Corvallis e-News | October 2024

In this issue: New city logo, Fire Department open house, and more!

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New City Logo and Branding Coming Soon

The City of Corvallis is rolling out a new municipal logo next month. The new logo will be part of a comprehensive brand system that will replace our existing logo that was first introduced in 1985. Look for the new brand to start appearing on documents, forms, signs, and other high-visibility areas of city operations. (The old logo will remain in use for a while during this transition process.)

You might be wondering ... why a new logo? Well, in the almost 40 years since the existing logo made its debut, the communications and community engagement needs of local governments (like Corvallis) have changed quite a bit. A logo that used to primarily be featured atop printed documents, letter, and bills has given way to a municipal identity that is used across a wide variety of platforms like websites, digital apps, and social media. Community members are just as likely to encounter the brand on their mobile device screen as on a printed piece of paper.

With all of this in mind, we engaged Madison Avenue Collective (MAC), a local design firm with extensive experience creating new brand identities for government agencies (including some familiar names here in Corvallis). MAC embarked on a six-month creative process to gather input, develop iterative conceptual designs, and finally zero in on a solid concept that could be built out into a fully realized, modern brand system. The goal of the project was to create a modern, consistent brand system that included a recognizable primary logo, together with plenty of creative icons, graphics, and colors to help enhance City communications and outreach. 

In many cases, we will have the opportunity to roll out the new City logo on certain items as part of their normal replacement schedule. This is the most cost effective solution and ensures that we aren’t disposing of useful items ahead of schedule. Other changes and updates will likely take place on a longer timeline.

The new design and visually rich supporting elements lend themselves well to branding and placemaking. The City logo will look right at home alongside logos from partner agencies, educational institutions, events venues, and other community organizations.

For a period of probably 12 to 18 months, community members will likely encounter both the new City logo as well as the older “legacy” logo in use throughout the community as the replacement process gets underway. This is a normal, if slightly confusing, aspect of our brand rollout.

We're excited to bring a new, creative look to the City of Corvallis!

Ranked Choice Voting Returns for November General Election

The City of Corvallis will be using ranked choice voting for the November 5, 2024 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. Corvallis used ranked choice voting for the first time in 2022. 

In the 2024 election, ranked choice voting will apply in two local City Council races that feature three or more candidates: Ward 6 City Councilor and Ward 7 City Councilor. Voters in those two wards will see ranked choice options for the City Council ballot. 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.

Check out this short video for an overview of how the system works.

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

Featured Jobs: Talent Acquisition Specialist & Senior Accountant

This month we're putting the spotlight on a pair of career opportunities at the City of Corvallis: the Talent Acquisition Specialist (in the Human Resources Department) and the Senior Accountant (in the Finance Department).

Check out both jobs, along with our other current openings, on the City website.

Fire Department Trains with Max Fire Box

We don’t always think about the Corvallis Fire Department being at the forefront of sustainability decisions at the City. But they’re looking for opportunities to refine their operations and implement new techniques whenever possible. In this case, CFD had an opportunity to roll out a new training tool: the Max Fire Box. It’s a small, self-contained demonstration device used to simulate live fires.

If you didn’t already know – Fire Departments train A LOT. And we want them to do so! But training with live fire requires a lot of space and a lot of money. And the result (a large, smoky fire) isn’t great for the environment, or the firefighters who are suited up and taking part in the training exercise. The Max Fire Box provides a small, safe, environmentally friendly venue to examine critical fire activity such as flashovers, backdrafts, and smoke explosions. There’s a reduced impact on air quality, and the firefighters themselves are exposed to lower levels of toxic gases – an important factor as the City strives to operate a sustainable workplace that prioritizes employee health and safety.

In this photo, CFD firefighters are using thermal imaging tools to evaluate the small, contained fire in the Max Fire Box. This gives them the up-close training opportunity that leads to safe decisions in rapidly changing environments in our community. Great work, CFD!

Tyler Avenue Bikeway Design Nearing Completion

We're very close to finalizing the updated design of the Tyler Avenue Neighborhood Bikeway project. After an open house in June, the project team has incorporated community input and refined the plans. You can take a peek at the updated design right here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/0b0ad9acec104c26a137884bd57417ce

To subscribe to quarterly project updates from the Active Transportation team, visit our newsletter signup page. 

Fire Department Open House Scheduled for October 12

Mark your calendars for the Corvallis Fire Department's annual open house and safety fair. This fun, family-friendly event returns on Saturday, October 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Event details can be found on the City's website calendar.

Do I Need a Building Permit?

Oregon law requires you to obtain permits for a range of installations, alterations, and construction performed on your home. Permits ensure that the work meets minimum codes and standards, which protect you and your family from safety risks like fire hazards and structural failures. They also help eliminate costly repairs and save money in the long run.

Some of the most common home projects that require a permit are listed below.

• Build or demolish a detached accessory structure that exceeds 200 square feet.
• Add an attached patio cover over 200 square feet.
• Construct a fence over 7 feet in height.
• Build a deck more than 30 inches above grade.
• Finish an existing attic, garage, or basement to create living or conditioned space.

Additional information, including permit exemptions and requirements for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work, can be found in our Do I Need a Permit – Guide. If you still aren’t sure whether your project requires a permit, or to get more information about the permitting process, go to Development Services Permits & Plan Review. You can also contact Development Services at 541-766-6929 or development.services@corvallisoregon.gov if you have additional questions or want to discuss your potential project in further detail.

City Council Meetings in October

Catch up with your elected officials at their regularly scheduled meetings and work sessions. Upcoming meetings are listed below, along with links to calendar entries with more information. You don't have to attend to share feedback on any topic that's important to you. Feel free to use the Public Input Form to get in touch with the Council anytime, anywhere. 

Government Comment Corner at the Library

Meet your local government officials and chat about whatever's on your mind at Government Comment Corner. Each two-hour session takes place at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon each Saturday. A rotating cast of elected leaders from Corvallis and Benton County will be available for open, honest, one-on-one conversations with anyone who wants to stop by. Bring your questions about public services, and learn more about how to volunteer and get involved!

Here's the schedule (subject to change):

FYI: Council Three-Month Calendar

The City Council's three-month calendar is a good way to track topics and learn about upcoming business items. The three-month calendar is available on the City website.

The schedule is subject to change, so be sure to contact your City Councilor to learn more about any particular topic you see on the calendar.

What's New at the Library this Month?

• Storytime:  10:30am Tuesday-Friday, Main Meeting Room .  Tuesdays: Infant, Wednesdays: Toddler,  Thursdays: Preschool, Fridays, Family.  Drop in.

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

• Tech Help Lab:   1st and 3rd 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.

• Digital Life Classes:  1^st and 3^rd Saturdays, 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays, 11:00am:  Learn about various technology topics with library staff.  Free, drop in.

• Random Review:  October 9 12-1pm, Main Meeting room and streamed online  Joel Zapata reviews Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora

• Craft Night for Adults:  October 15, 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room  For ages 16+. 

• OSU MFA Reading Series: October 18, 5-6pm, Main Meeting Room. In partnership with Oregon State University, the MFA Reading Series brings a monthly rotation of free literary readings to the library! 

• Cooks and Books: Syrian Cuisine with Khalo Naser:  October 24, 5-6:30 pm, Corvallis Community Center.  A free in-person cooking demonstration and showcase of cookbooks at C3. 

• Get a Library Card: Sign up for a library card and 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!