Planned Vegetation Clearing Draws Sharp Opposition
Dozens of people, most wearing red ribbons signifying their opposition to cutting of native vegetation along Rhododendron Drive, crowded into City Hall last night in protest.
Most were residents of Greentrees, where they say an 18-foot wide strip of trees, rhododendrons and huckleberry will be cleared away for a multi-use path. The clearing would expose many of the homes that back up to Rhododendron Drive.
“You have our attention” stated Mayor Nola Xavier before anyone spoke about the issue. She told protesters right up front that the City Council would take up the matter in August.
Despite that assurance, a series of speakers still addressed the council on the matter. People like George Linden who asked officials if they couldn’t – quote – “Stop, regroup, and see if we can’t find another path than the one we are on.”
There was one lone voice in support of the project… Tim Creager spoke up, applauding what he called the “good work” done so far on the planned path and urged the city to – quote – “Proceed in all haste”.
In any event, the council will delay any further work on the project until they can discuss it August 18th.
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In other business in front of the city council last night, outgoing City Manager handed out awards and recognition to several city employees. Betz recognized newly promoted Interim Planning Director Wendy Farley-Campbell and thanked City Recorder Kelli Weese for her work in running the planning department in addition to her own duties over the past several months.
She then handed out awards to what she called three “amazing employees”.
Shawn Penrod was recognized for his work on the Siuslaw River Interpretive Center; Hillary Thompson for her efforts as assistant Finance Director; and Police Lieutenant John Pitcher. Betz called Pitcher an exemplary law enforcement leader. He was not able to accept the award, his wife Diana was on hand.
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A U.S. Supreme Court justice has yet to decide whether or not to block a federal judge’s order declaring Oregon’s voter approved same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.
The National Organization for Marriage is seeking a stay of Judge Michael McShane’s May 19th ruling while it appeals an earlier decision that prohibited the group from defending the marriage ban.
Justice Anthony Kennedy hears emergency appeals from the region that includes Oregon. He asked for legal briefs to be filed by yesterday.
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Medics with Western Lane Ambulance will be sitting down with staff and volunteers at the Florence Elks Lodge this week to talk about preventing fall injuries. The lodge hosts many senior patrons and fall injuries have become a real issue according to paramedic Al Kreitz. He said they’ll talk about two topics with the first being how to react to a fall.
210 – “If somebody’s fallen down and they’re hurt, just leave them in place, make sure they’re safe, no hazards around them, etc.; and call us.”
Kreitz says fall victims, especially the elderly, can be injured further by efforts to help them up or otherwise assist them.
Kreitz said they will also talk about how to prevent falls at the lodge by doing things like improving lighting in some areas, removing trip hazards and making sure walk ways are clear.
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