Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (May 19, 2011)
The INDEPENDENT, May 19, 2011 Page 5 Three Vernonia men receive Citizen Life Saving Awards On May 14, three Vernonia men were awarded the “Citizen Life Saving Award” by the Ore- gon Fire Chiefs Association (OFCA). The 10th annual Ore- gon Fire Service Meritorious Awards Banquet was held in Salem, with representatives from all over the state gathering to honor those chosen for awards. Mike Pihl, Doug Davenport, and Rob Richards received the awards for the assistance they provided to Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District (VRFPD) at the log truck accident on Hwy 47 north on July 22, 2010. The Citizen Life Saving award is to “recognize citizens, businesses, and other groups for efforts that result in saving another’s life, benefiting the Fire Service, or other honorary action.” Some family and friends were on hand to witness the presentation, as well as members of the VRFPD and Metro West Ambulance. Memorial Day Doug Davenport, Mike Pihl and Rob Richards received Citizen Life Saving Awards from the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association. Photo courtesy of Christie Davis. May 30, 2011 Work incomplete from ‘96 flood; Hudson asks definition of “know” From page 4 and Nicks to resign saying, “We don’t want you.” Bernal said she has over 250 signatures on the recall with more coming in every day. Hudson asked for clarifica- tion on whether a councilor is allowed to vote on items con- cerning a person they know and asking for a definition of “know”. Sosnkowski responded that she would bring informa- tion on conflict of interest and bias to the next meeting. After an executive session to discuss records exempt from public disclosure and litigation filed or likely to be filed, council came back and, without further discussion, adjourned the meeting at almost 9:30 p.m. In other business on May 16, council: • Heard from Community Ac- tion Team Director Jim Tierney that the city needs to enforce flood plain requirements on about six properties (from 1996 flood) before FEMA comes to inspect. If these properties aren’t brought into compliance, the city’s ability to obtain flood insurance may be affected. Tierney will bring more informa- tion to council at a future meet- ing; • approved an agreement with Kathy Larson to run the new Saturday Market (set to start June 4); • received an update from Sergeant Mike Conner on the progress of the Vernonia Police Department’s changes to com- ply with a 2007 Best Practices Recall election set for June 10 From page 1 to continue to serve as your Councilor.” The date of the election to recall Hudson has been set for June 10, 2011. If the vote to re- call is successful, he may choose to resign, or to serve until the vote is certified by the state. Columbia County Elec- tions official Pam Benham ex- pects the certification will be done in three to 10 days after the election, though by law it can take as long as 20 days. When the city receives the “Ab- stract of Vote” the election is considered certified. If the recall effort is not suc- cessful, Hudson may serve his full term. According to Bernal, Burch and Nicks will also be subjected to recall elections as soon as they have served six months in office, a requirement of state law. They each took office in January and may not be re- called until July. review by the city’s insurance company. The updates were as of April and the first item (used as an example) concerned the recommendation that all new police hires be required to live in the city. On that item, the progress report said that “All sworn police officers hired after April 2003 are now required to live in Vernonia or near the city.” • heard a report from Haack that he had completed staff evaluations on all staff, the first time, ever, such evaluations have been done. The next regularly scheduled meeting of council will be on June 6 starting at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.