ADAMS WINS
Score one for City Commissioner Sam Adams, who fended off a possible
challenge to his sweeping transportation improvement package—a
plan that’ll add a fee to residential and business water bills to pay
for $463 million in street improvements. Convenience stores and gas
stations were protesting the plan, saying the rate they’d be
charged—based on how many vehicular trips a business
generates—was unfair. Adams compromised, reducing the amount
those business will pay by about $75,000 a year, total, and businesses
that only sell fuel will see a further reduction if a statewide gas tax
passes to supplement the city’s fundraising.
“The Oregon Petroleum Association [OPA] will not refer the measures
to the voters of the city, nor will we support any other group’s
possible referral,” OPA’s Paul Romain wrote in an email on January 22,
paving the way for a council vote. AMY J. RUIZ
COP MEMORIAL
A memorial service is planned on Friday, February 1, for Portland
Police Officer Mark Zylawy of Northeast Precinct, who was killed Sunday
morning, January 27. Apparently, a semi-truck struck Zylawy as he
waited by the side of the I-5 highway after experiencing car
trouble.
“Officer Zylawy was not only a great officer, but a great friend to
many in the communities he served with compassion and concern,” said
Mayor Tom Potter in a statement on Monday. The memorial is set for 11
am at New Hope Community Church, located at 11731 SE Stevens, Portland,
OR, 97086. MATT DAVIS