The Hood River City Council has passed an ordinance banning retail stores from providing single-use plastic carryout bags, and requiring those establishments to charge at least five cents for paper bags.  City Manager Steve Wheeler says the ordinance will begin to go into effect on March 1 at stores that employ more than 50 people, and July 1 for smaller outlets.  The ordinance was based on similar measures passed in other Oregon communities.  Councilors believe the ordinance is a local step toward encouraging the use of biodegradable or reusable bags for transport of retail goods.