Public Notices/News
NEWSPAPER NOTICE The Moro City Council will conduct two Public Hearings at the City Council meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. on July 5, 2022 at Moro City Hall and via video conference. The purpose of these hearings will be to consider a replat of a portion of the Barnum Addition to the City of Moro and an adjacent parcel creating a single 1.25-acre parcel as well as a Conditional Use Permit to construct a new local USDA office building on the proposed parcel. The applications have been submitted on behalf of Laterre Partners Holdings, LLC, the owner of the subject area. All interested are urged to attend. If you have any questions, please contact City Administrator Erik Glover at (541) 565- 3535.
Date: May 27, 2022 Contact: Erik Glover 541-565-3535 Hotel Moro Selected for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant Moro is among 28 Oregon Main Street Network organizations to receive matching grants for building projects that encourage economic revitalization in central downtown business districts across the state. Hotel Moro, a local landmark first opened in 1920, announced today that their restoration project was selected as one of the recipients of the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant. “The Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant supports downtown revitalization efforts in communities participating in the Oregon Main Street Network. The purpose of the program is to acquire, rehabilitate, and construct buildings on properties in designated downtown areas statewide; and facilitate community revitalization that will lead to private investment, job creation or retention, establishing or expanding viable businesses, or creating a stronger tax base,” according to the State Historic Preservation Office website. Hotel Moro is the largest building on Main Street in Moro and currently one of many unused commercial buildings in the small, rural town. Restoration has been underway since 2020, but with help from this grant and support from the City of Moro and Sherman County, bigger projects will be started this summer. “I am very excited about this grant. We can’t wait to start opening some of the things we have planned: hotel rooms, coffee shop, event room, gift shop, taproom, and more. This grant is such a blessing and will give us a jump start on our big dreams we have for this building.” -Amanda West, Manager, Hotel Moro As the grant applicant for Hotel Moro’s renovation project, the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce, which is the local Main Street “Hub,” has proven to be an invaluable partner. The Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce has played a vital role in coordinating opportunities and resources for businesses in our rural communities. The Oregon Parks and Recreation awarded the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce a matching grant worth $200,000, with $87,794 match from Hotel Moro. The grant will pay for complete restoration work on the Hotel Moro in Moro, including plumbing, hardwood floors, and remodel of hotel rooms and bathrooms. Oregon funded applications worth $5 million that best conveyed the ability to stimulate private investment and local economic development and best fit within the community’s long-range plan for downtown vitality and community need. The City of Moro has been a strong supporter of community enhancement efforts by property owners, through its own Moro Façade and Streetscape program, since 2016. The program is a cost share partnership between City/County/and private property owners to address exterior façade improvements. The grant program was created during the 2015 legislative session and placed with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The legislation established a permanent fund for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant and provided an initial infusion of funds from the sale of lottery bonds. The legislature included the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant in the lottery bond package approved in 2021. An additional grant round will occur in 2023. The funds must be used to award grants to participating Oregon Main Street Network organizations to acquire, rehabilitate or construct buildings to facilitate community revitalization. The program also requires at least 50 percent of the funds to go to rural communities, as defined in the bill. #
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS The Moro City Council will conduct a Public Hearing beginning at 7:00 p.m. on June 7,2022,at Moro City Hall and via video conference. The purpose of the Hearing is to consider an expansion of aConditional Use, adding 52,000 square feet to the existing Azure Standard Warehouse located at 500 Azure Lane, within the Industrial Zone. The application has been submitted by Azure Farms Inc. The specific substantive criteria relied on by the City in rendering decisions on the proposal are contained within Article 3 – Land Use Zones and Article 5 – Conditional Usesof the Moro Zoning Ordinance. Failure to raise a specific issue during the local public hearing process will preclude an appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals based upon that issue. A copy of the application and all other information related to this proposal is available for review at no cost at the Moro City Hall, and copies of the application and all other information concerning the application, can be supplied at a reasonable cost. If a staff report is prepared, it will be available for review seven days before the hearing and also can be supplied at a reasonable cost. The public hearing process begins with the staff report, followed by testimony from the applicants and any other supporters of the application. This will be followed by testimony from opponents to the application. Finally, a rebuttal by the applicant will be allowed. The public hearing for a portion of the procedure will then be closed and the City Council will consider the information and testimony received and may render a decision. Written testimony will be received until 3 p.m., June7, 2022, at the Moro City Hall. Oral testimony will be received during the hearing. All interested are urged to attend. If you have any questions, please contact City Administrator Erik Glover at (541) 565-3535.
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS The Moro City Council will conduct a Public Hearing beginning at 7:00 p.m. on June 7,2022,at Moro City Hall and via video conference. The purpose of the Hearing is to consider a Conditional Use Application to redevelop the old Moro School building into shared living spaces, apartments, and office space. The site is owned by Azure Farms, Inc. and the application has been submitted by Azure Old School LLC. The subject property is located within the R5 Zoneat 302 Scott Street. The specific substantive criteria relied on by the City in rendering decisions on the proposal are contained within Article 3 – Land Use Zonesand Article 5 – Conditional Usesof the Moro Zoning Ordinance. Failure to raise a specific issue during the local public hearing process will preclude an appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals based upon that issue. A copy of the application and all other information related to this proposal is available for review at no cost at the Moro City Hall, and copies of the application and all other information concerning the application, can be supplied at a reasonable cost. If a staff report is prepared, it will be available for review seven days before the hearing and also can be supplied at a reasonable cost. The public hearing process begins with the staff report, followed by testimony from the applicants and any other supporters of the application. This will be followed by testimony from opponents to the application. Finally, a rebuttal by the applicant will be allowed. The public hearing for a portion of the procedure will then be closed and the City Councilwill consider the information and testimony received and may render a decision. Written testimony will be received until 3 p.m., June7, 2022, at the Moro City Hall. Oral testimony will be received during the hearing. All interested are urged to attend. If you have any questions, please contact City Administrator Erik Glover at (541) 565-3535.
NEWSPAPER NOTICE The Moro City Council will conduct a Public Hearing beginning at 7:00 p.m. on June 7, 2022, at Moro City Hall and via video conference. The purpose of the Hearing is to consider a Conditional Use Application to redevelop the old Moro School building into shared living spaces, apartments, and office space. The site is owned by Azure Farms, Inc. and the application has been submitted by Azure Old School LLC. The subject property is located within the R5 Zone at 302 Scott Street..All interested are urged to attend. If you have any questions, please contact City Administrator Erik Glover at (541) 565-3535.
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS The Moro City Council will conduct a Public Hearing at the City Council meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. on June 7, 2022,at Moro City Hall and via video conference. The purpose of the Hearing is to consider a text amendment to the Moro Zoning Ordinance. The proposed amendment has been initiated by the City Council and is intended to be an overall update to the Zoning Ordinance. In general, the standards for the Residential and Commercial Zones are proposed to be updated to include the allowance of additional uses as well as more specific criteria. A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for review at City Hall. All interested are urged to attend. If you have any questions, please contact City Administrator Erik Glover at (541) 565-3535.
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS The Moro City Council will conduct a Public Hearing at the City Council meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. on June7,2022, at Moro City Hall and via video conference. The purpose of the Hearing is to consider the vacation of a mid-block alley located off 1st Street and immediately adjacent to Lone Rock Road. The public right-of-way proposed to be vacated is more accurately described as the mid-block alley bisecting Block G of the Barnum Addition to the City of Moro. The application has been submitted on behalf of Laterre Partners Holdings, LLC, the owner of the surrounding property..All interested are urged to attend. If you have any questions, please contact City Administrator Erik Glover at (541) 565-3535.
NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING
A public meeting of the Moro City Council will be held on June 7, 2022 at 7:00 pm at Moro City Hall located at 104 1st Street in Moro, Oregon.
Remote attendance will also be supported. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss
the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 as approved by the City of Moro Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of
the budget may be inspected or obtained at 104 1st Street Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or online at www.cityofmoro.net. . Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs, and the use of state shared revenues with the Budget Committee.This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is consistent with the basis of accounting used during the preceding year. Full LB1 available here: https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/56508e58-528f-42dd-929b-f8e2b5b2755c/downloads/LB-1%202022-2023%20PDF.pdf?ver=1653241629244
Zoning Ordinance Draft
Proposed changes to the zoning ordinance and building planning forms. Available here:
CITY OF MORO COUNCILOR VACANCY *IMMEDIATE OPENING* PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Moro announces a vacancy in the City Council created by the resignation of Councilor Seth vonBorstel (Position 3) effective May 03, 2022. Pursuant to the City of Moro Charter, Chapter VII, Section 33, hereby gives notice that the Moro City Council will fill said vacancy at the City Council meeting to be held on the following date: Tuesday, June 07, 2022 at 7 P.M. at the Moro City Hall 104 Main Street, Moro, Oregon This term would run from appointment date, until December 31, 2022. Persons serving on the City Council must have been a resident of Moro for the last 12 months, and be an eligible voter. Persons serving on the City Council must be able to attend all council meetings (First Tuesday of each month, at 07:00 pm at City Hall, unless excused) and yearly budget meetings. Anyone interested in the above position should send a letter explaining your interest and general qualifications for the position to: City of Moro PO Box 231, Moro, OR 97039 Or via email morocityhall@cityofmoro.net By: Thursday June 2, 2022 This is an appointed position by the City Council. Letters of Interest will be accepted until June 2, 2022 at 02:00 p.m.
Effective Date: 05-04- 2022 In-Person Hours of Operation Change City Hall Due to an employee transition in City Hall staff, the City Hall open hours will be reduced effective 05-04-2022. Please be aware that City Hall will NOT be open/staffed in accordance with the hours of operation listed on City Hall. It is expected that City Hall will be open/staffed for in person business, one day a week, mostly/primarily Fridays from 8-6 pm from 05-04-2022, to July 06, 2022. The City hopes to resume normal hours of operation in City Hall after July 06, 2022. City Council meetings will continue to be held at City Hall at 104 1st Street, and via remote broadcast/teleconference on the 1st Tuesday of every month If you need assistance, City Staff will be monitoring, and returning emails, and voicemails during the transition period. Operations of the City will be unaffected during the transition, such as processing/posting/depositing utility payments payment’s, processing applications, utility account creation, or other City business as per usual during the transition. Utility payments can be placed in the drop box, mailed to the City of Moro, Oregon 97039, or can be processed via secure Online Bill Pay (Credit/Debit Card) online at the City of Moro website at https://cityofmoro.net/bill-pay If you need local assistance, or have any questions about this policy please contact: Mayor Bert Perisho at 541-993-4400 Council President Andy Anderson at 541- 340-4745 After hours water/sewer emergency please contact: Moro Director of Public Works John English at 541-340-9651 We greatly appreciate your patience during this transition period. Moro Oregon City Council
CITY OF MORO NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday, May 11, 2022 @ 7:00pm A public meeting of the Budget Committee for the City of Moro, Sherman County, Oregon to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 will be held at City Hall, 104 1st Street, Moro Oregon at 07:00pm. In addition, the City will offer remote access to the meeting. For more information on how to access the meeting remotely contact Erik Glover, City Administrator at 541-565-3535 or morocityhall@cityofmoro.net The purpose of the budget meeting is to receive the budget message and comments from the public. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 10th, call Moro City Hall 541-565-3535 with any questions. The budget will also be posted on the City’s website www.cityofmoro.net Written comments will be read during the meeting, and will be accepted via email or via postal mail at City of Moro PO BOX 231 Moro, Oregon 97039 until 4:00 pm on the 11th of May. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting, via teleconference and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. (Copy of the Proposed 22-23 FY Budget, is also available under Local Government Section.
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS The Moro City Council will conduct a Public Hearing beginning at 7:00 p.m. on May 3, 2022, at Moro City Hall and via video conference. The purpose of the Hearing is to consider the vacation of a mid-block alley located off 1st Street and immediately adjacent to Lone Rock Road. The public right-of-way proposed to be vacated is more accurately described as the mid-block alley bisecting Block G of the Barnum Addition to the City of Moro. The application has been submitted on behalf of Laterre Partners Holdings, LLC, the owner of the surrounding property. All interested are urged to attend.
5-3-22 Job Opportunity:
City Administrator
The City of Moro is currently accepting applications for the position of City Administrator. General Statement of Responsibilities The City Administrator is responsible for the administration of the City’s daily business, long-term planning, and standard operating policies and procedures. Proficiency in computer and office skills required. Experience in Accounting, Budget and Payroll would be helpful. The position will handle paperwork that is highly confidential, complex, and sensitive in nature. Applicant should possess effective written and oral communication skills and able to work and make decisions independently using effective time management
Salary Starting Salary is $25 per hour, depending on experience, plus benefits and retirement. Minimum Qualifications-A High School Diploma or equivalent (College Degree is preferred); AND 12 months of general office experience (prior government experience preferred); OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which ensures the ability to perform the essential functions of this position To Apply Please submit a cover letter detailing the top qualities you would bring to this position, as well as a completed application and resume. Application materials will only be accepted electronically and can be emailed to morocityhall@cityofmoro.net The complete job description and application are available online at www.cityofmoro.net. While not part of initial applicant screening, any offer of employment will be contingent on the applicant passing a background and/or criminal history investigation. The investigation will be made subject to and in accordance with applicable law.
Veteran's Preference In accordance with applicable law, veterans who meet the minimum qualifications for the position may be eligible for veterans’ preference in public employment. The City of Moro is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Moro reserves the right to reject any or all applicants.
Public Notice:
The Moro City Council will hold a work session on March 01, 2022 at 06:00 pm (before the Council Meeting) to discuss City Project Priorities, Long Term Plan and Goal Setting. It will be held at City Hall, remote access will be available via the Council meeting link.
City of Moro Snow Removal Policy:
We all know how unpredictable the weather can be in our area. We have experienced winters (normally December, January and February) with no snow accumulation, to winters such as we’ve had in the past that deposited heavy snow.
The City of Moro’s plan calls for the backhoe to begin trying to remove as much snow as possible when the snow depth reaches six (6) inches or more in the major streets. The exception to this policy will apply on roads that ODOT and the County Road Department maintain, as they will be working with less than six inches of accumulation.
· The State (ODOT) maintains Main Street, 4thStreet, Emergency Services Area (Dewey and Moore Streets), and 1stStreet to the Post Office.
o During the hours between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM when snow is present or predicted no vehicles will be allowed to park on Main Street (Hwy 97) inside the City limits to allow ODOT to plow and maintain the parking areas.
· The City will try and maintain the rest of 1stStreet and all of 2nd Street to the best of its ability.
Residents need to understand the City doesn’t have a “Black Pavement” policy. The City’s backhoe is NOT a snowplow. The City will NOT be clearing every street in town when it snows!
During snow removal operations, the City receives complaints about plowed-in driveways. We apologize for this inconvenience and ask for patience and assistance with this problem.
Residents are responsible to maintain their sidewalks and driveways adjacent to their property. Please pile snow on your yard, not in the street. Business Owners need to remove the snow from in front of their buildings by placing it on the brick pavers section, NOT in the street. Also, keep clear all ADA ramps of snow.
The City will attempt to clear the snow from the storm water catch basins, which are normally located at a street corner or near an alley, so that snow melt can drain away. Because of the amount of snow, when catch basins are cleared, there will be a pile of snow at each corner near a catch basin.
Common Questions about snow removal…..
Q: Can’t the City remove the snow they put in my driveway and sidewalks?
A: The City’s primary duty is to open and keep open the main roadway system. Considering the large number of driveways, it is too costly and time consuming, and would require additional staff and equipment to perform this service.
Q: Why are residential streets seldom plowed?
A: With over 7 miles of streets to maintain, with limited equipment and staff, it is usually not possible to remove the snow of all the streets. We make every effort with a backhoe to get the two major streets.
Q: Can I park my car on the street?
A: Yes, on those streets where parking is normally allowed. However, ODOT maintains Main Street in the middle of the night, having to maneuver a snowplow in and out between parked vehicles can not only be dangerous, but one must be aware that if a car is parked on the side of the street, your car could be plowed in with a snow bank. The City will have to go around the car parked on the street and won’t be responsible on making sure you can get out.