The Rose Festival ships will pass by the City on June 5^th and 6^th. Because of the events of September 11 ^th, only nine ships will be in port this year. The U.S. Navy ships arriving June 6^th are: The Frederick, an amphibious tank landing ship; Paul F. Foster, a multi-mission destroyer; the Ford, a guided missile frigate; and the Valley Forge, a guided missile cruiser. On June 5^th, the U.S. Coast Guard ships, the Bluebell, an inland buoy tender, and the Hamilton, a high endurance cutter will arrive. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers' dredges, the Essyons and the Yaquina, will arrive June 5^th, along with the Canadian Yellow Knife, a frigate.

The Caples House will not host their Fleet Day Celebration this year.

MEET OUR NEW

We'd like to extend a warm welcome to our newest employee, Micah Olson, who has been hired as the City's Public Works Superintendent. Micah and his wife, Christine, live in Yankton with their four children, Jeffrey, age 5, Curtis, age 3, Ethan, age 1, and Jessica, who is just one month old. Micah has ten years of experience in the water works industry, and has managed several private water systems. Micah and Christine enjoy bicycling, horseback riding, camping and other activities, and raise buffalo in Yankton. We're very happy to have Micah join our team, and we look forward to working with him.

A joint City Council/Planning Commission workshop is scheduled for June 19^th at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held in the basement of the Foursquare Church, which is located at 1955 Second Street, Columbia City. The purpose of this meeting is to review and select preferred policy options and draft amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and maps. Members of all of the City's committees are invited, as well as any interested public.

This work begins the review process, which will result in combining planning documents into a Development Code and changing the City's maps to show an expanded urban growth boundary.

Are you interested in helping us with a community fund raising project? The City is looking for help from crafters who do hand quilting and/or hand embroidery. We have selected a quilt to make to be raffled during the 2003 Celebration, and we would welcome help from local quilters and/or embroiderers on this project. The quilt blocks require some embroidery before quilting, so the quilt blocks can be a small take-along project for those who embroider. If you are a quilter or do embroidery and are interested in volunteering for this project, please call City Hall.

When the City needed someone to help with the vacant position in the Public Works Department, Dick Simpson graciously offered to serve as our Interim Public Works Superintendent until a new superintendent could be hired. Dick had recently retired from the City. Having Dick back has been a joy, because he is someone who will do almost anything you ask of him. The City staff would like to thank Dick for his unselfish offer to help us, and we wish him well in his second retirement and hope he and his wife, Mary Jo, stop in from time to time to visit.

The City Parks Committee has scheduled a volunteer workday in Jim Bundy Memorial Park. The event will be held on Saturday, June 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the park, which is located at the corner of "E" Street and Highway 30. The volunteers will be cleaning up the park by removing blackberry bushes, weeds, rocks, and other debris. The Parks Committee is working diligently to prepare the park for development. Please join us for this community event!

BUDGET NEWS

The Columbia City Budget Committee approved the proposed budget for 2002-03 during a meeting on April 24, 2002. The City Council will hold a public hearing to obtain comments about the approved budget at 7:30 p.m. on June 23, 2002. A copy of the approved budget is available for public inspection at the City Hall.

Spring Cleanup: The City's annual "Spring Clean-Up" was a huge success, thanks to our sponsors and volunteers! The following volunteers assisted City staff at the site: Bernard Carlton, Juanita Curry, Bill Guy, Gary Hudson, Buddy Rivers, and Bob Schmor. Deputy Reeves of the Columbia County Corrections also provided us with one community service worker, and Jason Hudson from Hudson Garbage assisted us throughout the day. Special thanks to all of our sponsors for making this community event possible:

Hudson Garbage

Waste Management

Les Schwab Tire Center

Columbia County

Beaver Bark

Columbia City Grade School

Stan's Refrigeration and Appliance Service

Columbia County Corrections

St. Helens-Scappoose Chamber of Commerce

The South County Spotlight

Down By The Riverside: Thanks to our volunteers, Harvard Anderson, Juanita Curry, Gary Hudson and Buddy Rivers, our third annual "Down By The Riverside" project was a great success! Volunteers and City staff gathered at Pixie Park on Saturday, May 18th, and removed trash, blackberries, weeds and other debris from Pixie Park. The group repainted the railing and seal-coated the picnic tables. They also planted a variety of sedums and other plants, which were donated for the event by Barbara Jones. The project was completed as part of an enhancement, cleanup and appreciation program sponsored by SOLV, a non-profit agency working to preserve this treasure called Oregon. We'd like to extend a very special thank you to everyone who donated their time to this project.

Jim Bundy Memorial Park: During the weekend of May 25 and 26, Deputy Reeves and his crew spruced up Jim Bundy Memorial Park by removing woody debris, blackberry bushes and brush from the park. Steve Reed was instrumental in obtaining a donation for this project from the Columbia Rotary Club, and we'd like to thank them for making this project possible. We'd also like to extend a special thank you to Hudson Garbage Service for their donation of drop boxes for this project.

Remember, if you have visitors staying in an RV, you will need to apply for a permit at City Hall. The cost is $10 and the permit is valid for up to one month if approved by the Council. Please remember - RV's cannot be hooked up to the City's sewer system.

Between May 15^th and September 30^th of any year, weeds and grass cannot exceed 10 inches in height within the City limits. Additionally, blackberry bushes cannot extend across property lines or into the City’s rights-of-way, including streets, alleys and sidewalks. Property owners or other persons in charge of the property must keep weeds, grass and other noxious growth, such as poison oak, cut and maintained to prevent them from becoming unsightly and a fire hazard, and to prevent them from maturing and going to seed. Violators can be cited into Municipal Court. Additionally, the City may abate the nuisance and lien the property for the costs.

To report violations, please contact City Hall at (503) 397-4010 with the address of the property.

The summer season brings the heaviest watering time of the year. Following are some conservation tips:

Avoid over watering. Grass needs water only when it is pale green, and it stays flat after it has been stepped on.

Water slowly until the lawn is soggy. If practical, use a hose to water the lawn. Sprinklers, especially ones that deliver a fine spray, allow the water to evaporate before the soil can absorb it. In larger yards, customers should use sprinklers that make large drops of water.

Water in the morning. Hot sun and afternoon winds can evaporate much of the water before it reaches the soil.

When selecting plants for the garden, consider plants that naturally grow well in the area. Native plants usually don't need as much water and can withstand wind and bright sunlight better.

Before planting a garden, add compost or a mulch. Compost absorbs water and fertilizes plants. Mulches also absorb water and prevent the spread of weeds.

Also, remember a dripping faucet or running toilet can use a large amount of water. Check for leaks in a toilet by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the bowl contains food coloring after 10 minutes, the tank is leaking.

The following is Cathy Smith's homemade recipe for black spot or mold on rose bushes:

Mix:

3 teaspoons of soda

1 teaspoon of Ivory liquid

1 gallon of water

Spray weekly.

The library has several new books available:

Shelter of the Stone, fifth in the Earth's Children series by Jean Auel. Her first four books are also available.

Lucky Man: A Memoir by Michael J. Fox

John Adams by David McCullough

Daddy's Little Girl, Mary Higgins Clark

A Painted House by John Grisham, also on audio

Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich

Landscaping and gardening books

Come with your teddy bear and slippers for the last bedtime story of the school year, Monday, June 3rd at 7 p.m.

Trek on in to get your trail guide and reading log for the summer reading program. Gather 'round for "s'more" story-time activities every other Monday beginning June 17^th from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration begins June 1^st. Appropriate for preschoolers to third graders.

Summer hours: June 17^th to August 28^th

Monday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Closed May 27^th and August 5^th and 7^th

Friends of the Library meetings: May 20^th at 7 p.m. and June 17^th at 7 p.m.

Columbia City has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2001-02 budget document from the Government Finance Officers Association. This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting, and its attainment represents a significant achievement. In order to qualify for the award, a panel of reviewers examines the budget document to insure that it satisfies nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device. The City's budget was rated as proficient in all four categories. This is the second consecutive year the City has received this award.

The nursery rhyme "Ring around the Rosy" is a rhyme about the plague? Infected people with the plague would get red circular sores ("Ring around the rosy"). The sores had a putrid odor, so common folks would put flowers on their bodies somewhere (inconspicuously), so that it would mask the odor of the sores ("a pocket full of posies"). Furthermore, people who died from the plague would be burned so as to reduce the possible spread of the disease ("ashes, ashes, we all fall down").

CANDIDATE FILING DATES

Two City Council positions and the position of Mayor will expire at the end of December. These positions will be filled during the upcoming General Election in November. Qualified electors who have resided within the City since November 5, 2001, may run for office. Nominating petitions will be available at the City Hall beginning on June 8, 2002. The nominating petitions must be signed by 20 qualified electors, and must be filed with the City Recorder by 5:00 p.m. on August 22, 2002. The Mayor and City Council positions are for a term of four years.

If you are going on a long hiking trip, the following should be included:

A compass, map, water treatment kit (2 liters of water per person per day), sock liners, hat, rain jacket and pants, utility cord, a good sleeping pad, sealed tent, and an appropriate sleeping bag.

In warmer weather, use lightweight wool or synthetic blended socks, not cotton.

As a rule, try not to carry more than one third of your body weight.

The major cause of altitude sickness is going too high, too fast. Getting acclimated generally takes 1-3 days at each major increase. Symptoms of high altitude sickness are headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and nausea. Symptoms seem to be worse at night.

If you start to show symptoms of moderate altitude illness, don't keep going up until the symptoms go down.

When hiking stay properly hydrated and drink 3-4 quarts per day because your fluid loss is inordinately high.

When hiking, descend immediately if you cannot walk a straight line - heel to toe - as if you were drunk. Twenty-four hours at a lower altitude will result in significant improvements.

Tell others where you are going, and if possible, bring a cell phone.

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.

(March 23 to 2002)

03/26/02 Agency Assist - took initial report from motorist who reported hitting a wheel in the road on Highway 30 south of Scappoose.

03/28/02 Citizen assist - motorist near Highway 30 near "E" Street.

03/28/02 Animal complaint - resolved between neighbors.

03/28/02 Agency assist - St. Helens Police near Pittsburg Road.

03/28/02 Agency assist - St. Helens Police near Highway 30 and Pittsburg Road.

03/28/02 Citizen assist - motorist near Highway 30 and "L" Street.

03/28/02 Citizen assist - motorist in the 1800 block of Sixth Street.

03/28/02 Officer deals with a juvenile problem.

03/28/02 Agency assist - Officers search for a motorist regarding a traffic complaint.

03/29/02 Officers deal with a traffic hazard near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

03/29/02 Found property - kitchen knife is recovered in the area of 300 block of Pacific Street.

03/29/02 Missing cat report.

03/29/02 Citizen assist at the Mini Mart.

03/29/02 Extra patrol requested in the 200 block of "K" Street.

04/01/02 Noise complaint in the 3000 block of Sixth Street.

04/01/02 Welfare check - Citizen requests help in finding missing husband.

04/01/02 Theft of some traffic cones reported.

04/01/02 Noise complaint. Live band playing in the 1700 block of Seventh Street.

04/01/02 Search for a stolen Ford pickup.

04/01/02 Animal complaint. Resolved between neighbors.

04/01/02 Citizen assisted in the 1900 block of Second Street.

04/05/02 Suspicious vehicle and person checked and found to be a SAIF investigator.

04/05/02 Citizen assisted in the 1700 block of Sixth Street.

04/05/02 Citizen assisted in the 1700 block of Second Street.

04/06/02 Suspicious person - found to be okay in the area of Highway 30 and "L" Street.

04/06/02 Parking complaint in the 300 block of Pacific Street.

04/06/02 Motorist assist in the area of Highway 30 and "L" Street.

04/06/02 Motorist assist on Highway 30 near Deer Island.

04/06/02 Drunk driver reported from the Rainier area.

Vehicle located and driver not intoxicated.

04/06/02 Suspicious person reported near Pacific and Tahoma Streets. Unable to locate.

04/07/02 Driver cited for criminal driving while suspended.

04/07/02 Residential alarm - in the 1700 block of Sixth Street.

04/09/02 Citizen assisted at the south end of the bike path on Fourth Street.

04/09/02 Suspicious person checked in the area of Sixth Street.

04/11/02 Citizen assist - Metlako Way.

04/11/02 Attempted burglary report taken.

04/11/02 Citizen assisted in the area of 1800 block of Second Street.

04/12/02 Vandalism call taken.

04/12/02 Recovered stolen vehicle from 500 block of "B" Street.

04/13/02 Vandalism report taken.

04/14/02 Motorist cited for a criminal traffic violation.

04/13/02 Suspicious vehicle checked at Pixie Park.

04/14/02 Agency assist - Scappoose Police pursuit and officer involved shooting.

04/16/02 Complaint of an erratic driver. Unable to locate.

04/18/02 Motorist assist near Highway 30 and "L" Street.

04/19/02 Traffic hazard - Highway 30 near "L" Street.

04/19/02 Vehicle blocking roadway in the 2400 block of Sixth Street. Removed by owner.

04/19/02 Motorist assist at Highway 30 near "I" Street.

04/19/02 Agency assist - St. Helens Police with an out of control juvenile.

04/19/02 Attempt to locate reported reckless driver coming into Columbia City. Vehicle not found.

04/20/02 Suspicious person checked in the area of Sixth and "C" Street. Checked okay.

04/20/02 Citizen assist in the 3300 block of Tahoma Street.

04/22/02 Strong-arm robbery and attempted car jacking reported in the area of Highway 30 and "A" Street.

04/22/02 Citizen assist at Columbia City Mini Mart.

04/22/02 Officers arrest a male subject in the area of Sixth near "L" Streets.

04/22/02 911 call responded to and found to have been a misdialed call.

04/24/02 Traffic hazard - portable basketball hoop in the roadway. Removed before officers arrived.

04/25/02 Citizen concerns addressed by officers on Metlako Way.

04/25/02 Suspicious vehicle checked at Fourth Street near "I" Street.

04/25/02 Citizen assist at a bus stop at "I" and Second Streets.

04/25/02 Stop sign torn down by vandals at Sixth and "A" Streets.

04/27/02 Suspicious vehicle checked okay.

04/29/02 Traffic hazard checked at Highway 30 and "L" Street.

04/29/02 Motorist assist at Highway 30 and "I" Street. Transported driver to Carquest.

04/29/02 Traffic hazard checked at Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

04/29/02 Suspicious vehicle checked okay at Second and "I" Streets.

04/30/02 Driver arrested for DUI and driving while suspended (criminal).

05/02/02 Welfare check - 1500 block of Sixth Street.

05/05/02 Traffic hazard near Fifth and "D" Streets.

05/06/02 Complaint of rats in garbage in the 1800 block of Sixth Street.

05/09/02 Parking complaint in the 1200 block of Fourth Street. Unable to locate.

05/09/02 911 call checked on Sixth near Penn Street. Phone problems.

05/11/02 Officers assist on a car fire at Highway 30 and Chimes Crest.

05/13/02 Animal complaint - Barking dog in the 1800 block of First Street.

05/14/02 Woman reported receiving threats at work.

05/14/02 Officers assist in looking for a lost dog.

05/16/02 Traffic hazard on Highway 30 near Pacific Street.

05/16/02 Warrant arrest made near Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

05/17/02 Report of stolen park bench from City park.

05/17/02 Dog complaint in the 1800 block of First Street.

05/17/02 Traffic hazard (glass in road) removed in the area of Sixth and Franklin Streets.

05/17/02 Citizen assist at the Caples House.

05/19/02 Telephonic harassment call taken from a woman being harassed by an ex-boyfriend.

05/20/02 Woman assisted with a civil situation.

05/20/02 Dog complaint in the 1800 block of First Street.

05/22/02 Dog hit by car in the 1700 block of Fourth Street. Unable to locate.

05/23/02 Fraud complaint at the Mini Mart.

05/23/02 Citizen assist at the Mini Mart.

05/24/02 Black lab taken to the shelter.

05/24/02 Motorist assist at Highway 30 and "E" Street.

05/24/02 Suspicious person checked at Highway 30 and "E" Street near the railroad tracks.

05/25/02 Officers assist St. Helens Police on a call at the Village Inn.

05/26/02 Five people are contacted by officers and warned for trespassing.

05/25/02 Agency assist - St. Helens Police on an incident at Highway 30 near Deer Island Road.

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