By JOY KINGSBURY/for The Herald — Carrie Connelly, Westfir’s city attorney, gave the Council a briefing on State Legislature rules that may affect the City of Westfir. In anything under $25,000, the City can award a contract without competitive bids or a solicitation process. Previously, the amount was $10,000. Should a Public Improvement cost between $25,000 but not more than $100,000. A Contract may be awarded according to this rule.
Fire Chief Hollett briefs Council
Oakridge Fire Chief, Scott Hollett, attended virtually, and gave his report. The Fire Department conducted Fire Prevention activities for Oakridge students to educate youth on fire safety. Volunteers completed 28 hours of practical training in pediatric advanced life support, mt. biking injuries, stop the bleed, and train the trainers. Oakridge’s two ambulances have 178,006 and 217,877 miles on them respectively and must travel in service up to 2,000 miles per month.
The Fire Department served a breakfast to Veteran’s and their families on Veterans Day. They served over eighty people and one Veteran who was 100 years old. A shout out to Chrissy Hollett, Renee Edmunds, April Allen, Peggy Gordon, and Curt Smith, who did the organizing, cooking, and serving. They look forward to doing it again next year, and those attending certainly enjoyed the breakfast.
The Hazeldell Fire Engine may be surplused out. The engine requires about $6,000 worth of repairs. Westfir Council will make the decision about repairs at their meeting in January.
There will be a City Council work session January 4, 2024, on the Fire District Consolidation proposal.
LOC announces proposed drug offense changes
The League of Oregon Cities has addressed Oregon’s Addiction and Community Livability Crisis. They have made several proposals. No. 1. Reclassify possession of a controlled substance from an E-Violation to a misdemeanor. No 2. Modify the definition of controlled substance “delivery” to include “transfer” of drugs, and possession with intent to transfer drugs. No.3. Ensure that jails and judges have the flexibility to hold drug dealers charged with distributing a controlled substance and repeat offenders. 4. Fund County Probation Departments to supervise misdemeanor theft and property crimes where defendants are dealing with an addiction or substance abuse disorder. No. 5 Create a new misdemeanor for “public use of a controlled substance” to align with current law prohibiting public use of alcohol and marijuana. No 6. Misdemeanor for “use of a controlled substance in an enclosed public space that endangers another person.
No 7. Prioritize funding of Oregon’s specialty courts. No 8. Utilize welfare holds of up to 72 hours for intoxicated persons who pose a danger to themselves or others. No 9. Create adequate treatment centers throughout Oregon making sustainable investments in sobering center and stabilization treatment bed capacity for adults and juveniles. No 10. Establish Opioid Overdose Quick Response Teams. No. 11. Support the siting of secure residential facilities with requirements in the Fair Housing Act. There is a significant need for facilities for those experiencing mental health and substance abuse across our State.
A special thanks to Vicki Burns for coordinating the Bridge Lighting, which was a very great success. Thanks to Nichole and Jessica for purchasing new materials.
Westfir send letter to State requesting trail immunity be recinded
Westfir, along with other cities, is sending a letter of support to ask the State to rescind the order that takes away immunity from citizen lawsuits for injuries incurred on public property. The changes in this law could close trails and other recreational areas in the State for fear of law suits due to injuries on trails.
Westfir Council meetings are held the first Monday of each month at City Hall in Westfir and 5:30.All meetings are open to the public and there is public comment taken at each meeting. There is a hybrid option on the City website.
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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