Council concerns about tourism funds addressed

CASCADE LOCKS — Interim City Administrator Gordon Zimmerman’s July 27 report revisited a topic raising during public comment at the last meeting.

The property on Benson Street appears to have been abandoned by its previous inhabitants, who allegedly caused problems. A contractor present reported that the bank now owns the property. No further issues have been identified. The property is reportedly still a mess, but no one is living there and the RV is gone.

Zimmerman attended the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District strategic meeting to review the relevant data for the region. In his report, he summarized the highlights: employment is down, but wages are up. Home ownership is up, even though mortgage rates and home prices are both up, and childcare costs are high or providers are non-existent, which hurts local businesses. School enrollment is down, and average resident age is up, due, presumably, to young families being priced out of the real estate market. Tourism is down, and the industry has the lowest wage rates. In essence, he said, the Gorge economy is stagnant.

Zimmerman was also able to assuage the concerns of Councilors Tiffany Pruit and Bernard Seeger, who, at the last meeting, questioned using tourism funding for PCT hiker handouts, namely, ”first aid kits, Liquid IV Hydration multiplier, compostable storage zip bags, paper soap strips for washing hands, toilet paper, tooth care kits, and protein bars.” City Attorney Ruben Cleaveland agreed with Zimmerman that, “It was a legitimate expense because it helps tourists who are visiting our town, making their stay more pleasant and in some cases, healthier.” The PCT hikers have expressed gratitude for these amenities.

Lastly, Ben DeJarnette from Bike the Gorge addressed the council as a business owner and cycling enthusiast during public comment. DeJarnette’s business provides bike rentals, sales, and service.

Since bike safety came up at the last meeting, he explained that DeJarnette and his staff always teach clients to ride single file. They typically leave from Wyeth to bike along the historic highway. Many cyclists avoid Forest Lane, since it does not have a consistent bike lane, and cars are sometimes parked in the bike lane.

DeJarnette expressed desire to be a partner with the city in promoting bike safety as well as bike use. He also asked for city oversight of the work by Oregon’s Department of Transportation, which has negatively affected local businesses.

The next Cascade Locks City Council meeting is set for Monday, Aug. 10 at 7  p.m.