Port Decides To Redo Application Process
The port of Siuslaw has decided not to approve any of the three candidates for port Manager in an open session meeting. The board could not agree on a choice with the three candidates that they had interviewed and decided to table the prospective candidates for another interim candidate. The board in open session decided to move forward with an interim manager that would hold the post for a period of up to 60 days. Board chairman Terry Duman:
201: “we have reviewed and interviewed the applicants for the manager position and we have come to an impasse that is not going to be resolved.”
The reason for the short term interim manager is that they needed to have someone in place when departing interim manager Dina McClure gives up her post on Thursday. The board unanimously agreed on David Huntington to hold the position of interim manager while remaining a member of the board. Huntington had been one of the applicants for the full time position and was deemed best suited for the interim manager because of his familiarity with all of the port issues and operations to date. The current applicants were encouraged to reapply once the process was reopened. Huntington will be responsible for seeking out a more permanent interim manager. Procedure dictates that Huntington can remain an active commissioner so long as the temporary appointment does not go longer than 60 days. If the appointment goes significantly past that point the board could choose another board member to hold the position or Huntington could leave the board and continue on in the temporary position. The board indicated that they would restart the application process after about 6 months.
Lane County Hires New Economic Development Analyst
Lane County has announced the hiring of a new economic development management analyst for rural communities in Lane County. This includes areas like Mapleton and Deadwood. Austin Ramirez will be working with communities to develop and initiate their economic plans. Lane County Economic Development Manager Sarah Means says the success of our rural communities is essential in the overall growth of Lane County. Ramirez will help in promoting partnerships and leveraging available resources for communities.
Food Share Bingo
Now through the end of May the Florence Food Share will be hosting a Bingo fundraiser. The event will be held at Jerry’s Place at the North End of Rhododendron drive. The event will be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays. The week the first event will be on Wednesday. Social time will start the event at 6 pm and the games will begin at 7 and last until 9 pm. Food and beverages will be available and it is a 21 and older event.
Rhody Grand Marshall Sought
Rhody Days are just around the corner and that means the annual Floral Parade is organizing. The Florence area Chamber of Commerce is looking for candidates to be the 2018 Rhododendron Floral Parade Grand Marshall. Residents can contact Terry Abeyta at the Chamber with recommendations.