Mayor, councilors take oath of office

To no one’s surprise, the amount of snow Harney County has received this winter was the topic of several conversations at the Hines Common Council meeting held Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Hines Fire Chief Bob Spence reported he had been busy digging out fire hydrants and has about 60 percent of them cleared of enough snow that the fire department can reach them if needed. He said he will continue clearing out the other hydrants as well.

Spence said he has concerns about the hydrants along Highway 20 as he would have to block traffic to dig them out, and he doesn’t want to do that.

He added that some people have been plowing snow over the hydrants, and he’d like to ask them not to do that. He said if residents know where a hydrant is and could clear  out an area 3 or 4 feet around it, that would save critical time should an emergency arise.

In a written report, Acting Maintenance Supervisor Jerry Lewellen stated his crew has been busy plowing snow, and there has been a problem, as property owners are running out of space to move the snow to. City Administrator Judy Erwin noted that it is frustrating for property owners to have to clear their driveways after the plow comes by, but the city doesn’t have the resources to plow everyone’s driveway. She added that their are several local groups that have offered to help people out if needed.

It was also mentioned that the sidewalks along Highway 20 are impossible to use because of the amount of snow on them, so pedestrians are walking on the side of the highway, which creates a hazard. It was pointed out that the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is responsible for keeping the sidewalks clear. The city tries to help clear the sidewalks when possible, but it doesn’t have the equipment to move the amount of snow now on them.

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Erwin told the council she submitted a letter to several state and federal politicians asking them to release a portion of the funds collected from marijuana taxes to the state’s general fund, and she received no reply from any of the individuals.

Erwin said she recently attended an emergency steering committee meeting, and one of the topics of discussion was the Aug. 21 eclipse and the possible impact on the state. She said there is concern about the number of people coming into the area and the possibility of forest fires.

She added there was discussion about stockpiling emergency equipment for the event, including extra fuel trucks so as not to run out of gas.

Erwin also reported High Desert Transformation is moving forward with its plans to put a marijuana growing operation in the Lottery Lane area.

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Erwin administered the oath of office to Mayor Nikki Morgan and Councilor Ron Williams, who were both re-elected, and newly-elected councilors Raymond Breshears and Robert Beers.

Morgan recognized outgoing councilor John Mims, who has served on the council for about eight years, and presented him with a certificate of appreciation for his service.

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In other business, the council:

• approved a business license for Wall Construction and Woodwork LLC;

• approved a 30-month agreement with the Valley Golf Club, beginningJan.1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2019. Erwin said the only changes in the new agreement are stipulations that the golf course needs to keep the water billing and property taxes current, and maintain liability insurance on the property;

• approved a proclamation declaring Jan. 22-28 School Choice Week;

• will meet for a work session on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at city hall.