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Regular Session Agenda

Item 6.A. - Revised Urbanization Intergovernmental Agreement Authorization Resolution No. 1511

Item 7.A. - City Volunteer Worker's Compensation Coverage Provision Resolution No. 1510

Item 7.B. - Abundant Life Food Pantry Donation Request

North Plains Public Library’s teen comedy improv workshop and performance have been rescheduled!  Please help us spread the word about this incredible opportunity for teens right here in North Plains! 

The brilliantly funny folks from Brainwaves Improvisational Comedy will hold a comedy workshop at Jessie Mays Community Hall on Friday, July 31^st.  They will work with teens (kids entering 7^th – 12^th grades in the Fall) from 3-6pm to show them how to do improv comedy.  At 6:15pm, we’ll throw open the doors to Jessie Mays for a special performance so the teens can show us all what they’ve learned!

Teens must sign up for the workshop.  Space is limited, so please send kids to the library to sign up.  Remind kids not to take a spot if they don’t think they’ll be able to make it that day.  Only those teens who have attended the workshop from 3-6pm will be allowed to perform.

If you are a teen who can’t make it to the workshop, or if you’re an adult who wants to see how incredibly talented our local kids are, join us at 6:15pm on Friday, July 31^st at Jessie Mays for the program.  This is a rare chance for teens in North Plains to work with comedy professionals.  Please help us make this program a success!  Thank you for your patience with our scheduling as we try to make more kids aware of this opportunity!

On May 26, 2009, USDA Rural Development published a notice in the Federal Register inviting REAP (Rural Energy for American Program) applications and spelling out the rules that will govern REAP applications in 2009.  You can find the notice here: 
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12178.pdf pdf version or http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-12178.htm text version.

REAP offers grants and/or loan guarantees for the purchase and installation of renewable energy generating systems and for energy efficiency improvements.  Assistance is limited to small businesses and farmers & ranchers.  Projects must be located in a rural area.  REAP grants and guarantees may be used individually or in combination.  Together they may finance up to 75% of a project's cost.  Grants can finance up to 25% of project cost, not to exceed $500,000 for renewables, $250,000 for efficiency.

We are still reviewing the notice in all its detail, but there are three things that are extremely clear and important for prospective REAP applicants to take into account as they formulate their plans:

1.  ≤ $20,000 GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE STRONGLY PREFERRED
The process this year will greatly favor applicants seeking a REAP grant of $20,000 or less.  Such small grants will be funded on a twice-monthly basis, and at least 20% of all REAP funds will be awarded to such projects.  So even if you technically qualify for a larger grant, your chances of receiving an award are much better if you limit your REAP grant request to $20,000.

2.  NEW FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT PROGRAM
The notice announces a new competitive grant program under REAP.  These "REAP-Feasibility Study" grants will pay 25% of the cost (up to $50,000) of obtaining renewable energy feasibility studies.  Assistance is limited to small businesses and farmers & ranchers.  Projects must be located in a rural area.  Details on this new grant opportunity are found beginning on page 24774 of the Federal Register notice.

3.  DEADLINE - JULY 31
The deadline for REAP applications (for both project financing and feasibility study cost-sharing) is July 31, 2009.  Applications must be received by USDA by not later than 4:30 PM on that day; a postmark is not sufficient.


We plan to update the Oregon web site - http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/energy.htm - and our REAP application templates over the next few days.  So please check in with our web site periodically to stay informed.

We are looking forward to working with you on your rural energy projects!

Jeff Deiss, Business & Cooperative Program Director
USDA Rural Development, Oregon State Office
1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Ste. 801, Portland, OR 97232-1274
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
503-414-3367 phone; 503-414-3397 fax
Visit our web site, http://www.ruralOregon.biz
For energy programs, http://energy.ruralOregon.biz

The Oregon Department of Transportation's contractor, Baker Rock Resources, will begin work on U. S. Highway 26 construction from SW 185th Avenue to NW Glencoe Road from April through November 2009.

For more information, please click here for the information page and also please visit ODOT's web page:  Link

The City of North Plains is seeking interested citizens who are willing to donate their time and expertise on the following Boards and Committees.  Service on a City committee can provide valuable direction toward the future of the community and assist with the development of guidelines.  If you are interested in applying, please obtain an application for submittal to the City Recorder.

Library Board  1 position term expires July 31, 2009, on the 5 member Board which is responsible to recommend policies and procedures for the public library.  There is generally one meeting monthly at 7:00 p.m..  This position's term expires July 31, 2012.
 
Budget Committee:  4 positions available on the 7 member Committee who are responsible to develop a viable budget for the City each year.  There are generally 3-4 meetings annually, typically between January through June at 7:00 p.m..  These positions have varying terms of up to three years, expiring December 31st.
 
Parks Advisory Committee:  1 position available on the newly re-established 7 member advisory Committee who review and recommend changes on the City's Parks Master Plan to the Planning Commission and City Council.  Meetings dates and frequency have not yet been established.  These positions will serve until the Parks Master Plan update is completed.

The city would like your feedback on the Water General Obligation Bond that was on the November 4th General Election ballot.  Please click the link below to enter your comments.

Water Obligation Bond Feedback Link

Direct Pay is available for your water bill and is a free service.  Sign up to have your water bill paid by Direct Debit.  Come into City Hall and fill out a Direct Debit Authorization form and attach a voided check.  Or, print the Direct Debit form and drop in the night drop box on the door of City Hall facing Commercial Street.  The payment will be automatically deducted from your account within a day or two of your billing due date.  If you have any questions please call Utility Billing Clerk/Receptionist Cathy Wiggins at (503) 647-5555.