DICK SIMPSON RETIRES

Dick Simpson retired from our Public Works Department in late January. Dick was hired on June 9, 1997, and proved to be a real asset to the City in many ways. He is multi-talented and was instrumental in finishing the basement of the City Hall, which now serves as the Police Department. Dick will most certainly be missed, and we wish him the very best!

NEW FACES ADDED TO CITY STAFF

Byron Havens began working with the Public Works Department this January and comes to us from the Scappoose School District. He will be replacing Dick Simpson. We'd like to extend a warm welcome to Byron.

Dustin Hald has rejoined the Police Department as a part-time Police Officer. He also holds a full-time position with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Welcome back, Dustin!

PLANNING COMMISSION NEWS

During the December meeting, the Planning Commission denied a variance request for a deck extending into the 8-foot rear yard setback. The applicant, H.K. Hewitt, has appealed the decision to the City Council, and a public hearing has been scheduled for March 1, 2001. The property is located at 2120 First Street.

A request for a variance to the street width standards will be heard at the February 13, 2001 Planning Commission meeting. This proposed street would allow two parcels at "M" and Second Streets to be partitioned into a total of three lots. This meeting is open to the public and is held to obtain input.

We would like to welcome Bob Kunders who has been newly appointed to the Planning Commission. Bob replaces Steve Conklin who chose not to serve for another term. Thank you, Steve, and good luck in the future.

HYDRANT FLUSHING

The Public Works Department will be flushing hydrants during the week of February 12 through 16. You might notice temporary water discoloration and/or lower water pressure during this exercise.

WHAT DO YOU WANT COLUMBIA CITY

TO BE LIKE IN THE FUTURE?

The City of Columbia City invites YOU to be a visionary! Help us decide what Columbia City should be like in the future. The workshop will provide an opportunity for citizens to ask questions about development trends and express their opinion about how the City should develop in the future. Join us for a Visioning Workshop and refreshments at the Columbia City Grade School Gym on Thursday, February 15, 2001, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

If you are unable to attend this important community meeting, please share your thoughts with us in writing or by e-mail at columbiacity@columbia-center.org.

CITY COUNCIL NEWS

Following several public hearings, the City Council approved new Water and Sanitary Sewer System Development Charges (SDC). The new fees are scheduled to take effect on February 18, 2001. The new fees were based upon a Systems Development Charge Update for Sanitary Sewer and Water System study prepared by Murray, Smith & Association, Inc. SDC fees apply only to new construction.

The City Council held a Goal Setting Workshop on January 25th, and will be adopting new Policy Goals and Objectives for the upcoming 2001-02 fiscal year. The Council will also be updating the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program in February.

Additional information about each of these items and activities can be obtained by contacting City Hall.

BUDGET COMMITTEE OPENING

We currently have a vacancy on the Budget Committee. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please fill out an Application to Serve at City Hall. Judy Hansen's resignation created this vacancy, and we'd like to thank her for her past volunteer service on this committee.

STATE OF THE CITY MESSAGE 2001

The Year 2000 is in the past now but its effect will linger on in our minds. There were the proverbial good news/bad news items and some things remained the same. All in all, Columbia City has faired well and, thus far, we are actively pursuing our goals and remaining within our budget. We could not have accomplished so much without good staff, councilors, and volunteers.

Personnel: We lost a good man, Aaron Kunders, who made a wise career move to gain more knowledge and experience. We were very sad indeed but understood and wish him well. He began working for the City while in high school and gave us many years of outstanding service. We will miss him but are sure the City left its mark on him and hope one day he may return.

We will be losing another employee soon to retirement. Dick Simpson has used his knowledge and expertise not only for routine duties but also to accomplish several construction projects within City Hall. We will soon have offices for our Police Department on the lower floor of City Hall at a cost much lower than had we bid the job out. In fact, without Dick, we may have had to wait longer to see this to fruition. He also restructured the main floor to achieve maximum use of our facility and built a cover over the doorway leading to our council chambers.

Dick "Ziggy" Ziglinski continued as a part-time employee as needed and as money allowed. His expertise was with machinery, but he wasn’t shy on other abilities either. He continues volunteer work with the City and has added several other volunteer jobs in the community to his resume.

We recently welcomed two new employees to Public Works. Jeff Anderson was hired in October to fill Aaron's position, and Byron Havens was hired January 1st to take over Dick Simpson’s position when he retires.

We don’t want to forget our Superintendent Jim Bundy whose knowledge, dedication, and love of Columbia City grows with each passing day. His spirit is contagious and his communication skills and knowledge keep the friendly and approachable atmosphere of Columbia City in tact. Jim also has one quality I personally love: he gets so excited, like a little boy getting his first puppy or bike. I wasn’t the only one jumping for joy and watching as progress was made on our well. Every piece of rock coming from the earth was like a magnificent discovery, precious and historic.

Mike Reedy was chosen to be our new Police Chief after Josh Harper resigned this position. Josh remained with the City and is currently a sergeant in the department. Officer Greisen is recovering nicely from surgery, and Jim Carlson has filled in for him during his absence. Other part-time officers to join us this past year include Fred Ramirez, Shaun McQuiddy and Ed Popham. Dustin Hald also returned to work for us. We employ several officers to fill the needed time slots because they all have regular full-time positions elsewhere and are limited on the time they can work for us.

We also have two volunteer reserve officers. Officer Bill Tucker is readjusting to his roles as husband and father after serving several months in Kosovo for the federal government. Jeff Mansheim resigned his paid position but continued as a volunteer reserve officer and has made great contributions to our Police Department.

Leahnette Rivers, our City Recorder/Administrator and her husband, Buddy have made a great addition to our city. They became residents during 2000. She has worked for the City about 18 months to-date. Leahnette’s energy, knowledge, and experience have moved our City forward in a continually positive direction.

Dee, Linda, and Carol have made outstanding progress in learning new procedures that have helped the City run more efficiently and cost-effectively. We have an excellent office staff that complement one another and work diligently to serve our citizens. They have effectively maintained their sense of good ethics, quality workmanship, and humor during a year of many challenges, including construction projects and added family responsibilities.

Diana Taylor continued to serve us well as our Municipal Judge. Judge Taylor, who is also a practicing attorney with an office in St. Helens, has served as our Municipal Judge since June of 1996, and we're very fortunate to have her as a member of our staff.

As I stated in our last newsletter, we are losing Councilor Bridgett Harkins, who, along with other duties, spearheaded two City-park projects. I appreciate her enthusiasm and dedication. Taking time to serve as an elected official while raising a family, working, and serving in other community capacities is truly outstanding.

Bill Guy was re-elected as a councilman and I am indeed grateful. Bill has successfully chaired our Water Committee and paved the way for our well projects and future additional reservoir site. We need his knowledge and experience with these projects and other issues facing the City.

Gary Hudson will continue with street improvement projects including the current "I", Fifth, and "J" streets reconstruction project. Gary’s education and experience in administration enhances our research and decision-making process. 

Bob Schmor lends his education and administrative experience with county planning commission issues and school district policy and procedures, and represents the City on various committees and projects. He continues to question the accuracy of costs associated with our wastewater flow calculations. Bob and the rest of the council feel we are, and have been, charged too much for sewer services and hope for a fair and equitable adjustment to this long-awaited negotiation with the City of St. Helens.

I am proud of our councilors, staff, and volunteers whose industriousness, work quality, and communication skills are largely responsible for the success of our city. It is also gratifying to see more interactions from citizens at our council meetings. Additionally, we appreciate teachers who require exposure to government to enable future leaders to be better prepared and know they not only have a role but a responsibility to be involved.

Other City happenings:

The rebirth of our Columbia City Celebration brought joy to many and allowed the City to help staff the new Columbia City School and Community Library for two evenings, Saturdays and during the summer. Library staff presented some educational events for children and adults alike and has up-to-date technology available for use.

Marian Calnon was elected to a four-year term as a City Council Member.

The PGE/PUD transfer finally took place and franchise adjustments and negotiations will be taking place.

The "King" well is showing positive results but we need to finish the project and run more tests to prove what we believe to be a very good (supplemental) water source.

We lost our little store across from City Hall. Just before that, a new family market and gas station (CJ’s) opened at Highway 30 and "A" Street. An espresso building was also approved near the store.

Columbia City will celebrate its 75^th anniversary during the year 2001. We are in the process of trying to write and publish a historical booklet and donations will be gladly accepted to help defray costs.

Business license fees were adjusted to better coincide with fees charged by other cities.

A Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan was completed.

We began an expanded recycling project on a trial basis and it proved to be very successful. However, we had problems with residents who try to recycle incorrectly with improper burning, including household garbage.

City Administrator Leahnette Rivers and Public Works Superintendent Jim Bundy spearheaded a "Down by the Riverside" cleanup project and 26 volunteers worked for a full day beautifying Pixie Park.

The DAR hosted their annual Fleet Day Celebration.

We provided citizens with an annual water quality report.

Public Works replaced a 4-inch waterline with a 10-inch line between Second and "E" Streets and at the intersection of Sixth and "E" Streets.

The City offered a 30-day amnesty period to allow individuals with suspended licenses because of outstanding traffic fines to pay fifty cents on the dollar to clear up their records. Only 12 of 156 took advantage of the offer.

We are almost ready to implement new System Development Charges (SDC's).

We have requested grant funds for a Parks Master Plan and Water Source Improvements.

We received a $10,000 grant and a $20,000 loan from the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department to complete a siting analysis and preliminary design engineering for a new one million-gallon water storage reservoir and a water rate study.

We received a $4,500 grant under an ODOT and Oregon State University Technical Assistance Program to complete the design engineering for the "I", 5^th and "J" street improvement project.

The City found it necessary to declare a mandatory water curtailment on outdoor watering for several months and eventually adopted a Water Curtailment Plan.

A portion of "B" street was renamed Belle Street near Belle Court.

Sewer usage fees increased but still were less than originally adopted when the sewer system was first installed.

The Columbia City Sports and Recreation Center expanded their facility and services.

We received a $20,000 technical assistance grant from State of Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development to hire a planning consultant to update the Comprehensive Plan and revised our land use ordinances.

We received a $1,400 U.S. Department of Justice grant to purchase bulletproof vests and a $500 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant to purchase a digital camera for police investigations.

City staff developed a Web site and began e-mailing notices to those who requested them.

The City spent several thousand dollars defending the issuance of a building permit that was appealed to LUBA.

A committee was appointed to review the Transportation System Plan, and revisions to the Plan were adopted.

Our long-time friend and City Attorney, Harold Olsen, relocated to Olsen, Horn L.L.C., P.O. Box 688, 1510 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, Telephone: (503) 397-4222.

Summary: According to the old adage, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." My personal view is that Columbia City remains true to its motto. It is a City of Beauty and Livability, and the City Council and I will continue to represent Columbia City citizens and the public-at-large to the best of our abilities and hopefully in a manner that will be pleasing to the larger majority. I thank you once again for the honor of serving as your Mayor and ask for your support and help in attaining goals beneficial for Our City and remaining positive in spite of any adversity that may befall us.

Cheryl A. Young, Mayor

THANK YOU!

• Bernadette Albertine, Alice Barchus, Laura Flynn, Jane Munson, Phyllis Rowley and Helen Sandstrom helped with the December newsletter and utility billings.

• Ziggy Ziglinski performed computer work at the Public Works office.

• Barbara Jones provided City Hall with a beautiful swag. Barbara and Marian Calnon have worked in City Hall’s flowerbeds, keeping them presentable.

• Tom and Jeanette Carulli and the Foursquare Church provided lovely fruit baskets.

• Chuck Ramsdell provided a variety pack of coffee and date books.

• Mabel Pennell provided cookies and Laura Flynn provided a plate of cookies and candies.

• Diana Taylor provided a box of delicious candy.

• Amy West provided fruit nut bread.

• Oneata Bundy provided coffee for City Hall and Public Works.

• MSA (City Engineers) provided a Harry & David gift pack.

• Melvin Moore provided a beef stick and candy.

• The First Christian Church has been periodically cleaning the Highway from Deer Island Road to the northern City limits.

VISIT OUR WEB SITE!

Please be sure to visit our Web site at www.columbia-center/org/colcity. We update the site on a regular basis with meeting minutes, agendas, news releases, legal notices, job openings, recent events, etc. The site also contains information about our City departments and ongoing projects. Our ordinances are also available on the site. We welcome your input and suggestions, and look forward to hearing what you'd like to see added to our site!

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY

Tax forms: Tax forms are here!

St. Helens Bookstore Special: You can be a hero by purchasing a book for our community library. Receive a 20% discount from the St. Helens Bookstore during the month of February. A list is available at the bookstore and library.

Special thanks: Thank you to the many people in the community who have donated the vast number of books to start up the library. We are still accepting all kinds of books.

Upcoming events: Mark your calendars and join us for the following events:

Bedtime Story, Monday, February 5th, 7:00-7:30 p.m.

Bring the whole family and listen to a story read by a special guest. Pajamas may be worn, and teddy bears are welcome.

Friends of the Library Meeting, Tuesday, February 20th 7:00 p.m.

Promoting awareness, providing volunteers, and planning financial support for special programs, events, supplies, and books.

Genealogy Workshop, Saturday, February 24th 10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon

Learn how to begin tracing your family tree, get organized, and use resources. Share your own research experience. Use Library computers to visit Web sites. Please register with the Library if you would like to attend so we may provide you with materials.

Bedtime Story, Monday, March 5th 7:00-7:30 p.m.

Stephanie Salinas, Monday, March 12th 6:00-8:00 p.m.

St. Helens author of "Playing for Keeps," a romantic mystery, joins us to share her story and sign books.

Friends of the Library Meeting, Monday, March 19th 7:00 p.m.

KEEP CHILDREN SAFE FROM ANIMAL BITES

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate the number of dog bites sustained by children each year exceeds the total number of cases of mumps, measles, whooping cough, and chicken pox combined. Following are some suggestions and activities that can help reduce the risk of animal bites and attacks.

There should always be an adult present when young children and animals are together, even if the animal is a trusted pet. Children naturally exhibit behaviors that can be perceived as threatening or mimic an animal’s prey such as erratic movements, loud noises, staring, grabbing, pulling, running, chasing, etc. In 70-80% of the dog bite cases, the dog was part of the household or belonged to a neighbor.

Keep in mind that an animal that is sick or in pain is more likely to snap at a child. If an animal shows any unusual behaviors, separate the child and the animal and ask your vet for advice.

Involve your child in training and disciplining pets, especially dogs. Dogs are very aware of the "pecking order" within the family and need to know their place. For instance, a child can tell the dog to sit and then give it a reward.

Make sure your children don’t go near a pet or animal they don’t know. If a strange dog does come near them, they should stand still like a tree and look at the ground.

If a dog knocks them over, teach them to roll into a ball and be still like a rock.

Following is some "personal pet advice" for children:

• Don’t bother me when I’m eating, sleeping, or caring for my babies.

• Always ask my owner before you come near me or go in my yard.

• If I’m under a table, bed, or desk or in a small space, don'’ come in after me.

• Don’t tease me. Be gentle-don’t pull or grab.

• Don’t run from me or scream-I may chase you.

• Don’t stare at me.

• Hold out your hand so I can smell you before you touch me.

• Don’t play in my food bowl or take my toys.

--Security Associates International, Inc.

HOW ABOUT A HAND

The City of St. Helens is trying to keep operating costs for sewage treatment as low as possible. You can help by not putting any cooking oil or grease down sink or dishwater drains. The oil and grease can cause line blockages and treatment problems that add up to additional operating costs. Please pour cooking oil and grease into a disposable container and place it in the trash. Just remember: From the Pan to the Can!

EMERGENCY CAR TROUBLE

Emergency car trouble can result from sudden mechanical failure, even if your vehicle is well maintained. If you need to make an emergency stop for any reason, drive off the roadway and onto the shoulder. Always get out of your car on the passenger side—away from the flow of traffic.

Sticking gas pedal: Tap your foot on the gas pedal two or three times or try to pull the pedal up with the toe of your shoe. If the medal remains stuck, shift the transmission into neutral and apply the brakes.

Brake failure: Rapidly pump the brakes to restore pressure in the brake line. If this does not work, put the car in a lower gear and slowly apply the parking brake.

Overheated engine: Pull off the road and turn off the engine; let it cool for at least 15 minutes. Use a rag to remove the radiator cap (beware of escaping steam); add warm water while the engine is running.

Loss of steering: While you brake to bring the car to a stop, sound your horn and turn on your emergency flashers to warn pedestrians and other drivers.

Stalled engine: Do not turn off the ignition – this may cause the steering to lock. Shift the transmission into neutral and steer your car off the roadway and onto the shoulder.

Engine fire: Pull off the road and turn off the engine. Get everyone out of the car immediately and move away from the vehicle.

SPORTS CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Tom and Kelly Davis purchased the one-year family membership to the Columbia City Sports and Recreation Club. Proceeds from the sale of the membership will be used for part-time staffing at the Columbia City Library. The membership was donated to the City by the Columbia City Sports and Recreation Club.

COMING SOON: A BIT OF HISTORY

by Shari Ouillette, Caretaker

The Caples House

This is the first in a series of articles to be written about our historic town, Columbia City. How it came to be and it's illustrious past.

This first article will explain the scope of future ones to be written every other month and sent with your Newsletter.

I am by no means an expert on Columbia County history. There are descendants of the early pioneers who founded Columbia City still living in this area today and they, believe me, are the ones who hold the keys to the rich history of our town. I have had the honor of meeting some of them in the past year since coming to live at Caples House. I would ask that as they all read this article and future ones, they be gentle with me in my sincere attempt to kindle interest in our mutual historic surroundings. I would also invite their input in this endeavor.

Since I don't have unlimited space, I will end this now by telling you that the Caples House opens again for visitors on the first day of March. We are open Friday through Sunday and on major holidays. We would love to have you tour the House, Tool Shed and Doll Museum. The Knapp Center is available for rental as well.

Shari Ouillette, Caretaker, The Caples House

HOW TO PREVENT A CARJACKING

• Keep doors locked and windows shut.

• Don’t stop to assist a disabled motorist. Instead, contact a service station or the police.

• When stopped at a traffic light, leave enough room between your and the car in front so you could make an escape.

• Be suspicious of anyone approaching the car with flyers, asking for change or directions. Be ready to leave carefully.

• If struck from behind while driving – or in any suspicious way – stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and windows closed until the police arrive. Activate your vehicle’s emergency flashers.

• If you’re very suspicious, get the other vehicle’s license number and drive to the nearest police station or a well-lit area with lots of people.

• If you think you are being followed, drive immediately to an area with lots of lights and people. If possible, drive to the nearest law enforcement office.

• Use a cellular phone to call for help.

POLICE LOG

(December 14, through January 21, 2001)

12/14/00 Theft. A cell phone was taken from a vehicle at the Foursquare Church.

12/15/00 Suspicious vehicle. Older white pickup with 3 or 4 fog lights driving through town and stopping at houses where it was apparent no one was home. Engine was loud, and truck had a design on the side that looked like a Nike emblem.

12/15/00 Rottweiller with a collar seen wandering near the 1900 block of Third Street.

12/19/00 Speed enforcement on Tahoma Street. Top speed was recorded at 25 MPH.

12/19/00 Warrant arrest.

12/21/00 Traffic Complaint. Highway 30 and Pacific Street. Maroon Dodge pickup driving erratically.

12/23/00 Agency Assist. Assisted OSP with arrest of a DUII driver.

12/26/00 Neighborhood Watch Program initial meeting.

12/29/00 Dog Complaint. Large, aggressive Rottweiller on the bike path near Metlako Way. Investigation continuing.

12/29/00 Dog Complaint. Warning issued for loose dog in the area of 2500 block of Seventh Street.

12/30/00 Found property. Resident found a wallet in the area of 600 block of "I" Street.

12/31/00 Loose dog complaint. Dog running loose in the 1800 block of Seventh Street. Unable to contact owner, will try later.

01/02/01 Probation arrest. Subject violating probation by being in possession of and consuming alcohol.

01/02/01 Alarm. Racquetball Club. Found an open door. Building searched, and no one found inside, and nothing found disturbed.

01/02/01 Animal complaint in the area of Metlako Way.

01/02/01 Agency Assist. Assist St. Helens Police on a domestic dispute at Woodland Trails Apartments.

01/03/01 Parking complaint in the 1700 block of Sixth Street.

01/05/01 Citizen Assist 1200 block of Second Street.

01/08/01 Citizen Assist. Highway 30 near "L" Street.

01/08/01 Parking Complaint in the 2500 block of Sixth Street

01/09/01 Ordinance Violation. 1600 block of Fourth Street. Report of garbage on property and tampering with meter lock.

01/11/01 Agency Assist. Death notification.

01/12/01 Noise Complaint. Loud music during the day disturbing the neighbor. Asked to turn it down.

01/12/01 Agency Assist. Assisted OSP with motor vehicle accident at Highway 30 near Butterfield Road.

01/14/01 Traffic Complaint on Highway 30 near "L" Street.

01/14/01 Traffic Complaint on Highway 30 near Deer Island Road. Reported as attempt to locate.

01/16/01 Traffic Complaint. Highway 30 near Mile Post 32.

01/16/01 Traffic Complaint on Highway 30 near "L" Street.

01/20/01 Agency Assist. Assist St. Helens Police on arrest of person with warrants near Highway 30 and the Village Inn.

01/21/01 Suspicious Vehicle. Third Place near "K" Street. Checked okay.

01/21/01 Suspicious Vehicle. First Street near the Grade School. Checked okay.

Return to Columbia City Home Page