Library board declares intent to place levy measure on August ballot

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District Board of Trustees held a special public meeting Feb. 9 in Vancouver to discuss a possible levy lid lift. They unanimously passed a motion expressing their intent to place a levy lid lift measure on the Aug. 17 primary election ballot. If passed, the district-wide measure would raise approximately $3 million for purchasing books and other items for the library collection, and restoring library hours that were cut in 2009.

In response to severe revenue declines, the library district substantially reduced its operating budget in 2009, including cutting 10 percent of staff positions and reducing hours at seven libraries. The district continues to purchase books and other collection items at a rate well below the book budgets of comparable public libraries, and below the current level of demand.

Library usage has significantly increased during the current economic downturn, as more individuals and families trim household costs such as Internet access and book purchases. Library services are in demand as the unemployed turn to the library's no-fee resources to sharpen marketable skills, prepare resumes and search for jobs. One measure of library usage is checkouts, which increased eight percent district-wide in 2009.

The district needs approximately $3 million to purchase adequate numbers of books and restore hours: approximately $2 million for the purchase of additional books and other materials to keep the library's collection up-to-date and sufficient to meet growing demand; and approximately $1 million to restore library hours that were lost in 2009.

The exact library tax rate to be requested will be set this spring, prior to filing the ballot measure.

The current library property tax rate is $.38 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, 12 cents below the maximum $.50 per $1,000 assessed valuation allowed by state law.

The district anticipates that the levy increase would cost the owner of a $250,000 house approximately $20 more per year.

FVRL has not gone to voters with a levy lid lift request since 1993.

Key players meet to discuss regions trails

Forty people convened on earlier this week at the Water Resources Education Center, with one thing in common: trails.

Hosted by Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation, it was the first meeting of its kind, bringing together state, local and federal government trail providers, user groups and advocates, including representation from the healthcare industry. The purpose of the meeting was to foster communication and the sharing of information among the various individuals and agencies that have an interest in expanding the trail network in Southwest Washington.

Agenda topics for this initial meeting encompassed state grant opportunities, and the bi-state park and active transportation efforts being driven by The Intertwine Alliance. Myra Barker, with the State of Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (http://www.rco.wa.gov/), presented information on that agency's upcoming grant cycle. Mary Anne Cassin, with Metro, spoke on behalf of The Intertwine Alliance and gave an overview of The Intertwine (http://theintertwine.org/), a network of integrated parks, trails and natural areas that will one day connect the region.

The group plans to meet quarterly. Anyone with an interest in trails may attend. The next meeting will be a combined bi-state trails meeting with the Portland Metropolitan Trail Group, at the Vancouver Hilton from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on April 9. Call Lisa Goorjian at 619-1134 for more information.

Find local trails at www.vanclarkparks-rec.org.

News Briefs

The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) will be hosting its Annual Benefit Dinner and Auction March 5, 2010, at the Firstenburg Center in Vancouver, Washington. Tickets are $30 per person, or $200 for a table of eight. Guests may reserve tickets by calling 1-800-880-9837 ext. 4, or visit http://www.NWABA.org. The deadline for ticket registration is Monday, Feb. 22. Those who are unable to attend may make a tax-deductible donation to support blind and visually impaired athletes by visiting the website mentioned above. <> Tom Trautman, a fellow resident of Camas, WA, husband to Becky Troutman and father of five, fell ill with H1N1 in late November and was in a coma. Trautman has woken up and is slowly recovering. His role as provider of his family has been unexpectedly put on hold, as he spends the next 12 months recovering from H1N1. Those interested in contributing to the Trautman Family Support Fund, a donation account has been set up to assist the family with living expenses. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank. Simply let the teller know that you are giving to the “Trautman Family Support Fund” (Donation Account #7580230311).

Calendar

Tickets are still available for both the matinee and evening concerts of “Flowers and Chocolate” at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. Cost is $12 for the matinee and $16 for the evening performance. Visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/7674 to purchase tickets and for more information. <> Magenta Theater is featuring Crossing Delancey at 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night, Feb. 12-13, at 606 Main Street. Tickets cost $10-$15 and can be purchased online at www.magentatheater.com. Crossing Delancey is mostly set inside a small bookstore. Magenta Theater asks patrons to please bring a new or gently-used book, suitable for children and youth, to the performances. The donated books will be delivered to Open House Ministries in late February. Patrons are asked to provide their name with the donation, so they can be recognized on its website. Call 635-4358 for more information. <> "Share the Love for Haiti,” a Valentine’s Day concert by Michael Allen Harrison and special guests Julianne Johnson and Tanner Johnson, aims to raise money for Medical Teams International (NW Medical Teams) and to help support its efforts to help heal the Haitian earthquake survivors. General admission ticket prices are $19.50 and reserved ticket prices are $25.50. For tickets and concert dates and times, visit http://www.michaelallenharrison.com, or call Harrison at 503-255-0747. <> Discover simple ways to make your home green from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, in the Water Resources Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way. For additional info, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter. <> 104.1 The Fish Radio and Firstenburg Community Center are hosting a free bridal show complete with photographers, caterers, wedding dress/tuxedo boutiques and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, in the Firstenburg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Avenue. Call 487-7005 ext. 4 for more information. <> Loaves and Fishes will be serving hot meals to senior citizens from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, in the La Center Community Center, 1000 E 4th Street. <> The Port of Camas-Washougal will meet for an executive session at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, followed by an open meeting at 4 p.m. <> Salmon Creek Kiwanis offers a Valentine's Day concert coupled with the chance to help needy families and children by attending the club's sixth consecutive winter fund-raising concert featuring the Misty River Band, which is performing at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at Skyview High School. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. For concert and Kiwanis information, call Darrell at 693-7981, Ron at 699-1234, or Gregg at 574-3747. <> Join Slocum House Theatre for its 45th Anniversary Party and ’60s Prom, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, in the Hough Gym, 1900 Daniels Street. Cost is $5 at the door. Slocum House members get free admission. Visit www.slocumhouse.com for more details. <> The Bravo! Choral and Chamber Ensemble will celebrate Valentine’s Day at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 with a concert “Heart and Soul: The Music of Love. Tickets are $20. Click here to purchase tickets or for more information.

 

Happy President’s Day!

The Daily Insider will resume Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2010.

Friday on the air

State of the County - 2010 (2-4)--4:59 p.m. CVTV
2010 State of Clark College Address (1-14)--6:30 p.m. CVTV
Clark County Animal Control Hearings (2-10)--7 p.m. CVTV
Making the Most of Your Medicare Benefits (11-9)--7:15 p.m. CVTV
Voyage of Rediscovery (Digital)--9:27 p.m. CVTV
Bravo! Vancouver: Beethoven, Brubeck & The Blues (1-24)--9:59 p.m. CVTV
City Minutes (2-7)--11:15 p.m. CVTV 

       Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber

• City of Vancouver Calendar

 

Friday, February 12, 2010 Headlines

 

Links to news of local & national significance

Local vinters offer wine, chocolate tasting for Valentine's Day weekend--Columbian, Mary Ann Albright

Vancouver firefighters to picket Station 3--Columbian, Craig Brown

Construction crews unearth prehistoric tusk in Ridgefield--Columbian, Marissa Harshman

Seeking comeback,Micrsoft to show phone software--Columbian, AP

Luger from Republic of Georgia dies on lightning-fast track--USA Today, Jeff Zillgitt

U.S.: Attack on Afghan town Marjah launched--USA Today, AP

2010 Winter Olympics: Five stories to watch in Vancouver--Oregonian, Rachel Bachman