Linn County Communications Officer
Linn County Communications.
The Linn County Commissioners welcomed several children who attend Lourdes Public Charter School near Scio and their parents at its Sept. 13 meeting.
The children talked about how a proposed large-scale chicken farm will negatively affect the clean air and water quality near their school, homes and community center. The facility could produce several million chickens per year, reared in enclosed buildings.
Adults said they are concerned about pollutants creating asthma and other health issues for their children, since the school is only a half-mile away from the proposed operation.
One man suggested the commissioners must stop the facility at any cost, even if that means they are sued in court.
The commissioners explained that although they are working to help the area families, the area is zoned for this type of operation and it will take the State Legislature to change laws before such operations can be stopped.
Commissioner Sherrie Sprenger, a former State Legislator, encouraged the group to take their message to Salem when the Legislature convenes in February.
In other business the commission:
• Heard that the Linn County Law Library’s Eviction Prevention Program has provided valuable information to about 75 people on the verge of eviction, according to Law Librarian Amber Boedigheimer.
• Were informed by Planning & Building Director Steve Wills that there were 73 land use permits and 332 building permits issued in August. There were 20 dwelling permits — 16 single family units and four manufactured dwellings. There were 23 permits issued for dwelling additions and alterations. Fees waived in the Santiam Canyon fire area have totaled more than $113,000.
• Approved a resolution allowing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to work on an erosion control project near River Bend Campground, Cascadia. Parks Director Brian Carroll said the area is used by Fish & Wildlife to plant steelhead and salmon in the South Santiam River. Work is scheduled for late September and early October.
• Approved First-Time Youth Wage agreements with Mercy House International, Bellinger Reel Seats, Pimm Farms, Sweet Home Dairy Queen, A & W Restaurant, Schmizza Public House, Sweet Home Figaro’s and Berkey’s Blueberries.
• Reappointed/appointed the following members to the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council: Maureen Robb, Torri Lynn, Todd Noble, Ariel Lewis and Justin Thomas.
