Mayor Solsby outlines recovery, projects and awards in State of the City address

Mayor Candace Solsby delivered a State of the City address that highlighted last year’s ice storm recovery, capital projects, community awards and departmental accomplishments.

Solsby recounted the city’s response to the January ice storm, saying public works removed “over a hundred thousand tons of wood debris” and that the city worked with FEMA to document more than $3,000,000 in incurred costs. She said Lane County included Cottage Grove in a successful resiliency-hub grant application that will fund an HVAC system and generator for the Cottage Grove Community Center.

The mayor announced three mayoral awards. The Merrill Citizen Award went to Don Williams for long-term volunteer work; Oba Ramen and Dietz Deli were recognized for community service during an ice storm; and Denton Bell, store manager at the local Walmart, was praised for rapid donation and logistical support when the city established a warming shelter.

Solsby also reviewed ongoing and planned capital projects: completion of a Bohemia Park entry plaza that will include a splash pad and restrooms, state grant funding of $3,000,000 for water, sewer and storm infrastructure on 35 acres north of Cleveland Avenue, phase 1 funding for a Lincoln Middle School path project, chip-seal and alley repaving work, and upgrades at the Middlefield Golf Course. She said the city has 80% of a water master plan finished and has applied for a $300,000 Department of Environmental Quality grant for a stormwater master plan.

Departments provided brief highlights: Police Chief Corey Chase noted new hires and an accreditation process; community development staff reviewed planning milestones, permitted units and a large Pine Springs housing project; and Public Works Director Faye Stewart summarized debris cleanup and capital work.

Solsby closed by calling for cooperation across the council and community to address the coming year’s challenges and opportunities.