The Mayor’s Corner 10/03/2018

Mayor Diana Thomas

Hello, October. At our first supervisors meeting in October, our Rec director reported that Fall youth soccer and football will be finishing up this next week and registration are beginning for basketball. Where did the fall go!

Departments were reminded that the new budget year began this week and taxes will not come in until January for the new year. Therefore, no major purchases will be approved outside of emergencies until the money is in the bank, day-to-day expenditures will be covered as usual.

The Water Department received the last needed permit to begin the rehab work on the river intake area of the Water plant. The City will contract for excavation and removal of build up in the river that creates flooding around the plant area. With the levy that is being built with the dirt from the Ridley’s construction area, this should give some level of additional protection to the plant during high water seasons as well as help provide some rehab of the river banks along the Weiser River where it comes into the Snake River. Vegetation and rocks will be placed to help cut back on erosion in the area. The work will begin soon because the work needs to be done while the water level is low.

This is a project that has been planned for several years with the help of our local Soil Conservation District headed by Vicki Lukehart and Sharona Olsen. We appreciate their help in getting the grant and helping wind our way through the requirements.

The City Council met on Monday for a special meeting to discuss possible incentives for new businesses wanting to come to Weiser. The regular meeting of the Council will be on Tuesday, October 9 at 7 pm due to the Columbus Day holiday on October 8. We expect to hear from a group from Weiser High School who are working to raise funds for a special new surface for the City tennis courts. Hopefully, we will have some additional information about plans for the recycling center as well.

Weiser School District is working to find a new date for the high school homecoming. The week’s activities had to be cancelled due to the cancellation of the Payette High School Varsity football programs for the rest of this fall. This is a great community event so hope it comes together for the kids.

Saturday will be a busy day. October 3 will have the annual Mud Drag races going on at Mortimer’s Island all day. Angel Wings will also be holding their event around the parks. Check Coming Events for more details.

October is Fire Prevention Month. This is a good time to check your fire alarms and replace the batteries. Both the Weiser City Fire and the Weiser Area Rural Fire will be holding open houses this month. The Rural will hold their open house on Wednesday, October 10. Drop in and meet Tim Atwood, the new Fire Chief. The City will hold their open house on Wednesday, October 17. This is a great time to introduce kids to the volunteers who keep our City and County safe during fires. Watch the local news media for times and more information.

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather this week. It is expected to be cool and the possibility of some moisture. The hills are very dry. Remember the burn ban is still in affect in Weiser and the Weiser Area Rural Fire area.