WESTFIR CITY COUNCIL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING.

By JOY KINGSBURY/for The Herald  —  The Westfir Planning Commission met to discuss a six-month extension for the Trans-Cascadia project.

Blair Banker and Nick Gibson met with the commission to explain that their project has challenging issues that they were not aware of at the time they took their permit. Soil samples on the site uncovered fill, which precludes the completion of the project as planned. This caused other complications that include significant increased costs by high interest rates.

Their permit requires structural design which may need to be changed. The Westfir building code has no provision for modification so the project will require a new permit. Trans-Cascadia will need extra time to promote additional income for their project, a new conditional
use permit, and a new time line with the proposed modifications. Council approved a six month extension.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Newly elected Council members were sworn in by Nicole Tritten, City Recorder. Councilor Kelly Packard suggested council consider a dog park fee, as well as a possible increase In fee for the large shelter at the Portal. Council approved an increase for the shelter.

Packard also brought up the fact that Code Enforcement fines remain unpaid as far back as 2018. Council will look into the possibility of placing liens on properties of persons who are cited, but do not pay the fines.

The newly formed Volunteer Fire Department has acquired air tanks and masks. Fire Chief McKee will see to it that they are tested and ready for use. Collaboration with the Oakridge Fire Department is going well. The Council has been offered a building site for the new 2000 sq. ft. fire department building near the Portal. Site preparation and foundation costs estimated to cost up to $100,000.

Public Works Director, Robert Archer, reported to Council that all is in good order with the water System at this time. He reported vandalism at the Portal caught on camera. There is information on the vehicle.

The Oakridge/Westfir Chamber of Commerce requested $3,000 in funding. The Council approved $2,000 that had been budgeted with another $1,000 possible from Transient Room Tax funds with Council approval.

There was discussion about business licenses for rentals and management of properties in
Westfir.

A private party suggested Council consider a day use charge for Portal parking.

All meetings are open to the public. Meetings take place on the first Monday of each month at 5:30pm at City Hall. There is accommodation for online access to meetings on the City website. A sign-up sheet is available for public comment.