Surplus items sold to highest bidders include fire truck
OROVILLE – The Oroville City Council approved a one percent increase in the city’s ad valorem tax, the most they can ask for without a vote of the people, at their Tuesday, Nov. 6 meeting.
The measure would allow the city to collect $252,742 during 2013 to add to the city’s coffers, according to City Clerk Kathy Jones. This revenue excludes additional revenue resulting from new construction, improvements to property, any annexations and refunds, adds Jones.
Councilman Tony Koepke made the motion to approve the increase and Councilman Walt Hart made the second to the motion which was unanimously approved without further discussion.
Victoria Henzie, who owns the Pastime Bar and Grill on 1307 Main with her husband Brant, appeared before the council to request a five-year sidewalk use permit. The permit would allow outdoor seating on the sidewalk for eight customers at two tables on the bar side. The seating would be surrounded by a 42″ railing.
After some discussion about whether the rails could be removed for snow removal in the winter, which Hinze said was possible, Kopke motioned approval and it was seconded by Councilwoman Neysa Roley and passed. Hinze said the bar and restaurant was still on schedule to open next May.
“I like the idea actually,” said Mayor Chuck Spieth about the sidewalk seating.
A permit for outside seating was also approved for the Back to Basics, hot dog and ice cream shop, on 1419 Main.
The council authorized the mayor to sign the Ambulance Service Agreement between the city and the rural ambulance service.
“We’re pushing hard to get the new ambulance ordered,” said Debra Donahue, who discussed the option of piggybacking Oroville’s order with Brewster’s bid call for an ambulance.
Arnie Marchand told the council that the Carbon Cycle Crush canola seed crushing plant had added a second shift – moving one step closer to their goal of running three shifts and operating 24/7.
“They’re getting more seed from up north, production has tripled,” said Marchand.
The meeting was also advertised as a bid opening for several surplus city items. Only seven people made offers, with some bidding on multiple items. Norm Finsen won the 1975 American LaFrance Pumper Truck for $1333.33 and Don Beanblossum won three apple bins of assorted brass water meters for $2,693.82, as well as a 1976 FMC Wayne Street Sweeper for $450 and a 1958 Street Sweeper (for parts) for $150. Terry Glover was the high bidder on a 2001 Chevy Impala at $626 and Clint Anderson was high bidder on a 1989 Chevy S-10 pickup at $301.50 Jason Wildermuth took home 18 bicycles for $50 and five tires for $20.
