Corvallis e-News | April 2024

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

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Empowerment Grant Program Accepting Applications April 1 - April 30

The popular Empowerment Grant program will begin accepting applications on April 1. This year, a total of $15,000 is available for small cash grants from the City of Corvallis to fund projects around the community. The grant program is inviting applications from the community in two broad categories:

• Neighborhood Empowerment Grants are focused on improving geographic areas in Corvallis. Past projects have included landscape improvements, neighborhood events, public art installations, education programs, and training services.
• Community Empowerment Grants are focused on assisting individuals and organizations doing enriching work throughout Corvallis. Example grants include cultural events, guest lectures, and outreach campaigns. Often this work cuts across different geographic areas and may serve diverse community groups.

Empowerment grants are typically in the range of $250 to $600 each, though larger sums are available for applicants who can partner with a nonprofit organization to receive the funds on their behalf. Anyone can apply for an Empowerment Grant, though some restrictions and guidelines may apply. Visit www.corvallisoregon.gov/empowerment to learn more.

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

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

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

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

Railroad Crossing Improvements Coming Soon

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

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

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

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

ARCHIE Soars High for Building Inspections!

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

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

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

Test Your Knowledge with the Water Conservation Quiz

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

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

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

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

Let’s Keep Our Sidewalks Clear!

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more at: www.corvallisoregon.gov/vegetation

Speed Radar Signs at Bessie Coleman Elementary

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

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

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

Irrigation: Tune up your system

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

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

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

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

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

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

Government Comment Corner at the Library!

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

Here's the schedule (subject to change):

FYI: Council Three-Month Calendar

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

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

What's New at the Library this Month?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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