In this issue: Dig into the annual Sustainability Report, celebrate the levy renewal, and more!

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Levy Renewal Wins Voter Approval

Voters in Corvallis last month approved a renewal of the five-year local operating levy that funds livability services from the Parks and Recreation Department and the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, along with annual social services grants.

Measure 2-141 received a strong endorsement from voters after ballots were tabulated on November 7, 2023. Preliminary reports indicate the levy renewal passed by a margin of more than 66% approval. The levy is a renewal of an existing five-year levy that had funded similar services and was set to expire on June 30, 2024. The new levy starts on July 1, 2024 and will generate between $6.5 million and $7.3 million annually for five years.

The outcome of the ballot measure preserves important services, including current operating hours and program offerings at the Corvallis Library, and provides funding for beloved institutions such as the Osborn Aquatic Center, Corvallis Community Center (C3), and the Majestic Theatre. The new levy also provides $480,000 in annual social services grants to support local providers in Corvallis that provide shelter and support services, food security, intervention services, childcare, mental and physical health services, and family support.

“The Corvallis community spoke with a clear voice when they voted to renew the levy this week,” said City Manager Mark Shepard. “City staff in all departments have worked hard over the years to earn the trust of the community through efficient and effective service delivery, and I look forward to building on that shared trust in the coming years.”

Check Out the Annual Sustainability Report

The City of Corvallis has been building sustainability and climate action into how we operate for decades, starting in 1999 with a vintage-sounding "Energy Conservation Policy" and continuing through the adoption of our first-ever Climate Action Plan in 2016 (and beyond).

Along the way, we've produced an annual Sustainability Report each year, celebrating milestones and marking progress as we move the City organization forward along this path.

The brand-new 2023 Sustainability Report was just published last month, and it's available to read on the City website. Take a peek! It's breezy and readable ... perfect for sharing with your neighbors as you learn more about the City's sustainability efforts.

• 2023 Corvallis Sustainability Report

Winter Registration Opens in December

Come take a class with the Parks & Recreation Department!

Winter program registration opens on Saturday, December 2. You can register online, or in person at multiple locations. Scholarship recipients can use their scholarships to register online.

Read more about winter registration on the Parks & Recreation website.

Bikes are welcome on Corvallis Transit System buses! Bringing a bike on your next trip is a simple process. Check out this video for some tips to safely load and unload a bike from a city bus.

For more information about CTS, go to https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cts or call 541-766-6998.

Are You Prepared for a Flood?

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

• Flooding & High Water Preparedness Brochure

Crews Move Back into Fire Station 3

After a year-long renovation, crews officially moved back into Fire Station 3 on Circle Boulevard. The project (the first in a series of planned facilities investments at the City of Corvallis) focused on creating efficient, equitable, and safe indoor work areas, as well as adding an additional apparatus bay. The new apparatus bay allow CFD’s brush truck, which is currently stored outdoors in an unprotected parking lot, to be moved indoors and to remain at the station year round, rather than being stored off site during the winter months.

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

As crews were moving back into Station 3, a similar project was ramping up at Fire Station 2, located on the west side of the Oregon State University campus. Future projects aim to address civic and administrative facility needs, including public meeting spaces, staff offices, and court facilities.

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

• Cucunandy Celtic Band:  December 9, 3-4:30pm, Main Meeting Room.  With fiddle, Irish flute and penny whistle, cello, Irish drum and guitar, Cucunandy will lead you on a musical journey through the 7 Celtic nations.

• Random Review:  November 8 , 12-1pm, Main Meeting Room .  Dr. Liddy Detar  reviews Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel by Bonnie Garmus.  In person only, no registration required.

• Family Craft Night (for all ages!):  December 19 5:30-7:pm.   Main Meeting Room .  All ages are invited to make some crafts!

• Family Games Day:  December 27 2-4pm, Main Meeting Room.  Board 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!

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

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

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

In this issue: The Situation Table comes to Corvallis, fall leaf collection gets underway, and more!

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Measure 2-141: Proposed Ballot Measure for the Library and Parks & Recreation

In November, Corvallis voters will have an opportunity to consider a proposed ballot measure which would continue the existing five-year operating levy that funds services in Parks & Recreation and at the Library, as well as the City’s annual social services grants. These two web pages include answers to some common questions about services that would be funded if the levy passes.

English: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/community/page/proposed-ballot-measure-l...

Español: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/community/page/medida-electoral-propuest...

Fall Leaf Collection Now Underway

The City’s Fall Leaf Collection Program is now underway and runs through the week of December 25. During this period, Republic Services will pick up leaf piles in the street once a week, generally on the same day as normal garbage collection.

The final leaf pickup for a property will be on its scheduled service day the week of December 25, 2023.

Community members are asked to help by following these simple guidelines to ensure a successful leaf collection program:

• Use your yard debris cart as the first choice for disposing of leaves.
• Only rake leaves into the street if you run out of room in your yard debris cart. Consider bagging your excess leaves and putting them in your cart the following week.
• If you need to rake leaves into the street, place them there in piles the evening before your scheduled leaf pick up day.
• Place leaf piles one foot from the curb to allow space for rainwater to runoff along the street curb line.
• Ensure that leaves do not block or cover catch basins or storm drains.
• Avoid parking vehicles near leaf piles, as Republic Services cannot collect leaves blocked by vehicles.
• Out of consideration for the bicycling public, please do not place leaves in bike lanes. For those of you who live adjacent to streets with bike lanes and no parking, this means using yard debris carts for leaf disposal. Contact Republic Services for additional options to handle the volume of leaves on your property.

The Fall Leaf Collection Program is the only time leaves may be deposited in piles in the street. Using blowers to scatter leaves into the street is not allowed at any time. Other debris, such as grass, branches, limbs, are strictly prohibited from being placed in the street at any time, and will not be picked up by Republic Services.

In conjunction with the Fall Leaf Collection Program, Public Works will expand its street sweeping to include both day and night shifts. Neighborhoods are scheduled to be swept once every two weeks. More information can be found here: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/publicworks/page/leaf-collection

Community Partners Pilot New Training for High Risk Individuals in Benton County

Local service providers and law enforcement have teamed up to implement a new model aimed at coordinating efforts to support Benton County's highest risk individuals that present impending or significant danger oneself or others.

Representatives from social services, healthcare, and public safety (police, fire, and emergency medical services) came together for two days of initial training on the Situation Table approach. The training took place from October 19-20 at the Benton County Department of Human Services building in Corvallis.

"The Situation Table's goal is to offer solutions to individuals at high risk before situations escalate," stated Benton County Commissioner, Xan Augerot.

The Situation Table is a risk-based, rapid triage model that brings together various human service providers in the community for regular meetings to address situations where individuals or families are confronted with a specific threshold of Acutely Elevated Risk (AER). AER refers to situations that have a detrimental impact on an individual, family, group, or location, where there is a high likelihood of imminent and substantial harm to oneself or others.

The Situation Table aims to help those who often face the highest levels of risk in the community and who tend to fall through the cracks in the system. The model's objective is to bring together multiple agencies in a holistic manner to assist those in need at a pre-incident level. Sometimes a single agency can address one of the individual's issues but may not be able to solve the whole problem. A case brought before the Situation Table would offer a more comprehensive approach from multiple agencies to individuals in crisis.

Read more about the Situation Table and how this innovative solution came to Corvallis and Benton County.

City, OSU Partner on Monroe Avenue Corridor Study

The City of Corvallis and Oregon State University are partnering to develop a vision for how Monroe Avenue between 14^th and 26^th Streets could better accommodate travelers by all modes while enhancing opportunities for connections between the community, University, and adjacent land uses.

In late November, our public involvement process will provide an online mapping tool and project survey for the community to provide feedback on the corridor and an initial set of corridor concepts we want to share.  We invite all interested parties to participate in this activity and share their thoughts.

The survey and mapping tool will be available through the City’s web page at www.corvallisoregon.gov/monroeave, so check in late November and give us your feedback.  If you would like to be notified when the survey and mapping tool are available, please email monroeave@corvallisoregon.gov and we will let you know.

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):

Strategic Operational Plan Monthly Update

The Corvallis City Council receives regular updates on the current Strategic Operational Plan (SOP) throughout the year. The SOP contains many long-term objectives, with metrics measured in months or even years, so it is important to collect these updates in a periodic communications tool to help the Council and public engage with municipal services.

These updates are an opportunity for the public to gain some insight into the SOP. Monthly SOP updates are available on the City website.

Click here for the SOP Monthly Update for October.

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
   
• Día de los Muertos - Movie Screening: Coco:  November 3, 4-6pm, Main Meeting Room.  Movie and snacks!
   
• Search the Internet Like a Pro:  November 4, 11am, 2^nd Floor Classroom.  Learn strategies for finding information you can't find in a typical Google search. Discover new online resources and learn advanced searching methods.
   
• Bob Welch: Seven Summers (And a Few Bummers):  November 7, 5:30pm, Main Meeting Room Bob Welch presents his new book Seven Summers (And a Few Bummers): My Adventures Hiking the 2,650-Mile PCT.  
   
• Random Review:  November 8 , 12-1pm, Main Meeting Room .  Dr. Mark Edwards, reviews  Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond. In person only, no registration required.
   
• Coral Reef Community Art Collab:  November 18, 2-4pm, Main Meeting Room.  Artistic Coral Reef Community Art Display.  Feel free to create coral reef components out of easily portable fiber, paper, or upcycled materials, then drop your items off at the Library!
   
• 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!

In this issue: Would you like to take a survey? The biennial Corvallis Community Survey is back!

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Corvallis Community Survey is OPEN Through October 16

The community is invited to share their feedback on all aspects of life in Corvallis through the biennial Corvallis Community Survey. The survey is available online through October 16, 2023, after which point the results will be compiled and shared with the City Council and public.

The Corvallis Community Survey is administered by NRC Polco, a contracted public opinion polling firm, with the aim of creating a statistically valid body of data about community satisfaction in Corvallis. A small number of households received a postcard last month with a survey link - if you received a postcard, please complete that survey instead of the one linked in this newsletter. That helps ensure that we have a statistically valid sample size for our survey.

This is a big survey that informs many aspects of City services, and we only do it once every two years or so. Make sure your voice is heard by taking the survey today!

Planning Commission Volunteer Opportunity

We're seeking volunteers to fill a vacancy on the City's Planning Commission. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in land use in Corvallis. You don't have to be an expert - we'll provide plenty of training and knowledge to get you up to speed. Planning Commissioners review land use proposals (large & small) and help advance overall land use policy in our community. The typical time commitment is 2 meetings per month, with some materials review in between. Read more about the volunteer opportunity in this informational packet.

When you're ready, you can apply online (just select Planning Commission from the "Commissions" dropdown menu).

Library to Host Banned Books Talk on October 11

Ashlee Chavez, director of Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, will discuss "The Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022" as part of the library’s Random Review series. The program will take place at noon on October 11 at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., in the main meeting room. It is the first time this program has been held in person since February 2020.

Chavez will tackle a prickly topic that has been making headlines around the nation: banned books. The American Library Association compiles an annual list of the most challenged books in the country. This year's list is available on the ALA website at https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10. The most common reason for challenge on the 2022 list is LGBTQIA+ content, as well as claims of being sexually explicit, and depictions of abuse and drug use.

Chavez will talk about some of the specific titles being challenged, and will focus on the type of content being challenged that these books represent, and why these books belong in libraries.

Measure 2-141: Proposed Ballot Measure for the Library and Parks & Recreation

In November 2023, Corvallis voters will have an opportunity to consider a proposed ballot measure which would continue the existing five-year operating levy that funds services in Parks & Recreation and at the Library, as well as the City’s annual social services grants. These two pages include answers to some common questions about services that would be funded if the levy passes.

English: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/community/page/proposed-ballot-measure-l...

Español: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/community/page/medida-electoral-propuest...

Corvallis Bicycle Friendly Community Survey

Did you know that the City of Corvallis has been recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle Friendly Community? And we've had the honor of calling ourselves a Gold Level community since the program began in 2003!

To keep Corvallis Gold, we have submitted our renewal application and now ask for your help to give the League input so they may gain a better understanding of local bicyclists' experiences within our community.

Public Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BFC_Fall23

The survey should take 10-15 minutes and is open to anyone familiar with bicycling in Corvallis. It’s meant to provide both context for the League review team's decision-making process and valuable feedback for the City of Corvallis Active Transportation Group.

The survey will remain open through Friday, October 20 and the Bicycle Friendly Community award results are expected to be announced in December.

Join the Get There Challenge and Win Prizes in October

Are you ready to win great prizes, get active, reduce your carbon footprint, and save gas money?

The Get There Challenge is happening across Oregon on October 1 - 15!

Join or create a team and log your trips taken by bike, foot, carpool, transit or remote work days.

Each member of the Corvallis-based team with the highest score (average trips per member) will win their choice of a $20 gift card to:

• Coffee Culture
• Kinetic Bagel Institute
• Sugar J’s Ice Cream Workshop

Top teams statewide can win:

• $50 Ruffwear gift card
• $25 Cafe Yumm gift card and Get There swag
• $25 VISA gift card
• $100 River City Bicycles gift card
• $100 Clever Cycles gift card and a water bottle
• GRAND PRIZE of $1,000 and top honors will go to the team with the highest score (average trips per team member) at the end of the Challenge.

View full prize details here.

HOW TO JOIN:

1. Create an account for free in Get There Connect or log in here.
2. Join a team or create one (and become a team captain!)
3. Log your trips* and/or remote work in Get There Connect to win prizes!

*You can get a head start and win early bird prizes through Sept. 30 at GetThereOregon.org/Achievements.

Learn more at GetThereOregon.org/Challenge

10th Street Bike & Ped Construction Detours

During the month of October, the City will be replacing water pipelines on NW 10th Street between Buchanan and Taylor Avenues. This construction will impact both cyclists and pedestrians who pass through and live on this corridor:

• During work hours (Monday - Friday, 7 am - 4 pm), 10th Street will be closed to through traffic and detour signs will direct drivers, and cyclists, to use 11th Street.
• Overnight and on weekends, the northbound bike lane on 10th Street will be open, but southbound bike traffic will be sharing the roadway with vehicles.
• The sidewalk on the west side of 10th Street is currently closed between Buchanan and Fillmore Avenues. The east sidewalk will remain open for use.

Please be cautious of construction activities and equipment while traveling through this area. Thanks for your patience as we work to maintain the City's vital underground infrastructure!

New Historic Preservation Requirements Take Effect

From the City's Planning Division: Historic Preservation Provisions were amended and became effective on September 12, 2023. In 2017, the Corvallis Historic Preservation Plan was created, following a multi-year public process, in partnership with the Historic Resources Commission, Historic Preservation Plan Oversight Committee, the Corvallis Community Development Department and funded in part by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The recommendations contained in the Plan incorporate the invaluable contributions of the City Council, local stakeholders, interested community members, and City staff over five years. Ordinance 2023-24 was adopted by City Council on August 21, 2023 and approved the initial phase of code amendments including the following changes:

• Chapter 2.9 re-organization
• Minor amendments for code clean-up and compliance with state law and the SHPO model code
• Compliance with 2017 state rule change regarding properties listed only in the National Register
• Addition of new exemption criteria for rooftop screening in the OSU Historic District
• Addition of new Director-level review criteria for rooftop wireless antennas

The newly updated LDC Chapter 2.9: Historic Preservation Provisions can be found on the City website here: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/land-development-code

Municipal Court Closure in October

The Corvallis Municipal Court office will be closed on a few dates in Oct0ber:

• October 16
• October 23
• October 26
• October 29

Court staff will contact anyone with a previously scheduled date to give them an opportunity to reschedule. Please call 541-766-6948 for more information. 

What's New at the Library this Month?

Please note: The Corvallis Public Library will be closed for routine building maintenance on October 18. In addition, all Library locations will be closed for staff in-service training on October 19.

• 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

• Lego Club:  Wednesday, October 4, 4-5pm, Main Meeting Room.  Children are invited to build with fellow LEGO fans and Oregon State University student-athletes!

• Password Management:  October 7,11:00am, 2nd floor  Classroom, Learn how to make strong passwords and some simple ways keep them safe.

• Hispanic Heritage Month - Craft Afternoon: Hojalata (Tin) Art:  October 13, 3:30-5:00, Main Meeting room.  Learn about the history of hojalata art, then create your own Mexican Folk Art to take home.

• Grieving and Healing in the Outdoors of Oregon:  October 14, 2-3pm.  Presentation by by outdoor and travel writer, photographer, and author Adam Sawyer.

• Random Review:  October 11 , 12-1pm, Main Meeting Room .    Ashlee Chavez reviews the Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022.  In person only, no registration required.

• Fiber Arts Meetup:  October 17, 5:30-7, Main Meeting room.  Adults are invited to bring your own fiber arts project to work on or learn coral reef-type hyperbolic crochet, using our supplies or yours.

• Intro to Google Drive/ Docs:  October 21, 11:00am, 2nd floor  Classroom, Learn how to store, save, and create files using Google Drive and Google Docs. 

• Weave Me a Crooked Basket Book Launch Event with Charles Goodrich”  October 26, 5:30-7, Main Meeting Room.  Celebrate the new novel of beloved local writer Charles Goodrich.

• Nerf night for Adults:  October 27, 6:15-8:15pm  snacks, video games, crafts, and Nerf games after hours in the library for adults 18 and older!

• Real Work: Poetry Reading with Janna Knittel:  October 28, 2-3pm, Main Meeting Room.  Join Corvallis-born Janna Knittel for a poetry reading including Q&A. 

• 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!

   

In this issue: Free street trees, info on Measure 2-141, and a neighborhood bikeway update!

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Free Street Trees from Parks & Recreation!

The Parks & Recreation Department has set a goal of planting 200 trees in the public right-of-way over the next year.

This means there are plenty of opportunities for you to request a FREE tree to be planted in the median, parkway, or planter strip on your block.

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

To get started, email Jennifer Killian at jennifer.killian@corvallisoregon.gov or call 541-754-1723.

11th Street Neighborhood Bikeway Update

On 11^th Street at the intersections of Cleveland Avenue, Grant Avenue, and Buchanan Avenue, the Public Works Department's Active Transportation Group installed a pilot treatment in 2022. We added white flex posts and paint to carve out an inexpensive, quick build curb extension solution to shorten the crossing distance, slow turning vehicles, and give greater visibility to pedestrians.

After monitoring for a year, we noted that the accumulation of debris and vegetation and difficulty sweeping the corners made this treatment a maintenance concern. The posts were recently removed and reflective pavement markers installed to highlight the areas we hope turning vehicles will avoid.

Our aim is to continue prioritizing people crossing the street by foot. Eventually, as scheduling and funding allow, we hope to install concrete curb extensions in some of the locations delineated with markings and reflectors. These are a common treatment in many locations around Corvallis and are familiar to both drivers and pedestrians.

Learn more about other enhancements and benefits Neighborhood Bikeways bring along with helpful FAQ’s by visiting: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/publicworks/page/neighborhood-bikeways

New Emerald Ash Borer Resource Page

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a small, wood boring beetle that attacks and kills all ash trees. It was discovered in Oregon in 2022 and has not been spotted (yet) in Corvallis, but we're getting ready for its inevitable arrival. This new resource page on the City website offers information about the beetle, its history and behavior, tips on detecting it, as well as prevention. The page also includes contact information for reporting possible EAB sightings. 

First discovered near Detroit, Michigan in 2002, this beetle has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across the Midwestern and Eastern United States. Native to Asia, it is thought that EAB arrived on infested shipping material. Although the beetle can fly, it is transported easily and across great distances in infested dead ash logs and firewood. Unlike in its native range, EAB has no known predators here, resulting in up to a 99% mortality rate. In Oregon, our native Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia) is at high risk. Depending on the size and condition of the tree, it can die within 3-5 years of the infestation.

We're staying vigilant here in Corvallis as we prepare for the arrival of Emerald Ash Borer. You can do your part by reading up on this invasive bug and learning how to properly identify it. 

Measure 2-141: Proposed Ballot Measure for the Library and Parks & Recreation

In November 2023, Corvallis voters will have an opportunity to consider a proposed ballot measure which would continue the existing five-year operating levy that funds services in Parks & Recreation and at the Library, as well as the City’s annual social services grants. These two pages include answers to some common questions about services that would be funded if the levy passes.

English: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/community/page/proposed-ballot-measure-l...

Español: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/community/page/medida-electoral-propuest...

City Releases Results from 2022 Land Use Questionnaire

Every five years the City of Corvallis asks community members to weigh in on land uses throughout the community – what you like, what you don’t like, and what you envision for the future. The project is called Corvallis Community Conversations, and the goal is to get input from community members about future land use patterns and decisions. 

In order to get into the details, the City is separated into six study areas, and questionnaires were prepared for each. Community members were encouraged to fill out questionnaires for one, a few, or all of the study areas. Your responses provide City Staff with opinions on land use, growth patterns, community values, economic issues and the ability to compare how community impressions may vary across various parts of the City. Conducting this survey in 5-year snapshots also provides City Staff with insights into how communities have changed since the last questionnaire five years ago.

We encourage all community members to review the 2022 questionnaire results as well as the prior 2017 questionnaire results and reflect on the changes.  Both the 2022 and 2017 questionnaire results can be viewed online here:  Corvallis Community Conversations - Land Use Questionnaire | Corvallis Oregon

Climate-Friendly Areas Draft Study Now Available

As part of the state's adopted Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) program, larger communities such as Corvallis need to designate one or more Climate-Friendly Areas (CFAs) by the end of 2024. The program envisions CFAs as areas where residents, workers, and visitors can meet most of their daily needs without having to drive. These compact areas are planned to contain a mix of land uses and multi-modal transportation options. Cumulatively, these designated areas must have the capacity to accommodate 30% of current and future housing needs as determined by the city’s Housing Needs Analysis, which in Corvallis is 8,174 dwelling units (30% of the 27,246 units needed by 2036).

There are two phases to CFA adoption: communities are asked to study potential CFAs by December 31, 2023 (Phase 1), and adopt these areas by December 31, 2024 (Phase 2). Locally, the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG) is providing technical assistance to Corvallis and draft a CFA Study for Phase 1. The study provides necessary background information for the City to make a final decision on which potential CFAs to adopt.

Following several public engagement sessions and meetings with community stakeholders in late 2022 and the first half of 2023, OCWCOG completed a draft study at the end of June. OCWCOG's draft study, along with a Community Engagement Report from 3J Consulting, is available for the public to review on the City's CFEC program webpage (see the bottom of the page under "Supporting Documents"): www.corvallisoregon.gov/climatefriendly

Please note that the draft CFA Study is a work in progress; it is not the final product, and additional amendments are anticipated in response to continued input from DLCD, the community, and local decision makers before it is finally submitted to the state at the end of 2023. The final draft will be available for public comment at that point.

If you have any questions or comments about the draft CFA Study, please contact Rian Amiton, Senior Planner, at (541) 766-6573 or rian.amiton@corvallisoregon.gov.

Benton County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Survey

Emergency planners at Benton County and the City of Corvallis have been hard at work updating our Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. This is the resource that helps us identify and plan for natural hazards in our community, and also unlock financial resources from the state & federal government to help address them.

Please take a moment and share your feedback via the survey link below.

English: www.surveymonkey.com/r/9YRXWWS 

Español: www.surveymonkey.com/r/X36VTS8

What's New at the Library this Month?

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

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

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

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

• Fiber Arts Meetup:  September 12, 5:30-7, Main Meeting room.  Adults are invited to bring your own fiber arts project to work on or learn coral reef-type hyperbolic crochet, using our supplies or yours.

• Random Review:  September 13, 12-1pm, virtual.  Dwaine Plaza reviews The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee   Register for the virtual Review here

• Take Apart Workshop: September 19, 4:00-5:30, Main Meeting room.  Take small appliances and electronics apart in this hands-on workshop.  Ages 10+

• Puzzle Swap:  September 30, 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!

   

In this issue: Benton County Fair shuttle, Open Streets, and Movie in the Park!

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Open Streets Returns on August 20

Open Streets Corvallis is a free street festival that re-imagines our most shared public spaces – streets and parks – as places where people walk, bike, and play. Join us from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central Park and Peanut Park. Click here for more info. 

For one day each summer, over a mile of neighborhood streets are closed to motorized traffic so that people may use them for walking, rolling, dancing, playing, and socializing. Activity hubs in public parks along the route include local food and drink, live music, giant-sized games, and more. Neighbors, community organizations, and businesses will host interactive activities.

The goals of the event are:

• Have a positive impact on community livability by connecting neighborhoods and neighbors.
• Improve the health and wellness of Corvallis residents.
• Encourage walking, biking and other forms of active transportation.
• Increase awareness of sustainable transportation options.
• Foster new, creative partnerships that put money back into the local economy.
• Support equity and inclusion on event day and beyond.

Read more and plan your visit: https://openstreetscorvallis.org/

Benton County Fair Shuttle Available August 2-5

Benton County Fair patrons, volunteers and employees can avoid traffic congestion and parking costs by using the Corvallis Transit System (CTS) Fair Shuttle.  CTS will offer a fareless service to the 2023 Benton County Fair beginning at the Downtown Transit Center (DTC), with stops at two FREE Park & Ride locations.  This year’s shuttle will stop at both dedicated Park & Ride locations on the way to, and returning from, the Fair.  A map of the route can be found at this link: Fair Shuttle Map

The shuttle service will run Wednesday August 2 and Thursday August 3 from 3:30pm to 11:30pm, and Friday August 4 and Saturday August 5 from 4:30pm to 12:30am, allowing riders time to enjoy the late night Fair concerts. 

The Fair stops will be marked with special Benton County Fair shuttle signs.  The shuttle will not service other CTS stops along the way. In addition to regular CTS bus routes connecting with the shuttle at the Downtown Transit Center, the shuttle will stop at the following locations where FREE parking will be available:

• Grace Lutheran Church parking lot, 435 NW 21st Street, corner of NW Kings Blvd & NW Harrison Blvd.
• OSU/Reser Stadium parking lot, SW Western Blvd & 26th Street.
• Downtown Transit Center, SW 5th Street and Monroe Avenue. Free parking is available downtown after 5:00 pm; check signs to ensure you are in a free parking space. 

Movie in the Park Returns on August 17

Experience an FREE outdoor movie screening of the timeless classic: Wall-E at Avery Park! The fun starts at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at sunset.

The evening will feature:

• Aerial Arts Performance
• Fun with the Library
• Robot Comedian
• Concessions 

Bring your loved ones, a comfortable blanket, and immerse yourself in the captivating story that reminds us of the significance of love, friendship, and environmental responsibility.

Measure 2-141: Proposed Ballot Measure for Library and Parks & Recreation

In November 2023, Corvallis voters will have an opportunity to consider a proposed ballot measure which would continue the existing five-year operating levy that funds services in Parks & Recreation and at the Library, as well as the City’s annual social services grants.

For more information about the services proposed for funding under the levy, visit this resource page on the City website.

State Incentives for New Heat Pumps in Rental Units

Landlords can take advantage of new statewide incentives to install energy efficient heat pumps in rental units in Corvallis and Benton County. The program can offer tax credits for up to 30% of the costs of purchasing and installing a heat pump or a heat pump water heater, up to a maximum of $2,000 per year. This is in addition to the $1,200 available in tax credits for other energy-saving renovations and appliances.

Read more about local and statewide incentives for energy efficient home improvements. 

$260,000 in Grant Funding Available to Benton County Small Businesses

The Corvallis-Benton Economic Development Office, in partnership with Central Willamette Credit Union, will distribute $260,000 to small businesses in Corvallis and Benton County that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a minimum, businesses must be for-profit, headquartered and operational in Oregon for at least one (1) year, and be located within Benton County. Other eligibility restrictions apply. Businesses must complete a pre-screening questionnaire that will help determine eligibility and viability. Additional information and application materials can be found here: https://www.centralwcu.org/bcbusgrants

Grants will be in the amount of $10,000 per award. Eligible businesses must:

• Be located in Benton County and employ a majority of their employees in Benton County;
• Have no more than 500 employees;
• Be for-profit;
• Be independently owned and operated,
• Not be nationally dominant in its field;
• Been in existence prior to June 30, 2021 and continue to exist and operate through the date that grant funds would be disbursed.
• Must have been impacted or disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Applications will be received until August 5, 2023 at 5 p.m.

E-Notifications from the City

There's a LOT going on at the City of Corvallis in a given month. You can sign up to track issues and meetings that interest you by visiting our e-notification page. The City sends out monthly email notifications about upcoming meetings, events, and other announcements.

Click here to vist the e-notifications page.

What's New at the Library this Month?

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

• Summer @ Your Library 2023: Find Your Voice! June 1-August 31! Find out more and get started: cbcpl.net/summeratyourlibrary

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

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

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

• Pool Party: August 5, 5:30-7:00, Osborn Aquatic Center  All summer reading participants and their families are invited!

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

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

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

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

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

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Corvallis Fire Responds to Two Major Incidents On July 4

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to read more about the July 4 fires. 

Circle Boulevard Resurfacing Project Gets Underway

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

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

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

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

Click here to read more about this project.

Shark Week at Majestic Theatre!

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

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

Cooling Centers Available in Corvallis and Benton County

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

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

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

Summer Reading is Underway at the Library

Summer @ Your Library 2023: Find Your Voice!

June 1-August 31

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

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

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

Open Streets Returns on August 20

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

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

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

Avoid Over-Fertilization When Caring for Lawns

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

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

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

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

Volunteer Opportunities on City Advisory Boards

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

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

Annual Water Quality Report Now Available

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

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

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

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

What's New at the Library this Month?

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

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

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

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Full Weekend Bus Service Resumes on June 24

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

Weekend service beginning June 24 is described below.

Saturday Service:

Corvallis Transit System 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Philomath Connection 

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

Sunday Service:

Corvallis Transit System 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Routes 7, 8 and 9 – No Sunday Service.

 Philomath Connection

No Sunday Service.

Summer Reading is Underway at the Library

Summer @ Your Library 2023: Find Your Voice!

June 1-August 31

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

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

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

Open Streets Returns on August 20

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

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

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

Corvallis Celebrates Pride Month and Juneteenth

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

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

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

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

West Hills Road Corridor Study Open House on June 13

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

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

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

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

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

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

City Moves Forward on Proposed Levy Renewal

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

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

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

Volunteer for a City Advisory Group

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

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

What's New at the Library this Month?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready to Apply?

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

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

*NOTE: Please be aware that the Council has appointed the Corvallis Forest Operational Advisory Committee (CFOAC) to serve as a Task Force for the Corvallis Forest Stewardship Plan Update project.  Task Force members typically serve for the entire length of the Task Force’s work assignment.  Consistent with this approach, staff intends to reappoint existing CFOAC members that wish to continue serving during the next term.  Staff is seeking CFOAC applications at this time in case an existing member does not seek reappointment and for future use in the event of an unplanned vacancy during the next term.

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

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

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Weekend Bus Service Returns May 6

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

Weekend service beginning May 6 is described below.

Saturday Service:

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

Sunday Service:

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

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

Volunteer for a City Advisory Group

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

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

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

Van Buren Bridge Project Update

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

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

May is Bike Month in Corvallis!

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

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

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

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

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

Staffing Shortages Impact Street Sweeping

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

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

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

Public Works Solid Waste Customer Service Questionnaire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Corvallis Forest Vision & Guiding Principles Questionnaire

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

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

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

West Hills Road Corridor Study

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

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

What's New at the Library this Month?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   

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

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

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

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

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

Empowerment Grant Applications Open Through April 15

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

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

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

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

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

Planning Commission Vacancies

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

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

Preparedness is a Skill for Everyone

Are you ready?

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

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

What Is Corvallis CERT?

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

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

Facilities Project Check-In

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

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

What's New at the Library this Month?

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

•  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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