Vale council tackles old fire hall ownership issue
By Katie Pizza
Argus Observer
Thursday, March 13, 2008 1:43 PM PDT
Vale — The Vale City Council welcomed area attorney Brian Zanotelli to the elected board during Tuesday’s night regularly scheduled meeting.
Zanotelli replaces outgoing City Councilman Johnny Martinez.
Martinez departed the council, he said in a February letter to the board, so he could fulfill his educational and career goals.
Zanotelli accepted his nomination and was sworn in by city attorney Larry Sullivan shortly after announcing his interest in the position.
“I think it’s great,” Zanotelli said after the meeting. “I’m excited to be involved.”
Zanotelli was also nominated by Mayor Bill Lawrence to head the Vale Public Works Committee.
In other business, the council continued to discuss the future of the old fire hall.
The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, which provides law enforcement services to the city, uses the old fire hall now for marine services and search and rescue storage.
In February, Sullivan said at some point money must be put into the building, but the sheriff’s office needs some kind of defined ownership of the city’s building before it can apply for loans.
Malheur County Sheriff Andy Bentz told the council in February his office wants to maintain the historical aspect of the fire hall, maybe even putting in a facade to make it look like the fire doors were back in their original position.
The newer west-end office space is the only part of the building he did not believe could be saved.
“I have problems just giving it away as it is city property,” Vale City Councilman Mike Bannon said. “I just feel we ought to retain ownership.”
Vale City Councilman Jeff Kunzman also voiced his hesitation to giving away the property for free.
Sullivan suggested officials find out what the property is worth then subtract portions of money owed through any repairs the sheriff’s office might provide to the structure. He then recommended the issue be tabled until the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office can present a formal proposal on the issue.
Lawrence’s top concern were the leaks and a faulty wall in the building.
“At what point does our asset become a liability?” he asked.
The City Council also discussed other financial issues.
One such issue was a potential loan to Colleen and Karl Penne for their business Breath Taking Baking, which is situated at 1656 Graham Blvd. The $40,000 loan from the revolving loan fund was approved. However, Bannon said he was opposed to the motion because he wanted more information about how the money would be used. The council agreed to allow Sullivan to investigate the matter further.
Another restaurant-related issue was a potential liquor license for Cabelitas Taqueria, which is situated at 148 A St. W., and is owned by Pablo Palafox.
Palafox requested a beer and liquor license through the OLCC but his request was tabled by the council.
City manager Brent Barton spoke in favor of the delay.
“Palafox still has a lot of furniture to bring from Denver. He has to get all that down here and get it set up,” he said. The Vale City Council will reconvene at 7 p.m. March 25.
