Library Design Nearing Final Unveiling

Before I go into the latest update, I want to take a moment to update you all on a previous post.  In a previous library update, I incorrectly stated the amounts spent on the preliminary architectural report for sitting the library on 1st Ave and on 2nd Ave.  I stated that the amount spent for 1st Ave was $400,000, this was the wrong information.  This was the budgeted amount for the year we allocated the money to accomplish the project in.  The actual amount spent for 1st Ave was $20,800.  When I know the amount for 2nd Ave's preliminary architectural report, I will update you.  I truly regret the error and apologize for posting the incorrect amounts. It was not my intention to provide incorrect information.

Let's take a look at what is being worked on to get us to the groundbreaking and ultimately to completion of our new library.

The third community meeting is in the record books.  Suggestions have been made, the feedback is in and the architects are..."architecting" away on all the information that came in for the new library.  On February 19th FFA Architecture firm and the city held the final community meeting to provide input on the design of the new library.  There was a lot of dialogue and great questions asked by the largest group yet for these meetings.  With all of the input I am confident that we will be building the best library we can, with the look and amenities that will make it a comfortable place to go and enjoy a good book, study, or browse the stacks.  From here the architects will be refining the design in preparation of showing, I believe, the final look to the Urban Renewal Agency Commissioners very soon.  With a desired late summer/early fall groundbreaking I am sure we will be seeing this as quickly as possible.

Here is the latest on the project.  On the fundraising front, the community volunteers are working very hard to raise the $1 million to support the new library.  Their efforts are paying off!  The Fundraising Committee was recently awarded a $50,000 challenge grant from the Collins Foundation.  This adds to the already growing support they are receiving.  I look forward to reporting more news on this front in the coming months.

While the architects' portion is being finished, I have asked that the council begin discussing soon what the new council chambers will look like.  I'd like to see improved speakers and screens so that everyone can see and hear presentations being given (Also hear the Mayor and Council pontificate about the issues of the day).  More comfortable seating for those sometimes long Planning Commission meetings or when the Council wants to discuss transportation plans and one-way streets...which are not happening anytime soon...maybe...well, never say never.

Here are some pictures of the architectural drawings so far:

Aerial look of the library plan.  Top in Aqua is the Children's Area.  Below that in the lavender will be the the study tables and the Adult Section.  In the plantation green is the teen area with staff work space next to it.  The brown to the left is the Council Chambers/Municipal Court and the light pink at the top is the multi-purpose room.

Front view of the library.

Closer front view.  On the right is the remodeled city hall to become council chambers, center is the main entrance, to the left is the beginning of the multi-purpose room and library collection.

Aerial View of the entire Canby Library upon completion.

Impressive drawings and pictures of what will be a defining element to our downtown.  Stay tuned for more library updates.

3 Days

Here we are, 3 days until election day.  I continue to have full days of campaigning, which has been fun and rewarding. 

On Wednesday, I participated in the Halloween kiddie parade in downtown Canby with my children.  We trick or treated at local businesses afterwards.  What a great community event, bringing our families together. 

Yesterday was busy as well.  I was at a groundbreaking for a new business in Canby (Dragonberry Produce) in the morning, then had a Rotary lunch.  In the afternoon, I did my first official "street corner campaigning".  I was with volunteers on 99E, waving to commuters and saying "hi".  One pedestrian was even walking to drop off his ballot and stopped to confirm he had voted for me.  That was great!  Then it was off to First Friday downtown, participating in the Cash Mob at Wallflowers and visiting other businesses.  Thanks for the delicious bacon, Mike!

The weekend holds soccer games, more street corner campaigning, and more door-to-door introductions to citizens I don't know. 

I am proud of the campaign I have run.  Above all else, I have been out there talking with citizens and finding out what is important to them in our town.  As mayor, I truly want to be your voice. 

Thank you for your support.  Turn in your ballots by Tuesday at 8pm!  God Bless!

Our Community & Volunteering: Let's All Be Involved

I have always been a volunteer.  Volunteering is one of the easiest ways to give.  It is so important to give back to your school, town, or favorite charity. 

I think politicians, even a small town mayor, have an important role in volunteering and highlighting the importance of giving back.  Volunteering is also a great way to both pay back and be on the pulse of the issues and needs of your community. 

Canby is a small town.  We have schools that parents are deeply involved in.  We have community support in places like the Canby Center.  Community service, I feel, becomes even more impressive and important.  You are directly affecting the lives of your neighbor, your child's schoolmate, your family. 

Over the years, I have been involved in local community and charity efforts, including Operation Snuggle, S.M.A.R.T, the Trost School Clean-Up (a program I initiated), various events involved with my position on the Chamber of Commerce board, and the Metro Toy Drive.  As we near the holidays, a lot of these charitable efforts become important and crucial; I invite you to join me on them!

Is there a community effort that you feels needs to be started in Canby?  Is there a charity you have always wanted to get involved in, but don't know how?  Let me know!  Drop me an email and let's work together to get more involved in our community.

Biography, Activities, & Community Service

About Brian

I am currently a City Councilor in Canby, Oregon and have held this position for 4 years. I would be honored to be your next Mayor of the City of Canby.

I would be honored to be your next Mayor of Canby. I will be your voice. I will set and provide direction after listening to all the voices of the city--citizens, businesses, and public servants. Our city deserves strong leadership and I am dedicated to that cause.

A vote for Brian Hodson is a vote for leadership and commitment. A vote for Brian Hodson begins the next great chapter in Canby's legacy.

Family
Married to Meg Hodson
Three children, all attending Canby schools
Family attends Canby Alliance Church

Education Info

College:

• Linfield '97
• BA Psychology, Psychology, Music Performance

High School:

• Mission Viejo High '92

Work Info

Employer: Starbucks

Position: Store Manager

Time Period: February 2006 to present

Location: Canby, OR

Employer: Starbucks

Position: District Manager

Time Period: October 2003 to February 2006

Activities

City councilor, President (Canby Area Chamber), Board Member (Canby Area Chamber), Operation Snuggle, Clackamas County Coordinating Committee, Trost Elementary School Clean-Up, Metro Toy Drive, S.M.A.R.T. Volunteer