The newly elected members of the Hines Common Council officially began their terms on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

Councilors Gary Miller, Hilda Allison, and Duane Hutchins took the oath of office administered by City Administrator Kirby Letham, and then they were officially seated in the council chamber.

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The council approved Ordinance 322, “The ATV Ordinance,” making it legal for residents to operate all-terrain vehicles on city streets. The ordinance sets forth a number of restrictions, including the hours of operation for ATVs as 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 1 through April 30. The ordinance defines what type of ATV is allowed. It also requires operators to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver license, and an ATV-operating permit. The vehicle must also be insured, and operators must follow safety rules, such as wearing helmets and seat belts.

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During his city administrator’s report, Letham told the council that the city is still in phase one of the water master plan, which includes the design and easement process of placing a new water tank in an area behind the current tank. Letham said he anticipates bids for the construction will go out in April or May, with work beginning in June and lasting through the fall.

Letham said the new pump for the lift station that serves the south end of the city was expected to arrive in a few days, along with the contractor.

The codification and reformatting of the city’s comprehensive plan is also in progress.

Looking ahead, Letham said the city was allotted grant money for paving, and the city has identified the streets that are most in need.

The city is planning to construct restrooms near the pavilion at Hines Park in the near future as well.

Letham also reported that the Dollar Tree is on track to open the first part of February, and there is a group that wants to discuss the future of the nature trail with the city.

At the close of his report, Letham thanked former city administrator Judy Erwin for her help in the transition.

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Each of the councilors received information about the Certified Local Government (CLG) program and the criteria that cities have to meet to become a CLG.

Letham gave a brief overview of the program to the council. He explained that it is a federal program  through the National Park Service that is administered by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. To become a CLG, a city must establish a commission to identify historic buildings, landmarks, sites, or even districts. The city must also pass a preservation ordinance and agree to participate in the state program and help maintain the state’s list of historic places.

The benefits of becoming a CLG include access to grants, training workshops for commission members, and assistance from the state and National Park Service on historical preservation.

The councilors were encouraged to read over the information that was provided to them. Additional discussion will take place at the next meeting.

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In other business:

• Hines Police Chief Ryan DeLange reported that things have been slowing down for his department recently, except for several reports of vehicle crashes. He told the council he has been looking at statistics and they show fewer calls in 2018 than in 2017, but the calls are for more severe crimes. He added that the reserve officer program is getting started again;

• Hines Fire Chief Bob Spence stated that there were only six service calls in the past month, which is low for his department. The department is also going to conduct rescue training at Burns Pond the first part of March.

The next council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at city hall.