The City will again provide a temporary yard debris disposal site for Columbia City residents. The site is located in the 1700 block of Third Street, behind the Public Works shop buildings. The disposal site will be roped off and clearly marked and will be available November 8 through 16, 2003. Customers are asked to please abide by the following guidelines:

• Drop off yard debris only.

• Place yard debris within the marked area.

• Yard debris must be from within the City limits of Columbia City.

• Keep the length of yard debris (limbs) to four feet and under.

Donations will gladly be accepted. Please leave donations in the drop box at City Hall.

This site is being provided to our citizens under the honor system. Please, be respectful of the rules to ensure the availability of this site again in the future.

The City's new burning ordinance has now taken effect, and prohibits burn barrels and outdoor burning of garbage and rubbish. It also prohibits all outdoor burning of yard debris, except during specified biannual burn periods.

Yard debris may be burned outdoors during the following biannual burn periods:

• Beginning first Saturday in April and ending the third Sunday in April; and

• Beginning the first Saturday in November and ending the third Sunday in November.

There is no need for a burn permit, but it must be a burn day. Call (503) 397-4800 for burn day information.

Burning will be confined to daylight hours on days when open burning is permitted by air quality and fire District regulatory authorities. (Burn Day Information (503) 397-4800)

• One person must be in attendance at all times until the fire is out.

• A garden hose, or a shovel and 5-gallon bucket of water, shall be present.

• There shall be a minimum of at least 10 feet clearance around the burn site of all combustible materials that could cause your fire to escape.

• A firebreak shall be constructed around the burn site to prevent the fire from creeping to adjoining fuels.

• Yard and garden trimmings shall be cut and piled into piles no larger than six feet wide by four feet high.

• All combustible material to be burned shall be dried to the extent practical to prevent emission of excessive smoke.

• For piles larger than three feet in diameter, there shall be a minimum of 50 feet clearance. For piles smaller than three feet, a minimum of 25 feet clearance is required. Clearances are from structures, trees, vehicles, or property lines.

The Columbia River Fire & Rescue publishes a guide to burning within the Columbia River Fire & Rescue District. Copies of the guide are available at City Hall.

CHRISTMAS SHIPS

The Christmas Ship Parade will be celebrating their 48th year this December. The all-volunteer group will visit Columbia City on December 13^th. The ships will assemble at the St. Helens City docks at 5:00 p.m. and motor downriver to Columbia City. The Christmas ships will be out approximately two hours, will stay overnight at the St. Helens City docks and leave Sunday morning via the Multnomah Channel.

• Always use the proper fuel for each heater. Using non-approved fuels can be extremely dangerous.

• Never attempt to accelerate a fire with kerosene or gasoline. They will both "flash back" to the container with serious burn consequences.

• Be sure your space heater, fireplace, or wood stove is in good working condition. Clean your chimney at least once a year to prevent chimney fires.

• Maintain adequate clearance around all heating devices to ensure combustible material is well clear. Also, be sure to use a screen with your fireplace and avoid creating roaring fires which could ignite soot in your chimney.

Columbia City recently partnered with the Columbia River People's Utility District (PUD) in a streetlight replacement project. Under the project, the PUD replaced the old Mercury Vapor fixtures with energy efficient High Pressure Sodium light fixtures. In addition, they added extension arms where needed to better direct the light out over the street and/or intersection.

The project will reduce the City's monthly street lighting bill. Initially, the cost savings will be used to repay the PUD for the purchase and installation of the new lights, and a payback period of just over four years is anticipated. We'd like to extend a very special thank you to the PUD for making this project available to our community!

We'd like to extend a very special thank you to:

• Bernadette Albertine, Alice Barchus, Jo Detloff, Phyllis Moss, Phyllis Rowley and Helen Sandstrom for helping with newsletters and utility bills in September.

• Jeannette Normine's Brownie Troop 2041 has adopted Bundy Park and will be helping to beautify the park.

• Leslie Johnson donated a picture of a historic ship that used to sail the Columbia River.

• Fibers and Stitches donated fabric for another quilt for the 2004 Celebration raffle at the wholesale price.

• The Jones Trust paved the parking area at Pixie Park.

Please join Hudson Garbage Service in a simple effort to help feed a complex need in our community. Take part in Hudson's Garbage Haulers' Food Drive, benefiting Columbia Pacific Food Bank pantries, H.E.L.P., Inc. and Turning Point Community Center. These pantries serve the St. Helens and Clatskanie areas by providing emergency food assistance. The Food Drive will take place November 10th - 14th. All you have to do is put out non-perishable food in a plastic bag on top of your garbage can on Wednesday, November 12th. Your neighborhood garbage hauler will gather the goods on the day of your usual garbage pickup. Questions? Call Hudson's Garbage Service at (503) 397-1534. Thanks for your help!

HOUSING REHABILITATION LOANS AVAILABLE

Is your house in need of repairs? Low-income homeowners may 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.

The water tank construction is complete, and the tank is expected to be painted and filled during the next few weeks. The offsite storm drain and waterline work in Ninth Street is finished, and crews are currently installing waterline in "I" Street. Ninth Street will be repaved, and "I" Street paving will be patched during the next few weeks. Once again, we'd like to thank our residents for their patience and understanding during the construction work.

· Total food boxes FY 2001-02 compared to 2002-03: There has been a 30% increase in the distribution of emergency food boxes at Columbia Pacific Food Bank (CPFB) emergency food box pantries since last year.

· Total population in Columbia County FY 2002-03: An estimated 15% (unduplicated) of the total population in Columbia County received food boxes FY 2002-03. Due to the long-term economic hardship that many people in Columbia County are experiencing, often families come in for a food box more than once a year (up to 12 times).

· Month with highest number served: In September of 2003, CPFB pantries saw some of their highest numbers in history. 2,238 individuals were served, 731 more people than in September of 2002 (a 49% increase).

· Total pounds distributed FY 2002-03: In FY 2002-03 CPFB distributed a total of 732,365 pounds of food and household items to emergency food box pantries and other local hunger-relief agencies throughout Columbia County. This is an increase of 37% from FY 2001-02.

· Decrease in USDA FY 2002-03: Since last year, there has been a 35% decrease in the amount of USDA food items CPFB receives. In the past, USDA has constituted a large portion of an emergency food box. This decrease in USDA items, combined with the increase in pounds distributed, must be made up through increased purchases and donations.

· Children receiving emergency food assistance: Of the people receiving emergency food assistance, an estimated 2,780 were children (40%), 17 years of age and under (unduplicated).

Volunteers planted a wide variety of flowers, shrubs and grasses in the rock garden area at the north end of the park, and shrubs and bulbs along the bike path in Bundy Memorial Park during the October work party. Trails are currently being developed, and park signs will be installed in the near future. The plants and signs were purchased with donations made to the Jim Bundy Memorial Park Fund. We'd like to extend a special thank you to everyone that has contributed to this exciting project!

Thanks to simple decomposition, nature "recycles" plant wastes into a rich soil additive called compost. It is a dark, crumbly soil-like material that can be used as a mulch, top dressing or soil amendment. Like good cooking, composting is part science, part art. Even the first-time composter can make good quality compost. Without getting too technical, here's a review of what's involved.

• Grass clippings
• Twigs
• Leaves
• Annual weeds
• Flowers
• Vegetable scraps
• Old plants
• Coffee filters and
• Old potting soil tea bags

• Diseased plants
• Dead animals
• Weeds with seeds
• Bread and grains
• Invasive weeds like quack grass and morning glory
• Meat or fish parts
• Cheese, butter, milk
• Grease, cooking oil
• Pet feces or oily foods

All organic materials contain carbon and nitrogen in varying ratios (C:N). Carbon in brown leaves and woody wastes provides energy, while nitrogen in green grass and vegetable scraps provides protein for cell development. A C:N ratio of 30:1 is considered ideal for composting. This balance can be achieved by mixing roughly two parts grass clippings (C:N = 20:1) with one part brown leaves (C:N = 60:1). Making layers of green and brown materials can be useful in arriving at these proportions, but a complete mixing of ingredients is preferable for composting. Through a C:N ratio of 30:1 is ideal for hot, fast composting, higher ratios (with more carbon materials) will work adequately for slower composting.

Biology: Bacteria start the process of decaying organic matter. They are the first to break down plant tissue and also the most numerous and effective composters. Fungi and protozoans soon join the bacteria and, somewhat later in the cycle, centipedes, millipedes, beetles and worms finish what the bacteria started.

Surface Area: If the microbes have more surface area to feed on, the materials will break down faster. It's like a block of ice in the sun - slow to break down when it's large, but break it into smaller pieces and it melts quickly. Chopping your garden debris with a machete, or using a chipper/shredder or lawnmower to shred materials will help them decompose faster.

Volume: A large compost pile will insulate itself, trapping the heat generated by microbial activity. A 3' by 3' by 3' pile (1 cubic yard) is considered a minimum size for hot, fast composting. Piles wider or taller than 5 feet don't allow enough air to reach the microbes at the center.

Moisture & Aeration: Most life on earth needs a certain amount of water and air to survive. The microbes in the compost pile function best when the materials are as damp as a wrung-out sponge and have many air passages. Extremes of sun or rain can adversely affect the balance of air and moisture in your pile. The air in the pile is usually used up faster than the moisture, so the materials must be "turned" or mixed-up occasionally to add air that will sustain high temperatures and control odor.

Time & Temperature: The most efficient decomposing bacteria thrive in temperatures between 110° F and 160° F. Thus, the hotter the pile, the faster the composting. If you achieve a good balance of carbon and nitrogen, provide lots of surface area within a large volume of materials, and maintain adequate moisture and aeration, the temperature will rise over several days. (This information was provided by the Metro Recycling Information Center)

HOME SECURITY CHECKS ARE AVAILABLE

The Columbia City Police Department offers periodic home security checks for citizens who are away from home. To receive home security checks while you're out of town, please register with the Columbia City Police Department before you leave. Forms are available at City Hall.

Celebrate National Children's Book Week

On Monday, November 17, 4:30-5:30 p.m., make a "Don’t Bug Me – I’m Reading" Door Hanger!

On Wednesday, November 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m., make a Buggy Bookmark!

Come see a display of insects on loan from the extension office and assembled by the master gardeners of St. Helens.

"A book that boldly confronts our worst fears and biggest problems in a post-9/11, post-corporate-meltdown world."

The newest selection from Oprah's Book Club. A deeply moving novel of hope and courage that comes out of South Africa's racial injustice.

"A story of reunions, broken high school dreams, and missed chances."

The fifth book in continuing story of life at Hogwarts for Harry and his friends.

"Father Tim and Cynthia discover again what millions of readers know: There’s no place like Mitford for Christmas.

Join the Friends of the Library, November 17 at 7:00 p.m. for a special planning meeting as we discuss long-term financial funding for library operations and building. Cathy Thomas, a fund development consult with the state library, will be discussing private grants and a community capital campaign.

Monday & Wednesday 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

(503) 366-7588

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 dishwasher 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.

09/26/03 Dog found and taken to shelter in the 2100 block of "I" Street.

09/26/03 Assisted OSP on Highway 30 near the Trestle.

09/26/03 Checked residence in the 2200 block of First Street.

09/26/03 Suspicious vehicle checked okay near Front Place and "I" Street.

09/26/03 Citizen complaint of two suspicious juveniles on Trestle Beach. Unable to locate.

09/27/03 Suspicious vehicle checked okay near The Strand and "E" Street.

09/27/03 Traffic hazard, vehicle towed from Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

09/27/03 Checked on complaint of railroad arms stuck down near Dixieline Lumber.

09/27/03 Citizen complaint of possible DUI driver on Highway 30 going through town. Unable to locate.

09/27/03 Suspicious vehicles checked near The Strand and "E" Street. Juveniles warned for trespassing.

09/30/03 Attempted to locate a reported stolen vehicle.

09/30/03 Animal complaint reported. Problem resolved.

09/30/03 Road hazard removed on Highway 30 near Chimes Crest.

09/30/03 Attempted a warrant service in the 700 block of James Street. Unable to locate.

10/01/03 Citizen assist at Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

10/02/03 Citizen complaint of unsafe operation of motor scooters.

10/03/03 Citizen complaint of loose or sifting load near Second and "E" Streets.

10/04/03 Person arrested on an outstanding warrant.

10/04/03 Vehicle impounded after driver found to be suspended.

10/05/03 Assist St. Helens Police on a pursuit.

10/06/03 Traffic complaint of someone speeding in the 400 block of Sixth Street.

10/06/03 Checked trespassing complaint in new housing development.

10/06/03 Vehicle impounded after driver found to be suspended.

10/06/03 Traffic accident near Highway 30 and Dixieline lumber.

10/06/03 Assisted St. Helens Police on a foot pursuit.

10/07/03 Vehicle impounded after driver found to be suspended.

10/07/03 Checked complaint of door-to-door salesmen.

10/08/03 Suspicious vehicle checked near Fifth and "J" Streets.

10/08/03 Suspicious person checked near the 700 block of James Street.

10/08/03 Citizens complaint of Jake brakes being used between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM on Highway 30.

10/09/03 Attempted to locate suspicious person near Chimes Crest.

10/10/03 Hazard removed on Highway 30 near Chimes Crest.

10/10/03 Citizen complaint of vandalism in the 200 block of Spinnaker Way.

10/10/03 Three people reported going door-to-door late at night in the 2200 block of The Strand.

10/11/03 Attempted to locate reckless driver on Highway 30.

10/11/03 Suspicious vehicle checked okay in parking lot of Grade School.

10/11/03 Suspicious vehicle checked okay in parking lot of Mini Mart late at night.

10/12/03 Suspicious vehicle checked. Five juveniles warned for curfew violations and parents contacted.

10/12/03 Citizen assisted in the 1600 block of Fourth Street.

10/12/03 Parking complaint checked in the 1600 block of Fourth Street.

10/14/03 Animal complaint checked in the 3000 block of Sixth Street.

10/11/03 Agency assist near the Mini Mart.

10/14/03 Traffic complaint near Sixth and "C" Streets.

10/15/03 Animal complaint in the 1500 block of Sixth Street.

10/15/03 Checked disabled vehicle near Highway 30 and "L" Street.

10/16/03 Theft/car prowl in the 400 block of "A" Street.

10/16/03 Theft/car prowl in the 400 block of "B" Street.

10/16/03 Traffic hazard near Fifth and "I" Streets.

10/18/03 Complaint of possible DUII driver going through Columbia City. Person located, stopped and arrested.

10/17/03 Citizen assist in the area of 1800 block of First Street.

10/18/03 Traffic complaint checked in the area of 1600 block of Second Street.

10/21/03 Motorist assisted in the area of Highway 30 and Chimes Crest.

10/21/03 Motorist assisted in the area of Highway 30 and "L" Street.

10/23/03 Traffic accident and motorist cited in the area of Highway 30 and "E" street.

10/23/03 Animal complaint in the area of 3000 block of Fifth Street. Two dogs loose.

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