In this issue: Fires on July 4, JAWS at The Majestic Theatre, summer reading at the Library, and more!

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Corvallis Fire Responds to Two Major Incidents On July 4

On the first Red Flag Warning Day of 2023, Corvallis Fire responded to two major fires that occurred simultaneously in the mid-valley area as most people were enjoying their July 4 holiday.

The first incident began just after 4 p.m. July 4, with a report of a grass fire near Colorado Lake Drive in Linn County.

In the second fire, while crews were still working the grass fire in Linn County, CFD was dispatched for a report of a structure fire at a home on Conser Drive in northeast Corvallis.

These two fires required the full firefighting resources of not just Corvallis Fire, but also nearby agencies in a three-county area. This illustrates the significant fire danger posed by extreme heat and dry weather on these Red Flag Days, and the lack of firefighting resources locally to address a large scale event or simultaneous events like these.

“We were able to bring both incidents under control thanks to the incredible work by CFD crews, all of our mutual aid partners, and the off-duty Corvallis firefighters who were called back in to assist,” said Corvallis Fire Chief Ben Janes. “If it not for the exceptional work by our staff and the assistance from agencies in Linn, Benton and Polk counties, we would have lost many more structures.”

Click here to read more about the July 4 fires. 

Circle Boulevard Resurfacing Project Gets Underway

A project to rebuild and resurface a portion of Circle Boulevard in northeast Corvallis is underway. The project will construct a new road bed and asphalt surface on Circle between the railroad crossings at Highway 99W and Conser Street near the HP Inc. campus.

The City of Corvallis Public Works Department is coordinating this multi-phase capital improvement project. Work is expected to intensify in July and continue through September, although schedules are dependent on weather conditions and other factors.

This stretch of Circle Boulevard has experienced road bed failure over the years, resulting in a bumpy ride for many travelers. Rebuilding the road will be a complex, time consuming project. Here are a few key points to keep in mind as we work to improve Circle Boulevard:

• The project will proceed in phases to reduce the impact to traffic flow on Circle Boulevard as much as possible. Circle will remain open to public travel, but travelers should expect lane reductions, lane shifts and other delays throughout the project. All business accesses will remain open throughout construction.
• The intersection of Four Acre and Circle Boulevard will operate with STOP signs instead of the traffic signal.
• A temporary 25 mph speed zone will be posted and enforced for the entire length of the project, to increase safety for travelers and construction workers alike.
• Some phases of the project will require periodic side street closures. Detours will be posted to advise travelers of upcoming closures.
• Some phases in August and September will involve overnight work between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Click here to read more about this project.

Shark Week at Majestic Theatre!

Join us at The Majestic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 15 for a special showing of the hit movie JAWS. The fun evening event will include costumes, prizes, and JAWS-themed concessions.

In the 1975 film, a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape Cod, and it's up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down. JAWS is rated PG. Tickets are $15.

Cooling Centers Available in Corvallis and Benton County

When significantly higher temperatures are forecasted, cooling centers will be available at locations in Corvallis and Benton County.

Higher risk individuals (including elderly, infants, and those with pre-existing health conditions that affect thermo regulation and are living in older and/or poorly insulated/ventilated dwellings) are at greater risk during extreme heat events.

Read more about hot weather resources in Corvallis and Benton County.

Summer Reading is Underway at the Library

Summer @ Your Library 2023: Find Your Voice!

June 1-August 31

Summer reading is underway this summer for kids, teens, and adults, featuring free books for participants.

Find out more and get started: cbcpl.net/summeratyourlibrary

See all of the Library's summer events: corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com

Open Streets Returns on August 20

Your favorite FREE street festival that re-imagines our most shared public spaces – streets and parks – returns on August 20! Open Streets Corvallis will bring games, activities, food & drink, and more the streets of Corvallis.

This year's car-free route travels from Central Park to Peanut Park. You’ll find giant games in the parks, bicycle-powered rides, cultural activities, local food and drink, street installations, dance, music and more.

We're recruiting volunteers to help out. For more information, visit: https://openstreetscorvallis.org/

Avoid Over-Fertilization When Caring for Lawns

Many people take advantage of sunny weather to fertilize lawns, which makes this a good time to review helpful resources for lawn care practices that protect your lawn AND our local waterways in Corvallis.

Oregon State University Extension has numerous practical guides including lawn care for western Oregon.

Remember to follow the fertilizer application rates found on the fertilizer container. Lawn over-fertilization can result in unintended/harmful effects, such as an increased need for water by your lawn, accumulation of salts within your lawn (weakening plant and soil health), and nutrient run-off creating algae blooms in nearby streets and streams. Excess nutrients in streams can lead to lower oxygen levels from algae die-offs and decomposition, lowering stream health.

City of Corvallis staff are committed to protecting our local water ways and welcome opportunities to share information about preventing nutrient runoff. If you have any questions or would like someone to come talk with your group, please call 541-766-6454 or email Ted.Hart@corvallisoregon.gov.

Volunteer Opportunities on City Advisory Boards

The City of Corvallis is looking to bring some fresh perspectives and voices to the table on our new Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Board — it's one of several volunteer opportunities available right now. Check out the complete list of vacancies here: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/advisorygroups

Serving on a City advisory group is a great opportunity to learn more about city policies, share your perspectives with the City Council, and get involved with the Corvallis community. For more information about these opportunities, send an email to pio@corvallisoregon.gov.

Annual Water Quality Report Now Available

The City of Corvallis Public Works Department’s annual water quality report is now available for 2023 to download at www.corvallisoregon.gov/waterreport.

The report offers a snapshot of the municipal water system in Corvallis, including an overview of how water is produced, treated, stored, distributed, and tested regularly to ensure a safe, secure, and affordable water supply for City customers.

As Corvallis enters its summer season, Public Works officials advise residents to save water by watering wisely. Click here for more information! 

For more information on the Corvallis municipal water system and tips on reducing water use, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/water.

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

• Outdoor Storytime, 10:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays in June, July and August. Storytime is moving to Central Park for the summer!
• Free Employment Help: Wednesdays, 10am-noon, 2^nd Floor Classroom, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.
• Tech Help Lab: 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday, 2nd floor Classroom, Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours
• Teddy Bear Picnic with Red Yarn: July 6, 10:30 AM, Central Park. Join Red Yarn for a high-energy, playful children’s concert  featuring folk songs and puppetry.   Penny Carnival follows the concert!
• Oregon Rocks!:  July 12, 10:30-11:30, Main Meeting Room.  School-age children are invited to take off on a geology adventure and explore our ever-changing planet Earth with the Museum of Natural and Cultural History
• Huitzilopochtli: Aztec dancing, music and storytelling:  July 19, Starker Arts Park.  Aztec dancers & musicians will present dances in authentic regalia and live-music to tell stories of their Aztec ancestors. 
• Takohachi: Traditional Japanese Mythology Musical Storytelling: July 26, Starker Arts Park.  Experience Japanese folklore and mythology through traditional music and storytelling.
• Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials,  downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!
• Home Delivery Service:  Get your holds delivered to you!  Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.
• Books & More from Home:  Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!
• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

In this issue: Full bus service returns this month, and we join the Corvallis community in celebrating Pride Month and Juneteenth.

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Full Weekend Bus Service Resumes on June 24

The cities of Corvallis and Philomath are pleased to announce the return of full weekend transit service on CTS Routes 1 through 9 and extended Saturday PC service, beginning Saturday June 24.  Thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked with our contractor, MTR Western, to secure drivers and resume full weekend service. 

Weekend service beginning June 24 is described below.

Saturday Service:

Corvallis Transit System 

Route 1 – Hourly service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 8:00am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 6:00pm.  

Route 2 – 30-minute service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 7:15am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 6:15pm.  

Route 3 – 30-minute service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 7:45am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 6:15pm.  

Route 4 – Hourly service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 7:30am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 5:30pm.  

Route 5 – 30-minute service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 7:45am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 7:45pm.  

Route 6 – 30-minute service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 7:15am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 7:15pm.  

Route 7 – Hourly service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 7:30am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 6:30pm.  

Route 8 – 120-minute service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 8:00am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 6:00pm.  

Route 9 – 120-minute service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 9:00am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 5:00pm.  

Philomath Connection 

Hourly service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 7:00am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 6:00pm.

Sunday Service:

Corvallis Transit System 

Route 1 – Hourly service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 10:00am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 5:00pm.

Route 2 – Hourly service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 10:15am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 5:15pm.

Route 3 – Hourly service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 10:45am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 5:45pm.

Route 4 – Hourly service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 10:30am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 5:30pm.

Route 5 – Hourly service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 10:45am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 5:45pm.

 Route 6 – Hourly service with the first departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 10:15am and the last departure from the Downtown Transit Center at 5:15pm.

Routes 7, 8 and 9 – No Sunday Service.

 Philomath Connection

No Sunday Service.

Summer Reading is Underway at the Library

Summer @ Your Library 2023: Find Your Voice!

June 1-August 31

Summer reading starts June 1 for kids, teens, and adults, featuring free books for participants.

Find out more and get started: cbcpl.net/summeratyourlibrary

See all of the Library's summer events: corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com

Open Streets Returns on August 20

Your favorite FREE street festival that re-imagines our most shared public spaces – streets and parks – returns on August 20! Open Streets Corvallis will bring games, activities, food & drink, and more the streets of Corvallis.

This year's car-free route travels from Central Park to Peanut Park. You’ll find giant games in the parks, bicycle-powered rides, cultural activities, local food and drink, street installations, dance, music and more.

We're recruiting volunteers to help out. For more information, visit: https://openstreetscorvallis.org/

Corvallis Celebrates Pride Month and Juneteenth

This month we join the Corvallis community in celebrating two special milestones: Pride Month and Juneteenth! Both of these events have significance to our diverse community.

Juneteenth represents the date in June 1865 when when enslaved Black people received word that they were free — more two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth was officially added to the list of federally recognized holidays in 2021, and we join our Black friends and neighbors in Corvallis in celebrating this joyful day. City facilities will be closed on Monday, June 19 for Juneteenth.

Pride Month is celebrated in June each year and commemorates the Stonewall Uprising that occurred in Manhattan in 1969. The month is dedicated to ensuring all Corvallis community members, particularly those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, are empowered to live their lives openly and achieve their highest potential.

Both Juneteenth and Pride Month will be celebrated through official City proclamations at the June 5, 2023 Council meeting.

West Hills Road Corridor Study Open House on June 13

The City of Corvallis and Benton County are hosting an upcoming open house (details below) for the corridor plan underway on SW West Hills Road between Western Blvd and 53rd Street that is developing alternative design concepts of the street that may inform future development or a not-yet-funded construction project. You are invited to either attend the open house or visit the project website to view the initial concepts and provide feedback.

What: Community open house – no formal presentation, drop by anytime to view exhibits and speak with the project team

When: Tuesday June 13 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 SW West Hills Road

Can’t make it? View the open house information and contact the project team at: www.co.benton.or.us/publicworks/project/sw-west-hills-road-corridor-plan

There will be additional public engagement scheduled following this open house after the project team works to incorporate the feedback heard. Stay tuned at the project website.

City Moves Forward on Proposed Levy Renewal

On April 17, 2023, the Corvallis City Council passed Resolution 2023-13 referring a local option tax levy of $1.07 per $1,000 of assessed value to the voters for the November 7, 2023 election. 

On May 15, 2023, the Corvallis City Council passed Resolution 2023-17 approving the local option tax levy explanatory statement for the November 7, 2023 election.

Read more about the ballot title and explanatory statement on the City website.

Volunteer for a City Advisory Group

Apply by June 4 for the current round of volunteer opportunities to serve on the City's network of advisory groups. There are more than a dozen different boards, commissions, and committees recruiting right now, including our brand new Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Advisory Board! We've also got vacancies on many long-running boards such as the Climate Action Advisory Board, Library Board, and the Community Police Review Board.

Take a look at all the vacancies and apply online on the City website.

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

• Outdoor Storytime, 10:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays in June, July and August. Storytime is moving to Central Park for the summer!   

• All Ages PRIDE Celebration  Saturday, June 2, 2-4pm, Main Meeting Room. People of all ages can make rainbow crafts, enjoy a photo booth, and refreshments

• Free Employment Help:  Wednesdays, 10am-noon, 2^nd Floor Classroom, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Tech Help Lab:   1^st and 3^rd Wednesday, 2nd floor Classroom, Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours

• Cascadia Field Guide: an evening of poetry and Celebration:  Thursday, June 8, 5:30pm, Main Meeting Room.  An evening celebrating the release of Cascadia Field Guide with several Oregon contributors on hand.

• Fiesta con Nathalia:  Wednesday, June 14, 10:30am, Central Park. A bilingual concert with children’s songwriter Nathalia!

• Random Review (Virtual):  June 14   noon.   David Grube and Gary DeLander  review Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe.

• Model Train Show:  June 24 and 25, Main Meeting Room  The Oregon Electric O Gaugers bring a model train show for the whole family.

• Super Family Get Down:  Wednesday, June 21, 10:30am, Central Park.  Join Mo Phillips and his Fine fellows for An interactive dance party full of laughing and general silliness!

• Craft Night for all ages  Tuesday, June 27, 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room.  Join us for Pride-themed crafts!

• Reading Magic With Jeff Evans Wednesday, June 28, 10:30am, Central Park. A fun, interactive magic show for kids and their families!

• Chintimini Chamber Music Festival Childrens' Concert:  Thursday, June 29, 10:30am, Main Meeting Room.  The story of Paul Bunyan musically illustrated.

• Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials, downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!

• Home Delivery Service:  Get your holds delivered to you!  Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.

• Books & More from Home:  Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

The City of Corvallis seeks input and advice from the public through a network of policy advisory boards and task forces, operational committees and work groups, and commissions. Participants are typically community members interested in making an impact on a particular policy topic or area of service. Time commitments vary, from policy boards that meet monthly on long-term policy topics, to short-term task forces that work regularly for a few months on a specific issue and then conclude their work.

These advisory groups are just one aspect of the City's commitment to the full spectrum of public participation, as outlined in the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation.

Ready to Apply?

In general, volunteers must reside in Corvallis or be employed or self-employed full time in Corvallis. Some advisory groups have additional qualifications, which are specified within the application. 

If you spot a vacancy below that appears to be a good fit for your interests and expertise, please APPLY HERE. 

Policy advisory board, policy task force, and Budget Commission appointments are made by the Mayor. Operational advisory committee and work group appointments are made by staff. Planning Commissioners and Historic Resource Commissioners are appointed through a vote of the City Council.

In this issue: Weekend bus service returns! We're recruiting for volunteers to serve on city advisory boards throughout the month of May.

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Weekend Bus Service Returns May 6

The cities of Corvallis and Philomath are pleased to announce the return of limited weekend transit service on certain routes, beginning Saturday May 6. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked with our contractor, MTR Western, to secure drivers and resume weekend service. Please be aware that driver shortages continue to challenge transit systems in our region. Full Saturday Corvallis Transit System service will resume when enough drivers have been hired and trained.

Weekend service beginning May 6 is described below.

Saturday Service:

• Corvallis Transit System – Hourly service for Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 during the hours of 10am-6:30pm. Routes 7, 8, 9, and Night Owl will not operate.
• Philomath Connection – Service runs at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm.

Sunday Service:

• Corvallis Transit System – Hourly service for Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 during the hours of 10am-6:30pm.

Thank you for your patience as we get closer to resuming full weekend service.

Volunteer for a City Advisory Group

It's that time of year - we're recruiting for volunteers to serve on the City's network of advisory groups. There are more than a dozen different boards, commissions, and committees recruiting right now, including our brand new Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Advisory Board! We've also got vacancies on many long-running boards such as the Climate Action Advisory Board, Library Board, and the Community Police Review Board.

We're also seeking volunteers to serve on the city's Planning Commission and Historic Resources Commission. These two opportunities are a little different than the rest of our advisory group positions, so be sure to visit the Planning Commission or Historic Resources Commission pages and read all about the vacancies.

Take a look at all the vacancies and apply online on the City website.

Van Buren Bridge Project Update

The Van Buren Bridge replacement project is expected to start this summer. Our friends at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) have put together a comprehensive online open house that goes over the project timeline and what to expect in each phase.

Site work to get started on the temporary construction bridge begins soon!

May is Bike Month in Corvallis!

Welcome to Bike Month! It’s been nationally celebrated since 1956 to showcase the many benefits of biking and encourage more folks to give it a try.

To salute the event, the City of Corvallis Active Transportation Group has put a snazzy bicycle seat cover on bicycles parked along Monroe Avenue all the way into Downtown. It is our small way to show our gratitude and appreciation for you riding.

Didn’t get yours? For the month of May, stop by City Hall (501 SW Madison Ave., 8-5pm, Mon. to Fri.) to claim your free City of Corvallis bike seat cover!

Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness, with family, or taking essential trips to work or shop, you are part of our movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet and happier people.

We appreciate any trip you take by two wheels. Thank you for riding!

Staffing Shortages Impact Street Sweeping

Recent staffing shortages in the Public Works Department have impacted our annual street sweeping program. We're already making adjustments to sweeping schedules to get caught back up, but it's likely that our street sweeping activities over the next few months will not match up exactly with the schedule that is published on the City website. Rest assured that crews will be working in your neighborhoods, even if they don't arrive exactly when the schedule says.

Street sweeping is a seasonal task provided by the Public Works Department to most neighborhoods and areas of Corvallis. Our primary goal with street sweeping is to prevent pollutants and debris from entering our stormwater system. It's also a visible way for the City to help tidy up neighborhoods around town, and we know it's frustrating when those services are delayed.

We appreciate your patience as we catch up on street sweeping in areas that may have been missed recently. Things will be looking up later this year, when we anticipate filling some vacancies and receiving a pair of new street sweepers to replace our two existing vehicles that have reached the end of their useful lives.

Public Works Solid Waste Customer Service Questionnaire

The City of Corvallis Public Works Department is interested in your feedback about garbage, recycling and organics collection services provided by Republic Services through a franchise agreement with the City. 

We are seeking your feedback on how we might improve the frequency and/or types of services offered in the City through our agreement with Republic Services.

Please share your feedback through this short questionnaire. This questionnaire will be open until May 7 and will take about 5 minutes to complete. Information collected here will be provided to city staff and used to discuss a new franchise agreement with Republic Services. For questions or more information on this questionnaire, please contact Public.Works@CorvallisOregon.gov or 541-766-6916.

Note:  This questionnaire is not connected to Benton County’s Solid Waste Process Workgroup. For more information on their efforts please visit Benton County’s website.

Celebrate Our Two Sister Cities in May: Uzhhorod, Ukraine and Gondar, Ethiopia

During the month of May we are celebrating Sister Cities month and the importance and outcomes of developing friendship, awareness and understanding between Corvallis and its Sister Cities of Uzhhorod, Ukraine and Gondar, Ethiopia.

During May, the Corvallis Sister Cities Association invites you to:

• Visit the display at the Corvallis Library and Footwise store.
• Visit the Sister Cities Association at the Farmers Market on Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. to learn more about their programs.
• Join a Story Time and craft activity, Friday, May 12 at 2 p.m. at the Corvallis Public Library.
• Take a walk in Central Park (across from the Benton County Library) to see our Sister City flags.
• Become a member of our Sister Cities Association. You can join online at https://sistercities.corvallis.or.us/membership/
• Consider volunteering for Corvallis Sister Cities Association board of directors and/or for the Uzhhorod or Gondar council. For information email us at CorvallisSCA@gmail.com

To read more about the enriching relationship that Corvallis has with Uzhhorod, Ukraine and Gondar, Ethiopia, click here for a newsletter update from the Corvallis Sister Cities Association.

Corvallis Forest Vision & Guiding Principles Questionnaire

The City of Corvallis Public Works Department is gathering feedback about the vision and guiding principles that will inform our forthcoming update to the Corvallis Forest Stewardship Plan. This plan provides a long-term strategy for sustainably managing the Corvallis Forest, which is part of a larger watershed that feeds into the city's Rock Creek Water Treatment Plant.

We encourage you to share your input via this short survey questionnaire. The vision and guiding principles form the foundation that we will use to update the policy and operational goals of the stewardship plan. This short questionnaire should take about 5 minutes to complete.

For questions or more information on this questionnaire, please contact CFSPUTF@corvallisoregon.gov or 541-766-6726.

West Hills Road Corridor Study

Benton County and the City of Corvallis are seeking feedback about a section of SW West Hills Road that is currently owned and maintained by Benton County but is anticipated to be transferred to the City of Corvallis at some undetermined point in the future. The road is currently rural in nature and doesn’t have typical urban road improvements like curbs and designated bicycling and walking facilities. As adjacent properties urbanize, there will be a need to also consider urban road improvements.

An online survey questionnaire and interactive mapping tool are open to gather input and feedback from the neighborhood and wider community about the corridor. Input received will help the project team as they develop preliminary alternative design concepts. For more information, visit the corridor plan website at https://www.co.benton.or.us/publicworks/project/sw-west-hills-road-corridor-plan

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

• Storytime: 10:30am, Main Meeting Room, drop-in.  Tuesdays: Infants, Wednesdays: Toddlers,  Thursdays: Preschool.  See all dates here

• Free Employment Help:  Wednesdays, 10am-noon, 2^nd Floor Classroom, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Tech Help Lab: 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday, 2nd floor Classroom, Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours

• May the Fourth: Star Wars day! May 4, 3-4:30pm, Main Meeting Room:  All ages are invited for activities, crafts, a photo booth and more! .  Costumes encouraged!

• An Introduction to Self-Publishing: May 6, 2-3pm, Main Meeting Room:  Learn strategies and tips for authors to make and distribute their own books from Andrew Durkin of Yellow Bike Press.

• Sister Cities Storytime and Crafts:  May 12, 2-3pm, Main Meeting Room.  Join us for a fun story time and learn about our sister cities of Uzhhorod, Ukraine and Gondar, Ethiopia followed by crafts from both countries! 

• Puzzle Swap:  May 20, 12-1:30, Main Meeting Room:  Bring your puzzles to swap!  All ages and levels welcome.

• Oregon Book Awards Author Tour with Sindya Bhanoo and Eric Tran: May 23, 6-7pm, Main Meeting Room.:  Author Readings and Q&A with Oregon Book Award winning authors

• Robotics Day: May 27, 1-4pm, Main Meeting Room:  Experience robotics and fun STEM-related activities with the robotics teams from local schools in our community.

• Home Delivery Service:  Get your holds delivered to you!  Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.

• Books & More from Home:  Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

   

In this issue: Empowerment Grants, Police 101, and the new Strategic Operational Plan

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Corvallis Parks & Recreation is excited to offer two upcoming opportunities for the community to lend us a hand in getting Riverfront and Central Parks looking good before all the fun outdoor events and activities begin! We often hear comments about how important the Downtown-adjacent parks are to the community, whether it be for enhanced business activity, out-of-town visitors and their first impressions, or community gatherings and enjoying time outdoors while watching the daily bustle of Corvallis’ city center.

To get the parks in tip-top shape, the Parks & Recreation Department is inviting the community to join us on Saturday, April 1 at Riverfront Park and again on Saturday, May 6 at Central Park, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Parks & Recreation staff will be there with various projects and the needed tools and supplies (bring your own gloves if you have some). Work will include weeding, spreading mulch, pruning, planting, litter cleanup, bench repair, bench staining, and more! We will be able to scale the project locations based on how many people show up – and will infiltrate areas such as Downtown parkways, City Hall, parking lots, the Library, etc., if we can. The more people, the bigger the impact!

We encourage families, co-workers, businesses, employees, service clubs, social clubs, churches, and more to come on down to make a difference. The Friends of Corvallis Parks & Recreation are also taking donations to help support the purchase of plants, mulch, supplies, water bottles, and snacks for volunteers.

Empowerment Grant Applications Open Through April 15

The popular Empowerment Grant program is accepting applications through April 15! Cash grants from the City are available to fund projects around the community. The grant program is inviting applications from the community in two broad categories:

Neighborhood Empowerment Grants are focused on improving geographic areas in Corvallis. Past projects have included landscape improvements, neighborhood events, public art installations, education programs, and training services.

Community Empowerment Grants are focused on assisting individuals and organizations doing enriching work throughout Corvallis. Example grants include cultural events, guest lectures, and outreach campaigns. Often this work cuts across different geographic areas and may serve diverse community groups.

For more information, check out this video from our Empowerment Grant Workshop in March. The video offers an overview of the application process as well as insights about how to propose a successful project. 

Empowerment grants are typically in the range of $250 to $600 each. Anyone can apply for an Empowerment Grant, though some restrictions and guidelines may apply. Visit www.corvallisoregon.gov/empowerment to learn more.

Planning Commission Vacancies

We're recruiting to fill a couple vacancies on the Planning Commission. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in land use policies and local development. You don't have to be an expert on any of these topics - we're just looking for people who can consider information, weigh options against criteria, and contribute to discussions that lead to thoughtful, informed decisions. Maybe that's you!

Everything is explained on this page on the city website. You can apply online or download a packet to fill out later. For questions, please feel free to reach out to Jason Yaich at jason.yaich@corvallisoregon.gov.

Preparedness is a Skill for Everyone

Are you ready?

If a major disaster should occur in our community, the capability of our first responders to respond to this large scale emergency would be severely strained. In the first 12 to 72 hours, having community members who are better prepared to take care of themselves and others in times of crisis will allow emergency services to focus on the most critical, life-threatening situations.

In most emergencies, a neighbor or bystander provides the first immediate assistance on the scene. Corvallis CERT offers training to help you be prepared with your neighbors and family members. CERT training is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens may initially be on their own and their actions can make a difference.

What Is Corvallis CERT?

The Corvallis Community Emergency Response Team Program educates and trains individuals in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and basic medical operations. The program is affiliated with the City of Corvallis Fire Department. In an emergency, Corvallis CERT members are an essential core group of volunteer responders to assist in the response to a disaster and are dedicated to emergency preparedness and response for the Corvallis community.

There is a place for everyone in Corvallis CERT. Our members come from all walks of life. To find out more about training and how to sign up for an upcoming training course, visit the CERT page on the City website.

Facilities Project Check-In

The citywide facilities project is chugging along - recently we've discussed some preliminary designs for a new Civic Campus building, planned for the City Hall campus adjacent to the historic City Hall building.

You can explore a timeline of past & future steps in this process on the Community Engagement page. 

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

•  

  Storytime:    10:30am, Main Meeting Room, drop-in.  Tuesdays: Infants, Wednesdays: Toddlers,  Thursdays: Preschool.  See all dates here

• Free Employment Help:  Wednesdays, 10am-noon, 2^nd Floor Classroom, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Tech Help Lab:   1^st and 3^rd Wednesday, 2nd floor Classroom, Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours

• Random Review (Virtual):  April 12   noon.   J. Renee Brooks  reviews Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard

• Games Day:  1-4pm, April 15 , Main Meeting Room.  Drop in and play board, card and video games for all ages.

• Take Apart Workshop 4-5:30pm, April 18, Main Meeting Room. Take small appliances and electronics apart in this hands-on workshop.  For ages 10+

• Pegasus Bilingual Puppet Show: 10:30am, April 29, Main Meeting Room.  A bilingual puppet show for young children and their families

• Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials,  downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!

• Home Delivery Service:  Get your holds delivered to you!  Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.

• Books & More from Home:  Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

In this issue: Empowerment Grants, Police 101, and the new Strategic Operational Plan

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

New Strategic Operational Plan Available

The City's new 2024-2028 Strategic Operational Plan is now available for review. The five-year plan represents the City Council's policy priorities over the next five years, along with the programs, services, and initiatives needed to accomplish those goals. 

While it is important to be flexible and adaptive to changing needs, it is equally important that the SOP maintain longevity and consistency to allow long-term efforts time to develop and mature. This way the City can continue to make progress in spite of unforeseen challenges.

The Corvallis community will continue to change in areas such as population, demographics, and economic conditions. Many of these changes will be outside our control — but how the City responds is firmly within our control. The Strategic Operational Plan allows the City to respond to changes while maintaining a focus on long-term expectations.

Read more about the SOP on the city website.

Empowerment Grant Applications Open on March 15

The popular Empowerment Grant program will begin accepting applications on March 15. As in prior years, the program will make available $10,000 in small cash grants from the City of Corvallis to fund projects around the community. The grant program is inviting applications from the community in two broad categories:

Neighborhood Empowerment Grants are focused on improving geographic areas in Corvallis. Past projects have included landscape improvements, neighborhood events, public art installations, education programs, and training services.

Community Empowerment Grants are focused on assisting individuals and organizations doing enriching work throughout Corvallis. Example grants include cultural events, guest lectures, and outreach campaigns. Often this work cuts across different geographic areas and may serve diverse community groups.

Empowerment grants are typically in the range of $250 to $600 each. Anyone can apply for an Empowerment Grant, though some restrictions and guidelines may apply. Visit www.corvallisoregon.gov/empowerment to learn more.

Police Citizens Academy Recruiting Now

The Corvallis Police Department is sponsoring Police 101, a 10-week introduction to the workings of the Corvallis Police Department. The free classes are held in-person each Wednesday evening starting April 5, 2023 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Law Enforcement Center. More information on the program available on the Department’s website at: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/police/page/corvallis-police-101. 

Anyone in the community is welcome and encouraged to take the course. Apply online right here: https://forms.corvallisoregon.gov/Forms/PD-CPD-Event-Registration

ODOT To Repair Damaged U.S. 20 ramp in Corvallis

Travelers should plan extra travel time and use alternate routes as Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues to repair damage to the eastbound U.S. 20/OR 34 ramp to northbound OR 99W in Corvallis.

In the coming weeks there will be traffic shifts, lane and road closures under the bridges at the U.S. 20/OR 34 and OR 99W interchange.

Work will be done during the day and at night as specified, here's what you can expect:

• March 2 through March 6 – a full closure of OR 34 to the northbound OR 99W ramp. Work will be done during the day and at night.
• March 2 through March 6 - Full closure, nightly, of southbound OR 99W.
• March 4  – two lane closure of southbound OR 99W for daytime work.
• March 7 through March 10 – nightly two lane closure of southbound 99W.

The U.S. 20/OR 34 ramp was damaged in November when it was hit by a truck going southbound on OR 99W. The vehicle owner will be charged for the repairs. Schedules may change due to weather or construction plans. Check TripCheck.com for current road information.

Free Lifeguard Training at Osborn Aquatic Center

Gain the skills and knowledge to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies as a Lifeguard. Students will receive a Lifeguard & Waterpark Certificate when you pass the entire course successfully. A Lifeguard Certificate is required to work at area aquatic facilities - and Osborn Aquatic Center is hiring!

The training class requires a pre-course certification. To schedule your pre-course check, please contact Brycen McConnell at Brycen.McConnell@corvallisoregon.gov or 541-766-6305. Be sure to include a variety of date/time options that you are available. 

Read more about the FREE Lifeguard Training program at Osborn Aquatic Center.

MLK Park Project Inspiration

The designers of the new Martin Luther King Jr. park project are seeking inspiration from the community. Share your favorite quotes, poems, images, or leaders who inspire you. Input from the community will help inform the park's art and interpretive elements. 

Share your feedback today at www.mlkparkcorvallis.org/.

Share Your Feedback on Climate Friendly Areas

Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) Rules were adopted by the Oregon Legislature in July 2022. As part of these new rules, local governments are required to study, identify, and designate "climate friendly areas" to help provide local residents with more housing and transportation choices while also meeting Oregon’s Climate Pollution Reduction Targets for 2050. These rules require some cities to update their transportation and land use plans and development codes to accommodate walkable, mixed-use development.

A Climate Friendly Area (CFA) is intended to be a place where residents, workers, and visitors can meet most of their daily needs without having to drive. These places may be urban mixed-use areas such as downtowns and main streets. For Corvallis, this means a minimum of 25 dwelling units per acre and buildings no less than 85 feet tall for the primary area, and 15 dwelling units per acre and buildings no less than 50 feet tall for the secondary areas -- with commercial uses allowed throughout each CFA.

The goal of this survey is to hear from you about the potential CFAs. Please take 10 minutes to complete this survey by Friday, March 10. Responses will be kept confidential and reported in aggregate.

Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CorvallisCFAs

For more information on local implementation of the CFEC rules, visit the project website: www.corvallisoregon.gov/climatefriendly

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

• Storytime:    10:30am, Main Meeting Room, drop-in.  Tuesdays: Infants, Wednesdays: Toddlers,  Thursdays: Preschool.  See all dates here

• Free Employment Help:  Wednesdays, except March 1, 10am-noon, 2^nd Floor Classroom, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Tech Help Lab:   1^st and 3^rd Wednesday, 2nd floor Classroom, except March 1 Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours.

• Random Review (Virtual):  March 8  noon.   Bruce Thomson and Charlie Fautin review  The Premonition: A Pandemic Story by Michael Lewis.

• Liftoff to Mars!: 3-4pm, March 17, Main Meeting Room.  Join us as we learn about the spacecraft currently exploring our red planet through crafts. For elementary school students

• Games Day:  1-4pm, March 18, Main Meeting Room.  Drop in and play board, card and video games for all ages.

• Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials,  downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!

• Home Delivery Service:  Get your holds delivered to you!  Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.

• Books & More from Home:  Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

   

In this issue: C3 GameCon, green grants from the City, and Adopt-A-Path returns!)

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Green Grants Program Accepting Applications in February

A one-time Green Grants program from the City of Corvallis will be accepting applications in the month of February. The program will make available $15,000 in small cash grants to fund projects around the community that focus on climate change mitigation or adaptation. The grant program is encouraging applicants to focus on one of the community strategies in the Corvallis Climate Action Plan.

The Green Grants program was established by the Corvallis City Council in 2022 to encourage neighborhood and community organizations and small businesses to explore climate-related investments.

Anyone can apply for a green grant, though some restrictions and guidelines may apply. Visit www.corvallisoregon.gov/greengrants to learn more. Applications will be accepted from February 8 to February 28, 2023 with grant funding expected to be distributed a few months later.

City Service Fees 2023 Rate Adjustment

City service fees are reviewed annually by staff and the City Council to ensure that they are operating as intended to generate adequate revenue to support municipal services that the community relies on. This year, the annual update will include some rate increases intended to offset increased costs related to inflation. 

City service fees are monthly charges that appear on the City of Corvallis City Services bill. Fees represent a small charge shared among all Corvallis billing customers to pay for specific services. The fees pay for popular and necessary services for the Corvallis community. The cost of supporting these services is spread among all Corvallis rate-payers, which brings the price down for everyone. By making regular adjustments to keep up with inflation and other costs, these services will be more financially sustainable in the future.

We've put together a list of frequently asked questions (in English & Spanish) to share information about the fees, the services that they support, and the 2023 rate adjustments.

The Fire Department's public safety fee is increasing this month, allowing the department to improve emergency coverage citywide. So how will all of this affect you? We visited Fire Chief Ben Janes for a closer look at emergency coverage in Corvallis and how this vital service will be improved with the increased public safety fee.

Click the video image above or visit our Vimeo page to watch the short video.

Adopt-A-Path Program Returns!

The Adopt-A-Path program has returned! This popular program from the City's Public Works Department provides community members the opportunity to help keep our shared-use paths beautiful by picking up litter and trimming vegetation. In exchange for a modest commitment to patrolling for litter and trimming of vegetation along the path’s edges, you and your neighbors can help ensure that that hundreds of cyclists, runners, skaters, and walkers enjoy a safer, more pleasant experience as they travel the city’s shared-use paths.

Oh, and did we mention you'll get one of those cool signs posted along the path?

Read more and fill out an application on the City website.

Corvallis Forest Stewardship Plan Update

Did you know that the City owns and manages about 2,300 acres on the lower slopes of Marys Peak? It's known as the Corvallis Forest and it is part of the watershed that feeds into the Rock Creek Water Treatment Plant, which provides about 30% of the city's water supply.

The City has a Task Force working on an update of the Corvallis Forest Stewardship Plan, which guides the long-term management of the Corvallis Forest. We'd like to hear from you as the plan update gets underway. Learn more about our guiding principles and share your input at this page on the City website.

Ward 6 & Ward 9 Joint Meeting

Ward 6 Councilor Laurie Chaplen and Ward 9 Councilor Tony Cadena will host a joint ward meeting at 5:30 p.m. on February 28. The meeting will be held in person at Osborn Aquatic Center, 1940 NW Highland Dr.

City Manager Mark Shepard, Police Chief Jason Harvey, and Fire Chief Ben Janes will also be on hand to meet community members and discuss city services.

Public Meeting on Climate-Friendly Areas Statewide Program

To help provide residents more housing and transportation choices, and meet Oregon’s adopted Climate Friendly & Equitable Communities rules, cities must reduce barriers for local builders who want to build traditional, more walkable development types. “Climate Friendly Areas” are intended to be places where people can meet most of their daily needs without having to drive by having housing located near a mix of jobs, businesses, and services. The Climate Friendly Areas process requires centering voices of underserved populations and working towards equitable outcomes.

A public meeting will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. February 22 at the Library Main Meeting Room, 645 NW Monroe Ave. The meeting will feature a presentation on the proposed areas from Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG), and a public input forum to gather community feedback on potential Climate Friendly Areas. 

For more information on Climate Friendly & Equitable Communities rules, visit the state website here: https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/CL/Pages/CFEC.aspx.

Information on the City's efforts to implement the rules locally is online here: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/oregon-climate-friendly-and-equitable-communities-program

C3 GameCon Returns February 17-18

C3 GameCon, the home-grown gaming convention at the Corvallis Community Center, is returning in February! Mark your calendars for February 17 and 18 for two fun-filled days of gaming, cosplay, vendors, and more at this family-friendly event. 

Visit the C3 GameCon page on the Parks & Recreation Department website for more info on registration and attendance. One and two day passes are available; register advance for a discount. See you there!

Low Income Assistance Program Accepting New Sign-Ups

The City's Low Income Assistance Program is accepting new sign-ups. Qualifying customers can receive a credit of up to $45 off their monthly City Services bill. Customers can sign up throughout the year, but annual renewals are required each year in January. Customers who participate in the programs will complete an application, show proof of their participation, and be approved before a credit will be applied.

To get started, visit the online sign-up form to read more about the program and the application process.

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

• Storytime:    10:30am, Main Meeting Room, drop-in.  Tuesdays: Infants, Wednesdays: Toddlers,  Thursdays: Preschool.  See all dates here

• Free Employment Help:  Wednesdays, 10am-noon, 2^nd Floor Classroom, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Tech Help Lab:   1^st and 3^rd Wednesday, 2nd floor Classroom.  Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours.

• Snow Soup Puppet Show: Feb 3, 10:30am, Main Meeting Room.  Pegasus Puppet Theatre presents "Snow Soup", a family puppet show.

• Library Takeover for Adults: Nerf Night!: Feb 3, 6:15-8pm Snacks, video games, crafts, and Nerf games after hours in the library for adults 18 and older!

• Puzzle Swap:  Feb 4, 12:00-1:30pm, Main Meeting Room.  Bring your puzzles to swap!  All ages and levels welcome.

• Random Review (Virtual):  February 8,  noon.   Dolly Chao  reviews Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution by Helen Zia.

• Music for a Silent Spring :  Feb 11, 3:00pm, Main Meeting Room.  Corvallis OSU Piano International presents a concert with musical performance and spoken word in a call to defend Earth’s wild music.

• Games Day:  1-4pm, Feb 18, Main Meeting Room.  Drop in and play board, card and video games for all ages.

• Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials,  downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!

• Home Delivery Service:  Get your holds delivered to you!  Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.

• Books & More from Home:  Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

In this issue: New Mayor & City Council take office, and The Arts Center celebrates 60 years!)

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

New Mayor & City Council Take Office

The new Mayor and City Council took office on Tuesday, January 3 at a swearing-in ceremony at the start of the first Council meeting of the year. Municipal Judge Larry Blake administered the oath of office for new and returning elected officials:

• Mayor Charles Maughan
• Ward 1 Councilor Jan Napack
• Ward 2 Councilor Briae Lewis
• Ward 3 Councilor Hyatt Lytle
• Ward 4 Councilor Gabe Shepherd
• Ward 5 Councilor Charlyn Ellis
• Ward 6 Councilor Laurie Chaplen
• Ward 7 Councilor Paul Shaffer
• Ward 8 Councilor Tracey Yee
• Ward 9 Councilor Tony Cadena

City Councilors will serve a two-year term from 2023 to 2024, and the Mayor will serve a four-year term from 2023 to 2026. To email the Mayor and City Council, email MayorAndCouncil@corvallisoregon.gov.

Low Income Assistance Program Accepting New Sign-Ups

The City's Low Income Assistance Program is accepting new sign-ups. Qualifying customers can receive a credit of up to $25 off their monthly City Services bill. Customers can sign up throughout the year, but annual renewals are required each year in January. Customers who participate in the programs will complete an application, show proof of their participation, and be approved before a credit will be applied.

To get started, visit the online sign-up form to read more about the program and the application process.

"Know Your City" Speaker Series Returns in January

The League of Women Voters of Corvallis, in partnership with the City of Corvallis, is sponsoring a two-part virtual speaker series in January 2023 focusing on how to find information and resources on the City website, as well as how to understand your City Services utility bill. The sessions will take place on Monday, January 23 and Tuesday, January 31 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Both sessions will take place at C3 - Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave.

The goal of the series is to illuminate the City of Corvallis organization so that community members are more informed and more engaged on critical local issues.

• January 23 - Accessing and Engaging with City Resources
  • Patrick Rollens, City of Corvallis Public Information Officer
• January 31 - Understanding Your City Services Bill
  • Hal Brauner, retired City Councilor

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend these informational sessions.

Civic Campus Project Open House on January 31

The community is invited to an open house to learn more about the Civic Campus & Administrative Building, the next phase of the citywide facilities project.

Architects will be on hand to share information about key features of the planned Civic Campus project, including public meeting spaces and resources for the City Council.

The event will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 31 at the Library Main Meeting Room, 645 NW Monroe Ave.

Rental & Utility Assistance Available from DevNW

DevNW, our local nonprofit affordable housing provider, has rental assistance available to qualifying applicants. Residents in Corvallis and Benton County are encouraged to look into this program. The program provides temporary, emergency financial assistance for rent and utility payments for low-income Benton County residents who fell behind due to reduced income and/or increased expenses related to the COVID pandemic and subsequent public health measures.

Some conditions apply. Benton County residents can start a pre-application online at the DevNW website.

City Service Fees 2023 Rate Adjustment

City service fees are reviewed annually by staff and the City Council to ensure that they are operating as intended to generate adequate revenue to support municipal services that the community relies on. This year, the annual update will include some rate increases intended to offset increased costs related to inflation. 

City service fees are monthly charges that appear on the City of Corvallis City Services bill. Fees represent a small charge shared among all Corvallis billing customers to pay for specific services. The fees pay for popular and necessary services for the Corvallis community. The cost of supporting these services is spread among all Corvallis rate-payers, which brings the price down for everyone. By making regular adjustments to keep up with inflation and other costs, these services will be more financially sustainable in the future.

We've put together a list of frequently asked questions (in English & Spanish) to share information about the fees, the services that they support, and the 2023 rate adjustments.

Mark Your Calendars for C3 GameCon in February

C3 GameCon, the home-grown gaming convention at the Corvallis Community Center, is returning in February! Mark your calendars for February 17 and 18 for two fun-filled days of gaming, cosplay, vendors, and more at this family-friendly event. 

Visit the C3 GameCon page on the Parks & Recreation Department website for more info on registration and attendance. One and two day passes are available; register advance for a discount! See you there!

Are You Prepared for a Flood?

The City of Corvallis annually updates this informational brochure as a reminder of the dangers related to heavy rainfall and the damage that can be caused when a flood occurs. Please review this information to ensure you are prepared in the event of flooding in Corvallis.

The Arts Center Celebrates 60th Anniversary

The Arts Center invites everyone to celebrate our 60 years serving Corvallis, on Saturday, January 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. This milestone year is themed “Expressions of Community” to highlight the perseverance of dedicated individuals and communities that have been supporting our creative culture. We are grateful to offer a mid-winter reason to get out and connect with each other.

"We have been a catalyst for artists and creators for six decades," said Executive Director, Cynthia Spencer, "and we are excited to celebrate this momentous occasion with all who can join us. Throughout our history, we have connected thousands of art learners and viewers through relevant art exhibits, quality programming, and no-charge creative-play activities for all ages, contributing to the social, cultural, and economic well-being of our region. Our 60th Birthday Celebration is a testament to the power of the arts to bring people together."

Our January 21 birthday bash has a jam-packed lineup of activities looking back at our 60-year history, and looking forward to what the next 60 years may include. Be sure to drop off your birthday wish and check out other ways to get involved.

For the complete schedule of events see our website, www.theartscenter.net.

Stormwater Maintenance Program Underway

The City's annual stormwater maintenance program is underway, with contractors performing work in urban streams and detention ponds throughout Corvallis through February 2023. The work will focus on Dixon Creek, Dunawi Creek, Oak Creek, Mill Race, Ryan Creek, Lamprey Creek, and Stewart Slough, as well as detention ponds in west and southwest Corvallis.

Click here to view a map of upcoming work locations.

The annual stormwater maintenance program is managed by the Public Works Department. Regular maintenance of urban streams and detention ponds is essential to preserving the health of these waterways. By trimming and extracting dead trees and removing various invasive vegetation, we can improve stream flow and reduce urban flooding during heavy rain events. Work will also focus on creating snags near waterways, which provide important habitats for birds, insects, and other animals.

A new effort for 2022 will focus on proactive work to monitor ash trees in the urban stream system for signs of emerald ash borer. The City has cataloged approximately 10,000 ash trees in and around the urban stream system in Corvallis, and all of these trees are at risk from emerald ash borer infection. Emerald ash borer was identified in Oregon in July 2022, and its arrival in Corvallis is inevitable.

The annual stormwater maintenance program is expected to wrap up in February 2023. For more information, contact Ted Hart at ted.hart@corvallisoregon.gov or 541-766-6454.

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

• Storytime: 10:30am, Main Meeting Room, drop-in.  Tuesdays: Infants, Wednesdays: Toddlers,  Thursdays: Preschool.  See all dates here

• Free Employment Help:  Wednesdays, 10am-noon, 2^nd Floor Classroom, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Tech Help Lab:   1^st and 3^rd Wednesday, 2nd floor Classroom.  Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours

• Random Review (Virtual):  January 11,  noon.   Russell Yamada Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II by Daniel James Brown.

• Good Inside Parenting Book Discussion:  January 17, 6:00pm, Main  Meeting Room.  Local parents are invited to discuss Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy.  Facilitated by Kara Olsen and Dr. Carolina Amador.

• Carnival of the Animals:  January 21, 11:00am, Main Meeting Room.  Corvallis OSU Piano International presents a family concert.

• Games Day:  1-4pm, January 21, Main Meeting Room.  Drop in and play board, card and video games for all ages.

• Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials,  downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!

• Home Delivery Service:  Get your holds delivered to you!  Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.

• Books & More from Home:  Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

   

In this issue: Fall leaf collection, portable bike racks for rent, and the Turkey Trot!)

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Fall Leaf Collection is Underway

The City's annual leaf collection program returned last month. For some households, that means using your yard debris container provided by Republic Services. For other households, you have the option of placing leaf piles in the street, where they will be picked up by Republic Services. For other folks in our community, leaf collection is a great opportunity to start a compost pile and get a head start on next year's garden!

Out of consideration for the bicycling public, please do not place leaves in bike lanes. For community members who live adjacent to streets with no parking, this means using your yard debris container for leaf disposal, and perhaps renting an additional container(s) to handle the volume of leaves from your property. If you use a professional landscaping company, please let them know so they don't pile leaves in the bike lanes and create a hazard.

More information on the leaf collection program, including a link to the schedule, is available on the city website. Thanks for keeping the streets clear while you tidy up this year!

Low Income Assistance Program Accepting New Sign-Ups

The City's Low Income Assistance Program is accepting new sign-ups. Qualifying customers can receive a credit of up to $25 off their monthly City Services bill. Customers can sign up throughout the year, but annual renewals are required each year beginning on January 1. Customers who participate in the programs will complete an application, show proof of their participation, and be approved before a credit will be applied.

To get started, visit the online sign-up form to read more about the program and the application process. 

Fire Station 3 Renovation Project Breaks Ground

On a sunny afternoon in late October, city leaders, Corvallis Fire Department officials, and partner agencies came together to officially break ground on the renovation project for Fire Station. e had a beautiful afternoon in Corvallis for the official groundbreaking for Fire Station 3's renovation project. 

After the groundbreaking, Fire Chief Ben Janes, Battalion Chief Tony Woods, and some of the firefighters who work at Station 3 took our special guests on a tour of the facility. Station 3 was built in 1977 and hasn't been updated since then. This $3.5 million project will totally renovate the interior and add a third vehicle bay. The Fire Department is also looking ahead and building in the electrical infrastructure that will be needed to support fully electric fire engines when the industry makes that transition. The project was fully funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The station will be closed for about a year during the extensive renovation effort. It is part of the broader citywide facilities project, which aims to address critical space needs and costly deferred maintenance throughout the City's portfolio of buildings.

Learn More About Parking Minimum Requirements

The City Council recently adopted some changes to the City's Land Development Code in accordance with new state rules around parking requirements for new developments. This was due to the state's new Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities rules, which require us to make some changes to parking mandates citywide.

If you're curious about some of the possible outcomes of this decision, the Department of Land Conservation and Development put out this helpful resource that looks at previous examples of parking requirements being loosened or removed. We'll continue to monitor these new rules and look for opportunities to provide feedback and guidance.

New Bike Parking Rack Loan Program

The Public Works Department recently rolled out a new program to help event organizers provide portable bike parking at outdoor events. The Bike Rack Loan Program lets you borrow City-owned portable bike racks and use them during your upcoming event. We've got 18 portable bike racks available, and each one can accommodate up to 14 bikes (7 on each side). It's a free program, and we'll even hook you up with trailers to haul them.

To get started, visit the Bike Parking page on the City website, then scroll to the bottom to find a link to the request form.

Turkey Trot Coming Up on November 24

Build a hearty appetite for your Thanksgiving feast by participating in the 19th annual Turkey Trot. This family-friendly event takes place on November 24 in the morning, with several participation options for people of all ages and athletic levels. Runners, walkers, kids in strollers and dogs on leashes are all welcome on this fun run. Routes will take you through beautiful Crystal Lake Sports Fields & Willamette Park in Corvallis. All ages welcome! 

More info on routes, registration, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities are available on the Turkey Trot event calendar. 

Northwest Natural Franchise Agreement Public Review Period

The City of Corvallis is negotiating terms with Northwest Natural Gas (NWN) for the renewal of a nonexclusive franchise to provide a natural gas utility system within the city limits of Corvallis.  Franchise agreements between local governments and utilities govern the use of the public right-of-way to ensure safety, coordinated access, and the stability of public infrastructure. 

The proposed agreement is available on the City website for public review and comment. Please direct questions or comments regarding the proposed agreement to Public Works at public.works@corvallisoregon.gov.

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

• Saturday Stories, 10:30am  November 5, Main Meeting Room Saturday Stories, a Family Storytime for all ages is back on the first Saturday of the Month this fall.  Drop-in in the Main Meeting Room.

• Storytime: 10:30am, Main Meeting Room, drop-in.  Tuesdays: Infants, Wednesdays: Toddlers,  Thursdays: Preschool.  See all dates here

• Tech Help Lab: Nov 2, 3-4pm, 2nd floor Classroom.  Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours

• Digital Life: Join us for free classes on computer and technology topics.  Various dates and times, 2nd floor classroom.

• Random Review (Virtual):  November 9 ,  noon.  Helen Kao reviews Remember: The Science of Memory and Forgetting by Lisa Genova

• Games Day: 1-4pm, November 19, Main Meeting Room.  Drop in and play board, card and video games for all ages.

• Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials,  downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!

• Home Delivery Service: Get your holds delivered to you!  Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.

• Books & More from Home:  Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

In this issue: Ranked choice voting, Fire Station 3 temporary closure, and a new playground for Porter Park!)

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Ranked Choice Voting in November

The City of Corvallis will be using ranked choice voting for the first time for the November 8, 2022 municipal general election.

Ranked choice voting is a system that gives voters the ability to rank candidates in order of preference – 1st choice, 2nd choice, and 3rd choice. Ranked choice voting was first implemented in Benton County for the County Commissioner race during the November 2020 general election. The City Council adopted ranked choice voting for municipal elections earlier this year.

In the 2022 election, ranked choice voting will apply for the two local races that feature three or more candidates: the Corvallis Mayor and Ward 9 City Councilor seat. For all other Corvallis City races, voters will select one candidate.

Using ranked choice voting, the candidate with a majority of first-choice votes wins. If no candidate receives more than fifty percent of the first choice votes, then the candidate who receives the fewest first choice votes is eliminated from the race. Votes for the eliminated candidate are instantly recast to the voters’ next-choice candidate. This process repeats itself until one candidate receives more than fifty percent of the votes or there are only two candidates left.

Learn more about ranked choice voting in this short video.

For more information, including a list of frequently asked questions about ranked choice voting, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/elections.

Paving on Van Buren Starts October 3

Paving of Van Buren Avenue between 17th and 4th Street is planned to begin Monday, October 3. Expect congestion and traffic delays in the area. Travel on Van Buren Avenue and on 9th Street and 5th Street near Van Buren Avenue will be slow as a result of lane reductions and traffic control changes associated with this construction activity. We encourage you to use alternate routes if possible.

The construction schedule for the week of October 3 is as follows. Construction hours will be from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.  There is a potential for work after 6 p.m. to accommodate paving.

• Monday, Oct 3  – Grinding of Van Buren will begin. Travel on Van Buren will be maintained, but expect lane reductions and lane shifts throughout the work zone.

• Tuesday, Oct 4  – Grinding is expected to be completed by the end of the day. Paving will begin for the south lane on Van Buren, starting at 17th Street and will progress toward 9th Street.  Detours will be in place as work progresses through the intersection of 9th Street.

• Wednesday, Oct 5 – Paving will continue for the southern lanes on Van Buren and will end at 4th Street. Detours will be in place as work progresses through the intersection of 5th Street.

• Thursday, Oct 6  – Paving will begin for the north lane on Van Buren, starting at 17th Street and will progress toward 9th Street. Detours will again be in place as work progresses through the intersection of 9th Street.

• Friday, Oct 7 – Paving will continue for the northern lanes on Van Buren and will end at 4th Street. Again a detour will be in place for work progressing through the intersection of 5th Street.  Paving is expected to be completed by the end of the day on Friday, Oct 7. 

Thank you for your patience as we work toward completing this project.

Citywide Facilities Project Begins with Fire Station 3 Rehab

The Corvallis Fire Department will be closing Fire Station 3 later this month for a major renovation. The station, located at 1310 NW Circle Blvd., will be closed for approximately 11 months.

During the closure, staff and equipment will be reassigned to other fire stations in Corvallis, although they will continue to respond to calls in the area of the community served by Fire Station 3.

The fire engine, water tender, brush truck, and backup ambulance, together with the staff assigned to those units, will be temporarily reassigned to Fire Station 5, 4950 NW Fair Oaks Dr. which has been closed since 2012.

The primary ambulance and its staff will be reassigned to Fire Station 1, 400 NW Harrison Blvd.

The renovation project is the first in a series of planned City facility improvements designed to address longstanding building deficiencies that have accumulated over decades. At Fire Station 3, the focus will be on creating efficient, equitable, and safe indoor work areas, as well as adding an additional apparatus bay.

The new apparatus bay will allow CFD’s brush truck, which is currently stored outdoors in an unprotected parking lot, to be moved indoors and to remain at the station year round, rather than being stored off site during the winter months.

Revamping the interior accommodations of Fire Station 3 will address longstanding issues of equity among staff. Most of the interior layout was created decades ago, when most firefighters were men, and women rarely entered the field. Dormitories, showers, and other indoor facilities will be upgraded to provide equitable workplace access.

The $3.5 million project was fully funded by the City Council through the use of federal funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA). Future projects aim to address civic and administrative facility needs, including public meeting spaces, staff offices, and court facilities.

For more information about the citywide facilities strategy, please visit www.corvallisoregon.gov/facilities.

FREE Street Trees to Qualifying Neighbors

The Parks & Recreation Department has set a goal of planting 200 trees in the public right-of-way this fiscal year. This means there are plenty of opportunities for you to request a FREE tree to be planted in the median, parkway, or planter strip on your block. 

The first step is to request an inspection from the Parks & Recreation Urban Forester, who will help analyze the available space, identify any underground utilities, and account for proximity to other infrastructure. If the location fits the criteria, you can help choose the tree from a list of pre-approved species that have been selected based on their appropriateness for right-of-way planting. 

To get started, email Jennifer Killian at jennifer.killian@corvallisoregon.gov or call 541-754-172.

Get There Challenge Starts in October

The 2022 Get There Challenge gets underway in October, with plenty of chances for you to win prizes for exploring alternative transportation in your daily commute.

Tell us your challenge story, download the RideAmigos Commute Tracker app, or improve your home office set up. There are many ways to earn points for weekly and grand prize drawings this year! Complete as many 2022 Get There Challenge achievements as you can and earn points for a chance to win weekly and grand prizes in this statewide competition, including:

• Two $500 Visa Cash Cards
• $1,500 toward a custom Bike Friday folding bike
• One $100 Black Star Bags gift card per week
• Six $25 Café Yumm gift cards per week
• One $100 Columbia Sportswear gift card per week
• One $100 Portland Design Works gift cards per week
• One Portland Design Works swag bag per week
• Five $50 Ruffwear gift cards per week
• Three $50 Made in Oregon gift cards per week
• Three $50 Fred Meyer gift cards per week
• One Chrome Industries commuter bag per week
• One Bob’s Red Mill prize pack per week

Plus, if you unlock all 10 achievements, you’ll get 10 bonus points!

Create an account in Get There Connect and complete achievements through Oct. 16. Earn 10 or more points each week for a chance to win weekly prizes. Earn 20 or more points to be entered to win one of the grand prizes. The more points you earn after 20, the greater your chances of winning the grand prize!

Need help? Check out this how-to video for step-by-step instructions on how to participate and unlock achievements.

Learn more at GetThereOregon.org/Challenge.

The Get There challenge is proudly sponsored by the City of Corvallis Public Works Department. For questions or more information, contact Josh Capps at josh.capps@corvallisoregon.gov or 541-754-1730.

New Playground on the Way for Porter Park

The children’s playground at Porter Park, located at 1895 NW Hayes Ave., is closed for construction so it can receive much-needed replacement playground equipment. The closure is expected to last for approximately eight weeks, wrapping up in October.

Named after Fred J. Porter, the great-grandson of Benton County pioneer, Johnson Mulkey, Porter Park was purchased in 1969, and opened to the public in 1971. The playground equipment is more than four decades old and no longer meets today’s safety and accessibility requirements.

The new playground will have two separate structures with shade toppers geared towards different age groups: a smaller one for tots ages 2-5 and a larger structure for kids ages 5-12. New swings will also be installed, along with new surfacing of engineered wood fiber that meets current safety and accessibility standards. The design plans and project status updates can be viewed on the Parks & Recreation Department website.

Read more about the playground project on the Parks & Recreation website.

October is Cybersecurity Month

The City of Corvallis is championing cybersecurity during October. We use many different digital services to conduct business and deliver City services. We will never ask you for your password to access your account - please be vigilant and stay safe online. 

More helpful cybersecurity tips include:

1. Download a password manager
2. Turn on multi-factor authentication
3. Know how to spot a phishing attempt
4. Update your web browser

Read more about online safety and privacy security at the National Cybersecurity Alliance.

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

• Saturday Stories, 10:30am  October 1, Main Meeting Room Saturday Stories, a Family Storytime for all ages is back on the first Saturday of the Month this fall.  Drop-in in the Main Meeting Room.
• Storytime:    10:30am, Main Meeting Room, drop-in.  Tuesdays: Infants, Wednesdays: Toddlers,  Thursdays: Preschool.  See all dates here
• Why Visit This Fish Lake? (There are 10 in Oregon): October 1, 2pm, Main Meeting Room.  Authors David Turner and Rolf Anderson  will discuss their book about this historic site.
• Tech Help Lab:  October 5, 3-4pm, 2nd floor Classroom.  Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours
• Woodworking Exhibition:  October 15-16, Main Meeting Room.  Mid-Willamette Woodworkers Guild presents their 39^th Annual exhibition of Fine Woodworking.
• Model Train Show:  October 8 and 9, Main Meeting Room.  The  Oregon Electric O Gaugers Train Club presents their annual show.
• Random Review (Virtual):  October 12 ,  noon.  Sarah Henderson Reviews Putin’s People by Catherine Belton Register Here
• Science Saturday: October 29, 10:00am, Main Meeting Room. A special themed storytime followed by hands-on activities designed for preschool-aged children
• Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials,  downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!
• Home Delivery Service:  Get your holds delivered to you!  Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.
• Books & More from Home:  Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!
• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!