Corvallis e-News | November 2022

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

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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!