City Council Meets
The Florence City Council will hold its first meeting of 2025 this evening, January 6, beginning a new chapter with several key agenda items. The meeting will open with the ceremonial oath of office for Mayor Rob Ward and re-elected councilors Bill Meyer and Sally Wantz. Following this, the Council will elect its President and Vice-President, setting the stage for leadership in the coming year. One of the evening’s priorities is a recruitment announcement for the city’s Budget Committee. City Recorder Lindsey White is expected to outline the qualifications and application process for filling open positions, encouraging residents to participate in shaping the city’s financial planning. Infrastructure improvements will also take center stage as the Council considers a $642,584 proposal from Holt Services, Inc. to advance Phase 1 of the Well 14 project. This initiative is designed to enhance the city’s water supply and includes the removal of a groundwater monitoring well. In response to community needs during extreme weather, the Council will deliberate on delegating authority to the City Manager and Police Chief to approve alternate warming center locations. This measure aims to streamline decision-making during emergencies while maintaining necessary oversight. The Council will review a proposed Intergovernmental Agreement with Lane County to formalize judicial services and strengthen collaboration between the two entities. The Council will also address plans for an $80,000 grant application to fund an Airport Memorial Gateway. Public Works Director Mike Miller will present a resolution for approval, which, if passed, will support the development of a meaningful tribute to veterans. More on that story after the break. The meeting begins at 5:30 PM at Florence City Hall, with residents encouraged to attend or follow along to stay informed on these impactful discussions.
Proposed Memorial Back on the Burner
A plan to create an Airport Memorial Gateway at Florence Municipal Airport has been revived. The City of Florence, in cooperation with several local veterans groups, originally sought grant funding for the project in 2020, but Covid 19 got in the way. The current effort is on the agenda for this evening’s meeting of the Florence City Council. The council is asked to endorse a grant application to the Oregon State Parks Veterans and War Memorial Grant Program. That was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2004 to help pay for construction or restoration of memorials on public property. The cost is estimated to be $200,000 and the grant would pay $80,000. If approved, the balance of the cost would come from local donations including cash and “in-kind” volunteer labor and equipment as well as some work by city staff. There is a commitment of $25,000 from the family of former Air Force Brigadier General Benjamin King. He served 29 years as a fighter pilot and commanded several squadrons and groups before his retirement in 1971. King passed away at his retirement home in Florence in 2004. He was 84. Another $25,000 has already been promised by a local group formed specifically for the effort; Deeds of Valor LLC.
Body of Missing Person Recovered
The body of 52-year-old Joseph C. Neill, missing since December 15, was recovered Sunday morning near Haynes Inlet in North Bend. Coos County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene with help from Clausen Oysters staff, who provided boat access to the location. Neill was last seen near the Coos Bay railroad bridge, where his belongings were found. The Chief Deputy Medical Examiner identified the remains, and Neill’s family has been notified. The Sheriff’s Office thanks Clausen Oysters for their assistance and extends condolences to Neill’s loved ones.