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Friday Update (Published each Friday and posted late Friday Afternoon) |
Happy Birthday Cottage Grove
Saturday, February 11, 2012 will be the 125th Birthday for the City of Cottage Grove. On Friday, February 10th stop by City Hall during the day to sign a birthday card for the City and have cake. Or from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday, February 10th stop by the Chambers Covered Railroad Bridge for cake and wish the City a Happy 125th Birthday.
YAC
The Cottage Grove Youth Advisory Council will be meeting on Monday, February 6, 2012 from 6:15 to 7:30 pm.
More Bridge Publicity
The Chambers Covered Railroad Bridge was highlighted in another regional publication. The Southern Oregon Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society included an article in their “Manifest” newsletter. The article includes pictures and history of the Chambers Bridge. The southern chapter is centered out of the Medford area with readers throughout southern Oregon and into Northern California. This is the type of audience that will actually travel and visit the bridge.
Chambers Covered Railroad Bridge
The roofing material is here. Wildish has begun installing the roof and the installation will continue into the next week. During the installation of the roof the bridge will be closed and will be a construction area requiring a hard hat and safety vest.
Also this week we experienced the first vandalism at the bridge. The pointless vandalism consisted of marking pen or paint pen markings on the interpretive kiosk boards and on metal work around the bridge. Nearly all the vandalism was easily removed. The police department is investigating the markings. Any one with any information regarding the damage can contact the Police Department or City Manager’s office.
We are continuing to improve the surveillance cameras and equipment at the bridge. Monitoring the cameras on the bridge shows the popularity of the bridge. It is a shame that a few people can take something that is a center piece of our heritage and pride and attempt to damage it. The bridge represents a lot of community effort and resources. Such acts of vandalism are senseless and should be completely repulsive to everyone. If any one has any information about the vandalism or if any one sees any suspicious behavior at the bridge, please notify the Police Department immediately.
Scenic Bikeway
The designation of the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway received coverage in media throughout the state. Attached to the Friday Update is a copy of an article from the Statesman Journal regarding the scenic bikeway.
Voters’ Pamphlet
The City will be producing a Voters Pamphlet for the March 13, 2012 Special Election. Arguments supporting or opposing the measures on the ballot must be submitted to the City Recorder by 5:00 pm, Friday, February 10th. Additional information and the forms for the Voters’ Pamphlet are available at City Hall, the Library or on the Voters' Pamphlet webpage.
Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports
The City Manager attended the kickoff news conference held by Travel Lane County at Matthew Knight Arena for the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission. The commission has been established to concentrate on sports related tourism opportunities for Lane County.
Regulatory Changes in Floodplain Management Are Coming
Community Development Director Schesser attended a seminar titled Impacts of FEMA Floodplain Mapping Regulatory Changes & Implications for Local Jurisdictions & Property Owners. The seminar was held to explain the settlement agreement reached between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Audubon Society of Portland, National Wildlife Federation, Northwest Environmental Defense Center and the Association of Northwest Steelheaders. The lawsuit was initiated against FEMA for failure to consult under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with respect to administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The settlement requires FEMA to consult with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on the impacts certain aspects of the NFIP are having on ESA-listed salmon and steelhead within the State of Oregon. The City of Cottage Grove was notified of the settlement in August of 2010. The seminar explained the basis of the settlements and the resulting change in floodplain and land use regulations in Washington State and how floodplain regulations within Oregon may be changed. A biological assessment prepared by FEMA is to be submitted within the month to NMFS which will start the process of changing Oregon’s regulations. Once the biological assessment is issued, additional information will be made available.
Community Emergency Notification System (CENS) Computer Training
The Permit Specialist, Police Dispatcher, and the Emergency Program Manager, attended training sponsored by the new vendor for CENS in Lane County. The training covered the process of the new system and included a hands-on demonstration. The web based system is user friendly and can be used from any location that has web access.
Police Department News
On February 1st, Chief Grover and K-9 Officer Chris Joyce and Torq, attended the Rotary Club meeting. Chief Grover spoke about City and police activities. Officer Joyce spoke about the history of K-9's in law enforcement and the roll Torq has with the Cottage Grove Police Department.
Reading with Rover at the Library
Please bring the kids and join us for "Reading with Rover" on Monday, February 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the Cottage Grove Public Library. In partnership with the Cottage Grove Humane Society, we have added some excitement to our regular Monday night story time with the opportunity for children to read to trained therapy dogs. Reading to a dog is an experience that teaches children about the importance of the human-animal bond and gives the child a non-judgmental environment in which to practice their reading. Great for beginning and struggling readers and everyone is welcome.
Monday Teen Games at Library
Tweens and Teens are welcome to drop by the Cottage Grove Public Library on Monday evenings, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. to enjoy some informal board game fun. Stop by and play our games, or bring your favorite to share with others; and don't forget to bring a friend or two!
Community Center Hosting AARP Free Tax Aid
The AARP tax aid program will be offering free tax assistance at the Cottage Grove Community
Center every Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Reception Hall.
If you have any further questions please contact Teresa Cowan at 541-942-1185.
Quote of the Week
No man is good enough to govern another man without that other’s consent.
Abraham Lincoln