|
City of Columbia City |
||
| About Columbia City | Agendas | City Charter & Ordinances |
| City Departments | City Government | Employment Opportunities |
| Meeting Calendar | Meeting Minutes | Newsletters |
THE STATE OF OUR CITY
by Mayor Cheryl A. Young
The state of Columbia City is very similar to the state of the rest of the world these days. We have and will continue to encounter the forces of good and evil, sunshine and rain, good health and illness, prosperity and economic depression, and other common foes battling for the victor’s crown. However, the brightest ray of light is not in what happens, but in how we handle it.
I think a lot about the movie "Pollyanna." Here was a young girl who found something to be glad about in every situation until one day those she had inspired by her example had the opportunity to raise her spirits during a time of personal trial.
Political correctness took a seat on the sidelines after September 11. Party affiliations, race, creed, religion, age, ability/disability, and most other differences meant less to us than the need to rise above a tragedy and help our fellowmen. It didn’t matter if we were rich or poor, or just squeezing by. We all tried to do what we could in our own ways.
There was a lot more prayer, and talk of prayer. There was unified singing of our national anthem and "God Bless America." For the most part, the world came together for a time to support those suffering and expressed their desires to help rid the world of terrorism. There were questions … many questions. We had to listen and filter through the answers to find the ones that best helped each one of us.
Meanwhile, we carried on with day-to-day activities to the best of our abilities. Columbia City fared about the same as other cities. We had good and not-so-good days. We were delighted to find a plentiful supply of water only to discover we have to work a little more and a little harder to see if we can make this water supply serve our needs properly. We won’t give up until we have exhausted all avenues of producing quality water from our well. Even if we finally discover it to be economically unfeasible to continue work on our current well, we must move forward with our water projects.
Fifth and "J" Streets were realigned to provide a much nicer transition to Sixth Street. Sixth Street north of "A" Street was seal-coated, and our goal is to repave all of Sixth Street. We continue to monitor our sewer and wastewater projects and need to make modifications to our system this year. Park projects and maintenance continue as we try to find ways to provide relaxation and recreation for everyone.
Our celebration was a success. We raised over $5,000 to help our community library to remain open after school hours.
This past year Columbia City faced high legal fees to enforce our comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. Some ambiguities ("loopholes") need to be cleared up to better protect our citizens, although I am sure that creative minds will find a way to test the establishment. We have learned from past mistakes and try diligently not to let them happen again.
Columbia City has also had to adjust fees for services in order to keep up with rising costs outside our City. We cringe every time we have to increase our fees and have tried in many instances to make it a gradual process. If anyone understands the need to live on a very frugal budget, I do. Our City Administrator is already working on our 2002-2003 budget. The forecast appears foggy at the moment, but we will do the best with what we have. We will need, and welcome, your help. No one fully understands or appreciates government services or necessities until they get involved.
City staff continues to do a great job. I admire their dedication and exemplary work on behalf of our City. We have a family-oriented atmosphere at City Hall and work well together. We are fortunate to have caring, skilled, and talented individuals working for us. They are at the front lines every day, often with limited means, and they deserve our thanks for a job well done.
Other issues not discussed here can be found in past newsletters and local newspaper articles. We continue to keep our citizens as well informed as possible and encourage you to do your part by reading information presented to you and asking questions if necessary.
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO JIM BUNDY, our Public Works Superintendent. Jim has only been working for Columbia City since July 1996, but he has made a lasting impression upon many of us. He married Sandy Bartlett, a Columbia City gal I grew up with.
A few months ago, Jim jumped out of the back of his pickup and hurt his back. Thinking the pain was coming from a back sprain and figuring it would go away, he went hunting, one of the many sports he loves so much. The pain did not go away, and even got worse. A medical checkup revealed more than a muscle sprain. Jim, a normally healthy and exuberant man, had cancer. This hit him, his family, and friends as hard as the 911 disaster in New York.
Jim’s right kidney, with a tumor the size of a baseball, was removed. The cancer had spread to his spine and a couple small spots appeared on his lungs. Although the cancer in his spine was incurable, it was considered treatable. His outlook was very positive, and he was ready to go through whatever it took and be back to work in a few short weeks. The pain continued, worsening each day, and when it didn’t go away after more than a month, Jim was given a MRI. More revealing than a CAT scan, the MRI showed that the cancer was spreading rapidly, and he was diagnosed as terminal.
Anyone who has suffered through a devastating illness will empathize with this situation. Jim isn’t the only one to have a trial such as this, nor will he be the last, unfortunately. Miracles, however, come in many ways, often unrecognized until later. In this case, Jim, like others you may have known and loved, is the miracle. His positive attitude and belief in God, his family, friends, and fellowmen has never dwindled. He knows what’s happening, but he is not afraid. He won’t give up, but is prepared for whatever happens. He is truly an inspiration to those who know and love him. Many churches, groups, and individuals have prayed for him. Although very weak, Jim has welcomed visitors and displayed the same sense of humor and sincerity he’s always had.
Jim has always been like Pollyanna to me. I can’t think of an unkind word he has said about anyone. He always finds something positive to say, even in the worst of circumstances. He is open-minded, always willing to learn more, find solutions, and work hard. He’s learned from mistakes. He loves his family and friends, and they love him. He has character and ethics. His humility is outstanding, always claiming the values of teamwork over his own achievements.
When we told him that a park was going to be named after him, Jim said he was going to get an attorney for a second opinion. Then he began dreaming about how the park could be and said he would "do anything to help." He said, "We’ll get a team together and get it done!"
For all the Jim’s in the world, thank you for helping us to have faith and do the very best we can in any situation. GOD BLESS US ALL.
CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERS
CURBSIDE YARD DEBRIS SERVICE
The City Council will hold a public hearing on February 7th to obtain public input about a proposal to offer curbside yard debris pickup as part of regular trash collection service in Columbia City. If approved, the yard debris service will cost an additional $3.70 per month for a 95-gallon cart that is picked up every other week. Yard clippings, vegetables, fruit, wood, leaves and similar materials can be placed in the container. The yard debris service will be included in weekly and every-other-week service, and will not be optional.
The City Council initiated this proposal in an effort to reduce outdoor burning and reduce the amount of trash sent to the landfill. The implementation of this service is also expected to lead to cleaner streets and gutters, and it should improve Columbia County's recycling rating.
Please attend this public hearing, which will be held on Thursday, February 7th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, or submit your written comments to City Hall prior to the hearing.
GROUNDWATER WELL UPDATE
Once again we would like to apologize for the inconvenience our water customers experienced during the month of December when we supplied water from our new groundwater well. Customers complained of a cloudy appearance, taste and odor problems, and film buildup. The water was tested extensively, and although it met all state and federal drinking water requirements, the water quality continued to deteriorate as we used the well source. Water tests revealed a steady increase in total dissolved solids during the pumping period. The City shut off the well on December 21st, and we have been supplying water from the St. Helens source since that date. We plan to pump the new well to waste during the next 30 days, and during this process we will monitor the water for changes in water quality.
HOUSING REHABILITATION LOANS AVAILABLE
Is your house in need of repairs? Low-income homeowners may now be eligible for no-interest, deferred payment loans! The funds may be used to complete the following housing rehabilitation projects:
Update electrical, plumbing or sewer
Replace or update heat source
Replace roof, doors, windows
Structural repairs
Foundation repairs
Energy saving measures
In order to qualify, you must be a homeowner, meet income and property guidelines, and live in the dwelling to be repaired. Loan funds are limited! Please contact the Community Action Team, Inc., at (503) 397-1675 for additional information and/or loan applications.
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT DENIED
Public testimony was heard at the January Planning Commission meeting regarding a City-initiated amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. The proposal would have allowed a reduction in lot size, with no change in density, in exchange for the dedication of land identified in the Parks Master Plan for public park purposes. After hearing public testimony against a reduction in lot size, the Planning Commission voted to recommend against City Council approval of the change, and the matter went to a public hearing during the January 17th Council meeting. Following the public hearing, the City Council also voted against adopting the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance.
PLANNING COMMISSION NEWS
The February Planning Commission meeting has been canceled. On March 12, 2002, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. to consider an application for an interpretation of the Subdivision Ordinance. Specifically, the request is to allow a one-year extension of the preliminary plat approval for Pacific Terrace II. Additional information about the application may be obtained by contacting City Hall at (503) 397-4010.
ALLEY VACATION HEARING
The City Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 21, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Hall. The purpose of the hearing is to obtain public input concerning a proposal to vacate the undeveloped alley in Block 4, Columbia City. Block 4 is located north of "G" Street, south of "F" Street, east of First Street and west of The Strand. The City initiated this alley vacation.
ROTARY CLUB DONATION
On behalf of the Columbia Rotary Club, Steve Reed presented the City with a $500 check to pay for the County Sheriff's work crew to work in the park located at the corner of "E" Street and Highway 30. Tentatively, the work will occur in late February or early March and will involve the removal of several dead or dying trees and blackberries, and general cleanup. We'd like to extend our thanks to the Columbia Rotary Club for their support.
BASIC RULES FOR PROPER OPEN BURNING
Must have a current and proper permit
Must have an approved burn barrel or pile
Must ensure proper and safe distances
Must attend to burn barrel or pile (water available)
Must burn appropriate material
Must not adversely affect neighbors (smoke)
Must burn only on designated burn days and during daylight hours
SEWER PROJECT NEEDED
Improvements need to be made to the sewage pump station at the corner of Second Street and Spinnaker Way to increase capacity, control the development of hydrogen sulfide gas, and prevent sewage overflows. The sewage pump station was constructed in 1991 to serve the River Club Estates (RCE) subdivision. In 1992 the City constructed the sanitary sewer system to serve the entire City, and the RCE pump station was incorporated into the City system. Approximately 90 percent of the City's wastewater flow is collected and discharged into this pump station.
The existing pump station is a duplex (two-pump) submersible sewage pump station. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requires that duplex pump stations have sufficient capacity to handle discharge peak flows with one pump, while the second pump is available as a backup. Each existing pump has a capacity of 150 to 200 gallons per minute (gpm), while current peak flows are estimated to range from 200 to 300 gpm.
In recent years the City has begun to routinely experience pump failures with this pump station. There are multiple potential causes for these failures, including poor inlet hydraulics that can cause air entrainment in the pumps, and inadequate pump capacity that leads to the pumps operating too frequently.
The City Council is moving forward with a funding request to complete improvements to the RCE pump station. Improvements will include the installation of larger capacity pumps (600 to 700 gpm) and upgrades to the existing wetwell, telemetry and electrical system. The project would also include modifications to the inlet piping and the installation of a new valve and flow meter vault, a dedicated backup power supply, a hydrogen sulfide control system, and a new 6-inch force main. The project is estimated to cost as much as $400,000, and will require an increase in monthly sewer rates. The City Council will be looking at funding options for this project during the next few months. For additional information about this project, please contact the City Hall at (503) 397-4010.
FEDERAL TAX FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS
We now have reproducible copies of 2001 Federal tax forms and instructions available at the City Hall. You can obtain copies of the forms and instructions during our regular working hours for $0.15 per page. You may also download forms and information from the IRS's web site at www.irs.gov, or you may order forms and publications by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-3676.
AN INVITATION
Do you have memories of early Columbia City or old pictures of what the City looked like back then? You are invited to come and have cookies and coffee and reminisce about the "good old days" with Ann Jennings and Shari Ouillette as they gather information for the Columbia City History book.
If you have lived in the City for a long time and have memories of the past that you would like to share, then we would love to meet you. This is the first of several of these meetings to be held. The hope is to offer a casual atmosphere where folks can meet and share about our City.
We also need pictures! Bring what you have, and they will be copied and returned to you. The date is February 20, 2002, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Knapp Social Center. If you can attend, please call (503) 397-5390.
PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY
With winter upon us, we'd like to remind drivers to slow down! Speeding is a major contributor to accidents, especially during this time of year, and it is important to be cautious and courteous when driving. Please remember the maximum speed limit on Highway 30 within Columbia City is 50 mph. Slow it down when dealing with weather conditions like rain, ice, snow, and fog. Give yourself some extra time to get to your destination, and don’t tailgate the car in front of you. Let’s all do our part and drive carefully.
CAMPBELL'S LABELS FOR EDUCATION
The Campbell's Company has a program
that allows schools to obtain 
supplies
for education by collecting labels from products purchased at the grocery store.
Listed below are the products and what part of the container to save. These
labels can be left at City Hall or taken to the Columbia City Grade School.
Save the front label of any Campbell's product, Franco-American products, Pepperidge Farm soups, Swanson broths and Swanson Poultry (paper label), Prego Pasta sauces and V8 juices.
Save the lid from Campbell's Ready to Serve Soups (plastic), Pace Salsa Picante and Picante ConQueso, Prego Pasta sauces (46 oz. and larger).
Save the UPC code from Pepperidge products, Swanson broths (carton), Campbell's Soup and Recipe Mix (with the entire box bottom panel), and V8 Splash (6.75 oz. boxes/8 pack).
Extra bonus points are awarded when you save the UPC label from any new Campbell's Supper Bakes products and the label from Franco-American SpagettiOs A to Z's.
SHUTTING OFF WATER
Shutting off your water for non-payment of a water bill is a drastic step, and one we don't take lightly. However, it is something that must be done if we are to be fair to the 90% of our customers who pay their bills on time. Our policy and practice dealing with payments and delinquent accounts is as follows:
Bills are mailed on the last working day of the month.
Payment is due on the 10th of the following month.
On or about the 25th, a delinquent notice is mailed and a $5.00 late fee is assessed.
On or about the 11th of the following month, a reminder notice is hand delivered, warning of shut-off for non-payment, and a $15.00 penalty is applied to the account.
Approximately 24 hours later, the water service is shut-off if payment has not been received. A reconnection fee of $25.00 must be paid, along with the balance due on the account.
Please remember, if you are having difficulty with your bill, call us before you get a delinquent notice. You can avoid paying fees and penalties by making timely payments, or by making payment arrangements with us. We are more than willing to work with you and avoid the unpleasantness of shutting off your water.
THANK YOU!
Bernadette
Albertine, Laura Flynn, Nell Harrison, Phyllis Moss, Jane Munson, Helen
Sandstrom and Amy West helped with the December newsletter and utility billings.
City staff would like to thank the following:
COLUMBIA CITY COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Hours: Mondays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m and Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 4th - 7:00 p.m. - Bedtime Story
Feb. 6th - Internet Safety for Kids Exhibit
Feb. 11th - 27th - Quilt Exhibit
Feb. 13th - Children's Valentine Craft
Feb. 18th - CLOSED for President's Day
Feb. 20th - 5:00 p.m. - Chess Tournament
Feb. 25th - 6:30 p.m. - Genealogy Workshop
Feb. 27th - Read to Your Grandparent or Special Friend
Our growing library has over 9,000 books in its collection plus videos, audio books, large print edition books, magazines and local newspapers.
The adult section has hundreds of novels by best-selling authors like V.C. Andrews, Mauve Binchy, Susan Brown, John Grisham, Sue Grafton, Nora Roberts, Sidney Sheldon, Stephen King, and Dean Koots just to name a few.
Check out a mystery, romance, western, sci-fi, suspense, thriller, award-winner, or classic.
The non-fiction books include parenting, finance, home repair/remodeling, health, cookery, gardening, hobbies, travel guides, sports, history, philosophy, biographies and so much more.
FEBRUARY IS LIBRARY LOVERS MONTH
50 Ways to Love Your Library:
1. Get to know your library.
2. Browse your favorite Web site(s).
3. Plan your next vacation.
4. Check out a book on the latest best-seller's list.
5. Serve up a book of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
6. Learn how to lower your taxes or plan for your financial future.
7. Pick up a video.
8. Borrow an audiobook for your next roadtrip.
9. Learn to navigate the Web.
10. Prepare your resume.
11. Get new ideas for redecorating your house.
12. Join a book discussion group.
13. Attend a story hour with your child.
14. Get homework help.
15. Look up health information.
16. Research the purchase of a new car.
17. Trek to another planet in a Sci-fi novel.
18. Research your term paper.
19. Learn about Oregon history.
20. Read a local newspaper.
21. See an exhibit.
22. Volunteer as a literacy tutor.
23. Find a new recipe.
24. Ask for a recommended reading list for teens.
25. Make photocopies.
26. Enroll your child in a summer reading program.
27. Take out the latest fashion magazine.
28. Trace your family tree.
29. Cuddle up with a romance paperback.
30. Meet someone new - read a biography.
31. Get help for those home repairs.
32. Read a classic novel.
33. Plan your landscape, an organic garden, or a water garden.
34. Explore a new place in the world.
35. Get parenting advice.
36. Take home a mystery to solve.
37. Read the thoughts of a famous humorist.
38. Learn how to train and care for your pet.
39. Check out a book by a Northwest author.
40. Read a "series" - you can't stop with just one.
41. Pick up tax return forms.
42. Learn to speak Spanish.
43. Discover a new hobby.
44. Borrow the latest book from your favorite author.
45. Join the Friends of the Library.
46. Ride away with a western.
47. Get thrilled with a thriller.
48. Find a new quilt pattern.
49. Travel the Oregon Trail.
50. READ, READ, READ!
POLICE REPORT
(November 20, 2001 to January 24, 2002)
11/20/01 Assist St. Helens PD on domestic.
11/23/01 Removed road hazard at Highway and "L" Street.
11/23/01 Assist St. Helens PD on holdup.
11/23/01 Dog complaint in 2300 block of Seventh Street. Unable to locate.
11/25/01 Alarm in 3400 block of Sixth Street.
11/26/01 Vehicle towed at Trestle.
11/26/01 Motorist assist near Highway and "I" Street.
11/26/01 Criminal mischief at Grade School. No action required.
11/26/01 Raccoon complaint on "E" Street.
11/29/01 9-1-1 hang-up call - 1600 block of Sixth Street.
11/29/01 Alarm in 1300 block of Second Street.
12/03/01 Noise complaint in 1200 block of Fourth Street.
12/05/01 Bicycle found.
12/06/01 9-1-1- hang-up call - 3200 block of Pacific Street.
12/06/01 Suspicious person - The Strand and "F" Street.
12/06/01 Alarm on Belle Street.
12/07/01 DUII. Unable to locate.
12/07/01 Disabled vehicle. Towed by owner.
12/07/01 Vehicle impounded.
12/11/01 Garbage complaint on "E" Street.
12/11/01 Dog complaint in 500 block of Pacific Street.
12/11/01 Possible sexual assault.
12/13/01 Abandoned vehicle at Highway and "I" Street. Vehicle tagged.
12/14/01 Possible marijuana - less than 1 ounce.
12/14/01 Attempted Theft III.
12/17/01 Dog bite on Sixth Street.
12/18/01 Vehicle impounded for DWS.
12/20/01 Animal complaint on Sixth Street.
12/21/01 Animal at large. Transported to shelter.
12/21/01 Suspicious persons near Sixth and Franklin Streets.
12/22/01 Suspicious circumstance. Open gate at well.
12/22/01 DUII at Chemical Plant.
12/22/01 Suspicious vehicle at Highway and Pacific Street.
12/23/01 Warrant arrest.
12/24/01 Dog complaint on Sixth Street.
12/27/01 Negotiating bad check.
12/27/01 Assault 4 follow-up.
12/29/01 Alarm at Sports Club.
12/29/01 Criminal mischief/harassment.
12/31/01 Interview for previous criminal mischief.
01/03/02 Traffic complaint. Vehicle blocking traffic moved by owner.
01/03/02 Traffic complaint. Parking problem in the 100 block of "G" Street.
01/03/02 Animal complaint in the 400 block of "A" Street.
01/04/02 Public assist. Officer assists two citizens on separate calls with information.
01/04/02 Officer provides class for Brownie group and works with kids.
01/04/02 Assist St. Helens PD.
01/04/02 Assist St. Helens PD.
01/06/02 Alarm call in the 1500 block of Third Street. Alarm canceled by alarm company before officer arrived.
01/06/02 Citizen complaint. Dog at large in the 1600 block of Sixth Street.
01/07/02 Agency Assist for St. Helens PD.
01/08/02 Assist Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
01/08/02 Assist Oregon State Police.
01/08/02 Citizen complaint in the 1600 block of Fourth Street.
01/08/02 Citizen complaint near Pacific Street.
01/10/02 Noise complaint reported.
01/10/02 Citizen assist at Highway and "L" Street.
01/10/02 Motorist assist at Highway near frontage road.
01/10/02 Citizen assist at Highway and "E" Street.
01/10/02 Citizen assist at Highway and Frontage Road.
01/10/02 Assist St. Helens PD at the Columbia City
Grade School.
01/11/02 Checked abandoned vehicle at Highway 30 near Chimes Crest.
01/11/02 Suspicious vehicle at First Street near Port of St. Helens building
01/11/02 Animal complaint. Unable to locate animal.
01/11/02 Citizen assist near Highway and Chimes Crest
01/12/02 Citizen assist near Highway and Pacific Street.
01/14/02 Citizen assisted in recovering stolen property.
01/14/02 Removed road hazard near Highway and Pacific Street.
01/15/02 Citizen complaint in the 1600 block of Second Place.
01/15/02 Theft call in the 300 block of "A" Street.
01/17/02 Assist citizen in recovering stolen property.
01/18/02 Check fraud reported.
01/18/02 Investigate RV permit in the 2300 block of Sixth Street.
01/18/02 Assist St. Helens PD at CJ’s Market.
01/18/02 Officer finds a reported DUII driver. Driver found not impaired.
01/18/02 Fraud call reported.
01/18/02 Bicycle found in Pixie Park and taken to City Hall.
01/19/02 Traffic complaint. Driver reported not having a driver’s license and no insurance.
01/19/02 Suspicious vehicle checked near Pacific Street and Highway.
01/24/02 Telephonic harassment reported.