City's location of homeless camp generates concern

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, September 13, 2024

Some residents woke up this week to discover makeshift tents in an adjacent field that looked like a homeless camp. 

That’s just what it was. 

The transformation of the lot at Ash and Polk streets into a site to house homeless brought the nearby residents to the city council meeting Tuesday night, despite the fact that the national presidential debate was occurring at the same time. 

The discussion about homeless housing appeared to draw distinctly different reactions among the city council. However, there was one aspect of complete agreement: The council gave City Manager Kenna West the ability to make operational decisions to address homelessness so that the council would comply with the law; The councilors signed a new city ordinance, creating a legal policy that included a ban on parks as a site for housing the homeless.  

Beyond that, there was confusion – including among residents who attended the meeting – about who made the decision to put the homeless individuals on the lot where tents sprang up this week. And why, if the restrictions truly require stays to be only “dusk to dawn,” were the tents there long after sunrise? 

City Councilor Dawn Roden seemed so stunned by the turn of events that she vigorously shook her head during West’s address to the council on the issue, when it was suggested the council concurred with the choice of location. “You can shake your head all you want to,” West said, in answer to the gesture. 

Following the meeting, she explained: “There was a significant discussion regarding the location and, as I noted in my City Manager report – at 1:24 of the work session – I clearly stated that if they excluded the developed parks that really the only place available was Polk and Ash because of issues with the two other locations under consideration.” 

Roden remembers it differently. “I wanted to prevent possible lawsuits and, at that time, I trusted (City Manager) West to accomplish that,” Roden said.    

But, she said, from that time on there was no communication indicating the specific spot that had been decided, Roden asserted. 

Yet, “the city manager acted as though because we gave her the authority to make the decision, we were aware of all the choices she made. We were not,” Roden stated.  “Even when I frequently asked for more information and meetings” they never occurred, she added. 

Roden had suggested a lot by city hall. City Councilor Sarah Jobe had advocated for use of the campground in the lower part of Riverview Park. Neither was found to be acceptable. Properties owned by the city were the only sites under consideration.

The information imparted at the city council meeting seemed bewildering to residents. Neighbors in the area said they woke up to see what looked like a haphazard campsite across from where they lived. But when they attended the council meeting, it didn’t seem to clear up the issue. 

“Appalling” was the term used by Liza Reyna-Skipper, who appeared with her mother to testify at the city council meeting. She appeared to be referring to the lack of input or outreach to the affected neighborhood. 

Her parents have been in the town for 70 years, “and no one was contacted,” Reyna-Skipper said. 

The neighborhood, which is largely Hispanic, “had no knowledge of this (decision) being made,” she stressed. 

Connor Gowen, who also testified, indicated he had come to “denounce” the action. “And this occurrence is going to happen again,” he warned. 

“I am just shocked,” said Dana Sharman, who also took the podium. “I would like to see a better solution,” he said. 

Later he added: “It is truly embarrassing that something so simple, yet so serious could slip on so many levels.”

“It baffled me they didn't put notices out of public hearing for proposed changes,

Sharman said. “And it most baffled me that some of the councilors were either certain they hadn't agreed to this, or at the very least were unsure of what they agreed to,” Sharman said. 

Residents who were contacted said communication was totally lacking – and one made the same point at a “community chat” last night, which West held at the Golden Hop Saloon. “No one said anything to us,” the resident observed. 

Like the neighbors near Polk and Ash streets, Sharman, who spoke at the meeting, said there was little clarification of how and why the situation arose. 

“There was no clear solution reached, there were differing opinions on the conclusion of that work session, there was no public input, there was no opportunity for public input, there was less than an hour spent on a very sensitive topic, and some people don't even remember it happening,” Sharman said. 

These circumstances aren’t insurmountable, he stressed. “It'll be rectified soon I'm sure,” 

he said. “But the sheer number of minor slip-ups in this town are amounting to … well, a mountain,” he added. ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, September 13, 2024

An anonymous letter submitted only by the name “Concerned Members of the CSD 13J Community” was read into the record at the school board meeting Monday night, with a list of concerns that seemed to target district administrators for alleged lapses, generally centered on assertions that there is too much control being exercised by a small group of people. 

The letter, which arrived by email in many inboxes this week, was read by CSD parent 

Curtis Nelson, who had nothing to do with writing it. “But I do agree with its contents,” 

he said, following his introduction of the letter during the public comments portion of the 

board meeting. 

Trammart News has a policy that discourages reporting from anonymous sources unless there is outside verification. And, there are only three areas mentioned in the letter that match problematic areas identified to this news outlet over the past few years. They are the only topics of the letter to be included in this report. 

1) More emphasis should be placed on individual school autonomy – each building serves a unique population. The letter states that Central School District building administrators have limited autonomy over running their buildings – control appears to sit with “a select few” at the district. This has been cited as a problem by some teachers. “I love Jennifer, I really do,” said one teacher who wished to remain anonymous. “But these decisions coming down from on high don’t give us the chance to do our own problem-solving.” 

2) The finance director who also serves as Monmouth’s mayor has a position that should be examined to determine “if and how” the two roles conflict.  This worry has been brought up by several school staff and faculty over the past several years, who have privately asserted that the mayoral position could create a “town-gown” consideration that avoids the same kind of scrutiny other employees face on job performance evaluations. It is rearing again with mayoral campaign signs springing up in Monmouth. 

Asked by Trammart News if the district has restrictions – an ethical policy or employee rules  – to prevent overlap of interests between official political duties of elected officials who also may occupy staff or administrative roles at CSD 13J, Emily Mentzer, the district communications coordinator pointed out the district does have a policy. One section of it states: “An employee will not perform any duties related to an outside job during his/her regular working hours or during the additional time that he/she needs to fulfill the position’s responsibilities; nor will an employee use any district facilities, equipment or materials in performing outside work.” 

3) The district should reduce such alleged heavy reliance on the “cabinet” for decision-making and use “a process that visibly invites the diversity in leadership we say we espouse.” 

From hiring administrators to outside consultants, the district leadership has been accused of acting within a bubble. 

“It becomes this echo chamber,” said one educator who has seen it “up close and personal” and doesn’t wish to be identified. One example cited was the certainty about the practice of hiring principals – both Talmadge Middle School and Central High School each had principals that stayed only a year, which some see as evidence the process needs to be more inclusive. 

Another incident was mentioned by a resident who noted the former bond committee – in which an outside consultant was hired – also included the estimated $8,400 expense for a “committee facilitator,” who also serves on the Independence City Council. 

Although CSD has policies that govern hiring practices and spells out competitive bidding for consultants, “exceptions are in place,” confirmed Mentzer, noting that these special circumstances are described  in the district document “Special Procurements and Exemptions from Competitive Bidding.” 

Mentzer stressed the district has a complaint policy, which “can be found on every page of our websites, at the bottom of the page” and easily accessed for use. 

However, Nathan Muti, president of the teachers’ union, recommended exit interviews for employees leaving the district for uncovering some of the needed concerns.

This “would be a great way to hold a mirror up to our current practices. This data might shed light on inequalities within our district, and the difficulty we face hiring and maintaining staff," Muti said. ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, September 13, 2024

Over the past two years, the Independence Police Department has added five more officers, for a base pay of nearly $60,000 annually. 

Is it enough? That depends on what pay comparisons are being used. Monmouth is now paying just over $60,000 annually to that city’s new officers. 

However, a recent report puts several other agencies notably higher than the annual base pay of either city. In general, the more populated the city, the higher the base pay – at least in Oregon. But, for some, it may not translate into cost-of-living differences. 

For example, Bend now has among the topmost expensive housing prices in the state – Monmouth and Oregon are still considered affordable by comparison. 

In contrast, Philomath, which is about half the size of Independence, pays about the same starting salary for police officers. However, the cost of housing is higher in that smaller city.

The greatest competition may arise from the Oregon State Police, in Salem. OSP offers starting pay packages that are thousands of dollars higher than the base pay provided by Independence. But OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members, so it is considered lacking the familial atmosphere of small-town policing. 

This January, residents will begin paying a $20 public-safety fee along with their utility bills this January – to keep the police force at a level deemed suitable according to national standards for a town just above 10,000.  ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, September 6, 2024

Inquiry, analysis and opinions on the city levy & school bond. 

As Independence voters face two proposals that will increase their tax bills if approved in November – a school bond and a city levy – common questions have surfaced. What will the real cost be? Why now? When will elected officials stop asking for more money? 

Trammart News collected these questions, compiled them into 10 basic areas of inquiry, and sought information for answers from government agencies, local groups of three or more residents and outside experts. 

In general, both proposals have staunch supporters and vocal detractors – detractors tend to cite their opposition based on past actions seen as disappointing or disillusioning. Supporters appear to be those who see themselves as having a personal stake in the outcome. 

The following responses represent an editorial round-up, not a news summary. However, Trammart News found the replies to be revealing; Sources are listed in parentheses. 

1) How much is this going to cost me? And do elected officials realize that many cannot afford to finance such big plans? 

School bond: $3.75 per $1,000 assessed value on your property taxes, $90 million over a 30-year period, plus an automatic $6 million grant award if the bond passes (Central School District). 

City levy: $1.82 per $1,000 assessed value on your property taxes (City of Independence) about $6 million over a 5-year period. 

2) Why does the city levy seem lower than the school bond when the school bond has been promoted as only a five-cent increase? And are there contingency plans for failure?  

School bond: Due to the timing of when existing school bonds will be paid off, the addition of new costs for the proposed school facilities improvements would essentially match the cost of retiring bonds but still need of about 5 cents more/$1000 assessed value. Thus, the school district has stated that the net increase over what taxpayers are accustomed to paying for school bonds would increase by 5 cents per $1,000 assessed value.

If the bond fails to pass the schools could undertake certain patchwork measures while an alternate proposal is planned – more pods could be imported to create classroom space, upgrades could be addressed on a case-by-case basis (district sources). 

City levy: The city staff already have a back-up plan: The May ballot. If the levy fails, meetings will be held to determine how best to proceed to assure passage in the spring, including the possibility of a new proposal with a different approach (city hall sources). 

3) What will happen if the proposals don’t pass? Can’t they get the money somewhere else? 

School bond: School funds may be under stringent restrictions with few revenue streams outside of taxes and grants, both of which are subject to guidelines for use. However, school districts can sell property – CSD 13J owns some – and under pressing circumstances, it could be allowed to take out loans for needed repairs (Oregon Department of Education).

City levy: New loans might prove challenging for Independence. More than a year ago, the Independence City Council approved an initial $44 million for priority water projects, largely related to a new water treatment plant for which funds are currently being sought. Business Oregon gave the city $20,000 – a technical assistance grant – to explore the water treatment plant’s regional potential, which could mean funding from other participants.

However, this past spring, Independence took out a $10 million loan with the DEQ for wastewater projects. There was a $4 million grant from the US Economic Development Administration and a $1 million match from Business Oregon’s Special Public Works Fund. But even with this monetary infusion, such commitments could make it less likely to get funding for anything but capital improvement projects  (state report on water funding). City Manager Kenna West has termed the library, museum and parks as not essential like police – a $20 public safety fee for that will be added as a monthly fee in January. 

4) Some of these officials keep talking about how they provide transparency. Do they recognize it seems the opposite sometimes? 

School bond: Parents have asked the board for complete transparency in information that promotes the bond; Shannon Ball called for clear, specific language to be listed on the 175-word summary on the ballot. Polk County Administrator Greg Hansen stressed that in the interest of transparency, county ballot measures for bonds include a breakdown of amount being carried forward and the amount being added (resident group, county official). 

City levy: Parents have told Trammart News there is concern that some of the money collected for the levy could be used for other civic expenses – it will become part of the General Fund and not be placed in a separate account. However, Public Works Director Gerald Fisher explained that there will be separate categories for the revenue within the General Fund (resident group, city administrator). 

5) I don’t feel like I can fully trust that these officials will use the money the way they say they will. Are there any guarantees?

School bond: An oversight committee on the bond, to ensure money is spent on 

priority projects and to include public input, is being set up (CSD 13J Board of Directors’ meeting minutes). 

City levy: City manager Kenna West repeatedly has cited past practices of interfund transfers as not subscribing to “best practices,” which would suggest levy money will be preserved in one of the separate “buckets” she said she feels are necessary to keep funding separate (City of Independence meeting minutes).

6) These officials are so out of touch with reality, emphasizing the wrong things. Why do they listen only to each other? 

School bond: Several parents have been continually stressing as misguided the district’s emphasis on the need to build a new school, called by one a “possible death blow” for the bond if it keeps up – in large part because fresh in the memory of many is a previous superintendent’s decision to take Henry Hill Elementary School offline. But it is important to keep in mind that playgrounds and repaired roofs are listed as priority projects if this bond passes. Upgrades, improvements, repairs and safety features will be undertaken at all five of the CSD school buildings (resident comments, Emily Mentzer, CSD Communications Coordinator). 

City levy: The motion to place the levy on the November ballet passed by a 4:2 vote in the city council. Some opposing views were that more could be done before going to the public for a levy and discussion about whether to include the museum in the levy had mixed opinions (City of Independence meeting minutes, resident comments).

7) I’ve tuned in to view these meetings a few times and it looks like an echo chamber. Why is there so much discussion driven by staff – and then just followed by the elected people? 

School bond: The CSD School Board often follows the lead of the superintendent and her staff. One reason may be that the district is required to follow protocol and procedures handed down by the state, which can be difficult for volunteer board members to know. However, the board appears to drive changes behind the scenes, according to one staff insider. An example is the “totally unrepeatable, big mistake, tax surprise” that caused an uproar by residents when they opened their property-tax bills in fall 2023 to see a much higher obligation than expected. There seemed to be an uptick in questions this year by the budget committee, with former Board Chair Donn Wahl essentially warning against not following through on a reduction. “Some are on a shorter lease,” according to the staffer (unreported interview in 2023 by Trammart News). 

City levy: if you follow the sessions of the Independence City Council, you can see from the minority votes that the council often is far from a consensus on issues – so the idea that discussion is inhibited doesn’t seem correct. It’s true that, so far, it isn’t apparent that this has brought the two factions closer to the center. However, efforts to contain opinions – specifically, a proposed policy by the city manager to ban “grandstand” behavior – brought critiques from some constitutional scholars in the Pacific Northwest. The National First Amendment Coalition went on the record as a critic. So active debate is likely to remain in council chambers (Trammart News article, 2024).

8) Why should I believe anything these government agencies say? The things they have done in the past are tricky, dumb or both. 

School bond: Most of the actions cited by residents as alleged errors are from previous administrations. One criticism of the current Superintendent Jennifer Kubista, is that few seem to know the outcomes after her pronouncements “we need to have that conversation.” There’s been a call for more news releases, posted more prominently, on the website. Some parents who recently looked under the subcategory “news,” for example, were surprised to see the top story was on Dale Pedersen’s appointment as principal of the high school – a post he has held for more than a year (resident group). 

City levy: Just as with the school district, some of the actions that are alleged to have been poor planning arose in previous years. The current city manager, Kenna West, has been in the job only about two years. In 2017, the city council was warned by the external municipal auditor at the time that the debt could be a concern in a few years – it is one now (Trammart News report, 

2017 & 2018). 

9) What is one good argument that could convince me to vote for being taxed more due to these additions? 

School bond: When you have water plop on your head during a rainstorm inside a school building or see a playground so drenched and soggy that kids cannot play in it, you may be convinced. Trammart News has experienced the former and has a photo of the latter. (Trammart News reported on Independence Elementary School’s annual “winter swamp” in 2022). 

City levy: This issue is complicated to address because the city council chose to lump together three different entities. “We will all sink or swim together” is the way one department head put it. But these three services appear distinctly different. Some cities, including Independence, put parks under Public Works – and that is where they are funded by some other cities. A large majority of museums aren’t funded by city coffers, except in much smaller amounts. And, despite the fact that the library has been labeled a non-essential service, the definition can be difficult to understand. It is the only access to municipal broadband for some families, as reported by parents. Also, it serves as a warming and cooling center. 

Most families contacted by Trammart News report the Independence Library is crucial; Others say that, if public works oversees parks, that department should be the funding source (current, unpublished interviews by residents with Trammart News). 

10) Trammart News, who are you, anyway? That ad you run keeps saying “get informed, be engaged, stay involved” blah blah blah, just so preachy. What does it really matter?  Other people make all the decisions.   

School bond: The most vigor to any system of government is a public that is all eyes and ears on it. This has been proven over and again. One example is the detection of the alleged tax over-charge by CSD, which drew an apology from the district, was called a “mistake,” and later rectified for the coming year. It was discovered by a resident – a single resident who told Trammart News it was time for coffee at The Starduster Cafe because he had just returned from paying his property-tax bill and he thought word should get out about what he found (Andy Duncan, former airpark resident). 

City levy: One reason Trammart News knows more about city finances this month than the last one is because of an impassioned speech in December by a city council member who insisted the source of a $3.9 million loan of unknown origin should be found. She was right, and the challenge to locate it was successfully taken up by Stanford University’s Big Local News team, thanks to her minority opinion on its importance (Sarah Jobe, city councilor).

Trammart News wishes emphasize all boards and councils within the city for governance and schools are composed of volunteers from the community. It is important to keep this in mind and to thank them for their service.  ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, September 6, 2024

Some things never change. And maybe they should. Not maybe – definitely. Definitely they should change at 203 Monmouth Street. There is widespread local agreement on that. 

The aging and incomplete building at that address has successfully stood the test of time for two decades, but a 20-year anniversary doesn’t seem like a time for celebration. 

Ironically, several publications, including the Statesman-Journal, enthusiastically heralded the start of the building – now known as by the unflattering title “Stonehenge” – in 2004. It was seen as having the potential to become the world’s greenest building. 

“At the end of the Oregon Trail, where early settlers pioneered westward against an 

unforgiving wilderness, developer Steven Ribeiro is blazing another trail,” extolled New York-based writer Jerry Ascierto, who wrote an article at the time about what was then called Independence Station. 

Mock-ups were convincing and beautiful – sun-kissed glass gleamed and plants draped over window sills in the drawings. 

Designed to house more than a dozen residential units, with retail and commercial shops on the ground floor, the nearly 60,000-square-foot structure was seen as so state-of-the-art that it drew praise from all over the Pacific Northwest – a building on track to be powered entirely by renewable energy, from solar panels to vegetable oil. 

By 2006, however, the Polk County Itemizer-Observer was reporting an unmistakable work stoppage of almost a year “except for some limited construction work during the summer.” 

The project then became an off-and-on venture and, by 2012, its original estimated cost of $7 million had more than doubled. 

Even so, Ribeiro remained insistent that he was still going to be able to make his dream a reality, according to Oregon’s Daily Journal of Commerce, which reported that a legal battle had begun between the owner and the city. 

The building languished. A tour guide for the Ghost Walk during those years was known to call it “the biggest mystery in town” as he took visitors by that corner. 

However, in the fall of 2021, a local developer, Aaron Young, was greenlighted by the city to move ahead with new plans for completion – and the building was renamed Station 203. 

Optimism soon gave way to disappointment, however. For the most part, Station 203 remained as it always had – a looming unfinished skeleton. 

In 2022, a Salem-based commercial real estate brokerage was advertising the structure for sale, for slightly under a million dollars. 

This week there was a small sign on the corner, in front of the building’s fencing, which referred interested parties to a Portland-based realtor, though no listing for it could be found at the company’s website. 

Several local residents say they have become so accustomed to the aging steel and graying concrete that they often forget about the ugly appearance. And one pointed out that it is not as abandoned as it looks. “A lot of birds live in there,” he observed.  ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, September 6, 2024

Autumn Clinton wanted to raise a pig, and, as part of Central High School’s FFA program, that goal  seemed to fall easily into place. 

She had access to a barn that a local family donates so students from CHS can rear livestock for the fair – and, right away, she was assigned a piglet with pretty markings that included a wide white band. Autumn named him “Alice,” in honor of Alice Cooper, a favorite rock musician. 

But even Autumn noticed that the pig, at a cost of $500, looked small. "He just didn't eat well at first and I didn't know that he wasn't supposed to sound the way he did. It was the first time I had ever seen a pig up close and I really didn't know Alice was not doing as well as the others from the very beginning," she said. 

Fortunately, the family had a close relationship with Ash Creek Animal Clinic and was able to contact the large animal veterinarian on staff, Johnny  Archer DVM, who joined the practice 

last year.

He was able to meet Alice at the donor barn shortly after the family was made aware the pig

 was sick.  

It seemed touch-and-go for the young hog but, with Archer's oversight, he pulled through.  

For Autumn, the task of rearing a pig meant visits to the barn before and after school. Initially, Autumn took two trips daily to the barn, but she increased her visits there to three times a 

day, then to four, to try to help Alice put on weight.  The pig seemed smaller and thinner than 

his counterparts. 

Once summer began, lunchtime feedings were added with the goal getting the pig ready to show and to a good weight, for farm-to-table sale at the fair, Autumn recalled. 

The period leading up to the final swine weighing, prior to being sold, has been referred to as a "nail-biter" for some participants. The reason: when a pig fails to  make the weight cutoff, the animal cannot be entered into the auction, where bids from buyers mean payback and profit for the months of care and feeding. 

Alice missed the needed weight cut-off by four pounds. The pig’s official underweight 

status wasn't known until the morning of final weigh-ins. Additional feeding efforts 

during the day prior to the re-weighing that was done that same evening failed to add the 

much-needed poundage. 

Autumn received the devastating news that Alice wouldn’t be allowed entry into the fair’s 

live auction.
 

For centuries, pigs have been valued almost like live currency. In England during Shakespeare’s time, monetary exchanges were sometimes called the “tithe pig’s tail.” 

Pigs are uniquely suited for consumption. They provide food from nearly the entire body, with the exception of hooves and internal organs – ham hocks, bacon slices, pork chops and barbecue ribs all are favorites by meat-eating Americans. 

Animals at the county fair’s “Youth Livestock Auction” typically sell for high prices compared to the current market value, confirmed Lee Letsch, the executive director of the Oregon FFA. 

However, each year, there are a few students whose animals – pigs, lambs, goats, chickens, rabbits, turkeys, and steers – fail to make weight at the fair, she explained. 

But exhibitors that have animals that don’t “make weight” have the opportunity to sell them privately, she said.  

Being denied entry to the auction was a huge disappointment apart from the loss of a premium sale price, said Joann Clinton, Autumn’s mother. The exclusion also meant lack of access to post-fair transportation, she said.  

"Our backup plan of processing the animal ourselves and selling the meat later became infeasible as we couldn't find a way to transport the pig from the fair to one of the several meat processors that had processing openings for us,” she said. 

And, without the option of being able to auction the pig, a private buyer had to be found.  The initial offer for Alice was $200 – less than half of the pig's initial purchase price. 

Non-agricultural families new to the process shouldn't "slip through the cracks" as they did, Clinton said. "There's just so much information that can only be gained by experience," 

she stressed.  

"We just didn't have the tools," Clinton said, adding that she feels they wouldn't be difficult to provide. Better communication could solve or prevent many of the problems the family encountered, she said. 

When they were told Alice would "need to be out by Sunday" after failing to hit the qualifying weight for the auction, "we didn't know what to do. Put the pig in a U-Haul and take it home where there is only a dog run?" 

Perhaps a mentoring program specifically for non-farm families new to agriculture would 

be helpful, she suggested, emphasizing that she wasn't asking for special treatment, just 

more information. 

Autumn was part of an FFA chapter with an advisor; It is also a program in which animals typically are weighed consistently through the summer, FFA’s Letsch noted. However, every FFA or 4-H club handles project oversight differently, she added. 

It would have been a “big loss” in the investment if the family had not ultimately found a suitable private buyer, observed Jeffery Clinton, Autumn’s dad.

Even at that, the experience proved a financial hit for the family. “The original plan at the start of the project was to take the proceeds from the auction, pay me back since I as the parent was paying for everything, and then whatever was left would go to Autumn,” he explained.   

The cost was about $1900 overall; Alice eventually sold for $2300.  

Still, the experience with Alice the pig was a time of invaluable learning, according to the family. 

Autumn wants to be a veterinarian, and this seemed like a good step in obtaining experience toward that goal, said Joann Clinton. “I know we are teaching the kids a lesson, and that is good,” she said. However, “it doesn't need to be one of hard knocks," she stated. ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 30, 2024

Nearly $4 million that was part of editorial inquiry found by scholar 

Editorial Update: A sum of $3,867,234 has been found in city records – an amount that was described as having an unknown origin but officially approved as a new loan by resolution of the Independence City Council in December. 

The nearly $4 million was included in an editorial last week by Trammart News, with a pledge to find it. In this editorial briefing, TN would like to thank Jonas Pao, of Stanford University’s Big Local News program, for doing what this news outlet and several others could not: locating the amount in the city records. 

Pao found it in a section of a report on the Urban Renewal Agency; The loan is attributed to helping fund the Independence Civic Center. Previously, a listing of debts for the ICC incurred by the city showed about $10.8 million in loans, an amount that was included in a report to the city council but appears to have excluded the $3,867,234. 

An inquiry into whether this amount should be added to the existing list of loans for the 

ICC has been made to the city’s communications director. A future look at this issue will 

be undertaken. Trammart News wishes to express thanks to Pao and a remarkable program 

at Stanford.

Report on Fourth of July: Independence Days Turns a Profit 

The town turned close to $42,000 in profit at the city’s Independence Days this year – there was a downturn in attendance but an uptick in the revenue. 

Higher-priced $10 wrist bands for entry and increased sponsorships for the scaled-down event – two days of fireworks instead of three – collected more gross revenue than the year before. 

When costs for running the operation were subtracted, the net revenue was $41,680. That sum will go into the events fund for next year’s Fourth of July celebration, according to City Manager Kenna West.

“It worked, what you did worked,” West told city councilors at this past week’s city council meeting. During city budget hearings, the concept of a higher entrance fee and a reduction of some festivities was adopted by the budget committee. 

About 13,500 wristbands were sold, a dip of about 25% from the previous year. The high heat also seemed to keep away local residents on “hometown night,” which declined 30-40% from last year, said Courtney Williams, the city’s downtown manager. 

However, everything went “very smoothly,” she reported. 

Meeting held on Rickeall dairy becoming a full-service waste station 

The former Rickreall dairy farm, which was sold last year, has been identified as the potential site for a new refuse and recycling facility to serve cities in Polk County. 

What would that mean for Independence? It would add an estimated $3.27 monthly to the current waste-collection fees by Brandt’s Sanitary Service – but give the city much closer access to a modern transfer station for any waste products. Joshua Brandt called the applicant, Apple Tree Holdings LLC, “somebody presenting a solution” for the future. 

The design and possible re-purposing of the onetime dairy operation – once home to herds of  black-and-white cows – would be transformed into a place where all of the discarded matter from Polk County is taken, ranging from garbage to recyclables.

The reassignment of the land, which was solely used for agriculture for more than 30 years, was the subject of a joint meeting of the Independence and Monmouth city councils this past week. It was held in the meeting room of Polk County Fire District No. 1.

The operation, which is still in early-planning stages, would be the county’s first regional facility  of its kind – technologically in step with how waste is processed: indoors under a controlled environment, while leaving the surrounding acres of farmland “tillable,” according to information hand-outs provided by Apple Holdings at the meeting.  

Approval would require multiple prerequisites, noted Austin McGuigan, community development director for the county. In fact, the meeting was solely to establish “whether 

the cities would like to have ‘good faith’ conversations,” he pointed out.

The general consensus was that both city councils want to proceed in exploring the feasibility of the proposed facility, tentatively named “Rehub Polk.”  ▪ 

By Lance Masterson

For Trammart News Service, August 30, 2024

Hannah Gilbert may not feel so isolated this year.

The senior member of the Panthers girls’ cross country team was its only varsity runner a year ago. That’s because the team came up short in the numbers game. As in, it had just five runners on the roster. As in, all but Gilbert ran junior varsity.

Early season optimism suggests that could change; As there are eight runners on the girls team this year.

“We have a lot of new runners who are trying to figure out what this is all about. We have a very young team, so just trying to support them,” Gilbert said. “We have each other, which is different. I felt pretty isolated last year.”

Strength and unity comes in numbers, it’s said.

“They can go off and do things and it feels like a more significant group of girls,” Coach Eli Cirino said of the boost. “There’s definitely camaraderie there.”

There’s also opportunity. The young runners will get their shot to establish themselves, and that shot will come against some of the best competition in the state.

“We’re going to give them the opportunity to run varsity early on,” the coach added. “They’ve shown at workouts that they’re making big gains.”

The cross country season began Aug. 30 with The Opener at Ash Creek Preserve, Western Oregon University. Other early meets include the Utlimook Race in Tillamook, Sept. 7, and then home for the Ash Creek XC Festival, Sept. 13-14 , again at WOU.

Gilbert begins the season feeling good mentally and physically. This, too, represents a change from years past.

“I struggled with injuries all throughout high school, whether it was shin splints or fractures 

or whatever that may be. My back kept me from running a couple of races last year,” she said. 

“So just staying strong and maintaining my health the whole season, and just being there for 

my girls.”

She is unquestionably the team’s leader.

“Hannah has been great. You can see the joy that she shows on a daily basis,” Coach Cirino said. “She’s been really good about just stepping up and leading this group.”

Numbers aren’t quite the problem for a boys team with 13 runners. But this number is down from last year. The Panthers are led by juniors Ty Cirino and Aidan Wendring, and senior Truman Swartzfager. Individually, they ran upwards of 500 miles over the summer.

“Those guys are fit as heck and looking really good,” their coach said. “We definitely have high expectations for these guys.”

Their teammates followed the trio’s example.

“Most everybody took some time off during the summer vacation to go and do stuff, go on vacation, etcetera,” Coach Cirino said. “But most of these guys were also pretty plugged into what we were doing. We trained four days a week together.”

Practices averaged 10 to 12 runners.

Results from an Aug. 23rd time trial are encouraging.

“We had kids run almost a minute faster than they did in the mile a year ago,” the coach said. “We are optimistic right now.”

Ty Cirino is firmly entrenched as the team’s top runner. He is the school’s record holder in the 5K, placed fifth at state last year and is the defending Mid-Willamette Conference champion. His record, 15:02, was set in 2023 at the Rose City Championships.

He enters the season with new goals.

“I want to go sub 15 minutes in the 5K. Hopefully, make state as a team. Hopefully, at state also, individually going top three,” Ty Cirino said.

But first, he wants this season to get off to a fast start.

“I hope it feels good,” Ty Cirino said of The Opener. “I just want to prove my fitness to myself.”

Swartzfager enters the season on a roll.

“The last couple of months, I’ve been able to piece together a lot of solid weeks, and the buildup I had at the end of track season … it’s the most amount of weeks that I’ve been able to put together without having an injury,” Swartzfager said. “This is the fittest I’ve ever been.”

He was fit enough to take on cross country at its most grueling … the Steens Mountain Running Camp in July ... where he was joined by Ty and Coach Cirino.

“The biggest thing about Steens is it gives you the mental state to have a good season. It lets you visualize with a lot of people who want to do the same thing,” Swartzfager added.

A third junior, Keagan Korbe is penciled in as well.

“(Korbe) is probably our fourth guy right now,” Coach Cirino said. “That’s well established. But like I said, our young guys are developing rapidly.”

Who runs in spots five through seven is undecided. That will change as runners jockey for position. Besides, a little competition only makes for a deeper squad.

“I feel it makes it pretty fun for the rest of our team,” Coach Cirino said of positioning “I’d say we have six or seven other guys who could potentially be earning one of those other varsity spots.”

Wendring was fourth at district and 14th at state.

Central begins this season pretty much like last season. With three talented runners backed by a supporting cast. The team lost experienced runners to graduation while others chose not to run this year.

“We’re a few guys short of where we’d like to be. But our young guys are stepping up,” Coach Cirino said. “We’ll probably initially have a huge gap between our number one and our number five through seven guys. But the younger guys are all growing rapidly, improving rapidly. They’re … getting stronger every day.”

Improvement is needed if the team is to equal last year’s success. The Panthers’ boys placed 

third at the district finals. They expect to be near the top again, though the early title favorite 

is Corvallis.

The Spartans are “absolutely loaded. I think they could challenge the top two teams in the state. They’re that good,” Coach Cirino said.

The MWC itself is loaded, with Crescent Valley, South Albany and Silverton expected to join the Panthers in battling for state finals bids.

Central finished sixth in state in 2023. ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 30, 2024

The term “childless cat ladies,” a phrase used by Republican vice-presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, doesn’t bother Emily Samuelian one bit. “I consider it a compliment,” she said. “That is just what I am.”

But three other words – lease not renewed – are turning her life upside down, forcing Samuelian to relocate her one-of-a-kind business, The Little Pumpkin Cat Cafe.  It’s a combination of cat adoption site and hand-crafted gift shop – and soon it will be leaving the Little Mall on Main in downtown Independence. 

Samuelian’s enterprise was honored this past spring with the “New Business of the Year” award by the Monmouth Independence Chamber of Commerce. 

And, within her first 10 months of operation as a combination cat rescue and specialty boutique, she has proven a success on two entirely different fronts: getting adoptions for hard-to-place cats and becoming a profitable business. The nearly $20,000 in start-up costs – financed out of her savings, credit cards and donations – has been paid back almost in full. "It's astounding to me how supportive this community has been," she said. 

But owners of the property aren't renewing the lease. Other than confirming a non-renewal of the lease agreement, proprietor Yul Provancha’s response to an inquiry about it from Trammart News was “no comment.” 

Samuelian said she is in shock – she was made aware that some in the building reported odors. 

She cleans incessantly, she said. However, she has one big disadvantage that she characterizes as a genetic disability: she has no sense of taste or smell. It is an inherited trait passed down through her father's side of the family, she said. 

"If my shop smells, come talk to me," she said, noting that no one ever did. "I’ve said I will fix it; I will do anything and everything to fix it if someone tells me."

On a recent day, when Trammart News dropped in, there was an air purifier, a large fan and a humidifier. A glass divider separated the retail area from the cat space.

It will be a sad farewell for Samuelian. She left her job in elementary education – she is a graduate of Western Oregon University – after she decided she wanted to help find homes for senior or special needs cats. In a somewhat unexpected turn of events, she found herself becoming locally famous for the effort. 

Samuelian's cat cafe appears to be the only one of its kind in the Mid-Willamette Valley. One that was in Portland closed, and another in Eugene appears to be a different kind of operation, though it is also called a cat cafe. A community survey conducted on social media showed overwhelming support for the unique store, she said. 

"Clearly, the community likes this place," said Samuelian, who noted that several customers of other vendors pop into the back of the mall "just to see us." The business has been quite a draw, almost from the day it opened on Sept 13 last year. 

As the "guardian of the store" a gray tabby named "Saturn" slept in the chair Samuelian uses as a reception desk, Samuelian explained why she started this unusual enterprise. 

Having moved from California to attend WOU, she found herself in need of a comfort animal – something she had never experienced. But college life was new, and she decided her dorm room could accommodate a cat. First came "Amber," adopted from the Oregon Humane Society. Her next cat was "Casper" who was being offered from a box at a store. 

So, Samuelian got hooked on feline companionship and, after graduation, "kept daydreaming about this." 

She is determined to keep her business open, no matter where she goes – and she wants to stay in Independence. She is looking into other places.

The biggest battle to find a new place may be the fight against her own growing pessimism. Samuelian's nonprofit status hit a snafu, so she isn’t a 501(c)(3), and all her inquiries so far for a new tenancy have met with either delays for occupancy or outright lack of availability.  

Samuelian said she will have to make the move shortly around her first anniversary at the store, which she said has become one of the stops for tourists exploring Independence – ranging from Idaho to Ireland. 

(The Little Pumpkin Cat Cafe address is 226 S Main Street, STE C, Independence, OR; A “Go Fund Me” account is at: gofund.me/eacbfda9) ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 23, 2024

EDITORIAL  

I can pinpoint with precision the moment I saw a hero surface at city hall. Her name was Kamala Austin, and she had come to convey the results of an external municipal audit. 

It was 2017, about a year after I started attending city council meetings. Word had gotten around that I was a retired journalist; I was prevailed upon by a few neighbors to send brief email reports – some residents were worried about city spending. 

It didn’t take much time for me to share their sentiment. 

MINET, the city’s co-owned municipal fiberoptic company, needed loans to make its bond payments – the company hadn’t yet come close to profitability. 

If I recall correctly, none of the city councilors said much when they voted yes to allocate that money. It all seemed as routine as winter rainfall. And about as common. 

By the time Municipal Auditor Kamala Austin arrived, I’d gotten accustomed to the outward flow of cash, a flow that seemed to suggest – at least to me – that the city had plentiful 

revenue streams. 

However, Austin told city councilors that the rising debt worried her – not at that time, which she deemed “okay” – but what about a few years down the road? She issued a note of concern. 

It seemed dismissed by Mayor John McArdle, and the councilors appeared to regard her commentary the same way, thanking her for her report and moving on to other council business.

I followed her out of the council chambers, into the foyer. I stopped her with a question: Could the MINET debt be considered at risk of not being repaid? I remember how reluctantly she answered, while affirming that I wasn’t wrong to see that possibility. It seemed a very hard moment for Austin. That’s why she and others like her deserve to be highlighted in this editorial. 

In 2023, a new accounting firm was responsible for the outside audit. There, printed on one 

of the pages of their audit report, was a listing of about $4 million in a “doubtful account.” It was MINET’s debt to the city. 

I thought of Kamala Austin, and of a special kind of heroism. 

A similar act was demonstrated again this past December, when City Councilor Sarah Jobe wanted an explanation for a resolution that classified nearly $3.9 million as a new loan – a loan from years ago, a loan of unknown origin that seemed to be a transfer between city funds and needs to be paid back.  

Almost $4 million seems like a lot of money to be called a “housekeeping” item, doesn’t it? But that is just the way City Manager Kenna West characterized it, after Jobe asked about the sum. West further commented that it could be a waste of overworked city staff time to track down exactly how the $4 million was used.

Though City Councilor Dawn Roden joined Jobe in voting against the resolution, the current city council looked a lot like the one I viewed when I started. There wasn’t much hesitation voting yes with certainty – for a dollar amount that appeared steeped in uncertainty. 

No one can seem to find the way that nearly $3.9 million was spent. I’ve filed three different public records requests, and I have gotten one fact back – that there isn’t any documentation to be found, even in the meeting minutes – just the term “capital projects." 

I brazenly told our city recorder that I will be the one to find it. 

It is important to do so in a time when a $20 monthly fee for public safety will be assessed to households in town, and residents are being asked to approve a levy for keeping doors open at the new museum, library and parks – a tax increase that will add hundreds of dollars to many property-tax bills. 

I have a couple of theories about where the money was spent, even if the city cannot come up with the cause – I have kept track of tax dollars all these years as best I can. Those millions may have gone to the riverfront project, likely to the Independence Civic Center, which was listed for a loan cost of $10.8 million on the last debt analysis. I had it as being $2 million higher. Of course, I could be wrong. Time will tell. 

Shortly after Jobe’s questions weren’t answered, I contacted the Oregon Secretary of State Office via a special hotline on suspected waste. I wanted to ask if my over-reliance on the city recorder, Karin Johnson, might constitute unjustified use of taxpayer money – the last thing I ever want to do is to run up tax-paid time. I’ve had to do this because officials at city hall refuse to speak with me. The response from the Secretary of State Office included a suggestion: Take the issue to the city manager and city council. 

I’ve tried – directly with city officials and publicly at city council meetings. I have been unable to use the city’s communication director, who ignores my press requests for information. It has made me dependent on those public records requests in lieu of simple news inquiries. I myself, as Trammart News have subsequently been the subject of a public records request for my Secretary of State hotline inquiry – a little heat I don't mind taking for staying in the hot kitchen of local government news coverage.

Sooner or later, I will find out the way that $3.9 million was spent. 

In the meantime, I have pestered City Recorder Johnson, for information that she cannot find, during a period in which she is frantically busy getting ready for election season. She’s a hero, too – always treating me in a kindly, professional way, always ready to dig, always ready to meet the hassle factors head on. 

And numerous hassle factors loom ahead, as the city faces a severe financial shortfall and residents struggle to understand a situation that seems to defy understanding. 

Recently, I discovered Jobe isn’t seeking re-election. Who next will ask the discomforting question that needs asking, such as the background of the $3.9 million, after she leaves the council? Who will answer my public records requests as the communications director ignores my press inquiries, after Johnson retires in December? 

Because I will still be there, sitting in a backrow chair at city council meetings and council work sessions, a reporter who, every once in a while, gets to witness an act of civic heroism. It may be a warning that is brushed off or a question deserving of an answer that proves elusive. But it is heroism, at least to me. ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 23, 2024

Independence is taking big steps to provide more water – building a new well and clinching 

an extension to rights for harvesting water from the Willamette River. But beneath the streets and homes in the city, a relatively high percentage of water loss occurs on a daily basis due to leaking pipes.

That is the finding in a report that was included in the Water Management Conservation Plan, which was approved by the Independence City Council at its meeting earlier this month. 

The city keeps losing water underground, according to measurements that show the difference between the volume of water pumped at the city’s wells and metered public consumption. 

The last data collected, in 2021, shows a water loss of 17.6%, according to the report. 

Because it exceeds 10%, the city is required to analyze and identify potential factors involved in the loss, under Oregon Administrative Rules. If those actions don’t reduce the water loss to 10% or less within five years from the date of approval of the recently adopted Water Conservation Master Plan, the city is required to undertake a “regularly scheduled and systematic program” of leak detection, repair and prevention. 

Inquiries about the underground water loss to the city’s communication director, Emmanuel Goicochea, have gone unanswered. However, in a 2022 legislative report on water use, the 

state labeled as “critical” finding solutions to address water shortages, including data on how 

it happens. 

At the city council meeting, Public Works Director Gerald Fisher confirmed for city councilors new construction for Polk Well #4. “We’re building that well,” he said. Also, other work is aimed at improving the distribution system, including leak prevention. The nearly 18% loss is actually 2-3% less than it was in several previous years, according to the report. 

Occasionally, leaks have meant a “boil water” alert for some city residents. About the time the report was issued, for example, two homes on Corvallis Road were advised to sterilize water by heating it – the result of a leak detected on a two-inch waterline.  ▪ 

By Lance Masterson

For Trammart News Service, August 23, 2024

Brian Link wasn’t surprised, but he was delighted by the turnout.

Link is bassist for Taken by the Sky (TBS), the Fleetwood Mac tribute band that was the only act in this year’s River’s Edge Summer Series that performed here last year.

“Independence has one of the biggest and most enthusiastic crowds that we see all year,” Link said. “Last year we were completely blown away by all the excitement and energy coming back at us. I can’t believe that this year was even better.”

It’s not known how many TBS fans were on hand in 2023. That uncertainty doesn’t exist in 2024. TBS drew some 2,000 fans, making it this summer’s number one draw. Quite an honor when one considers the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inspired talent that took to the stage at Riverview Park.

That lineup also included Whiskey River (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Hysteria (Def Leppard) and Best of Both Worlds (Van Halen). Each of these three acts drew at least 1,500 fans to their shows.

This summer marked the first time the city charged $5 admission to the shows. What wasn’t known was how a mandated charge would affect attendance.

However, the tribute  bands, as they often are called, packed them in. The large crowds didn’t surprise residents who were asked why musical groups with hits from decades ago proved to be such a big draw. From a 20-year-old college student to a retiree who identified himself as “an old baby boomer,” the popularity was attributed to great sounds by great artists whose songs are as enjoyable today as they were in an earlier era. “People really like good, classic rock music,” explained Ethan Wilson, a music instructor at Western Oregon University. 

“With this being the first time we’ve actually had an admission charge, we’ve been very happy with the amount of people that have come up. So far, it’s all been good,” said Emmanuel Goicochea, communication director for the City of Independence. “We were a little anxious to see what the numbers would be like compared to other years. But we’re happy to see that it’s been similar sized crowds.”

For at least one summer, it appears fans believed a night of entertainment was worth the 

price of admission.

“With the crowds being similar sized to previous years, it showcases that we’re putting on a 

show that people are seeing has value to it. Right. And the value is beyond $5. It’s beyond any simple admission charge. So we’re very happy,” he added. “It’s not just a concert. It’s an Independence experience.”

He added this experience includes the park setting and relaxed atmosphere, vendors selling their goods inside the fenced area and other businesses in the downtown area.

Revenue generated by the concerts is used to help fund tourism-related events, Goicochea said.

“In theory, the $5 will then help keep the concert series self-sustaining. Rather than needing to take money from the General Fund, or wherever else,” he added. 

The Brew Coffee & Tap House is right across the street from Riverview Park. It played its part in creating the “Independence experience” Goicochea described.

Maddie Lehrer worked the night Best of Both Worlds - the Van Halen tribute - performed. 

The two-year employee said their line, at times, extended beyond their front door and onto 

the sidewalk.

“It was awesome. It wasn’t as busy as Fourth of July night. Fourth of July is always the busiest time of the year. But it was up there,” said the two-year employee. “I was honestly surprised at how busy it was for Van Halen.”

Lines formed with Brew Coffee fully staffed and running two registers. 

“Nothing too unmanageable. It was great,” Lehrer said.

Concert nights are busier than the Heritage Hop Festival and other special events that dot the calendar, she added.

A few doors from Brew Coffee, Shane Blackwell, and his Ice Age Candy Company, also benefited from the concert series. Just not as much.

“I do see a bit of an uptake. Probably around 3 or 4 in the afternoon, I started seeing a few more people coming in,” Blackwell said of recent Fridays. “It stays pretty consistent until about 7:30 or 8 o’clock, and then it drops off.”

It’s easy to spot the concert goers.

“I start seeing people coming across the front of the shop with folding chairs and stuff like that. I would say as early as 3, maybe even earlier. They’re clearly heading to the concert area, and I do see a bump in business,” he said. “But after a certain point it tapers off.” 

Blackwell usually shuts down around 8 p.m., so he doesn’t know if he’s missing any post-concert surge. He has an early start the next day as he’s a vendor at the Saturday market in Salem, and there’s loading and unloading to do.

The Tap Station adjoins the northwest corner of the park. It’s outside the fenced-in area, so outside the charged admission zone. It has a large patio that seats 100 people and overlooks the concert stage. It’s a great venue to watch the concerts for free. Beer and food are available. Despite these pluses, business on concert nights is half of what it was last summer, said employee Jack Blevins.

“Concert nights generally bring us more business than usual. But this year has not been as good as last year because they started charging people $5. Last year was by donation,” said Blevins. “But the concerts still help our business.”

Blevins added the City also increased admission to the Fourth of July fireworks show, and these charges accumulate and make a difference.

“(The City) started charging for the concerts, which used to be free. Then you increase what it costs to get into the fireworks show, from $5 to $10,” he said. “Five dollars isn’t a huge deal in the big picture of things. Unless you’re a family. Maybe you’re a mom and dad with five kids. So now it’s costing you $70 to go to a fireworks show that you used to be able to get in for $35. Given the state of the economy, I think it’s taking a toll.”

That said, Blevins remains a fan of the series. “The concerts are a good thing and I’m glad they’re here,” he said.

The La Super Sonora Dinamata concert was held after the story's deadline. No admission fee was charged to this concert, though donations were accepted.▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 16, 2024

ANALYSIS

Two bonds will be on a single ballot this November: Will the choices divide voters, mean defeat for both, approval for only one or passage of two new taxes? A Trammart News analysis compares and contrasts Independence’s levy to the Central School District bond.

Ask any resident how they will vote in November – any resident who knows about the proposed Central District’s school bond and Independence’s city levy – and you’re unlikely to get a definite answer, unless you can provide the precise cost. But even information on out-of-pocket additions to the tax rolls may not be enough. Details are desired.

A look at what members of the public have been asking, and answers provided by Trammart News & Publishing, with as much confirmation as can be provided.

Cost: The Independence City Council approved a proposed levy for the November ballot to fund parks, library and museum for taxation at $1.82 per $1,000 assessed value. Total cost to a homeowner with $200,000 assessed value for a property equals a tax of about a dollar a day, or $364 per year. The additional funds collected would permit funding for all three operations at current service levels.

The Central School District approved a proposed bond for facilities repairs and upgrades that would add five cents to the current tax bill of about $3.70 for the 2024 tax assessment cycle, bringing it to $3.75. The total newly added cost to a homeowner in Independence and Monmouth with a $200,000 assessed value for a property equals about 3 cents per day, or $10 per year. 

Time: The Independence levy would be for five years; The CSD bond is for 30 years.

Vote: The school bond proposal was unanimously approved (6-0) this week; The Independence levy received approved on a 4-2 vote by the Independence City Council.

Presentation to public: Some in Independence told Trammart News the first they had heard about the need for a city levy was from reporting by this news service, which had taken an advisory of the need for a levy directly from the city budget report when it became a public document.  During the budget process a special announcement of the need for the levy and a public safety fee was posted to the city's website and Facebook page.

In the case of CSD, the potential need for a school bond was announced at a school board meeting. A bond-development committee was formed and a report by the consultant was presented a few months later to the CSD board, resulting in news coverage by Trammart News. Budget committee sessions were open to the public.

Communication with public about process: Independence utilized budget meetings  – the city had no campaign (flyers, social media postings, special meetings) for the public about the need for the levy. Neither the city’s Facebook page nor its website conveyed levy-related information beyond the announcement that the levy was needed and information in this week’s council agenda – more comprehensive levy information was provided this week in River City Briefs, the city’s e-newsletter, and during the city manager’s “60-Second Council” report on Facebook and the website. 

This past spring, CSD formed a committee of community members that produced hand-outs, pamphlets, and a website with videos; Staff, board members and volunteers provided tours of the school buildings to show sites of needed corrective action by bond funding. Tabling activities promoting the facilities needs were also held at public events by members of the school facilities committee.

Plans for continued communication: A political action committee for disseminating information, including canvassing neighborhoods, was tentatively announced by CSD parents to spread the word about the need for the CSD bond. Trammart News hasn’t been informed of a similar program for the city levy. 

Contingency planning: If the school bond fails, a loan would likely be required for handling disrepairs in school buildings, according to school officials.

 If the city levy fails, a series of work sessions will be held with the city council to determine how and where cuts would be made, and the best way to address the situation without the appropriate funding levels, which could include closures, according to City Manager Kenna West. The museum, parks and library are funded through the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. 

Oversight of use: Proceeds from the tax increase to fund parks, library and museum will be held in the General Fund, by category, according to Gerald Fisher, public works director. 

Proceeds from the tax increase for the school bond are a separate fund, and oversight will 

be by a committee formed with community members who will assist staff by regularly 

meeting for review of progress in meeting building goals, according to CSD Superintendent Jennifer Kubista. 

Generation of Revenue: The school bond would be $90 million for 30 years plus a six-million-dollar grant, to be paid by the State of Oregon if the bond passes. The 2026 bond payment to homeowners/property owners would add to the the 2024 bond payments. There will be one year of lower bond payments for 2025, based on action taken by the school board earlier this year. 

The city levy would generate $1.14 million dollars in the first year and increase to $1.4 million by the fifth year. 

Critique from experienced voices: At the meeting of the Independence City Council Tuesday night, Independence’s former city manager David Clyne urged city councilors to “think of another way of doing this,” asserting that “there is an alternative way to go forward.”  West noted that in budgets prior to her tenure as city manager the city had transferred funds collected for water, sewer and transportation needs to budget lines to maintain library, parks and museum services. West has previously explained that best practices in city budgeting recommend not relying on such transfers.

At the CSD School Board meeting Wednesday night, Shannon Ball – who has served on 

CSD’s long term planning committee, and the bond-development committee as well as the facilities’ committee – urged the staff and board members to “provide clear direction to our voters” on precisely how the money will be used. She said specific language showing specific priorities is key.

Head-scratching moment with head administrators: Safety concerns were cited by Superintendent Kubista who seemed to include air conditioning as one aspect. Independence Elementary School and Ash Creek Elementary School lack air conditioning. However, in 2022, the Oregon Legislature commissioned a study to determine a “heat Vulnerability Index” 

so cooling needs of counties could be ranked – Polk County appears to be in far less need than other counties. 

In her report to the city council, City Manager West said she felt compelled to address a “rant” by a resident at the previous city council meeting, who insulted lawyers like herself – testimony that was labeled fiery to Trammart News by an attendee that night. West said, “it's this kind of fear-mongering and ignorant generalization of a group of people that resulted in the formation of the Ku Klux Clan and the Nazis and the only way to fight ignorant generalization is by education,” and spoke of lawyers’ many contributions to society.

 However, an inquiry to the Anti-Defamation League about the language she chose to use proved possibly problematic. The ADL calls on political leaders to avoid using inappropriate Nazi analogies and comparisons, out of respect for the atrocities of World War II.  ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 16, 2024

In a 4-2 vote, the Independence City Council voted to approve a levy for the November ballot that would provide funding for the museum, library and parks – if approved by voters. With City Councilors Dawn Roden and Sarah Jobe dissenting, the remaining four councilors approved sending a proposed levy that would add $1.82 per thousand dollars of assessed property value to homeowner tax bills. 

Communication appeared to be strikingly divisive over the issue – now a more common occurrence at city council meetings. The Independence City Council increasingly has seemed 

to split into two factions. One has been characterized by some as the “old guard,” described as 

a tightly knit group of civic boosters that’s seen as a long-term cohesive group. The other segment consists of what a few have called “the twins,” a pair of committed belt-tighteners on the city council. 

The proposed levy was one of two options – an alternative would have been to remove the museum – that was discussed at some length before the vote was taken. Early in the process, before the vote occurred Tuesday night, the communication among city councilors appeared to show a division.

The discussion, at times, showed strikingly different perceptions by councilors beginning 

with the budget process. “We had time while doing the budget this year to go over every issue

 we could have gone over to try to see where we could find funding to save these things,” 

asserted Roden. 

“I do not want the museum to close. I do not want the library and parks to suffer. But I don’t want to put on people’s backs a tax burden that they cannot afford,” she said. “We should have exhausted all of our efforts during the budgeting process to see if we could have gotten money from other sources in our budget and we failed to do that.” 

Instead, the budget was “pushed through and we didn’t have the opportunity to look at these things,” she said. Some residents cannot afford their property taxes right now, Roden said. “Why wouldn’t we exhaust every effort we have as a council before putting this before voters?” she asked. 

Councilor Shannon Corr countered that “to say we didn’t exhaust every avenue isn’t true.” There were several options presented and “we had time to read them and time to think about them.” Of the 18 presented, “I found value in two,” Corr said. 

Councilor Jobe noted that the city has already added a $20 public safety fee per month, beginning in 2025. “I just think this is such a burden on people,” Jobe said. 

“We’re faced with rate hikes everywhere,” observed City Councilor Kate Schwarzler. It is asking a lot of the community, but “I do think it’s an appropriate place to ask you (the public) to provide input on this” through voting. City Councilor Kathy Martin-Willis commented, “what we are doing is trusting the voters to decide for themselves” the value of the services. 

“I do want the museum, the parks and the library,” added City Councilor Marilyn Morton. “We are asking the community what they think.” 

City Councilor Jobe asked whether or not the loan for the museum, when it was taken out, was accounted for – during a period in what may already have been shown to be a financial squeeze for the city. 

At the time to which Jobe refers, Trammart News attempted to find out how the museum would be funded – only the specifics of the loan were provided. At that time, one member of a museum committee confronted Trammart News over raising this question, asserting that the local news media was “against the city” for reporting on the growing municipal debt. 

In 2017, the city’s municipal auditor at the time confirmed at a city council meeting worries about the debt. Last year, Mayor John McArdle and Councilor Morton were asked whether they recalled this advisory. Neither said they could remember it. 

Other, more current questions by Trammart News haven’t been answered by the city’s communications coordinator. During one recent meeting, City Manager West characterized efforts by Trammart News to obtain information as “harassment.” 

Staff has said that West has forbidden contact with this local news outlet. In a statement about this, West described an incident in which Trammart News followed her into the lobby restroom to inform her that the lack of responsiveness to press inquiries would have to be reported in news articles, to show that the city side was being sought for publication. Trammart News apologized for the intrusion to make this point; West has cited this as a reason to continue to ignore further press inquiries. 

Councilor Morton has called the city’s approach during the process an example of 

“excellent transparency.” 

Roden countered that she was “tired of being called a liar” for trying to keep the budget process open, reiterating that she stands by her assertion that the budget was decided prematurely. There was a “call for the question” during the budget meetings, which meant that the budget was approved “before we had the opportunity to really look at all the aspects of the budget.” Roden emphasized this viewpoint in a letter to the editor to the county newspaper at the time. 

Four members of the budget committee dissented during the vote on the budget, an unprecedented number of “no” votes during the past decade. 

Without passage of the levy, doors could shut for all three city services. If that happens, the city could utilize the money saved – over a million dollars annually – to more effectively “keep pace” with costs as they increase in the coming years, and use the revenue as a “buffer” for the future, according to Rob Moody, the city’s finance director. 

The three entities are funded through June 30 and city councilors would need to meet if passage fails “to talk about what you want to do, what phasing and what timing,” said City Manager Kenna West. 

If the levy fails, and there are work sessions – a series of meetings that West said would have to occur if voters fail to pass the measure – Roden said she is prepared to participate in them. Addressing the prospect of work sessions should the levy fail, she said: “We should have done those work sessions prior to putting it on the taxpayers’ back. We should have done this work beforehand.” ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 16, 2024

The Polk County Board of Commissioners decided against approving a letter of support for a grant to supply legal aid and case management to renters risking eviction, citing last-minute pressure from the non-profit agency to do so. 

The “no” may become a “yes” by the time the commissioners meet this Tuesday, but they seemed keen to register a strong complaint about what they saw as inadequate communication from the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (CAA). 

Board of Commissioners Chair Craig Pope said he had just received word of the need for the letter, which was due within about a week. Under such short notice, “I won’t sign it,” he 

advised Robert Marshall, program manager for the CAA. Commissioner Lyle Mordhorst, 

who said he understood the desire for a quick endorsement, noted that “lack of communication is my challenge.”

The federal grant, for $2.5 million over two years, would put two attorneys and two case managers in place to help prevent evictions that lead to homelessness in Marion and Polk Counties, Marshall explained. The team approach would help address the threat of eviction for tenants before they reach the point of losing their living space, he said. Only about five percent of renters have access to an attorney, in contrast to more than 30% of landlords, he pointed out. 

Although Commissioner Jeremy Gordon agreed with delaying the letter of support, he called the proposed program under the grant “another tool in the toolbox” to prevent homelessness.

However, Brent DeMoe, director of Family & Community Outreach for Polk County, said he’d also like to “put a pin in it.” CAA ought to be working cooperatively to promote coordination with the county, preventing a possible overlap of services, he said. 

This wasn’t the first time the commissioners balked at approving a grant application they determined to be in need of more review. 

Earlier this year, an executive of another non-profit didn’t provide the data that the commissioners – in particular Pope – requested to make a decision. The organization’s administrator seemed surprised, challenging Pope on his insistence for more detail. After 

the meeting, Pope said he considers “tax dollars to be tax dollars” even when they come from grant money. 

The letter of approval requested for the grant by CAA’s Marshall seemed likely to be delayed rather than denied by the board. The board members who were asked about the postponement confirmed it was a “communication problem” not a rejection of the grant content. ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 9, 2024

To save his land from being acquired through eminent domain by the city he's called home for most of his life, Pat Henderson and his family sold their farm in Independence. 

Despite deep sadness over relinquishing the property to a neighboring buyer, Henderson hopes the sale will thwart the move by Independence to put a new public works facility, including a water treatment plant, on 12 acres next to Corvallis Road, just south of the city limits.

In an interview at the Ovenbird Bakery last Saturday, Henderson said he doesn’t think the proposed deal was only about the water treatment plant, which was the official reason for the legal action by the city for the land. In early April, “Independence mailed each of us an offer packet,” Henderson said.

The city offered $180,000; the counteroffer was $250,000, leading to a stalemate. 

The city then filed a claim to clinch the land. Instead, Henderson and his family sold it, along with the rest of the 170-year-old farm. 

Previously, Independence had sought out the family regarding the northern edge of two fields for a proposed east-west road along the railroad right-of-way, Henderson recalled. Then that effort abruptly stopped, he noted.

The presumed reason? A new and long-planned street, the Mt. Fir extension, allegedly to make way for new development.

“I realized that they were attempting to combine two separate projects into one, by over-buying property that could be used for both projects,” he said.

The city’s communication director, Emmanuel Goicochea, was asked by Trammart News to reply about the the new circumstances that will affect the acquisition process. In a follow-up email,  Goicochea was asked whether the larger tract of land – beyond the four acres once considered suitable for the water treatment plant – was due to combining the two  objectives, 

as suggested by Henderson. Despite numerous attempts to obtain city comment, no response was received. 

The water treatment plant is part of a $44 million project for using a new water source, the Willamette River, according to plans approved for it by the city council last year. The city's 

water rights to the Willamette River need to be exercised within the next few years in order 

to be retained.

The first hint that his land was seen by the city as a site of interest for a new water treatment plant was when Henderson was contacted and told that Independence needed "to do some testing" about 18 months ago. 

“The city didn't contact us directly,” Henderson explained. “They had an out-of-state company send us right-of-entry forms to sign, giving them permission to carry out testing.” Neither the city manager, Kenna West, nor the public works director, Gerald Fisher, spoke with the family, he said. 

Instead, he was contacted by a right-of-way agent of Common Street Consulting, who 

works in Salem.

“It was only after questioning that the company gradually revealed why the testing was desired,” Henderson observed.

Henderson, who has residency rights to remain on the land, isn’t sure he even wants to stay in Independence. He is discouraged by recent events – and not just the ones that have involved him and his family. 

Changes in the way the city now seems to operate have caused him concern. As a long-term resident, Henderson said that there seem to be more incidents of mishandling or misuse of authority by the city.

Henderson is a great grandson of Henry and Martha Hill, who came west in different 1847 wagon trains – he by the northern route, she via the newly-opened southern route. “They didn't meet until they arrived in Oregon territory,” he explained.

Elvin A. Thorp was the original town’s founder, but Hill's addition was incorporated in the 1860s, after a flood wiped out Thorp's riverside settlement. Though other parcels still remain with other Hill descendants, the land that was just sold had been in the family since the 1850s, handed down generation-to-generation. 

“It was the last parcel of original donation land claim in our immediate family,” he said.

(Trammart New will continue to follow this issue, including the new purchase agreement and the city's actions pertaining to it.) ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 9, 2024

Among 400 likely November voters, more than half say they will support a school bond to repair decaying buildings of the Central School District, according to a tracking poll conducted by Anne Marie Levis, president of the consulting firm Funk/Levis & Associates in Eugene. 

“In your district, people are understanding the needs,” she told CSD’s school board 

Monday night. 

In the survey by Funk/Levis, which included a mix of demographics with different age ranges and political party affiliations, 51% said they would vote “yes,” with 28% reporting they will vote “no.” That leaves more than 20% in a middle area representing a significant number of undecided voters, she said. That is “a good amount for us to try to inform,” Levis said. 

“These numbers are very good,” she added. However, the school board delayed plans to proceed with a vote, to give members of the public the opportunity to attend a special meeting Monday night to make comments on the bond proposal. 

The data collected this year show a striking difference from the survey conducted last year, when probable “yes” votes were 45%, with “no” votes at 42%, and 13% undecided. 

In the most recent phone poll, infrastructure problems were explained in brief explanations using “plain language” – a strategy that seemed to yield more positive responses, she said. 

In the past survey of the CSD community, a large percentage were unaware of the facilities needs of the schools, according to Emily Mentzer, the district’s communications coordinator. About 20% thought the facilities were suitable; 33% didn’t know a problem with them existed, she pointed out.

To address that, a facilities committee began meeting this past spring to help raise public awareness about decaying portions of the schools – decrepit flooring, flood-prone playgrounds and a leak in the roof at Central High School dubbed “the waterfall maker” during heavy rains. 

The committee, which is composed of about a dozen members, created flyers and videos in a public outreach campaign; It is holding and arranging tours of the buildings, to show the extent of the need. 

“What good work your facilities committee has been doing,” Levis said. November is a ‘perfect time’ for the bond to be placed on the ballot, she said, noting that voter turnout is expected to 

be high. 

As it stands now, the bond – for about $100 million – would add 53 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to homeowner taxes. CSD is expected to receive $6 million in grant money, so there’s the possibility that the bond sum could be whittled down a bit – an idea put forward during the board meeting. 

But even those who support a bond say passage will be a challenge: the Independence City Council is expected to approve one of two levy proposals at the city’s next meeting. If both a school bond and a city levy appear on the same ballot, there’s fear that “it’s too big an ‘ask,’” according to one parent – risking rejection for both. 

However, the school board is instituting a post-bond plan for an oversight committee that some already are finding persuasive – it will include community members, to ensure spending is carried out in a procedurally correct, priority-setting way. 

This bond-oversight concept was met with praise by one community member, who identified himself as elderly and “on the fence.” 

“So, if they’re doing that, I think they should really get the word out on it. I’ve never heard of such a thing, and it is a (expletive deleted) good idea,” he said. 

Financial strain has occurred in the CSD, as well as other districts, as federal pandemic-associated stimulus funds have diminished. Recently, Gov. Tina Kotek called for changes in state appropriations for schools that would add an increase of about $515 million in the State School Fund for the 2025-2027 biennial budget. 

However, the measures for the increase would have to pass the state legislature. 

The bond comes at a time when some remember the school district’s tax uptick in 2023, which increased the per-$1,000-assessment tax by $1.30, a stunning surprise to voters. However, some serving on the school facilities committee predicted that the 53-cent hike won’t change. 

Additionally, several community members said the district’s apology for the tax – issued publicly as a sorrowful “mistake” by the board’s chair at the time, Donn Wahl – succeeded in placating the public, along with an action to do away with most of that increase. 

The school board plans to meet at 6:30 pm in Henry Hawk Hall at the district offices, 750 S 5th Street, Monday, August 12. 

( ANNOUNCEMENT: The August 12 school board meeting to discuss final approval for the school bond for facilities upgrades has been canceled and has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Aug 14.  Please consult the CSD 13J website for more information.)

NOTE: There is a 5% margin of error – “plus or minus” – that should be applied to the figures provided by Funk/Levis & Associates. ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 9, 2024

In late June, about 50 people crowded into the meeting of the Polk County Board of Commissioners to air concerns about the election process – allegations ranged from ballot-casting by out-of-state voters to dead people registered to vote.

This past week, Polk County Clerk Kim Williams showed up to inform the commissioners of her research into the assertions, ticking them off one by one. The voter who supposedly got a vote after being deceased? “We looked this up and that ballot wasn’t counted,” Williams said.

Residents from states including Utah and Texas who voted while in Polk County? Williams checked on those with county clerks and officials within the counties where such individuals were said to actually live – no votes were recorded from them in those places, she said. 

Then, tackling what seemed to be the most troubling aspect to many of those worried about voting – the way the homeless are allowed to participate – Williams informed commissioners the belief that a population living in Wallace Marine Park is able to turn in ballots at a baseball field there simply isn’t true. 

They may be able to register there, she said, but “the ballot goes to a separate mailing address, typically to a family member” or, in some cases, a rented mailbox or other business site. 

“The biggest thing our office is dealing with is misinformation,” she said. Social media spreads, it “gets put out there” and the clerk’s office has to address it. Instead, simply call or visit her office in the Polk County Courthouse in Dallas, where “our door is always open,” she advised. 

The issue arose at the June 26 meeting of the board, when elections activist, Douglas Frank, showed up with about four dozen people, many carrying flags or dressed in red, white and blue. Though he specifically identified Williams as being exempt from his criticism, he called “the problem” the fact that the system is centrally controlled by the state, a “far-away system.”

Frank has been traveling the country with this message, earning him the title of the “Johnny Appleseed” of election fraud allegations, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

Frank told the Polk County Commissioners on the day he spoke that voter rolls have people 

on them who aren’t even allowed to vote, such as those who have died. Pointing to his own analysis, he charged that such voter registrants are “littering the pavement with ballots that can be used nefariously.”

Williams, who said she saw no evidence of that ever occurring during her subsequent weeks of research, announced that, by November, the county intends to have new, larger and more secure ballot boxes for drop-offs. 

In addition, she is also optimistic that there will be long-term live streaming daily of the elections process, so that the cameras that broadcast the procedures no longer stop at 5 pm.

Williams was commended by all three commissioners.▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 2, 2024

The tragedy began and ended in the Willamette River. The death should bring about radical changes in local water safety. 

That message was passionately delivered by two Independence women at the last city council meeting, after drowning victim Gregorio Maximiano-Solano, 13, was finally found. 

Both said more prominent signage, easy access to life jackets and warnings about the dangers of the water should be on or near the river’s shoreline, areas that swimmers and others use during summer. “I am so disappointed,” said Amber Covarrubias, who helped the family during part of the time Gregorio was missing, after he disappeared under the water’s surface on a hot day in Riverview Park last month. 

The father of the family told her he felt his son “would still be here if there were proper precautions by the river and bigger signs,” she said. The family members were temporary residents, working in the mid-Willamette Valley during the agricultural season. 

Rachael Ojeda, who also spoke at the city council meeting, said there was nothing substantial for emergencies at the riverfront. 

Ojeda saw the grieving mother by the river. Covarrubias actually met the dad by going to the riverside site. When he explained that he would like help looking along the river, Covarrubias was able to attract more people to the spot by using a Facebook page. 

Both Ojeda and Covarrubias called for more outreach, too. Trammart News contacted Communications Director Emmanuel Goicochea, whose job was expanded last year to assume part of the duties of the engagement coordinator, Ramon Martinez, who was let go due to the city’s financial belt-tightening. Repeated attempts to contact Goicochea for a response or comment from him or the city went unanswered. 

In an immediate effort to improve the situation in the future, Ojeda spoke with Polk County Commissioner Craig Pope and met with Independence Mayor John McArdle, as well as others from the city, including City Manager Kenna West and Police Chief Robert Mason. Covarrubias has been in contact with Sgt. Tino Banuelos of the Independence Police Department. “I’d like to give him a shout-out,” she said. 

Ojeda is seeking to get new, larger, more visible signage at the gravel beach and by the lifejacket stand. She already has donors lined up, from Knotty Leaves on Main Street to the Oregon Corrections Enterprises, an agency with training programs for adults in custody that plans to work on new signs. Her goal is also better access to life preservers, including the addition of three life preserver rings with ropes attached, and steady replacement of lifejackets at the river front. 

Covarrubias is striving to get a committee formed that would plan how to address a crisis and include members available to do so when an event occurs -- and be able to mobilize a response effort that would include family outreach and other measures. It would be a standing committee, undertaken in conjunction with the city. 

Hypothermia, hidden tree snags and invisible underwater currents all pose risks, according to law enforcement officers. “There are so many potential hazards out there that people may not realize,” said Polk County Sheriff Mark Garton. 

Rocks, logs, and other debris that may be hiding just under the surface, and there can be sudden unseen “drop-offs,” he said. A few years ago, a woman wearing a life jacket lost her life after becoming entangled in a tree below the water line.  

"It all gets back to education," said Bob Sallinger, executive director of Willamette Riverkeeper. 

A majority of Oregonians, about 70% of the state population, live near or around a river, Sallinger said.

Submerged trees can be a source of controversy, he confirmed. That’s one reason why learning about fish habitat can help: downed trees are essential to salmon migration, a fact not commonly known, he added. 

Though Ojeda and Covarrubias didn’t know each other before, they are working in tandem now. And they have a lot in common: Both spent most of their lives in Independence, both have children at home, both are in the health care field, and both say they are determined to see change implemented – and soon. “I will be back again at the city council meeting,” Covarrubias said. Though a formal donor account hasn’t been set up yet, Ojeda hopes to establish one with the Monmouth-Independence Community Foundation, she said. 

On a recent day, the life-jacket stand was overflowing with new vests, but the sign it bore was faded and difficult to read. A kiosk next to it – where warning signs or water-education information could go behind the glass covering – was completely empty.

It is these things, among many others, that the two would like to see changed, including more signs in Spanish. 

As Sheriff Garton observed, river water is a risk to everyone. Unlike a swimming pool, it is dark and moving and can be murky. “Water doesn’t care your age, your intent or your ability to swim,” he stressed. ▪ 

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 2, 2024

A proposal to prohibit questions by city councilors that appear “to state an opinion or to grandstand” is a potential violation of free speech and creates a path for litigation if enforcement is attempted, according to several attorneys who were asked about changes proposed by City Manager Kenna West – changes she recommended during the last council work session. 

Vague language, such as the term "grandstand," is "an invitation to potential abuse," said David Loy, legal director of the First Amendment Coalition, a national nonprofit, non-partisan group based in Northern California. 

The terminology is undefined and open to personal interpretation, Loy explained. Under the proposal, it would apply to members of the city council.

Elected officials, including city council members, retain certain rights to freedom of speech even when there is heavy reliance on Robert's Rules of Order. "They cannot be silenced or censored because of their opinions or viewpoints," Loy said. 

Experts outside of Independence who were consulted about the issue agreed with Loy, including two other attorneys. Both lawyers preferred not using their names for publication, but one called the wording a legal challenge waiting to happen, if approved. 

Some residents who were aware of the proposal also expressed worry. Following the last city council session, resident Mike Rhodes – who had referred to some city councilors as “rubber stampers” at the meeting – cited the recommended revisions to council rules now being proposed as troubling. 

The document presented by the city manager would establish reasons to put restraints on the council’s public questions. This could curtail freedom of speech – comments could be restricted by the mayor or, in some cases, by the city manager, according to the new policy. 

Repeated attempts to obtain a response from the city’s communications director, Emmanuel Goicochea, about West and her role in the proposed policy change went unanswered. 

However, it wasn’t the first time that West’s approach to opinion and input has been called into question. West, herself a lawyer, often cites her legal background in dealings with the public, according to several residents. 

Before he relocated to another state, Andy Duncan recalled that she had cited potential legal costs to him when he met with her to try to mitigate a land-use concern – a project in which an appeal was being considered. 

“She told us of the potential administrative and legal charges,” he said. “While I can see some reason for them to prevent frivolous or malicious challenges, the entire process, from beginning to end, appears to be set up to actively prevent challenges – while presenting the illusion of meaningful public input,” Duncan said. 

Duncan added that he doesn’t think this is limited only to the local government, but probably extends across all levels, from statehouses and beyond.  

At the council meeting, West said that divisiveness causes a loss of decorum. "We are putting these parameters in place so that we can continue to be the effective, efficient and congenial council we've been." 

The proposed city council policy changes have been submitted to city councilors for their feedback, and they won’t take effect until officially adopted. But they arrive at a time when nearly three-fourths of Americans believe basic freedoms could be lost without being cautious to protect them, according to a Cato Institute Survey of 2,000 adults in July 2024. 

Among the top five most important rights to those surveyed was “freedom of speech.” The First Amendment is considered essential to the democratic process, according to many scholarly references, including a guide to the Bill of Rights by Harvard-educated lawyer and constitutional scholar Linda Monk. 

The International City/County Management Association, ICMA – the professional organization of city leaders – has as one of its guiding principles “honest and open communication,” and encourages leadership that offers an “open invitation to ask questions 

and to speak up.” ▪