Tigard Beyond Tomorrow - 6/9/1997 TIGARD BEYOND TOMORROW
SYNOPSIS OF VISION ISSUE AREAS
as developed by the Citizen Vision Task Force
Direction & Issues To Address
as of 6/9/97
PUBLIC SAFETY
DIRECTION STATEMENT(What Tigard will look like in 20171
Tigard is a safe place to live, play, and do business, with efficient public safety services coordinated
by police, fire, and emergency management providers. Citizens and businesses are well educated
about public safety services; Tigard's citizens understand their role and responsibilities for the
safety of themselves and their community, and businesses take a proactive role for their
responsibility in protecting their investment in the community. Public Safety service providers plan
for their service delivery in such a way as to minimize the negative impacts of the regional
populations that travel to and through our community each day. Stable funding provides
uninterrupted public safety services at desired levels.
First issue areas to be addressed
What is the best way to continue to provide crime and fire prevention and public e-duGation programs in the current
economic environment? its
0 Enhance Public Safety services with volunteerism ex"x` V / d
0 Enhance mutual aid to coordinate services across unincorporated areas -4
0 Ask high crime areas (Wash. Sq., Tigard Cinema) to provide effective security
0 Revitalize, reactivate, create neighborhood watch & other citizen-based volunteer programs 21cating the
public
0 Look at privatizing some public safety functions to free up funding that could be redirected to educating the
public. WK Ijx_4v.&,wA n ` v jr.i
Is there a need to refocus police/fire strategies or funding sources considering the impacts that regional
populations have on Tigard's public safety programs? Are there any ways to acquire funding from the regional or
statewide populations that are behind these trends?
0 Develop a method of generating funding for City of Tigard Public Safety Programs from the population using
Regional Facilities within Tigard City limits (i.e., Wash. Sq., Cub Food, Costco, Tigard Cinemas, the Tigard
Triangle area, and pass-through traffic. Sic V"4, -? +kaw �74 A, d ?`f
0 Refocus goal of Public safety providers - rather than hiring more staff, focus in community education:* (a)
mandatory prosecution; (b) training for businesses...or...being more"Proactive rather than Reactive".
How can our community find long-term, stable funding sources to ensure uninterrupted services at the levels we
require?
0 Attemative taxing sources — (a) sales tax share for local government, (b) bonded debt, and (p) some ty ofd u ,
alternative tax. _ /►-o.) '+o S,vY �'�"^ �.� � � � -�:v'r�5
0 Pursue efficiencies by regionalization. ''"t`'
0 Pursue legislative remedies— (a) fee for service and (b) legislate positive change by citizens.
There is a need to better educate citizens in the community about how they can be prepared for emergencies and
what they should do in case of an emergency. We also need a broader group of volunteers who can be called on
in emergencies. How can these needs be fulfilled?
0 NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams) — (a) develop, (b) equip, and (c) train citizens.
0 Educate the community with a coordinated education plan (police, fire, and emergency services). Talk with
various target groups at community functions, CITs, CPOs, schools, civic groups, churches, etc.
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Vision Task Force Synopsis-Direction&Goals-as of 06/09/97 t
URBAN & PUBLIC SERVICES
DIRECTION STATEMENT(What Tigard will look like in ZM
Basic Urban Services (such as access to parks, recreational opportunities and libraries) are provided
to Tigard citizens through property taxes and fees for service. Citizens are charged for enhanced
services on a cost for service basis.
Expansion of the infrastructure necessary to serve growth is paid for by growth.
In an effort to facilitate the most efficient delivery of basic urban services, partnerships with
businesses, special interest groups, and other communities are encouraged. Citizens are educated
about basic urban services, and how to access and preserve the services.
First issue areas to be addressed �� 4S
WATER -1 Vsf ��
What water sources will Tigard use in the future and how will new infrastructure for water services be paid for?
(Action Comm. Note: Task Force is very concerned about water source reliability during summer/high use times.)
0 Develop additional reliable water sources and funding mechanisms for those sources in concert with other water
agencies in the Metro area.
0 Growth pays for growth.
0 Improvements to infrastructure need to be strategically planned in advance.
LIBRARY
Would it ever be approDdate to charge users for some Library services in order to offset costo
0 Yes, there should be charges for those services that are "enhanced" while allowing "basic services to continue
to be provided at no additional charge. (Action Committee Note: The Task Force encourages the Planning
Action Team to determine basic services first, then consider the following as perhaps more "enhanced"type of
services: Use of copy machine, Internet access, research projects for the public, special classes, inter-library
loans (outside of Washington County), information services, other extra services. Also, consider a County-wide
Library rather than many local libraries, library cards with credit balances, and sponsorships.
How can increased demands on the Library be met. given tight financial budgets?
0 Outreach effort to win support from businesses
0 Create Friends of the Tigard Library Foundation
0 Fee charges for services to schools
0 Use school library employees as part-time staff
0 Expand library building to accommodate growing service load
0 Charge user fees for certain services
PARKS. RECREATION. & OPEN SPACE
Could a special parks and recreation district help our area provide better parks and recreation services? Should the
City become a recreation provider? - AND - Is there a need for a Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to be
reestablished to better address community park needs and issues?
0 The community shall create a regional parks and recreation district with taxing authority and an elected board
(comparable to the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District model). The THPRD southern boundary ends at
Scholls Ferry Road. (Action Committee Note: The Task Force envisions the following cities would be in the
proposed district. Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, King City&Durham.)
How should we manage and protect wetlands and floodplain areas?
Manage and protect the wetland/floodplain areas by educating the citizens about the issues in this area. (Action
Committee Note: Consider the following: look for stable funding sources for wetlandI97oodp/ain work, and educate
citizens so they understand what a floodplain is, where they are located, how the areas are managed (City, corps of
engineers, etc.) and how citizens can help protect the areas (i.e., dumping in greenway areas, what can be safely
placed in the storm drains, etc.).
Vision Task Force Synopsis-Direction&Goals-as of 06/09/97 2
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
DIRECTION STATEMENT(What Tigard will look like in 20171
Tigard area residents have access to good quality public and private schools. Residents of our
community, whether or not they have children in the school system, understand the importance of
education and how they can help promote education of our community. The public schools have
stable funding through state and local funding options. Curriculum and extra-curricular programs
are important and are well supported through volunteers, local funding, and increased partnerships
with business and government.
New development assists in paying for new education infrastructure required by growth in the
community.
Public schools and governmental entities, in our community, actively partner in day-to-day
operations and other costs to facilitate the most efficient delivery of services.
First issue areas to be addressed
(Action Committee Note: Involve private schools and home-schoolers in the process of review.)
How should schools balance concerns about extracurricular activities? Are there any new ways to continue
providing extracurricular programs?
0 Create a Parks & Recreation District to sponsor fee-based programs at school sites.
0 Increase volunteerism in schools to: (1) assist teachers w/basics, thereby freeing up their time for extra
curricular programs; and (2) teach and coordinate extracurricular activities directly.
0 Seek funding for a volunteer coordinator at each school or ensure adequate volunteer recruitment, training &
usage.
0 Increase business sponsorship of clubs and activities.
0 Utilize older students (High School & Middle School)to work with younger students (for credit and/or for pay).
Does a new stable funding source for schools need to be identified
0 Yes. Funding options should be examined, including, but not limited to: local option serial levies, higher local
business taxes, etc. There should be increased "marketing" of the need for donations which could be placed in
the school's"foundation" account.
Partnership between public schools and the City are needed to address shortfalls & efficiencies (Action Committee
Note: The Park&Rec District should represent all residents and not just special interest groups.)
0 Generate/develop programs for job opportunities.
0 Hold job fairs.
0 Cooperative efforts with purchasing and facilities maintenance is encouraged.
0 Intergovemmental service contracts should be explored.
0 Park& Rec District to serve as umbrella coordinator of all public recreation facilities.
Does the urban development process need to be better linked with long-term school canning? How can the district
quire suitable sites for new schools? How will funding be found to build and operate these schools? (Action
Committee Note: Efforts should be better coordinated between School District and City.)
0 Tie development process to long term school planning. � . .L
0 Suitable Sites: �z�� ,. .-•�
School District must use more creative approach in using new sites. w
School District must have more efficient use of existing sites ,,(
Consider year-round school
Consider double shift schools
Make better community use of facilities
0 Funding:
Explore user fees �
New bonds for new construction
Vision Task Force Synopsis-Direction&Goals-as of 06/09/97 3
SCHOOLS I EDUCATION
First issue areas to be addressed (continued)
How should our community address the impacts of new growth on our public schools?
0 Obtain Legislative approval to allow imposition of system development charges for school infrastructure (growth
pays for growth).
0 Obtain Legislative approval to pass bond/levy measures above the limits imposed by Measures 5, 47, & 50 &
include items not permitted by 47 (i.e., maintenance of existing facilities).
0 Develop outreach to non-school community with in Tigard/Tualatin School District to facilitate communication.
0 Legislation should allow for provision for delay of development to allow all infrastructure issues, including
schools, to be addressed and a solution implemented.
Vision Task Force Synopsis-Direction&Goals-as of 06/09/97 4
GROWTH & GROWTH MANAGEMENT
DIRECTION STATEMENT(What Tigard will look like in 2017)
Tigard continues to grow. Growth is accommodated while protecting the character and livability in
new and established neighborhoods. The City encourages and supports private sector programs to
maintain diverse and affordable housing.
Urban services are provided to all citizens within Tigard's Urban Growth Boundary. Recipients of
services pay their share.
Local and small businesses are encouraged as an important part of our community and our
economy.
The City of Tigard is an active participant in regional issues. Its citizens are educated about issues in
our region and take advantage of opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.
First issue areas to be addressed
Metro's 2040 Growth Concept encourages site and buildingdesigns that utilize smaller lots for single family housing
However. Tigard is already quite close to meeting these Standards Is the 2040 Growth Concept in harmony with
the future vision for Tigard? If not. what strategies should be employed to address the conflict? If yec how can we
implement the 2040 Plan while protecting the character and livability of new and established neighborhoods?
(Action Committee to investigate 2040 Plan specifics and identify those areas that are not in "harmony"with Tigard's
desire for the future.)
If yes:
0 Determine how to implement Plan to preserve Tigard's desires.
0 Allocate or direct resources to"monitor" Metro on an on-going and regular basis.
0 Encourage City Council members to get involved with Metro and educate citizens about Metro-based issues
(take advantage of openings on various regional boards and committees).
If no:
0 Resolve the conflict (Action Committee to strategize how to effectively resolve conflict).
0 Just say NO to Metro (Action Committee to determine what Metro's ability is to enforce 2040 Plan if City
chooses not to comply with some sections of the plan)
0 Better or enhanced representation at the decision-making level of Metro is needed. (Work with Jon Kvistad,
current Metro Council Chair from Tigard).
Tigard grows by annexation as well as by infill. How can the City plan for future annexations so that they do not
have negative impacts on our community? How does SB 122 affect the City's annexation pglicy and/or provision of
urban services to our Urban Growth Boundary area? (Action Committee: Negative impacts include, but are not
limited to, service provision, financial impacts for current citizens in city limits as well as citizens in the
unincorporated area that is being considered for annexation, etc.)
0 Develop (and implement early) educational strategy for the public on annexation issues (including, but not
limited to, what kind of services are provided, what the cost is and who pays).
0 Develop a coherent& orderly plan for transfer of service provision from the County to the City.
It is estimated that 58% of the people who work in Tigard are employed by businesses that have under 50
employees Local and small businesses are an important part of our community and our economy. What can the
community do to retain and assist these businesses?
0 Review and implement parking issues in anticipation of growth (existing local &small businesses)
0 Development codes and regulations should be business friendly (existing local & small businesses)
0 Friendly site design for all locations (existing local &small businesses)
0 Fees and taxes should be structure to encourage existing local &small businesses.
0 Actively recruit small businesses to Tigard (i.e., zones for small businesses, etc.)
Vision Task Force Synopsis-Direction&Goals-as of 06/09/97 5
GROWTH & GROWTH MANAGEMENT
First issue areas to be addressed (continued)
City policy 6 1.1 states: "the city shall provide an opportunity for a diversity of housing densities and residential types
at various prices and rent levels." However, the City is a minor player in the provision of affordable housing
compared to federal, state. county and local non-profit agencies Should the City do more to hellpromote
affordable and homeless housing?
0 Continue City support to encourage private sector support of programs for affordable housing (i.e., zoning
evaluation criteria, facilitate housing, support of non-profit groups conducting this type of service, etc.) (Action
Committee note: determine what affordable housing is; that not only addresses lowest incomes but median
income levels as well.)
Vision Task Force Synopsis-Direction&Goals-as of 06/09/97 6
TRANSPORTATION & TRAFFIC
(RECTION STATEMENT(What Tlgard will look like in 20171
Tigard takes a proactive role in regional transportation planning. Funding sources are diverse,
include regional resources and are adequate to build and maintain our transportation system.
Each type of street safely handles the traffic it is designed to serve. Local traffic is served by a well-
connected street network that minimizes traffic impacts on neighborhoods. Tigard's arterials and
major collector streets accommodate through-traffic reducing the impact of regional traffic on local
neighborhoods.
Altemative transportation methods are affordable and available. Use of alternative transportation is
encouraged.
First issue areas to be addressed
(Action Committee Note: The Task Force was most concerned about speeding and cut-through traffic in
neighborhoods.)
What can be done to keep local traffic on neighborhood streets and through traffic on main arterials'
0 Identify and implement programs to reduce speeding on neighborhood streets such as; 10-mph speed on
neighborhood streets, police decoys, posted speeds, traffic calming devices, & photo radar.
0 Identify arterial routes and promote use.
0 Develop a program to complete street improvements identified in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
0 Investigate programs to encourage residents to use local businesses during non-peak hours such as discounts.
0 Improve bus service to serve neighborhoods.
What is the connection between land use and transportation? Can new developments be built with a smaller impact
on traffic? How can traffic congestion be reduced assuming limited funding and continued growth of the City?
0 Take a proactive role in protecting neighborhood livability.
0 Actively participate in regional transportation planning efforts.
0 Reduce impacts of encouraging connectivity, increasing transit, allowing mixed use areas, and maintaining
larger lot sizes.
0 Reduce congestion through land purchases to connect or improve streets.
Can altemative transportation such as mass transit walking ca oling and biking. help reduce traffic congestion?
If so, what steps can be taken to encourage their increased uses?
0 Improve bus service including serving neighborhoods with a network of smaller busses and link bus service to
heavy rail.
0 Develop long range plan to provide sidewalks throughout City with a priority to areas that serve schools.
0 Develop program for carpool incentives including HOV(high occupancy vehicle) lanes to and from Portland.
0 Developers pay for alternative transportation.
0 Implement a program to educate citizens about available alternative transportation methods.
0 Develop a program to provide connection of the City's bikepath system.
0 Fees and taxes on cars.
While traffic congestion is a central issue for Tigard citizens how important is safety on our streets and roads? Are
they safe enough? If not what should be done to address this concern?
0 Speed control is a priority.
0 Improve coordination between state/county/city for roads and initiate transfer of jurisdiction where appropriate.
0 Develop a more effective way of dealing with accidents.
0 Improve traffic flow (signalization improvements).
0 Improve access to business entrances through design.
0 Identify problem traffic areas
0 Improve traffic safety education.
0 Install public light rail or HOV lanes down Pacific Highway.
0 Ensure neighborhood streets are designed to serve neighborhoods.
Vision Task Force Synopsis-Direction&Goals-as of 06/09/97 7
TRANSPORTATION & TRAFFIC
First issue areas to be addressed (continued)
How can we ensure that adequate staffing and funding exist to keen our arterial collector and local streetstp o the
quality they need to be?
0 New development pays (off-site improvements and/or increase or expansion of Traffic Impact Fees).
0 Street light fee for maintenance (lighting districts).
0 User pays (annual fee for trip generation, fee for on-street parking, increase gas tax, vehicle registration fees).
0 Increase big truck limitations.
Vision Task Force Synopsis-Direction&Goals-as of 06/09/97 8
COMMUNITY CHARACTER I QUALITY OF LIFE
(RECTION STATEMENT(What Tigard will look like in 20171
Tigard citizens are involved in their community. Involvement is citizen driven and citizens have the
tools to communicate effectively with community-wide decision makers.
Volunteer spirit has been maximized through community-wide coordination of volunteers. Our
community supports its volunteers with appropriate training and volunteer recognition.
Tigard encourages local, regional and community events. City funding priorities go to events which
move toward financial self-sufficiency and new community-wide events.
Business owners, property owners, and residents of the Main Street Area display strong leadership,
ownership, and commitment to downtown development. The Main Street area is seen as a 'focal
point' for the community. A clear direction has been established for a pedestrian-friendly downtown
and is being implemented.
The Tigard community has a defined, proactive vision for community aesthetics. Open space is a
priority and new development is required to dedicate open areas for community use.
First issue areas to be addressed
CIVIC SPIRIT
How do we maximize the effectiveness of the volunteer spirit to accomplish the greatestgood for our community?
0 Obtain a Community Volunteer Coordinator. (It is anticipated that this position would serve the whole
community area.) This position would encourage cooperation among groups/agencies for volunteer services as
well as serve as a clearinghouse for projects needing volunteers (a rallying point for needs).
0 Create a strong recruitment& training program for people interested in volunteering and using volunteers.
0 Publicize volunteer opportunities throughout the community.
0 Recognize, nurture and appreciate those that volunteer.
Tigard has always taken citizen involvement seriously. Is the current level of citizen involvement high enough? Are
citizens truly having their voices heard? How do we ensure that the recommendations of citizens are carriers out?
0 The level of citizen involvement is never high enough. Current programs should be evaluated. These programs
should be citizen-driven and the process should be designed to involve "all". Decision makers need to be
involved and have direct communication with the citizen involvement participants. Citizens should be
encouraged to communicate with citizen involvement groups. Local partnerships should be encouraged with
citizen involvement group activities.
0 To ensure citizens truly have their voices heard there should be a community-wide omsbudsperson position to
assist/educate citizens in navigating the decision-making process and giving effective and on-going input. The
education component should be provided to citizens early on in the process.
0 Programs need to be developed that effectively communicate decisions that were made and the reasons for the
decision back to the citizens.
0 All public meetings in our community need to be in meeting rooms that encourage public observation.
TIGARD'S DOWNTOWN
Tigard's local economy as a whole is doing quite well while the downtown area is not keeping pace Many residents
might say Washington Square is the commercial center of Tigard Two efforts at downtown revitalization failed at
the ballot box in the 1980's Is there a role for the City in determining what the citizens desire is for a central
downtown area? What role should public financing play in downtown development?
0 Business owners, property owners and residents of the Main Street downtown area need to display strong
leadership, ownership &commitment to develop the downtown area. There should be agreement on a plan and
they should identify what clear direction they wish to implement. (Action Committee Note: The Task Force
wished to file a minority report in this area...some believed that the City of Tigard needed to partner early-on
with the downtown players to develop a plan.)
Vision Task Force Synopsis-Direction&Goals-as of 06/09/97 9
COMMUNITY CHARACTER 8 QUALITY OF LIFE
First issue areas to be addressed (continued)
0 Development in the downtown area should address the following:
Access to surrounding neighborhoods (bikepaths, walkways, park improvements);
Support "theme" selected for the area (i.e., the 1950's, or ?) with design standards, public art, community
events, etc.
0 Encourage getting out of the car-or- pedestrian friendly development
0 Downtown development financing should be sought with matching fund opportunities (i.e., block grant funding,
economic development loans, etc.).
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Community events such as the Festival of Balloons and the Old fashioned Fourth of July grow more popular each
year. With Ballot Measure 47 or 50. the City will SAP reduced general fund revenue How can these events and
other new community events, be supported as thn Size and number in the face of declining City
revenues?
0 With declining revenues, events should take action to move towards financial self-sufficiency when planning
events.
0 Admission fees or surcharges for attendance and event sales should be considered. (Action Committee Note:
The Task Force filed a minority report in this area. The concern was that people on fixed incomes or limited
incomes should not be burdened with fees for admission.)
0 The City should have a limited period of financial involvement (perhaps 5 years) requiring that the events
business plan become successful to have continued City financial support.
0 Encourage new community-wide events. The City should set aside a fixed amount annually for community
events that would only be available for new community-wide events.
0 Identify events by whether they are local, regional, or community events.
COMMUNITY AESTHETICS GOAL
Vacant land is becoming_scarce. demand for open space is increasing and resources are limiters What strategies
should be developed to encourage citizens and the City to work in partnership with others in our community to
address this need?
0 A clear definition of "open space" needs to be developed and it should make it clear that open space is not
necessarily owned by the City.
0 Tighten "materials" code which can be used to build in new subdivisions to enhance aesthetics.
0 Designate 5-10%of new subdivisions as"open space" (excluding roads and sidewalks).
0 Actually"protect" scenic views and do not endorse"engineered solutions"to build everywhere in the community.
On-going maintenance should be addressed early in the development stage. Maintenance of the "open space"
within a subdivision should not be accomplished with government dollars.
0 City should acquire park lands and open spaces.
0 Consider neighborhood commercial in "isolated areas"away from strip malls.
0 Use tax incentives for developers/land owners to not develop areas designated as"open space".
Strategies:
0 Develop and communicate a "vision" for aesthetics for Tigard (addressing all the senses). Define what is no
wanted and what is wanted with proactive standards and timeline.
0 Recognize and define Tigard neighborhood identities including signage (CIT action item).
0 Integrate information with Tigard's homepage.
0 "Steal" ideas that have worked with other communities-don't recreate the wheel.
Imf✓citywide/6-9synop.doc
Vision Task Force Synopsis-Direction&Goals-as of 06/09/97 10