16 October 2014
Planning Commission Flushes Floating Toilet
A conditional use permit application by the Port of Siuslaw to place a floating toilet in the middle of the Siuslaw River was denied Tuesday evening by the Florence Planning Commission.
Planning commissioners found the Port’s potty proposal did not come with sufficient proof that it met all applicable code criteria, including those related to scenic view requirements.
Neither the port manager, nor any port Commissioners were on hand for the Tuesday meeting, and nobody spoke in favor of it.
But, there was plenty of opposition; ranging from one resident who said she didn’t think it was necessary.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife opposed it due to possible impacts on fish, wildlife and “habitat resources” of the state. ODF&W said they might find a restroom located further up stream to be more desirable, rather than one only 550 feet from existing onshore facilities.
The Port has the option to appeal the decision to the City Council; resubmit a new application; or drop the matter entirely.
Mayor Candidates Air Differences
The three candidates for Florence Mayor share plenty of similarities… but they also have a few differences, including their views on how street repairs should be paid for in the coming years.
Two of the three, Joe Henry and Nola Xavier, have expressed clear support for a fuel tax proposal on the November Ballot that would be used to pay for street repairs.
Henry says the city should collect the tax and make repairs to streets as the cash comes in.
Xavier disagrees with the pay-as-you-go option. She said the street project with the highest priority is a stretch of Rhododendron Drive that would cost an estimated $800-thousand. Under Henry’s proposal, she said, the project wouldn’t get under way for at least three years and by then, the condition of the roadway would be even worse than it already is.
She says the city should use the proceeds to finance a 20-year, $5-million bond to pay for as many as 23-different “much-needed” projects in the near future.
The third candidate, Alan Burns, hasn’t been as clear in his support or opposition for the fuel tax proposal, but he was clear in siding with Xavier that should it pass, the city should borrow against it.
Voters will decide both who the next Mayor will be; as well as the fate of the fuel tax proposal November Fourth.
State of the Coast Set for Florence, October 25th
A ten year tradition in Florence is undergoing a change next week with the advent of the “State of the Coast” conference. The former three day long Heceta Head Coastal Conference has been revamped, revived and renamed. It will run just one day at the Florence Events Center October 25th, but it will still include discussions on marine research, biological and environmental challenges, and even adds a segment on coastal seafood cooking.
New York Times best-selling author Paul Greenburg will deliver the keynote address.
Cost for the session is $35 and includes lunch. Preregistration can be completed at www-dot-StateoftheCoast-dot-com.
And they’re off…
More than two-million ballots began heading to the post office yesterday in Oregon; bringing the promise that tens of thousands will return those ballots each day between now and November 4th.
In past elections, roughly one-third of voters cast their ballots in the first week. Election workers are anticipating a large turnout overall, perhaps as much as 70-percent.
Mailboxes will continue to be stuffed with election mail for the next three weeks, and the volume of political commercials on television will no doubt be multiplying.
The ballot is packed with high-profile races. Democratic incumbents are defending seats for governor, U.S. Senate, and in four of the five Oregon Congressional districts.
Seven ballot measures will be decided as well; ranging from marijuana legalization to labeling requirements for genetically modified foods.
Viking Pride Encouraged
Teachers and staff members at Siuslaw High School say it’s time to paint Florence Blue and Gold. They’re continually looking for ways to get the community involved with the school, especially Siuslaw’s “PRIDE” philosophy.
As part of the homecoming week celebration next week, they’ve designated next Wednesday as “pride” day in the community.
Businesses are encouraged to get involved by decorating their spaces in blue and gold and encouraging employees to wear the school colors.
Judging will take place that afternoon with the business showing the most “pride” and spirit winning a traveling trophy and four tickets to the Homecoming game October 24th against Brookings.
In order to be judged, participating businesses need to call Siuslaw High School and register… there’s no cost.
