Westfir City Council regular meeting 3/6/23

By JOY KINGSBURY/for The Herald  —  Westfir’s Volunteer Fire Chief, Jim (Gunny) McKee, announced he applied for and received a new Fire Department Identification number from the Office of State Fire Marshall in Salem. This enables the Westfir Volunteer Fire Department six months to work through obtaining all the teams, tools, and approvals necessary to sustain the provisionally issued FDID.

If all requirements are met, the Westfir Volunteer Fire Department will have full instatement as of September 1, 2023.

Volunteer Chief McKee reported to Council that he has five Volunteers from Westfir to train. The training will take place in conjunction with Oakridge Fire Department. The Basic Fire Fighting classes cover all from Basic to Advanced including Hazmat classes. Gunny is working on a current evacuation plan for the City of Westfir.

McKee will be involved in the negotiations with Oakridge for an Inter-Governmental Agreement for fire coverage from Oakridge in July of this year.

City Councilor Kelly Packard has been asking for donations for Westfir’s Volunteer Fire Department and has received some $4,000 for the cause. Packard wrote and had printed a brief history of Westfir with photos of the highlights of the area along with conceptual photos of the proposed new Fire Station.

The proposed station will sit on land donated by the developers of the old mill site. He ended with “ Please send your donation to The City of Westfir, P.O.Box 296. Westfir 97492. Donations are tax deductible.”

City set to receive fire department donations

Westfir City Council approved Resolution 526 that the City of Westfir accept donations in the amount of $3,000.00. Furthermore, the appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, are to be increased by the dollar amount shown appropriating excess revenue and expenditures to establish a Volunteer Fire Dept.

A Public Hearing was held on a joint meeting with the City Council and the local Contract Review Board, amending public contracting rules. A Staff report was given by Carolyn Connelly. The hearing was held for the purpose of taking comments on the City’s draft findings supporting the exemption of certain classes of special procurements and public improvement contracts from competitive
bidding requirements.

The Council adopted Resolution 528 to become effective April 1, 2023, pertaining to updating council
meeting policies.

Westfir supports Oakridge WAC grant with letter

The Westfir Council will send a letter of support for Oakridge’s Willamette Activity Center (WAC) project grant. Also a letter of support from Westfir regarding the Oakridge Airport repairs. The airport is very much needed for firefighting activities. The State has pulled funds for the airport.

Westfir City Council ruled on an application by Devin VansCoy for a Rural Tourism Marketing Plan grant. The grant was requested for the Oakridge Triple Summit Challenge and Westfir 50K-30K.These events will be held respectively on August 4th and October 29th.at the Office Covered Bridge in Westfir. Council approved $1,000 per event.

Michelle Emmons applied to use the Portal for the Cascade Cream Puff 50/100 to be held on June 10, 2023. Council approved.

Representative for Mountain Bike Oregon, Daniella Crowder, applied for the use of the Portal. That event is scheduled for June 21st- to the 25th. The event expects an estimated attendance of 400. Council approved.

Old mill site developer outlines initial plan

Ralph Christianson, an investor in the old mill site, appeared before Council. He produced maps of the proposed development on that site. They are gearing up to begin talk with agencies involved. The plan calls for 21 acres of low density housing, and 7 acres of high density home sites. The plan also identified 8 acres for mixed use. 10 acres will be reserved for parks and recreational use.

Since there are no services to that area, the proposal is to allow well and septic systems until water and sewer become available. Septic systems could include piping to the street in anticipation of sewer. For persons interested in viewing the site plans, the maps are available at Joy Kingsbury Real Estate 48116 Hwy 58, Oakridge.

Rabbits have become a concern for maintenance

Robert Archer, Public Works Director, gave an update on water and waste water, and pointed out a problem in the Hemlock area with rabbits. There is an infestation of rabbits in Hemlock and the rabbits are tearing up the vegetation and making a general destruction. Locals will trap them and discuss with Lane County Animal Control on the rabbit’s disposition.

Vandalism at the Portal

Tony Schlaug, Public Works grounds person, reported on repairs and updates to the Portal buildings. There has been vandalism in that area. He suggested eye level cameras, a shed for storage, special locks for the restrooms and a discussion of having timed gates to the Portal.

City Recorder, Nicole Tritten, reported that she will have the budget ready for review on April 10th. She will attend a class given by the League of Oregon Cities on Public Budgeting. She needs two citizen Members for the Budget Committee.

Water leak cost forgiven

Ann Carson, recent resident to Westfir, thanked Council for their consideration in the matter of a major water leak on her property which caused her water bill to be astronomical. Council reduced Ann’s water bill by half. She went on to say how wonderful she feels it is to live in a small town, and, that it is a joy to her to see a Council work so efficiently.

Councilor Doretta Huey reported on beautification of the community. She will discard old bridge ornaments, recycle bad lights, and use solar and LED on the covered bridge. She is planning a Summertime Picnic for the community, and an entry in the Tree Planting Parade in Oakridge the 1st weekend in May.

Council meetings are open to the public and held at 5:30 P.M. the first Monday of each month at Westfir City Hall. You may attend in person or by Zoom. A sign-up sheet for public comment is available. Check City website for more information.