Newsletter - February 2026

THE MORE YOU KNOW...DRAINAGE SWALES

What’s a drainage swale?

A drainage swale is a shallow ditch with grass, usually next to the road. It helps rainwater move safely and also helps the water soak into the ground. The grass helps catch dirt and pollution so it doesn’t wash away.

Who takes care of it?

If your home or property is next to a city street and there is a drainage swale along that street, the property owner usually is responsible to maintain it. That means keeping it in good shape and making sure nothing blocks the water.

What is the rule and when does it start?

The City recently passed Ordinance 2-2026, which adds Chapter 12.20 to the Boardman Municipal Code to explain how drainage swales should be taken care of. The rule starts 30 days after it was passed, on February 5, 2026.

How do you take care of a swale?

• Pull weeds, pick up leaves, trash, and branches.
• Remove dirt that builds up and makes the ditch too flat or blocked
• Keep the ditch shape open so water can flow
• Mow the grass to about 3–6 inches (don’t cut it super short)
• Plant more grass if there are bare spots

Need help? The City will share more information soon. If you have questions, you can ask at City Hall.

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Main street is open and what a nice edition it brings. This new addition brings a biking path, sidewalk, and ADA accommodations for our citizens.  This has truly been a long process but the wait was well worth it.  Lastly, we are waiting for the lamp posts to be installed which will finalize the last touches to our Main Street.  Opening of the street was delayed because we, as the City, wanted to make sure that the sidewalks were completed for our citizens to walk and drive safely.  I would personally like to thank everyone for their patience during these projects.

When one project is completed, it only brings on another.  Watch for North Front Street to start early spring.  This project will replace a street that is in dire need of replacement.  Be aware and prepared for the work that will begin shortly.  

As many of you have noticed, we have individuals who are running for two county commissioner positions.  Each candidate has their ideas for what the county needs.  I encourage everyone to register and cast your vote and be heard.  If there is a time to vote, it is when there is an opportunity that impacts the area you live in.  Getting involved, becoming knowledgeable and informed, only helps create a stronger community.

Lastly, remember Boardman is growing.  We have a plan and a direction to guide the development of this great city.  That direction is the CIP (Capital Improvement Plan).  That plan can be found on the city webpage.  Taking a few moments and searching what is happening in Boardman will only help one understand more clearly.  

Boardman is a great place to live.  Be involved, listen, share, and continue to stand and be heard.  Small Town, Big Dreams.  Let’s grow Boardman together and have a Happy Valentine’s Day.  

Mayor Keefer

KEEPING BOARDMAN CLEAN

Curbside Recycling Is Coming to Boardman

Coming soon, residents in Boardman will be able to put their recycling in a big recycling cart right at the curb, and a truck will pick it up every other week. On January 6, 2026, the Boardman City Council voted “yes” on a plan (Resolution No. 30-2025) to set the price for this new curbside recycling service. The cost will be $8.00 each month for a 90-gallon  recycling cart. The charge starts when curbside recycling begins, and it applies to billing periods on or after the first pickup route.

Why are we doing this?

Because Oregon has rules that say cities must offer recycling. This is a state mandate, which means it’s not just a choice—it’s something Oregon requires communities to do. Oregon started making recycling rules a long time ago, beginning with a law in 1983, and the state has added more rules over the years (1991, 1997, and 2015). Now, Oregon requires recycling programs to include 13 different parts.

What changed?

Now there is help from Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act, which provides funding that makes it easier and cheaper to start curbside recycling. This funding helps cover things like recycling carts and trucks, so Boardman can finally bring curbside recycling to residents.

More information about curbside recycling in Boardman will be shared soon.