e-News

Corvallis e-News | February 2023

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

Green Grants Program Accepting Applications in February

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

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

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

City Service Fees 2023 Rate Adjustment

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

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

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

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

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

Adopt-A-Path Program Returns!

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

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

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

Corvallis Forest Stewardship Plan Update

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

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

Ward 6 & Ward 9 Joint Meeting

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

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

Public Meeting on Climate-Friendly Areas Statewide Program

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

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

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

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

C3 GameCon Returns February 17-18

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

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

Low Income Assistance Program Accepting New Sign-Ups

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

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

What's New at the Library this Month?

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

Storytime: 10:30am, Main Meeting Room, drop-in. Tuesdays: Infants, Wednesdays: Toddlers, Thursdays: Preschool. See all dates here
Free Employment Help: Wednesdays, 10am-noon, 2^nd Floor Classroom, drop-in. Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.
Tech Help Lab: 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday, 2nd floor Classroom. Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours.
Snow Soup Puppet Show: Feb 3, 10:30am, Main Meeting Room. Pegasus Puppet Theatre presents "Snow Soup", a family puppet show.
Library Takeover for Adults: Nerf Night!: Feb 3, 6:15-8pm Snacks, video games, crafts, and Nerf games after hours in the library for adults 18 and older!
Puzzle Swap: Feb 4, 12:00-1:30pm, Main Meeting Room. Bring your puzzles to swap! All ages and levels welcome.
Random Review (Virtual): February 8, noon. Dolly Chao reviews Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution by Helen Zia.
Music for a Silent Spring : Feb 11, 3:00pm, Main Meeting Room. Corvallis OSU Piano International presents a concert with musical performance and spoken word in a call to defend Earth’s wild music.
Games Day: 1-4pm, Feb 18, Main Meeting Room. Drop in and play board, card and video games for all ages.
Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials, downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!
Home Delivery Service: Get your holds delivered to you! Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.
Books & More from Home: Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!
Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

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Corvallis e-News | January 2023

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

Click here to view a map of upcoming work locations.

New Mayor & City Council Take Office

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

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

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

Low Income Assistance Program Accepting New Sign-Ups

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

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

"Know Your City" Speaker Series Returns in January

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

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

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

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

Civic Campus Project Open House on January 31

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

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

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

Rental & Utility Assistance Available from DevNW

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

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

City Service Fees 2023 Rate Adjustment

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

Mark Your Calendars for C3 GameCon in February

Are You Prepared for a Flood?

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

The Arts Center Celebrates 60th Anniversary

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

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

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

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

Stormwater Maintenance Program Underway

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

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

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

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

What's New at the Library this Month?

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

Storytime: 10:30am, Main Meeting Room, drop-in. Tuesdays: Infants, Wednesdays: Toddlers, Thursdays: Preschool. See all dates here
Free Employment Help: Wednesdays, 10am-noon, 2^nd Floor Classroom, drop-in. Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.
Tech Help Lab: 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday, 2nd floor Classroom. Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours
Random Review (Virtual): January 11, noon. Russell Yamada Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II by Daniel James Brown.
Good Inside Parenting Book Discussion: January 17, 6:00pm, Main Meeting Room. Local parents are invited to discuss Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy. Facilitated by Kara Olsen and Dr. Carolina Amador.
Carnival of the Animals: January 21, 11:00am, Main Meeting Room. Corvallis OSU Piano International presents a family concert.
Games Day: 1-4pm, January 21, Main Meeting Room. Drop in and play board, card and video games for all ages.
Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials, downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!
Home Delivery Service: Get your holds delivered to you! Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.
Books & More from Home: Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!
Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

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Corvallis e-News | November 2022

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

Fall Leaf Collection is Underway

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

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

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

Low Income Assistance Program Accepting New Sign-Ups

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

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

Fire Station 3 Renovation Project Breaks Ground

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

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

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

Learn More About Parking Minimum Requirements

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

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

New Bike Parking Rack Loan Program

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

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

Turkey Trot Coming Up on November 24

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

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

Northwest Natural Franchise Agreement Public Review Period

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

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

What's New at the Library this Month?

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

Saturday Stories, 10:30am November 5, Main Meeting Room Saturday Stories, a Family Storytime for all ages is back on the first Saturday of the Month this fall. Drop-in in the Main Meeting Room.
Storytime: 10:30am, Main Meeting Room, drop-in. Tuesdays: Infants, Wednesdays: Toddlers, Thursdays: Preschool. See all dates here
Tech Help Lab: Nov 2, 3-4pm, 2nd floor Classroom. Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours
Digital Life: Join us for free classes on computer and technology topics. Various dates and times, 2nd floor classroom.
Random Review (Virtual): November 9 , noon. Helen Kao reviews Remember: The Science of Memory and Forgetting by Lisa Genova
Games Day: 1-4pm, November 19, Main Meeting Room. Drop in and play board, card and video games for all ages.
Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials, downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!
Home Delivery Service: Get your holds delivered to you! Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.
Books & More from Home: Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!
Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

More Information

Corvallis e-News | October 2022

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

Ranked Choice Voting in November

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

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

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

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

Learn more about ranked choice voting in this short video.

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

Paving on Van Buren Starts October 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Citywide Facilities Project Begins with Fire Station 3 Rehab

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FREE Street Trees to Qualifying Neighbors

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

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

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

Get There Challenge Starts in October

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more at GetThereOregon.org/Challenge.

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

New Playground on the Way for Porter Park

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

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

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

October is Cybersecurity Month

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

More helpful cybersecurity tips include:

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

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

What's New at the Library this Month?

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

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

More Information

Corvallis e-News | September 2022

In this issue: New curb extensions, Corvallis Alert updates, and bus service reductions on the way.)

Corvallis Alert Moving to a New Platform

Corvallis Alert, the emergency notification system used by Corvallis public safety officials to reach community members, is moving to a new platform. Starting in September, Corvallis Alert will be powered by Everbridge, an industry-leading notification platform that is used by agencies throughout Oregon. Everbridge is also used by the existing Linn-Benton Alert system that has been in place for many years.

The move to Everbridge will require existing Corvallis Alert subscribers to create a new account on the Everbridge platform. The sign-up process is free, and users can customize their alert preferences. Everbridge can send alerts via text message, email, text to speech, telephone call, voicemail, as well as several other options.

“Corvallis Alert is an essential tool for us to inform the community of things happening within the City limits.” explained Corvallis Emergency Planning Manager Dave Busby. “By moving to this new platform, we can give Corvallis community members a more consistent experience that will improve communications citywide.”

The move to Everbridge was made possible through a subsidy from the State of Oregon. When they sign up for Corvallis Alert, local subscribers also will be automatically signed up for Linn-Benton Alert, which is operated at the county level.

Corvallis Alert is used by public safety officials to send urgent messages about police and fire activity, road closures, natural hazards, and other communications. For more information, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/corvallisalert.

CTS Service Reductions Beginning September 19

The contract operator of the Corvallis Transit System (CTS) has informed the City of Corvallis that CTS will be forced to significantly reduce service next month due to the contractor's driver shortage. Transit services in Corvallis are provided by MTR Western Inc., a Seattle based transportation company, through a contract with the City.

Beginning with our routine fall service change on September 19, CTS will be suspending Saturday and Sunday service until driver numbers can support weekend service. In addition, some underperforming routes are also being eliminated in order to reallocate limited resources and sustain service to higher ridership routes.

Philomath Connection (PC) will also experience a reduction in Saturday service but will also see an increase in Monday-Friday service due to scheduling circumstances unique to this service.

Corvallis Transit System, Philomath Connection, and complementary paratransit changes are summarized below and will go into effect beginning Monday, September 19:

Corvallis Transit System Services to be Suspended Until Driver Shortage Addressed

All Saturday CTS service
All Sunday CTS service

Corvallis Transit System Services to be Eliminated Until Demand Rebounds

Route 50
Night Owl Routes
Route 5 Peak Service
Route 6 Peak Service

Changes to the Philomath Connection Service are as follows:

Philomath Connection Services to be Suspended Until Driver Shortage Addressed

All Saturday PC service
Philomath Connection Service Increase
Additional weekday runs at 9am, 11am, 2pm, and 4pm

Complementary Paratransit Service Impacts

CTS Saturday and Sunday suspended, until Saturday and Sunday service restored
PC Saturday suspended, until Saturday service restored
All Night Owl service hours eliminated, until Night Owl restored if demand rebounds
Route 50 service area beyond ¾ mile north of Walnut Boulevard eliminated, until Route 50 restored if demand rebounds

Questions may be directed to CTS@corvallisoregon.gov or 541-766-6916.

Jason Harvey Selected as Corvallis Police Chief

Jason Harvey has been appointed as the next Chief of Police for the Corvallis Police Department. He will succeed outgoing Chief Nick Hurley upon his retirement on December 30, 2022. During the interim period, Harvey will work closely with Hurley, the Police Department, and the Corvallis community to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Harvey is a 25-year veteran of the Corvallis Police Department and has worked in virtually every role at the department, from patrol officer to detective to K-9 handler. He currently holds the rank of Captain at CPD, where he oversees a division responsible for uniformed patrol, detective investigations, crime analysis, and traffic enforcement.

Harvey holds a degree in criminology and criminal justice from Portland State University. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia in 2017. He is also a graduate of the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute and holds an Executive Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

Outside of work, Harvey enjoys spending time with his family, camping, and endurance sports such as cycling and long-distance running.

“I am honored and excited to be appointed the next Chief of Police for the City of Corvallis,” Harvey said. “Serving this community is a true privilege, and I am committed to working with Chief Hurley over the next few months as we coordinate the handover of responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition for the department and the community.”

Harvey will assume his duties as Police Chief on December 30. A public reception with the community is planned for early 2023.

Progress Today @ MLK

The Friends of Corvallis Parks & Recreation have started a fundraising campaign to raise money to finish off the planned improvements for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in northwestern Corvallis.

Enhancements at the park have been designed with community members representing a wide variety of backgrounds, ages, interests, and abilities. As the design continues to take shape, the project team is dedicated to creating a space for community connections between people and the natural environment, centered on the Black experience to inspire activism, acceptance, and social change in alignment with Dr. King’s mission, right here in Corvallis.

When completed, the park will feature:

an overlook point
improved hiking trails
inspirational public art
environmental restoration
improved parking
sports and fitness court
off-leash dog park
nature playground
interactive fountain
community gathering places

New Curb Extensions at Grant & 11th Avenue

Have you noticed these interesting curb extensions at Grant & 11th Avenue? Maybe you thought, "What's with all these white posts? I wish there was a large sign explaining what they're all about!" If so, you're in luck — the large signs have arrived!

This is a good opportunity to help educate the community about curb extensions, which are one of several tools in our toolbox for building out the neighborhood bikeway system.

Curb extensions help pedestrians be more visible to drivers, and they also shorten the crossing distance at intersections. They promote slower, safer vehicle turning movement.

We’re excited to look for more opportunities to install curb extensions and build out the neighborhood bikeway system in Corvallis.

What's New at the Library this Month?

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

Saturday Stories, 10:30am Sept 3, Main Meeting Room Saturday Stories, a Family Storytime for all ages is back on the first Saturday of the Month this fall. Drop-in in the Main Meeting Room.
Storytime: 10:30am, Main Meeting Room, drop-in. Tuesdays: Infants, Wednesdays: Toddlers, Thursdays: Preschool. See all dates here
Tech Help Lab: Sept 7, 3-4pm, 2nd floor Classroom. Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours
Concert with David Helfand and Tanya Bunson: Sept 10, 2-3pm, Main Meeting Room. Free concert with Harpist and multi-instrumentalist, David Helfand and virtuoso fiddler Tanya Bunson
Random Review (Virtual): Sept 14 , noon. John Larison reviews 1984 by George Orwell
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!

More Information

Corvallis e-News | August 2022

In this issue: Citywide elections, a special appointment for Ward 2, and the return of Open Streets!)

Summer @ Your Library 2022: Read Beyond the Beaten Path

Ward 2 Vacancy Nominations

The City of Corvallis will fill a vacancy for the Ward 2 City Council seat through an appointment process in early September. The current Councilor, Charles Maughan, will no longer reside in Ward 2 as of September 1. Per Municipal Code, the Council must seek nominations and appoint a new Councilor within 60 days of the vacancy declaration.

The vacancy nomination petition packet, containing the information and paperwork required for appointment, is available on the City website at https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cm/page/2022-ward-2-vacancy-appointment. Vacancy nomination petition packets can also be picked up at Corvallis City Hall (501 SW Madison Ave.), the Corvallis Public Library (645 NW Monroe Ave.), and the C3 Corvallis Community Center (2601 NW Tyler Ave.). The City Recorder, who is charged with administering election-related business at the City, is available to answer questions from prospective nominees.

The City of Corvallis invites and solicits nominations from residents of Ward 2. Prospective petitions can be submitted beginning July 27. Signature sheets can be submitted during the filing period, Monday, August 1 through Friday, August 19 at 5 p.m. The person filing the vacancy nomination petition may, but is not required, to be a resident of Ward 2 in accordance with the 2022 ward boundaries.

On September 6, the Council will hold a public hearing to discuss the nominees, then vote to appoint an individual to serve out the remainder of the term of office for the Ward 2 Councilor, which ends on December 31, 2022.

Candidate Filing Period Underway for November 2022 General Election

The candidate filing period for the upcoming November 8, 2022 General Election in Corvallis opens August 1 and runs through August 19. The City of Corvallis Mayor, as well as all nine City Council seats, will be up for election. The election will be held in accordance with the new ward boundaries that went into effect earlier this year.

Starting July 18, prospective candidates can pick up the nomination petition packet, which contains the information and paperwork required to run for elective office. Packets are available to pick up from Corvallis City Hall (501 SW Madison Ave.), the Corvallis Public Library (645 NW Monroe Ave.), and the C3 Corvallis Community Center (2601 NW Tyler Ave.). A digital copy of the packet will also be available for download on the City website. The City Recorder is available to meet with prospective candidates to review the nomination process, answer questions, and accept forms.

Additional election information, plus a calendar with key deadlines, is available online at www.corvallisoregon.gov/cm/page/election-information.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to attend the Election Information Session scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022. The session will be held at the Madison Avenue Meeting Room (500 SW Madison Ave.) and online via interactive webinar. A link to register for the webinar is available online at www.corvallisoregon.gov/cm/page/election-information.

A recording of this session will be available on the City website.

Open Streets Corvallis Returns on August 14

Join us on Sunday, August 14, 12 – 4 PM, for a free street festival that re-imagines our most shared public spaces – streets and parks. Two miles of city streets between Arnold Park and Chintimini Park will be opened up for people to walk, bike, and roll (see this year’s route map).

Volunteers are needed! We have many 2-hour shifts to fill, including intersection superheroes, hydrators, beer garden monitors, as well as set-up and teardown teams. Volunteers get a free t-shirt, snacks, and a darn good time. Visit the volunteer sign-up page for a complete list of shifts.

This year’s event features a neighborhood bikeway demonstration along portions of Lincoln Avenue and Coolidge Way.

Local organizations and businesses will anchor Activity Hubs in each park, including bicycle-powered activities, giant-sized games, local food and drink, dance, and live music.

For more information, visit: openstreetscorvallis.org or email Lindsey.Almarode@corvallisoregon.gov.

Move in the Park - Disney's Moana

Corvallis Parks and Recreation presents a FREE outdoor cinema experience with family and friends under the stars in beautiful Avery Park. This year's Movie in the Park event will feature Disney's Moana on the big screen. The event starts at 7 p.m. with games and activities for kids of all ages. Concessions will be available for purchase. The movie begins at sunset.

This year's Movie in the Park is sponsored by Thayer Design Build - thank you!

Facilities Projects Interactive Map

The first few projects in the long-term citywide facilities strategy are already underway! Check out the latest in this interactive map. You can see what's in progress and what's on the horizon. As the Corvallis Citywide Facilities Project moves forward, we'll add more information to this map.

The phasing plan adopted in June will help prioritize projects and set the table for the discussion about how to fund these important infrastructure improvements. The City’s portfolio of municipal buildings is a significant public asset that the community over time has paid for, through taxes and fees, to construct, remodel, and maintain. Years of under-investment in City facilities resulted in facilities that are increasingly undersized, outmoded, and approaching the end of their service life.

Read more on the Investing in Corvallis Facility Needs landing page.

Benton To Go is Taking the Waste OUT of Takeout!

Benton To Go is a new pilot program from the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition that allows customers to opt for a reusable takeout container when getting takeout food from one of our participating restaurants in Benton County. Anyone can participate for a one-time cost of $7. For launch date, participating restaurants, and more information visit www.bentontogo.org.

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!

June 1-August 31

Summer reading runs through August 31 for kids, teens, and adults, featuring free books for participants.

You can also participate virtualy through Beanstack, a free app and website for tracking reading and activities, or you can use a paper reading log. Read and complete activities to earn badges and prizes along the way! The Beanstack app even makes it easy for families to track multiple family members in one place. Keep reading and having fun all summer long!

Find out more and get started: Summer @ Your Library: https://cbcpubliclibrary.net/summeratyourlibrary/

All summer events are posted online at corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com

Outdoor Storytime, 10:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays in August. Storytime is moving to Central Park for the summer!
Read to a Dog: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in August. Children can read to a trained Reading Education Assistance Dog. Registration is required.
Family Music Fun: August 20, 10:30 am, Main Meeting Room: A music and movement program for young children and their families led by an experienced music instructor.
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!

More Information

Corvallis e-News | July 2022

In this issue: Open Streets, new ward boundary maps, summer street resurfacing, and more.)

Summer @ Your Library 2022: Read Beyond the Beaten Path

New Ward Boundary Maps

The City of Corvallis has adopted a set of new ward boundary maps, capping off a once-per-decade process that adjusts the boundaries of the nine wards in the city. An interactive map displaying the new wards is available online at www.corvallisoregon.gov/mc/page/ward-boundary-maps.

The new ward maps were adopted by the City Council on June 21, following several months of discussion and deliberation. The process of creating new maps is governed by guidelines in the City Charter, focusing on preserving neighborhood groupings, seeking to create compact, regular boundaries, and containing equal populations whenever possible. The process is also informed by state laws that require maps to be free from political bias and to provide equitable voting strength for ethnic minorities or language groups.

The new ward maps were built using the latest population figures compiled in the 2020 Census, which put the city’s population at 59,093. The biggest change was to Ward 4, which had historically contained the entire campus of Oregon State University. Population growth citywide meant that the OSU campus could no longer be contained within a single ward, so small portions of Ward 4 were added to Ward 1 and Ward 2.

Although the ward maps take effect on July 5, 2022, individual residents will continue to be represented by their existing elected Councilor.

In the November 2022 election, ballots will be printed and distributed using the new ward boundaries. The relatively small number of households that are moving into a new ward will receive ballots that display candidates running for office in their new ward.

Thinking of Running for Office in Corvallis? Attend the Upcoming Election Info Session

The City is hosting an informational session for prospective candidates interested in running for local elected office in Corvallis. The hybrid session will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, July 25 at the Madison Avenue Meeting Room, 500 SW Madison Ave., and will be livestreamed online. For more information, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/mc/page/2022-election-information-session.

Resurfacing Starts July 1 for Van Buren Avenue and Washington Avenue

The annual summer road construction season is underway in Corvallis. Resurfacing work starts July 1 on portions of Van Buren Avenue and Washington Avenue in the central downtown area and is expected to conclude by the end of September.

Work includes asphalt grinding and paving, restriping, and improvements to sidewalk ADA ramps. Blocks involved in these projects include:

Van Buren Avenue between 17th Street and 4th Street.
Washington Avenue between 11st Street and 2nd Street.

Typically, work will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with occasional work on Saturdays as needed.

Travelers can expect periodic traffic impacts from July through September. Van Buren Avenue may be reduced to one lane of travel, and parking temporarily removed from this section of Van Buren during construction. Washington Avenue will also have parking temporarily removed during construction.

Services such as mail delivery and garbage collection will remain available.

Corvallis Transit Service (CTS) will continue to serve these areas. Any changes to CTS stops or routes will be posted on the City’s website at www.corvallisoregon.gov/cts. Bus riders can also sign up to receive service alerts via email.

As always, this schedule is subject to change due to impacts from weather and unforeseen delays. Thank you for your patience as we make the most of our relatively short summer road construction season in Corvallis.

Contact Josh Bjornstedt, project manager, with any questions at 541-766-6731 x 5156 or josh.bjornstedt@corvallisoregon.gov.

Open Streets Corvallis Returns — Volunteers Wanted!

This year’s event features a neighborhood bikeway demonstration along portions of Lincoln Avenue and Coolidge Way.

Local organizations and businesses will anchor Activity Hubs in each park, including bicycle-powered activities, giant-sized games, local food and drink, dance, and live music. Neighbors, community groups, and businesses are invited to host interactive activities along the route. The deadline to register an activity at a park is July 14.

For more information, visit: openstreetscorvallis.org or email Lindsey.Almarode@corvallisoregon.gov.

City Council Adopts $242 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2023

The Corvallis City Council voted Monday to approve an annual budget totaling $242,677,700 for Fiscal Year 2023. Council’s action was the final step in the City’s annual budget process, which began in May with a series of Budget Commission meetings and included deliberations, analysis, and public input.

The new budget goes into effect on July 1, when the City of Corvallis begins its new fiscal year.

The new budget takes a cautious approach to City finances, following a tumultuous year that saw the COVID-19 pandemic lead to inflation concerns and supply shortages that impacted all sectors of the economy. As a full-service municipality, the City is not immune from inflation-driven cost increases.

“We’re entering a new fiscal year with more uncertainty on the horizon,” said City Manager Mark Shepard. “As careful stewards of community resources, it is our obligation to adopt a balanced budget that keeps costs contained as much as possible. As always, we will continually strive to find new resources to continue delivering the many high-quality services that the Corvallis community expects.”

For more information on the budget process for the City of Corvallis, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/budget.

Online Resources for Citywide Facilities Project

What's the latest on the citywide facilities project? Based on the results of the facilities strategy that was adopted earlier this year, we're getting a better sense of the scope of projects that may be coming down the pipeline in the future. Don't worry — we're not going to do everything at once.

Read more on the Investing in Corvallis Facility Needs landing 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!

June 1-August 31

Summer reading runs through August 31 for kids, teens, and adults, featuring free books for participants.

Find out more and get started: Summer @ Your Library: https://cbcpubliclibrary.net/summeratyourlibrary/

All summer events are posted online at corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com

Outdoor Storytime, 10:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays in June, July and August. Storytime is moving to Central Park for the summer!
Children’s Concert with Red Yarn: 10:30am on July 7 at Central Park instead of Storytime.
Comedy with Angel Ocasio: 10:30 am on July 20 at Central Park. A bilingual English/Spanish, high energy, very funny one man variety show, for children and 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!

More Information

The Neighborhood Bikeway standards are available for download on the City’s Neighborhood Bikeway web page.

Corvallis e-News | June 2022

In this issue: Sign up for the watershed tour, jump into summer reading at the Library, test your home internet connection, and more.)

(View this newsletter in your web browser.)

New Parking Meter Rates Take Effect

Parking meter rates in Corvallis are set to increase on June 1 after more than 14 years without an adjustment. The increase will ensure that the parking program continues to function as intended and offers rates that are in alignment with similarly sized comparator cities.

Parking in Corvallis is managed by the City to balance the availability and convenience of public parking in neighborhoods and business districts throughout the community. The City maintains more than 600 parking meters, most in the downtown area, in the Library and Fire Station parking lots, and near the Oregon State University campus. Adjusting fee rates periodically allows the City to operate and maintain its parking program and infrastructure to ensure the availability of convenient metered parking in these areas of the community.

Starting June 1, the typical hourly rate for a metered parking spot will increase to $1 per hour. In addition, the fee for a parking citation will increase to $15 per violation.

Summer Reading Starts June 1 at the Library

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

You can also participate virtually through Beanstack, a free app and website for tracking reading and activities, or you can use a paper reading log. Read and complete activities to earn badges and prizes along the way! The Beanstack app even makes it easy for families to track multiple family members in one place. Keep reading and having fun all summer long!

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

See all summer events at the Library: corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com

Corvallis Police Department Selected to Pilot New Crisis Training Program

The Corvallis Police Department was selected as one of three law enforcement agencies nationwide to pilot a new crisis training program being developed by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The intensive, 40-hour training program is designed to prepare police officers in their response to people experiencing crises related to behavioral health conditions, as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) course took place in Corvallis at the end of May and involved law enforcement staff from the Corvallis Police Department, Albany Police Department, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Local agencies have been training on crisis response techniques for many years, but this new program represents a more inclusive approach to issues like substance abuse and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Our goal here is to give officers a better understanding and recognition of mental health and disability awareness crisis communications, and to equip them with the latest de-escalation tools that they can take back to their agencies,” said Trevor Anderson, a police officer in CPD’s Community Livability Unit who helped coordinate the training. “We also want to connect law enforcement staff with resources in the community. It’s important for officers to understand that they are not an island, and there are local resources they can call on during a crisis response.”

The curriculum focused on topics such as mental health, trauma and post-traumatic stress, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Each module featured trainers and subject matter experts who shared the latest evolving thinking on each of these complex topics. Throughout the five-day training course, instructors and researchers encouraged attendees to provide feedback on the content and practical applicability of the training course.

“There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t have an opportunity to use these tools and techniques,” said Benton County Sheriff’s Deputy Colin Tominey, shortly after participating in a roleplay scenario that featured a series of interactions with an adult with autism.

The training also highlighted the opportunity to make meaningful improvements to the limited array of crisis resources in Corvallis and Benton County — something Tominey understands all too well.

“In law enforcement, we have two choices when responding to a person experiencing a crisis: take them to the hospital if they are sick or a danger to themselves, or take them to jail if they are committing a crime,” Tominey explained. “We need additional resources, like a drop-in crisis center and support programs, to give us that viable third option.”

The training course was developed by researchers from the University of Cincinnati and facilitated by Policy Research Associates, a consulting firm focused on behavioral health issues. Key local partners included The Arc of Benton County as well as the Benton County Health Department. Moving forward, the instructors will refine the curriculum using data and feedback gathered in Corvallis and the other two pilot sites (Pittsburgh and Rapid City, South Dakota). The eventual goal is to offer the training nationwide so that law enforcement agencies around the country can benefit from the latest approach to this critical topic.

“Bringing this new training opportunity to Corvallis was an incredible achievement,” said Corvallis Police Chief Nick Hurley. “We are excited to grow this program and help roll it out around the nation.”

For more information on the Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) pilot program, go to www.informedpoliceresponses.com/training.

Watershed Tour Set for June 15

On June 15, the community is invited for a rare opportunity that only comes along once a year: a guided tour of the Corvallis Forest, located on the lower slopes of Marys Peak. The 2,400-acre site provides about 30 percent of the city's drinking water via the Rock Creek Water Treatment Plant.

The tour offers a fantastic opportunity to get a closer look at the vast wooded mountain slopes that capture water that eventually ends up in the City's municipal water system. The Corvallis Forest is located nine miles southwest of Corvallis, on the east side of Marys Peak adjacent to the Siuslaw National Forest.

The tour will depart at 4:30 p.m. on June 15 from Corvallis City Hall and is expected to last about three hours, including travel time. Round trip transportation will be provided by the City. The tour is free, but space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, call the Corvallis Public Works Department at 541-766-6916 or email publicworks@corvallisoregon.gov .

This year's tour will focus on forest management, with visits to several different sites in the forest showcasing different aspects of the City’s management activities. The tour will take place rain or shine, and will involve walking on gravel roads, so participants should dress for the terrain and the weather.

Seeking Volunteers for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force

Help the City refine its policies related to diversity and inclusion! We're recruiting volunteers for a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force to examine city policies related to these important issues. The time commitment will probably involve monthly meetings starting this summer and likely finishing up by the end of the year. Apply on the city website and feel free to email patrick.rollens@corvallisoregon.gov with any questions.

Test Your Home Internet

Corvallis is supporting a statewide effort to gather data on internet speed, price, and availability throughout Oregon. Faster Internet Oregon is asking all Oregonians to run an internet speed test on their home computer to help them collect this information. This will help inform our local, regional, and state leaders about how to improve broadband coverage across Oregon. For more information and to take the test, click here.

Citywide Facilities Project Adopts Phasing Plan

The phasing plan adopted in early June will help prioritize projects and set the table for the discussion about how to fund these important infrastructure improvements. The City’s portfolio of municipal buildings is a significant public asset that the community over time has paid for, through taxes and fees, to construct, remodel, and maintain. Years of under-investment in City facilities resulted in facilities that are increasingly undersized, outmoded, and approaching the end of their service life.

Read more on the Investing in Corvallis Facility Needs landing page.

Neighborhood Bikeways Design Guidelines Published

The Active Transportation Group (part of the Public Works Department) has unveiled a brand-new resource to guide the development of bicycle infrastructure in the community. The Neighborhood Bikeway Design Guidelines and Best Practices handbook includes tools for creating a bicycle-friendly, safe and accessible community. The handbook outlines definitions, treatment characteristics and guidance that is being used to design our Neighborhood Bikeway network.

This guide is just the starting point for a larger discussion about planning and design for bicycles. Neighborhood Bikeways are new to our community and how they grow, connect and evolve is defined by Corvallis’ own unique context and needs. We anticipate this guide evolving over the years to accommodate the subtle changes needed to keep up with our evolving transportation network.

Home Energy Score Ordinance

The Climate Action Policy Advisory Board (CAAB) recently recommended that the City adopt a home energy score ordinance to help mitigate the impacts of climate change and curb emissions. This month, staff will present the home energy score ordinance to City Council. Click here to learn more about that effort and other climte-related initiatives from the City of Corvallis.

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 2022: Read Beyond the Beaten Path
Outdoor Storytime, 10:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays in June, July and August
Storytime is moving to Central Park for the summer!
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!

More Information

Corvallis e-News | May 2022

In this issue: In-person Council meetings are back, check out the Corvallis Walking Map, and celebrate Sister Cities Month.)

Download the Digital Version by visiting the Corvallis Walking Map website

Introducing the Corvallis Walking Map

Last year, the Public Works Department asked the Corvallis community to help us find, and develop, the Active Travel Corridor (ATC) network. Together we identified over 100 ATCs, providing all of Corvallis with “people only” paths helping to shorten trips for those traveling by active modes.

May 1 signifies National Bike Month and this year, we celebrate it again by honoring all of those who walk, ride and roll in and around our city.

With our ATC network identified, we have produced Corvallis’ first Walking Map to highlight the path network along with other foot-friendly locations. Useful markers such as where Corvallis Transit System (CTS) bus shelters are located, providing an outline of where the routes run and to alert you where to duck under should the weather turn wet. We also call out the Corvallis Parks and Recreation trail and natural areas network. These paths invite you to wander the beauty of the City’s nearly 2,000 acres of places to play, explore and roam.

Physical maps are coming soon!
Email josh.capps@corvallisoregon.gov and we'll let you know when physical maps are available to pick up around town.

City Council Resumes In-Person Meetings

More than two years after implementing virtual meetings, the Corvallis City Council resumed in-person meetings in May. Regular Council meetings and twice-monthly work sessions will once again take place at Council Chambers, located on the second level of the Downtown Fire Station, 400 NW Harrison Blvd.

The City will continue its popular livestream of Council meetings and work sessions using remote webinar software, for community members who wish to attend the meetings virtually. Community members can register for the webinar and then log in using a link provided, or they can dial in from a phone to follow the audio feed. Limited public seating will be available in Council Chambers. Masks are welcome, but not required.

Community Evacuation Exercise Scheduled for May 14

Emergency management officials in Corvallis and Benton County will host an evacuation exercise for 10 neighborhoods in the area on Saturday, May 14. Participating neighborhoods and households have already been identified and have received training from emergency planners to safely take part in this event.

The exercise will include three test messages sent via the Linn-Benton Alert mass notification system on the morning of May 14, using language corresponding to the three evacuation levels.

8:00 a.m. – Be Ready! Prepare to evacuate; have your plan and go kit ready.
8:30 a.m. – Be Set! Be set to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
9:00 a.m. – Go! Leave immediately without delay.

Everyone in Benton County should expect to receive these alerts if they are signed up for the Linn-Benton Alert. The messages will be clearly marked as test/exercise messages to avoid confusion. Please do not call 9-1-1 if you receive a message on the morning of May 14.

The exercise will be led by the Corvallis Fire Department, in partnership with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the Corvallis Police Department. Trained volunteers from the Corvallis Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will also be involved.

May is Sister Cities Month in Corvallis

submitted by Patty Harris, CSCA-Gondar Council Chair

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.

This month, the Corvallis Sister Cities Association invites you to:

Visit our display at the Corvallis Library and pick up a Sister Cities Activity Kit for children. Thank you to the Corvallis Library for all their support!
Visit us at the Farmers Market on May 7 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. We will be offering Ethiopian coffee and Ukrainian chocolate, as well as information about Corvallis Sister Cities Association.
Take a walk in Central Park (across from the Benton County Library) to see our sister city flags.
Join our Sister Cities Association by becoming a member! 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

Here's some more information about our two Sister Cities.

Gondar, Ethiopia:

Corvallis has shared a sister cities relationship with Gondar for over 17 years. Members of the CSCA-Gondar Council have visited Gondar over the years and educators and officials from Gondar have visited Corvallis as well. Providing access to clean water and improving quality of education is at the heart of our work, as well as assisting our friends in times of need.

During this past year we have been focusing on education, clean water resources and food security. We have funded teacher and librarian training and purchased books and early bilingual readers for schools in Gondar and its rural areas. We are currently assessing the wells we have built for maintenance to ensure continuity. The sustainability projects we are supporting through our partnership with Bridge of Hope offer solutions to the difficult issue of food scarcity in Gondar.

In Corvallis, we are working with elementary schools to facilitate a Shared Learning Activity, encouraging relationships between elementary schools in Corvallis and Gondar and bringing unique opportunities for global citizenship to our city.

To learn more about our most recent educational projects, accessing clean water, watershed rehabilitation efforts, school partnerships, and our newsletter, visit our website: https://sistercities.corvallis.or.us/gondar/

Uzhhorod, Ukraine

Oregon has a 30-year sister city relationship with Uzhhorod, Ukraine. Trusted friendships and partnerships have developed over those three decades. There have been many exchanges between the two cities, including government, education, health care, transparency, culture, students, music/culture, tourism, agriculture, business, and artists.

Uzhhorod is the western-most city in Ukraine, protected somewhat by Slovakia to the west and Transcarpathian mountains to the east. The airport in Uzhhorod is directly next to the Slovakian border. This has protected it somewhat during the current war, and yet we know missile strikes are able to reach most everywhere.

When this larger invasion began, we knew we had to do something because thousands of refugees began to flee to various locations including Uzhhorod. We have estimates that there are over 70,000 displaced people in this region and even more who have traveled through on their way to Slovakia or Hungary. There are 3 border closings very close to our sister city.

Every one of us in the sister city organization know individuals in Uzhhorod who are hosting refugees. In fact, we don’t know anyone who is not. One person has 30 in their home; another has 11 in their flat. They are welcoming fellow Ukrainians with open arms. In addition, there are at least 15 refugee centers in the city.

The Corvallis Sister Cities Association- Uzhhorod Council- established an emergency fund to support the Refugee effort. It has been open at a local bank and $250,000 has been donated. We are in awe of the generosity and response! In addition, a GoFundMe has been set up by our council. These funds will be used to alleviate the needs of the refugees. We expect there will be a long term need and that the needs will change with time.

Currently, the refugees are not arriving in Uzhhorod with battle wounds, but they have anxiety, health care issues such as unmonitored diabetes and hypertension. They come with only a suitcase or backpack and many need bedding, pillows, mattresses, medical supplies, food, water, phone cards, etc.

We have already sent more than $50,000 of the funds raised to the sister city team in Uzhhorod to use for refugee needs. This includes meeting the basic needs of refugees and setting up an emergency health care clinic in our sister city.

In addition, volunteers flew over and drove to the border caring suitcases of socks, medical supplies, and notes and drawings of encouragement from children in Corvallis. They then went into Slovakia and purchased microwaves, refrigerators, mattresses, hot pots as well as other supplies requested by the different shelters. A second couple will be flying over with suitcases full of supplies and then purchasing items needed by the shelters.

Corvallis Sister Cities Association members are in daily contact with our colleagues in Ukraine. Our team members in Uzhhorod are busy, tired, and appreciative of our support.

Visit our website for more information: https://sistercities.corvallis.or.us/uzhhorod/

Thank you Corvallis for all your support!

Budget Commission Meetings in May and June

The City of Corvallis Budget Commission will begin meeting in May to review and discuss the proposed city budget for Fiscal Year 2023.

Currently, Budget Commission meetings are scheduled for the following dates:

Tuesday, May 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 9 at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 10 at 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 11 at 6:00 p.m. (Public Hearing)
Thursday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m. (if needed)

The City of Corvallis Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (PDF) is now available to review.

New Schedule at Osborn Aquatic Center

Due to staffing shortages, Osborn Aquatic Center is updating its schedule to continue to provide safe usage with reduced staffing levels.

Starting in May, the following modifications will be made until further notice:
Monday-Thursday: The facility will be closed from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Fridays: The facility will close at 1 p.m. for the duration of the day.
Long Course will be held on Saturdays instead of Fridays.
Outdoor Lap Pool will open on June 19 (staffing dependent).

We will continue to update the community as our situation changes.

Police Department Earns CALEA Accreditation with Excellence

The Corvallis Police Department hit a major milestone this month with the re-accreditation of the department through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA), an internationally renowned accreditation agency. CPD was first accredited in 1995.

The Corvallis Police Department received the organization’s highest award – Accreditation with Excellence – at the CALEA annual conference in Orlando, Fla. This is CPD’s ninth award of national accreditation, and this is the first time the department has earned the Accreditation with Excellence award, which was only awarded to 6 of 115 agencies being accredited at the CALEA spring conference.

Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard, Chief of Police Nick Hurley and Accreditation Manager Laurie Jackson accepted the award in person from the CALEA commission.

“This prestigious recognition could not have been accomplished without the efforts and professionalism of the department’s staff, elected officials, and the support of the Corvallis community,” Chief Hurley said.

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 Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30am and 10:30am in the Main Meeting Room. Pre-registration required. Register here
Saturday Stories: Most Saturdays May, 10:30am in the Main Meeting Room. Pre-registration required. Register here
The Oregon Silverspot Butterfly (virtual documentary screening and discussion). May 7, 3:00pm. Register here
Firefighter Storytime: May 11, 9:30 and 10:30am. Join Corvallis Firefighters for storytime! Register here
Random Review (Virtual): May 11 , noon. Keith Scribner reviews Homeland Elegies by Ayad Akhtar
Family Music Fun: May 14 , 10:30 am, Main Meeting Room A music and movement program for young children and their families led by an experienced music instructor. Pre-registration required. Register here
Local and Global Benefits of Protecting Beavers (Virtual) May 19, 6:30pm. the third in the Liz & Bob Frenkel Hiking and the Environment Spring Lecture Series. Register Here
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!

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