Mayor’s Race Draws a Crowd

23 July 2014

Mayor’s Race Becomes a Three-Way

Coast Radio News
Local News

Former Florence Mayor Alan Burns has thrown his hat into the ring, making him the third candidate so far to announce intentions to seek the mayor’s position this fall.

Burns, who currently sits on the Planning Commission, filed his preliminary paperwork with city hall yesterday.

The owner and operator of Burns’ Riverside Chapel was first elected to the city council nearly two decades ago. He served three terms as mayor from 1999 to 2005.

Burns will face current Mayor Nola Xavier and city councilor Joe Henry on the ballot.

Xavier, with nearly a decade of public service at City Hall is seeking her second term as mayor.

Henry was elected to the city council for the first time 18 months ago. He is required by city charter to resign effective January 1st in order to run.

That leaves three positions open on the city council. George Lyddon, Mildred Rowley and Ron Preisler have all announced intentions to run. Two incumbents, Sue Roberts and Brian Jagoe have said they are not seeking reelection.

Gas Tax Heads to Ballot

Florence voters will decide in the fall whether or not to levy a tax on retail gasoline sales to pay for streets.

The Florence City Council approved a ballot title this week, asking for a three-cent a gallon tax to be levied between November 1st and February 28th. The tax would increase to a nickel a gallon between March 1st and October 31st.

It’s estimated the tax will raise about $390-thousand a year initially. That would be used to repay a $5-million bond that would in turn pay for several street improvements and repairs. Much of that would be spent on Rhododendron Drive between Highway 101 and Mariner’s Village.

If approved, a $5 per month street assessment on utility bills would likely be reduced to $2 with that money paying for street lighting.

Average Gas Prices Holding Steady… and High

The average cash price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Florence has held steady at $3.89 for the past two weeks. That’s down a penny from the highest average recorded so far this year over the Fourth of July holiday.

That’s a nickel a gallon less than the statewide average of $3.94 as measured by Triple-A. But, it’s 32 cents higher than the national average price which has fallen steadily over the past three weeks.

Marie Dodds with Triple-A says Oregon is one of ten states where motorists are paying more for gasoline this year than last.

Customer Service Is Aim of Parking and Code Enforcement

The responsibility for enforcing city sign, landscaping and parking regulations has been transferred back to city hall. Two years ago, the position of city Code Enforcement officer was placed under the control of the police department. After the previous officer left earlier this year, the decision was made to return it to the city’s planning department.

David Frazier began on the job July 1st and since then has been on the streets.

Interim Planning Director Wendy Farley-Campbell says Frazier has been working with other employees learning the code and how best to approach residents and businesses. Farley-Campbell says when Frazier sees a rule infraction, it’s his goal to explain the regulation and try to get compliance on the spot. She says that’s a more effective and customer service oriented approach than simply returning to City Hall and issuing a formal letter noting the violation.