Herald photo Westfir honors their covered bridge with a miniature version on display. City Hall is in the Background.
Councilor Richard Watson was appointed Mayor, sworn in by Nicole Tritten, City Clerk, Westfir has a new mayor! There are two appointments available on the City Council.
The new mayor’s email address will be posted on the city website. Mayor Watson will add a message in the next local newsletter by way of introduction and will keep the locals updated in this manner. The Special Meeting was then adjourned.
On Monday, February 3rd, 2025, Mayor Watson called his first meeting as mayor to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the meeting began. He welcomed everyone and thanked them for being there. He thanked the city staff. The council will discuss projects on their agenda.
Westfir would like to have their fire engine back, which is in good shape except for the ladder, which would cost $1 ,500 to ship from the East coast. The Fire Chief was not available and the report will be forwarded to the mayor.
Mr. Jon O’Neil, Westfir resident, is open to helping the city and contributing as a private citizen for the greater good. Jon would provide excellent help with positive reinforcement of what the city has to do. Jon prefers this activity to sitting on the council.
Adam Kennedy addressed the council regarding the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. He talked about the longer-term projects to mitigate the flooding. There is a Hazard Mitigation Plan already done by Lane County Emergency Management. Therefore, Westfir does not have to complete a new NHMP plan. Lane County Emergency Management has noted that when water enters Westfir, it does not drain. Water overflows from Mc Clain Creek and drains into the neighborhood. Kennedy would like to create a drain in Westfir so there is a place for water to drain and exit the Westfir area. The city is currently pumping water as an emergency plan. Mr. Kennedy will stay on top of it.
Bobby Archer, city operator, gave his water/sewer report. No problems at the water plant. The E-coli readings came back to within permitted limits. Best Septic Company treated the well recently.
Two candidates have applied to join the Budget Committee; Former Mayor, D’Lynn Williams and former Councilor Kelly Packard. They were appointed to three-year terms.
The council will surplus a 1997 pickup truck. The vehicle is priced at $1 ,200 and bids will be taken until February 20th 2025. The truck has four-wheel drive and good tires. An ad will be place in the Highway 58 Herald.
Nicole Tritten gave her report. Elected officials and city staff will attend a training session.
Tritten has one application to interview for the Relief Operator for the city. The applicant will be interviewed on Monday, the 10th.
Complaints from residents of the Hemlock District about motor homes parking in Hemlock have been received by the city. Citations are given to the property owners who are liable for the expenses.
Westfir has an ordinance that addresses RV parking. All vehicles will be subject to the Fire Intervention Plan, and it is not feasible to park vehicles on the streets in Westfir.
A citizen is interested in starting a neighborhood watch. The interest is strong, and the citizen has talked with Sheriff’s Office and Eugene P.D. There will be further discussions on the topic in a work session.
Finance Director Tritten gave the financial report. The cost of Quick Books has risen to $1 ,300. She will check prices to see if it would be less through a third party. She indicated that she prefers the desk top version until she’s forced to go to the Cloud version
City expenditures for the month of February were $52,073.91.
Meetings are open to the public and take place on the first Monday of each month at 5:30 PM at City Hall. There is public comment invited. A hybrid method of joining is available through 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.
