By Chelly Bouferrach
For The New Era
Halsey City Councilor Jerry Gillson announced his resignation at the council’s monthly meeting May 12, citing a move out of state to be close to family.
Gillson, who has served multiple terms on the council over 30 years, was praised by Mayor Jerry Lachenbruch, who said, “He will be missed.”
The council passed a motion to accept the resignation and initiate the process to declare a vacancy, review applications, and appoint a new councilor. No parting speech was given.
The council also heard reports from Linn County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Frambes on speeding concerns and a local soda can theft issue, and heard updates on a critical well project and library initiatives.
Councilors Scott LaCoste and John Miller were absent. Present were Mayor Jerry Lachenbruch, Council President Michelle Isom, Stacy Strauss, Karl Kropf and Gillson.
Frambes reported on a city-requested speed study his department conducted on southbound traffic at East 1st and D streets.
The study, intended to investigate resident and city complaints about speeding, was complicated by a speed trailer capturing trains passing through the area at 60 to 80 mph. “The train really messed with our study,” Frambes said, noting that the trailer detection system struggled to distinguish between trains and vehicles, particularly during late-night hours when alarmingly high speeds were recorded.
Despite social media posts and city reports about speeding, deputies have not observed significant violations.
Frambes encouraged residents to continue reporting concerns to aid enforcement efforts.
Deputy Frambes also addressed a known individual stealing bags of cans from porches often in broad daylight, in Halsey and nearby Harrisburg.
Describing the thief as “super frustrating, very brazen,” he asked residents to file reports with the sheriff’s office rather than relying solely on social media complaints. He urged the community to call in incidents to support investigations noting that this is the type of complaint they want to know about.
“It isn’t too small of an incident,” Frambes said.
City Administrator Briana Parra Olkowski reported the completion of Phase 1 of a critical well update project.
The city made an initial payment of $329,840 to the well drilling company, with the total project expected to align with the bid price of $454,650. Initial tests revealed lower-than-expected water flow (gallons per minute), prompting the reallocation of funds for additional well development work to improve output.
Librarian Kaitlyn Watts provided an update on library activities.
Over the past two months, 92 books were added, primarily through community donations. On April 25, the library celebrated Arbor Day by distributing free trees and offering raffle tickets for three arbor-related books, with winners to be announced soon.
The library’s annual 5K event on April 25 saw 64 participants, surpassing last year’s 58, and included day-of donations. Preparations are underway for the summer reading program, themed “Level Up,” starting July 12 for four weeks.
Events include a visit from Cesar the No Drama Llama on July 12, Lego Day on July 19, a presentation by the Museum of Natural and Cultural History on July 26, and an ice cream party with awards in August.
The council reviewed several routine items.
A city logo redesign process is nearing completion, with three options under consideration. A final selection is expected after the July council meeting, with an announcement planned for the annual barbecue. The council approved $500 donations to both Meals on Wheels and Sharing Hands, adhering to a donation limit despite a $1,000 request from Meals on Wheels.
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report, required every five years by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to monitor pollution levels, was tabled due to a technical issue with the handout. The council will address it at the next meeting.
Upcoming community dates include a Memorial Day closure on May 26, a citywide garage sale, and Central Linn High School graduation on June 7.
The next council meeting is scheduled for 7pm. on June 10th at City Hall.