City Council Meeting
The Florence City Council last night looked closely at the ordinances regulating parking and overnight parking within the city limits. They updated several of the aspects related to the issues, including distance a vehicle must move in order to be in compliance with city regulations and the enforcement of said vehicles which includes potential towing of offending vehicles. FCC code 7-1 addressed the differentiation of parking and storing vehicles and modified time and manner regulations to vehicle camping on City Streets. City attorney Ross Williamson walked the council through the regulations. There was no public comment available for the councilors to hear and Mayor Rob Ward motioned for approval of changes. The council voted unanimously to approve the changes. The council approved a new policy dealing with the new regulations of Paid Leave Oregon. Information on last night’s meeting can be found at ci.florence.or.us.
Blood Shortages
The Red Cross says there is a severe shortage of blood and it is an issue throughout the nation. Catastrophic weather has contributed to the shortage with some areas of the country unable to hold blood drives due to storms. There is a need for all blood types. The closest blood drive center is in Eugene and will be held on September 19th at the Oregon Medical Group at 1580 Valley River Drive. Appointments are necessary, signups are available at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800 Red Cross.
Three Buttes Fire
The Three Buttes Fire 11 miles northeast of Florence is currently considered 10% contained as firefighters work on full suppression efforts. The fire is still being held within the 144 acres and has not grown significantly since August 31st. there is some concern that warmer, dryer weather over the next several days could see a spike in fire activity, but officials remain confident that they will be able to hold the fire’s perimeter. Several popular Forest Roads remain closed to traffic including forest road 58 and Forest Road 1057. The Upper North Fork Siuslaw Road is open to traffic.
Eugen’s Mayor Decries Hospital Closing
There was pushback from the notice that PeaceHealth will close the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center university district. Yesterday Eugene’s mayor Lucy Vinis and other spoke to ask PeaceHealth to reconsider the closing. Mayor Vinis said she would have liked to see some discussion with public officials before the decision was made.
“At the very least, as a partner, PeaceHealth could and should have allowed time and opportunity for the city to engage in planning discussions to ensure our communities health needs would be met.”
PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center, university district Chief Administrative Officer Alicia Beymer said in an earlier press release that after careful consideration in order to ensure high quality of care consolidating some services at PeaceHealth Riverbend will provide and enhanced care experience. Members of the Oregon Nurses Association also spoke against the closing at yesterday’s news conference. It is unclear whether or not there will be continuing discussions between the city of Eugene and PeaceHealth officials.
