Westfir needs residents to step up for city vacancies

By JOY KINGSBURY/for The Herald  —  The City of Westfir Planning Commission held a public hearing on December 2nd, 2024, to amend their development code to allow manufactured dwelling parks to comply with state law. This makes manufactured dwelling parks permissible in the R-3 zone of Westfir with proper permits, uses and density, along with urban services such as water, sewer, and transportation facilities.

No manufactured dwelling parks are in the planning stages for the foreseeable future.

The Westfir Council removed references to the number of dogs allowed and removed commercial pet kennels as permitted use in R-1, R-2, and R-3 Zones. The proposed zone/district change is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan and will not have a significant adverse effect upon adjoining lands and uses. These changes address the Housing Needs Analysis that was done previously. This will be finalized through ordinances at the city council hearing on January 11th.

In other business, Westfir has difficulty filling vacancies on the City Council, and the
mayor’s office has not been filled. Shawn Anderson, a local Westfir resident, filed for the mayoral position, but decided not to fill the seat. I followed up and requested an interview with Shawn and his only comment was “No Comment.” by email.

Current Mayor D’Lynn Williams did say she would monitor the first council meeting in January. However, she will have no authority after December 31st. Without a mayor and a functioning city council, it will be helpful to get as much done as possible with this present council.

Mayor Williams thanked all who helped with the decoration of the Bridge for the annual Bridge Lighting celebration.

There was little Fire activity. No new information on the intergovernmental agreement with Oakridge.
The city has had standing water on 1st and 2nd Streets to the creek, creating some flooding from the creek. The surface water needs to be re-directed. Lane County is pressed for time and resources. They are forming a group which will engage and hopefully find a good solution.

Contractors have not responded to the City’s request for estimates on work needed on City Hall.
The remainder of the water systems $9,200.00 fund will be spent for new meters.

Council went into Executive Session for labor discussion and reconvened the regular meeting. City employees received a 6% increase in salaries, rounding up to the nearest dollar in most instances.

There will be a Planning Commission meeting on the 11th of December.

The Mayor and a Councilor will monitor the January 2025 meeting and have every expectation that citizens of Westfir will step up and fill the current vacancies.

All meeting of the Council are open the public. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 5:30 PM at City Hall. A sign-up sheet for public comment is available. Hybrid meetings are available with instructions on the city website.