Home Blog Page 104

Mayor Williams to coach T-Ball’s Gray Wolves

Justin Werner
-
0
Mayor Williams to coach T-Ball’s Gray Wolves

Don Williams Gray Wolves

Lincoln City, OR – The Lincoln City Youth League ran a Facebook post recently highlighting a shortage of coaches due to an unexpectedly large turnout for T-Ball. Lincoln City Mayor Don Williams answered the call with the reply, “I’d be happy to help.”

Gray WolvesThe first practice for new T-Ball Slugger League coach Williams’ Gray Wolves was held at the Lincoln City Cultural Center field. Players ran through a series of drills like the “Alligator Clap,” which showed the concept of fielding ground balls. Another fundamental to learn was to roll a ball back and forth with a teammate. There were very few passed balls, and the kids stayed focused, not only on Williams, but his daughter-in-law, Becky Williams, the assistant coach. The two of them held the team’s short attention span very well.

Gray Wolves

The 5- and 6-year-olds displayed a willingness to learn that could only be called eager. No kids wandered away from the area. Parents watched intently as the practice progressed, and it could be heard in the crowd that the Mayor was doing a great job as coach.

When asked why the team wasn’t named the “Sandwich Artists,” Williams broke into laughter. “That would have been great,” said Williams, who owns the local Subways. The decision to name the team the Gray Wolves came from Alejandro. As soon as he said it, the team name was passed by unanimous decision.

Alejandro

When asked why he decided to offer his leadership skills as a T-Ball coach, Williams replied, “I just wanted to make sure the kids could have a team.”

Williams played Little League as a kid and umpired in junior high school. He said he wasn’t the best player, but “the best players rarely make the best coaches.”

The Gray Wolves’ first league game is at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 21, at Kirtsis Park.

Don Williams

Updated: High Wind Warning

Justin Werner
-
0
Updated: High Wind Warning 
HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PDT SUNDAY

high wind warning lincoln city

LATEST ALERT 1:34PM

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Portland OR
134 PM PDT Sat Apr 7 2018

.The strongest winds have been delayed a bit. An occluded front
moved through earlier this morning with a modest burst of wind,
but stronger winds are expected with the bent back occlusion
associated with the low center expected to begin moving onshore
this afternoon and moving through the forecast area tonight and
early Sunday.

ORZ001>004-WAZ020-021-081200-
/O.CON.KPQR.HW.W.0006.000000T0000Z-180408T1700Z/
North Oregon Coast-Central Oregon Coast-
Coast Range of Northwest Oregon-
Central Coast Range of Western Oregon-Willapa Hills-
South Washington Coast-
Including the cities of Astoria, Cannon Beach, Tillamook,
Netarts, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Newport, Cape Foulweather,
Yachats, Florence, Vernonia, Jewell, Sunset Summit, Lees Camp,
Trask, Grande Ronde, Burnt Woods, Tidewater, Swisshome, Veneta,
Willapa, Frances, Elk Mountain, Ryderwood, Raymond, Long Beach,
Ocean Park, Naselle, Cathlamet, and Cape Disappointment
134 PM PDT Sat Apr 7 2018

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PDT SUNDAY...

* COASTAL WINDS...Beaches and headlands...South 30 to 40 mph with
  gusts 60 to 70 mph. Coastal communities...south 25 to 35 mph
  with gusts 50 to 60 mph.

* COAST RANGE WINDS...South 30 to 40 mph. Gusts 60 mph. Winds
  strongest on exposed ridges and west slopes.

* TIMING...Through Sunday morning. The strongest gusts will
  occur this afternoon and tonight.

* IMPACTS...These winds will be strong enough to cause tree
  limbs to fall and possibly topple trees and power lines. Power
  outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for
  high profile vehicles and while crossing coastal bridges.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A High Wind Warning means hazardous weather conditions of strong
and damaging winds are imminent or highly likely in the warning
area.

 

OLD ALERT 4:05AM

The National Weather Service in Portland has issued a High Wind
Warning, which is in effect from 4 AM to 8 PM PDT Saturday. The
High Wind Watch is no longer in effect.

* COASTAL WINDS...South 30 to 45 mph with gusts to 75 mph at the
  beaches and headlands, and gusts to 65 mph in the coastal
  communities.

* COAST RANGE WINDS...South 30 to 45 mph. Gusts to 70 mph on the
  exposed ridges.

* TIMING...Windy from early Saturday through Saturday evening.
  The strongest gusts occur from daybreak Saturday through early
  afternoon at the coast. Strongest gusts may continue though
  the early evening across the Coast Range.

* IMPACTS...Winds could damage trees and power lines. Local
  power outages are possible. Travel may be difficult,
  especially for high profile vehicles across coastal bridges.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A High Wind Warning means hazardous weather conditions of strong
and damaging winds are imminent or highly likely in the warning
area.

PREVIOUS ALERT 2:48PM

HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT
THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING...

* COASTAL WINDS...South 30 to 45 mph with gusts to 75 mph at the
  beaches and headlands, and gusts to 65 mph in the coastal
  communities.

* COAST RANGE WINDS...South 30 to 45 mph. Gusts to 70 mph on the
  exposed ridges.

* TIMING...Windy from early Saturday through Saturday evening. The
  strongest gusts occur from daybreak Saturday through early
  afternoon at the coast. Strongest gusts may continue though the
  early evening across the Coast Range.

* IMPACTS...Winds could damage trees and power lines. Local power
  outages are possible. Travel may be difficult, especially for
  high profile vehicles across coastal bridges.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A High Wind Watch means hazardous high wind conditions are
favorable in and close to the watch area in the next 12 to
48 hours.

 

————————————————————

PREVIOUS ALERT

A strong storm system is expected to develop rapidly while moving
across the northeast Pacific Friday, making landfall near
Vancouver Island Saturday. This system may rapidly develop a
second, equally strong low pressure center precariously close to
the Oregon and Washington Coast early Saturday morning, which
would lead to a very windy day Saturday across southwest
Washington and northwest Oregon.

For now, be advised that there is the potential for strong and
damaging winds Saturday throughout southwest Washington and
northwest Oregon. While the threat is greatest along the coast as
usual, there is also the potential for strong winds inland if the
low pressure system tracks close enough to the coast. Impacts may
include downed trees, branches, and power lines, leading to
potential power outages Saturday, even for inland areas.

Now would be a good time to ensure you are prepared for the
impacts of a wind storm. Secure loose outdoor objects, make sure
you have a flashlight and plenty of batteries in case power
outages do occur Saturday afternoon and evening.

Details remain uncertain, and a lot can still change with the
forecast track of this storm and its expected impacts. Stay tuned
to the latest forecast by visiting weather.gov or your favorite
source of weather information.

Best Beaches Lincoln City

Justin Werner
-
0
Best Beaches Lincoln City

Siletz Bay

Lincoln City, Oregon is home to seven miles of sandy coastline. We’ve gone through the list of beaches and provided, from our view at least, the best beaches Lincoln City has to offer. While this list is short, it’s comprehensive, but leave a comment if we’ve missed something.

At the south end of Lincoln City, Siletz Bay is a great place to enjoy the beach. Mo’s famous clam chowder is within walking distance so there’s none of that “I’m hungry and tired” while you’re in the car looking for a place to eat. Siletz Bay is where tourists and locals go to watch seals and you can almost always see a bonfire going. The lack of wind makes this spot an ideal location to bring the family to play in the sand and collect great driftwood pieces. Across from Mo’s, Eleanor’s Undertow offers premium Umpqua ice cream and over twenty different types of toffee. Eleanor’s also has fishing/crabbing licenses and gear for rent. They rent or sell the Crab Max which works great in shallow water.

Public restrooms. Parking available dawn to dusk.

D River Wayside

D River Wayside

Home to the shortest river in the world, D River runs under Highway 101 and into the ocean. This is probably the most well known beach access point in Lincoln City but with limited parking and ongoing construction it now ranks as the second best beach in town. Because it’s so windy the world famous Kite Festival comes in June and October and we suggest you check ‘em out.

Public restrooms. Available dawn to dusk.

Roads End State Park

Roads End

At low-tide you can get to a secret beach around Roads End Point but don’t get trapped when the tide comes back in. This spot made our number one because of how quiet it is. While most people choose the other two beaches on our list, very few make it to this one, so it remains a hidden gem. Wind is not bad and this beach is perfect for a picnic.

Restrooms are clean and well maintained. Open dawn to dusk.

We hope you have enjoyed our best beaches Lincoln City article and like we say around here, “It’s better at the beach!”

Council honors Ward, leaves seat vacant, & apologizes to Mayor Williams & citizens

Justin Werner
-
0
Council honors Ward, leaves seat vacant, & apologizes to Mayor Williams & citizens

Lincoln City Council Highlights 2/26

Lincoln City, OR – At the Feb. 26 council meeting, Mayor Don Williams asked for a moment of silence for the recent passing of Councilor Kip Ward. Council decided to leave vacant Ward’s seat until the November elections. Councilor Riley Hoagland expressed concern that a sex shop was too close to a proposed park. And the city council, and city attorney, apologized to Mayor Williams, as well as to the city staff, and all the citizens of Lincoln City.

  1. Mayor Williams asked for a moment of silence for Councilor Kip Ward (Williams)

Mayor Don Williams spoke of Councilor Kip Ward’s recent passing, and led the room in a moment of silence in honor of Ward. Ward passed away on Feb. 12, due to cancer. Ward’s seat on the dias was covered in flowers and candles. A celebration of life for Ward is planned for Sunday, March 11, at 2pm. at the Eventuary, 560 SW Fleet Ave, in Lincoln City.

  1. Council leaves Councilor Kip Ward’s seat vacant until the November elections (Anderson)

Following a short discussion, Councilor Dick Anderson suggested council leave Ward’s seat vacant until the November elections. The motion passed 5-0. Councilor Judy Casper was absent from the meeting.

  1. Councilor Hoagland concerned a sex shop is too close to proposed park (Hoagland)

City Manager Ron Chandler presented the proposed new park along NW Oar Place. Councilor Riley Hoagland voiced concern that the new park was only 200 feet away from a sex shop. Chandler said he would let the Parks Board know of Hoagland’s concern.

  1. City Council & City Attorney apologize to Mayor Williams, city staff, and citizens (Anderson)

With little discussion, Councilor Dick Anderson read a statement (included below) that the City Council was apologizing to “Mayor Don Williams, Mr. [Ross] Smith, the City staff, and the citizens of Lincoln City.” While City Attorney Richard Appicello also apologized, he neglected to include the city staff, as was required of him by item 1 in the settlement agreement.

The full text of council’s apology is:

Ross Smith has filed two lawsuits against the City of Lincoln City, and our City Council in which he alleges we violated the Oregon Public Meetings Law, Oregon Public Records Law, the Lincoln City Charter and our Municipal Code at various times.

With Mr. Smith’s decision to drop the two lawsuits, it will allow us to return to the duties we were elected to do. We, the Council, wish to apologize to Mayor Don Williams, Mr. Smith, the City staff, and the citizens of Lincoln City.

Although we do not admit we violated any laws we acknowledge the lawsuits have served to remind us to carefully ensure that our public meetings, and executive sessions, are held in strict compliance with all applicable laws.

We regret the impact of disputes between the Council, Mr. Smith and the Mayor. The Mayor and Council pledge to work together to minimize disputes that distract from the important work the Mayor, Council and City staff perform for the citizens of Lincoln City.

City Council & City Attorney to apologize to Mayor Williams

Justin Werner
-
0
City Council & City Attorney to apologize to Mayor Williams

lincoln city ApologyLincoln City, OR – After spending three years, and over $112,000 taxpayer dollars, on four failed attempts to oust Lincoln City Mayor Don Williams from office, the Lincoln City Council, and the city attorney, have finally decided to apologize to Williams, and move on.

Council’s mea culpa to Williams caps three tumultuous years of city officials alleging Williams committed numerous crimes. But for all their numerous allegations, no charges were ever filed against Williams as the city was unable to produce any evidence to back up their claims.

The apologies are the hard fought result of months of negotiations between the city’s attorneys and Cutler resident Ross Smith. Smith, a retired software developer, and fervent supporter of Williams, sued the city in 2015, and again in 2016, claiming the city held years of illegal meetings and secret votes. In exchange for dropping the lawsuits, Smith asked the city to donate $3,000 to the Lincoln City Warming Shelter, and $3,000 to the Lincoln County Bar Association’s scholarship fund. Smith is not an attorney, and wrote all his pleadings himself.

Asked about the settlement, Smith was conciliatory. “It takes a lot of courage to admit you’re wrong, and apologize. I thank our city council for letting the past go, and putting our citizens before politics. I hope we can now move forward, and focus on our shared goals, and not our perceived differences.”

In addition to their apology to Williams, council is also apologizing to Smith, the city staff, and the citizens of Lincoln City. City Attorney Richard Appicello, the man who spearheaded the multiple attacks on Williams, and alleged Smith was also a criminal, has also agreed to personally apologize to Williams, Smith, the city staff and its citizens.

Here is the full text of the apology to be read by Councilor Dick Anderson at the Feb. 26 city council meeting:

Ross Smith has filed two lawsuits against the City of Lincoln City, and our City Council in which he alleges we violated the Oregon Public Meetings Law, Oregon Public Records Law, the Lincoln City Charter and our Municipal Code at various times.

With Mr. Smith’s decision to drop the two lawsuits, it will allow us to return to the duties we were elected to do. We, the Council, wish to apologize to Mayor Don Williams, Mr. Smith, the City staff, and the citizens of Lincoln City.

Although we do not admit we violated any laws we acknowledge the lawsuits have served to remind us to carefully ensure that our public meetings, and executive sessions, are held in strict compliance with all applicable laws.

We regret the impact of disputes between the Council, Mr. Smith and the Mayor. The Mayor and Council pledge to work together to minimize disputes that distract from the important work the Mayor, Council and City staff perform for the citizens of Lincoln City.

UPDATED 2/27 With Video: 

The complete Settlement Agreement between the city and Smith is here.

Letter to City Council By Janell Templeton

LCH Reader
-
0
Letter to City Council By Janell Templeton

Council members,

We, the citizens, watch all the shenanigans at city hall involving city staff and council, and are dumbfounded at the hatred and misuse of public funds done solely for political and personal attacks. Citizens are afraid to speak out, fearing the consequences they’ll face from city staff and council.

Councilor Dick Anderson

Councilor Dick Anderson was installed back on council to replace our current mayor. Ironically, Anderson then kept Kent Seida from volunteering for any city committees. If you remember, Anderson quit as mayor to run for another position, and lost after spending over $800,000 campaigning

This council and city attorney has persecuted our mayor and it’s deeply affected his life, family, business, etc. For what? All because the city attorney has some twisted hatred of our mayor? In doing so, this council allowed the city attorney to misuse over $100,000 of OUR taxpayer money, for his own sick attempts to assassinate the reputation of a good and honest man. The city attorney is clearly running city hall. He’s wasted public funds, been accused of sexual harassment, orders city staff to do his dirty work when he has no authority to do so, turns civil actions into criminal actions, etc. He’s driven more by power, vengeance and paranoia, than by any desire to serve our community.

Lincoln City Manager Ron Chandler

The city manager has been rude to many citizens. He’s very ineffective and is derelict in managing our city. Why is council not addressing these employee issues? Are they afraid the city attorney will sue the city? Or is council hesitant to admit they made a horrible error in their choice of employees?

And don’t think the public hasn’t noticed the real reason Council denied the Warming Shelter’s zoning change request. The denial was recommended by the city attorney, who shouldn’t have had any say in the matter, given his bitter hatred of our mayor.

Public Works Director Lila Bradley

Yet council had no problem gifting property and zoning changes to Public Works Director Lila Bradley for her building, even though it was required to be demolished, or brought up to code, and will never meet parking requirements. Council also gave a backroom deal to Councilor Kip Ward’s Eventuary to skirt parking and ADA requirements.

The council is supposed to represent our citizens but sadly they represent hatred and favoritism. The unfortunate passing of Kip Ward should remind us all that every day we wake is a blessing, and that all the hate and discontent shown by this council is ruining everyone’s lives.

For the betterment of our city, the city attorney needs to be terminated and yet council does nothing. Chris Thomas, our former city attorney, was too professional and decent to even contemplate the dirty underhanded actions engaged in by the current city attorney.

It’s far past time for council to show some integrity, honesty and transparency. This council has repeatedly failed to protect and serve the citizens of Lincoln City. Please make sure to register now and vote this November. It’s time we take our city back, and elect leaders who will serve our community, and not their own petty personal agendas.

Janell Templeton

Lincoln City Code Enforcement Officer, 1999-2014 (ret’d)

City paying for Warming Shelter rezone filing, despite denial

Justin Werner
-
0
City paying for Warming Shelter rezone filing, despite denial

Lincoln City, OR – The Warming Shelter staff are not letting the city’s recent denial of their rezone request dampen their spirits to serve the unhomed, as an unexpected white knight has recently come to their aid.

warming shelter

Warming Shelter President Patrick Alexander requested the Lincoln City Council rezone their Taft property to allow emergency shelters, but council shot down his request earlier this month. Lincoln City Attorney Richard Appicello made sure to assert that a wide sweeping rezone was not needed and suggested the Warming Shelter apply individually. Individuals requesting a zoning change must pony up the $2,500 application fee.

The volunteers at the shelter are not letting this setback discourage them, and they have an ally that they may not know existed.

ross-smithLast week, the Lincoln City Council and Ross Smith agreed to settle the two lawsuits Smith filed in 2015 and 2016 against the city, that alleged council held years of illegal meetings and secret votes. As part of their settlement, Smith requested the city donate $3,000 to the Warming Shelter. So if the Warming Shelter does request a zoning change in Taft, the city will effectively be paying the $2,500 filing fee. The funds couldn’t have come at a better time, as the beleaguered shelter needs all the help they can get.

Also as part of his settlement with the city, Smith requested the city give $3,000 to the Lincoln County Bar Association for a scholarship for students interested in a career in law. Smith said he chose this charity because he had gained a deep respect for the law, as he had filed the two lawsuits by himself, and learned as he went.

When asked why Smith chose to donate to the Warming Shelter, he replied “we are measured by how we treat our weakest members. The volunteers at the shelter are doing an amazing job, and they need our support, financially, or otherwise.”

Since opening on Nov. 15, the Warming Shelter has prepared more than 2,200 meals and provided an array of services, including cold-weather shelter, to over 200 people. And when temperatures drop below freezing, the shelter is literally saving lives.    

“We’re seeing less people on the streets, so we know it’s working,” said Amanda Cherryholmes, who runs the daytime arm of the shelter.

Out of the 24 people who enrolled for help at the shelter, 17 have gotten houses or a job,” she said.  “Seven out of nine people we helped with building a resume have obtained work with online applications — a 78 percent success rate.”

The Lincoln City Warming Shelter is located at 1206 SE 48th Place, past Shuckers, in Taft. The shelter’s resource center is open for assistance or donations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.  To volunteer or donate, contact Amanda  Cherryholmes at 206-713-8234, or [email protected] or P.O Box 198, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

For information about the Lincoln County Bar Association scholarship fund, contact Marcia Buckley, President, at [email protected] or PO Box 1241, Newport, Oregon 97365.

Citizens get some answers, but Warming Shelter’s rezone request denied

Justin Werner
-
0
Citizens get some answers, but Warming Shelter’s rezone request denied

UPDATED: Changed Diana Hinton to Susan Wahlke in #4.

Lincoln City, OR – At Monday’s city council meeting Lincoln City resident John Forse was given some good news about the permitting process for special events. Patrick Alexander from the Lincoln City Warming Shelter appeals to council to have the Taft Village Core (TVC) zone changed. The new police station budget was approved for $10.5 million after an $11.6 million ask was shot down. Ross Smith’s two lawsuits against the city were voted 3-2 to be settled. And the city attorney attempted to remove the public comments portion at the end of council meetings.

  1. Warming Shelter president requests rezoning be approved (Alexander)

Based on City Attorney Richard Appicello’s recommendation, council denied the Warming Shelter’s request to rezone the Taft Village Core (TVC) to permit emergency shelters as a conditional use.

 

  1. Special Events permits required for Nelscott Reef surfing events (Forse)

City Manager Ron Chandler informed John Forse, owner of the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic, that the city held its meeting and had already informed the event organizers for the rival contest, the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Pro-Am, that they needed a permit to have a competition. When asked by Mayor Don Williams if he had told Forse about the city’s decision, Chandler said “Apparently not.”

Chandler also said that law enforcement would investigate any past violations of the special events permit.

 

  1. Concerns raised regarding City Manager Ron Chandler (Speers)

A private meeting was held between Justin & April Speers and Chandler. During the meeting Speers alleged Chandler berated him, raised his voice, and interrupted him during the entire meeting.

 

  1. New police station $10.5 million budget approved, after $11.6 ask fails

After a presentation by Police Chief Kilian, Councilor Susan Wahlke moved to spend $11.6 million for the new police station. The vote failed 2-4. Immediately after that vote, Councilor Dick Anderson moved to spend $10.5 million, which passed 4-2. Hinton, who voted against the lesser amount, said “it’s not enough.”

 

  1.  Suspend activities for alcohol and other intoxicant sales during an emergency

Councilor Susan Wahlke questioned #15 in the Authorized Emergency Orders and asked if cannabis should be included. The council discussed whether or not to add cannabis to the list of items to suspend sales during an emergency and ultimately decided to include the language as “Other Intoxicants.”

Chandler spoke about the aftermath of an emergency pointing out he would want first responders to not have to deal with intoxicated victims.

 

  1. Attorney opens discussion about removal of public comment from meetings

Appicello says it was suggested for discussion that council remove public comment at the end of meetings. Appicello said it was also suggested that council have two separate meetings, one for business, and one for the public so they could address any grievances with their elected officials. Mayor Williams spoke out against it with Anderson moving immediately to restore “Paragraph M” which would have excluded the public from the second public comment spot on the agenda.

“I don’t think once you create a public forum you can get rid of it, but I think you could substitute something that you felt was equivalent.” – Richard Appicello

 

  1. Smith vs. Lincoln City lawsuits [Executive Session] – move to execute

Council narrowly voted to settle the two lawsuits Ross Smith filed, with Councilor Judy Casper and Hinton voting nay. The motion to execute passed 3-2. Details of the settlement are unknown at this time but there was mention of a performance on the 26th that may be the public apology Smith was asking for in previous settlement negotiations.

Lincoln City Councilor Kip Ward passes away

Justin Werner
-
0
Lincoln City Councilor Kip Ward passes away

A Facebook post confirms Lincoln City City Councilor Kip Ward has passed away.

kip ward

Kip Ward was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a rare form of cancer with a low survival rate. His passing is a great loss to the citizens of Lincoln City, many of whom have expressed their love and condolences on social media. The Ward family is asking for privacy in this difficult time and in lieu of flowers or cards they ask you make a donation to Kip’s favorite charity, the Beach Bark Fund. Beach Bark provides immediate support to fund veterinary care for stray animals and for pets whose owners cannot afford critical treatment.

beach bark

City Attorney Appicello gunning for Mayor Williams again

Justin Werner
-
3
City Attorney Appicello gunning for Mayor Williams again

Lincoln City – A bombshell memo sent last week by Lincoln City Attorney Richard Appicello raises serious ethical questions about his lack of impartiality towards Mayor Don Williams, who Appicello alluded may be the target of a new “enforcement” effort to address new “misconduct” allegations raised by City Councilor Kip Ward.

Appicello EmailAppicello’s memo was in response to the Lincoln City Council’s motion on Jan. 8 directing “staff to engage a professional mediator … through [the Oregon] League of Cities,” to “facilitate collegial conversation and cooperation” between the city councilors. The League of Cities offers non-lawyer mediation and interpersonal relations training to member cities throughout Oregon, including Lincoln City.

But instead of seeking mediation from the League of Cities, Appicello sent his request to over 250 municipal law attorneys throughout Oregon. Titled simply “Councilor misconduct,” Appicello’s memo hinted that Mayor Williams had engaged in “self-dealing” (ORS 244.040) by “voting to fund a homeless shelter and leasing them his own property” in Taft.

Appicello also hinted a councilor was involved in the “unauthorized release” of “confidential information regarding a personnel action” (ORS 162.415). Appicello most likely was referring to details regarding an alleged harassment complaint lodged in April 2017 against Appicello by a subordinate who was terminated soon afterwards.

It appears a secret disciplinary hearing was held in May 2017 to address the charges raised in the complaint, but the results of the hearing remain confidential. On Jan. 8, City Manager Ron Chandler offered to answer questions regarding the complaint, and Lincoln City Homepage has submitted several to him, and is awaiting his response.

Mayor Williams denied Appicello’s charges against him. “I didn’t leak anything to [Lincoln City Homepage reporter] Justin Werner — zip, nada — and did nothing unethical in leasing our building to the good folks of the Warming Shelter,” Williams said. “This is another waste of time and money, and I certainly would not have voted for this knowing it would turn out to be another witch hunt.”

Ethical questions abound about the propriety of Appicello’s memo, given that Appicello himself was the subject of the complaint that he alleges may have been leaked, so he was “personally conflicted” as he described it. And it appears Appicello may have overstepped his authority by focusing his sights on Williams so quickly without first getting the council’s permission to do so.

Instead, Appicello appears to have been heeding Councilor Ward’s call to target Williams. At the end of the Jan. 8 meeting, Ward lamented “We have a mayor that is accused of self-dealing and we have confidential employee information that was possibly leaked to the public by a council member,” which Ward claimed was “a serious crime” and a “Class A misdemeanor.”

richard appicello This isn’t the first time Appicello has drawn a bead on the Mayor. In Aug. 2015, Appicello drafted a 315-page ethics complaint against Mayor Williams in response to two citizens voicing concerns about Appicello at a June 2015 council meeting. In Oct. 2015, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission absolved Williams 5-0, blasting Appicello as an “instigator” in the sordid affair.

Following that defeat, Appicello spearheaded both civil and criminal investigations of Williams. The year-long civil investigation was closed in Sept. 2016, with investigator/attorney Russell Poppe saying he  “found no smoking gun” on  Williams.  The failed effort ended up costing taxpayers over $72,000 for the 12-page “Poppe Report.”

After a year of interviewing Williams and other city councilors, and amassing over 800 pages of  documents, the Oregon Department of Justice dropped the criminal inquiry in Sept. 2016, citing “insufficient” evidence. In their report, an investigator chastised Appicello for failing to produce any of the “proof” he had promised them.

In Aug. 2016, Appicello was strongly cautioned that he may be violating numerous ethical rules by assisting in the investigations, so he recused himself from being involved in any further probing of Williams.

Another swing and a miss by Appicello. Strike four. Let’s not give Appicello a fifth shot at taking down our Mayor. That’s against the rules, right?

1...103104105...110Page 104 of 110