if it’s a dog. Featured animals are subject to prior adoption. This Adopt a Pet is Sponsored by: Debbie Boone Oregon State Representative , District 32 660 So. Main, Banks • 503-324-2171