Posted: Saturday, July 4, 2009 12:00 am
GAPS propane buses
The story: Greater Albany Public Schools applied for a federal stimulus grant through the Environmental Protection Agency to purchase 15 propane-powered buses through Western Bus Sales Incorporated.
The latest: The district did not receive the grant, according to Christ Ellison, director of transportation. The EPA received more than $2 billion in requests and and $156 million to hand out. In the fall, Ellison said, more money will be available, and GAPS will try again.
Amanda Robbins
Millersburg City Hall
The story: Last summer, construction began on a 2,500-square-foot expansion to Millersburg City Hall, 4222 N.E. Old Salem Road. Nomark Construction of Woodburn was adding space to city hall for offices, a conference room, an archive room, a break room and storage. Cost was estimated at $1.2 million and was to be paid through the city's general fund. The building originally was scheduled to be finished this month.
The latest: City employees moved into the addition at the start of the new year, although construction wasn't completed until early March. According to City Manager Barbara Castillo, the new space has been well received by employees and the community. She said only finishing touches remain to be completed, including landscaping. An open house will be scheduled for later this summer.
Steve Lathrop
Peak Sun
The story: Peak Sun broke ground in Millersburg in February 2008 to construct the first of three buildings to produce polysilicon for the solar power industry. Construction was completed on the first building on the 8-acre site last fall. The 6,500-square-foot plant for processing polysilicon went under construction soon after.
The latest: Scott Schumacher, vice president of sales and marketing for Peak Sun, said the second plant should be ready to go by the end of 2009. A final engineering review is under way and should be completed by the end of next week, and he expects that the company will begin hiring in October. It is expected to employ around 40 people. A third building, which will produce up to 65 tons of polysilicon, is scheduled to be completed some time in 2011. Once completed, the three buildings are expected to bring total production to 5,000 tons of material a year and employ up to 500 workers.
Steve Lathrop
Central Linn School board
The story: Wendy Holbrook and Tonya Smith each received 182 votes to tie for the race to represent Zone 6 on the Central Linn School Board in the May 19 election. A recount produced the same total.
The latest: At a special board meeting June 22, the board chairman designated Holbrook "heads" and Smith "tails" and flipped a coin for the seat. The coin landed on "tails," Smith was declared the winner, and she will begin her term July 13.
Jennifer Moody
Music fest lawsuit
The story: David Staup of Lebanon, who was the vendor coordinator for the 2008 Willamette Country Music Festival in Brownsville, had said he planned to file a breach of contract suit against concert president Warren Williamson for failure to repay a $10,000 loan for last year's festival. Williamson responded he had offered Staup a payment plan for the loan.
The latest: Staup filed a civil suit against Williamson on June 17, seeking $11,250
allegedly owed.
Jennifer Moody
Wyatt's Eatery
The story: Wyatt's Eatery and Brewhouse in downtown Albany closed its doors June 22. The restaurant, which opened in 1996, cited a declining number of customers, a slowdown in its catering operation and the general economic slowdown as reasons for closing.
The latest: Brian Oare, a former operator who still held an interest in the restaurant, has been looking to fill the space since the doors closed. He said he has several parties that have shown an interest but nothing has been confirmed.
Steve Lathrop
Allied Waste rate hike
The story: Allied Waste asked the Albany City Council for roughly a 10 percent rate
increase to take effect July 1, but the council raised questions and postponed action last month.
The latest: Allied Waste has submitted a modified proposal that basically holds to the increases proposed earlier but suggests some options by which the rates could be lowered slightly. The council is scheduled for considering the request at a work session starting at 4 p.m. Monday at City Hall, with final action set for next Wednesday night.
Hasso Hering