Hearings Officer – A solicitation was put out for a Code Enforcement Hearings Officer.

Tater Tots Trail – Dan was super helpful in getting some drawings updated for the Walmart easement acquisition for the trail, that Walmart requested.

School – We worked collaboratively with the 8C School district this week to help keep some dogs off the Aiken school grounds. The dogs on the school property were tormenting a dog living behind the school and its owner.

Airport Manager Replacement – We conducted an interview cut for applicants for the airport manager job. The first-round interviews have been scheduled.

Graffiti - Councilor Rodriguez let me know about the graffiti on the underpass Tuesday morning. I’m happy to report that public works got it painted over the same day. The tagging on the utility box wrap was also removed without damaging the artwork.

Energy Savings Study – I met with Ameresco to go over the energy savings project. We looked through the list together. We are going to have a final meeting with Jacobs before coming to the City Council.

Homeless Shelter – We are having a weekly conference call for the homeless transitional shelter every Wednesday. It seems to be moving with a little clearer direction at this time. The critical path right now is the electrician. We got some commitments from our faith-based community for items needed for residents. They stand at ready to respond to help needed as very willing partners.

Airport
The repair to the perimeter fence at the north end of the field that was damaged after a police chase has been completed. The Airport rotating beacon is out of service again and a NOTAM has been issued. We are looking into a more reliable light. A set of plans to construct a new hangar has been turned in and will be reviewed by the Airport Committee Monday night as a first step toward approval.
Toby, Dan B. and Dan C. met with the FAA to discuss the master planning effort. They reported that it was a good meeting and we should be fine to move forward. We will be looking for a final scope of work and budget needs for approval of the agreement with JUB.

Fire & Rescue
Meetings
11/16/20 Some of the COVID-19 safety team met to work on the new OSHA rules and requirements that have come out for dealing with COVID-19.  11/19 Chief and others attended the weekly county COVID-19 Task Force Meeting.

Inspections
11/18 Chief met with the fire sprinkler company at Presbyterian care facility to work on a plan for the large remodel.  11/19 Chief did Knox Box follow ups at 3 dispensaries, and TVCC Vo-Tech. Chief worked with Manager at Marshalls for Occupancy limits, due to temporary COVID-19 restrictions.

Training
Due to the group restrictions from COVID-19 our training has been cancelled for a couple of weeks.

Events
11/17 Chief assisted with the county COVID-19 testing at the fairgrounds.

Incidents
This week the staff responded to a few burning complaints, some were illegal burns and others just nuisance reports.  11/14 The crew responded to an old, abandoned house on fire on SE 18th Avenue.  This was in the middle of an open field and was just being used as a flop house by transients that had started a fire and it caught the structure on fire.  The owner asked that we let it burn down, and we allowed that.  11/17 Rescue 1 responded for a gas smell at a business on SW 1st Street.  They shut off the gas and found no signs of leaks or unsafe gas levels, but they had Cascade Gas respond to check further. 

Human Resources
The Airport Manager recruitment window has closed. Staff will perform initial interviews for the top nine candidates of the recruitment. Candidates have been scheduled for December 2 and 4.

Police
Administration
Nov 17th-OPD hosted a department training day for sworn and reserve personnel. Training provided legal updates and re-certification for several state mandated areas of training such as ethics, Crisis Intervention Tactics, DUI enforcement, and non-lethal force options.   
 
Nov 18th- Chief Romero and the OPD Detective unit granted an interview and case review to the Malheur Enterprise for an unsolved homicide case from 2019. The Malheur Enterprise will run a story on this case in an effort to trigger some public assistance for additional leads and information that could assist with solving the open case.   
 
Nov 19th- Chief Romero met with HR Manager Hall to develop a job classification and bulletin for an upcoming employment opportunity for Code Enforcement Hearings Officer position(s). HR Manager Hall produced a compelling job solicitation flyer and position description.
 
Nov 19th- Chief Romero attended a Boys and Girls Club planning and board meeting. Chief Romero was recommended for and accepted the chair position for the Boys and Girls Club’s sustainability committee.
 
Nov 20th- Chief Romero reports that OPD’s city credit card was fraudulently obtained and used in the state of Texas recently. All steps have been taken to ensure the city is not liable for the expenditures and the fraudulent activity will be reported to the appropriate Texas law enforcement authorities. Chief Romero will use this OPD experience to remind the public (Via OPD Facebook) about best practices for reducing the odds of becoming a fraud victim. 
 
Field Services
Nov 16th- OPD responded to a shooting call at a business in downtown. The investigation revealed that the business owner accidentally discharged his personally owned handgun and was struck in the leg. The owner was transported to a Boise area hospital via life-flight. Injury was non-life threatening.   

Nov 16th- OPD responded to the Walmart parking lot regarding a frantic female yelling that her father had jumped off the East Idaho Avenue bridge into the Snake River. OPD’s investigation revealed that the female was having either drug-induced or mental illness induced hallucinations. The female’s family responded to the scene and were able to take her to a local hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

Nov 18th- OPD conducted a joint agency crime impact operation in efforts to curtail illicit drug related crimes.

Nov 19th-OPD responded to the Pilot Travel Center regarding two chronic, drug addicted homeless individuals that were already being sought by OPD. Both subjects stole from the location and were contacted nearby. One suspect surrendered without incident, while the other fled on foot and eventually brandished a knife at the officers who attempted to detain him. After a brief standoff and use of non-lethal force, the second suspect was arrested by OPD with the assistance of County and State law enforcement partners.

Nov 19th- Chief Romero, accompanied by city manager Brown responded to a downtown business regarding a complaint of the business not following current COVID 19 state mandates. The business owners were contacted and provided with educational information.

Nov 20th-Chief Romero conducted evening patrol operations with the night shift, to address no seatbelt and DUI violations. OPD responds to a high amount of traffic collisions and is looking to create a safer highway environment for all motorist during the upcoming holiday season. 

Code Enforcement
This week, code enforcement officers spent a substantial amount of time training and working on data migration for a newly procured data processing platform (iWorQ) that will be used by the city and OPD code enforcement. This new platform will improve work efficiency and communication between code enforcement and community members.

Code enforcement responded to two dog bite events this week involving the same dog and bite victim. The owner has been issued a citation for the identified violations.

CEO Reyna assisted Public Works with a report of a homeless camper who was trespassing on nearby lands and whos’ vicious dogs chased public works employees as they passed by.
 
Public Works
Field Services
Street sweeping is on-going for the next few weeks. Crews continue fall maintenance of storm water catch basins around the city. Crews installed a new level sensor in the Bench Reservoir tank. Leaves are being picked up.

Water
River Pump #1 is repaired and waiting for installation by the contractor. WesTec Unit #1 is out of service until new media beads are received.

Wastewater
The bio-solids removal contractor has removed 2,543 dry tons of biosolids from Lagoon #1 since dredging began Oct. 26th.

DMRQA Study 40 has been completed and submitted to the State.

Facilities
The air handling wheel motor for the City Hall HVAC system has failed. A replacement has been sourced and ordered.

Parks and Cemeteries
Staff continue mulching activities at Beck and Lions Parks. The Columbarium has been installed at Evergreen Cemetery. 

​Engineering
A rental flow meter will be installed at the Tapadera Lift station to determine capacity.

​COVID – Well I think the new restrictions kind of hit everyone with a gasp of wind. We were hoping not to see something like this again. I’m sure you feel the same as I, worried about businesses and workers getting by. The two week “pause” goes into effect on Wednesday.

Airport Master Plan - We had a good start towards getting the Airport Master Plan underway. Our engineer is going to communicate with the FAA. We don’t think there will be as much red tape since this is funded through the Border Funds and not FAA dollars.

Engineering and Capital Projects - We met with our public works staff this week to go over our capital projects and to talk about getting the new projects underway as the Council authorized me to do last week.

Merchant McIntyre – I met with Merchant McIntyre a few times last week. They are making some progress on our grants and we opened up a new discussion with Northwest Housing Alternatives about a health care grant.

Yiftee – Peter has been working with the Small Business Development Center on a gift card program for local businesses. The SBDC built their website, and it looks like they are going to get it launched in time for the holiday shopping season, which is perfect timing because of our “pause”, our businesses will need every help we can get them. Find out more at www.shopfourrivers.com/​. 

OCCMA Board of Directors - I participated in the Board retreat for the Oregon City Managers Association, as a new member of the Board of Directors, for a portion of Thursday and some of Friday. It’s a great insight to have more contact with my peers around the state.

Homeless Shelter – We worked throughout the week with Community in Action and the property owner for the relocation of the shelter. We are helping bridge some communication gaps.

Councilor’s Elect – I reached out to our Councilors Elect to schedule an orientation and also to help them get scheduled for the new elected officials training through the League of Oregon Cities.

Airport
Dan gave Al Cablay a tour the airport and briefly talk about snow removal this winter. The discussion included the surplus of old airport and golf course items.

On Monday the Beacon Light was restored to working order and the NOTAM was lifted after nearly two weeks of being down.

The cold weather is closing the window on our construction this fall. A meeting set for this Friday morning with the Airport Manager, JUB engineering, and the construction team will decide whether to continue or to stop for the year.

The Airport served just under $100 million worth of transient aircraft this week.

Fire and Rescue
Inspection
The Deputy State Fire Marshal and Chief did a follow up inspection at the airport for one of the Ag services staging area.  The building official and Chief did a final inspection on the exit gates at Wal-Mart in conjunction with the fire alarm system.  We also did a couple of other inspections at residential projects and at the Presbyterian housing project.

Investigation
The Chief along with other investigators worked on finding the cause of a garage fire.

Training
The staff did a tour of the Americold plant and trained on the dangers of an ammonia leak or fire.  Veronica did a train the trainer class on proper lifting techniques and protecting the back.

Incidents 
11/8 Rescue 1 responded to a gas leak at 41 North Dorian Drive. 

11/9 The crew responded to a dumpster fire at 881 North Oregon Street.

11/10 Multiple crews responded to a garage fire with other structures threatened. The fire was contained to a small amount of the structure and some of the contents. There is heavy smoke damage to all the structure and contents.

Police
Nov 9th- Chief Romero issued a Press Release (20-11-001) regarding an Invasion of Privacy incident that occurred at the Ontario Walmart on two prior dates. The case is still active and pending the adjudication process.  
 
Nov 10th- Chief Romero attended an online meeting with the Malheur County Law Enforcement Executive group. Potential impacts to the region from the passing of measure 110 were briefly discussed. COVID 19 concerns were also discussed due to the implementation of the OSHA COVID 19 Temporary Rule. 
 
Nov 12th- Chief Romero attended an online Malheur County COVID 19 Taskforce meeting. All agencies confirmed their compliance with current state and county recommendations as well as preparation for the launch of the OSHA Temporary Rule. Lt. Cooper (OPD) is working on an agency safety plan for OPD and conformed OPD’s procurement of a portable sanitizing device.
 
Nov 13th- Chief Romero issued an agency directive to all OPD personnel, regarding the Oregon OSHA COVID 19 Temporary Rule created to reduce the spread of corona virus at the workplace. 
 
Field Services
Nov 10th-Chief Romero spent some time out on patrol with OPD officers and assisted officers with the search for some known drug offenders and theft suspects. One suspect also has an outstanding felony arrest warrant. OPD recovered some suspected stolen property and impounded the abandoned RV the suspects use to transport large amounts of marijuana and during their criminal activity. The search continues for the wanted suspect.

Nov 13th-OPD continues to respond to calls regarding homeless subjects trespassing or causing disturbances in the east section of the city. Calls vary from traffic hazards (subjects walking in roadway) to subjects trespassing onto the DHS property and surrounding areas.

Code Enforcement
Nov 12th- OPD CE conducted four abatement appeal hearings for four different appellants. All hearings were resolved during their scheduled allotted time.

This week, CE officers responded to some animal control related calls due to the dogs being reported as vicious or dangerous towards other dogs and pedestrians.

Public Works
Field Services
Jacobs staff are working on the Beck Park Bridge repair. They poured wood stabilizing epoxy in the rotting beam sockets and installed additional support brackets under each beam end. Once the epoxy cures, they will continue with the repair.

Crews continue fall maintenance of storm water catch basins around the city. Crews have been flushing blind water distribution lines to ensure stagnant water is not accumulating. Street sweeping is on-going for the next few weeks.

Water
River Pump #1 is repaired and waiting for installation by the contractor. WesTec Unit #1 is out of service until new media beads are received.

Wastewater
The bio-solids removal contractor has removed 1622 dry tons of biosolids from Lagoon #1 since dredging began October 26th.  Jacobs staff performed solids mapping of the west end of Lagoon #1 and validated that the contractor has removed the amount of solids targeted. The bio-solids dredging moved to the east end of Lagoon #1 after Jacobs staff moved all the aerators to the west end of the lagoon.

Facilities
Pigeons are infesting several City owned buildings. Jacobs is researching ways to control them.

Parks and Cemeteries
Staff continue mulching activities at Beck and Lions Parks. Several Jacobs staff members have been attending a training webinar to ensure timely renewal of their pesticide application licenses.

​Engineering
Capital improvement requests are being developed for the upcoming annual budget process.

Well, it was a good start to the week with the notification from the Border Board to fund the Airport Master Plan by $200,000.

New Video – Peter finished a video about the city’s recent capital projects and has posted it on our website. To take a look at it, click here. It’s really well done.

New Councilor Orientation – I met with Councilor Hart early in the week for the City New Councilor Orientation. I’ll be reaching out to Mr. Kirby, Baker, and Melendrez to schedule an orientation with them over the next four weeks.

Legislative Policy: It’s that time of year where we need to start putting together the legislative program for the city.

YIFTEE – Peter has been working with the Small Business Development Center, particularly with Chris Holloway and Andrea Testi, to get a local business gift card program. This will hopefully give our local businesses a boost for the holiday shopping.

Shovel Ready Engineering – I will be meeting with Jacobs staff next week to start the process of getting some engineering projects ready, as council directed Thursday night.

COVID-19 – The governor asked for a two week pause on social activities today at her press conference. A few highlights. Pause on long-term care facility visits. Does not change any rules for faith-based gatherings. Staff need to work from home to greatest extent possible. Limit social interactions to your own household. For the full press conference click here.  Governor Brown said, “If we don’t stop the spread, further closures are imminent.”

City Funding – Our first two rounds of funding for business relief have expired. So, we are left with our own program.

Senior Center – I investigated the senior center and their HVAC has been fixed. I’ve been working with Stan’s Heating; however, and they have a product that can be added to the air handler that says it will capture 99% of viral airborne pathogens. We are working on estimates for that work.  

​Trace Contacting App –The state is looking at an exposure notification system by smart phone. A study in Washington showed that a 15% usage of the smart phone app correlated with a 15% dip in the transmission rate. You would just get a text notifying you if you were exposed to someone with COVID 19. The map below shows the state surge for the winter. 

Airport

Construction is continuing on the taxiway and hold apron.

A virtual meeting with the FAA has been scheduled for next Monday as we look at airport improvement plans over the course of the next five years.

Land/commercial leases are being amended for future use for agricultural applicators including containment, storage, and reporting of chemicals on the field in accordance with the Department of Environmental Quality standards.

The grass runway is moving closer to a permanent solution for irrigation as the bid to install the system that has been recommended by the Airport Committee will hopefully be completed this fall.

Human Resources
Both open recruitments are performing well. The Airport Manager position will close 11/15/2020 and the Police Officer position will close 11/30/2020.

Police
Nov 2nd- Chief Romero conducted a review and analysis of OPD’s Use of Force policy; to stay consistent with the goals and objectives of the Safe Policing for Safe Communities Policy (Presidential Executive Order No. 13929). All Oregon Law Enforcement agencies are being asked to review policies to be eligible for federal grant funding.
 
Nov 2nd- Chief Romero continues to work with city staff and OPD staff to finalize an RFP for dog kennel services. OPD continues to operate without a current kennel service agreement and is utilizing local veterinarian services for animal related calls.
 
Nov 2nd- Chief Romero met with the new Public Works Director to discuss joint traffic safety improvement strategies and critical infrastructure protection. They will continue the conversation.
 
Nov3rd- Chief Romero has commenced with a 2021-2025 OPD Strategic Plan. Chief Romero is working with community members, the OPD team, and city staff to develop a sound plan. Chief Romero hopes to deliver the plan to the city manager by Spring 2021.
 
Nov 5th-Chief Romero conducted an on-camera interview with Boise Channel 2 News regarding the passing of Oregon Ballot Measure 110. Chief provided a summarized overview of the legislation content and what potential impacts the new law may have on Ontario. 
 
Field Services
Nov-3rd OPD worked with Malheur County Probation and Parole to locate and arrest a wanted felon that has been evading arrest for some time. The individual was wanted on an outstanding Federal Warrant for weapons violations and is suspected of gang and drug activities in Ontario and the surrounding area. The suspect was located and arrested by OPD at the P&P office with the help of P&P staff. Great arrest and another serious felon removed from Ontario.

Nov 5th- OPD responded to a Domestic Violence related call in the NW section of the city. OPD arrested the suspect after he fled in a vehicle and collided with another motorist prior to OPD’s arrival.  

Nov 5th-OPD responded to Walmart, regarding a male subject using his cell phone and videotaping up the skirts of female patrons. The subject was taken into custody for Invasion of personal privacy and disorderly conduct. The arrested subject is from New Plymouth, Idaho. OPD suspects there may be additional victims and intends to issue a Press Release in the near future.

Code Enforcement
Nov 2nd- OPD CE responded to a trash complaint at the Mall site on SW 4th Ave. CE contacted the property management and issued a notice to correct to the property management/owner(s). Corrective measures were taken almost immediately.

Nov 4th-OPD CE investigated another “Pitbull” dog attack that resulted in moderate injury to the dog bite victim. Dog owner(s) have not been identified or located. The case will remain open and the dog has been impounded by OPD CE for the safety of the community.

Nov 4th-OPD CE impounded the vehicle of a chronic parking violator who also routinely litters large amounts of trash onto the public right away in the NE section of town near the Motel 6. Vehicle owner was also cited for littering.

This week, CE officers issued 7 property abatement liens due to non-compliance by the property owners. 

Fire & Rescue
Inspections
10/28,30 Chief and the Building Officials did final inspections and follow ups at 44 SE 9th Avenue for a Hemp processor.  10/30, 11/3 Chief and Building officials did final inspections and follow ups at TVCC Vo-Tech center building.

Training
10/27 Staff did the last week of smoke detector inspections and installations.  11/3 The staff did a hands-on review of vehicle extrication equipment.

Events
10/24 MDA fill the boot fund raiser.  The members collected from the generous community $14,750 for this worthy cause.

Incidents
10/23 Numerous engines and staff responded to 497 Foothill Road for a shop fire started by a wood stove.  Rescue 1 also responded to assist OPD at a crime scene. 

10/24 The staff responded to Holiday Inn at 210 SE 10th Street for smoke and burning smell.  They found light smoke and some mechanical issues with the elevator. 

10/25 NW 36th Street Rescue 1 assisted numerous police agencies with opening a safe during a search warrant. 

10/27 Rescue 1 and an engine responded to Mutual Aid Treasure Valley Paramedics with vehicle extrication for a roll over on I-84 MP 357. 

10/28 1187 NW 11th Street The staff and numerous apparatus responded to a fully involved motor home and house with an attached garage fire.  The fire also required mutual aid from four other departments.  This fire was very difficult to fully extinguish due to construction and it continued to smolder and burn for many days. 

10/29 Rescue 1 responded to a tree stump fire on SE 1stStreet. 

10/30 The crew responded to a dumpster fire on SE 1st Street which is becoming a common theme.  10/31 R-1 responded to a tree fire that was started due to an unattended burn pile. 

11/4 The staff responded to a structure fire at 2565 SW 4th Avenue they were able to contain the fire to a water heater and the walls around it with just smoke through the rest of the mobile home. 

11/5 Crews responded to a fence fire that also spread to a garage on SW 7th Street that was started by transients burning tree limbs. They also responded to a vehicle fire on Hwy 201 at MP 25. 

Public Works
Field Services
Street sweeping is on-going for the next few weeks.

Jacobs staff members are working with other members of the community to prep the location where the homeless tiny houses are going to be relocated to.

Crews are beginning the fall maintenance of storm water catch basins around the city.

Water
River Pump #1 is repaired and waiting for installation by the contractor. Staff have begun winterization activities at the water plant. Crews will be cleaning Recovery Bed #3.

Wastewater
The bio-solids removal contractor has removed 750 dry tons of biosolids from Lagoon #1 since dredging began Oct. 26th. Treated plant effluent water is being discharged to the Snake River as of November 1st.

Facilities
The Community Development building HVAC system now has an ozone disinfection system installed and operational.

Parks and Cemeteries
Winterizing of sprinkler systems is ongoing. Staff have started mulching activities at Beck and Lions Parks.

Engineering
Tapadera Lift Station capacity needs to be determined so future development can be pursued in the area it serves.

Upgrades to the fiber communications systems at the airport are being planned.

The SRCI wastewater syphon that will eliminate the Lower Lift Station is being reviewed.

Lots of night meetings again this week. Airport Committee on Monday, Council Meeting on Tuesday, Regional Equity in Recovery Team on Wednesday, and Chief’s Advisory Committee on Thursday.

COVID-19 – Our county numbers have been improving, but as you can see, our national numbers are showing a resurgence of the virus and the fear is that, compounded with the flu, it is even more lethal.
The County is focused on increasing testing capacity so that they can keep our positive rate down.

Coronavirus Relief Funds – We are getting money spent.

• The AV equipment has been ordered.
• The Boys and Girls Club received their funds.
• Community in Action provided us an invoice for the rental, gas, and electric assistance.
• I started the talk with the Senior Center and have a call to do some research for us.
• We have begun online service automation and it is scheduled to be complete by December 15.
• PPE UV lights for buildings have been ordered.
• Funds were sent to the Department on Aging for the vehicle purchase for meals on wheels.

North-South Trail – Two budgets ago we had money for planning the North-South trail in the budget, but we needed that money to complete the Treasure Valley Connector Trail. I submitted a letter of interest, a short application, for the 2021 Oregon Community Paths Grant Program. If we get approved to move on in the application, I can get Merchant McIntyre to help with the grant writing.

Tech Support – Peter finished the RFP for the tech support so that will go out to bid soon. To refresh your memory, that was budgeted to provide backup support for our in-house tech specialist.

Leadership Team - We had some good, but tough conversations about diversity and equity in our leadership team meeting this week. We don’t always agree, and it can be uncomfortable, but we need to have those discussions.

Energy Study – We got our first look at the energy savings study and potential savings. We will be going over that in the coming weeks and it will eventually come to the council for decision making.

Economic Development – Dan has been working on an exciting prospect. We also had a great PDAC with a potential new business.

Homelessness Shelter Committee – I have a meeting set up for next week with our faith based and business community to discuss how they can support the shelter operations. I’ve been working with Barb throughout the week on the site relocation plans.

Border Board Airport Grant – It is expected that the border board will meet on Monday to review the airport planning grant proposal. Keep your fingers crossed that we will receive the funding.

Airport
Construction on the taxi lane and hold apron is continuing in this nice weather. Dan showed the taxiway construction to a gentleman who is very interested in building hangars. 

We are still waiting on replacement parts for the rotating beacon as it remains out of service.

Time is devoted each day to the construction phase of the Airport, working with engineers, electricians, and construction workers. Thursday was interesting as we looked for underground power lines for the FAA automated service observation system and the Boise weather station. We were successful.

We also held a PDAC meeting for the Experimental Aircraft Association construction as they are getting their building ready for TVCC’s flight school use.

Applications for the Airport Manager continue to come in. It looks like we have a very good pool.

Police
This past week OPD recertified all four of OPD’s firearms instructors. OPD continues to focus on the development of personnel and tactical best practices.

Oct 27th-Chief Romero participated in an online Affordable Housing Seminar hosted by Northwest Housing Alternatives. Chief Romero assessed the impact the future population growth in Ontario may have on public safety services.
 
Oct 28th- Chief Romero was interviewed by the Malheur Enterprise (ME) to discuss crime statistics and trends in Ontario. Chief Romero shared some of his crime reduction strategies and anticipates an article.
 
Oct 28th- Chief Romero participated in an online Malheur County Community Mental health, Local Alcohol and Drug and development Disabilities Advisory Committee meeting. Strategies and updates were presented and discussed for responding to the mental health and drug addiction problems in the region.
 
Oct 29th- Chief Romero launched the Chief’s Advisory Council. The first session was attended by the (11) member council and some distinguished guest. The Chief shared that the group is diverse, professional and is focused on assisting him with a comprehensive solution-seeking process that will benefit the community and OPD well into the future. 
 
Field Services
OPD participated in a multi-agency narcotics enforcement initiative that resulted in an arrest of an Ontario area resident, seizure of a large amount of contraband, and a weapon. The case remains active and the Chief anticipates a joint Press Release will be shared with the public soon.  

Oct 24th- OPD responded to a Domestic Violence call made by a minor. OPD contacted all parties involved and attempted to arrest the male suspect. The suspect fled on foot from officers but was captured after a brief foot pursuit and struggle. 

Oct 27th-OPD responded to a traffic Hazard on SW 4th Ave near 12th Street. OPD located several Rail-Road ties in the roadway and removed the ties safely from the roadway. 

Oct 30th- OPD participated in an outdoor “Trunk or Treat” event at the Four Rivers Cultural Center. The event was hosted by the Ontario Boys and Girls Club and utilized current COVID protocol and safety measures.

Code Enforcement
This week OPD code enforcement responded to a dog bite incident, numerous traffic complaints and ordinance violations.

Code enforcement officers continued to work with Chief Romero on a proposed dog kennel services RFP.

​Code enforcement conducted follow up this week and was able to close 85 cases on Thursday 10/29. Code Enforcement still has a hefty follow up of over 90 cases.
 
Police was contacted last night regarding someone trespassing/living in a motorhome and stealing water from Beer Valley Brewing. Code Enforcement with the assistance of Patrol attempted contact today at the motorhome with no success. Code Enforcement sent out an abatement notice with the extensive violations at 932 SE 12th Avenue. Property owners will have 10 days to comply.
 
Code Enforcement conducted follow up on a property that previously was in disrepair and had multiple violations; location is now cleaned up and seeing progress. This shows the effectiveness of the Civil Penalty Process and current abatement process, to help make Ontario shine.
 
Thursday, 10/29, Code Enforcement towed 3 vehicles from the NW side of town that had previously been tagged with a (72) hour tow notice.
 
 The following pictures are of a property that was abated by Code Enforcement, which led to redevelopment. 

Public Works
Field Services
Street sweeping is on-going for the next few weeks. Jacobs will be coordinating with Ontario Sanitary Services to address fall lawn and leaf clean up needs as the transfer station is currently out of service. Crews spend time this week flushing end of line fire hydrants. More road repair work was completed on the Skyline Farm access road.

Jacobs is working with ACS to identify why there are repeated communication failures throughout the SCADA system. Jacobs staff is scheduled to prep the new location for the homeless shelter “Tiny Homes”.

Water
River Pump #1 is still out of service, Priest Electric is performing repairs. A debris basket is being fabricated and installed on a temporary pump in case it is needed to support River Pump #2. Crews will be cleaning Recovery Bed #3.

Wastewater
The bio-solids removal contractor has begun dewatering biosolids from Lagoon #1. It’s a fascinating process. I took a drive to see what it looked like and it’s pretty amazing.

Because the biological balance in Lagoon #1 has been upset with the dewatering work, odors are becoming more noticeable. This condition can be expected to exist until the dewatering project is complete.

Staff collected monthly arsenic samples as requires by ODEQ.

Facilities
Ozone air cleaners have been installed on all the City Hall HVAC systems. These ozone systems will provide a disinfecting effect for the air as it moves through the HVAC system and out into the habitable spaces.

The Community Development building is scheduled to be the next city owned building to the ozone system installed in the HVAC system.

Parks and Cemeteries
Winterizing of sprinkler systems is ongoing. Grass trimming at Evergreen Cemetery and Westside Cemetery is complete. The foundation for the columbarium at Evergreen Cemetery has been poured.

Staff have been working to remove the hanging plant baskets from the downtown light poles.

A pigeon exterminator has been contacted to present a solution for city buildings that are being challenged by the birds. It’s been a problem downtown too, so we will see if there is mutual application.

​Engineering
Jacobs is supporting the City with researching how herbicides are handled at the airport. Upgrades to the fiber communications systems at the airport are being planned.