City Info Weekly - 2009/06/17 (Archive)

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Planning Commission holding a special meeting on June 24

The Longview Planning Commission will conduct a Special Meeting in the Longview Training Room on the second floor of City Hall at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 to conduct the following:

• Conduct a Workshop on Residential Zoning Code Update items remanded back to Planning Commission by the City Council
• Schedule Public Hearing on Draft Residential Zoning Code Updates (optional)

More information: Copies of the workshop materials the commission will be using are available for review at the City of Longview Community Development, 1525 Broadway.

The City of Longview reminds residents to inspect and maintain swimming pool barriers

The City of Longview would like to remind pool owners about the importance of inspecting and maintaining swimming pool barriers. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 350 children under five drown in pools each year nationwide, and over half of these incidents occur in June, July and August. Another 2,600 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for near-drowning incidents. Most of these cases involve residential pools. Many people assume that drownings at residences with a pool occurs only when the family is outside or using the pool. However, most drownings happen when young children leave the house without a parent or caregiver realizing it.  Children are drawn to water, and they don’t understand the danger pools can pose. The City of Longview Community Development Department offers these tips to prevent drowning and comply with state law:

• Fences and/or walls are required around all in-ground swimming pools and above-ground pools with a water depth of 24 inches or more.  These barriers must be at least four feet in height and installed completely around the pool.  Fence gates must be self-closing and self-latching. The latch must be out of a small child's reach.
• If your house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors leading from the house to the pool must be protected with alarms that produce an 85 decibel sound when a door is unexpectedly opened.
• Keep rescue equipment by the pool, and be sure a phone is poolside with emergency numbers posted.  Knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be a lifesaver.
• For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured and locked, or removed when the pool is not in use.
• If a child is missing, always look in the pool first.  Seconds count in preventing death or disability.

More information:  Questions about pools and spa enclosure requirements may be directed to the Code Compliance Division at 442-5093 or 442-5082 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

Two areas being considered for annexation and rezoning

Two areas outside Longview city limits are being considered for annexation and rezoning:  40th Avenue/Cowan Court, and 42nd Avenue/White Property.  These proposed annexations will eliminate islands of unincorporated area and provide logical boundaries for the city of Longview.  Irregular boundaries can be confusing and make it difficult for police and fire to respond in times of emergency.  Establishing the zoning for the annexed properties is essential to ensure consistency with Longview’s 2006 Comprehensive Plan land use maps.  The residents in these annexed areas will also see a reduction in their water and sewer utility fees once the annexation is complete.  

More information:  To learn more about annexation visit the Community Development Department’s web site.  To learn more about specific properties being considered for annexation, visit the City’s Legistar site and search for “annexation.”

July is “Recreation and Parks Month”

The City is proclaiming the month of July as “Recreation and Parks Month.”  A formal proclamation will be presented at the June 25 Council meeting.  The proclamation recognizes the importance of recreation and parks for our community, and also recognizes the vital contributions of employees and volunteers in parks and recreation facilities. These dedicated supporters keep our public parks clean and safe for visitors; organize youth activities; provide educational programming on health, nutrition, first aid, and gardening; advocate for more open space and better trails; and fundraise for local improvements. They ensure that parks and recreation facilities are safe and accessible places for all citizens to enjoy.  During “Recreation and Parks Month,” enjoy what our community has to offer by taking part in your favorite sport, visiting the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, or just relaxing.

More information: Learn more about our parks and recreation programs on our website.