Vader City Council report

An executive session to determine the legitimacy of a water moratorium on Vader will be rescheduled due to the unavailability of Lewis County Public Works Director Tim Elsea during the City Council’s April 16 meeting.

Mayor Ken Smith shared during the previous meeting Elsea had told him there was no moratorium against Vader, though Smith said he remembers hand-delivering a copy of Resolution 2009-19 to Elsea when articulating the existence of a county-imposed moratorium four years ago. Elsea reportedly expressed his intention to attend the next meeting May 7.

Five interested contractors did a walk-through of the city’s wastewater treatment facility detailing the scope and scale of a proposed facilities plan amendment, with only one responding back as of the meeting. The deadline for submitting applications was April 17. In related news, Resolution 05-2013 was passed maintaining sewer rates at the current non-profit organization discount.

Enforcing the new Animal and Abandoned/Derelict Building ordinances drew attention, with roaming dogs and livestock mentioned as nuisances, drawing speculation about an animal control position or resource, but abandoned homes, especially rentals with garbage, junk vehicles and neglected grounds were deemed an attractive nuisance for squatters and transients besides being a general eyesore.

Much of the meeting revolved around a grant proposal to study the possibility of creating a Joint Police Agency. Toledo Police Chief John Brockmueller was on hand in a show of support and to answer any questions, as was a representative from Jamie Herrera-Butler's office.

More immediate law enforcement concerns regarding escalating vandalism and theft in Vader had residents seeking solutions from City Hall. With various council members relating their own experiences with rising crime, plus complaints from the community, inspired proposals ranging from a return to contracting with Winlock, increasing demand from Lewis County Sheriff, re-advertising for qualified law enforcement in town plus auxiliary community support like Citizen Patrols, Neighborhood Watch, etc. No consensus was reached, so a workshop to examine options for more immediate coverage was scheduled for this Friday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 7 at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. Those with questions or in need of accommodations may call (360) 295-3222.