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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 16, 2011)
The INDEPENDENT, November 16, 2011 Page 11 Citizen asks Banks City Council to support funding efforts for schools At the November 8 Banks City Council meeting, Bobbie Gregg, an interested citizen, requested support from council and the citizens of Banks re- garding the funding situation at Banks School District #13. Gregg highlighted some major reductions that the school dis- trict has made and drastic cuts and major reductions that will be going in to effect next school year. According to Gregg, the re- ductions include the elimination of physical education and mu- sic programs at the elementary school, elimination of all sports funding at the junior high school, elimination of ten con- tract days for the 2010-2011 school year, elimination of full- time counseling services for the elementary school, reduc- tion of certified staff by 12% and classified staff by 9%, and no funds for curriculum to let teachers comply with the new math standards at the elemen- tary school. Gregg also addressed budg- et shortfalls, class sizes, and the inadequacy of buildings due to age. A petition was dis- tributed for concerned citizens and parents to sign, which will be forwarded to Senator Betsy Johnson and Representative Deborah Boone. Mayor John Kinsky present- ed the Proclamation of Human Rights Day – December 10 to Selma Ahmad. Ahmad in- formed council that this year’s motto is “My rights start with me”. On December 10, 1948, the member States of the Unit- ed Nations signed the Univer- sal Declaration of Human Rights, and countries of differ- ent political, economic and so- cial systems unanimously agreed on the fundamental rights that all people share solely on the basis of their common humanity. The mayor and council encourage all City of Banks citizens to study and promote the ideas contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the end that freedom, justice and equality will flourish and be made avail- able to all. Washington County Deputy Todd Hanlon, the city’s contract police officer, briefed council on the October police report, which included 29 incidents re- ported by the public, three ar- rests were made, nine written reports, 40 traffic stops and five citations issued. Hanlon has re- ceived several calls regarding high school students smoking in the wetland area near the walkway. Hanlon reports that he has been walking down the trail during those times and re- ceived a few surprised looks. Councilor Pete Edison com- mented that he has been get- ting good community feedback regarding the after-football game traffic control service that the Sheriff’s Office has been providing. City Manager Jim Hough re- ported the following: • Leslie Sipp from the Fami- ly Resource Center is working with the Banks Chamber of Commerce to collect extra reusable bags for donation to the Sonrise Food Pantry at the fire station. • November 9, at 11:00 a.m., there was a nationwide Emer- gency Announcing System (EAS) drill on all radios and tel- evisions. The drill lasted about 30 seconds. • The city sent letters to property owners regarding tree pruning safety discrepancies. A number of responses have been received and the city is working with each property owner to effect this improve- ment for safety. • A section of the Banks Mu- nicipal Code (92.09(C)) pro- vides the following, “It is unlaw- ful to operate a skateboard, skates, roller blades, bicycle, or scooter in or on any structure (i.e. gazebo and the like).” Hough is proposing that signs be posted at either end of the gazebo. • The meter replacement program is continuing, with 240 of the 675 meters having been replaced. • City planner K.J. Won, has presented a draft ordinance re- garding uniform addressing in the City of Banks. Council unanimously adopt- ed an Ordinance Amending the Public Works Water Code re- garding Bulk Water Sales and services. They also approved a motion to amend the City of Banks Financial Management Policies and Procedures. The board and committee members whose terms will be- come vacant on December 31, 2011, were reappointed by council. Following a goal set at a re- cent retreat, Council unani- mously approved a motion to establish a semipermanent Christmas tree in Greenville City Park. The Banks City Council will meet next on Tuesday, Decem- ber 13, at 7:00 p.m. in council chambers, 120 South Main Street. Banks voters say “Yes” to 34-194 With a voter turnout in of 41.03 percent for the 1st Dis- trict Congressional primary election, Washington County voters selected Democrat Suzanne Bonamici by 64.89 percent, similar to her state- wide results of 65.26 percent. Republican voters cast 72.87 percent of the county vote for Rob Cornilles, again similar to the 72.70 percent for Cornilles the statewide vote. The statewide voter turnout was 44.17 percent. Bonamici and Cornilles will face off in a Special General Election to be held January 31, 2012. Ballots will be mailed January 13-17. The winner will replace Congressman David Wu, who resigned earlier this year. The City of Banks Levy, 34- 194, was approved by 53.18 percent of the votes cast (167 votes). The No votes equalled 46.82 percent (147 votes). The levy will be used to continue police and administrative serv- ices in Banks. Winter property protection tips From page 10 sideration in these areas. A se- rious condition can be created when a taller building or a taller addition is built adjacent to shorter, existing building. Un- less the shorter building is strengthened in the area next to the taller building or addition, snow accumulation on the low- er roof near the step could pro- duce much higher loads than those considered by the origi- nal designer for the existing building. The best source for deter- mining how much snow load a building can handle is the orig- inal design plan. Most roof de- signs can support at least 20 pounds per square foot. How- ever, design loads can range from 10 pounds to 20 pounds per square foot in Mid-Atlantic states, and between 40 pounds See Tips on page 14 From all of us at Jim’ s Happy Thanksgiving! W E WILL BE OPEN T HANKSGIVING DAY FOR YOUR LAST MINUTE NEEDS . 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 660 So. Main, Banks • 503-324-2171
