By Chelly Bouferrache
For The New Era
The Halsey City Council met Tuesday for its regular monthly session, receiving Sweet Home Sanitation’s annual report, amending an ordinance on RV residency, and discussing funding efforts, staff training and an upcoming library fundraiser.
Sweet Home Sanitation, Halsey’s local waste service provider, presented its yearly report, highlighting its safety record and customer account totals. Company officials confirmed June 21 as the date for this year’s Spring Cleanup, with tentative plans for Household Waste Day and Halsey Cleanup Day later in 2025, pending final scheduling.
The council approved an amendment to the Halsey Municipal Code, updating provisions related to camping and RV residency on private property. The revised ordinance requires a permit to live in an RV be limited to six months, with a single extension available for extenuating circumstances. The city’s attorney reviewed the language and recommended wording changes, which will be incorporated into the final version with additional instruction for enforcement.
City Administrator Briana Parra-Olkowski provided an update on funding efforts, including ongoing grant writing to support municipal projects. She also reported on a recent staff training event, where city employees completed CPR and First Aid certification and practiced using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to enhance workplace safety and emergency preparedness. Parra-Olkowski said of the event, “This was hosted by Halsey Fire Department and we had our Fire Chief Travis come and he was fantastic! He was entertaining and informative, really knew his stuff and answered an array of questions.”
Rep. Janelle Bynum recently met with Mayor Jerry Lachenbruch and four other mayors to discuss regional concerns, expressing willingness to hold a local town hall in Halsey if there is sufficient community interest, according to Lachenbruch. The mayor said of the meeting: “We met with her. She is trying to get a handle on what communities need. She is very much an Oregon-centric individual, rather than getting into the whole left-right politics, which is refreshing. She is wanting to know what it is we need, what are our major concerns.”
The council also spotlighted the Halsey City Library’s “Book-It” 5K fundraiser, set for Saturday, April 22, at 9 a.m. at Halsey Memorial Park. Registration is open online, or in person at City Hall and the library. City council encouraged local businesses and vendors to participate and there is a raffle for early registrants to boost community involvement. More details are available at halsey.or.gov.
The city announced one vacancy on the budget committee, with applications available at City Hall. Members of the community were encouraged to apply. Officials also noted there will be no council meeting in April.
The next regular meeting is set for May 13 at 7 p.m.