The Oakville Community Building Capital Campaign Committee was formed by the request of Mayor Mitchell Smith.  The mission is to build a green, sustainable community building to house City Hall, Oakville Timberland Library, Police, Municipal Court and a meeting room. The City building is failing and the library has grossly outgrown its space. Most are aware that the City of Oakville contracts with the Timberland Regional Library system for library services.  The City provided the building and maintenance and Timberland provides the staff and all resources.

The committee is looking into “building green”, with sustainability in mind, since Oakville has scant resources for the foreseeable future and costs of living keep rising.  Now is a particularly good time to build a new Oakville Community Building on the open lot near the school complex because:

1.“Green” funding is now available;

2.The city has a the option of selling  land “lots” to raise capital.

3.The City has a lease-agreement  with the Oakville School District for the land. 

4.The concept fits in well with Oakville’s Community Action Plan.

Proposed Request:

                The proposed site is located across the street from the Oakville Schools, District 400 with approximately 400 students ranging from K-12, on Highway 12, near Jag’s Restaurant and Harry’Service Station at the west end of town.  An engineered septic system with sewer hook-up availability is required. Off street parking, covered walkway and drop-box.  The building is a one-story facility with handicap access.  The main entrance would be protected from the weather.  Meeting room will have will have its own entrance for community use.  Approximately 6000 square feet building is needed for this project.

Benefits of the Project:

Rural libraries impact and change lives, and enhance communities.

A. Create a more attractive and inviting downtown Oakville.   This will draw both more businesses and more consumers.

B.  Support and promote quality education opportunities for children and adults,

C. Proximity to school allows for more access to school age children to the library and its multitude services,

D. Provide more visibility to community and travelers along Highway 12 to all city services.

E.  Provide a library in close proximity for Oakville School District students. (70% of Oakville students are on free or reduced lunch status. Travel poses a problem with most students being bused to and from school.)

F. More square footage for community needs in all areas currently included in the building.

G. Near to town businesses and higher ground from flooding

H. More partnership opportunities

Community Contributors:

Friends of the Oakville Timberland Library has accumulated approximately $50,000 during the last several years toward the overall project. The Friends of the Oakville Library has also acquired the FOTL Community Hall to use for fundraising efforts and community events.  The Friends have also voted to allow partial payment for planning engineered drawings for this project, if donors are not found soon.

The City of Oakville has elicited the assistance from Vicki Cummings with Washington City of Governments and Karen Bertroch was brought aboard to help with funding raising grants.  Connie Holmes has drafted preliminary drawings and Brian Carsten has agreed to complete drawings and building specifications, pending City Council and Timberland Regional Library input.

Oakville Capital Campaign Committee Members:

                Brian Carsten, Chairman    

                Connie Holmes, Vice Chairman

                Donnie King, Secretary/Resource Coordinator

                Charles Norskog - City

                Brandon Atoch – City

                Traci Fallow - City

                Deborah Baker-Receniello - TRL

                Michael Crose – TRL

                Dave Palmer – Oakville Chamber

                Kathy Lorton – Oakville School

                Tracy Bray – Chehalis Reservation Community Member

                Kelle Metz – Rural Area Rep

                Jorge Lopez – Rural Area Rep

                Bill Scholl – Methodist Church & FOTL

The City of Oakville has a clear history of citizens coming forth to assist projects.   If you are interested in participating in this worthwhile campaign, please contact us utilizing the contact information provided at the bottom of the screen.