GOODBYE TO JOY

As city manager of a vibrant community like Cannon Beach, it is always a pleasure for me to write about the great jobs our city employees do. In this case, it's a pleasure but it is also with sadness that I write about Joy Gannon, our soon to be ex-director of public works who has accepted another job in Hawaii. Today is her last day.

While I can appreciate Joy's decision to relocate to an area where the average year round temperature is 78 degrees, the loss to our city is enormous. Joy has spearheaded many public works projects, most notably the $5 million wastewater system improvement, a work in progress as we speak. To her credit, she has also contributed personally and professionally to the new skateboard park which will hopefully be started next calendar year.

While I have had the privlege of working with Joy and watching her outstanding leadership and management skills during my one year here, the citizens of Cannon Beach have had the benefit of seeing the effects of her work over the last 6 years. To quote city councilor Tevis Dooley, "Joy, you have brought a grace and professionalism to your job that is exemplary".

I could not have said it better. Good luck, Joy. I and the entire community wish you the very best.

OCTOBER 10TH CITY COUNCIL MEETING

The city council heard about plans to work with private property owners to underground utilities on a portion of the east side of Hemlock. As part of that effort, the city will begin studying the possibility of installing standardized and more decorative street light fixtures. Specifics as to cost, location and type are premature at this point but we do plan on moving ahead with a study in the near future. I'll keep you posted.

In another development, representatives from Western Oregon Waste were present to review the concept of co-mingled recycling with the council. This type of program involves mixing all recyclables, except glass, into a single large container for pickup and has been a national trend for several years. WOW will appear at a future city council meeting to provide more specifics. Note - there would still be a role for our recycling depot on 2nd Street with a co-mingled recycling program.