SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
For questions about the Corona virus: Oregon residents please call 211
For more information please contact the Oregon Health Authority: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.
The City of Athena has no additional information at this time.
City Council Meeting
April 9, 2020 @ 6:00 pm
The public is always welcome to attend. If possible, please let City Hall know in advance if you would like to be on the agenda for any items.
Mayor's Message:
Fellow Athena Citizens I have seen a few memes about wanting to unplug and restart 2020…not a bad idea it seems! While everyone was expecting a cold winter, I do not recall hearing anyone expect floods, contaminated water, or a pandemic! Special thanks to Kenneth, Kim, Michelle, and Nancy, for all their dedication and extra work on handling the water situation recently to make sure that our citizens were kept informed and safe. I would like everyone to know that the city decided to notify our residents before the state recommended notification time, and that we exceeded the notification recommendations from the state. We used not only social media to transmit information, but also the city website, paper notices on the post office and local businesses, the school’s phone calling system, local newspapers, radio, and some door to door notification were also made. Even with all of that, we realize that some citizens just do not have access to or choose not to use electronic communication, have no kids in the school system, and do not get out of their houses. We are looking at possible ways to reach those people perhaps through some community volunteers. If you know someone like that, I strongly encourage you to contact them and make a plan to communicate with them in such events. Our city workers are few and usually need to be attending to the immediate crisis at hand, so community members who are willing to step up and communicate beyond the means listed above to those in shut-in type situations are crucial. This current Corona Virus pandemic is just one more instance where community and families pull together. Do all the recommended health and safety things you have been hearing about, and also continue to check on one another. It seems like I keep saying it this year, but it remains true. Athena is a great community and I love being part of it.
Mayor Becky Schroeder
GEM Theater Gets New Mural
In August of 1928, film director F.W. Murnau filmed the wheat harvest scenes of the Fox silent feature film "City Girl" in Thorn Hollow, five miles from the Gem.
The film used local harvesting crews and livestock. We knew a lady whose husband was one of the farmhands and remembered visiting the filming.
The layout of our mural is based upon an original "City Girl" lobby card. The images are local harvest scenes that were promotional images for the film.
The mural was produced and installed by John Sasser of Integrity Design and Copyworks, Walla Walla WA.
Now Accepting Credit Cards
Due to customer requests, the City of Athena is now accepting credit card payments. There will be a 2.65% percent fee on all utility payments and a 4% fee for all licensing, permits, and other miscellaneous payments. This fee is paid by the customer. Hopefully this service makes your bill paying more convenient!
TEMPORARY CITY POLICY
RELATED TO COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS)
The City of Athena has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) potential spread and is in frequent contact with both local and state public health authorities. We are making adjustments to our practices as direction changes from those authorities. In order to reduce potential contact transfer infection, effective immediately, City Hall will be closed to outside visitors. Staff will be available via phone, e-mail, and appointment if necessary.
**WATER & SEWER payments can be made using the drop box outside City Hall***
**Payments can also be made via phone with the use of a credit/ debit card (fees apply) **
As always, we are here to assist you! Please call City Hall @ 541-566-3862 or email cityhall@cityofathena.com if we can be of service.
Stay safe and well!!
HELP WANTED
Assistant City Recorder
Duties are to assist the City Recorder. Skills Required: Computer aptitude, accuracy, mathematical ability, problem solving, and basic secretarial skills. Two years of office administration experience preferred. Must be able to multi-task and handle fast paced office setting. Competitve salary based on qualifications. Hours and benefits negotiable. Pick up application at City Hall, 302 E Currant St., and /or mail resume to PO Box 686, Athena, OR 97813. Dealine for applications is 3.27.20.
Caledonian Days
July 10, 11, 12, 2020.
Come join us the 2nd weekend in July for our annual celebration of our Scottish heritage! To get involved or find out details please email Sue Friese at: athenacaledoniangames@gmail.com or 541-566-3880.
