Contract on events undecided, City says
Concerns surface over weekend; City stresses no decision has been made
Rachel Cavanaugh
News Editor
The City of Goldendale said this week that no decisions have been made about whether or not to renew its contract with city events planner, Lorraine Reynolds.
“No official decision has been made,” said City Administrator, Larry Bellamy, on Monday. “We have taken the issues we discussed under advisement…the City has a procedure we need to follow. We need to let that process play out.”
The issues were raised at a meeting last Thursday between Reynolds, Bellamy, Mayor Areltta Parton, and Reynolds’ husband, Ron.
Details of what was discussed are unclear, but concerns about the contract surfaced in the following days.
On Friday, Reynolds said it was her understanding the contract would definitely not be renewed.
“I’m feeling disappointed,” said Reynolds. “But then again, without sufficient funding and sufficient volunteers, it was a really difficult job.
“I hope the community will support the City on whatever they decide to do. Events were very expensive and our community just doesn’t seem have the funding, nor the volunteers it takes to bring big events to town.”
Monday, local radio station, KLCK, reported talk about events planning being turned over to the Greater Goldendale Chamber of Commerce.
That same day, a meeting was held in the mayor’s office between Reynolds, Bellamy, Mayor Parton, Ron Reynolds, and Chamber President, Len Crawford.
However, officials said nothing official was decided during the meeting.
“At this point, there is no agreement for the Chamber to assume Lorraine Reynolds’ responsibilities,” said Crawford. “That’s not to say at some point the City might not make that offer and we may elect to take a look.”
The meeting came less than a week after the Festival of Speed, during which several residents complained about spray-painted haystacks and other “shenanigans,” according to Reynolds.
Reynolds said her contract is set to expire on December 31. She has been under contract for about four years.
The Mayor was unavailable for comment.
ABATE to hold spring gathering in Goldendale
A local biker’s organization has won the contract to hold its statewide, annual spring opener in Goldendale, organizers were told last week.
The group ABATE, (American Bikers Aimed Towards Education), will host the event next year over Father’s Day weekend, and will include a parade through town.
Len Schulmeister, Deputy Coordinator for the Columbia Gorge ABATE chapter, said they expect about 1,500 motorcycles and between 2,000 and 3,000 people.
The coordinator said Toppenish has had the contract the last four years, but it was up for expiration.
“They really liked what Goldendale had to offer,” said Schulmeister. “This is going to be huge economically. It’s going to bring in loads of money.”
Counselors among new faces in Goldendale schools
Goldendale schools welcomed six new faces and a couple of reassignments for the 2008 school year.
New at the primary school are Erin Klejeski and Debra Rawdon. Rawdon will fill the newly created counselor position. Rawdon moved to Goldendale from Othello, and will be involved in the program to reward students for self-management. Klejeski, a transfer from Tahoma school district, will teach fourth grade. Rhonda Kauffman, long-time paraeducator will begin a job-share role with last year newcomer, Jolie Henry for first grade and hosts math.
At the high school, Goldendale graduate, Ginger Plum, formerly Crocker, fills the new female health and fitness position and will also coach girls basketball. Jennifer York is the new Spanish teacher, also spending some time in middle school. York previously taught at Shadle Park. Elizabeth (Ellie) Thomas fills the new slot as counselor. She comes to Goldendale from Lyle. The new math teacher is Eugene Rowley, who principal Clay Henry described as having an “eclectic background.” He previously taught at Lacrosse. Scott Gray is switching campuses to teach art at middle and high schools. |
