Orofino City Council
Barton named new Public Works Supervisor
By
Ronda Nelson
John Barton was named as new Public Works Supervisor for the city of Orofino at the City Council meeting Feb. 26. There were eight applicants for the position. He replaces Mike McDade, who is retiring.
Nuisance concerns
Residents who reside next to the VFW and Rotary baseball fields voiced concerns to the council regarding disruption of normal family activities during baseball season.
According to the residents, a number of complaints to baseball officials have elicited promises of solutions to the existing problems, but so far no action has been taken. It is their hope that bringing the problem to the attention of the council will facilitate a speedy resolution.
The residents voiced appreciation for the progress that has been made and acknowledged the value of the baseball programs to the city. Their frustration lies in specific promises made that have not been kept. Safety and privacy issues have yet to be resolved.
The council has been in contact with the owners of the fields and with baseball officials in hopes of reaching a solution. Ken Hengen, a youth baseball volunteer, attended the council meeting to gain a clearer understanding of the problems.
City Administrator Rick Laam has met with the Rotary Club and received verbal assurance that a fence will be moved in order to provide more parking. The city has offered assistance in resolving the problems.
Residents also expressed concerns regarding a “junkyard,” according to one, in the neighborhood. The individual in question has been cited under the city Nuisance Ordinance. While action was expected in February, the individual has been granted a continuance and the new court date is March 19.
Addressing a separate issue, a resident voiced concerns about the home on the corner of B St. and Kalaspo that burned several weeks ago. Following discussion, Mayor Ryan Smathers requested that Police Chief Jeff Wilson inspect the property as it pertains to the Nuisance Ordinance.
Council vacancy candidates
The council conducted final interviews for three individuals vying for the seat vacated when Ryan Smathers was elected mayor. Ron Banks, Carol Lonsbury and Jerry Nelsen are the finalists. At the request of the mayor, Administrator Laam presented six questions to each candidate.
One will be chosen to fill the vacant council seat and announced at the next meeting, March 11.
Present at the meeting were Mayor Smathers, Council members Brown, Deitrick, Donner, Clay and McLaughlin. Administrator Laam, Clerk Montambo, Todd Perry, Public Works, Water/Wastewater Supervisor Annen, Building Official Elliot, Chief of Police Wilson, City Treasurer MacGuffie and Fire Chief Lee were also present.
The Orofino City Council meets the second and third Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. at the City Council Chambers, 217 1st Street.
Pictured: John Barton is congratulated by Mayor Ryan Smathers following his appointment as new Public Works Supervisor for the city of Orofino.