November 9, 2020

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.