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Questions? Concerns? Just Want to Talk? City of Seneca 106 A Avenue PO Box 208 Seneca, OR 97873 Phone: 541.542.2161 Fax: 877.688.0015 Email: admin@senecaoregon.com Your message was sent successfully! Send Links to Grant County and Local Cities Grant County Chamber of Commerce Prairie City City of John Day City of Long Creek Grant County Historical Museum Harney County Chamber of Commerce City of Burns Harney County Harney County Historical Museum Crystal Crane Hot Springs John Day Fossil Beds The Painted Hills Silvies Valley Ranch Malheur National Forest

Photograph courtesy of Rick Fienberg / TravelQuest International / Wilderness Travel Thank You All for Visiting!!! To all of you who either got to stay overnight with us or just visited on the day of the Eclipse, the City of Seneca Thanks You. We all had a great time and we hope you enjoyed your stay in our "neck of the woods". If you have any pictures of the event or of your stay that you'd like to share, feel free to email them and they will be posted here. Thank You, Again.

Welcome to the City of Seneca, Oregon! Nestled in Bear Valley at nearly 5000' and surrounded by mountains, we have some of the best views in Oregon! The Wigwam At the 2016 Oyster Feed Seneca_2 Seneca, looking north from the south of town. Some of the many small buildings you see in the foreground were originally bachelor bunk houses at Camp 1. When Camp 1 was no longer in use the buildings were brought to Seneca and made into houses. Sometimes two small buildings were put together to make a larger family house. Some, if not all, of these small buildings were built at the Herrick mill site outside of Burns. Seneca Logo 2017 Logo designed by Eloise Boren at E R Printing & Graphics, The Wigwam At the 2016 Oyster Feed 1/25 Save the Library Staff Report Additional Staff Report Alternative Options Notices Forms About Us - The City of Seneca sits nestled in high Bear Valley near the base of the Blue Mountain Range. Sitting at almost 5000 ft, Seneca is known for its record low temperatures (-54 degrees!) throughout the Fall, Winter and Spring months. This small community of less than 200 people has great pride in its town and relishes the remote and personal feel that Seneca offers it's residents. At any given time of the year, there are groups of children riding bikes and playing throughout the town - so we ask that you slow down, watch for children, and enjoy your visit to our beautiful valley. The Seneca post office was established in 1895 and the city named by postmistress Minnie Southworth for her brother-in-law, prominent Portland judge Seneca Smith. While early homesteaders moved into the valley in the late 1800's, Seneca only began growing in 1929 when it became the northern terminus of the now-vacated Oregon and Northwestern Railroad , owned by the Edward Hines Lumber Company , which extended south to Burns. That time marked the beginning of large-scale shipping of Ponderosa Pine logs to the Hines sawmill in Hines from Seneca and the surrounding National Forest. The company established a planing mill and railroad shops in Seneca, and it became essentially a company town. In 1940 Seneca's population was 275. Logging in the area began to decline in the 1970's, and the Hines company ceased operations of its lumber mills and railroad in 1984. The town was incorporated as a city on August 6, 1970 as lumber company control began to wane. Bear Valley Meadows Golf Course presents: The 2021 Seneca Oyster-LESS Classic Postponed Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 regulations, not again this year. Let's hope 2022 is the BEST Oyster Classic yet! What's Going On?! CLICK HERE to see current notices. Amenities Click to see what Seneca has available for you! Oyster Feed Click to find out about the Annual Oyster Feed (May 15th, 2021) which raises money for the Bear Valley Meadows Golf Course. Latest Projects Wastewater System Improvements The City of Seneca was awarded the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the State of Oregon for the 2014 Wastewater Facility Plan. Fall of 2019 Winter 2020 Forms Utility Services Utility Agreement Service On/Off Trash Only (Non-Res) General Use City Hall Building Rental Business License Burn Permit Public Records Request To view a list of Fees click here . Budget Committee Application Forms

History of Seneca The Seneca post office was established in 1895 and the city was named by postmistress Minnie Southworth for her brother-in-law, prominent Portland judge Seneca Smith. The area was historically settled and used by the Paiute Indians, early homesteaders and trappers moved into Bear Valley in the late 1800's, but Seneca only began growing in earnest in 1929 when it became the northern terminus of the now-vacated Oregon and Northwestern Railroad, owned by the Edward Hines Lumber Company, which came up from Burns to the south. That time marked the beginning of large-scale shipping of Ponderosa Pine logs to the Hines sawmill in Hines from Seneca and the surrounding Malheur National Forest. The Seneca School was established in 1932. The company established a planing mill and railroad shops in Seneca, and it became, in spirit, a company town, although in reality it was not: the company did not own either the property or the buildings.[1] When Hines came to the area they made a promise to the Chamber of Commerce: “We will never enter into commerce other than the manufacture of lumber.” While this was legally true in practice is was only almost true. The development of Seneca was done by a corporation known as "The Seneca Company." This was headed by Edward W. Barnes. It was Barns who bought the town site to its current location, which was originally part of the Lincoln Ranch. The people that lived in Seneca had to buy their houses from the builder; they were not provided by Hines. This arrangement was similar to that of the town of Hines. The lumber company brought in a large developer from the South to build the town of Seneca, although Mrs. Hines had a hand in picking the design of the various styles for the original homes. The development of the town of Hines is well documented, Seneca less so. In 1940 Seneca's population was 275. Logging in the area began to decline in the 1970's, and the Hines Company ceased operations of its lumber mills and railroad in 1984. The town was incorporated as a city in 1970 as lumber company control began to wane. According to the 1980 census, Seneca's population was 285. The 2015 Census stated the population was 193. [1] http://www.senecakids.org/SenecaProject/Seneca-MoreInfo.html

Permits & Licenses Special Event Permit Special Event Permit Information An event may be considered a "Special Event" if any of the following apply: gatherings/events that involve large groups of people, advertised to the public and do not occur regularly on a site, cause impact to or use City streets (including curb or parking lane), sidewalks and/or public rights-of-way, and/or use City facilities or property (i.e., city buildings, parks and parking lots) Examples include, but are not limited to a road race, bike race, walk, parade, festival, market, carnival, concert, block party, car show, vigil/protest, wedding, etc. Permit Application Requirements: Special Events require a permit issued by the City. Additional documents which the City may also require to make an application complete include: Certificate of Insurance releasing the City of Seneca from liability. Street closure plan. Traffic control plan. ODOT and/or Clackamas County approval. Park/shelter reservation form if event is to be held at City park. Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) Permit: If alcohol use is planned for your Special Event, submit OLCC permits with your application. Temporary Restaurant License & Food Handler Certificate: For any food service establishment in the street, public right-of-way, and City facility. Traffic Control Plan You will need to include a Traffic Control Plan if your event is to affect public right-of-way with any one of these conditions (Note: Public right-of-way extends beyond the paved or travel surface of a roadway): Restrict or close a roadway (lanes, bike lanes, shoulders, etc.) Restrict or close a sidewalk/pathway Restrict or close a driveway Restrict or close parking spaces Restrict or close a Public Parking Lot Directing traffic with the use of a Certified Flagger, Police Officer or signs Posting of any signs in the right-of-way Examples of Traffic Control Plans: A Traffic Control Plan should site specific map of routes or locations where event will take place: Streets and cross streets with lane configurations Location and placement of all required MUTCD advance warning signs (list type of signs to be used) Location and placement of all certified flaggers Placement of cones and cone tapers Show traffic, pedestrian and bike detours and/or delays Show affected businesses Additional Information After receipt of the Special Event Permit Application, you may be contacted by affected City departments if additional information is needed or to discuss the specific plans to accommodate the Event and its impact upon the public generally. Submission of Application for Permit An application is available through clicking the link above or picking one up at the City office during regular business hours. Once the form is completed it can by submitted to the City by email, fax, or mail to the City of Seneca: City of Seneca 106 A Ave./P. O. Box 208 Seneca, Oregon 97873 Fax: 877-688-0015 Email: cityseneca@centurytel.net Conditional Use Permit Conditional Use Permit Information Business License Application Appeals Appeals

NOTICES 2024-25 Budget Hearing January City Council Agenda Sewer Rate Resolution 2024 Invitation to Serve on Budget Committee Save the Library – Council Review Materials Save the Library Staff Report Additional Staff Report Alternative Options Fees Regular Fees Copies, per page (8.5x11) . . . . . $0.10 Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.00 City Hall Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Free Notary Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Free Burn Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Free Special Event Permit . . . . . . . . $25.00 Building/Property Fees Conditional Use Permit . . . . . . $25.00 Encroachment Permit . . . . . . . $25.00 Building Permit Application . . Free Variance Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00 Utility Fees Utility Deposit Fee . . . . . . . . . . . $80.00 Water Turn-On Fee . . . . . . . . . . .$50.00 Returned Payment Fee . . . . . . . $25.00 + Amount Owed Availability Fees per month (Water & Sewer/each). . . . . . . $10.00 Pro-rated Billing . . Half or Whole Month Records Request Fees All forms, notices, and access to all public City documents are available during regular City Hall business hours, 9am to 2pm, Monday through Thursday. Copies, per page (8.5x11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.10 Copies, per page (8.5x14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.20 Scanning fee, per page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.20 Faxes, up to 5 pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.00 Faxes, per page > 5 pages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.20 Archive Retrieval Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20.00 Staff Time (<30 min) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0 Staff Time (>30 min) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hourly Rate Certified Mailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postage Certified Copies (per doc) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00 Map Copies (full-size) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cost Summarization Fees (available upon request) . . . . . . Hourly Rate Utility Rate Changes Just a reminder of the utility rate increase, passed by resolutions 01-16 to 03-16. Click here for a full list of the rate changes. Burn Permits are required for all burning and can be obtained free of charge at City Hall during normal business hours, or click here . Just a reminder . . . All forms, notices, and access to all public City documents are available during regular City Hall business hours, 9am to 2pm, Monday through Thursday. Fees 2024 Drinking Water Report

Newsletters Newsletters are currently only printed on the back of each monthly utility bill and attached to emailed utility bills. Copies of any previous newsletters can be requested at any time if they're not found here. Current Newsletter Seneca's newsletter 2023 January Febuary march april may june July August September October November Dec 2018 Jan July Feb Aug March Sept April Oct May Nov June Dec 2017 Jan July Feb Aug March Sept April Nov May Dec June 2016 Jan July Feb Sept March Oct May Dec June 2015 Oct Aug July June April Jan 2014 Dec Oct July June May

It is the policy of the City of Seneca, within constitutional limitations, to provide for fair housing throughout the City of Seneca for all residents. In the United States, the federal Fair Housing Act protects your right to rent an apartment, buy a home, obtain a mortgage, or purchase homeowners insurance free from discrimination based on: Race Color Religion Gender National Origin Disability (mental and physical) Familial Status (presence of children under 18 in the home) In Oregon it is also illegal to discriminate on the basis of: Legal source of income Marital status Sexual orientation Gender identity Survivors of domestic violence Links to Fair Housing Enforcement and Education Agencies U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp Oregon Housing and Community Services (Public Housing Authority of Oregon): http://www.oregon.gov/OHCS/pages/index.aspx National Association of Realtors – Fair Housing Program: http://www.realtor.org/programs/fair-housing-program Fair Housing Initiatives Program: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUDsrc=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/partners/FHIP/fhip Fair Housing Act: http://www.justice.gov/crt//about/hce/title8.php National Fair Housing Alliance: http://www.nationalfairhousing.org/ FDIC Compliance with Fair Housing: https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/rules/2000-6000.html#fdic2000part338 The Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO) is a statewide non-profit organization that provides a wide range of resources to communities. They promote equal housing by providing education, outreach, technical assistance, legal aid assistance, and enforcement opportunities. Their contact information is: Fair Housing Council of Oregon 506 SW 6th Ave, Ste 1111 Portland, OR 97204 Phone: (503) 223-8295, (800) 424-3247 Email: information@fhco.org Website: http://www.fhco.org/

Seneca School The Seneca School, Grant Union School District #3, was established in 1932. Over the years it has had many interested people working diligently to keep the School alive in good repair. One such group, The Seneca School Foundation, was established with the intent of being able to facilitate the upkeep and repairs that were so desperately needed so that the School can remain open and safe for it's staff and students. While it was successful in achieving some of it's goals, most of it's funding for major projects was part of a county-wide school bond initiative in 2000 that was voted down by Grant County citizens. Since then, the Foundation was established and there have been many financial contributions in various forms made by local citizens and organizations, and some funds provided by Grant Union School District for emergency need repairs. As with any older facility, more funding is always needed to help keep the buildings and curriculum up to current standards. One of the Schools major upgrades was the New Windows Project. Between 2009 and 2012, there was funding, from private citizens and partial grant funding from the school district, to replace all of the basement floor level windows in March of 2013. Click here to see the photos. One of the greatest achievements by the Seneca School staff and students has been the Seneca School History Project. While this Project has many parts and pieces, one of the most impressive is the School Mural. This project was started in 1985 and was contributed to by several local Artists-in-Residence and by the entire school, all classes and teaching staff taking part. While I could write more, pictures have more value and tell the tale better. Click the link below to see for yourself. The Seneca School History Project The Seneca School Foundation The Seneca School Foundation, Inc. (TSSF) was founded in May of 2002 and later that year was registered with the State of Oregon as a nonprofit corporation, organized with the intent to assist the Seneca School in overcoming the budgetary challenges it now faces. In November 2003, the Federal Internal Revenue Service acknowledged the Foundation as an organization meeting the requirements of IRS Code Section 501(c)(3) and granted it tax exempt status under IRS Code Section 501(a). Its mission is to assist in the maintenance and growth of the Seneca School and to enhance the quality of the programs it provides as an institution of K-8 education and life-long learning. Its goal is to physically restore, enhance, and indefinitely preserve the Seneca School as an institution of traditional, well-grounded education, providing its students with a center for year-round learning and activities and a source of real-world knowledge and experience by linking the Seneca Kids of yesterday with the Seneca Kids of today. Link to SenecaKids.org Link to Seneca School

NOTICE Bids must be physically submitted to: Seneca City Hall - 106 A Avenue, PO Box 208, Seneca, OR, 97873. No fax, email, or telephone bids will be accepted. mORE pHOTOS aVAILABLE UPON REQUEST for serious buyers only (541)542-2161 Surplus Equipment Ordinance 89 Section 7. Disposition of Personal Property. A. The City Council shall have the authority to determine when personal property owned by the City is surplus. B. The City Council shall determine when all other property is to be considered surplus. C. The City Council shall select the method of disposal which maximizes the value the city will realize from disposal of the surplus property. Surplus personal property shall be disposed of as follows: 1. Sold to the highest qualified buyer meeting the sale terms when the value of each item so offered is less than two thousand dollars and the sale has been advertised at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Seneca area not less than one week prior to the sale; 2. Traded in on the purchase of replacement equipment or supplies; 3. Sold at public auction advertised at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the Grant County area not less than one week prior to the auction. The published notice shall specify the time, place and terms upon which the personal property shall be offered and a general description of the personal property to be sold; 4. Sold at a fixed price retail sale if doing so will result in substantially greater net revenue to the city; or 5. Contracted for use, operation or maintenance by one or more private or public entities. Prior to approval of such a contract, the City Council shall determine that the contract will promote the economic development of the city. D. All personal property sold pursuant to this section shall be sold as-is without any warranty, either express or implied, of any kind. E. Sales of surplus personal property may be conducted electronically. 1992 Case Tractor $12,000 Reserve. 1992 Case IH 595 tractor (60HP) with canopy and bucket loader. 870 Hours 1990 Chevrolet Pickup $750 Reserve. *NEEDS MAJOR WORK* Engine and cosmetic issues. Automatic. 4WD. 116,198 Miles 2005 Ford Ranger $4,500 Reserve. *FAIR CONDITION* Major cosmetic flaws but sound mechanics. Manual. 4WD. 61,787 Miles Posts - 4" by 8' Round $6 Each/Sold by Dozen 2 Dozen Limit Per Buyer NO BIDS - CALL (541) 542-2161 *Preference given to Seneca residents* Posts - 6" by 10' Round $7 Each/Sold by Dozen 2 Dozen Limit Per Buyer NO BIDS - CALL (541) 542-2161 *Preference given to Seneca residents*