Friday, September 17, 2021
|
|
Bonamici talks about pandemic aid & upcoming session |
|
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici joined WEA guests this morning during a Virtual Forum.
Bonamici spoke about the pandemic and the federal aid that has been provided. She also spoke about the "Build Back Better Act" and provided a preview of the issues Congress is expected to work on as they come back to the Capitol next week.
Bonamici, and the Virtual Forum sponsors Kaiser Permanente and Legacy Health, all urge people to talk with their healthcare providers about getting vaccinated.
The Congresswoman said the vaccine is the way out of this pandemic.
In reference to the "Build Back Better Act," Bonamici said it includes education, paid family leave, childcare, and more.
Legislation Bonamici is currently working on includes childcare.
She said it would be available on a sliding scale, where families would pay no more than 7% of their income for the service.
There is also the possibility of free preschool (pre-K) for children ages 3 and 4.
Bonamici said this would help level the playing field for children whose parents can't afford preschool.
She is also working on higher education by providing more resources for students in the form of more Pell Grants and free tuition at community colleges nationwide.
The Congresswoman recognizes industries need a trained workforce and that some people have been pushed out of the economy because of a lack of skills.
She said, "We all do better when we all do better."
The Congresswoman also touched on housing, climate change, and transportation.
|
|
Sherwood selects another Keith for lead role |
|
Campbell is currently with the City of Stayton, where he's been the city manager.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled for the opportunity to become the next city manager of Sherwood,” Campbell said. “My family and I are excited to become part of the Sherwood community. I look forward to working collaboratively with the stakeholders, governing body, and staff to continue to make Sherwood an outstanding place to live, work, and play.”
Campbell has more than seven years of city manager experience and more than 15 years of local government experience in Oregon and Kansas.
He earned a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Kansas and is an International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Credentialed Manager.
“We are very excited to have Keith joining the City,” said Mayor Keith Mays. “We have a number of important economic development and community projects underway, including expansion of Sherwood Broadband, construction of a pedestrian bridge over 99W, and updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and we are confident his skills and experience will allow him to hit the ground running.”
The city manager role has been temporarily been filled by Kristen Switzer, since Joe Gall left earlier this year to take a position with Clean Water Services.
Campbell will begin his new duties October 7.
|
|
Land Use Committee discusses parks, housing, and more with West Linn & Hillsboro |
|
Members of WEA's Land Use & Housing Committee talked with Hillsboro Parks Project Manager Ryan Stee and with West Linn Mayor Jules Walters and Planning Manager Darren Wyss.
Stee talked about Hillsboro's latest approach to planning.
He said the city is now approaching its park planning effort with an equity lens that includes more of its residents and referred to it as a system plan.
Stee said the city's Park and Recreation Master Plan is outdated, and the new Parks and Recreation System Plan will evolve to be better integrated with planning in the community.
In West Linn, Mayor Walters shared information about a piece of property her city will be leaving up to voters on whether to purchase.
The West Linn-Wilsonville School District owns the10 acre parcel referred to as Oppenlander Field and has offered to sell it to the city for a park.
Walters said voters will decide in May if the city should purchase it - the property will be appraised again, but was recently said to be worth $6.5 million.
The committee also talked with Wyss about HB 2001 and 2003.
|
|
WEA members Rembold & North Plains work together on new development |
|
North Plains' Urban Renewal Agency (URA) has approved a resolution, which will allow the city to negotiate a development agreement with real estate developer Rembold.
Rembold is looking to purchase more than 5 acres in the Glencoe Opportunity Area (GOA), which is on Glencoe Road near Highway 26.
The company has proposed developing the site into a mixed-use retail project that will include a community gathering space, a grocer, a hardware store, food and drink establishments, and other services.
“In collaboration with North Plains and a number of local purveyors, this exciting development is designed to celebrate inclusivity, local industries, fresh food and drink, and curated services that celebrate North Plains’ history and future,” said Rembold Vice President Kali Bader.
Rembold is said to have commitments from several partners, including Fresh Foods Grocery, Public Coast Brewing, and Abbey Creek Winery.
“This project will provide much-needed services that have been identified as a community priority and will enable our residents to shop much closer to home, improving the quality of life for our growing community,” said Mayor Teri Lenahan.
North Plains residents often have to travel to neighboring communities for groceries.
|
|
-
Congratulations to Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District for being honored for its visioning process. The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) selected the District for two national awards: the Public Involvement Project of the Year in the United States and as the winner of the Core Values Award for Respect for Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture.
-
The City of Beaverton is beginning its next visioning process. To weigh in, visit the Beaverton website.
-
Washington County's Board of Commissioners are hosting a town hall meeting tomorrow (September 18) at 10 a.m. The meeting will focus on recovery dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act.
-
Looking to direct people towards a vaccine? There is a free vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. tomorrow (September 18) at Roca de Luz Eterna (423 N 10th Ave.) in Cornelius.
-
If you are traveling this weekend, beware the Interstate Bridge on I-5 will be closed on the northbound span for maintenance on Saturday night (11 p.m. until Sunday 8 a.m.). ODOT is suggesting motorists take I-205 instead as a workaround.
- As our weekend rain returns, our public works members would like to remind residents to please clear storm drains to help prevent neighborhood flooding. Also, remember the roads can be a bit slick after such a dry spell - travel safely.
|
|
Wed. 9/22 at 7:30 a.m. - The WEA Board of Directors will meet virtually.
Wed. 10/13 at 7:30 a.m. - The Transportation Committee will meet virtually. All members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Gail Greenman.
Th. 10/14 at 7:30 a.m. - The Government Relations Committee is tentatively scheduled to meet virtually.
Wed. 10/20 at 12:00 p.m. - The Land Use & Housing Committee will meet virtually. All members are welcome to attend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
