Mark your calendar and join us for the Columbia City Celebration on Saturday, September 9, 2006! A detailed event schedule is enclosed with this newsletter.

We'll start the day with a Strawberry Pancake Breakfast, served in the Knapp Social Center, 1925 First Street. The breakfast will include pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream, ham, scrambled eggs, juice, tea and coffee. Tickets may be purchased at City Hall ahead of time, or at the door. Ticket prices are $5.00 for an adult $3.50 for children 10 and under.

The silent and oral auctions will be held in the Community Hall, 1850 Second Street. The highest silent bidders will be announced following the oral auction.

The City was able to put together five great raffle prizes this year!

1st place: Depot Bay Getaway (Value $500)

Includes: Gift certificate for lodging (Surfrider Resort)

Bottom Fishing trip for 2 (Dockside Charters)

Whale Watching trip for 2 (Dockside Charters)

Gift certificates to Dory Cove Cafe, Gracie's Sea Hag Restaurant, The Spouting Horn and Fuddy Duddy Fudge

(Value $280)

3rd place: Apple 1GB Black iPod nano with Color LCD (Value $147)

4th place: Gift Certificate (Value $75)

Good at any participating store

5th place: Gift Certificate (Value $25)

Good at any participating store

The Friends of the Library will hold a book sale in the Community Hall, The Caples House Museum and store will be open, and the historical book, "Columbia City Days," and Columbia City T-shirts will be on sale. The Friends of the Library will hold their annual meeting at 3:00 p.m. in the Community 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 need volunteer help with the breakfast and the oral auction, and the Friends of the Library 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!

The City is currently accepting applications to serve on the Planning Commission. Members must reside within the City or the City's Urban Growth Boundary. The term is for a period of four years, and the Commission's regular meeting date is the second Tuesday of each month. The Planning Commission makes recommendations and decisions about current and long-range planning and development issues within the City.

The position of Mayor and two City Council positions 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 7, 2005, may run for office. Nominating petitions are available at the City Hall. 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 24, 2006. The Mayor and City Council positions are for a term of four years.

We are accepting sealed bids for the purchase of a 1992 Chevrolet Caprice, 4 door, V8, 5.0 liter, automatic, A/C, AM/FM radio, power windows and door locks, tilt wheel with 86,200 miles. The minimum bid price is $1,000.

We recently retired the car from service as a police cruiser. We are the second police department to own the car and it has never been in an accident. It runs good, has a recently re-built transmission, has tight steering and good brakes, and is in good mechanical shape. There is an electrical drain, however, and after a few days of sitting the car needs to be jumped. We're not electricians, but someone with a bit of car knowledge should be able to track it down and fix it.

These police cars are built tough. This would make a great first car for someone, or even a commuter. The minimum bid price is $1,000. The vehicle may be viewed by appointment - please call (503) 397-4010.

Sealed bids must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2006. Send or deliver bids to City of Columbia City, SEALED BID, 1840 Second Street, PO Box 189, Columbia City, OR 97018.

Following a recommendation from the Planning Commission, the City Council held a public hearing regarding an application for the annexation and rezoning of 0.64 acres of vacant property located north end of Ninth Street and west of "H" Street as applied for by Wayne and Joan Navolynski. Following the hearing, the City Council took action to dispense with an election and completed the first reading of an ordinance approving the annexation and rezoning of the property.

The second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for August 4, 2006. If approved, the ordinance will take effect 30 days following the second reading.

The Parks Committee would like to thank everyone that responded to last month's parks survey! The Committee will use the citizen comments to guide them as they develop detailed master plans for each of the City's parks. Survey results are available for public review at the City Hall.

Morse Bros. recently paved the parking lot in Jim Bundy Memorial Park. The new parking lot is accessible off of "C" Street, and is located near the covered picnic shelter. We would like to extend a very special "thank you" to Morse Bros. for this valuable contribution to our community!

You may have noticed the newest addition to our City staff, Matthew Poling, working around town. He was recently hired for the summer season, and he will spend most of his time sprucing up our City parks. We'd like to welcome Matt to our staff!

In August we plan to:

• Install an underground sprinkler system and replant the lawn at Carolyn King Memorial Park.

• Fence the west side of Jim Bundy Memorial Park.

• Extend the north end of the paved bike path along the top of the McBride Creek bank. The new section of bike path will connect to the north end of the bike path on Highway, and run west to connect into Mattie Street at two locations - Fifth Street and Park Drive.

We also hope to add trash dispensers, pet waste bag dispensers, and drinking fountains at various park locations in the near future, and install a sprinkler system and replant the grass around the new picnic shelter in Bundy Park. Additional park benches will also be added to Bundy Park.

The Parks Committee will meet in Harvard Park on Thursday, August 3, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. to work on the development of the master plan for the park. Interested citizens are welcome to attend the meeting.

PLEASE - CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG!

Teresa Knight has designed our new Columbia City logo, using the conceptual design produced by our recent logo contest winner, Kathy Griffith. This year's t-shirt will sport the new Columbia City logo over the left pocket, with a large color version of the logo on the back.

T-shirts are white and available in short or long sleeve. Prices are as follows:

Small - X-Large: $10.00

XX-Large: $11.00

XXX-Large $13.00

XXXX-Large $14.00

Small - X-Large: $15.00

XX-Large: $17.00

Shirts may be purchased at City Hall beginning in mid-August and during the Columbia City Celebration.

Skunks have been sighted more frequently around town. Preventative measures such as covering garbage cans and not leaving pet food out will help discourage their presence. Also, covering openings under patios, porches, and crawl spaces will prevent occupancy. Always make sure no animal is denning there first. If a skunk wanders into your garage, don't panic. Just open the garage door before dusk, and wait until the skunk exists for nightly foraging.

Skunks use their strong-smelling spray to defend themselves. In fact, they don't have any other form of defense. The spray is composed of sulfuric acid that can be "fired" from either of two glands. Skunks stamp their front feet as a warning when threatened, giving you a chance to back off. Unfortunately, dogs tend to ignore this warning. Liberal flushing with cold water will ease the discomfort of skunk spray in the eyes, and several homemade deodorant recipes may be found for washing pets and clothes.

Did you know....?

• There are more libraries in the United States than McDonalds restaurants.

• According to the American Library Association (ALA) there are over 117,000 various types of libraries in our communities.

• While our library is not among the largest, we do hold nearly 5,500 books, videos, and audio books. 

• The ALA lists the top three biggest libraries in the US as the Library of Congress with over 29.5 million volumes, Harvard University with just over 15 million volumes, and Boston Public Library at nearly 15 million volumes. 

• So far this year, our library has circulated 3,530 items with an average cost of $13.  $45,890 worth of materials have been put into the hands of our community. 

• Our library offers free access to over 6,000 households in the Columbia City, Deer Island, and Warren area that would otherwise have to pay to use the St. Helens,    Scappoose, or Rainier libraries.

• Since our library moved in October 2005, we have enrolled 142 new households as patrons. 

• We have wireless Internet access at the library.  Approximately 70% of households have access to the Internet in their homes.  What do the other 30% use?

The Columbia City Celebration proceeds are used to operate the library.  The Library's expenses include rent, Internet access, and staffing.  We are funded 100% by your donations.  Please support the fund raising activities and participate in the upcoming Columbia City Celebration.  Thank you.

Reading fun for preschool and early elementary. Listen to stories, play games, and do crafts.

Monday, August 21st at 11:30 a.m.

Learn about the wild animals in your own backyard and make a bird feeder. Are you a wild thing? Get your face painted or create a mask. Make a wild animal picture frame.

Reading fun for grades 4th - 7th. We meet. We listen to a book and talk. We do an activity. We eat pizza! This summer's book talks and activities are selected from the Young Readers Choice Award 2007 nominees. Pick up the book talk schedule for details of titles and activities. We meet most Mondays from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Kids can't have all the fun! Reading fun for teens to seniors!

Friends of the Library Meeting: August 21, 7 p.m. Novel Quilters Meeting: August 16, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wednesday, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Phone: (503) 366-8020

E-Mail: cclibrary@opusnet.com

We'd like to thank Robert Atwood for serving on the Planning Commission since February 2004. He recently resigned because he is moving out of the area.

In August the Planning Commission will consider an application to construct a portable cover-all building 60' by 120' adjacent to the existing West Oregon Wood Products Facility. There is no public hearing on this limited land use decision, but written comments may be submitted and must be received by 5:00 p.m. on August 8, 2006. Issues which may provide the basis for an appeal must be raised in writing during the comment period.

In August the Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on at 7:00 p.m. on August 8, 2006 regarding an application to approve a partition creating one additional lot and a variance to street frontage requirements for property located at 410 "A" Street as applied for by Charles and Melody Biggs.

• To Morse Bros. for paving the parking area in Jim Bundy Memorial Park.

• To Norm Jones for mowing Datis Park.

• To Nell Harrison and Marian Calnon for shopping for bricks to use in Datis Park.

• To Stan Hopkins and Marian Calnon for working in Jim Bundy Memorial Park.

05/17/06 Welfare check requested teenage female walking with bloody feet.

05/17/06 Suspicious vehicle checked at the Mini Mart.

05/17/06 Request by Sheriff’s Office to be on the look out for a yellow S-10 pickup with trailer.

05/17/06 Traffic complaint of speeders in the area of "I" Street and Highway 30.

05/19/06 Loose dog reported in the area of Pacific and Sixth Streets.

05/20/06 Suspicious persons checked near the "L" Street bridge.

05/20/06 Disturbance reported in the 1800 block of Fifth Street.

05/26/06 Complaint of dogs barking for at least an hour at 2:30 AM in the 400 block of "C" Street.

05/26/06 Tree down and blocking roadway on Smith Road near "A" Street.

05/26/06 Loose dog near Sixth and "A" Streets.

05/31/06 Citation issued for ordinance violation - junk in yard near Fifth and "D" Streets.

05/31/06 Motorist assisted on Highway 30 near "E" Street.

06/01/06 Traffic complaint of speeding on "L" Street.

06/01/06 Checked suspicious person on Highway 30 near "E" Street.

06/02/06 Citizen reported street sign missing at Sixth and "D" Streets.

06/02/06 Loose dog reported in the 2400 block of Sixth Street.

06/02/06 Motorist assisted near Highway 30 and "L" Street.

06/04/06 Assisted Sheriff’s Office near the Deer Island Store.

06/05/06 Ordinance violation - construction crew working before 7:00 AM near Park Street and Yakima Court.

06/05/06 Motorist assisted near Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

06/06/06 Report of three teens trespassing at a residence on Metlako Way.

06/06/06 Vehicle impounded after driver found to be suspended on Highway 30 near "E" Street.

06/06/06 Motorist assisted near Highway 30 and "E" Street.

06/06/06 Assisted St. Helens Police School Resource Officer with an out of control juvenile at the Deer Island alternative school.

06/06/06 Traffic complaint of speeding and erratic driving near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

06/07/06 Assisted Oregon State Police on a traffic stop on Highway 30 near Pittsburg Road.

06/07/06 Abandoned vehicle near Highway 30 and "E" Street.

06/07/06 Complaint of dogs not on leash and not friendly in the 200 block of The Strand.

06/07/06 Report of vandalism to City Hall.

06/08/06 Lost dog reported in the 1800 block of Third Street.

06/09/06 Dog complaint in the 2000 block of Ninth Court.

06/12/06 Complaint of parked vehicle blocking the alleyway near City Hall.

06/12/06 City ordinance violation reported in the 3200 block of Sixth Street.

06/13/06 Theft of plants from a residence in the 3000 block of Fifth Street.

06/14/06 Assault report taken.

06/14/06 Parking complaint taken the 1800 block of Second Street. Vehicle moved by owner.

06/15/06 Assault report taken. Apparent assault occurred at the Columbia City Grade School.

06/15/06 Vandalism to the Columbia City Grade School reported.

06/15/06 Minors in possession of alcohol reported in the 300 block of "A" Street.

August 3rd 11:00 AM Parks Committee Meeting at Harvard Park

August 3rd 7:30 PM Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall

August 8th 7:00 PM Planning Commission Meeting at City Hall

August 15th 7:00 PM Water Committee Meeting at City Hall

August 16th 7:30 PM Municipal Court at City Hall

August 17th 7:30 PM Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall

August 21st 7:00 PM Friends of the Library Meeting at the Library

August 24th 7:30 PM Municipal Court at City Hall

Breakfast includes pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream, ham, scrambled eggs, coffee, tea and juice. Tickets may be purchased at City Hall or at the door. Adults are $5.00 and children 10 and under are $3.50. Breakfast will be served in the Knapp Social Center, 1925 First Street.

The Book Sale will be held in the Community Hall, 1850 Second Street.

The Silent Auction will be held in the Community Hall, 1850 Second Street.

The public auction will be held in the Community Hall, 1850 Second Street. Auction items will include a wide variety of gift certificates, admission and lift tickets, and other items.

Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.

1st place: Depot Bay Getaway value $500

Gift certificate for lodging (Surfrider Resort)

Bottom Fishing trip for 2 (Dockside Charters)

Whale Watching trip for 2 (Dockside Charters)

Gift certificate to Dory Cove Cafe, Gracie's Sea Hag Restaurant, The Spouting Horn, and Fuddy Duddy Fudge.

value $280

3rd place: Apple 1GB Black iPod nano with Color LCD value $147

The Friends invite you to attend their annual meeting in the Community Hall, 1850 Second Street.

Dr. Charles Green Caples built his home in 1870, overlooking the broad Columbia River with a view of Mt. St. Helens. The family lived here until 1959. Located at 1915 First Street.