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City Info Weekly - 2010/12/22 & 2010/12/30 (Archive)
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Check out the awesome youth and family programs at the Longview Public Library!
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View City of Longview Press Releases
Longview employees make concessions to preserve jobs and balance budget, while giving back to the community at the same time
In this season of giving, the City wanted to take a moment to thank all of the employee groups who have willingly given salary concessions to help preserve jobs and balance the budget during our current tight economy. We are thankful for the contributions each of the employee groups make each day to keep the City running smoothly and provide uninterrupted service to the public.
- Professional, Technical, Administrative (PTA) Staff—0% cost-of-living (COLA) increase for 2011
- Employees Bargaining Association (EBA)—0% COLA for 2011
- IAFF Local 3375 (Chief Fire Officer’s Association)—0% COLA for 2011 and deferred 2012 COLA increase until December
- AFSCME Local 1262-CL (Police Non-sworn staff)—56 hours of unpaid furlough per member in 2011
Employees also gave back to the community in a variety of ways this year, helping to make Christmas a little bit brighter for those in need:
- Members of the City of Longview’s Employee Bargaining Association Union stepped up this holiday season by donating checks or gifts to The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program and The Progress Center.
- Executive office employees overstuffed 24 Christmas stockings for the Emergency Support Shelter with personal items like lipstick, shampoo, body gel, and hats.
- Finance employees donated funds to Hospice, and also took up a collection to help out an individual in need.
- Longview Police Benefits Association made a contribution to Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Deputy Brent Harris and his family whose house burned down on December 3. Several Longview Police Guild members also contributed to and participated in the annual “Shop with a Cop” program. (Big thanks also to Wal-Mart who gave a sizable donation towards Shop with a Cop)
- Longview Fire Fighters Association helped a CAP family this season by purchasing gifts for the family and enough food to last them more than through the holiday season.
- The Longview Fire Department toy drive had another successful year being able to provide 116 children with gifts for Christmas. The donations came from a multitude of community folks to help families who would not have had a great Christmas without someone stepping in to give them a hand.
- Library employees participated in the Angel Tree Program to help provide gifts for children in the community. In addition, the library’s annual Food for Fines program helps to restock food shelves at Food Warehouse with 20 boxes of non-perishable food.
- City employees donated food and bedding to the Humane Society during a special drive.
Thank you, City of Longview employees!
City of Longview begins warning period for traffic safety pilot program
The City of Longview’s traffic safety cameras will begin taking photos of red-light runners at designated intersections beginning January 1, 2011. Cameras will capture both still images and video of red-light running violations. During an initial 30-day warning period, a warning notice will be issued to a vehicle’s registered owner. There will be no fine for this warning notice. At the completion of the warning period, citations will be issued.
Traffic safety cameras are located at the following intersections:
- Eastbound and westbound on Ocean Beach Highway at 15th Avenue
- Eastbound and westbound on Ocean Beach Highway at NW Nichols Boulevard
- All intersection approaches on Ocean Beach Highway and 38th Avenue
“We encourage motorists to come to a complete stop for red lights at all intersections. For the intersections with photo enforcement, the warning period will give drivers an opportunity to become familiar with the camera system,” said Police Captain Jim Duscha. “This program is one of our many public safety programs. Our goal with this one is to deter red-light runners and prevent collisions and injuries resulting from these violations. Nothing would make us happier than to see them decline to the point that the cameras are no longer deemed necessary at some point in the future.”
Cameras will operate 24-hours a day and capture images of every vehicle running a red-light at the intersection. Warning signs are installed to alert drivers to the intersections monitored by safety cameras. The program is administered by American Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS), with each violation reviewed and approved by the Longview Police Department prior to being issued.
Intersection safety technology is just one way the City of Longview is attempting to make its streets safer for everyone.
More information: For more information on the City of Longview’s Traffic Safety Camera Program, visit www.mylongview.com. A new 30-second public service announcement can also be viewed on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/user/mylongview98632
Holiday Schedules for City of Longview buildings and facilities
The City of Longview would like to remind residents that City buildings and facilities will be on varying schedules during the holiday season. Please plan your visits to these facilities accordingly.
City Hall (Executive Office, Utilities*, Finance, Engineering, Stormwater, Community Development) || 1525 Broadway
Holiday closure on Thursday, December 23
Regular closure on Friday, December 24
Holiday closure on Thursday, December 30
Regular closure on Friday, December 31
*No utility disconnects will be conducted on these dates
City Shop (Street/Traffic/Fleet Services/Transit Office) || 254 Oregon Way
Holiday closure on Thursday, December 23
Regular closure on Friday, December 24
Holiday closure on Thursday, December 30
Regular closure on Friday, December 31
Library || 1600 Louisiana
Closed December 23-25
Closed December 31-January 1
Park Maintenance || 706 30th
Holiday closure on Thursday, December 23
Regular closure on Friday, December 24
Holiday closure on Thursday, December 30
Regular closure on Friday, December 31
Police/Fire Emergencies || Emergencies: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 578-0900
Police Business Office || 1351 Hudson
½ furlough day on December 23, closing at 11
Holiday closure on Friday, December 24
½ furlough day December 30, closing at 11
Holiday closure on Friday, December 31
Police Satellite Office || 216 30th
Closed December 23 and 24
Holiday closure on Friday, December 31
Recreation Office || 2920 Douglas St.
Furlough closure on Thursday, December 23
Holiday closure on Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31
Transit Center || 1135 12th Ave.
Holiday closure on Friday, December 24* and Friday, December 31*
No bus service on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
*Bus service available, but no ticket purchases at Transit Center
Water/Sewer Operations Center || 1460 Industrial Way
Holiday closure on Thursday, December 23
Regular closure on Friday, December 24
Holiday closure on Thursday, December 30
Regular closure on Friday, December 31
Call 578-0900 for after-hour problems
The City offers many online features to help you conduct business when offices are closed. Did you know you can check your water bill statement, find answers to common questions in ASK Longview, apply for a job, register for a recreation program, look at permits, check garbage service routes, view the street sweeper schedule, check snow removal routes, and view bus routes…just to name a few! Also, if you do not have access to a computer, remember that the Longview Public Library has computer terminals that you may use. Contact the library for more information at 442-5300.
City employees spread the holiday spirit
Members of the City of Longview’s Employee Bargaining Association Union stepped up this holiday season by voting to donate $2,000 to The Progress Center and The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. EBA President Jason McClung and Vice President Jeff Coleman presented a $1,000 check to The Progress Center’s Executive Director Phillip Olson and $1,000 in gifts to Salvation Army’s Captain David Davis to go towards the Angel Tree program. A special thank you to all EBA members who put others before themselves and help spread the holiday spirit.
Call for bids for Longview projects
Call for bids for several City of Longview projects are posted through Builders Exchange of Washington. Bids for the following are now being accepted:
Mint Farm Regional Water Supply Project || Engineer for Project: Amy Blain, 442-5206
Tennant Way & 15th Avenue Intersection & Signal Improvements
|| Engineer for Project: Chris St Onge, 442-5201
LED Vehicle Signal Light Replacement - Phase II || Engineer for Project: Bob Menzia, 442-5220
Tree-Cycling for 2010/11
Cowlitz County residents – it is time once again to put your Christmas tree to work! Have your tree chipped for compost. This program is FREE, and drop sites open 24 hours a day unless otherwise listed.
Please follow these simple guidelines when recycling your tree:
- Christmas trees only.
- No stands and no flocked or artificial trees.
- Please remove all tinsel, metal hooks, nails, and lights.
- Tree bases must be six inches or less in diameter.
- Flocked trees must be taken to the Waste Control Transfer Station ($1 charge).
Drop sites are at the following locations from December 26, 2010 – January 23, 2011:
- City of Longview - Parking Lot at Seventh Avenue Soccer Park
- City of Kelso - South 1st Street / Cedar
- County residents - Please take your tree to the Waste Control Transfer Station ($1 charge).
Curbside Collection is different for both cities. For City of Longview, place tree at curbside, four feet from container, January 3–7. In Kelso, place tree at curbside, 4 feet from container, January 10 – 14.
More information: Contact the City of Longview at 442-5222, or City of Kelso at 423-6590.
City of Longview reminds residents of minimum property maintenance requirements
Without question, the number one complaint received by the City of Longview’s Community Development Department is for junk and garbage that collects in yards. In order to ensure that all properties are safely maintained, the Code Compliance Division would like to remind residents that there are minimum property maintenance standards that apply within Longview city limits.
Property owners are required to keep yards free of litter, garbage, and/or junk, furniture, inoperable vehicles, car parts, and overgrown vegetation. These types of conditions are likely to become unsanitary, offensive, or create blight and disease. “Community safety and minimizing the effects that blight and deterioration can have on a neighborhood is an important consideration in regulating these types of conditions” says Code Compliance Manager Gregory Hannon.
Additionally, storing indoor furniture, appliances, machines, tools, cartons, and small lawn maintenance equipment is not allowed and considered a code violation. Other outdoor storage not allowed includes any deteriorated or discarded building materials, barrels, boxes or auto parts. “Most of these types of material are not designed to be kept out in the weather,” says Hannon. “If you have these types of items, store them indoors in a garage or shed where they are protected.”
“And don’t forget about those areas behind your fence and next to the alley,” added Hannon. “Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property up to the centerline of the alley. That includes keeping tree limbs trimmed and high grass and brush cut back as well as removing debris, garbage, furniture, mattresses, and other items that cause a blight problem or that can adversely affect the health, safety and welfare of the public.”
More information: Questions about junk, garbage, and storage of materials may be directed to the Code Compliance Division at 442-5093 Monday through Thursday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m
City of Longview 2011-2012 budget now posted online
Works of Longview employee Leon Lowman will be featured in the Koth Gallery
The works of Longview Public Library employee Leon Lowman will be featured in an art exhibit January 6 through February 2, 2011 in the library’s Koth Gallery. The gallery is open during regular library hours. The focus of the exhibit is to create abstract compositions using color, shapes, contrast and collage. “I find collage to be a rich and appealing medium, and consider it both challenging and gratifying to incorporate into a work,” shares Leon. “Using these various elements allows me to reflect upon, and perhaps make a statement about, the world in which we live.”
There will be an opening reception on January 6 from 5 to 7 p.m., and refreshments will be served. Avi will be playing classical music on acoustic guitar from 5 to 6. All gallery events including the reception are free and open to the public.
More information: For additional information about the Koth Gallery or gallery schedules, please visit http://www.longviewlibrary.org/koth.php.
Check out the awesome youth and family programs at the Longview Public Library!
On December 14 from 6-7 p.m., there will be a Voyage of the Dawn Treader party featuring stories, games, crafts, cookies, and Starbucks cocoa! The Longview Public Library currently has displays in the children’s area for Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Festivals of Light, and the children’s winter program “Make Room for Reading.”
More information: For more information about programs at the Longview Public Library, please visit http://www.longviewlibrary.org/kidspages.php.
Year to Year Run
Longview Recreation supports the Cowlitz Valley Runners 29th annual New Year’s Eve family friendly run and walk to be held on December 31starting at 11:50 p.m. The run starts and ends at Youth & Family Link, 907 Douglas Street. Proceeds benefit Youth & Family Link and Safe Family Ministries. The run costs $10, and sweatshirts are available if you register by December 20. Please wear reflective clothing or bring a flashlight for safety. Arrive early as there are many pre-race activities. You can also register the night of the run starting at 9 p.m., or online at www.cowlitzvalleyrunners.org.
More information: For more information, please call Mike Vorse at 270-5371.
View the quilt display at the library
The Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild annual show of holiday quilts will be exhibiting at the Longview Public Library’s Koth Gallery from December 2, 2010 through January 5, 2011.
Father & Daughter Ball coming in February
Register now for this popular family event as tickets are going quickly! This annual dance is held at the McClelland Center, 951 Delaware on February 26 at 4 or 7 p.m., and February 27 at 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “America from Sea to Shining Sea” and the cost is only $13.50 per person. Pre-register now as no tickets are sold at the door.
More information: Call Longview Recreation at 442-5400 or visit online at www.mylongview.com.
Rent now for spring and summer
Dates for building spaces are going quickly for special events such as weddings, receptions, parties, business meetings, and family gatherings. The McClelland Center and Woman’s Club Building are now available to rent. The City offers very competitive rates with lots of amenities at no additional cost. Choose from hourly rates to daily rates and from large rooms to small rooms with close parking, chairs, tables sound system, kitchen amenities, air conditioning and much more! Plan your special family or business event now!
More information: Call Longview Recreation at 442-5400 or visit online at www.mylongview.com.
Golf outings for families and friends
Mint Valley Golf Course provides a great opportunity for golfers to bring family and friends together for a special day of golf. You can reserve tee times for your group and schedule the par three course for less experience golfers and then gather afterword for lunch. The staff at Mint Valley will gladly help you organize your event.
More information: Call Mint Valley Golf Course at 442-5442.
Project designs now being accepted
The City of Longview is now accepting 2011 Project Designs for the following three programs:
- Community Development Block Grant*- Public Services and Planning Only (CDBG-Longview only) Due February 1, 2011
- HOME Investment Partnership Program (Longview & Kelso) Due March 1, 2011
- Cowlitz County Document Recording Fees (Longview share only) Due March 1, 2011
Funding will be available November 1, 2011 for HOME & CDBG projects.
Funding for Document Recording Fees will be available July 1, 2011.
More information: For questions, technical assistance, or a Project Design Form, please call Julie Hourcle’, Program Coordination Specialist, City of Longview at 442-5081.
New utility rate structure information coming in November/December utility bills
Longview utility customers will be receiving information about the new utility rate structures beginning this month. The one-page handout describes the new rates, new calculation methods, and tips for conserving water.
More information: The rate structure handout is viewable immediately in .pdf format. Please call 442-5035 or 442-5200 if you have a specific question, or learn more by visiting us online at www.mylongview.com and clicking on the blue ASK Longview button.

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