CRESWELL – Last Friday night, Creswell city manager Vincent Martorello invited the community to an open discussion and introduction. Approximately 20 interested members of the public gathered at the community center, where Martorello discussed his background, his role in the city, and topics of concern.
“This is meant to be really informal. It’s my opportunity to meet more of the community, and the community’s opportunity to ask me questions as the new city manager,” Martorello said.
Martorello discussed his career, beginning with his role as the director of Facilities at Oregon State University. He later served as the planning and development manager and then as the superintendent of the Willamalane Park and Recreation District in Springfield. He spent approximately 20 years living in Eugene, Springfield, and Corvallis. Although he and his wife moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, to be closer to their grandchildren, they have recently returned to Oregon.
He started his position as city manager on July 28.
During the open discussion, attendee Verlean McCoy joked, “We’re here soon enough that we can’t blame you for anything that’s already happened,” she said.
“That’s an interesting point,” Martorello said. “One of the things that’s really important with continuity of government … is that a decision has been made, and now it’s our responsibility, even though we may not have been part of that decision. I look at it as part of our responsibility, either to fix it, address it, or do something. …Part of my job is really to address those things that may not have been working, bring those points to the council, and see if there’s a different way of doing things,” he said.
An audience member asked him to define his role and responsibilities.
“You can think of it as a CEO of a business that is overseeing and responsible for administration, staff, operations, budget, and airport,” Martorello said.
He elaborated that his daily responsibilities include updating the capital improvement program, assessing budget allocations, and recommending budget amendments. Additionally, he revised the tree care plan for the parks and advisory committee and made updates to specific ordinances. Martorello also collaborates with the mayor to strategize for city council meetings and establish the agenda items.
“So it’s down to the details, but then it’s also looking at the broader policies,” he said. “I’m reviewing the sign code policy and how it applies to Oregon Avenue, hiring code enforcement, and looking at ways to step up our enforcement of parking in and around the downtown area.”
Audience member and Creswell resident Patti Scott asked Martorello his opinion on homelessness.
“I don’t believe in making homeless people invisible,” he answered. He said homelessness is a continuum of care and approach that starts with humanizing, stabilizing, and helping them get into a different situation. Martorello mentioned a reciprocity model that includes partnerships and outreach.
Speed limits on city streets were also discussed at the meeting. Creswell resident Ed Gunderson brought up concerns about speeding on 5th and A streets. The implementation of speed bumps was suggested, but Martorello said they tend to do more harm than good on buses and larger trucks. Martorello said he would talk with the sheriff to increase the presence of law enforcement in those areas.
Another community member brought up the Volante Senior Living facility and asked Martorello about its plans. Volante was supposed to call 285 Emerald Parkway home, but as previously reported in The Chronicle, the building was never completed and closed before it could even open its doors.
Martorello said that although he is not involved in the conversation, he has heard that another senior care company may be considering taking it over. He also mentioned that anybody who picks up the work after Volante has to assume whatever debt they might have.
“I really believe in community engagement as a planner,” he said. “Engaging the public and engaging the community. Make the decisions with data that is coming directly from the public.”
