By Anne Scheck
Breaking News: Polk County has reached the state metric of 65% covid vaccination rate for the 16+ population. It is now in the lower risk category, effective immediately, according to county public health authorities
TRANSPORTATION PLAN: Update and Analysis
A proposed transportation system plan that includes projects totaling $64.7 million has been brought down to an initial cost of $18.3 million – and dubbed the “budget constraint” version. However, it includes a new street, not previously listed as a high priority, that may be nearly half of the pared-down price tag, if the cost estimate of $9 million remains in place.
Called “the southern arterial,” the new street would add an east-west extension to Mt. Fir Drive. The street, which has been described by the mayor as a necessity, could have some expense off-set by developers seeking to subdivide the area for housing. However, unlike Monmouth and Main streets, funding probably would be less readily available through the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Both Main and Monmouth streets are considered part of the state highway system and, because they are technically State Highway 51, these roadways qualify for significant revenue that wouldn’t need to be repaid if made according to ODOT-sanctioned changes. In contrast, the new “southern arterial” thoroughfare would require outside funding sources, though one of them could be ODOT, which makes grants and issues loans.
Under the plan, E Street would be expanded into a parallel route, and a bridge would be added for travel over Ash Creek, with special aspects for bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways, according to Kittelson & Associates, the consulting firm on the plan.
The “budget constraint” plan would improve intersections, possibly by installing traffic lights, at Polk and Main Street, Gun Club and Monmouth Street and River Road and Main Street. The latter drew public criticism from former city manager David Clyne at the city council meeting, who praised the traffic system plan during public testimony, but called the River Road-Main Street site “one of the worst-performing intersections in the community.”
Noting that there could be more provisions for bike and pedestrian features at what he described as “one of the gateways to Independence,” he added that he viewed that portion of the plan “as somewhat of a missed opportunity.”
The draft plan was approved by the Independence Planning Commission at its last meeting; It is expected to go before the city council later this summer, though the hearing hasn’t yet been scheduled.
MUSEUM LOSES DIRECTOR: Update and Commentary
[] Carly Annable resigned from her job as director of the Heritage Museum. Two people who have served it over the past years – Councilor Shannon Corr, who once worked for the museum, and volunteer Vickie McCubbin, who helms a board for it – reflected on Annable’s departure, as the day nears for the official ribbon-cutting on the museum’s relocation to a downtown building across from the post office.
Carly Annable's arrival in Independence served to give the Heritage Museum a dedicated voice on the city staff and in our community. She was instrumental in helping justify the move from the old museum location to the new. While some members of the community disagree with the cost associated with that, I personally don't believe you can put a price on preserving history, heritage, and culture.
I am thankful for Carly's work to help move the museum to a more accessible and flexible space. And while I'm disappointed at the timing of her departure, I look forward to seeing the hard work Curator Amy Christensen has been doing while the museum has been closed during the pandemic. Amy's passion for telling our community's stories is infectious and I'm sure the "new" museum's exhibits will be informative, fun, and artfully designed. – Shannon Corr
As museum director, Carly brought fresh ideas to the Heritage Museum. She secured grant funds for the Interpretive Walking Tour Panels now in place along the river. Her cheery smile and leadership will be missed, but we are grateful for the other half of the museum staff continuing to bring the museum forward to its new location. – Vickie McCubbin
CITY BUDGET at COUNCIL TONIGHT
A budget of $33 million is expected to be adopted tonight at the City Council meeting. Live streamed at: http://www.youtube.com/c/CityofIndependenceOR
COUNTY BUDGET at BOARD of COMMISSIONERS this week
The Polk County Board of Commissioners is expected to have a final presentation of the county budget this week – a budget that grew 13%, in large part due to federal and state money from the pandemic-related “American Rescue Plan.” Two-thirds of the county's general fund is allocated to public safety.
Property tax and the public safety levy now make up half of the general fund revenue and 12.5% of the county's total budget, according to Greg Hansen, Polk County Administrator. He announced recently that the county will allocate nearly $670,000 to small or local businesses received through CARES Act funding. Applications are available and the decision for distribution needs to be made by the end of the year, he noted.
Breaking News: Polk County has reached the state metric of 65% covid vaccination rate for the 16+ population. It is now in the lower risk category, effective immediately, according to county public health authorities
TRANSPORTATION PLAN: Update and Analysis
A proposed transportation system plan that includes projects totaling $64.7 million has been brought down to an initial cost of $18.3 million – and dubbed the “budget constraint” version. However, it includes a new street, not previously listed as a high priority, that may be nearly half of the pared-down price tag, if the cost estimate of $9 million remains in place.
Called “the southern arterial,” the new street would add an east-west extension to Mt. Fir Drive. The street, which has been described by the mayor as a necessity, could have some expense off-set by developers seeking to subdivide the area for housing. However, unlike Monmouth and Main streets, funding probably would be less readily available through the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Both Main and Monmouth streets are considered part of the state highway system and, because they are technically State Highway 51, these roadways qualify for significant revenue that wouldn’t need to be repaid if made according to ODOT-sanctioned changes. In contrast, the new “southern arterial” thoroughfare would require outside funding sources, though one of them could be ODOT, which makes grants and issues loans.
Under the plan, E Street would be expanded into a parallel route, and a bridge would be added for travel over Ash Creek, with special aspects for bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways, according to Kittelson & Associates, the consulting firm on the plan.
The “budget constraint” plan would improve intersections, possibly by installing traffic lights, at Polk and Main Street, Gun Club and Monmouth Street and River Road and Main Street. The latter drew public criticism from former city manager David Clyne at the city council meeting, who praised the traffic system plan during public testimony, but called the River Road-Main Street site “one of the worst-performing intersections in the community.”
Noting that there could be more provisions for bike and pedestrian features at what he described as “one of the gateways to Independence,” he added that he viewed that portion of the plan “as somewhat of a missed opportunity.”
The draft plan was approved by the Independence Planning Commission at its last meeting; It is expected to go before the city council later this summer, though the hearing hasn’t yet been scheduled.
MUSEUM LOSES DIRECTOR: Update and Commentary
[] Carly Annable resigned from her job as director of the Heritage Museum. Two people who have served it over the past years – Councilor Shannon Corr, who once worked for the museum, and volunteer Vickie McCubbin, who helms a board for it – reflected on Annable’s departure, as the day nears for the official ribbon-cutting on the museum’s relocation to a downtown building across from the post office.
Carly Annable's arrival in Independence served to give the Heritage Museum a dedicated voice on the city staff and in our community. She was instrumental in helping justify the move from the old museum location to the new. While some members of the community disagree with the cost associated with that, I personally don't believe you can put a price on preserving history, heritage, and culture.
I am thankful for Carly's work to help move the museum to a more accessible and flexible space. And while I'm disappointed at the timing of her departure, I look forward to seeing the hard work Curator Amy Christensen has been doing while the museum has been closed during the pandemic. Amy's passion for telling our community's stories is infectious and I'm sure the "new" museum's exhibits will be informative, fun, and artfully designed. – Shannon Corr
As museum director, Carly brought fresh ideas to the Heritage Museum. She secured grant funds for the Interpretive Walking Tour Panels now in place along the river. Her cheery smile and leadership will be missed, but we are grateful for the other half of the museum staff continuing to bring the museum forward to its new location. – Vickie McCubbin
CITY BUDGET at COUNCIL TONIGHT
A budget of $33 million is expected to be adopted tonight at the City Council meeting. Live streamed at: http://www.youtube.com/c/CityofIndependenceOR
COUNTY BUDGET at BOARD of COMMISSIONERS this week
The Polk County Board of Commissioners is expected to have a final presentation of the county budget this week – a budget that grew 13%, in large part due to federal and state money from the pandemic-related “American Rescue Plan.” Two-thirds of the county's general fund is allocated to public safety.
Property tax and the public safety levy now make up half of the general fund revenue and 12.5% of the county's total budget, according to Greg Hansen, Polk County Administrator. He announced recently that the county will allocate nearly $670,000 to small or local businesses received through CARES Act funding. Applications are available and the decision for distribution needs to be made by the end of the year, he noted.
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