First Civic Center Community Input Meetings Held

By Brian Hodson

Ground has officially been broken in what will eventually become our new Civic Center, housing the new library and city offices.

Last month also saw the first two community input meetings held for feedback from citizens regarding this new addition to our city. One was held at the police station, the other at Hope Village.

I thought there was some really good ideas shared about what people would like to see in the library portion of the Civic Building.  The items that jumped out for me were conversations around the study rooms as well as making sure there were several quiet reading areas for people.  

I also appreciated the people in attendance keeping a focus on supporting local, already existing, businesses.  There were pictures shown of possibly having a cafe or coffee shop included in the building.  Much of the feedback was that a cafe was not needed, with Place to Be Cafe and Cutsforth Thriftway's cafe in close proximity.  For me personally, I think a cafe as part of the new civic center in Canby would take up crucial floor space needed for library programming.

There was one key point I would have liked to have seen discussed more:  what the actual building itself should look like.  We heard about a modern look to a traditional look or even historical look to tie into Canby's heritage.  Minimal glass to lots of glass.  I am confident in the next couple of community meetings, we will sort that out.  

I was a little disappointed at the number of citizens of Canby that attended.  For our first 2 meetings, we averaged 30 community members.  With any community meeting, I always hope for more of a turnout.  With our next 2 meetings in April, I am hopeful we will have more people turnout, as those meetings will have some actual designs to take a look at.

I hope to see you at these upcoming community meetings regarding the civic center project:

Wednesday, April 8th, police station, 7pm

Thursday, April 9th, Hope Village, 7pm

Tuesday, April 14th, police station, 7pm

Annexation 3-454 : Why I Support This Measure

By Brian Hodson

Canby voters will decide this November whether to annex 32.1 acres of land on the outskirts of town for low density residential housing and a park. I support Measure 3-454 and here's why.

1. Canby Will Not Lose It's Small Town Feel. Many of the proponents of this annexation have concern of Canby losing it's small town feel with this measure. For me, this annexation is part of our town that we consider part of our city already! In addition, a large section of the land will be devoted to a park, which contributes to that small town, community feel.

2. Canby Can Handle The Growth. We have planned for this growth. With the addition of the Sequoia Bridge and our expanding industrial park, we are ready.

3. We Need Housing. We need this growth. With the housing market at record low inventory levels, we need this housing.

I urge you to support and vote in favor of Measure 3-454.

My Endorsement For City Council

By Brian Hodson

In November's election, we have three seats to fill on our city council. Four candidates are running for those three positions. I recently submitted the letter below to the Canby Herald, voicing who I endorsed and why:

Dear Editor:

In less than two months, you will be voting to fill three spots on our city council. While all candidates running have a sincere commitment to Canby, I urge you to retain Todd Rocha, Clint Coleman, and Greg Parker for your council.

These councilors bring a combined 7+ years of experience to the council. We’ve had a productive two years since I become mayor.  We’ve managed public safety issues (speed limits, sidewalks, safe routes to school). Our new fiscal policies for city budgeting will save money and streamline planning of city funds. New businesses have been opening as well as new housing developments during my term. We are the 9th safest city in the state of Oregon.

In a revolutionary move, we as a council asked you, the voters, to decide whether the city should use urban renewal dollars for our revitalized and improved civic building project. You can’t ask for a bigger voice than putting a major project such as this to the people.

As we look ahead to the exciting future that Canby has in store, this is the team that has proven their leadership and commitment to our city. Keep this council together and keep Canby strong.

Brian Hodson

Mayor

Please join me on November 4th in retaining Clint Coleman, Todd Rocha, and Greg Parker for city council.