There was a full house at Waterloo City Hall on March 12 when residents attended the City Council meeting to express interest in filling vacant seats on the council.
Granted, the “house” is pretty small, but five residents attended the meeting after hearing there was a need for council members when a second seat became vacant following the passing of Councilor Allen Shearer last month.
Two of those in attendance said they would be willing to step up immediately, and they were duly sworn in. They are Bill Young and Chad Wolfe.
Bill Young was born and raised in Lebanon, and has lived in Waterloo the past two years. He is retired from the U.S. Army after serving 28 years. He said he wanted to be more involved with the neighbors and the community.
“I want to be involved with our tight little knit community and hopefully make some improvements around here,” he said.
Chad Wolfe was also born and raised in Lebanon, and has lived in Waterloo for almost four years. He works for the City of Corvallis.
“I just want to help the community,” Wolfe said.
Mayor Justin Cary said the two were able to fill the vacant seats immediately according to city bylaws, but three seats will be open for election later this year.
In other business:
◆ The council approved the bank reconciliation report for February;
◆ The council briefly discussed a city ordinance regarding chickens;
◆ City Recorder Brandi Libra informed the council a property near the old school that has a history of excess garbage is once again building up nuisance junk, and she would like a letter to be sent to the property owners regarding city code ordinances.
Cary provided more information on the matter for the benefit of the new councilors. He said the property has people living in RVs and unregistered cars that violate city ordinances.
◆ Cary updated the council on plans to expand City Hall. An archaeological survey must be conducted before the city can use grant and ARPA funds for the project. So far the city has received two responses for the survey work, and those archaeological firms must be vetted by the tribes before moving forward.
Cary said he’s reached out to firms for bids between Eugene and Portland with very little response. If the current two proposals do not work out, he might have to look outside of Oregon.
◆ Cary announced the city needs six non-council members for the budget committee. Libra said it would be two meetings that are expected to last about 15 minutes each.