City Council Meeting
The Florence City Council meets tonight at 5:30 with several major items on the agenda. Councilors will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the city’s childcare regulations. The amendments would bring Florence into compliance with state law by expanding where family childcare homes and childcare centers are permitted. Staff and the Planning Commission are recommending approval. The Council will also consider a $192,380 single-source contract with The Automation Group for electrical equipment, installation and integration of the Well 14 Phase 2 project. Other business includes proposed liquor-license recommendations for Chit Chat on Maple and Only in Oregon on Bay Street, approval of previous meeting minutes, and reports from department directors, the city manager and councilors. The meeting begins at 5:30 at Florence City Hall.
Dune Restoration
Dune restoration work continues with the help of local volunteers. The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, along with Lane County Parks, McKenzie River Trust, and Friends of Three Mile Prairie, will host a Scotch broom removal project at Three Mile Prairie County Park on Saturday, August 29th from 10 a.m. to noon. Organizers say volunteers are needed to help protect dune habitat and native plant and animal species by removing invasive Scotch broom and small trees. Participants should bring work gloves, water, and closed-toe shoes. Tools will be available on site.
Pedestrian Safety Enforcement
The Florence Police Department will conduct a pedestrian safety enforcement operation August 29th near Spruce Street and 12th Street. Officers will focus on drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians crossing at marked and unmarked crosswalks. The effort is funded through an ODOT traffic safety grant supporting additional patrol hours. Police remind drivers that Oregon law requires motorists to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks until they have cleared the driver’s lane and the adjacent lane. Officials say the operation is aimed at reducing crashes and improving safety for everyone using local roadways.