|
|
Friday
Update |
|
400 E. Main Street
Cottage Grove, Oregon 97424
(541)942-5501
Fax (541)942-1267
April 25, 2008
Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) Meeting
The Mayor and City Manager attended the LCOG Board meeting Thursday evening. The major item of discussion at the meeting was Lane County’s proposed budget and the impact it would have on the entire county and local jurisdictions. Attached to the Friday Update is information distributed at the meeting about reductions on the County level and a copy of the Lane County Budget Message.
The financial difficulties at the County will have a significant impact on City services and on citizens within the community. The elimination of staffing of the County jail and detention facilities will mean some crimes will have no effective sentencing. The reduction in the District Attorney’s office will further reduce the number of crimes that will even be prosecuted. Currently many felonies are not prosecuted at the County, and the Municipal Court does not have jurisdiction to handle felony cases. Extension Services will be eliminated, Public Health will serve fewer citizens, Veterans Services will be reduced by 11% and Animal Regulation services will be entirely eliminated. All of these will put an additional burden on local social service groups and on the community.
Tree City USA
The City received our Tree City USA recognition on Friday in Coiner Park. Councilor Miller and Miriam Edell from the Urban Forestry Committee were on hand to receive the award from Bob Johnson of the Oregon State Department of Forestry. Also in attendance were a number of students from Lincoln Middle School who planted two new Birch trees in the park. Councilor Hunt was also present at the ceremony. This is our 14th Tree City USA award.
If I Were Mayor, I Would . . .
The City of Cottage Grove is participating in the “If I Were Mayor, I Would . . .” contest for the third year. The contest is sponsored by the Oregon Mayors Association to encourage youth engagement in local government and civics. The Cottage Grove City Council has pledged to sponsor a first place prize of $100 for each category and for second place $50. The first place winners from Cottage Grove would be submitted for the statewide contest where the prize is a laptop computer for each of the categories. Youth middle school age are eligible for the poster contest. High school age students are eligible for the essay and video contests. College age youth are eligible for the video competition. For more information contact the City Manager or visit the City’s webpage.
Bike Fest ‘08
Cottage Grove Yamaha and the Star Motorcycle Chapter 339 are sponsoring Bike Fest ‘08 next week on May 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is the fourth year of the annual Bike Fest. Palmer Avenue will be closed from 120 Palmer to 220 Palmer for the event. Be sure to stop by and visit the event. The proceeds go to Parent Partnership for the Youth On Their Own of Cottage Grove. Last year, Bike Fest ‘07 raised over $2,000 for the program.
Chamber & Wineries
The City Manager met with Marc Bass, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and representatives from several local wineries that had coordinated the recent 2008 Getaway Guide advertisements. Within the first two weeks of the advertisement over 3,000 requests for information about Cottage Grove were received. The City is participating in the promotion and the meeting was held to help organize the responses.
Lane Micro Business Programs
Lane MicroBusiness is sponsoring a free Marketing Strategies Class and Web Marketing Class in Cottage Grove for low-income microenterprises. These are excellent opportunities for small businesses to receive some much needed assistance. The classes are also available for a fee to others that do not meet the low-income microenterprise requirements. See the attached flyers for more information.
In addition to the classes above Lane MicroBusiness is also sponsoring informational sessions about the Individual Development Accounts that can provide small business grants up to $4,000. An information flyer is attached.
BMD 50/150
The City Manager attended a planning meeting for the 50th Anniversary 2009 Bohemia Mining Days Celebration and 150th (sesquicentennial) Anniversary for Oregon. Plans are being made for a week long celebration that will commemorate Cottage Grove’s history and contributions to the State’s history.
Prevention Program Services Coordinator
The City Manager visited with the new Lane County Prevention Program Services Coordinator, Michelle Lowery, on Tuesday and discussed the City’s programs for youth and the successes of Peer Court and the Youth Advisory Committee.
Beeper
The City Manager will be on KNND’s Beeper show on Monday, April 28th from 8:30 to 9:30 am.
Gold Rush 5k Run/Walk
As a part of the promotion for events and activities in Cottage Grove during the 2008 Olympic Trials there will be a 5k run/walk on Saturday, June 28th. See the attached flyer for the run/walk. Watch for more information about the other events in the community during the Olympic Trials.
Friends of the Library Gaining Momentum
The Friends of the Cottage Grove Public Library group is again meeting monthly and is now focused on By-Law revisions and membership building as top priorities. The group also has two events planned for this summer, the annual used book sale and a Hispanic themed Fiesta that will encourage summer reading and be a part of Cultural Diversity Month which runs through July.
Water Supply
During the past year, City Water Production Staff has been participating in the Willamette Interagency group to keep abreast of water supply, reservoir capacity, and river flow levels across the Willamette System. The eleven reservoirs that make-up the Willamette System, and include Dorena and Cottage Grove reservoirs, are 77.6% full and 9% below rule curve. Total system inflow is 14,000 cfs while total system outflow is 8,300 cfs. Tributary flows have been augmented since last weekend to maintain the mainstem Willamette River at Salem above a minimum instantaneous flow of 14,800 cfs and above a weekly average flow of 17,800 cfs. The Salem flow was 20,700 cfs this week due to rain and low elevation snow melt.
Willamette basin snowpack continues to grow for this time of year. Last week the snow water equivalent (SWE) was 212% of average, while this week it is 242% of average.
The 10-day forecast indicates gradually rising inflow across the basin. There are some scattered storm systems that keep changing the forecast. The most persistent trend is for more rain and cool weather, which will extend the melt cycle of the snow. Daily coordination between the Portland District's Reservoir Regulation Section, the Division Reservoir Control Center, and NOAA's Northwest River Forecast Section is periodically shared with the participants in the Willamette Interagency group.
Anyone interested in seeing the detailed Excel spreadsheets of particular reservoir data that is generated by the Army Corps of Engineers can contact Public Works and we can make this information available.
Day of Caring
All over our community on Friday April 25th , 540 students from Lincoln Middle School worked to clean up and beautify our town. Projects included tree planting, weed pulling, trash removal, planting flowers and spreading bark. Northwest Youth Corp participated in the Day of Caring by removing ivy from trees and blackberry vines along the banks at Woodson Park. Urban Forestry Committee gave away their new “NO IVY LEAGUE” t-shirts to the volunteers from Northwest Youth Corp in appreciation for there hard work. A special thanks to all the students, teachers, City staff and volunteers who helped make the Day of Caring so successful.
Quote of the Week -
“It takes less time to do a thing right than it does to explain why you did it wrong.”
----Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
April 18, 2008
All Species Parade
On Saturday, April 19th Main Street between 5th and 8th Streets will be closed from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the first community All Species Parade. Be sure to stop by and enjoy the parade.
YAC
The Youth Advisory Council will be meeting on Monday, April 21, 2008 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The youth will be planning and making assignments for the Battle of the Bands, reviewing the “If I Were Mayor” contest and discussing issues surrounding the condition of the skate park.
Greening the Grove Challenge
The City of Cottage Grove’s partnership with Pacific Power and Emerald People’s Utility District (EPUD) through the Greening the Grove renewable energy challenge continues. Participation in the renewable energy programs is expanding. Currently 3.5% of the utility customers in the community have signed up for renewable power (our goal is 6%). That represents 2.07% of the power purchased in the community coming from renewable sources. For more information on how to sign up for renewable energy or to follow the monthly progress of the challenge visit the City’s webpage and follow the Greening the Grove link. You can also visit the booth at the upcoming Home and Garden Show, May 3rd & 4th at the High School to sign up or get more information.
Tee’d Off At Cancer
The City’s Relay for Life Team is sponsoring a golf tournament on Sunday, June 1, 2008 to benefit Relay for Life. The tournament should prove to be fun and provide a great way to contribute to the community’s Relay for Life. Put together a team and join the tournament. For more information about the tournament visit the Middlefield Golf Course webpage at www.middlefieldgolf.com or call Middlefield at 942-8730. If you are not into golf but would like to contribute to Relay for Life you can do so online at:
www.events.cancer.org/rflcottagegroveor.
League of Oregon Cities’ Telecom Advisory Committee
The City Manager participated in the League of Oregon Cities’ Telecom Advisory Committee meeting on Friday. The committee is meeting to review and consider the telecommunication issues facing local communities around the state in order to assist with future Legislative efforts.
Blood Mobile Coming to Community Center
The Blood Mobile will be arriving at the Community Center on Thursday, April 24th from
12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Those interested in donating blood can contract Pat Deter at 942-2362 for more information.
Oregon Main Street – “Exploring Downtown”
The City of Cottage Grove Community Development Department has submitted a Letter of Intent to participate in the Oregon Main Street “Exploring Downtown” program. Oregon Main Street is a new statewide commercial district revitalization program administered through the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. This program, in partnership with the National Trust Main Street Center, was created to assist communities in achieving viable commercial districts.
In the 1970s, the National Trust developed its pioneering Main Street four point approach to commercial district revitalization. It encompasses work in four distinct areas—design, economic restructuring, promotion and organization—that are combined to address all of the commercial district's needs. This proven approach combines historic preservation with economic development to restore prosperity and vitality to downtowns and neighborhood business districts. It has created a network of more than 40 statewide, citywide and countywide Main Street programs with more than 1,200 active Main Street projects throughout the U.S.
Governor Kulongoski included funding to re-establish this Oregon program in the 2007-09 state budget. Communities that demonstrate an interest in revitalizing their downtowns and want to learn more about the Main Street Approach start out by “Exploring Downtown”. Under this part of the program, local staff and community members can attend workshops and training, and the community is encouraged to explore ways that they might work together to initiate the Main Street Approach. The second level, “Transforming Downtown,” is for communities who are committed to downtown revitalization using the Main Street Approach but need technical assistance to take them to the next level. Communities with advanced downtown programs may certify as “Performing Main Street.”
The City of Cottage Grove is going to be “Exploring Downtown” over the next year. City staff will explore this program together with other interested groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic/Business Improvement District, to see if it is right for Cottage Grove. The City was the first community in the State to sign on for this stage of the program. A copy of the letter is attached. If you would like any further information please contact the Community Development Department.
New Planning Commission Chairman
Matt Parsons resigned from his position on the Planning Commission effective April 16, 2008 for personal reasons. He has served as Chairman over the last several years. George Devine who was Vice Chairman is now Chairman of the Commission, and Mike Fleck was elected Vice Chairman at the April 16th meeting.
Row River Water Treatment Plant Construction Progress Summary 04/17/08
This summary was prepared by Kelli O’Connor, Project Site Engineer for Black and Veatch.
At the Row River Water Treatment Plant, items completed include generator and automatic transfer switch startup, potable water pipe installation and leak testing, and interior painting. Items in progress include process pipe and electrical conduit installation in the plant and equipment panel installation at the plant and high service pump station. Activities to occur next include operation and maintenance training on the back-up generator, completion of the raw water piping and installation of the vertical turbine pumps. At the Row River Intake, the air compressor building masonry walls were completed and the canal gate valve was installed. The air pipe installation and roof construction are in progress. Next, the fish screen will be installed and the air system tested. Additional instruments and process equipment have been delivered.
Chambers Railroad Bridge Grant Application
City Engineer, Ron Bradsby has recently completed a grant application for the salvaging and restoration of the Chambers Railroad Bridge through the National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program. The City of Cottage Grove is requesting $1,315,370 in grant funds, with an additional $150,551 in local match, for a grand total project cost of $1,465,921. If the City is successful with this grant application, work on the salvage and restoration of the Chambers Railroad Bridge would begin with the start of the new Fiscal Year and conclude in the latter part of 2009. The restored bridge would be utilized as a pedestrian and bike connection to already existing pedestrian trails and bike paths. Local citizens have contributed over $5,000 toward this project via the “Round-up for the Bridge” campaign. Watch for updates on the status of the grant in future “Friday Update” issues.
Quote of the Week -
“To profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it.”
----John Churton Collins
April 11, 2008
Police Personnel Training
April 4th through the 11th Chief Grover attended the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police 2008 Annual Conference in Pendleton. The annual conference provides an opportunity for Chiefs to interact formally and informally while addressing contemporary policing issues, to receive training and information on new methods and procedures, and to examine a wide variety of products and services, which have been developed to support modern police operations and business practices.
On April 6th through the 8th Officer Chris Joyce and Detective David Burgin attended the Spring OPCA K-9 Seminar in Coos Bay. They experienced different scenarios, from basic to advanced, designed to challenge both mentally and physically. The training included; Obedience, Standard, W/Distraction and Tactical, Guard and Bark, Outs and Re-Directs, Vehicle Deployments/Extractions, Building Searches, Door Checks/Directed Searches, Arrest Techniques, Scenario Remediation and Problem Solving. Detective Burgin assisted as a trained agitator.
On April 9th Officer Doug Smith and Corporal John Woodke attended training on “Interviewing Children” in Oregon City. Course topics included; Laying foundation, appropriate questions and language for children, memory and suggestibility, inaccurate or false report, plus much more.
Dig Safely Oregon Training
This week, twenty-one City employees representing the golf course, parks, utilities, water production, engineering, building, and the shop attended a Dig Safely Oregon training session held at the City Shop. Kevin Stephens, Board Member of the Oregon Utility Notification Center and, Operations and Distribution Manager for Pacific Power, presented the class. Mr. Stephens gave those in attendance an overview of the Standards Manual, which highlights the Oregon Administrative Rules covering the Utilities Notification Center. Mr. Stephens provided many examples of what can happen when utility locate notifications are not requested ahead of time and improper digging results. Disruptions in basic utility services, caused by improper digging, are inconvenient to customers, problematic to facility operators, and very expensive for excavators causing the damages. Disruptions of certain utilities can also be very dangerous; if not fatal. Public Works deals with utility locate notifications on a daily basis. It is very important to have all City employees, that are involved with excavations of any type, properly trained in utility locate notification.
Cottage Grove Community Foundation Meeting
Mayor Williams, Councilor Munroe and Community Development Director Schesser attended the monthly meeting of the Cottage Grove Community Foundation. The agenda dealt with reporting on the grant process recently completed, discussion of board term limits and length of service, continuing the grant ceremony, and update on the keynote speaker for the annual dinner. The scholarship committee went over the time frame for applications to be made available, due date and review process. The Board will consider awarding the scholarships at the May 8th meeting. There was discussion on getting a Health Care advisor to join the Board and the Chairman will follow up on that matter.
Lane Preparedness Coalition
The Lane Preparedness Coalition steering committee met to put together the May program of the full coalition. Emergency Program Manager Schesser who is the Chair of the coalition coordinated the meeting. The agenda for the May meeting will focus on hospital preparedness, pandemic flu illness, mental health issues and hospital moving plans (Sacred Heart to River Bend). For a good review of the Pandemic Flu issue, it has been suggested that members view the 20 minute video produced by King County and the City of Seattle which can found at: http://www.metrokc.gov/health/pandemicflu/video.
CDBG South Lane Mental Health Grant
Community Development Director Schesser and City Planner Ferguson met with representatives of South Lane Mental Health to discuss the missing items in their CDBG application that has been submitted and reviewed by the State. The additional information was delivered to Salem on Thursday. The State is very optimistic and supportive of the application.
Lane County Assessor & Taxation Meeting
Community Development staff members Howard Schesser, Amanda Ferguson and Jessica Duggan attended a Countywide meeting of staff handling annexation applications with representatives of the Assessors Office and the Elections Office. The meeting covered coordination of the process with Lane County and the required State offices. At the meeting they also went over the filing requirements once land is annexed into the City and important dates in order to receive the tax revenue for the following fiscal year, and the meaning of ‘effective date’ in State statute.
Quote of the Week -
“The more you try to be interested in other people, the more you find out about yourself.”
----Thea Astley
April 4, 2008
Statement of Economic Interest Forms
City Councilors and Planning Commissioners should have received their State of Economic Interest forms from the State Ethics Commission. If you did not receive the forms in your mail this week, please contact City Hall and we will get replacement copies sent to you. Although the State mailed the forms late they did not change the due date for the return of the forms. The completed forms must be returned by April 15th. You can bring your forms to City Hall and we will make a copy for you to keep and mail the forms by certified mail to the State. Please be sure to get the forms completed and turned in before the April 15th deadline.
CVALCO Branding
The City Manager attended a focus group meeting with a number of representatives from the community to provide input into the Convention and Visitors Association of Lane County’s (CVALCO) brand development and naming proposal for tourism promotion efforts.
Telecom, Cable & Broadband Committee
The City Manager attended a meeting of the League of Oregon Cities’ Telecom, Cable & Broadband Committee on Friday in Salem. This was the first meeting of the revised committee and the meeting was to organize and review the new process and function of the League’s advisory committees in assisting in developing legislative activities and priorities.
YAC
The Youth Advisory Council will be meeting on Monday, April 7th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Bohemia Mining Days
The City Manager met with Sharon Jean, Festival Director for Bohemia Mining Days, to discuss preparations for the 2008 BMD celebration and plans for the 50th Anniversary BMD celebration in 2009. 2008 BMD will be held July 17th to 20th.
All Species Parade
On Saturday, April 19th Another Way Enterprises will be holding an “All Species Parade” for children of all ages. The parade will consist of individuals dressed in costumes depicting their favorite animal. The parade will start at 2:00 p.m. and will go from Fifth and Main to 8th and Main. There will be community workshops for anyone needing to make a mask or costume for the parade. For more information call: Tinika Ossman at 767-3766.
Tree City USA Recognition
On Friday, April 25th at 10:00 a.m. in Coiner Park, as a part of the Lincoln Middle School Day of Caring event, the City will be holding our Tree City USA ceremony. Representatives from Oregon Forestry Department will be there to present the City with its Tree City USA flag. Everyone is invited to attend and celebrate our recognition.
Down By the Riverside - Community Cleanup
The Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism’s (SOLV) statewide cleanup event, Down By the Riverside, has been scheduled for Saturday, May 17th. Once again the City is joining the event and is seeking community partners to join in on the event as well. The City plans to do a Citywide cleanup to prepare for our Olympic Trials visitors and to get ready for the summer. Be sure to mark you calendars and plan to join in; there will be something for everyone to do. Any group or individual that would like to be a part of this fun effort should contact Teresa Cowan at 942-1185.
Row River Water Treatment Plant Construction Progress Summary 04/03/08 – This summary was prepared by Kelli O’Connor, Project Site Engineer for Black and Veatch.
At the Row River Water Treatment Plant, the sheet rock installation was completed for the office and break room. Interior and exterior process piping, painting, instrumentation installation, wire pulling/terminations and heating and ventilation equipment installations are in progress. Installation of the pumps, automatic transfer switch, and startup of the generator will be next. At the Row River Intake, the air compressor building masonry walls and piping are nearly complete and the attachments for the fish screen are being installed. Next, the air compressor building roof will be placed. Vertical turbine pumps, metering pumps, and additional instruments were delivered. Overall, the total project is nearing 75% complete.
ODFW Youth Fishing Day Event
On Saturday, April 19th the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will once again be hosting a Youth Angling Education Program at the Cottage Grove Ponds. Approximately 825 eight to twelve inch hatchery rainbow trout, and 412 larger fish, will be released into the Cottage Grove Ponds for this event. The event will be held from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and is funded in part by the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation. This is the fifth year for this event and it is estimated that last year’s attendance was approximately 60 young anglers. ODFW staff and volunteers will be on-hand to provide angling equipment, assistance, and fish cleaning service. Kelly Reis, Assistant District Fish Biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is the coordinator for this event. If you have children or grandchildren that would like to experience fishing, mark your calendar for this free event.
City Planner Elected to Board
City Planner Amanda Ferguson has been elected to the Oregon American Planning Association (OAPA) Board. This is the planning professional organization for planners in the state and is affiliated with the American Planning Association. The Chapter's mission is to carry out the objectives of the American Planning Association (APA) and to promote the art and science of planning in Oregon. Amanda has been elected as a board member at large and will serve a two year term. Congratulations, Amanda!
CG Economic Development Committee
Community Development Director Schesser attended the Cottage Grove Economic Development Committee meeting where the main topic was a discussion with the new Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marc Bass. Chamber President Judd VanGorder was also present. Committee members expressed a desire for the Chamber to include an economic development component, and Marc expressed a desire to have those members of the committee not presently members to return to the fold. A very frank and productive discussion of all the participants took place. It was a very successful and positive meeting.
Community Center - Youth Activity Room
Penny Schaack Program Coordinator for the Youth Activity Room, was in a car accident on March 17th. She was released from the hospital this week and plans on returning to work when she regains her mobility. Volunteers have stepped in to help in the Youth Room while Penny is recovering. If you are interested in volunteering in the Youth Activity Room call Teresa Cowan at 942-1185.
Quote of the Week -
“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything.”
----Vincent van Gogh