By Anne Scheck
COMMUNICATION SNAGS OVER INTERNET SURVEY
A survey being conducted by the Polk County Board of Commissioners about the need for broadband services in rural parts of the county prompted MINET General Manager Don Patten to express disappointment that the board “did not reach out to us to learn what we could have contributed” before the data-collection effort was underway.
In a letter written this past week by Mr. Patten to commission members, he pointed out that MINET has been deeply involved in research on the same matter. “Together I think we can accomplish much more in addressing the internet needs in Polk County than we can by working at non-coordinating purposes,” Mr. Patten concluded. The online survey asks participants to rate various potential broadband providers. So far, there have been an estimated 1,000 responses, which represent about 25% of the targeted rural demographic.
Mr. Patten suggested “a partnership going forward between the Polk County Commissioners and MINET/Willamette Valley Fiber.” MINET, a municipal broadband company co-founded by Independence, has been seeking to widen its customer base for the past several years.
Mr. Pope called the letter “at least, disingenuous.” Instead, "why don't they just pick up the phone?" he asked. "Our intent right now is to qualify loosely stated rural need with data that would qualify us for federal funding assistance,” he explained.
The Board of Commissioners expects to help partner with whatever company or companies are interested in expanding to rural customers and may need grant assistance to get it done, he explained. “And so, the best deal for the public is being sought,” he stated. A reply sent to Mr. Patten, signed by the county’s administrative officer, Greg Hansen, pledged that “throughout this process Polk County will share its results and give periodic updates to the public.”
Once the final data are collected “of course, we’d have MINET at the table if they have something to offer rural consumers,” Commissioner Pope said.
COMMUNICATION SNAGS OVER INTERNET SURVEY
A survey being conducted by the Polk County Board of Commissioners about the need for broadband services in rural parts of the county prompted MINET General Manager Don Patten to express disappointment that the board “did not reach out to us to learn what we could have contributed” before the data-collection effort was underway.
In a letter written this past week by Mr. Patten to commission members, he pointed out that MINET has been deeply involved in research on the same matter. “Together I think we can accomplish much more in addressing the internet needs in Polk County than we can by working at non-coordinating purposes,” Mr. Patten concluded. The online survey asks participants to rate various potential broadband providers. So far, there have been an estimated 1,000 responses, which represent about 25% of the targeted rural demographic.
Mr. Patten suggested “a partnership going forward between the Polk County Commissioners and MINET/Willamette Valley Fiber.” MINET, a municipal broadband company co-founded by Independence, has been seeking to widen its customer base for the past several years.
Mr. Pope called the letter “at least, disingenuous.” Instead, "why don't they just pick up the phone?" he asked. "Our intent right now is to qualify loosely stated rural need with data that would qualify us for federal funding assistance,” he explained.
The Board of Commissioners expects to help partner with whatever company or companies are interested in expanding to rural customers and may need grant assistance to get it done, he explained. “And so, the best deal for the public is being sought,” he stated. A reply sent to Mr. Patten, signed by the county’s administrative officer, Greg Hansen, pledged that “throughout this process Polk County will share its results and give periodic updates to the public.”
Once the final data are collected “of course, we’d have MINET at the table if they have something to offer rural consumers,” Commissioner Pope said.
CITY COUNCIL: Seeking New Museum
A hunt for a new location of the Independence Heritage Museum got the official stamp of approval Tuesday, after City Councilor Marilyn Morton introduced a resolution to set in motion the search for a better building.
The resolution was worded to reflect the exploratory nature of the effort -- it ensures that findings will come back to the city council before any further action is taken.
The Heritage Museum, which is housed in a former church with multiple stairs, has been difficult to access for anyone who requires a mobility-assistance device, such as a walker or a wheelchair. Some elderly residents who would like to visit the museum haven’t done so, according to some attendees at events, who have reported that friends or relatives stayed away because the steps are too big a barrier.
One location under consideration is the former “Picken Chicken” antique store, a single-level space at 281 2nd Street. It has the advantage of being much closer to the downtown area and, also, it has large storage capacity, said Vickie McCubbin, president of the Heritage Museum Advisory Board.
The scouting effort for a new museum was affirmed by all but one of the city councilors: Jennifer Ranstrom-Smith cast the dissenting vote.
A hunt for a new location of the Independence Heritage Museum got the official stamp of approval Tuesday, after City Councilor Marilyn Morton introduced a resolution to set in motion the search for a better building.
The resolution was worded to reflect the exploratory nature of the effort -- it ensures that findings will come back to the city council before any further action is taken.
The Heritage Museum, which is housed in a former church with multiple stairs, has been difficult to access for anyone who requires a mobility-assistance device, such as a walker or a wheelchair. Some elderly residents who would like to visit the museum haven’t done so, according to some attendees at events, who have reported that friends or relatives stayed away because the steps are too big a barrier.
One location under consideration is the former “Picken Chicken” antique store, a single-level space at 281 2nd Street. It has the advantage of being much closer to the downtown area and, also, it has large storage capacity, said Vickie McCubbin, president of the Heritage Museum Advisory Board.
The scouting effort for a new museum was affirmed by all but one of the city councilors: Jennifer Ranstrom-Smith cast the dissenting vote.
UPDATE
The Independence Hotel is nearing completion, though it’s not taking individual reservations yet. But it’s under obligation to open August 23, 2019 – that’s the date when a fairly large group has contracted the first overnight stay. Staff has been hired; A liquor license has been approved. The city council toured the facility Tuesday afternoon.
The Independence Hotel is nearing completion, though it’s not taking individual reservations yet. But it’s under obligation to open August 23, 2019 – that’s the date when a fairly large group has contracted the first overnight stay. Staff has been hired; A liquor license has been approved. The city council toured the facility Tuesday afternoon.
COMING UP
A look at water issues facing the city was scheduled for this month’s issue of The Independent, but it has been delayed until September. Pick up this month’s issue on new approaches being used by the Independence Police Department.
A look at water issues facing the city was scheduled for this month’s issue of The Independent, but it has been delayed until September. Pick up this month’s issue on new approaches being used by the Independence Police Department.
FINAL NOTE
City-owned property at Independence Landing, a parcel across from the new hotel known as “Lot 7,” is up for sale. The price is open to negotiation. City Manager Tom Pessemier wouldn’t put a dollar value on it, but, in general, such land is worth about $10 per square foot and the lot is nearly 24,000 square feet.
City-owned property at Independence Landing, a parcel across from the new hotel known as “Lot 7,” is up for sale. The price is open to negotiation. City Manager Tom Pessemier wouldn’t put a dollar value on it, but, in general, such land is worth about $10 per square foot and the lot is nearly 24,000 square feet.
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