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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (May 5, 2011)
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. Postage Paid Vernonia, OR 97064 Permit No. 37 Vol. 25, No. 9 THE FREE INDEPENDENT The Voice of the Upper Nehalem River Valley for Over 25 years May 5, 2011 Council majority trumps up issue to fire Haack Fails in apparent attempt to suppress public information Vernonia Mayor Josette Mitchell, from left, and Councilors Kevin Hudson and Willow Burch during the contentious May 2 city council meeting. Council refuses to accept information of DPSST investigation of Vernonia Police Sergeant Kay Included in the May 2 Ver- nonia City Council packet was information about an investiga- tion currently underway by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards & Training (DPSST) into misconduct by Sergeant Mike Kay of the Ver- nonia Police Department. Before the council meeting began (see page 1 for full arti- cle on council meeting), Coun- cilor Kevin Hudson asked to Vernonia Police Sgt Mike Kay FILE PHOTO have that item removed from the agenda, saying it should not be discussed until “due process” has occurred. Coun- cilor Willow Burch agreed and Councilor Marilyn Nicks stated, “I’ve read it, there’s no reason to discuss it tonight.” Interim City Administrator Bill Haack pointed out that the item was not a discussion item but simply in the packet to provide infor- mation to council about the in- vestigation. The item was not discussed at the meeting other than the acknowledgement that the information included is pub- lic record. That public record starts with a letter from the Department of Public Safety, Standards and Training (DPSST) to Haack, dated December 9, 2010, stat- ing that DPSST received infor- mation that Kay was the subject of an investigation relating to misconduct, and requesting any and all records relating to Kay. DPSST has responsibility for training, certification and main- taining professional standards of public safety personnel such as police, fire, etc., in the state of Oregon. Any public safety employee found to not uphold professional standards can be decertified and would then be unable to hold a position requir- ing such certification. Please see Kay, page 4 ODFW sponsors Family Fishing at Vernonia Lake The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife invites young anglers to take part in its Fami- ly Fishing Event on Saturday, May 7, at Vernonia Pond from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event is free and ODFW staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist youngsters who want to learn how to fish. The lake will be stocked with Please see Free, page At the beginning of the May 2 Vernonia City Council meet- ing, Councilor Willow Burch asked to add an agenda item, to review the Col-Pac contract for the services of Interim City Administrator Bill Haack. When the time for that item arrived, Burch said, the “decision pains me…I’d like to make a motion to terminate the contract imme- diately.” Gasps and groans from the audience met that mo- tion. Councilor Marilyn Nicks seconded the motion before Mayor Josette Mitchell asked Burch, “Based on what?” Burch responded that it was based on, “lack of communications in spite of several attempts. I would like information on city spending, and that information has not been given.” Burch’s statement was made regard- less of the fact that she, along with the rest of council, is on the budget committee, which already reviewed departmental spending. Burch continued, “I’m beyond confidence that he can run the city. I don’t think I can trust him.” Mitchell responded that, “I personally feel like it is a per- sonal matter. Nothing on behalf of our city has been done in a negative way…the rest of the state will laugh at us. I’ve been putting up with not very profes- sional behavior from a majority (of the council)…If you can’t give a basis I don’t buy it. This is not even reality. Not one per- son has come to council or writ- ten a letter in agreement,” with your position. Nicks then spoke, saying, “I can’t seem to get good commu- nication. I’ve made the effort.” She also quoted three specific items in the contract, such as “Section 5 states he must at- tend all meetings and make recommendations on deci- sions.” Her statement was seemingly prepared to discuss a contract that was not on the agenda until after the meeting began. Please see Haack, page 5 Vernonia Police Chief resigns see page 4 Vernonia Health Fair slated for Saturday The Vernonia Health Fair, sponsored by the Vernonia Health Board, will take place at the school cafeteria (green building) on May 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Most of the services and information at the Fair will be provided free of charge. Date corrected for visit by Robin Cody Author Robin Cody will be at the Vernonia Public Library, Wednesday, May 11 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss “Vernonia’s Community Reads” selection for 2011 – Another Way the River Has. The community is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. The wrong date was original- ly provided for this event. Banks Plant and Book Sale starts Friday The Friends of the Banks Public Library annual Plant, Book, and Art Sale, starts to- morrow, May 6, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Schlegel Hall in Sunset Park. The sale will con- tinue Saturday, May 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.