Tim Hein was introduced as the new patrol lieutenant for the Keizer Police Department at the Oct. 16 city council meeting by Chief Andrew Copeland.
Hein’s rise to lieutenant was Copeland’s first promotion as Keizer’s new police chief.
Copeland told the council and the audience that Hein has been with the police department for three years after starting his law enforcement career in Silverton.
“He treats the public with respect,” Copeland said. “He does the right thing for the right reason.”
Keizer police officers and a few Marion County Sheriff’s deputies were on hand as well.
“As soon as I got here, I felt instantly welcomed,” Hein said about Keizer. “I felt like I was part of a team and I always knew I wanted to be leader here.”
Kelli Weese, Economic Development Program Manager strategic economic development project, saying the program’s aims are to grow the economy, increase employment and improve standard of living.
Weese said she wanted to learn what the city of Keizer was doing in the economic development realm and incorporate it into the program’s final plan before it goes to county commissioners for final approval in early 2024.
The chief’s of Keizer Fire and Marion County Fire #1 districts appeared to talk about levy ballot measures for both in November’s election.
Keizer Chief Ryan Russell and Marion County Chief Kyle McMann talked about the collaboration between the two district’s including a Keizer ambulance that is now housed at Marion County Fire’s Clear Lake station.
Both chief’s spoke of how respective call volumes, population growth and development stretch budgets and the need for the levies to pass.
Parks Advisory Board member Lisa Cejka gave a report on the city’s parks. She told the council that all 19 parks are in good shape. “They are beyond amazing,” Cejka said.
A prototype garbage can at Keizer Rapids Park, constructed of surplus material from The Big Toy project was discussed by Cejka. She encouraged Eagle Scouts in the community to come forward to make more of the cans as a project. Interested scouts can contact the Parks Board.
The council heard a report from Robert Becker, president of the Keizer Heritage Foundation board about the Keizer Cultural Center. He told the council that updates to the center will include new ADA-compliant doors for the 107-year old building including electronic key entrance.
Regarding the Keizer Heritage Museum at the center, Becker said QR codes will be added to exhibits to better tell the Keizer story.
Becker also reported that Tammy Wild, the museum’s historian, has been working on acquiring grants for an exhibit at the state capitol when it reopens in 2025.
During public comments Keizer citizen Richard Walsh, a former city councilor, asked why there had been no public hearing regarding changes to the Keizer Rapids Park master plan relating to placement of turf fields and other developments.
Councilors had no questions or comments.
The council learned of a community clean up at Wallace House Park on Saturday, Oct. 28, organized by the Claggett Creek Watershed Council and Keizer Rotary Satellite Club members. The clean up will begin at 10 a.m.
Barbara Miner, Keizer Community Library manager, announced the Fall Book Sale on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20 and 21, at Keizer Civic Center.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 6.