Dunes City Council Meeting
The agenda for Wednesday’s Dunes City Council meeting was quickly scrapped and turned into a “listening session” for Mayor Sheldon Meyer and the rest of the council. City Recorder Jaime Mills was unable to make it that evening and rather than continue the deliberations on revisions to city codes, and faced with a full-house of spectators, they opted to instead just hear from the approximately 15 people who took the time to come. The first comments came from longtime Westlake resident Jeanne Jackson regarding the proposed code updates. She said, among other things, that she had not been allowed to comment during the public hearing on the matter held in May. Several in the audience echoed Jackson’s comments. But, the topic that consumed the majority of the 2 ½ hour meeting was that of short term rentals. Most expressed opposition to them and said they are – quote – “ruining Dunes City.” Several city councilors agreed with many of the contentions and said they are working hard to address them. Of the Dunes City Residents protesting against Short Term Rentals in front of the City Council, most were vehemently opposed, Including Dave Dalbeck who complained about outside interests creating “limited liability companies” in order to operate vacation rentals.
“This is just ruining our community. We have no children in our communities no more. Anybody that passes away or something, these LLCs are scooping these things up and they’re making them this big cash cow.”
Mayor Sheldon Meyer did not respond directly during the meeting, but Thursday he said many on the council are very concerned about the explosion of the rentals. They did pass an ordinance last year regulating them, but it has proven to be problematic and there is not enforcement available. Meyer said all councilors are aware of the issues and they’re currently working on trying to solve them.
Power Restored
After 22 hours of no electricity the town of Mapleton went back online yesterday morning around 11:15 as crews finished up rebuilding part of the Mapleton Substation. Mark Freeman with Central Lincoln PUD said their facility was not the only one affected. A nearby Bonneville Power substation was also damaged. CLPUD has not yet released the cause of the damage, only that it was extensive and required a lot of work to get power restored. Freeman said they wanted to thank the area residents and businesses affected for their patience as they worked through the night to get the substation up and operating. CLPUD is investigating what and how the power went out after what one resident said sounded like an explosion preceeded the power outage.
Seal Pups
This time of year it can be busy at the beach, and not just for humans. Meghan Dugan, with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says California Sea Lions are headed south to breeding grounds and will often stop to rest on rocks or a sandy beach. Do not approach them. For local populations of harbor seals right now it is “pupping” season.
“The moms often leave their young pup alone on the beach so that they can go out to sea to feed in order to come back and feed her pup.”
She will not return if there is a crowd of people around her pup. It does not need to be rescued as mom will come back when she feels that it’s safe.
