City Info Weekly - 2009/07/29 (Archive)

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Longview Police Department receives a COPS Hiring Recovery Program Grant

The Longview Police Department will receive over $663,000 over the next three years to hire three new police officers.  This federally-funded grant from the COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) will be in place by September 1, 2009.  Officers hired under this grant must enhance community policing efforts.  An additional requirement of the grant is that the City must retain all sworn officer positions for a minimum of 12 months following the three-year funding period.  Congratulations, Longview Police Department!

Renovation Plans for RA Long Park in the Civic Center to be Prepared

The Community Assessment Action Team (CAAT) has been working for several months on the implementation of several elements of the City’s action plan adopted by Council on January 8, 2009.  Staff committed to bring back for council consideration recommendations of the CAAT that required funding assistance and had been included in the 2009-10 City biennial budget.  The Beautification subcommittee of the CAAT has been focusing on the streetscape and beautification of City public spaces, including RA Long Park in the Civic Center.  The renovation of R.A. Long Park was included in the City’s 2009-10 Capital Improvement Plan.

The scope of the project includes development of a redevelopment plan that includes rehabilitation of existing concrete sidewalks and gathering places and consideration of alternatives for increased uses of the park for activities such as concerts, events, and festivals. Examples of new facilities that could be envisioned include development of a performance area, a “town center” type gazebo, and other public spaces and event infrastructure. The timing of the planning for this project needs to be accomplished in conjunction with a traffic and improvement analysis.  It is critical to know the future uses of the park so that pedestrian and vehicular improvements that are anticipated will be complementary of the intended uses.  

The initial phase will be to solicit public input and develop a conceptual plan for the future use of the park as well as prepare preliminary cost estimates for the recommended improvements.  All planning will be coordinated with the City Parks and Recreation Board and the Historical Preservation Commission.  Following completion of the plan, the CAAT and staff will begin to explore implementation options. 

More information:  Contact the Engineering Division at 442-5200.

American Recovery and Reinvestment money allows the City to employ 17 youth workers this summer

The City of Longview was able to employ 17 youth workers this summer through a program funded through the SW Washington Development Council.  Youth aged 18-24 participated in the program that received $2M from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).  This grant was projected to create 800 summer jobs and provide meaningful job experience for low-income youth.  Youth ages 18-24 were employed by the City July 7-August 14 and worked an average of 24 hours per week in the City Manager’s office, City Shop, and Traffic, Street, Parks, and Water/Sewer Divisions. 

15th Avenue pavement repair project begins in September

The City of Longview will begin pavement repairs on southbound 15th Avenue between Fir Street and Nichols Boulevard in early September. The project will rehabilitate the concrete and asphalt surfacing, restore pavement markings, and provide a smoother ride for motorists.  The project was awarded for construction July 23, 2009 to RC Northwest. Construction is expected to be completed in October. During construction, 15th Avenue southbound will be closed for traffic, and there will be a complete closure of the intersections at Fir and Delaware, and partial closure of the Douglas Street intersection on one weekend. The pavement rehabilitation should take about ten days, and motorists should expect traffic delays. Detours will be in place, and local traffic access will be maintained in the construction zone.

More information:  Contact the Engineering Division at 442-5200.

Beware of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or sunburn during a heat wave

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are common in summer.  Learn to recognize them and respond appropriately. Their causes are similar, but their symptoms and the treatment they call for are very different.

• A high body temperature, skin that is hot and red, and a pulse that is strong and rapid, indicate possible heat stroke. Try to reduce the body's temperature with cool water, an alcohol rub or cold packs. Don't over-chill, however, by covering the victim with ice.
• A normal body temperature accompanied by pale, clammy skin, profuse sweating, nausea and weakness indicate heat exhaustion. Have the victim lie down and apply cool, wet cloths. Make a drink of salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a 6‑ounce glass of water) and have the victim sip the drink very slowly, finishing the glass over about an hour's time.
• Sunburn is also common during the summer months.  Sunburn is no different than a burn from a small flame or a scald from steam or boiling water. Don't take it lightly. Cool the skin with cool water, but don't use extensive ice packs. Never apply greasy or oily ointments to a sunburn. They hold the heat and can make the burn worse. A non-greasy lotion can cool the burn safely. If the skin is blistered and weepy, cool the burn and get medical attention. This kind of burn can be serious and may get worse if not treated by a professional.

Enjoy jazz and swing at this Thursday’s Summer Concert at the Lake

Enjoy free, live music for the entire family on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. at Martin’s Dock in Lake Sacajawea Park.  Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic dinner for this fun family event.  Food service is also available. The July 30 performers are the Midnight Serenaders with 20s/30s old-time jazz and swing.

More information:  You may view the entire concert series through the Parks and Recreation web pages, or call 442-5400 for more information.

Questions about Longview programs or services?  Don’t forget to check with ASK Longview!