December Issues 2008

1. Waste Connection Inc. wants to raise our garbage rates again. Are you happy enough with their service that you are willing to pay the 5% increase they are asking for? Should other options be investigated? Should the council change the requirement that every resident must sign a contract with this company?

2. The council is being asked to adopt population projections that show our town population increasing by 2% every year over the next 20 years. Adopting the projections is a preliminary step to updating the city's Comprehensive Plan. These projections have to possibility to influence the Hood River County School District's decision about closing Cascade Locks School. The projections were not influenced by future developments such as the Warm Springs project and Port expansion. Should the council wait for more information, or move forward with the projection adoption?

3. The results of the Nov. 4 2008 election created an ammendment to the city's charter that effectively appealed last May's utility fee schedule adjustment. The fees have been returned to 3 dollars for late payment, 10 dollars for placing a red tag warning, 15 dollars for a returned check. It has been suggested that the fees are too small to have any real effect. As a result, city staff will potentially be expending more time administering the fees than the fees are worth. However, according to the charter, the fees can only be raised after ratification by voters. Should the council refer a fee schedule increase to the voters? If so, should the city pay for a vote as soon as possible or wait for a statewide election?

November 2008 Issues

1. How should the city pay for the remaining $150,000 to $300,000 left on the bill for the fire hall? We have a great low interest loan available, but we need to find a way to make payments. Suggestions have ranged from reorganizing the ordinance enforcement department to reducing the budget of the fire department to raising fees. The city will have to decide soon.

2. There was a question about a piece of property in town that I posted here. Since that posting, I have learned that as part of my duties as councilman, I will be hearing an appeal to a planning commission decision regarding the property. To avoid any appearance of partiality, I have removed the question (which was, in any case, phrased neutrally). Thank you for respecting my neutrality on this issue.

3. Should the city change its ordinances to allow property owners to raise bees, chickens, or other livestock? Some cities allow apiaries (beehives), and small livestock to be raised in city limits. Currently our ordinances seem to prohibit this activity. It appears the council is interested in studying this issue soon.