OCTOBER 2001 NEWSLETTER

This has been one of the most difficult messages I have tried to write in my 15 years as Mayor of our beautiful City. We have had many trials through the years, both personally and collectively. This latest trial has affected most everyone on both levels.

I, too, am saddened deeply by this uncalled for, and unjustified, act of aggression. I know and understand that there are many faiths and beliefs in the world today and we all have agency to follow the directions we choose. However, I must confess that I have no tolerance for the recent choices made by individuals and/or group that have so adversely affected our families, friends, and neighbors at-large.

I urge everyone to continue communications with others and look to your faith, beliefs, families, friends and neighbors whatever, and whoever, they are. Be patient and cautious, but not fearful and intolerant. I agree with what has already been stressed that we cannot blame an entire entity (country, ethnic group, or religion) for what has happened. We cannot become the very terrorists and evildoers we despise. I also urge you to do your part, according to your abilities, to help your fellowmen, whether it be financially, spiritually, patriotically, etc.

I believe our government is doing the very best they can under the circumstances and praise them for not retaliating before they confirmed who and what we will be fighting. I support their efforts and will continue to pray for guidance for all of us, especially those who will be at the forefront trying to protect our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness! I appreciate so many countries of the world joining us. They are affected in many ways, too, and it is their right, privilege, and obligation to stand with the USA at this time.

Now, although it seems to be a very distant second in our thoughts right now, I want to let you know that we will soon reach the goal of $5,000 we set for our Columbia City Celebration fundraiser this year. We currently have net proceeds of $4,841.27, but have several auction items to sell yet. Please refer to other sections of this newsletter. This City is honored to be a joint sponsor of our Columbia City Grade School and Community Library. The money we pledged will allow the library to be open after-school hours, including Saturdays and during the summer. Check with the library for hours of operation. Education and knowledge are one of life’s necessities, so please take advantage of this opportunity.

Be assured that your City government will continue to pursue goals we have set to offer our citizens the best services we can provide in the most cost-effective way possible. This isn’t easy to say because we, like others, need to raise fees to attain these goals. I do encourage each of you to research and ask questions, attend meetings, and see for yourselves the methodology and reasons for increasing costs. Nothing comes without sacrifice and hard work, but the more that join the cause, the less challenge for others.

Cheryl A. Young, Mayor

UPCOMING WATER RATE INCREASE

The City Council is scheduled to take action on a water rate increase during the October 4, 2001, City Council meeting. A recently completed Water Rate Study, prepared by Financial Consulting Solutions Group Inc., recommends the City move forward immediately with an increase in water rates. The increase is needed for several reasons. The study shows that our current water sales revenue will not cover the cost of operating and maintaining our water system. Water system operating costs continue to increase for various reasons, including rising energy costs and inflation. The City of St. Helens recently increased the wholesale water rate from $0.77 per 100 cubic feet to $1.28 per 100 cubic feet. This resulted in a 66% increase in the amount we pay to St. Helens for water purchases. A complete copy of the Water Rate Study is available for public review at City Hall.

The Council is scheduled to take action on the following changes to the City's water rates for residential customers within the City limits:

Proposed changes to commercial, industrial and outside City water rates are similar to the changes listed above. A copy of the proposed fee schedule is available for public inspection at City Hall. If approved, the new fees will take effect immediately and will be applied to all water usage after September 19, 2001.

New well at 9th and "K": The recently-drilled groundwater well at 9th and "K" Streets will soon be temporarily connected to the City's water system. This new well water will be used to supplement the water Columbia City purchases from the City of St. Helens. The new well is capable of producing approximately 200 gallons of water per minute.

Water reservoir and well projects: The City recently submitted a funding application to the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department for financial assistance with the City's water storage reservoir and well projects. The application is for $2,990,500 in grant and loan funds from the Water/Wastewater Financing Program and/or the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund. The City was invited to submit the funding application by the funding agency because the City's water system improvement projects meet the project selection criteria.

The grant and loan funds will be used to complete the following water system improvement projects:

• Construction of a 1.0 million gallon concrete water storage reservoir northwest of the City.

• Drilling a second groundwater well northwest of the City and completing permanent improvements related to the new well.

• Completing permanent improvements to well at 9th and "K" Streets.

If you would like additional information about these important projects, please contact City Hall.

Colleen Caulkins has been hired as the City's new Accounting Clerk. Colleen has been a resident of Columbia City for nearly 10 years. Her responsibilities will include utility billing, payroll and accounts payable. We extend a warm welcome to Colleen!

The League of Oregon Cities and Oregon Public Broadcasting are again co-sponsoring the Middle School & High School Poster and Essay Contest, "If I Were Mayor, I would...!" If your student would like to enter the contest, City Hall has the application. Participants have a chance to win $500 and a Gateway computer. The deadline is October 19^th.

The Columbia City Police Department has Trick or Treat bags available for young children at no charge. The bags are available at City Hall and may be picked up by parents and/or children.

Some of the items donated for the recent auction were not bid on during the Celebration. In order to sell these items, the City will accept sealed bids. All sealed bids must be received by City Hall no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31, 2001. All items may be examined at City Hall during regular work hours. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity! All proceeds from the sale of these items will go to the Columbia City Community Library.

• Autographed Blazers pennant, minimum bid $75.

• Hand knitted stocking caps (3 child/2 adult), minimum bid $5 each.

• Oregon Shakespeare Festival poster, minimum bid $5.

• Hot air balloon scenic flight for two from Vista Balloon Adventures, minimum bid $230.

• Indoor/outdoor utility light fixture, minimum bid $30.

• $20 gift certificate for Bing's Restaurant, minimum bid $15.

• 30-yard drop box and disposal from Waste Management, minimum bid $150.

• Family pass to the World Forestry Center, minimum bid $10.

• 10 guest passes and 10 tans for Columbia City Sports and Recreation Club, minimum bid $40.

• Two medium and one small Columbia City T-shirts - minimum bid $5 each.

Bernadette Albertine, Phyllis Moss, Jane Munson, Phyllis Rowley, Helen Sandstrom and Amy West helped with the August newsletter and utility billings.

Darold and Bobbi Dailey, Jr., donated several boxes of stuffed animals to the City’s Police Department.

Ashley Elder and Christy Haislip turned in a lost debit card they had found in the street. City Hall contacted the bank, and they notified the owner.

Joe and Laura Flynn donated homegrown cucumbers to City Hall and City Shop personnel.

Marion Calnon and Barbara Jones have kept the City Hall flowerbeds in great shape this year.

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission will continue to review the Buildable Lands Inventory and Needs Analysis and discuss options for providing 20 years of buildable land within the City’s urban growth boundary. A public hearing will be scheduled at a later date to receive public input on this subject.

Benita Saatvedt and Michael Singh were recently appointed to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission. We welcome Benita and Michael to the Planning Commission and thank them for volunteering their time to serve.

John Yazzolino recently resigned from the Planning Commission, because he accepted a new position within his company. John was appointed to the Planning Commission in July of 1998 and has been a real asset to the Planning Commission. We will miss him and wish him well in his new position. Thank you, John.

Shari Ouilette, Caretaker of the Caples House Museum, has been sharing pieces of Columbia City history in the City newsletters. As of this newsletter, she will not be submitting detailed articles, because she and Ann Jennings will be working on a history book of Columbia City. She will, however, share tidbits of history periodically as the research progresses to give residents a taste of what the completed history book will be like.

Ann Jennings has compiled a small booklet titled, "Columbia City: A Brief History of the City of Beauty and Livability." The booklet contains historical articles Ann has written for The Spotlight, along with the articles Sheri Ouillette has written for the City Newsletters. If you would like a copy, the booklet is available at City Hall and may be purchased for $1.00.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Disasters usually strike without warning. The following is an emergency checklist:

• Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.

• Draw a floor plan of your home and make two escape routes from each room.

• Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches.

• Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.

• Teach children how and when to call 911.

• Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.

• Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated by disaster. (It is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area.)

• Teach children how to make long distance telephone calls.

• Pick two meeting places - one near your home in case of fire and one outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.

• Take a basic first aid and CPR class.

• Keep family records in a water and fireproof container.

Prepare a disaster supply kit and store it in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffel bag:

• A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify storage date and replace every six months.

• A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.

• A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.

• Blankets or sleeping bags.

• A first aid kit and prescription medications.

• An extra pair of glasses.

• A battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

• Credit cards and cash.

• An extra set of car keys.

• A list of family physicians.

• A list of important family information; the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.

• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

Prepare an emergency car kit:

• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.

• Flashlight and extra batteries.

• Blanket.

• Booster cables.

• Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).

• First aid kit and manual.

• Bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter.

LOST AND FOUND

A watch was found along the Bike Path in the vicinity of C.J.’s Market, and a set of keys was found near the Foursquare Church parking lot. The watch and keys may be claimed at City Hall.

Halloween may be a fun time of year for kids, but for parents, trick-or-treat time can be a little tricky. To make Halloween a treat for all, follow these safety tips advised by the National Crime Prevention Council:

Check that the costumes are flame-retardant so the little ones aren’t in danger near burning jack-o-lanterns and other fire hazards.

Keep costumes short to prevent trips, falls, and other bumps in the night.

Try makeup instead of a mask. Masks can be hot and uncomfortable, and, more importantly, they can obstruct a child’s vision – a dangerous thing when kids are crossing streets and going up and down steps.

Make sure kids wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes.

Trick-or-treaters should always be in groups so they aren’t a tempting target for real-life goblins. Parents should accompany young children.

Make sure older kids trick-or-treat with friends. Together, map out a safe route so parents know where they’ll be. Tell them to stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.

Try to get your kids to trick-or-treat while it’s still light out. If it’s dark, make sure someone has a flashlight and pick well-lighted streets.

Make sure kids know not to enter strange houses or strangers’ cars.

Tell kids to wait until they get home before they eat their treats. One way to keep trick-or-treaters from digging in while they’re still out is to feed them a meal or snack beforehand.

Check out all treats at home in a well-lighted place.

Only eat unopened candies and other treats that are in original wrappers. Don’t forget to inspect fruit and homemade goodies for anything suspicious.

Parents and kids can avoid trick-or treating troubles entirely by organizing a Halloween costume party with treats, games, contests, music, scary stories, and much more.

Halloween can be a lot of fun for parents and kids alike – if everybody remembers the tricks and the treats of playing it safe. Have a happy Halloween!

The Columbia City Elementary School will be holding its Annual Christmas Bazaar November 10th, 2001, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be crafts, food, raffle tickets, and more. Come and join the fun!

We would like to extend a very special thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters and volunteers who made the 2001 Celebration possible for all of us to enjoy. The contributions made by these groups, businesses, individuals and volunteers were enormous!!! Our net proceeds from the Celebration totaled nearly $5,000.00. All proceeds will go to the Columbia City Community Library and used for staffing.

Our thanks to the following:

Ace Hardware

Roger Barbour of Allstate Insurance

Bank of the West

Bathing Bungalow

Beaver Bark, Inc.

Belleza Day Spa

Bertucci's Chocolates

Bill's Kwik Video & Tan

Bing's Restaurant

Blazers

Blockbuster Video

Bob Booth

Boise Cascade

Burgerville USA No. 15

Burrito Express

CJ's Grocery and Gas

The Caples House Museum

Children's Museum

The Chronicle

City Council, staff and volunteers

Coastal St. Helens Chemical

Columbia City Sports & Rec. Club

Columbia Electric Feed and Seed

Columbia Feed & Supply

Columbia River P.U.D.

Cooper Auto Parts

Rich Crandall

Dairy Queen

Dari Delish Drive-in

Eclectically Yours

End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

Express Lane Espresso

Florence Green of Ye Hair Parlor

Flowers by Darleen

Found Stuff

Four Square Church

Fred Meyer

Friesen Lumber

The Friends of the Library

Mark J. Greenfield, Attorney

Hi-School Pharmacy

Hudson's Garbage Service

Ichabod's Restaurant

Japanese Garden Society of Oregon

Ann Jennings

Samuel F. Johnson Foundation

Joy Creek Nursery

Judy's Fresh Flowers & Gifts

KOHI

Kozy Korner

Leona Phelps

Les Schwab Tire Center

Main Street Pizza Company

Sally Ann Marson

Carol McClennan

McDonald's Restaurant

Means Nursery

Mobile One Stop

Morse Brothers, Inc.

Murray, Smith & Associates

Nothing New

Olsen, Horn L.L.C.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Oregon History Center

Oregon Meat Co., Inc.

Or. Museum of Science & Industry

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Shari Ouillette

Papa Murphy's

Pat and John Bernhardt

Mabel Pennell

Pieper-Ramsdell Insurance

Portland Spirit

Portland Winterhawks

Pufferbelly Toys

Red Apple Market

Richardson's Furniture

St. Helens Book Shop

St. Helens Café

St. Helens Community Federal Credit Union

St. Helens-Scappoose Septic Tank

See Bee Glass

Shilo Inns

Ski Ashland

The South County Spotlight

Southwest Airlines Company

Steinfeld's

Subway Sandwiches of Scappoose

Subway Sandwiches of St. Helens

Sunrise Market

Sunriver Resort

Sunset Equipment

Sunshine Pizza

The Buzz

The Dollar Tree

The Flower Peddler

The Grotto

The Oregon Zoo Foundation

The Pizza Vendor

The Portland Opera

The Wax Works

Ripley's Believe It or Not

The White Garden

The Yankton Store and Restaurant

Timberline Lodge and Ski Area

Tony's Shoes

TVBS

Village Inn

Vinnie's Chicago Sandwich Shop

Vista Balloon Adventures, Inc.

Wallace Theatre Group

Wal-Mart

Waste Management

West Oregon Wood Products

West Street Grocery

Wicker Wonders

World Forestry Center

(May 17^th to August 10^th, 2001)

05/17/01 Report of foul language used at the grade school.

05/17/01 Motorist assist near Highway 30 and Pittsburg Road.

05/18/01 Speeding vehicle and noise complaint in 1700 block of First Street.

05/18/01 Citizen assist involving eviction of tenants.

05/19/01 City ordinance violation. Two people in Pixie Park after hours.

05/18/01 Telephonic harassment reported on Pacific Street.

05/18/01 Suspicious person reported in the 400 block of Pacific Street.

05/21/01 Traffic hazard near Sixth and "E" Streets.

05/21/01 Citizen complaint/ordinance violation in the 1700 block of Third Street.

05/21/01 Citizen assist near Highway 30 and "E" Street.

05/21/01 Alarm at a residence in the 1800 block of Fourth Street.

05/21/01 Assist Sheriff’s Office on a traffic stop.

05/22/01 Citizen assist near Franklin Street.

05/22/01 Assist Oregon State Police at Trestle Beach.

05/22/01 DUII arrest.

05/22/01 Theft of a bicycle reported.

05/23/01 Vandalism reported at a residence on Park Drive.

05/23/01 Motorist assist near Highway 30 and "E" Street.

05/23/01 Civil problem in the 300 block of "L" Street.

05/22/01 Assist Sheriff’s Office near Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

05/22/01 Report taken of trespassing at Dixieline Lumber.

05/22/01 Incomplete 911 call taken in the 1600 block of Seventh Street.

05/22/01 Animal complaint in the area of "E" and First Streets.

05/24/01 Alarm call taken in the 1900 block of Second Street.

05/24/01 Citizen assist in the 300 block of "L" Street.

05/24/01 Citizen complains of barking dog. Owner contacted and warned.

05/28/01 Complaint of a barking dog in the 1700 block of Second Street.

05/28/01 Ordinance violation regarding the unlawful operation of a body shop.

05/28/01 Warrant arrest.

05/28/01 Animal complaint in the 1700 block of Second St.

05/31/01 Citizen assist near Highway 30 and "I" Street.

06/01/01 Suspicious person and vehicle in the 1600 block of Sixth Street.

06/01/01 Ordinance violation regarding garbage in the 1900 block of Fifth Street.

06/01/01 Motorist assist near Highway 30 and Chimes Crest.

06/01/01 Civil problems/out of control juvenile in the 1800 block of Sixth Street.

06/01/01 Traffic complaint. Careless driving in the 700 block of "H" Street.

06/01/01 Littering complaint taken.

06/02/01 Assist St. Helens Police on an arrest.

06/02/01 Assist St. Helens Police on a domestic dispute.

06/04/01 Citizen complaint of illegal parking of a semi at Third and "I" Streets.

06/05/01 Suspicious person in the 1800 block of Second Street.

06/08/01 Suspicious circumstances reported in the 1700 block of Eighth Street.

06/08/01 Citizen assist in the 1800 block of First Street.

06/08/01 Harassment call received in the 300 block of "M" Street.

06/07/01 Animal complaint near Sixth and "G" Streets.

06/07/01 Parking complaint reported at Pixie Park.

06/08/01 Animal complaint taken on Metlako Way.

06/11/01 Parking complaint investigated near Fourth and "I" Streets.

06/11/01 Agency assist at Tahoma Court.

06/11/01 Suspicious circumstances in the 1800 block of Third Street.

06/11/01 Assist St. Helens Police on a disturbance.

06/14/01 Suspicious person in 600 block of Calvin Street.

06/14/01 Report of dog barking in the 400 block of Pacific Street.

06/14/01 Citizen complaint of someone throwing water balloons near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

06/14/01 Dog complaint involving yellow lab and German shepherd in the 300 block of Spinnaker Way.

06/15/01 Recovered a stolen vehicle.

06/15/01 Parking complaint in the 1800 block of Fourth Street.

06/15/01 Welfare check in the 3100 block of Sixth Street Street.

06/17/01 Theft of street sign at Sixth and "K" Streets.

06/18/01 Prowler call in the 500 block of "B" Street.

06/18/01 Citizen complaint in the 1500 block of Sixth Street.

06/18/01 Missing child reported and located.

06/18/01 Traffic hazard reported. Kids throwing rocks at cars near Highway 30 and "I" Street.

06/19/01 Citizen assist in the 1800 block of Second Street.

06/19/01 Citizen assist in the 1600 block of Sixth Street.

06/19/01 Citizen assist in the 1500 block of Sixth Street.

06/19/01 Motorist assist near Highway 30 and "E" Street.

06/19/01 Assist Sheriff’s Office on domestic dispute.

06/21/01 Citizen assist near Highway 30 and Trestle Beach.

06/21/01 Citizen assist near Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

06/21/01 Citizen assist near Highway 30 and the Coastal Plant.

06/21/01 Bomb threat. City Hall closed for the day. No bomb found.

06/28/01 Vandalism reported in the 400 block of "D" Street.

06/29/01 Citizen assist near Second and "L" Streets.

07/02/01 Motorist assist near The Strand and Pixie Park.

07/02/01 Warrant arrest near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

07/02/01 Citizen assist near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

07/05/01 Theft reported from construction site on The Strand.

07/05/01 Silent alarm at Dixieline Lumber. Found secure.

07/05/01 Animal complaint in the 3000 block of Sixth Street.

07/06/01 Citizen assist in the 400 block of "D" Street.

07/09/01 Threats reported toward a resident on Sixth Street.

07/09/01 Motorist complaint of a speeder going 90-100 mph through Columbia City.

07/09/01 Animal complaint in the 1700 block of First Street.

07/12/01 Ordinance violation reported near Fourth and "D" Streets.

07/13/01 Fireworks complaint in the 1700 block of Sixth Street.

07/13/01 Traffic hazard reported of a vehicle blocking the road in the 1700 block of First Street.

07/16/01 Citizen assist near Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

07/19/01 Citizen complaint of a parking problem near Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

07/20/01 Car fire reported.

07/20/01 Fraud and forgery reported.

07/20/01 Parking complaint in the 1600 block of Second Street.

07/22/01 Theft call in the 3300 block of Sixth Street.

07/22/01 Suspicious vehicle near Highway 30 and "A" Street. Checked okay.

07/22/01 Suspicious vehicle near the Community Hall. Checked okay.

07/25/01 Assist St. Helens Police on a domestic dispute.

07/25/01 Assist St. Helens Police on a 911 call.

07/25/01 MIP and throwing burning material from a vehicle. Citations issued.

07/27/01 Assist Oregon State Police on a fireworks call.

07/27/01 Motorist assist. Vehicle overheating near Highway 30 and the scales.

07/27/01 Motorist assist. Flat tire on Highway 30 near "L" Street.

07/28/01 Assist Oregon State Police on traffic stop.

07/28/01 Assist Sheriff’s Office on a fatal motor vehicle accident.

07/31/01 Vandalism at the grade school.

08/03/01 Theft of a firearm on Fourth Street.

08/03/01 Suspicious person call near "L" and Fourth Streets. Checked okay.

08/04/01 Abandoned vehicles near 700 block of "H" Street.

08/06/01 Parking complaint in the 1300 block of Second Street.

08/08/01 Vandalism reported on Tahoma Court.

08/08/01 Parking complaint near Sixth and "E" Streets.

08/08/01 Parking complaint in the 700 block of "H" Street.

08/09/01 Citizen complaints of skateboarding near Seventh and Franklin Streets.

08/09/01 Juvenile problem near Sixth and Franklin Streets.

08/10/01 Parking complaint near Fifth and "I" Streets.

08/10/01 Parking complaint in 700 block of "H" Street.

08/10/01 Parking complaint in the 2100 block of Second Street.

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