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Westfir City Council meeting 6/5: City adopts annual budget/ fire department donations roll in

by George Custer | Jun 12, 2023 | Communities, Front Page, Oakridge/Westfir

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Westfir City Hall

By JOY KINGSBURY/for The Herald  —  Westfir City Council met on June 5th and passed a Resolution establishing a Fire Department Building Reserve Fund. The City Council has received $2,900 in donations from Westfir residents, and an additional $20,580 in donations to date. The Fund is dedicated to the construction of a fire department building on land expected to be donated to the City by the owners of the Old Mill site near the Westfir Portal.

Westfir Volunteer Fire Department report

Jim McKee, Westfir Volunteer Fire Chief, gave his report. He will attend all meetings with The City of Oakridge or Oakridge’s Fire Chief. He stated his need for space for equipment. The Council will discuss it in a work session. McKee asked about commitment of land for the fire department building. He feels it may be an issue with grants. He would like to do an “aggressive” flyer stating the urgency for volunteers. McKee offered to help with the labeling of the 135-person coverage for a mailer. McKee would like to make a banner, have a potluck at his property to draw in one or two new volunteers. He has distributed about fifteen “Vial of Life” stickers for residents of Westfir and Oakridge. Oakridge Pharmacy has donated pill bottles for this purpose.

City adopts 2023-2024 budget

The city adopted a budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024 in the amount $1,471,708. The budget is on file at City Hall for perusal. This budget rate is at $9.3036 per $1,000 of assessed value of all taxable property within the district.

Funding requests approved

Jason Nehmer requested a grant of $2,500 from the City Rural Tourist Marketing Plan (RTMP) fund for Disc Golf. The Council granted $1,250.00 previously from the fund and will add $1,250 to the request. Disc Golf is sweeping the country. The Circle Bar Gold Course held at Oakridge can be accessed on You Tube. The largest Disc Golf Tournament ever. There were 450 entrants on four courses.

Michelle Emmons, director for the Alpine Epic Race, which she described as a “really healthy,” event, requested $1,500 for the event. She has 135 registrants and many volunteers. The city granted the funds. This event is a fundraiser for Parks and Trails.

Melody Cornelius, former Mayor of Westfir, asked for relief from a sewer surcharge and was granted relief in the amount $20.00. Melody had to drain her pool to rid it of mosquito larvae.

Anthony Slauch gave his park report. New signs are needed for the portal for hours, and instructions for dogs on leash. Councilor Huey suggested a sign for the trash receptacles admonishing the public about fines for dumping household trash, citing an ordinance that can be enforced. Also, The light that lights the flag at City Hall at night must be replaced.

City has a job opening for Relief Operator for Water Master, Robert Archer. There has been one Applicant.

Annoying issues that face the city addressed

A camper was abandoned on Westfir Rd. It has no resale value and will be towed. There is no title or registration, but the City will look for a VIN number to track the person(s) who abandoned it for the purpose of issuing a citation.

Visitors have been parking at City Hall and urinating behind the building. No parking will be allowed after the 11th of the month. Two unpermitted portable toilets are in use. They will be documented, photos taken, and cited.

Citizen comment

Citizen Johathon made a citizen comment. He asked about mileage for staff and how it is calculated. He feels the City is being overcharged for staff mileage. Jonathon asked for a Portal maintenance update. He believes there are less expensive maintenance options for the City.

Johnathon reminded Council that the City budgeted $1,000 for a GPS unit when they are free and accurate on phones. Councilors wondered if Police and Fire may have different standards than regular smart phones? Jonathon asked about the proposed Old Mill site development septic systems above the river in the event there would be a leak. Councilor Packard said he does share those concerns, but, they will take these concerns into consideration after they hear the developers plan and evaluate it. Jonathon suggested City mow noxious weeds and bill back the property owners. Nicole Tritten, City Recorder, reminded Jonathon that, In the case of noxious growth, the City can issue citations.

City Council meetings are open to the public and are held on the first Monday of each month At City Hall beginning at 5:30 PM. Special meetings are posted on the City website. A sign up Sheet for public comment is available.

Joy Kingsbury photo

Joy Kingsbury is an Oakridge resident and regular contributor to The Herald.

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George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.

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Written by George Custer

June 12, 2023

Alpine Stream Construction Highway 58 Oakridge Oregon

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