RECOUNT ORDERED FOR RODEN v HICKS
A recount of election results has been ordered for an Independence city council position, following a one-vote win by Dawn Hedrick-Roden, who challenged incumbent Michael Hicks for his seat. The recount will take place a week from today at the Polk County Courthouse Building. 

Recounts are mandatory when victories are from ballots with a seven-vote spread or less, said Polk County Clerk Val Unger. No matter what the outcome of this tightly contested race, it shows that every vote matters, she said, adding that at no time in recent history has there been only one vote separating the candidates. [For a brief editorial on this, see “Mulling It Over” at the end of this Linking Letter]

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tonight at 6:30 pm is the Independence City Council meeting, where reports include a MINET Update and announcement of the Transportation System Plan “Facebook” Open House, to take place Dec. 2. Remote option available for attending the city council meeting; check city website. 

IN GENERAL AGREEMENT: CRAIG POPE, REP. EVANS 
Striking a rare chord of concurrence, County Commissioner Craig Pope and Oregon Rep. Paul Evans agreed that there may be room for flexibility in the restriction on restaurants for food-service that’s take-out only.
 
Rep. Evans said he thinks there’s a possibility that outdoor dining could be accommodated -- just as it is in some states where eateries have installed heaters and erected tents; Mr. Pope said he believes there are safety features for restaurants to uphold that could make dining lower risk than it’s been perceived, although his requests for data so far on transmission rates at these venues hasn’t been definitive, he said. 
 
Both made their comments in interviews conducted impromptu during encounters with Trammart News after the governor’s “freeze” order was announced, which is aimed at slowing the current viral surge.  
 
Rep. Evans, who represents Independence, serves on the Joint Special Committee on Coronavirus Response in the state legislature. Commissioner Pope is the “public health point person” for The Polk County Board of Commissioners, which acts as the health authority for the county. 

[This issue and others related to the “freeze” will be further examined in the next Public Health Points e-newsletter, which will include other commissioner comments and the most recent public health report.] 
 
MULLING IT OVER 
Editorial Commentary 
by Anne Scheck

What residents make a difference in Independence? The people who vote, that’s who. And what better evidence could citizens have than a turnout that brought forth a razor’s-edge vote separating two candidates, one an incumbent, Michael Hicks, and the other the challenger, Dawn Hedrick-Roden?
 
No matter who wins, the ballots have spoken: Indies of Indy like both of these people about equally. This is worth remembering the next time a vacancy surfaces on the council, requiring an appointment instead of an election. Often, when a councilor resigns, there are a series of applications -- and the successor is chosen by the city councilors. In this case, both individuals seem to have a great deal of support in town, signaling that many think they’re both qualified for the position. It’s easy to recognize the voting public as a smart set of individuals, showing the wisdom of crowds. 
-end- 

By Anne Scheck

ELECTION HEATS UP FOR COUNCIL SEATS
When local developer Bodie Bemrose asserted in a paid ad that Mayor John McArdle didn’t build Independence – that it was a corps of entrepreneurs instead – the result was a news release by the group IndyForward, which cited Mr. Bemrose for “baseless accusations,” among other alleged misinformation.  

The recent clash of rhetoric is the latest in an election campaign that appears to have two distinctly opposing groups: IndyForward and Truth & Freedom United, both political action committees (PACS). Current councilor Shannon Corr, who is not up for reelection, is listed by the state as the contact for IndyForward; Mr. Bemrose, who isn’t seeking public office either, is listed the same way for Truth & Freedom United. IndyForward is supporting incumbents, as well as Kelie McWilliams, who is vying for a vacated seat on the Independence City Council. Truth & Freedom United has been advocating for the challengers, including Ms. McWilliams’ competitor, Sarah Jobe. 

The purpose of IndyForward is to support progressive candidates, according to the group’s state filing. The aim of Truth & Freedom United is to show appreciation for law enforcement, as well to “preserve freedom and safety,” Mr. Bemrose said. In his ad, which was published in the Polk County Itemizer-Observer, Mr. Bemrose called IndyForward “hand-picked candidates with little history in our community.”

In a follow-up news release responding to “allegations of impropriety,” IndyForward countered that the PAC “was established to support Independence Council candidates who support inclusion and want to work to keep Independence moving forward.”  
 
In some cases, the emotion-charged divisiveness has given way to impulsive behavior – there have been reports of a shoving match and of several acts involving minor vandalism, Mr. Bemrose affirmed. However, these aren't likely to be core individuals from either group, he suggested. 
 
The rift that’s resulted is regrettable, said Mr. Bemrose, who acknowledged that he helps lead Truth & Freedom United. However, this new organization doesn't advocate any dogma apart from "some flag-waving," he said. 
 
IS CITY COUNCIL a PARTISAN RACE?
Introduction to guest editorial, by Anne Scheck, Trammart News 
Several weeks ago, I received an email from a long-time resident, Ingrid Cooper. She was dismayed, during this election, to receive in the mail a letter from a new group called “Indy-Forward," a political action committee that supports city council incumbents, along with a challenger for an open seat. Ms. Cooper asked me what I thought was a very astute question: If we as a city begin to have people who band together to solicit votes for one group, calling themselves progressives as IndyForward does, will this mean city council elections are remaining non-partisan? I had the same thought myself – a group that one member said represented the conservative side had also sprung up, "Truth & Freedom United," which also seemed to be supporting a candidate group. As Ms. Cooper so presciently observed, non-partisan positions on the council are designed to represent all citizenry. We both had the same concern. Neither one of us wanted to see a non-partisan system politicized, and both of us expressed the desire for a competitive mix and an exchange of ideas, in a contest for the council seats. So, I asked Ms. Cooper to write an editorial, and she did so –  succinctly and skillfully, and far better than I could. It is below. 

------Guest Editorial-----
This November, I am very glad to see a full slate of citizens willing step up and run for mayor and for council positions in our local town of Independence, where my husband and I have lived for over 40 years, as well as in Monmouth, and Independence.  Why?

A competitive race is healthy.  It brings in fresh perspectives.  It challenges the status quo.  It gives us a choice to vote for who can best serve our community:

To strengthen who we are,

To make sure we have a solid foundation for our essential services,

To make sure each and every person is respected, heard, welcomed, and treated equally at city halls and with all city services.

To broaden outreach to all citizens and community members and all neighborhoods, 

To use our funds wisely and responsibly,

To encourage and support our local businesses,

To move forward responsibly.

Local city elections are non-partisan and non-paid.  Too often, over the years, the same people are elected year after year, simply because no one else is willing to run.  In this climate, those serving for a long time, often end up with tunnel vision, thinking they know what’s best for the town.  

I celebrate the interest of many talented, qualitied people who are willing to step up and serve and ask questions and listen and dig into the issues and bring fresh ideas.  This makes our towns stronger to welcome competition and to bring in new voices to serve our community.  

And, most importantly, vote during this election and every election. Remember to vote for mayor and council members.   You can make a difference with your vote.  It is an important right.

                                                                                                                         Sincerely, Ingrid S. Cooper, Independence, Oregon

FINAL NOTE:  CITY COUNCIL MEETING, 6:30 pm, Civic Center, Tuesday night, October 27.  A financial report is scheduled to be given; The 2040 plan is slated to be adopted. 

By Anne Scheck

MORE ‘CARES ACT’ MONEY TO LOCALS 
About $100,000 in CARES Act money – the federal funds provided for pandemic relief – will be awarded by the city to local businesses in grants of $2,500 and $5,000, according to Shawn Irvine, economic development director for the city. The smaller grants will go to qualifying businesses with five employees or fewer; The larger ones to businesses with six or more employees, he announced at the Independence City Council meeting Tuesday night.  
 
Unlike previous financial aid, there are no restrictions that preclude businesses from getting the money if they’ve already received federal funding, he said. In addition, more than a dozen city-backed business loans – which were made near the beginning of the pandemic – are now slated to be forgiven, Mr. Irvine said. 

SCHOOL INTERNET
About 30 local families have benefited from a grant for MINET to help cover the costs of internet connections for children and youth who need it for school distance-learning programs, Independence City Manager Tom Pessemier announced at the Independence City Council meeting. Even so, the need for internet hasn’t been fully met: Other families still require it and those currently enrolled will need financial assistance after the grant runs out, Mr. Pessemier said. Efforts are being made to ensure the program continues till the school year ends, he said. 

UTILITY ASSISTANCE
A city program to help Independence residents struggling to pay utility bills is about to be launched – with funding from CARES Act money, according to Mr. Pessemier.  The program is being offered through Mano a Mano, a community outreach organization in Salem with a satellite office in Independence. The city has received about $280,000 in CARES Act money to date, Mr. Pessemier noted. 

CITY’S VISION 2040 UNVEILED
Over the next 20 years, Independence priorities include building another street to directly connect Independence with Highway 99; Constructing a community recreation center; Finding ways to offer affordable housing and setting up a downtown parking-management plan, according to Libby Bakke, president of Barney & Worth, the consulting firm hired by Independence to conduct the 2040 Vision Plan with residents. The top of the list of community’s goals: keep the small-town feel. 
 
EDITORIAL by Ramon Martinez
The news this week that the census can end Thursday night, Oct. 15 – the result of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that granted an emergency request by the Justice Department – now allows the national collection of information to shut down, even in a pandemic that has complicated the process. Ramon Martinez, the city’s community outreach liaison, has headed up the census here. He wrote the editorial below to encourage all to do their part before the deadline is reached.  
 
The Census is immensely important, as it helps bring in adequate funding for schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and so much more for the next 10 years. It is estimated that each response brings in approximately $3,200 to the community each year. So each response will bring in $32,000 in a 10-year span. A household size of 4: $128,000. It is a big deal.

But growing up I did not understand this, nor did I know about such figures. I did not see the impact Census made to our community; I thought entities in our community such as schools, our fire department, community clinic, stop lights, etc. were “just there”. I did not understand the idea of a massive funding source at the federal level making these entities possible in our community. Maybe it was due to the fact that I grew up in a small town, in addition to growing up speaking Spanish, the outreach was not quite strong enough. But now I know. And I would like to encourage others to know how important the Census is.
 
It is important that everyone in each household gets counted. It does not matter if 1-day old or 100 years old. It is intended to count every living person in the country, regardless of age, immigration status, criminal convictions, or housing situation. The Census is also confidential. Under law and according to the Census Bureau website, “Under Title 13, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies.”
 
The Census is very important for our community to prosper for the next 10 years, and it only takes 5-10 minute to complete. It can be easily completed online and even with a smartphone. I kindly encourage you to complete the Census today if you have not done so. And if you already have, find a family member or friend who hasn’t, and help them fill it out. There is not much time, as we are faced with needing to complete it by October 15th until 11:59 p.m. Hawaii time.
 
Here is the website, where the Census can be completed in 13 languages: www.my2020census.gov
 

By Anne Scheck

TONIGHT'S PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING PREVIEW:
At tonight's Independence Planning Commission, commissioners are expected to approve revisions to the industrial code, which have been identified as simply a re-organization of the existing one. Also, the commissioners will be examining new floodplain standards -- changes have been recommended by the state. The meeting is at 7 pm at the Independence Civic Center.
 
A wrap-up of last month's meeting:
REFUSED. An hour-long explanation by a Corvallis engineer failed to convince planning commissioners at their mid-September meeting to make changes to a small subdivision on 7th Street that would have included re-routing the city’s street design and altering a water-treatment system approved by the Independence planning department.
 
Proposed amendments to the “SPIES” subdivision -- five lots on a site near the Henry Hill Building (directly to the east) and Mount Fir Park (directly to the west) – were unveiled by Peter Seaders of MSS Inc. He kicked off his presentation with a description of why some of the city recommendations should be modified. One of the commissioners, seemingly taken aback by the significance of the requests, asked why the city had a code – apparently suggesting that it should not be so easily overturned; Another inquired about maintaining “best practices” when changes for water treatment are sought. The commissioners voted to uphold the original proposal, concurring with staff about the conditions for the subdivision.
 
GRANTED. The Independence Planning Commission decided at its last meeting to approve a distinction that would make hangars at the airport a separate category from carports. Under the current code, use of metal construction and framing requires the addition of siding. Under the new provision, hangars wouldn’t be subject to complete coverage with other materials when metal walls are deemed suitable. The change was made after a couple who purchased a lot on Stearman Street in the Independence Airpark said parts of their soon-to-built hangar are obscured from street view. 

By Anne Scheck 

CITY COUNCIL DIVIDED, MAYOR DECIDES VOTE
A divided city council approved the sale of a city-owned lot at the Independence Landing project – but the deciding vote was cast by the mayor after two councilors turned thumbs down on the proposal and a third one abstained. 
 
The lot was sold for $185,000 to the Young Development Group LLC, 235 S. Main Street. The purchase price is set to be fully refunded once certain milestones are met, such as deeding back a planned parking lot there for public use and laying underground utilities at the site, according to City Manager Tom Pessemier. 
 
The buyer, Aaron Young, already owns a similarly-conveyed lot now known as Osprey Point, which has had construction delays. That fact apparently prompted City Councilor Jennifer Ranstrom-Smith to vote no. “I am concerned the Youngs have entirely too much on their plate right now,” she said. 
 
Ms. Ranstrom-Smith was joined in her “no” vote by Councilor Shannon Corr, who voiced worry over the proposal itself, which initially was considered “light on detail” when first submitted, she observed. Though it was revised, “I find this proposal light in detail,” Ms. Corr said, adding that it looked like it used boilerplate language “and I have some real concerns about that.” 
 
Councilor Marilyn Morton, who co-owns the commercial office space where Mr. Young’s business is located, spoke in favor of the sale. Asked a few days later if she was under obligation to disclose the fact that she co-owns a commercial building near the lot purchased by Mr. Young, and that she has what might be perceived as a business relationship with him because he is her tenant, Ms. Morton answered “no.” 
 
The tie vote over Mr. Young’s proposal occurred because City Councilor Kathy Martin-Willis cited a conflict-of-interest on her part – she’s a trustee of the Elks Club, which occupies a building on Main Street adjacent to the lot being sold, slated to be the site of a new meeting hall for the Elks.  As a result, Ms. Martin-Willis abstained. Mayor John McArdle cast a yes vote to break the tie. 
  
A state “government ethics” law identifies a conflict of interest as occurring when a public official takes an action in an official capacity that could financially impact that public official or any business with which the public official is associated. The law distinguishes between an actual conflict of interest and a potential one: an actual conflict of interest occurs when a public official participates in an official action that would have a direct financial impact on that official. A potential conflict of interest occurs when a public official’s action, decision or recommendation could have a financial impact on that office-holder. Public officials must publicly state the “conflict” when either situation arises, according to Oregon law. 
 
The Elks Club building, a few doors down from Mr. Young’s office, will be re-purposed in this process, Mr. Young affirmed, but he declined to provide any further description, citing “proprietary” reasons. Mike Lodge, who co-owns the commercial space with Ms. Morton, said he believes the sale will be of great benefit to the Elks Club. 
 
During the meeting, City Manager Tom Pessemier said the plans include a smaller building for the Elks, where they would relocate and “then sell their other building to the same developer, is my understanding, to be modified and put back into constructive use.”   
 
Mr. Young also confirmed that he plans to stay at his current location, where his firm now offers real estate sales and services. 
 
The lot, called  parcel 7, was purchased along with other land along the Willamette River a few years ago as part of an ambitious urban renewal project by the city – property that now includes the Independence Hotel, a 75-room lodging facility that opened for business last fall, and an apartment-townhome complex, which is nearing completion.

HANDS-ON HELP FOR INDEPENDENCE BUSINESSES
Free technical assistance for businesses impacted by COVID-19 – financed with CARES Act money – is being made available through a city-backed plan that connects applicants with local experts who can give them knowledgeable help, according to Kate Schwarzler, who owns Indy Commons. Ms. Schwarzler, who will serve as paid administrator of the program, said the expertise largely will come from skilled and experienced individuals in Independence. They haven’t been identified yet – their hiring depends on what’s requested, she explained. However, “clearly-defined support services” range from the means to move to digitalization to ways to broaden marketing opportunities. The application forms are available at this link: https://forms.gle/JHcTfmfXDXp7WxGd8. 

THE MILLION-PLANT PLANTING 
The amazing milestone of a million plantings has been reached by the Luckiamute Watershed Council (LWC). How will they commemorate it? With another planting, this time with an Oregon White Oak Tree. Previous efforts have involved soil-enriching, watershed-enhancing plants. “The oak tree is our symbolic millionth plant, and although most of our plantings are riparian species, the tree silhouette in our logo is an oak,” explained Suzanne Teller, outreach coordinator for the LWC. The festivities have been scaled down due to pandemic precautions, but not the event itself. And also from the LWC, comes this announcement: 
Virtual Sips 'n Science: What Birds Reveal About Floodplain Function
6:30 - 8pm, Oct 13, via Zoom (registration required)
Grab your favorite beverage and tune into this evening presentation by USGS forest ecologist, Joan Hagar, from the comfort of your own home! Joan will introduce her research into bird diversity at Luckiamute State Natural Area, and how different species use the floodplain forest habitat that is a focus of one of our long-term restoration projects. More details and registration link at https://www.luckiamutelwc.org/sips-and-science-lsna-birds.html

EDITORIAL---------------------------
As election time nears, the national ballot is generating more local buzz than the pollinator garden at Mount Fir Park. But here at Trammart News & Publishing, which is a person-plus-laptop, it’s the local contest that’s on my mind. It’s caused me to start re-thinking some of my thinking (with regard to my own policies, such as never connecting people because my standard answers in newsrooms of the past was to say: “Sorry, that would be participating in the process itself”). 
 
However, I have done just the opposite when I’ve been asked by candidates – over the course of the past few weeks – to provide everything from emails for certain people being sought (including but not limited to our City Recorder Karin Johnson). I’ve had copies of my paper delivered, when they are requested by those vying for a council seat (which I now can provide by PDFs instead of printed paper). I’ve been told by community members that all this competition over unpaid positions on our city council – the mayoral spot and open seats on the city council – seems surprising (I've confirmed that, but shared my view that it’s  good to see democracy in action). 
 
So, since I am trying to be a good citizen as well as a suitable publisher, I thought I’d write a letter to our future elected city councilors, whoever they may be, long before the ballots are counted. –Anne Scheck
 
Dear Councilor,
 
I have been attending city council meetings for four years now and, with a few notable exceptions, I rarely hear the residents themselves mentioned. I usually hear how great this-or-that would be “for the city” or “for the community.” Can you reference actual people, occasionally? Instead of an amorphous municipality? Maybe even give an example of how your friends and neighbors might be affected by an action?
 
Also, councilor, I’d like to hear some straight talk on the money pinch we’ll likely be facing as life in COVID-19 inflicts its ugly toll. The city manager, Tom Pessemier, takes a whack at it once in a while. But I look across the river to Salem’s financial director, Robert Barron, and he's been fearless about describing the financial shape of things. For example, when I asked him at a Salem City Club meeting how to know when city debt gets too high, he had a formulaic way I couldn’t quite understand. So, he simplified it: an amount that pencils out to less than or at $3,500 per person is a pretty good measure – exceeding that population-based debt can be an indicator for careful re-examination. 
 
And by the way, councilor, if you’d like a good example of one of your former occupants on the dais, I’d recommend former City Councilor Ken Day. He lives elsewhere now. He was a guy who always seemed to point out the elephants and gorillas in the room. Once I heard him ask our city’s economic development director just-exactly-what was being accomplished by trying to turn our town into an Agricultural Technology Hub center, which has been an ongoing project. When Mr. Day failed to get what he thought was a concrete response, he followed it up with something like: Are you sure this is the best allocation of your time? On another occasion, Mr. Day asked how much it cost to refinance a bond – something I’d wondered about, too. He got his answer eventually, and now I routinely request the same re-financing information, calling it the “Ken Day” rule. 
 
Finally, councilor, please stay in touch with those who lack your visibility here in Independence, will you? The people here generally are kind and generous, and it’s okay to make a big deal over how this pandemic may be affecting them, and especially their children. This happens all the time at the Polk County Board of Commissioners. In fact, there was so much hand-wringing the other day over the plight of families that Commissioner Craig Pope confessed: “I realize I am showboating here.” True, but it was nice to hear. It reminded me of one of my favorite maxims, by the great magazine editor Michael Kinsley, who said that insincere flattery is more flattering than sincere flattery because it’s a testament to the power of the people being flattered. So, go ahead, councilor-to-be, lay it on thick for the voting public once in a while. Michael Kinsley is right. -- AS (end)

By Anne Scheck 

LABOR DAY UPDATES
The final units of the rental residences at Independence Landing, including the clubhouse, are nearing completion; Brandy Meadows in Southwest Independence is finishing the first phase of that subdivision; There’s new enrollment at Independence Elementary School – more than 30 kindergartners have signed up – and orientation meetings and the rollout of distance-learning programs are underway. City Council meeting, 6:30 pm, Tuesday Sept 8.

THIS MONTH’S INDEPENDENT
The online edition of the September issue of The Independent takes a deep dive into groundwater with Danny Jaffer, president of the Luckiamute Domestic Water Cooperative; The Civics Lesson this month features multi-tasker Karin Johnson, city recorder, who keeps all procedures running smoothly at the Civic Center; The special feature takes a look at distance-learning challenges at Central High School and throughout Polk County;
The Indy Hop covers the “Great Dandelion Divide.” You can read it at this link: http://www.trammartnews.com/the-independent.html

LET’S GET READING: A BOOK GIVE-AWAY
Trammart News, publisher of The Independent and The Linking Letter,  is giving away free childrens’ books every Monday in September. You can read about it at this link: https://www.facebook.com/trammartnews/?view_public_for=129620544291904
 

By Anne Scheck

INDEPENDENCE POLICE CLINCH GRANT MONEY
Nearly $60,000 in grant funding is being awarded to the Independence Police Department (IPD). More than $43,000 will go to finance upgrades for a portion of the IPD’s communication system; About $16,000 will be used for special equipment to turn a government vehicle given to the IPD into a more functional transportation unit.
 
The first project will help guarantee sustainability to a local channel used by the police, the second effort will create a multi-purpose van. The revenue comes from Oregon Homeland Security, and the money was requested through an application submitted by Polk County Emergency Management, according to Dean Bender, emergency manager for the county. He announced the allocations last week at a meeting of the Polk County Board of Commissioners. 

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
A hearing to get citizen views on two housing rehabilitation projects aimed at helping low-income residents will be held Tuesday, August, 25, at the Independence City Council meeting at 6:30 pm. The effort was financed through grants – use of the money required the city to solicit public feedback on the results. The meeting is at the Independence Civic Center in council chambers.

EDITORIAL COMMENTARY
Stricter adherence to face covering requirements, including outdoor use when social distancing isn’t possible and indoor use in many cases, has resulted in expressions of frustration to Trammart News over the past few weeks. Oregon also considers the use of face shields – clear plastic that extends below the chin and around the sides of the face – acceptable under its “Statewide Mask, Face Shield, Face Covering Guidance.” However, several people have objected to that option, as well. Ron Smith, a former downtown restaurateur and current resident of Independence, wrote an essay describing his reaction.
It is the policy of Trammart News to publish such letter-to-the-editor commentary as it is presented, without change. Two restrictions include not singling out an individual – with the exception of the publisher – and limiting a contribution to one during any six-month period. –AS        

Below is Mr. Smith’s submission. 

Wayne Dyer stated, “The Ultimate Ignorance is the rejection of something you know nothing about-yet refuse to investigate?” It is my view that people wearing a facial covering are not doing so out of some noble notion that they are doing their part in protecting anyone from anything. Google the image of a bio virus suit that qualified scientists wear to protect themselves. Now try to convince me your bandana or open shield has any relevance; at all. 
 
Real Eyes – Realize – Real Lies. You are wearing a mask possibly because you think you are conforming to what everyone else is doing. Or because someone on television, whose name you do not know or remember, told ewe that you must wear one. Maybe ewe bought into the manufactured fear a political party is selling   – about covid-19. Stop trying to be a hero who will save the day. Why perpetrate this insane idea of symbolically being fearful and that sacrificing individual freedom somehow makes you a righteous and outstanding citizen?
 
The risks of wearing a facial masque far outweigh any perceived benefit. Simple facts have been deliberately overlooked. I have no interest in - nor will I attempt - to change people’s minds. Let them do their own research. I do not see any reason to cooperate with the opinions or decisions of what others have chosen for themselves.
 
But individuals cross the line when they appear to be caring about me and my well-being. Forcing anyone to take an intervention that is potentially harmful, for the sake of others; is unethical. Tantrums involving local merchants, as well as the extent to which extremists create mayhem to achieve what they perceive as morally right and justifiable, provide a true insight into their character. If I were the liquor store owner, I would make the habitual Dallas shopping excursion to another store permanent.
 
Society usually comes down in favor of intentionally disregarding outburst opinions. Weak individuals often feel threatened and “frightened.” Yet we guarantee people have the freedom to embarrass themselves any time they choose. Knowing the Owner of the liquor store; if she went to the trouble of a NO Trespassing Warrant; there was a good reason to do so. In the previous editorial there are two victim cards being played. The un-named and apparently un-known social justice warrior, disguised as a journalist, sought outside assistance because someone refused to talk to her? Adding a state representative and threats of involving other state agencies brings us up to three people who believe they possess some “you must conform” entitlement card. 
 
All this drama and trauma over stupid, ineffective, unhealthy, unattractive, useless, and pointless face coverings. A two-dimensional chatter chirping mentality becomes inevitable when confronted with information beyond one’s character depth and their remotest ability to define the world around them. Do not feel sorry for these people. We are a free country, and everyone can choose to be who they are. However, life does seem to get around to retribution for those who make such self-destructive choices. More coffee? -end-

By Anne Scheck 

CITY HITS DEQ BENCHMARKS
It’s on track, hitting milestones and will meet a pressing community need, according to the Department of Environmental Quality. It’s the city’s comprehensive project for recycling and managing water, aimed at increasing capacity for the growing municipal population of Independence.
 
About $49,000 was approved for system-and-integration services by the  Independence City Council last week – services that are needed now as the capital improvements continue. New construction and upgrades are estimated to cost $9.5 million. The Automation Group, based in Eugene, was awarded the contract for system integration and programming; Westech Engineering, Inc., of Salem, is responsible for most of the infrastructure, as well as other work.
(Please note: the city council meeting for August 11 has been canceled.)

COUNTY AGREES TO ‘CARES’ FUND
In a reluctant reversal, the Polk County Board of Commissioners decided Tuesday to enter into a grant agreement with the state for $915,000 of reimbursable expenses from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. All three members of the commission expressed reservations, but they determined that the money was needed to cover costs required for coronavirus-control measures taken by the county. 
 
So far, the money provided is for two phases of the pandemic: $503,000 for phase 1; $412,000 for phase 2. The sum for the second phase will be calculated into the cap of money placed on the county for CARES funds, which is just under $2.36 million. Previously, there were objections about the agreement that Polk County Administrator Greg Hansen was asked to sign on behalf of the county. 
 
The strings attached to the funds were cumbersome and unnecessary in the opinion of the board, as well as the views of Mr. Hansen and County Counsel Morgan Smith. An email from Trammart News to Gov. Kate Brown’s press secretary, which sought a comment at the time the issue first was discussed, hasn’t been acknowledged.

By Anne Scheck

UPDATES
Bond Rating Improves. In a recent round of bond refinancing, Standard & Poor – an international credit-rating agency – increased the city’s bond grade from an “A-” to an “A,” putting it higher in the mid-level range. It’s a significant change, said Gloria Butsch, the city’s finance director, who made the announcement at the council meeting in mid-July. “I’m excited to see a little bit of an upgrade,” she said. 

This not only reflects an uptick in credit-worthy status, but the improved rating translates into better terms for the city when money is borrowed, she explained. The Standard & Poor report, which reviewed the most recent budget and audit, attributed the change to the way revenue and expenditures now are being managed by the city. However, the report also included areas in which the city needs to improve. [More details on the city budget and how it is being addressed will be in the August issue of The Independent.]

Homeless Issue Strategy. In an effort to increase effectiveness at battling homelessness in Salem and surrounding areas, Polk and Marion counties have exited a homeless advocacy group that previously involved 28 counties. Independence is now part of a new two-county organization – the result of a unanimous vote at the last city council meeting. The action made the city part of the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance (MWVHA). Councilor Shannon Corr was appointed the city’s representative to the MWVHA board. [A more in-depth look on the program can be found in the Polk County Itemizer-Observer at this link: https://www.polkio.com/free_news/program-to-help-homeless-to-open-in-polk-marion-counties/article_26c356f4-cb9a-11ea-b075-c788a2476033.html]

MEETING PREVIEW: Tomorrow night, Tuesday July 28, at the City Council meeting ... a state grant to MINET of $270,000 is expected to be announced, with the aim of expanding wi-fi in the area ... also, councilors are being asked to vote on $2.5 million for construction costs of a pump station, a new capital project for the sewer-water system. The meeting is at 6:30 pm in the Independence Civic Center on Main St. 
 
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitors are restricted to the foyer of the reception area, where the meeting can be viewed on a wall-mounted screen. Some public officials still meet in council chambers, where public testimony is taken. A live-stream of the city council meeting can be seen on the city's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IndependenceOregon/
 
FINAL NOTE: At their recent session, state legislators extended the rental moratorium, including for commercial space, until the end of September – preventing evictions for non-paying tenants until after that time. Lenders also are barred from initiating foreclosures against homeowners through Sept. 30. However, in August, the City of Independence plans to drop its waiver for delinquent utility payments and begin disconnections. “We’ll work on assisting the customer with payment plans,” said Tom Pessemier, city manager.

By Anne Scheck

CITY+HOTEL EVENT CENTER CONTRACT
A city contract for managing meeting space that spans the lower floor of the Civic Center was approved Tuesday night for operators of The Independence Hotel – but monetary performance measures aren't part of the terms.  
 
The contract, which the Independence City Council passed unanimously, turns over the city’s event-center rooms for use by the Embarcadero Hospitality Group. The city has agreed to receive $5,000 from “net revenue” collected by the management group annually, which is to be used for maintenance and refurbishment if needed. However, when questioned about how net revenue will be determined – given that gross expenses aren’t defined – City Manager Tom Pessemier said the intent is to collect $5,000 annually.
   
The terms of the contract are seen as “favorable” for the hotel operators by an informed community member who was asked to review it. For example, the language doesn’t specify a minimum number of bookings and doesn’t establish a periodic review process. “We have agreed to review the agreement as necessary. We have not specified a timeline,” Mr. Pessemier responded. “It could be two months or two years. When we find a need to make modifications we will do so,” he stated.
 
The city can continue to use the event center for its own meetings, but reservations for it – and by the hotel – are on a “first come, first serve” basis, according to the explanation given to the city council. 
 
This past fall, the city issued a request-for-proposals solicitation, asking for a vendor to market and manage the event center. The Embarcadero Hospitality Group, which is based in Oregon, submitted the only proposal received.

POLK COUNTY HOLDS OFF ON STATE MONEY
The Polk County Board of Commissioners was advised that a contract sent by the state for COVID-relief money contains questionable language, and two commissioners rejected the document Wednesday – even though about $900,000 in funding is at stake. 
 
Though no formal vote was taken, Commissioners Craig Pope and Lyle Mordhorst expressed dissatisfaction with the current contract, after County Attorney Morgan Smith told them “many of the terms make no sense.” Commission Chair Mike Ainsworth was absent from the meeting.
 
After explaining that he felt compelled “to tell you this is like having a round peg for a square hole,” Mr. Smith said the contract includes terms that seem inapplicable to the county. 
 
The money, which is from the CARES package that was passed by the US Congress, was sent to the state weeks ago. However, some county administrators have refused to sign the contract without modification – delaying the disbursement to their counties. Polk County is one of them. 
 
Commissioner Mordhorst noted that Polk County already had been approved to receive the money. “Initially, this was done with no strings attached,” he said. “Yet, here we are talking about being held hostage,” said Commissioner Pope. “We are trying to do the right thing,” he added. 
 
Mr. Smith explained that he thinks the complication may have been created by a mistaken template – one that doesn’t seem to match the situation it is supposed to help solve. For example, the first document the county received included references to the Department of Education, he said.
 
The contract is expected to be discussed again next week; Efforts by the Linking Letter will be made to contact the governor’s office for a comment. 

FINAL NOTE: Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance (MWVHA)
Formed last year to address the growing problem of housing needs and homelessness, the MWVHA is moving from planning stages to full launch in August. Independence City Councilor Shannon Corr officially was appointed to its board Tuesday night at the Independence City Council meeting. Ms. Corr said she hopes to help identify housing for a wide range of homeless individuals, including veterans and women with children. Trammart News will take a more in-depth look at this issue in a coming Independent. -end-