Police Department Funding Option—Please see an important message on page 13 from city staff on a proposed funding concept for the Police Department.
City Council 1/2/18—City Administrator Jeff Alvis briefed Council on the status of a proposed 4-way stop at California Street and North 5th Street. Despite a conclusion from ODOT that a 4-way stop isn’t needed to protect public safety and/or reduce vehicle/pedestrian accidents, ODOT will consider other measures to improve drivability and visibility including installation of better signage and road striping.
Britt Bucks—City Treasurer Stacy Bray reported that the 2017 Britt Admission Tax collected was $101,792. The $2 tax is charged on all tickets sold. Based upon Resolution #1099, (signed in 2012) the cap Britt must pay the city is $70,000 per year, resulting in $31,792 being returned to the non-profit. 1099 was implemented to assist Britt in maintaining the festival grounds and enabling the city to improve and maintain other city parks.
Now Serving…Council reappointed these citizens to the following committees and commissions.
Donna Bowen and Trish Murdoch to HARC
Donna Bowen to Budget Committee
Jerry Evans and Whitman Parker to Transient Lodging/Tax Committee
Gary Sprague to Parks Committee
Bernie Croucher to Public Safety Committee
City Councilor David Jesser was unanimously elected to serve as Council President. The Planning Commission filled a long-standing vacancy with the appointment of Mike Card.
CCI Members Needed—7 residents are needed to serve on the Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI). Those interested may apply for the post no later than February 16. A description of the work and an application may be picked up at the Planning Department or found on the city website.
Boosters Report—Rob Buerk presented the Booster Foundation Annual Report. Please see article on page 7. After Buerks remarks, City Administrator Alvis thanked the Boosters Club and remarked, “The city couldn’t do 1/3 of what it does without the club’s help.”
Website in the Works—A proposal by Civic Plus to re-build the city’s out-of-date website was given a green light. With funding now available, residents should expect to see a new site by early summer.
City Pays Tribute to Former Mayor, Clara Wendt— During the City Council meeting on 1/16, staff announced that former mayor Clara Wendt, passed away at home at the age of 90 on January 3, 2018.
In tribute to her years of service, City Administrator Jeff Alvis placed her mayoral photo in her regular seat in Old City Hall.
Mrs. Wendt served as mayor from 1975-1978. Mrs. Wendt also served on numerous committees and commissions during her very active political career. Most locals will remember her best for critiquing the City Council during “public comment” where, in teacher-like fashion, she provided oversight, history and context on all matters related to the city. She was particularly fond of reminding council that “Urban Renewal is not a cash cow,” while advocating for financial restraint. In addition to being dubbed the “city watchdog” by many, she will be remembered for her years of public service as much as she will be remembered for her unreported generosity to those in-need.