Fund raising for Arnold's trip under way (06/22/04)

Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier expressed his admiration for Stephanie Arnold, who recently qualified to compete in the 2004 Olympics on the U.S. women’s archery team, during Monday evening’s Portland City Council meeting.

“I can’t be more excited, more happy for her,” he said. “I’m very proud of Stephanie.”

Hosier encouraged Portland businesses which have signs to express support for Arnold, who is Hosier’s administrative assistant. He also said residents who want to support Arnold’s trip to the Olympics in Athens, Greece, may contribute to the Stephanie Arnold Olympics Fund. Cash, checks or money orders will be accepted and can be sent to or dropped off at Portland City Hall.

Hosier said a fund-raising event for Arnold’s trip and several other activities are being planned for upcoming weeks.

Also Monday, the council approved a tax abatement request based upon a recommendation by the Portland Tax Abatement Advisory Committee.

Jay Products was requesting a five-year tax abatement for a new piece of equipment valued at $216,550. The new crown multi-tube bender will not lead to an increase in employees or change any salaries.

The tax abatement will allow the company to pay taxes on the new equipment on an increasing scale.

The council voted to forward the request to the committee during its June 7 meeting.

The council also approved on first and second reading a map change request by local realtor Mel Smitley for lots located at 517 S. Vine St. and 513 S. Helen St.

The Portland Planning Commission approved the request for the lots to be rezoned from industrial to R-10 at its June 3 meeting, as long as the change wouldn’t affect the wellhead protection plan.

City clerk-treasurer Barbara Blackford presented a letter from Jay/Portland Building and Planning administrator Bill Milligan stating the rezoning would not interfere with the protection plan. The purpose of the plan is to prevent groundwater contamination.

In other business, the city street department superintendent Jeff Harker said the street department will begin picking up larger trash items on the first Monday of every month in Portland. Appliances, furniture, shrubs and trees will be picked up beginning on Monday, Aug. 2.

A city-wide collection of large items also will take place from Monday, July 12 through Monday, July 19. Refrigerators and air conditioners will be picked up, as long as they are tagged and the Freon has been removed. Tires will not be collected. Also Monday, the council heard Harker report the street department will begin spraying for mosquitoes on Thursday, June 24 at dusk. He said the spraying will probably be done from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.[[In-content Ad]]