The Columbia County Planning Commission recently approved several Morse Bros. applications related to mining and processing aggregate on lands located to the north of our City limits. Morse Bros. has also requested an exemption from operating hours to allow their proposed facility to crush, mill, screen, wash, import and distribute aggregate seven days a week, 24 hours per day. They are making this request based upon a claim that the site is isolated. The request for an exemption from operating hours is usually decided by County staff. However, Columbia City requested that this matter be referred to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and decision, and paid the $250 referral fee. Columbia City disputes the idea that the site, which is located directly to the north of McBride Creek along the Columbia River, is isolated. Columbia City is concerned about the impacts dust, noise, and lights from this operation will have on the quality of life that our residents currently enjoy, and upon the wildlife habitat in the area.

Although they have closed the public hearing, the Planning Commission has left the record open and will continue to accept additional written comments about the request until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2003. Written comments may be mailed or hand delivered to the Columbia County Planning Department, 230 Strand, St. Helens, OR 97051. The Columbia County Planning Commission will consider the additional written testimony received by the March 3^rd deadline during their meeting on April 7^th which will be held at 6:30 p.m. They are likely to render a decision about the operating hours during the April 7^th meeting.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Bernadette Albertine, Alice Barchus, Nell Harrison, Dolores Heinz, Phyllis Rowley, and Amy West helped with the February bills and newsletter.

Bernard Carlton has been donating much of his time working in the Jim Bundy Memorial Park.

Ziggy Ziglinski has picked up garbage along Highway 30 and continues to help City staff.

Spring is near! Before you dig into that yard or garden project, be sure to check out the gardening and landscaping books available to the Library!

Last year, a group of volunteers began work on a quilt to raffle during the 2003 Columbia City Celebration. The quilt is now in the quilting frame being quilted. If you are a quilter and would like to help our group of volunteers, please call City Hall. The quilt is available during City Hall office hours, but arrangements will also be made to accommodate quilters outside of our regular business hours. We would like to finish the quilt as soon as possible so it can be displayed at quilt shows and in various business settings.

Come into City Hall and see the cutest quilt ever! This queen-size quilt presents Betty Boop, appliqued in 14 various poses. The quilt is made from red, white and black fabrics, and is accented with gold-trimmed hearts. It will be raffled off during the Columbia City Celebration on September 6, 2003. Raffle tickets are now for sale. Tickets sell for $1.00 each or six for $5.00. We need everyone to help sell tickets to make this a successful fundraiser. All proceeds will be donated to the Columbia City Community Library for staffing purposes.

March 3^rd - Bedtime Story - 7-7:30 p.m. read by Mr. Brad Lessard

March 17^th - Friends of the Library Meeting - 7 p.m.

Library hours - Monday and Wednesday - 4-7 p.m.

Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. A highway spill of hazardous material could mean instant evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado or any other disaster could cut off basic services for days.

Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembly a Disaster Supplies Kit.

Pick up a free pamphlet at City Hall that has a checklist of the supplies needed for a disaster kit. Water, food, first aid kit, tools and supplies, clothing and bedding and special items are major categories discussed. The pamphlet also gives hints for staying in contact with family members and how to begin, practice and maintain your own disaster plan.

ST. HELENS BUILDS TREATMENT FACILITY

The City of St. Helens will construct a water treatment plant on vacant property located west of Fourth Street, east of Highway 30, just to the south of our City limits. Site clearing and preparation will occur this year, and construction is scheduled for 2004. Public involvement meetings to discuss the project will be held in the near future.

01/25/03 Suspicious vehicle near Fifth and Weown Streets. Checked okay.

01/25/03 Citizen assist. Checked to see if an ATV had been stolen.

01/25/03 Agency assist. MVA on Smith Road.

01/31/03 Citizen complaint. Suspicious box near Highway 30 and Trestle Beach. Checked okay.

01/31/03 Traffic complaint. Squealing tires near Sixth and Pacific Streets.

02/01/03 Traffic hazard. Debris removed near MP 30.5 on Highway 30.

02/03/03 Theft complaint taken.

02/03/03 Traffic complaint. Remote control cars in the street. Problem solved.

02/03/03 Citizen complaint. Paintball guns fired in the 500 block of "E" Street. Problem resolved.

02/05/03 Citizen complaint. Yard debris in 3200 block of Park Drive. Problem resolved.

02/06/03 Suspicious vehicle. In the 3500 block of Tahoma Street. Checked okay.

02/06/03 Theft. Spare tire in the 3300 block of Tahoma Street.

02/06/03 Telephonic harassment. In the 300 block of "A" Street.

02/07/03 Citizen assist - 2000 block of Third Street.

02/10/03 Citizen complaints. Large amount of traffic near the 700 block of James Street.

02/11/03 Abandoned vehicle. Highway 30 and Chime Crest.

02/11/03 Animal complaint. Near 2100 block of Third Street.

02/12/03 Suspicious vehicle. At City Hall and checked okay.

02/12/03 Citizen assist. Near Second and "I" Streets.

02/12/03 Agency assist. Searched for wanted subject.

02/14/03 Agency assist. In the 2000 block of Sixth Street.

02/14/03 Citizen complaint. Bad checks at the Mini Mart.

02/14/03 MVA. Investigation of vehicle hitting a child. No injuries.

02/15/03 Citizen complaint. Receiving threats in the 1200 block of Fourth Street.

02/19/03 Traffic complaint. Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

02/19/03 Suspicious vehicle. Near "K" and Seventh Streets.

MARCH 2003 MEETING AND EVENT CALENDAR

March 6 - 7:30 p.m.- City Council regular session

March 7 - 7:00 p.m. - Parks Committee Meeting

March 10 - 7:00 p.m. - Water Committee Meeting

March 11 - 7:00 p.m. - Planning Commission regular session

March 13 - 7:30 p.m. - Municipal Court

March 15 - 9:00 a.m. - Jim Bundy Memorial Park Work Party

March 18 - 7:00 p.m. - Planning Commission special session

March 20 - 7:30 p.m. - City Council regular session

March 27 - 7:30 p.m. - Municipal Court

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