During their September meeting, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to receive testimony regarding amendments to the Development Code relating to portable storage structures. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation to City Council following the hearing.

The Planning Commission will also review and act on an application for a 17-lot subdivision located north of Park Drive. The meeting will be held at City Hall on September 14th at 7:00 p.m.

We’d like to extend a special thank you to the following:

• Bernadette Albertine, Gloria Chinell, Nell Harrison, Dolores Heinz, Sheila Jackson, Barbara Jones, Phyllis Rowley, and Amy West helped with newsletters and utility billings in June and July.

• Marian Calnon, Bernard Carlton, and Stan Hopkins worked in Bundy Memorial Park.

• Norm Jones has been mowing the grass in Datis Park.

• Sally Ann Marson provided flowers to City Hall.

Raccoons can acquire canine distemper, a viral disease that infects foxes, coyotes, skunks, and unvaccinated dogs. The disease does not affect humans.

The disease is more likely to occur when raccoon populations are large or concentrated. Not all raccoons get the disease and many do survive these outbreaks.

The disease is spread when animals have direct contact with body fluids or droppings from an infected animal. Distemper is always present in the environment, so the best prevention for dogs is to make sure they are vaccinated.

Symptoms of distemper may include discharge from the nose and eyes, a rough coat of hair, emaciated appearance, and unusual behavior such as disorientation or wandering aimlessly. The animals’ symptoms become progressively worse and the disease is usually fatal. Distemper is not the same disease as rabies, although some symptoms are similar. Rabies is extremely rare in Oregon.

Keep children and pets away from sick raccoons. As the disease progresses, the animal may appear calm, but can become aggressive if approached too closely.

Feed pets indoors. If you feed outdoors, bring in feeding bowls right after pets have eaten.

Make sure garbage cans are secure and can’t be knocked over or their lids removed. Put garbage cans in a closed garage or storage shed. You can also secure them by tying them to a stable object or by putting a long stake through the handle and driving it into the ground.

If you have a compost pile with fruit and vegetable scraps, make sure the compost is securely covered in bins that raccoons can’t access.

Sick raccoons may pass through your yard and move on. If a raccoon dies in your yard, bury it deep enough so pets won’t dig it up or call your local garbage disposal company for their recommendations on how to dispose of the animal.

For current information regarding problem raccoons or other wildlife, contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 503-621-3488 (Sauvie Island).

Breakfast includes pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream, ham, scrambled eggs, juice, tea and coffee. Tickets may be pre-purchased at City Hall, or purchased at the door. Adults $5.00, children (10 and under) $3.50.

In the Community Hall, 1850 Second Street:

Visit the Caples House Museum - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friends of the Library Book Sale - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in front of City Hall

All of the proceeds from the Celebration are used to operate the Columbia City Community Library. We hope to make this the biggest and best Celebration ever!

We still need volunteer help with the breakfast and the oral auction, and the Friends of the Library will need help with their book sale. Please, call City Hall to sign up for the job you want. This is a fun time to volunteer and help the Community Library.

• Automatic garage door opener - KK Insulation

• Chevron cars - Chevron

• Urea nitrogen fertilizer – Dyno Nobel

• Plant food - Columbia Electric Feed & Seed

• Cat vitamins & minerals - Columbia Vet Clinic

• Wind chime - Columbia Village

• Lighted plate - Flowers 4 U

• Lead crystal vase - Richardson's

• Gift pack - Shear Perfection

• Plant stand - Weird Harold's

• University of Oregon gift basket - Bertucci's Chocolates

• Outdoor thermometers - Ace Hardware

• Imprinted T-shirts - Northwest Apparel

• Ceramic jardinier - Mary Walyer

• Gift pack – Burgerville

• Turtle wax – Cooper’s

• Motor oil – Lawrence Oil & Wilcox & Flegel

• Science Diet dog & cat food – St. Helens Vet Clinic

• Glass cleaner – See Bee Glass

• Lighthouse lamp – Semlings

• Garbage disposal – Stan’s

• Gymnastic ball, t-shirt – Therapeutic Assoc.

• Embroidered sweatshirt & bags – The Hutch

• Candy & snack gift pack – Springbrook Software

• 2-night stay at Long Beach House – Paulson Printing

• Timberline
• Portland Chinese Garden
• Oregon Zoo
• Mt. Hood Meadows
• Winter Hawks
• Oregon Trail Lanes
• Children's Museum
• Festival of Lights - Grotto
• End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
• Oregon Coast Aquarium

• Kozy Korner

• Papa Murphy's

• Village Inn

• Sunshine Pizza

• Two Brothers

• El Tapatio

• Bing's

• Domino's

• St. Helens Café

• Ichabod’s

• KFC

• Red Apple Market

• Wild Currant

• Burgerville

• Fred Meyer

• St. Helens Vet Clinic

• St. Helens Septic

• Columbia Learning Center

• Jilly's

• Hudson Garbage Service

• Kwik Mart

• St. Helens Book Shop

• Liefeld’s

• Magnum Opus

• Mariner Square

• Meg’s Corner

• Midway Vet Clinic

• Morse Bros.

• Paulson Printing

• Eisenschmidt Pool

• Southwest Airlines

• Scappoose Bay Kayaking

• 76 Mobile One Stop

• St. Helens Sew & Vac

• The Bike Shop

• Wicker Wonders

NEW HOURS: Once again we are changing back to our regular school-time hours:

We'll be closed on Labor Day, September 6^th

Join us for a discussion of the Ray Bradbury’s classic futuristic novel, Fahrenheit 451. Although this book was written over 50 years ago, it is surprising just how relevant many of the ideas are for today’s time.

Saturday, Sept. 11^th at 4:00 p.m. - Community Hall

Wednesday, Sept. 15^th at 6:30 p.m. - Library

Books and audio books are available at the Library and City Hall. The 1966 movie in DVD format is also available for check out from the library.

What’s New: We have recently added many new large print editions:

• Ransom by Danielle Steel
• The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
• Crown Jewel by Fern Michaels
• The King of Torts by John Grisham 

…and more!

Be sure to check out our bestsellers from the latest low-carb diet/cookbooks to fiction by popular authors.

Beginning October 28, as a result of a new federal law (The 21^st Century Act or Check 21), your bank account statement may come with fewer – or perhaps none – of your cancelled paper checks. You’ll also enjoy less "float" – that time between the day you write a check and the day the money is removed from your account. You will also have to act fast if you want to stop payment on a check.

The new law allows banks use electronic-check processing efficiencies to cut an estimated $2 billion a year from the cost of moving, clearing, and returning paper checks. The law does not require the banks to pass any of those savings on to their customers. Check 21 creates a new legal proof of payment from your cancelled check in a "substitute check," a special paper copy which the bank warrants is an accurate and legible representation of the original. The new law gives consumers a new right to get speedy credit when the bank double-debits a check or pays the wrong amount.

More information may be found on the Consumers Union website www.consumersunion.org/finance/ckclear1002.htm.

06/16/04 Animal complaint in the 200 block of "L" Street.

06/16/04 Subject cited for violation of a City Ordinance.

06/16/04 Officer assisted citizen in the 2100 block of Third Street.

06/16/04 Two vehicles tagged regarding a parking complaint.

06/16/04 Court papers served on subject for Columbia City Municipal Court.

06/16/04 Citizen assisted on Fifth Street.

06/17/04 Officer responds to hazard in the roadway at Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

06/17/04 Motorist assist with mechanical problems at Highway 30 and "G" Street.

06/18/04 Officer investigates report of animal neglect near Fifth Street and Skookum Court.

06/18/04 Vandalism complaint in the 1900 block of Third Street.

06/18/04 Vandalism report in the 2300 block of Sixth Street.

06/18/04 Officer responds to report of an attempted suicide.

06/18/04 Vehicle impounded as result of a traffic related issue.

06/18/04 Report of drunk driver near milepost 37 on Highway 30.

06/18/04 Four suspicious vehicles checked near the railroad trestle and Highway 30.

06/19/04 Noise complaint in the 400 block of "A" Street.

06/19/04 Citizen assisted in the 1800 block of Second Street.

06/21/04 Disabled vehicle near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

06/21/04 Suspicious vehicle checked near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

06/21/04 Assisted motorist with directions.

06/21/04 Citizen calls in regarding a civil matter.

06/21/04 Vehicle blocking road near Second Street and Spinnaker Way. Vehicle moved.

06/21/04 Officer attempts to locate a stolen vehicle.

06/21/04 Vandalism reported.

06/21/04 Three vehicles illegally parked next to Highway 30 and Trestle beach are towed.

06/21/04 Juveniles drinking near Trestle Beach.

06/21/04 Suspended driver’s vehicle is impounded.

06/23/04 Unlawful dumping reported.

06/23/04 Vandalism reported in 2000 block of Sixth Street.

06/23/04 Noise complaint near "B" and "C" Streets.

06/23/04 Suspicious person checked near Sixth and "C" Streets.

06/24/04 Citizen assisted regarding traffic fine.

06/24/04 Officer checks on ordinance violation.

06/26/04 Motorist assisted near milepost 30 on Highway 30.

06/27/04 Animal complaint - loose dog reported.

06/27/04 Fail to register-sex offender.

06/28/04 Ordinance violation in the 1600 block of Fourth Street.

06/28/04 Assist Portland Police Bureau on pawn detail.

06/28/04 Citizen assist - transported a juvenile to his residence.

06/28/04 Parking complaint related to concert - area of Tahoma Street.

06/28/04 Fireworks complaint in the area of Tahoma Street.

06/28/04 Suspended driver’s vehicle is towed.

06/28/04 Vehicle blocking "A" Street near Mini Mart.

06/29/04 Citizen assist in area of Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

06/29/04 Suspicious person checked in area of Highway 30 and "I" Street.

06/29/04 Road hazard in area of Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

06/29/04 Animal complaint in area of Sixth and "C" Streets.

06/30/04 Vehicle blocking area of 1800 block of Fourth Street.

06/30/04 Citizen assisted near 1800 block of Fourth Street.

07/01/04 Civil (landlord/tenant) problems in area of 1300 block of Second Street.

07/02/04 Motorist assisted with mechanical problem near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

07/02/04 Suspicious vehicle checked okay at Mini Mart.

07/03/04 Assisted Sheriff’s Office on call of mentally ill person with a gun.

07/03/04 Citizen provides information regarding drug activity near Highway 30 and "E" Street.

07/02/04 Two vehicles towed due to suspended drivers.

07/02/04 Report of drug activity at Pixie Park. Nobody located.

07/02/04 Suspicious persons checked near Second and "L" Streets.

07/03/04 Motorist assist near Highway 30 and "I" Street.

07/02/04 Road hazard in area of Highway 30 and "I" Street.

07/02/04 Citizen assist in area of Highway 30 and "L" Street.

07/04/04 Person refusing to leave a residence in the 200 block of Spinnaker Way.

07/06/04 Incomplete 911 call checked on.

07/06/04 Runaway juvenile call taken.

07/06/04 Attempt to locate stolen vehicle.

07/07/04 Vandalism to a mailbox reported.

07/07/04 Suspicious person checked okay in area of Highway 30 and "A" Street.

07/07/04 Suspicious vehicle checked okay at the Mini Mart.

07/07/04 Motorist assist and hazard call. Removed vehicle near Highway 30 and "E" Street.

September 2nd - 7:30 p.m. - City Council Meeting at City Hall

September 6th - CLOSED - City Hall is closed on Labor Day

September 9th - 7:30 p.m. - Municipal Court at City Hall

September 11th - 9:00 a.m. - Strawberry Pancake Breakfast at the Knapp Social Center

September 11th - 9:00 a.m. - Silent Auction in the Community Hall

September 11th - 10:00 a.m. - Friends of the Library Book Sale in front of City Hall

September 11th - 11:00 a.m. - Public Auction in the Community Hall

September 11th - 1:00 p.m. - Raffle Drawing in the Community Hall

September 11th - 3:00 p.m. - Friends of the Library Annual Meeting at City Hall

September 11th - 4:00 p.m. - We Read 2004 Discussion Group at the Community Hall

September 14th - 7:00 p.m. - Planning Commission Meeting at City Hall

September 16th - 7:30 p.m. - City Council Meeting at City Hall

September 20th - 7:30 p.m. - Municipal Court at City Hall

Teresa Knight has produced another great T-shirt graphic for this year’s Celebration. It shows an elk in black and white in the foreground with a white mountain and the blue river and sky in the background. To purchase T-shirts, fill out an order form (available at City Hall) and submit with payment. You will be called when your order arrives. Sweatshirts are also available - please stop by City Hall for sweatshirt prices and ordering information.

T-shirts are available in the following colors: White, black, burnt orange, gold, light gray, dark gray, red, maroon, dark purple, kelly green, forest green, jade, turquoise, true royal, navy, light blue.

In February 2004, the Drinking Water Section of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has recently determined that the City of Columbia City's water system is out of compliance with a regulatory drinking water standard. Our water quality has not deteriorated or changed in recent years. Where we once met all standards, more stringent requirements have been adopted over the years by the regulatory agencies. As a result, it is now necessary to provide a higher level of treatment to St. Helen's primary well source.

This is not a situation requiring that you take any immediate action. If it had been an emergency, you would have been notified immediately. You do not need to boil your water. You do need to understand the short-term implications of this water quality issue.

On February 4, 2004, ODHS issued an order requiring the City to filter its water in addition to our current disinfection process. This order came after water sampling led to St. Helens' primary well source being placed in a category where there is an increased possibility of untreated surface water mixing with the groundwater in the vicinity of the well. The only feasible method of dealing with this possibility and meeting the ODHS drinking water standards is to filter the water.

Since the first public notification, site preparation construction work has begun on a new water filtration facility for the City of St. Helens. The site preparation will be completed by early summer. Construction of the actual facility will begin in the fall of 2004. A start up date of August 2005 is scheduled. This state-of-the-art facility will use a system of microfiber membranes to filter the water supply and remove all potential contaminants. The City is working closely with the ODHS regulators to monitor and manage this situation until completion of the new facility.

In the event that surface water were to mix with the groundwater source, the water supply could possibly carry disease-causing organisms. However, our tests have never detected any of these organisms in the water. Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. A home filter system will not necessarily increase protection because not all home filter systems protect against parasites. Infants, some elderly and persons with severely compromised immune systems would be at some increased risk in the event any contamination were to take place, and these people may seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

The City of Columbia City will send out updates every three months on our progress towards ultimate regulatory compliance. We will also post notices on the City's website at www.columbia-center.org/colcity. For more information, you may contact Leahnette Rivers at (503) 397-4010 or write to P.O. Box 189, Columbia City, OR 97018.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (such as people in apartments, businesses and schools). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

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