Morning Roundup


Photo credit: Statesman Journal

Gov. Brown asks Sessions to consult on pot, new plan outlines ODOT improvements and DEQ issues six-figure fine to electronics recycler.

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Gov. Brown, others ask federal government to consult on marijuana policy

Governors from Alaska, Washington and Colorado joined Gov. Kate Brown to send a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking the administration to consult with them before making any changes to federal pot policy, the Statesman Journal reports. All four states have legalized recreational marijuana. The letter also referenced the Cole Memo, which industry leaders hope will prevent any oversight by the new administration. The memo states that the DOJ will allow states to legalize marijuana if they follow specific guidelines.

State issues ODOT recommendations 

The improvement plan is based on findings that there is an unclear governance structure, and a a lack of vision and accountability. The plan states ODOT should work with a management consulting company to develop a program structure, the East Oregonian reports. ODOT should also develop a communications plan and address waste in its fleet and facilities programs. The plan recommended ODOT conduct another review in 2020 to evaluate progress.

Oregon DEQ issues fine to largest NW electronics recycler

The DEQ fined Seattle’s Total Reclaim $164,000 for violating state hazardous waste laws, OPB reports. The recycler failed to label hazardous shipments from its Portland outpost. Oregon’s fine isn’t the first for Total Reclaim. The company was fined $444,000 by Washington’s Department of Ecology last year and subsequently lost its environmental certification.

Right 2 Dream Too receives April 7 eviction notice 

The homeless camp in Old Town was served a formal eviction by landowner Michael Wright less than week before it was supposed to move, the Portland Mercury reports. An agreement between Wright and the Portland Development Commission states the property must be vacant by Friday or the city can walk away from purchasing the land. But the city has yet to find a new location for R2DToo after several failed attempts to relocate the camp.

Commissioner Dan Saltzman wants to create a new taxing district

In 2002, Portland voters created the Children’s Levy to fund programming for needy children. The levy, which generates $15 million a year, was renewed in 2008 and 2013. Now, the legislature is considering a bill that would make the levy into a permanent taxing district, Willamette Week reports. The bill, SB 123, passed 4-1 out of its first committee hearing.

Electric company sues Bend

Camp Creek Electric filed suit against the city for issues related to its sewage treatment plant expansion project, the Bend Bulletin reports. The suit alleges the city failed to disclose public records requested by Camp Creek, which worked on the project. The city is already defending itself against a suit filed by Apollo Inc. which alleges Bend owes the contractor $8 million for work on the project, not the $4 million the city claims.

Bunk Sandwiches named one of most exciting brands in U.S.

The designation comes from QSR Magazine, an industry publication. Bunk joins 39 other restaurants nationwide named on the magazine’s  40/40 List, the Oregonian reports. The list is based on unit count, expansion rate, buzz-worthiness and brand niches.