Please click on the link below for more information. 

Notice of finding of no significant impact and notice of intent to request release of funds.

In this issue: Run for elected office in Corvallis, take the Civic Campus survey, and more!

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Filing Period Opens June 5 for Upcoming November Election

Prospective Corvallis City Council candidates can begin filing paperwork starting June 5 for the upcoming general election scheduled for November 5, 2024. All nine City Council seats will be up for election. Nomination packets outlining the process for becoming a candidate are available on the City website and in-person at City Hall, Corvallis Public Library, C3 Community Center, and Osborn Aquatic Center.

This year’s election cycle features an extended filing period to allow more time for candidates to review paperwork, collect signatures, and submit their nomination petitions. These changes were made by the City Council earlier this year to reduce barriers and encourage more people to run for office. Corvallis elected officials can also take advantage of monetary stipends that were implemented in 2022 to help defray costs associated with serving in local elected office.

Councilors are elected to two-year terms to represent the ward in which they reside. A ward map is available on the City website to help prospective candidates identify their ward. To run for office, candidates must be a registered Corvallis voter, must have lived in Corvallis for at least one year prior to the election, and must reside in the ward they’re seeking to represent.

Election Info Session on June 24

An election information session is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, June 24 to share additional information about the election process, including forms, deadlines, and other key milestones. The session will be held in the Madison Avenue Meeting Room, 500 SW Madison Ave. Corvallis, broadcast online via Zoom, and recorded.

More information about the upcoming November 5, 2024 general election is available online at www.corvallisoregon.gov/elections.

Civic Campus Task Force Launches Public Input Survey

The Civic Campus Community Engagement Task Force has launched a survey designed to gather input and public opinion about a proposed city facility project in downtown Corvallis. The survey will be open through the summer, with results being compiled and delivered to the City Council in the fall.

Survey (English): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/corvalliscampus

Survey (Español): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/campuscivico

The short questionnaire seeks input about the community's goals, values, and outcomes that could be addressed through improvements to the Civic Campus in downtown Corvallis. The Civic Campus includes public buildings which house many core functions such as City Hall, Municipal Court, Community Development, and the Finance Department. The buildings are located along the historic Madison Avenue corridor in downtown Corvallis.

Improvements to the Civic Campus are intended to address safety, resiliency, accessibility, and energy efficiency for these downtown buildings. Improvements to the Civic Campus are just one part of the larger citywide facilities planning project.

The community is invited to take the short survey and help inform the Civic Campus improvement process. Feedback from the survey will be evaluated by the Council alongside other technical information gathered over the last two years through needs assessments to determine the best way to address improvements to the Civic Campus in downtown Corvallis.

Tyler Avenue Bikeway Open House

Join the City of Corvallis Active Transportation and Toole Design staff for an open discussion on the design of the Tyler Avenue Neighborhood Bikeway on Tuesday, June 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Downtown Fire Station (400 NW Harrison Blvd). 

Neighborhood Bikeways aim to prioritize people and provide low-stress routes for people traveling by foot or wheel, while still accommodating motor vehicle traffic and on-street parking. Learn more about Neighborhood Bikeways on the City website.

There will be no set presentation for the event — come and go as you please. We hope to see you there!

Can’t make it to the in-person event? Participate in the online Open House, starting June 12, at: www.corvallisoregon.gov/nb

Funds Available Through Downtown Corvallis Revolving Loan Program

The Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development Office is now accepting complete applications on a first come, first served basis for the Corvallis Downtown Revolving Loan Fund Program. The total program funds available are $38,500 until more funding becomes available in the future. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until all funds are expended.

Loan funds can be used for a variety of business investments, including rehabilitation, painting, window repair, interior design, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and sustainability improvements. The program rules and application are available on the Economic Development Office website. 

New Fire Risk Signs Installed in Corvallis

Have you seen the new signs around town? Last month, the Corvallis Fire Department put the finishing touches on THREE brand new fire risk signs located at key points throughout our community. These are the same signs you see elsewhere in Oregon to keep the community apprised of fire risk, particularly during the hot and dry summer months.

The first sign is really something special – local teen Keaton Davis designed the sign through his high school shop program as part of his Eagle Scout project. The sign is mounted on wheels so CFD staff can move it around to different high-visibility corners near Station 1 to capture peak traffic at different times of the day. Keaton is the son of retired Corvallis Firefighter Kevin Davis, and we truly appreciate the work that went into this cool, functional sign.

The second sign was placed outside Lincoln Elementary along OR 99W / SW 3rd Street. This was a combined effort by Corvallis School District, Oregon Department of Forestry, and CFD. Corvallis CERT Program Manager Trent England designed and built the sturdy wood frames. This sign was intentionally placed in South Corvallis to promote community education about fire risk broadly in Corvallis. ODF Firefighters Rick Harris, Thomas Williams, and Ryan Schmidtgall helped CERT volunteers build the sign frames.

And the third sign was placed with the cooperation of Comcast on the corner of OR 99W and Lewisburg Avenue. Comcast staff Reid Wyse (Facilities Specialist) and Kevin Bannister (Tech Ops Supervisor) were instrumental in determining the location and working with Comcast for approval of the installation. Members of the Corvallis Rural Fire Protection District Board Bob Conder, Heidi Hagler, and Tony O’Donahue were very grateful for a new sign location to help get the fire risk word out to community members in the northern portion of our service area.

We’re excited to have these three brand-new signs deployed around Corvallis and the surrounding community. These signs were purchased using funds provided by the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal. Big thanks to the many, many different partnerships that made this project come together!

New Bike Maps Now Available

They’re Here! Freshly Updated Corvallis Bike Maps are OUT!

Bike Month took place in May, and we celebrated by introducing our newly updated Corvallis Bicycle Map. Last updated in 2018, the new map reflects recent changes to infrastructure and revised information about cycling in Corvallis.

Download the Corvallis Bike Map by visiting our website

Physical maps are here! You can pick yours up at any of the following locations:

• Corvallis Bicycle Collective
• Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
• Corvallis Cyclery
• First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op North and South Stores
• Osborn Aquatic Center

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

South Corvallis Food Hub Grant Application Now Open

Applications are being accepted for the new South Corvallis Food Hub Grant Program. This program will solicit proposals to distribute nearly $500,000 to support the local food system in South Corvallis. 

This program is designed to be accessible, and we have many partners who are willing to help folks that are interested in applying. The City appreciates our partners who helped develop this project, especially those at the City, County and LBCC Small Business Development Center who have been generous with their time and energy. Staff at the Economic Development Office are available to answer questions and assist with collaboration to ensure these limited financial resources are impactful.

Community Members Play Key Role in Benton County Wildfire Evacuation Drill

The spring may have been wet, but the long, dry summer wildfire season is right around the corner. As part of an ongoing effort for enhance emergency preparedness, Benton County and the City of Corvallis teamed up May 18 to conduct a wildfire evacuation drill. The drill served as a valuable opportunity for emergency responders and residents to practice wildfire evacuation procedures and test communication systems.

Hundreds of community members, including the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), participated, ensuring a successful drill.

The County's Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP) was the Kalapuya Building on SW Research Way, Corvallis and the City’s TEP was at the Northwest Hills Community Church on Walnut in Corvallis. The drills involved Community Emergency Response Team volunteers to ensure a coordinated and effective response and service as a valuable opportunity for residents and emergency responders to practice wildfire evacuation procedures and test communication systems. It is part of ongoing efforts to enhance emergency preparedness in Benton County. 

"We are excited to partner with the City of Corvallis on this important drill," said Benton County Emergency Manager Bryan Lee, prior to the drill. "By working together, we can better prepare our community for emergencies and ensure that everyone is safe and informed." 

Erin McMahon, the director of Oregon Emergency Management, was on hand from Salem for the drill. She was impressed with the high level of volunteerism displayed by the citizens and CERT.

“It has been impressive to see the whole community come together and display all the hard work that went into this response training,” said McMahon. She also pointed out that the Benton County and Corvallis emergency disaster response effort has been an organized effort from the ground up – not forced down from the state.

Dave Busby, Corvallis Fire Emergency Planning Manager, was very pleased with the results of the evacuation drill.

“It further improved the collaborative effort between the residents, the CERT volunteers, and city and county emergency personnel,” he said.

According to Busby, the drill reminded residents and emergency personnel how quickly a normal day can turn dangerous.

“You always need to be prepared to quickly evacuate, especially during wildfire season,” he said.

Busby pointed out there were three main aspects of the evacuation drill. The first was to provide community members the opportunity to walk through the process of an evacuation. The second was having the CERT volunteers work a temporary evacuation plan, and the third part was testing the Linn-Benton Emergency Alert System.

Preparation is the key to the success of handling an emergency, stated Samaritan Health Services Emergency Manager Howard Ferguson.

“The planning helps agencies to better know where and what their resources are it further improves the coordination amongst participating organizations.”

A key part of the drill was putting the recently completed Oak Creek Evacuation Route to the test. The limited-use service road (through the OSU Sheep Farm) connects NW Oak Creek Drive with NW Ponderosa Avenue, providing an alternative exit path for numerous northwest Corvallis residents in the event of a mass evacuation. The route passed with flying colors as many motorists navigated the corridor during the evacuation drill.

If you haven’t already, residents can sign up for emergency evacuation route notifications with the Linn-Benton ALERT system at https://sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/linn-benton-alert/. After signing up for the alerts you will receive all emergency-related notifications related to your location.

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?

Summer @ Your Library 2024

June 1-August 31

Summer reading starts June 1 for kids, teens, and adults!

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

See our summer events: corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com

• Outdoor Storytime, 10:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays in June, July and August. Storytime is moving to Central Park for the summer! Rain location: Main Meeting Room
   
• Infant Storytime:  For babies 0-1.  Wednesdays at 10:30 in the Main Meeting Room. 
   
• Free Employment Help: 1st Wednesdays, 10am-noon, 2nd 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.
   
• Model Train Show: June 1 and 2, Main Meeting Room  The Oregon Electric O Gaugers bring a model train show for the whole family.
   
• Children's Concert: Jessa Campbell:  June 5, 10:30, Main Meeting Room Join Jessa Campbell  for a free children's concert that bridges the worlds of music and ecology.
   
• Nerf night for Adults:  June 7, 6:15-8:15.  Rainbow Nerf night for adults with snacks and crafts.
   
• Random Review: June 12, 12-1pm, Main Meeting Room. Susan Rodgers reviews Demon Copperhead: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver
   
• Pride Storytime with Haus of Dharma:  June 12, 6:00pm, Main Meeting Room.  a special evening storytime celebrating Pride with drag performers from Haus of Dharma! This event is for families of all ages.
   
• Loose Flagstone Celtic Quartet:  June 15, 2-3pm, Main Meeting Room.  Everyone is invited to enjoy a free afternoon of lively Celtic music!
   
• Craft Night for Adults: Pride Crafts!:  June 18, 5:30-7:00, Main Meeting Room.   June craft for Adults 18+:  Rainbow crafts for Pride month!
   
• Journey Under the Sea:  June 26, 1:30-2:30pm, Main Meeting Room.  Children and their families are invited to join the Museum of  Natural and Cultural History for hands-on science fun.
   
• PRIDE Family Craft Night (for all ages!):  June 25, 5:30-7:00, Main Meeting Room.  June craft for Families:  Rainbow crafts for Pride Month!
   
• In My Library Era: Taylor Swift Party:  June 29, 2-4pm, Main Meeting Room.  Calling all Swifties!  Grab your cardigans and join us at the Library for an Eras Party that is sure to be timeless!  Teens, Tweens and all ages welcome!
   
• 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.
   
• 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: Green grants, Adopt a Path, Volunteer Opportunities, and more!

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Apply Now for a City Advisory Group Appointment

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.

Join us for the Monroe Avenue Corridor Study Open House

The City of Corvallis and Oregon State University (OSU) are collaborating on a project which will develop a conceptual improvement plan for Monroe Avenue between 14th and 26th Streets. Both the City and OSU recognize the importance of this corridor as a connection between the community, the university, and businesses and organizations that share its frontage. The plan will focus on enhancing the safety and comfort for people walking, biking, driving, and accessing transit as they travel along Monroe.

Join us for a community open house to learn more about the plan and how it will benefit the Monroe Avenue corridor.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
6:00—8:00 PM
Corvallis Community Center (C3)
Chandler Ball Room
2601 NW Tyler Avenue

OSU and City staff, along with the consultant team from Kittelson and Associates, will be sharing information gathered from the interactive mapping exercise and survey, as well as some initial corridor improvement concepts. The event is free and open to the public.

If you would like to be included on our interested parties email list for future meeting notices, just send an email to monroeave@corvallisoregon.gov, and we will make sure to keep you informed of future events.

Applications Open for Green Grants from the City!

The City is accepting applications for the 2024 Green Grants program through May 13, 2024. This year, the program has $5,000 available for small dollar grants to make sustainable improvements related to recycling, green space, energy efficiency, active transportation, water conservation, community gardens, and other topics from the Corvallis Climate Action Plan. 

The funds may be used by applicants for programs and projects that address the community actions in the Corvallis Climate Action Plan. 

Read more about the Green Grants program here: corvallisoregon.gov/green-grants

City Receives 40,000 Gallon Portable Water Treatment System

The City of Corvallis has bolstered its emergency preparedness efforts with the recent receipt of a grant-funded portable water treatment system capable of producing up to 40,000 gallons of potable water per day.

The trailer-mounted purification system was custom built for the City using a grant from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) grant program. Grant funding in 2019 initially provided just over $100,000 for a portable water treatment system that was intended to provide mobile fresh water for localized areas that might lose their connection to the citywide water system during a disaster.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the impact to global supply chains heavily affected the timeline to purchase and construct the water treatment trailer. During 2021 and 2022, the manufacturer was forced to pause work as essential components proved difficult to obtain. The total cost eventually rose to about $160,000 for the completed trailer system.

The last piece of equipment was installed in February 2024, and staff in the City’s Public Works Department received training to operate the complex treatment system. As currently configured, the portable treatment trailer would be able to pull water from a river or creek and produce up to 40,000 gallons of treated drinking water per day. Distribution of the treated water would be coordinated by community volunteers, such as Corvallis CERT.

“We’re grateful to the Oregon Legislature for funding this grant program that eventually helped Corvallis acquire this critical piece of infrastructure,” said Emergency Planning Manager Dave Busby. “In spite of the pandemic delays and cost overruns, the wait was worth it. This water treatment system will give us an important new tool in our toolbox in the event of a disaster.”

The Corvallis water treatment system was one of 10 other portable water trailers delivered to tribal, county, and city agencies through the $5 million SPIRE grant program.

Contractors' Summit Coming Up May 17

The City of Corvallis Development Services Division will be hosting a Contractors’ Summit on Friday, May 17 from 7:30 - 9 a.m. Development Services staff will be presenting a variety of information, including building code updates, tips for applying for permits, erosion/grading best practices, and changes to the City’s stormwater requirements. The event will be held at the Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Avenue.

Development Services staff will also be available after the presentation to answer questions. To RSVP, send an email to Development.Services@corvallisoregon.gov. See you on May 17!

May Is Historic Preservation Month in Corvallis!

Corvallis is full of events for Historic Preservation Month! This year's theme is Trails Through Time. Some events require registration, all are free. 

Events are posted online at https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/historic-preservation-month

This events schedule is a collaboration between the Benton County and Corvallis Historic Resources Commissions, the Albany Heritage Commission, and PreservationWORKS. All events are operated by volunteers – please thank them for their service. Benton County and Corvallis will be celebrating our volunteers at an annual ceremony, which takes place on May 30 at the LaSells Stewart Center on OSU campus this year.

Celebrating Sister Cities Month

During May, the Corvallis Sister Cities Association is celebrating Sister Cities Month and the importance of developing friendship, awareness and understanding between Corvallis and our Sister Cities of Uzhhorod, Ukraine and Gondar, Ethiopia.

During May we invite you to:

• Visit us at the Farmers Market on Saturday May 4 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Join the Corvallis – Gondar Walk for Water, Saturday May 18, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Benton County Fairgrounds. For more information or to register, go to https://sistercities.corvallis.or.us/gondar-walk-for-water/
• 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 through our website at https://sistercities.corvallis.or.us/membership/
• Consider volunteering for the Corvallis Sister Cities Association board of directors or for the Uzhhorod or Gondar councils. For information email the Sister Cities Association at CorvallisSCA@gmail.com

Save the Date for Open Streets in July!

Open Streets returns on Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join us for our 6th annual, free street festival that re-imagines our shared public spaces – streets and parks – as places where people want to walk, bike, and play.

This year’s car-free route travels between Garfield Park and Cloverland Park with a mid-route activity hub along the northern edge of Porter Park.

Click here for more information about Open Streets!

Adopt a Path in Corvallis!

The City of Corvallis Adopt-A-Path program has new path segments available for adoption!

Help keep our shared use paths clean and free of vegetation, with select segments open NOW for immediate adoption.

How it works is simple:

• Adopt-a-path on behalf of yourself, your family or an organization.
• Agree to two years of service and complete three clean-ups per year.
• We provide all necessary tools and materials for path maintenance. You provide the coordination, the volunteers, and the cleanup.

Your participation toward making our paths more enjoyable, encourages active travel and earns you an acknowledgment sign that recognizes you or your group.

Interested in learning more? Visit https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/publicworks/page/adopt-path-program

OR 99W South Corvallis Facility Plan Online Open House

The Oregon Department of Transportation is hosting an online open house for members of the community to learn more about plans to improve safety and mobility along OR 99W in South Corvallis.

​The City of Corvallis enjoys a reputation for livability, which includes community characteristics supporting a high rate of walking and biking. However some areas of the City, like OR 99W south of U.S. 20,  have transportation facilities that could better support active modes of travel. The ​purpo​​se of this project is to determine how best to improve safety and mobility in this corridor.​​

A combination of factors make meeting the various travel demands in this corridor and improving safety and user comfort challenging, particularly for walking and biking. The challenges include:​

• Five lane wide highway in an urban and suburban setting.
• Limited north-south local street connections that provide alternative routes.
• Few crossings of the Marys River and railroad.
• Automobile-oriented development that favors driving.

This planning effort will inform how investments can be made to improve the transportation system in south Corvallis. It will address the safety, comfort, and attractiveness of walking and biking in south Corvallis as well as vehicular safety, mobility, and access on OR 99W.

Click here to explore the online open house (available through May 15, 2024).

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 Wednesdays, 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: Saturdays, 11am-12:15pm, 2nd Floor Classroom.  Learn about a different technology topic each week.

• Author Event: The Sea Hides a Seahorse by Sara T. Behrman:  May 4, 10:30am, Main Meeting Room.  Join a debut author for a reading, crafts and songs! Perfect for ages 4-8.

• Pride Storytime with Haus of Dharma:  May 8, 6:00pm, Main Meeting Room.  a special evening storytime celebrating Pride with drag performers from Haus of Dharma! This event is for families of all ages.

• Random Review: May 8 , 12-1pm, Main Meeting Room Kourtni Rader reviews  Crying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner

• Puzzle Swap: May 18 ,  12:00-1:30, Main Meeting Room.  Bring your puzzles to swap!  All ages and levels welcome.

• Craft Night for Adults: May 21, 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room.  For ages 16 +.  This month’s craft is paper flowers.

• Robotics Day: May 25 2-5pm, Main Meeting Room.  Experience robotics and fun STEM-related activities with the robotics teams from local schools in our community. 

• 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 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 and Oregon State University (OSU) are collaborating on a project which will develop a conceptual improvement plan for Monroe Avenue between 14th and 26th Streets. Both the City and OSU recognize the importance of this corridor as a connection between the community, University, and businesses and organizations that share its frontage. The plan will focus on enhancing the safety and comfort for people walking, biking, driving, and accessing transit as they travel along Monroe.

COMMUNITY SURVEY AND MAPPING EXERCISE

During the month of December, 2023, the community was asked to share their thoughts on the Monroe Avenue corridor through an on-line survey and mapping exercise.  Below is a summary of the information collected through this exercise.

Technical Memo

Appendix A – Online Map Comments

Appendix B – Survey Summary and Responses

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE #1

A community open house was held at the Corvallis Community Center (C3) on May 8, 2024.  The following visual materials were available for public comment and input.

Goals and Improvement Concepts:  This series of posters identify the goals of the corridor study, the existing conditions on Monroe, and some initial improvement strategies that were considered by the project team before being refined into two corridor concepts for public comment.

Concept #1: Buffered westbound bike lane with an eastbound shared vehicle/bike lane.  Bikes would share the travel lane with vehicles when traveling downhill (eastbound) but would be provided with a buffered bike lane when traveling uphill (westbound).  The additional space provided by not striping the westbound bike lane, as well as parking removal, provide additional flexibility and width available to the pedestrian zone.

Concept #2:  A two-way cycle track is provided for bicycles on the south side of Monroe Avenue. This provides a protected path for bicyclists.  Parking removal would be used to expand the pedestrian zone.

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE #2

Over the past year, the City and OSU have developed, discussed, and evaluated a number of possible corridor improvement concepts. Several of the more promising concepts have been shared with stakeholders and members of the general public through engagement efforts that included an online mapping tool, a corridor walk, a project survey, a stakeholder briefing meeting, and a community open house.  The outcome of this process has been the development of a preferred concept that was shared at this open house event on September 25, 2024, held at the Corvallis Community Center (C3).

The following links will connect you with some information that was presented at the open house:

Opening Presentation:  Phill Worth of Kittelson & Associates provided a PowerPoint presentation providing background information on the process that has led to the development of a preferred concept.

Poster Materials:  Display boards provided additional information on the preferred concept being presented.

Preferred Concept:  This map provides a graphic illustration of proposed improvements to the entire Monroe corridor between 14^th and 26^th Streets.  Use your PDF viewer’s zoom feature to magnify the map, and scroll to the left and right to travel along the length of the corridor.

NEXT STEPS

With information gathered from our stakeholder meetings and open houses, a final report will be developed detailing the proposed conceptual design.  Ultimately, the proposed plan will be adopted into the City’s Transportation System Plan by the City Council.  At this time, the schedule for Council consideration of the proposed plan is yet to be identified.  Once it has been developed, it will be shared with our interested parties email list.

If you are not already on our email list, and would like to be kept informed of the process, or if you have additional questions, you can contact the project team at monroeave@corvallisoregon.gov.

In this issue: Apply for an Empowerment Grant, test your water conservation knowledge, and more!

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Empowerment Grant Program Accepting Applications April 1 - April 30

The popular Empowerment Grant program will begin accepting applications on April 1. This year, a total of $15,000 is available for 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, though larger sums are available for applicants who can partner with a nonprofit organization to receive the funds on their behalf. Anyone can apply for an Empowerment Grant, though some restrictions and guidelines may apply. Visit www.corvallisoregon.gov/empowerment to learn more.

Applications will be accepted from April 1 to April 30, with grant funding expected to be distributed in June.

This is a competitive grant program. Applications will be reviewed by City staff with input from the City's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Board. Selected grants will be awarded by the City Council. Successful applications will demonstrate clear support from the Corvallis community through volunteers, matching funds, and donations.

Anytime on or after April 1, potential applicants are encouraged to visit www.corvallisoregon.gov/empowerment to apply online or download an application packet. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. April 30, 2024 for this grant cycle.

For more information on empowerment grants, contact Michael Olkin at michael.olkin@corvallisoregon.gov.

Railroad Crossing Improvements Coming Soon

The Portland & Western Railroad (PNWR) is planning a railroad maintenance project to help protect against derailments. This work includes replacing the at-grade street crossings of the rail line at several locations in Corvallis. In order to complete the work, each crossing will require a complete closure of the street in the immediate area for the duration of the work, which is expected to take three to four days at a time. Signed detours to nearby alternative routes will be provided during closures. These short-term traffic impacts are inconvenient, but will provide long term benefits to the community with a smoother ride at these locations once the work is complete.

The railroad operator is planning to complete work at the following rail and street crossings in Corvallis:

• NE Conifer Blvd crossing by Cheldelin Middle School
• Circle Blvd crossing between NE Jack London St and NE Conser St
• NW Buchanan Ave crossing
• NW 6th St & NW Tyler Ave crossing
• NW 6th St & NW Harrison Blvd
• NW 6th St & NW Van Buren Ave
• NW 6th St & NW Jackson Ave
• NW/SW 6th St & NW/SW Monroe Ave
• SW 6th St & SW Madison Ave
• SW 6th St & SW Jefferson Ave

The work is planned over several months, likely lasting through at least June. Work is being planned as one crossing at a time, typically occurring over weekends and with one to two weekdays also needed to complete the work depending on the size and complexity of the crossing. The work duration and scheduling is weather and resource dependent and subject to change. Digital street signs will alert the public of the upcoming work in each area.

ARCHIE Soars High for Building Inspections!

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's ... ARCHIE? The Development Services Division at City Hall is pleased to implement a brand new drone inspection program. Over the past year, Development Services have been working on developing procedures and training staff to use their new drone, affectionately nicknamed ARCHIE (Aerial Remote Control Home Inspection Expert).

Don’t let the name fool you – ARCHIE will be inspecting more than just homes. ARCHIE will allow Development Services’ inspectors to perform building inspections safely and efficiently, especially on large or tall buildings. When an inspector would normally be required to climb up tall buildings, use ladders or scaffolding, or navigate uneven surfaces, staff will instead be able to deploy ARCHIE to visually inspect the building or elements required under code. This will result in more efficient use of City staff time, as well as reduced safety risks. Some examples of these types of inspections include rooftop mechanical work, solar installations, framing, roofing, and shear wall inspections.

ARCHIE will only be buzzing around to assist with construction inspections associated with active permits, and only after permission has been obtained from the property owner/applicant. The drone will not fly over adjacent properties, people, or the public right-of-way. The drone inspection program follows the Federal Aviation Administration, Part 107 requirements. For more information, go to Drone Inspection Program | Corvallis Oregon.

Test Your Knowledge with the Water Conservation Quiz

We've shared some info about water conservation over the last few weeks. Now it's your turn to tell us what you know! Complete this short questionnaire and you can receive a FREE prize pack full of household water conservation items.

➡️ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/waterknowledge

(There's a box on the survey to enter your email for the prize pack.)

Prize packs will only be available March 15 through May 15, so grab yours quick!

Let’s Keep Our Sidewalks Clear!

Did you know that the area between your curb and the property line (including sidewalks, planting strip areas, and vegetation extending from your property) is your responsibility to maintain? Regular maintenance helps keep sidewalks and streets safe for bicycles, pedestrians, and people using mobility devices. 

Take a few minutes to walk the sidewalk around your residence to check for overhanging branches, encroaching vegetation, and debris of any kind on the sidewalk surface.

To ensure safe passage for everyone, make sure that vegetation and tree limbs are trimmed to:

• 8 feet above sidewalks
• 12 feet above streets, bike lanes and alleys
• The back edge of the sidewalk or curb

Let’s keep our sidewalks and streets clear of obstructions for those traveling by foot or wheels!

Learn more at: www.corvallisoregon.gov/vegetation

Speed Radar Signs at Bessie Coleman Elementary

Permanent speed radar signs are going in near the beginning of the school zone at Bessie Coleman Elementary School on NW Walnut Boulevard.

This installation is a partnership with the Corvallis School District, which is providing funding for their purchase, while the City is performing the installation. Similar installations have been done on Circle Boulevard at Kathryn Jones Harrison Elementary School. We're also planning to put in speed radar signs South 3rd Street (OR 99W) at Lincoln Elementary School, utilizing State-provided competitive grant funding from the federal Safe Routes to School Program.

We're excited to get these speed radar signs installed so they can start providing immediate feedback to motorists driving through the area!

Irrigation: Tune up your system

Changing seasons mean…it's time to tune up your irrigation system!

Irrigation systems need adjusted regularly to avoid over or under watering. With spring approaching, now is a good time to upgrade or reset your irrigation system after it was turned off all winter. When deciding how much to water, think about your plants and their water needs. If you're planning any yard renovations this year, consider grouping plants with similar watering needs together. If you have a timer, smart controller, rain sensor, or other weather sensing device attached to your irrigation system, make sure it is working properly. These devices will save you time and money if set up correctly.

Smart controllers such as weather-based irrigation controllers and soil moisture sensors automatically adjust how much to water based on weather information. There are also cheaper alternatives, such as rain sensors or other add-on sensors, that you can pair with timers to irrigate efficiently without spending a ton of money. At the very least, consider investing in a timer! It will conserve water and save you money in the long run.

To adjust the amount you water throughout the spring and summer, you need to know how much water your sprinklers use. Instructions for measuring sprinkler output can be found here. Green grass only needs about an inch of water per week, and it is best to water in the early morning or the evening. Make sure your system is putting out the right amount of water, at the right time, and that there aren't any leaks. For example, if it rains a lot or the soil is wet, water less that week.

More instructions on measuring sprinkler output, information about smart irrigation, a water efficient plant guide for the Willamette Valley and more resources are located on the City's Water Conservation webpage under Outdoor Water Conservation. (Outdoor Water Conservation | Corvallis Oregon).

And if you've read this far ... please take our short water conservation survey to win a prize pack full of indoor and outdoor water conservation items!

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 Wednesdays, 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

• Google Docs: April 6 and 13, 11:00-12:15, 2nd Floor Classroom.  Learn how to use Google Drive and Google Docs. 

• Random Review:  April 10 , 12-1pm, Main Meeting Room Dr. Helen Kao reviews  The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness by Meghan O’Rourke

• Día del Niño/Día del Libro (Children's Day/Book Day):  April 13, 1-3pm, Main Meeting Room.  Festivities will include piñata making, book giveaway, resource fair, and music for the whole family.

• Writing Goals:  April 6 and 13, 1-2:30pm, 2^nd floor Board Room.  Learn about how to get started writing your story with a certified book coach.  This is a 2-part workshop.

• Games Day: April 20  1-4pm,  Main Meeting Room.  Drop in and play board, card and video games for all ages.

• Family Craft Night (for all ages!):  April 23, 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room.  Crafts for all ages!

• 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!

• 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: Fair housing questionnaire, Coffee with a Cop, beaver dam check-in, and more!

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Corvallis Fire Assists with Water Rescue in Philomath

Rescue swimmers and medics from the Corvallis Fire Department (CFD) carried out a successful water rescue near the Marys River Park in Philomath on February 20. The incident began with a 9-1-1 call that came in shortly after 3:30 p.m. with a report of people in the water requesting assistance.

Philomath Fire & Rescue, along with local law enforcement, were first on the scene. First responders located two individuals in the water and began working their way through heavy brush to gain access. At this point, Philomath Fire requested rescue swimmers and additional support from Corvallis Fire.

CFD personnel deployed their portable raft and three rescue swimmers, who then traveled upstream to retrieve one victim and one dog from the river. A second victim with a second dog along the riverbank was reached by ground crews who cut a path through heavy brush and helped the victim walk out on foot.

Both victims (and their dogs) received examinations from on-scene medical staff. They were not injured and were not transported via ambulance. Based on preliminary investigations, it appears the incident began when one of the dogs was swept away by current in the river. Both victims entered the water without flotation devices and were then unable to get out of the river.

This incident was a close call that highlights the importance of practicing water safety, particularly in the winter when area waterways tend to run fast and deep

Your Input: Fair Housing Questionnaire

The City of Corvallis is updating its Fair Housing Plan, and as part of that work, we're asking for your feedback regarding your experience with renting and owning within the City, especially in regards to fair housing practices. Please consider completing the following questionnaire at the link below. The results will assist the City in updating its Fair Housing plan. The survey will close on March 17 at 9 p.m.

LINK: English | En Español.

Meet Your Local Police Officers on March 14

Join your Corvallis Police Department staff at New Morning Bakery for the return of Coffee with a Cop! The event will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14. We look forward to seeing you and enjoying some great local coffee and treats. The casual atmosphere offers the chance for our community members to connect with the officers who serve Corvallis.

The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down the barriers between police officers and the community members they serve by removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood.

What's Up with the Beaver Dam at Starker Park?

It's time to check in on the new beaver dam leveler at Starker Park!

Last summer, workers from multiple local agencies and volunteers installed a beaver dam pond lever in Dunawi Creek, which runs through Starker Park. This simple and low impact device allows water to flow through the beaver dam, allowing beavers to build dams while minimizing local flooding. You may have seen our fun video from last fall explaining how this cool new piece of urban stream infrastructure helps beavers coexist alongside humans.

Research in the last 20 years has shown that beaver dams provide numerous environmental benefits to the surrounding area. Currently more than 3,000 beaver dam levers are used in the United States, successfully retaining the benefits of beavers and their dams while minimizing flooding. Local agencies and volunteers will continue to monitor the functioning of this device on Dunawi Creek and make changes as necessary.

Parks & Recreation ADA Accommodation Request Form

Need to request an accommodation to take part in an activity, program, class, or other event hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department? Connect with us via this handy ADA Accommodation Request Form. We'll gather some information and get in touch with you about available options.

CIP Draft Available for Review

There's still time to review the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) draft document for next year. Take a peek at the draft right here: https://apps.corvallisoregon.gov/webdocs/showdoc.aspx?docID=4055715

If you would like to provide comments on the proposed CIP, please submit them to CIP@corvallisoregon.gov. Questions and comments should be submitted no later than 5:00 pm on March 8, 2024.

The CIP is a planning level document and an important communication tool for the community. The CIP identifies infrastructure projects planned to be initiated over the next five fiscal years. The CIP is developed using various technical resources and requirements, and balances competing priorities within financial constraints to efficiently address the growing number of infrastructure deficiencies across the City. The CIP also informs the City’s budget process, since projects identified in the first year will be incorporated into the FY 2024-25 budget.

Although heavily influenced by technical analysis and best management practices for the industry, providing opportunities for public review of the CIP remains a high priority. The proposed CIP is currently available for public review and will be considered by City Council during a joint meeting with the Budget Commission on March 21, 2024.

The document is also available in hardcopy for review at the Public Works Administration Building, Library, and City Hall.

Indoor Water Conservation Starts with the Toilet! 

How do you use water indoors? Well, the average household uses the most water inside on - you guessed it - toilets! About 24% of indoor water use is due to toilets. The next biggest water use is showers (20%) and faucets (19%). Washing machines come in fourth at 17%, and leaks waste 12%, with "other" used coming in last at 8%. Comment below if you're surprised by these statistics, and if you plan on making changes to save more water!

It's important to know how your water is used, because then you know where to save water. For example, installing a high efficiency toilet to replace a pre-1990s model toilet could save the average household up to 14,000 gallons of water a year. That's why the City runs a toilet rebate program: replacing old toilets is a great way to reduce water use, reduce wastewater, save on your water bill, and prevent hidden leaks. Learn more about the toilet rebate program on the City website. You can read more about Indoor Water conservation on the Water Conservation program City website.

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 city 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 Wednesdays, 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

• Family Concert: A Musical Picture Book Tour:  March 9 11-12, Main Meeting Room. Corvallis-OSU Piano International presents A performance of delightful piano pieces with narration, inspired by the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen.

• Password Management: March 9, 11:00-12:15, 2^nd Floor Classroom.  Learn how to make strong passwords and some simple ways to keep them safe.

• Random Review:  March 13 , 12-1pm, Main Meeting Room. Virginia Weis reviews  The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human by Siddhartha Mukherjee.

• Meet LEGO Masters Contestant Kelly Bartlett! March 15 2-4pm, Main Meeting Room. Hear from LEGO Masters contestant Kelly Bartlett about what life is like on a reality show!  Includes a Q&A and meet-and-greet session!

• Online Privacy:  March 16, 11:00-12:15, 2^nd Floor Classroom. Learn about tools, resources, and practices to protect your privacy online.

• Games Day: March 16  1-4pm,  Main Meeting Room.  Drop in and play board, card and video games for all ages.

• 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!

• 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: Corvallis Police 101, ADA ramps, and CDBG grants - it's an alphabet soup of news from the City of Corvallis!

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Corvallis Police 101 Kicks off in April

Registration opens soon for Corvallis Police 101, the Police Department's ten-week program that provides 30 hours of instruction, discussion, participation, and fun. Classes meet Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m.

Corvallis Police 101 is like an extended open house. Participating in the program is the best way to get to know your police officers, and to learn about all facets of your police department, the services it provides, and how it delivers those services.

Class members historically represent a cross section of our community, and we encourage a diversity of viewpoints. As a class participant, you will see firsthand how the Corvallis Police operates. You will come to understand how police are governed by laws, community values, policies, accreditation standards and by the way courts adjudicate cases.

Corvallis Police 101 informs you about police training, authority, practices, and services. It builds effective community-police partnerships that increase community involvement, especially crime prevention, community safety, and police policy decisions. Corvallis Police 101 is also an excellent forum for you to make direct input on police-related issues important to you.

Registration is OPEN! Visit the Corvallis Police 101 page on the City website to read more and sign up.

Let's Celebrate our Bike-Friendly Designation!

Recently, the League of American Bicyclists announced that Corvallis has been renewed as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC), one of only 34 communities to achieve Gold Level status to date. The Gold Level BFC award recognizes Corvallis’ commitment to improving conditions for all people who bike through investments in bike education programs, bike events that promote and encourage people to choose biking, and bike infrastructure.

Since the program began in 2003, Corvallis has been recognized as a Gold Level community. We’re proud to be one of the 480 Bicycle Friendly Communities across the United States.

Curb Ramp Project Gets Underway This Spring

It seems like only yesterday that we were struggling through snow and ice, but we're already looking ahead to the summer road construction season. There's a big project on tap for Corvallis - the Oregon Department of Transportation will be rebuilding or installing as many as 237 curb ramps throughout Corvallis, mostly along state highways such as Highway 99W, Highway 34, and U.S. 20. 

This project will increase accessibility around Corvallis by ensuring these curb ramps meet American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. As part of the project ODOT will be looking at existing crosswalks to see if they should remain or be removed. Project planners may also add curb ramps where they don’t currently exist or pedestrian push buttons at some crosswalks.​

This will be a big project, and different bits of the work will take place throughout Corvallis. Visit the ODOT project page to read more about what's on tap this year. 

City Budget Flowchart

How does the City's annual budget get built each year? A lot of hard work and fiscal planning goes into our annual budget. Check out this flowchart for a timeline of key activities and decisions, plus opportunities to plug in and share your feedback along the way!

February 5 Due Process Hearing Postponed

The due process hearing to consider the possible violation of the City Charter by Councilor Charlyn Ellis scheduled for February 5, 2024, has been postponed.

The attorney representing Councilor Charlyn Ellis in the due process filed a lawsuit on January 22, 2024 in Benton County Circuit Court. Along with seeking declaratory and injunctive relief, the lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction to stop the hearing process. The due process hearing is postponed until this filing is resolved.

See the Corvallis City Council three-month calendar for more information on upcoming meetings.

Water Off While You Brush to Save Gallon Each Month!

A message from the Public Works Department: Turn that water off while you're brushing your teeth, and you can save up to 4 gallons a minute. Little actions like this add up and can save you water, and even money on your water bill, in the long run.

Check out other Indoor Water Conservation tips on the Public Works website!

City Seeking Proposals for $2.3 Million in Federal Housing and Community Development Grants

The City of Corvallis recently published three requests for proposals for a combined $2.3 million in funds available for housing and community development projects that serve low-income Corvallis community members.

The grants come from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), which are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Eligible projects will generally be focused on housing and/or community development activities that serve low-income Corvallis community members.

The estimated grant funds to be available are:

• CDBG Human Services Fund ($82,000)
• CDBG Capital Project ($1,200,000)
• HOME Capital Project ($1,100,000)

In Corvallis, CDBG and HOME funding has historically supported housing and community development projects from public or private nonprofit agencies, authorities, developers, and organizations that serve low-income community members. Recent projects in Corvallis that received funding include:

• $625,000 to Corvallis Housing First for the acquisition of four units of permanent supportive housing;
• $6,429 to Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV) for critical upgrades to a shelter for survivors of domestic violence;
• $81,652 in operational support to Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center, Community Outreach, Inc., and South Corvallis Food Bank; and

The available grant amounts listed above are estimates based on what the City of Corvallis anticipates receiving from HUD later this year. The actual amount of grant funding may vary. Following an Annual Action Plan approved by Corvallis City Council and HUD, funding typically becomes available in fall 2024.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the request for proposal packets, which are available online at www.corvallisoregon.gov/CDBGandHOME. The initial deadline to submit a grant proposal is March 7, 2024.

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

• Tech Help Lab:   1^st 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.

• Nerf Night for Adults:  February 2, Monroe entrance.  Snacks, crafts, and Nerf games after hours in the library for adults 18 and older!

• AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer Opportunities:  February 2 12-1, Main Meeting Room.  Join the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG) to learn about AmeriCorps Volunteer opportunities for Seniors 55 and older.

• Puzzle Swap:  February 10  12:00-1:30, Main Meeting Room.  Bring your puzzles to swap!  All ages and levels welcome.

• Random Review:   February 14 , 12-1pm, Main Meeting Room .   Karen Holmberg   reviews Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.

• Games Day:    February 17  1-4pm,  Main Meeting Room.  Drop in and play board, card and video games for all ages.

• Marian Anderson String Quartet:  February 4, 10-11am.  Marian Anderson String Quartet  presents a family concert around the topic of music in Black History Month.   Presented by Chamber Music Corvallis.

• 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!

• 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!

   

January 15, 2024 - The City of Corvallis has suspended normal operations for Tuesday, January 16, 2024, due to persistent hazardous conditions on area roadways and the threat of additional snow and ice on Tuesday. All City facilities will be closed on January 16, and all scheduled events and programs are canceled. The regularly scheduled City Council meeting will be held virtually only – meeting materials and a Zoom link to participate are available on the City website.

Many City services, including online payments and various forms and applications, are available on the City website. Visit www.corvallisoregon.gov to get started. Read more about how the city is maintaining streets during this snow and ice event. 

Emergency services (including Police, Fire, and Public Works street crews) will continue to respond to emergencies in the Corvallis community. Please do your part to help first responders by staying off roadways.

In this issue: Learn how we're living with beavers, send in your feedback about the Strategic Plan, and more!

(View this newsletter in your browser.)

Your Input on the Corvallis Strategic Plan

We're beginning the annual update process for our five-year Strategic Operational Plan (SOP). This document is the starting point for lots of great ideas like electric city buses, more affordable housing, training for first responders, and important infrastructure projects.

It's a good idea to read through the SOP so you can get familiar with the goals and objectives that are already part of the City's five-year work plan. It's not a very long document, and it's really quite readable! The whole thing is posted on the City website.

You can share your thoughts on the SOP and help shape this important resource. Check out the public input form at the link: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cm/webform/strategic-plan-public-input-form

Living With Beavers in Corvallis

Beavers are extraordinary creatures with a profound influence on our local ecosystem.  In Corvallis, we've harnessed the power of beavers to mitigate flooding and enhance the environment using innovative ecological techniques. One new feature is a beaver dam leveler that was installed last summer at Starker Park in southwest Corvallis. Learn more about how it works in this short video.

Our partnership with beavers is a testament to our commitment to a more resilient and sustainable future. Learn more about how we're coexisting with beavers by visiting the Living With Beavers page on the City website.

Work on the Monroe Avenue Corridor Study Progresses

The City of Corvallis and Oregon State University continue to make progress on the Monroe Avenue Corridor Study which will look for opportunities to better accommodate travelers by all modes while enhancing connections between the community, University, and adjacent land uses.  In December, community members were able to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas on this important corridor between 14^th and 26^th Streets through an on-line mapping tool and survey.  Many thanks to all of you who participated.

Other opportunities to participate in this important study will be coming in the near future. In early February, OSU and City staff, along with their consultant team from Kittelson and Associates, will hold an open house. The team will share information gathered from the online mapping exercise and survey, as well as an initial set of corridor improvement concepts.

More information will follow on our project web page, so check in sometime late January at www.corvallisoregon.gov/monroeave for the date, time, and place for the open house. If you would like to be notified once the open house is scheduled, and you haven’t already provided your email address to the project team, please email us at monroeave@corvallisoregon.gov and we will send a reminder.

City Service Fee Adjustments for 2024

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. Rates are adjusted annually by the City Council.

Each fee is used to pay for a specific service, and funds collected for one service cannot be used to pay for other services. For example, the City does not use money collected through the Sidewalk Maintenance Fee to pay for Police Department expenses.

Rate increases for 2024 are displayed in the chart, showing the previous rate and the new rate that takes effect in 2024.

The current fees are:

• Water – Fee collected based on usage to pay for City water service and related infrastructure
• Wastewater – Fee collected to support the City’s wastewater (sewer) infrastructure and operation
• Stormwater – Fee collected to support the City’s stormwater system, including urban streams and pollution mitigation
• Street Maintenance (TMF) – Fee goes to support regular maintenance on the City’s most-used streets
• Sidewalk Maintenance – Fee used for sidewalk maintenance and repair
• Transit Operation Fee – Fee supports fareless service on Corvallis Transit System
• Urban Forestry – Fee supports maintenance of the City’s urban tree canopy
• Police Services – Fee maintains current service levels at the Police Department
• Fire Services – Fee maintains current service levels at the Fire Department
• Low-Income Assistance Fee – This fee goes into a fund for income-eligible customers who need assistance paying their monthly City Services bill

Fees are reviewed annually by staff and the City Council as part of a public process to ensure that they are operating as intended to generate adequate revenue for municipal services that the community relies on.

Water Conservation Starts with Laundry!

Wash fewer, but fuller, loads of laundry to save water and energy. Try washing with cold water, too. It will save you both energy and water, and washing on cold helps your clothes retain color. (Plus, it can help prevent your favorite sweater from shrinking!).

Only running the washer and dishwater when full can save you up to 1,000 gallons a month. Even better - upgrade your washing machine with an Energy Star or Water Factor model. Learn more about water conservation in the kitchen and laundry room or check out other indoor water conservation tips on the Public Works website.

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 city 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:   1^st 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:  January 10 , 12-1pm, Main Meeting Room .   Scott Heppell  reviews An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us by Ed Yong

• Puzzle Swap:  January 13,  12:00-1:30, Main Meeting Room.  Bring your puzzles to swap!  All ages and levels welcome.

• 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!

   

The City of Corvallis and Oregon State University (OSU) are collaborating on a project which will develop a conceptual improvement plan for Monroe Avenue between 14th and 26th Streets. Both the City and OSU recognize the importance of this corridor as a connection between the community, University, and businesses and organizations that share its frontage. The plan will focus on enhancing the safety and comfort for people walking, biking, driving, and accessing transit as they travel along Monroe.

COMMUNITY SURVEY AND MAPPING EXERCISE

During the month of December, 2023, the community was asked to share their thoughts on the Monroe Avenue corridor through an on-line survey and mapping exercise.  Below is a summary of the information collected through this exercise.

Technical Memo

Appendix A – Online Map Comments

Appendix B – Survey Summary and Responses

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE #1

A community open house was held at the Corvallis Community Center (C3) on May 8, 2024.  The following visual materials were available for public comment and input.

Goals and Improvement Concepts:  This series of posters identify the goals of the corridor study, the existing conditions on Monroe, and some initial improvement strategies that were considered by the project team before being refined into two corridor concepts for public comment.

Concept #1: Buffered westbound bike lane with an eastbound shared vehicle/bike lane.  Bikes would share the travel lane with vehicles when traveling downhill (eastbound) but would be provided with a buffered bike lane when traveling uphill (westbound).  The additional space provided by not striping the westbound bike lane, as well as parking removal, provide additional flexibility and width available to the pedestrian zone.

Concept #2:  A two-way cycle track is provided for bicycles on the south side of Monroe Avenue. This provides a protected path for bicyclists.  Parking removal would be used to expand the pedestrian zone.

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE #2

Over the past year, the City and OSU have developed, discussed, and evaluated a number of possible corridor improvement concepts. Several of the more promising concepts have been shared with stakeholders and members of the general public through engagement efforts that included an online mapping tool, a corridor walk, a project survey, a stakeholder briefing meeting, and a community open house.  The outcome of this process has been the development of a preferred concept that was shared at this open house event on September 25, 2024, held at the Corvallis Community Center (C3).

The following links will connect you with some information that was presented at the open house:

Opening Presentation:  Phill Worth of Kittelson & Associates provided a PowerPoint presentation providing background information on the process that has led to the development of a preferred concept.

Poster Materials:  Display boards provided additional information on the preferred concept being presented.

Preferred Concept:  This map provides a graphic illustration of proposed improvements to the entire Monroe corridor between 14^th and 26^th Streets.  Use your PDF viewer’s zoom feature to magnify the map, and scroll to the left and right to travel along the length of the corridor.

NEXT STEPS

With information gathered from our stakeholder meetings and open houses, a final report will be developed detailing the proposed conceptual design.  Ultimately, the proposed plan will be adopted into the City’s Transportation System Plan by the City Council.  At this time, the schedule for Council consideration of the proposed plan is yet to be identified.  Once it has been developed, it will be shared with our interested parties email list.

If you are not already on our email list, and would like to be kept informed of the process, or if you have additional questions, you can contact the project team at monroeave@corvallisoregon.gov.