25 September 2014
Dunes City Septic Ordinance Getting Attention Again
What originally began as a five-year program to rid Dunes City of substandard and failed septic systems has become firmly entrenched. The Planning Commission in Dunes City will give residents there an opportunity to weigh in on whether or not to keep it a permanent ordinance; or once again try to change it.
Dunes City initially enacted an ordinance in 2006. According to Planning Commission Chair George Burke the goal was to get all systems inspected and brought up to par in order to help protect water quality in Siltcoos and Woahink lakes.
The effort soon became a political hot potato. Backers of the regulation wanted to keep it in place permanently as a way of protecting water quality.
Opponents said it was too invasive and forced homeowners to spend money unnecessarily.
After a temporary suspension by elected officials, the law was ordered back in force last year by the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.
Officials are testing the waters once again on whether or not to amend or eliminate the requirements… or leave them in place. The Dunes City Planning Commission meets this evening at five.
Shining a light on domestic violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Events this month related to players in the NFL has already raised awareness of the problem.
David Wiegan is the director of Siuslaw Outreach Services, the non-profit agency that deals with many abuse victims every year.
David Wiegan – “Day in and day out, people are affected by it. You know, I think one in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime and I think it’s completely unacceptable for a society to tolerate that level of abuse.”
SOS will be shining the light on abuse beginning this weekend with a special insert in the Siuslaw News featuring articles written by men in the community. Sunday, October 5th will be the annual March through Old Town to highlight Domestic Violence; and counselors as well as victims will be making speaking appearances at several locations around the community.
Another five figure emergency department gift
A group of local Realtors has announced a $20-thousand gift to the Peace Harbor Medical Center Emergency Department expansion.
But there are a couple of conditions…
The agents and brokers with Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate are challenging other Realtors in the community to show their support and match or exceed their donation.
The gift is the second five-figure pledge announced since last week’s news that the Peace Harbor Medical Center Foundation had quietly raised our-million-dollars of the five-million needed to pay for the expansion.
Beach cleanup
The forecast is mixed for this Saturday… thousands of volunteers are expected to ‘hit the beach’ for the annual fall beach cleanup. It’s an effort that first began 30 years ago when an effort was mounted to pick up trash and litter from Oregon’s beaches following the summer tourist season.
Saturday’s forecast is calling for some rain showers in the morning… but by the time trash-pickers are done in the early afternoon they should see plenty of sunshine.
Information on how to participate can be found at SolveOregon-dot-org. The cleanup is organized by Solve and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
