Central Lincoln PUD Offices Undergo Remodel; Cold Weather Shelter to Open; Top 5 Announced Tomorrow; School Board Meeting

Central Lincoln to Have Temporary Offices

Central Lincoln PUD has been in the process of planning a remodel of their Florence offices for over a year but the project  was tabled after construction costs exceeded the budget that was set.  When the plan went to bid last year there was only one bid received and it was for 1.67  million dollars.  Central Lincoln PUD took a second look at the project and then rebid the work.  They were able to get 3 bids on the new plan and the low bid of 1.275 million from 2G Construction in Eugene was approved by the Board last month.  Public affairs Manager, Chris Chandler says the project will take about 5 months to complete and during that time the customer service portion of Central Lincoln will be handled out of Banner Bank on highway 101.  Chandler says there will be new hours for their offices to match those of the bank.  They will now be open until 6pm Monday through Friday.   According to Chandler the reason for doing the remodeling is to make the building safer in case of an earthquake as well as provide a better customer service experience, improve warehouse facilities and add 2 level 2 electric vehicle charging stations.  Customers can still make payments at the drop box, but that box will be turned to face 10th street as the parking lot will be closed to traffic.

Shelter To Open for Cold Weather

Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing this evening prompting the opening of a cold weather shelter in Florence.  The Presbyterian Church at 3996 highway 101 north will be registering people at 5 pm this evening.  The shelter will be putting up flags around the community that will serve as reminders as well as a pickup point for a shuttle that will bring people to the church.  The shuttle will run from 4:45 until 6 pm this evening.  The church is also weighing the possibility of being open on Tuesday night as well if the forecast dips below freezing.

Small Business Revolution to Announce Top 5

For all of you early risers or just otherwise excited individuals that are wanting to be the first to hear the news, there will be a special community viewing party to see if Florence has made it to the top 5 in the small business revolution.  River Roasters on Bay street will open their doors at 4:15 tomorrow morning to let the community gather.  If Florence is chosen in the top 5 then voting will begin immediately.  Voting will take place at www.deluxe.com/small-business-revolution.com.

School Board to Highlight Steering Committee Recommendations

The Siuslaw School board will be meeting this Wednesday to discuss, among other things the Facilities Steering Committee recommendations and bond resolution.  They will also be reviewing the calendar school year for 2017/2018 and approve the budget calendar.  The meeting will be at the school district offices  at 2111 Oak street at 6:30 pm.