OVERVIEW & UPDATES:JUNE 25TH MEETING OVERVIEW:
On a recent Sunday afternoon, the Dorena School Gym was filled with nearly 200 community
members attending the Row River Community Fire Meeting. Thank you to all who attended! For those who could not attend, here is a recap of our presenters: - Angela Kerns, Founder of Childs Way School, shared her stories as a witness of fires in our community over the years. She shared a recent experience of loss of homeowners insurance on the school grounds. (The full text of Angela’s speech can be found here: https://rowrivervalley.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Childs-Way-Challenges-of-Rural-Schools-Angela-Kerns.pdf.)
- Walt Bernard, President of Row River Fire Response, followed Angela’s story with a discussion of how hardships in a rural community can perpetuate into what is known as a “Doom Loop”. While
discussing current positives already happening in our community, he highlighted that a Fire District, including a Fire Hall with Community Center will help build our success, cooperation, and resiliency, all while providing much needed emergency services. (The full text of Walt’s talk can be found here: https://rowrivervalley.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Doom-Loop-Walt-Bernard.pdf)
- Fire Chief John Wooten of South Lane Fire & Rescue (SLFR) updated the group on planned operations until our Fire District is formed. This includes a Public/Private partnership between South Lane Fire & Rescue and Row River Fire Response, forming the Row River Auxiliary unit of SLFR. This relationship will allow our community volunteers to receive training,
mentorship, and operational equipment. SLFR is helping RRFR outfit fire engines that will be stationed in our community for a quicker response by our volunteer firefighters. Walt & Kris’s Farm on Booth Kelly will serve as a temporary station for the operations. The Row River auxiliary unit will operate under the current SLFR Fire Suppression Agreements.
- Fire Marshal Danny Solesbee presented information regarding the SLFR Fire Suppression Agreements. This
is a contract based program offering fire response to residences and properties outside of the current South Lane District. As an incentive to use the program, SLFR is waiving the $300 administrative sign up fee for the Fire Suppression contracts, thru July 31, 2023. To sign up, contact South Lane Fire & Rescue administrative office: 541-942-4493 After a site visit & driveway inspection, you will visit the office to sign paperwork. The fees are based on your
assessed property value. When our Fire District is formed and operating, homeowners will be released from the Fire Suppression Contracts.
- Jim Stearns from the Special District Association then presented on ‘What is a Special District, and how do they benefit our community?’ A special district is basically a small form of government, established for a specific purpose. In this case, for fire response. The district is owned and governed by the community it serves. The
community elects the board of directors, approves the budget, and provides input on operations. We will be part of the Special District Association of Oregon, and with that comes many benefits.
When the Row River Fire District is voted on and formed, it will include All homes and properties east of Dorena Dam, all the way to the last home on Brice Creek, Sharp’s Creek, and Laying Creek, including the side roads along the way.
This will be an inclusive situation that will benefit our entire community!
TIMELINE: FIRE DISTRICT CREATION:
Preliminary Application will be submitted to Lane County late July 2023. This includes a description of the legal boundaries of the district and economic feasibility reports, including proposed budgets and tax
assessments.
- The proposed budget is $150,000 annually
The Tax Rate to support that would be $2.4 per $1,000 assessed property value - Selection of Main & Satellite Fire Stations. Walt & Kris
have announced they will donate property adjacent to the Row River Church for a main Fire Station and Community Center. 3 other sites need to be identified for additional stations.
- Selection of Board Members to oversee the district. This will include community members who reside in our district. Please consider becoming a board member.
- Gathering Signatures. After preliminary approval, likely in August 2023, we will need our dedicated volunteers to help gather at least
250 signatures of registered voters within the district.
- Submit Completed Application to Lane County and State of Oregon for processing. This will take a few months.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: May 21, 2024 VOTE to approve the Row River Fire
District
July 1, 2024 Date of official creation of the Row River Fire District
November 2024: Taxes will be adjusted to include the fire tax
Meanwhile, our volunteers will be training with South Lane Fire and Rescue, getting up to speed for operations. After some basic
training this summer, we will include Emergency Medical Response services, starting winter 2023-24. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT AND PARTICIPATION! Things we can do currently to contribute and
help the cause:
Wishing you a safe and happy summer! Sincerely, 
Walt
Bernard Board President Row River Fire Response
EVENTS! MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Bohemian Mining DaysWhen: Friday, July 13, 14, 15 2023 Description: Stop by to say "Hi!" The Row River Fire Response will have a hydration station at Bohemian Mining
Days..
or mail to: Row River Fire Response PO
Box 4 Dorena, OR 97434 Your donations are 100% Tax Deductible!
YOUR VOTE COUNT: Please register to
vote!
ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER: This newsletter is provided by the neighbors in your community who volunteer their time and efforts to the Row River Fire Response. This newsletter will provide periodic updates about the most recent
developments including the following items: - Fire Fighting Training & Operations
- District Formation Milestones
- Upcoming Community Events
- CommunityWildfire Risk Reduction Campaign
- Ways You can Help and How to Get Involved
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Mail-In Donations: PO Box 4
Dorena, OR 97434 |
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