Cityscape 2007-02 CAPE
Tigard's Official Newsletter
February 2007 www.tigard-or.gov Volume XXV No.2
Mayor's Corner Tigard City Council Passes 3-Cent Local
How Safe is Tigard? Fuel Tax to Improve the Greenburg Road/
I believe that Tigard is a very safe Highway 99W/Main Street Intersection
community in which to live and raise a
family. A recent article in the Oregonian Petition Circulated To Refer Matter To Voters
identified the safest cities in America and The Tigard City Council approved establishment of a 3-cent local fuel tax
listed Beaverton as the 66" safest city in at its meeting on December 19, 2006. A petition was circulated by opponents
America while Hillsboro made the list at#84. of the tax to refer the fuel tax to the voters. The revenue from the local tax, if
Both are very respectable positions given the ultimately approved,would provide funding for improvements to the
nation-wide comparison of violent crime Greenburg Rd/Hwy 99W/Main St intersection to complement Washington
statistics. Naturally, I wondered why Tigard County's MSTIP 3 (Major Streets Transportation Improvement Program)
was not on the list, so city staff contacted the project to construct improvements at the Hall Blvd/Hwy 99W intersection.
publishing company that produced the study The tax will take effect if an insufficient number of signatures are certified or
to find out. if the voters approve the tax. The Hall Blvd/Hwy 99W project is tentatively
As it turns out, the survey only looked at scheduled to begin construction in the spring of 2008.
cities with a population greater than 75,000. The 3-cent local fuel tax, if it takes effect, would produce revenue of
Since Tigard's population is closer to 46,000, approximately $900,000 annually. Anticipated revenue over a 5-year period is
we were not considered in the national $4.5 million, sufficient to construct the improvements to the Greenburg Rd/
rankings. I was very interested in knowing Hwy 99W intersection. The revenue from the 3-cent tax would be totally
where we WOULD have placed if we had dedicated to improvement of that intersection. The fuel tax could result in an
been considered, so Chief Bill Dickinson increase in fuel prices at dealers in the city because dealers may pass on some
corresponded with the publishing firm and or all of the tax to their customers.
asked them what Tigard's ranking would be. Citizen surveys during the past few years place traffic congestion as a
The firm graciously recomputed their major issue and congestion on Hwy 99W as the most significant traffic issue in
numbers to include the City of Tigard Tigard. Because the state gas tax has not been increased since 1991, the
making the following assumptions: IF the establishment of a local fuel tax for the Greenburg Rd intersection improve-
City of Tigard had a population of 75,000, ments was recommended to Council by the Transportation Financing Strategies
and IF the City of Tigard maintained the Task Force, a task force of citizen volunteers appointed by Council to evaluate
same crime rate (that is violent crimes per new funding sources for major street improvements. The fuel tax was advo-
1,000 population),where would Tigard have cated as a means of having those who travel through Tigard pay for a portion
placed in the national list of safest cities? of the improvements at the Greenburg Rd/Hwy 99W/Main St intersection.
The answer under those conditions was that The ordinance includes a 5-year sunset clause and provisions for reduction of
Tigard would have placed as the 61" safest the tax if the state gas tax is increased, or if Washington County increases its
city in America. current 1-cent gas tax. The reduction in the city tax in event of increase state
Thank you to everyone who lives,works or county taxes would be based on amount of revenue received by the city
and visits Tigard for your efforts in helping from either or both sources during the period the city tax is in effect. There-
us to stay safe and crime free! fore the decrease in the city tax rate may not equal the increase in the state or
county tax.
View the Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax Ordinance 06-21 at nrzvzv.tigarcl-orgov/
Craig E. Dirksen, Mayor cid hall/city_council/docs/ordinances/OrdO6-21 pelf. For more information, please
contact Gus Duenas, City Engineer, at 503-718-2470 or gus@tigartl or.gov.
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL: MAYOR CRAIG DIRKSEN,GRETCHEN BUEHNER,SALLY HARDING,SYDNEY SHERWOOD,TOM WOODRUFF
City of Tigard
It's Your Tigard = Get Involved!
Be a part of the decision-making process and learn more about programs. Agendas are available at www.tigard-or.gov under
the Events Calendar link. No web access? Contact the person noted under each board or committee.
City Council Library Board Planning Commission
Town Hall Library Conference Room
6:30 p.m. - 2nd, 3", and 4' Tuesdays 7 p.m. - 2 Thursday Recruiting To Fill Three
Let your voice be heard—2nd and A seven-member citizen board that Vacancies
4th Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. - an opportu- advises the Council regarding library
The Planning Commission is xecruit-
nity to speak to Council for two minutes policies,budget, facilities and other needs.
ing three new voting members. The
on any item not on the agenda. Cathy Margaret Barnes, 503-718-2501.
Commission reviews proposed develop-
Wheatley, 503-718-2410. Committee for Citizen ment code amendments and some
Planning Commission Involvement planned development subdivisions. Most
Town Hall 7 p.m. - 3`d Wednesday of their work in the coming two years
7 p.m. - 1" Monday The Tigard CCI reviews the form will involve the Comprehensive Plan,
A nine-member citizen committee and process of the City's communica- reviewing information and participating
that conducts public hearings on land tions with City residents to improve those in basic policy development for this
use issues and development applica- communications and to encourage City plan's update.
tions. Dick Bewersdorff, 503-718-2432. residents to be more involved with City Members will also review goals and
Park and Recreation Advisory affairs. Duane Roberts, 503-718-2444. action statements for possible adoption
BoardTree Board into the Comprehensive Plan and for the
Tigard Downtown Urban Renewal
Public Works Annex Library Conference Room
7P•m. - 2 Y 6:30 p.m. - 1" Wednesday"d Monday District. Planning Commission members
should expect to spend 14— 18 hours a
A seven-member citizen board that A seven-member board established
month reviewing materials and attending
advises the Council on park and recre- to develop and administer a comprehen- meetings.
ation policies, facilities,programs and sive program for the management,
budgets. Daniel Plaza 503-718-2590.
g � maintenance, removal, replacement and
Intergovernmental Water Board protection of trees on public property.
Library Conference Room Dick Bewersdorff, 503-718-2432.
5:30 p.m. - 2nd Wednesday CPO 4B - C.F. Tigard Elementary `. -
A five-member board, established 7 p.m. - 18' Thursday
between Tigard,Durham,King City and CPO 4M - Metzger Park Hall
the Tigard Water District,which makes Individuals interested in applying for
recommendations on water-related issues. 7 p.m. - 4`'' Wednesday Planning Commission vacancies need to
Greer Gaston, 503-718-2595. Membership is open to all resi- complete and submit Citizen Committee
City Center Advisory Commission dents and property owners within the Interest application forms by 5 p.m.,
Red Rock Creek Conference Room CPO 413 or CPO 4M boundaries. Friday, February 9, 2007. These applica-
6:30 p.m. - 2nd Wednesday Contact Part Opdyke at Washington tions are available in the City Hall lobby
County, 503-725-2117. and online at avzvzv.ti
A nine-member board advising the gard-orgov/conamu-
City Center Development Agency nityl volunteer obi r.
(CCDC) or City Council on policies, City offices will be closed For more information about the
budget, and implementation of projects February 19, 2007 Planning Commission, contact staff
within the Urban Renewal Plan. Phil in observance of liaison Dick Bewersdorff at
Nachbar, 503-718-2557. Presidents' Day. 503-718-2432 or dick@tigard-orgov.
Page 2 Cityscape Editor - Liz Newton Layout Design - Jill Byars CITYSCAPE
Do the services offered at the Tigard Public Library meet your needs?This is your chance to let us know.
Please take a moment to fill out this brief questionnaire, because this is your Library.
1. How often do you visit the Tigard Library? Please check one.
❑ 4 or more times a month ❑ Less than once a month
❑ 1-3 times a month ❑ Never
2. How old are you?
❑ 18 or younger ❑ 2640 ❑ 61 or older
❑ 19-25 ❑ 41-60
3. If the Tigard Library were able to be open more hours, which hours would you prefer?
Please select only your first choice.
❑ Open Thursdays at 10:00 A.M. (currently not open until 1:00 P.M.)
❑ Open Friday evenings until 8:00 P.M. (currently open until 5:00 P.M.)
❑ Open Sundays at 10:00 A.M. (currently not open until 1:00 P.M.)
❑ Open Saturdays and Sundays until 6:00 P.M. (currently open until 5:00 P.M.)
❑ Open at 9:00 A.M. Monday-Saturday
❑ Open in the evenings until 9:00 P.M. Monday-Friday
4. Have you ever attended a Library program, such as a class, movie, discussion or performance?
❑ Yes ❑ No
5. What kinds of programs would you like the Library to offer?
6. Please rate the following areas of Library service:
Excellent Good Just OK Poor Don't
Use
Availability of Internet Computers ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Checkout Desk ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Reference Desk ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Children's Room Desk ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
7. Is the Library serving your needs? ❑ Yes ❑ No
If not, how can we serve you better?
8. Additional Comments:
Thank you for your time!
Please marl or return survey to the Library
or drop gffat City Hall or Permit Center in boxes marked "Library Surveys. "
You may fill out this survey on-line instead at WWWAigard-or.gov/library
Hora de Cuentos para la Familia Adult Placement Service
(Spanish Story Time) AARP Tax Help Monday, February 12, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Durante el mes de Enero Saturdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24 Second Floor Conference Room
comenzaremos con la Hora de Cuentos, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Conference Michele Fiasca from the Adult
JUEVE de 6 a 6:30 p.m. Room Placement Network and Robbin Martell
-Puett Room Every Saturday AARP volunteers from Senior One Services will talk about
10 de Febrero del 2007 will assist elderly and/or low-income how seniors and their families can find
Cuentos, canciones y rimas para citizens with their tax preparation. the right facility or community, and about
nifios de todas las edades y sus familias. Please bring last year's tax returns and services for seniors transitioning to a new
Thursday, February 1 have your records organized. For living situation.
6 to 6:30 p.m., Puett Room more information or to sign up, please For more information contact the
Stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish call 503-684-6537. Library at 503-718-2506.
for kids of all ages. Civil War Memorabilia
Life & Legacy of Abraham Lincoln Book Art Display February, Houghton Room
February 9, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. February, Library Lobby Display Case
Houghton Room Book art created by students from Memorabilia related to the American
the Oregon College of Art and Craft will Civil War is on loan to the library
Educator Mary Ann Spear discusses g g courtesy of Mary Ann Spear and the
Lincoln's ancestors and descendents as be on display at the Tigard Public Library
Lobb throughout February. The art Daughters of Union Veterans of the
well as little-known facts about Lincoln. Y g Y Civil War. The memorabilia will include
Her presentation includes slides. Regi stra- includes handmade books and boxes.
soldier hats,photos, a chess set, and
tion is not required for this free program.
other items of historical interest.
Fold Here
Tigard Public Library Please
q Place
13500 SW Hall Blvd. First Class
Tigard, OR 97223 Stamp
503-684-6537 Here
Tigard Public Library
13500 SW Hall Blvd.
Tigard, OR 97223
Tape Closed
Cityscape Newsletter
ETH—NOH—TEC:
Asian American Storytelling
S h e I f 'tw LmIf Movement Theatre, Ages 5 and up
News from the Tigard Library 13500 SW Hall Blvd. Saturday, February 3
Library eventscalendar 2 to 3 p.m., Community Room
Artist Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo will
February1 4:30-5:30 p.m. Teen Library Council(grades 6-12) layer ancient Asian mythologies, folktales
February 1 6-6:30 p.m. Spanish Story Time and urban legends with Asian American
February 2,9,16,23 10:30-11 a.m. Family Story Time (ages 0-6) sensibilities to present an exciting show!
February 3,10,17,24 10 a.m.-4 p.m. AARP Tax Help
February 3,27 10:30-Noon Computer Class: Basic Computer Skills
February 3 12:30-2 p.m. Computer Class: Introduction to Windows
Operating System
February 3 2-3 p.m. ETH-NOH-TEC: Asian American Storytelling
Movement Theatre (ages 5 and up)
February 5,12,19,26 10:30-11:15 a.m. Preschool Story Time (ages 3-6)
February 5,19 5-7:30 p.m. Dungeons &Dragons for Teens (grades 6-12)
February 6,13,20,27 10:15-10:45 a.m. Book Babies (ages 0-18 mos.)
February 6,13,20,27 11:15-Noon Preschool Story Time (ages 3-6) LL
February 7,14,21,28 6-8 p.m. Open Computer Lab (teens & adults) L r H N 0 H 7 F C
February 7,14,21,28 10:30-11 a.m. Toddler Time (ages 18-36 mos.) w
February 7,14,21,28 6-7:30 p.m. Dogs&Tales (beg.readers-grade 5)
February 8 4:30-5:30 p.m. Spring Book Discussion Group for Teens
(grades 6-12) SUPER T U E S DAY:
February 8 6:30-8 p.m. I want a Book Like...Using Novelist to Find Oregon Shadow Theatre presents
Great Reads (teens&adults)
Anansi the Spider
February 9 10:30-Noon Morning Book Discussion Group
February 9 1:30-2:30 p.m. Life&Legacy of Abraham Lincoln Ages 5 and up
February 10,24 1-2 p.m. English Chatter Group Tuesday, February 13
7 to 8 p.m., Community Room
February 10 10:30-Noon Computer Class: Basic Word Processing
(teens & adults) The West African trickster Anansi
February 12 2-3:30 p.m. Adult Placement Service the spider is brought to life by shadow
February 13 10:30-Noon Computer Class: Popular Uses of the Web puppeteers Deb Chase and Mick
(teens & adults) Doherty. Watch as Anansi meets a River
February 13 7-8 p.m. SUPER TUESDAY: Oregon Shadow Theatre Goblin, fights a Chimpanzee, and plays a
presents Anansi the Spider(ages 5 and up) trick on his whole village.
February 17 10:30-Noon Computer Class: Email for Beginners —
(teens & adults)
February 19 2-3:30 p.m. Computer Class: Research on the Web
(teens & adults) o
February 22 6:30-8 p.m. Computer Class: Internet for Beginners
(teens & adults)
February 24 10:30-Noon Computer Class: Excel#2 (teen&adults)
February 26 3:30-5 p.m. Kids' Book Club (grades 1-4)
February 27 7-7:30 p.m. Pajama Story Time (ages 0-6)
February 28 7-8:15 p.m. Evening Book Discussion Group
All library programs are free. For more information about programs, These programs made possible in part by
visit wwip.tigard-orgotllibrary. the Ready to bead Grant.
Some library programs require registration. To register,please call 503-684-6537
February 2007 www.tigard-or.gov 503-639-4171 Page 5
City of Tigard PRESORTED STANDARD
t� 13125 SW Hall Blvd. U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
Tigard, OR 97223 PORTLAND,OR
503-639-4171 PERMIT 2528
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Tree Board Recruiting t
New Member
The City of Tigard Tree Board encourages Volunteer
local residents to apply for a current voting
Tree Planters
member position. The Tree Board has been
Needed for:
involved in several successful projects including
the Heritage Tree Program, tree plantings and
changes to the City of Tigard Development ` Tree for All"
Code since it began in 2001. The successful
Saturday, March 10, 2007
candidate will have a passion for trees,project
ideas, and energy to contribute. 9 a.m.to 1 P.M.
The Tree Board meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Derry D@�� Creek
on the second Monday of the month at the
Tigard Library Conference Room. To apply for Meet at the intersection of Genesis Loop
the Tree Board position individuals need to fill and 115`'Avenue for a morning of
out a Citizen Committee Interest application stream restoration, snacks, and fun!fl!
and return it to City Hall by 5 p.m. on Friday, Everyone is welcome.
February 23. CCI applications are available on For more information, please contact
line at www.tigard-orgov/community/volunteer ops Carla Staedter at
or at the City Hall lobby, 13125 SW Hall Blvd. 503-718-2788
For more information about this vacancy or carla@tigard-orgov.
and Tree Board activities, contact Dick
Bewersdorff at 503-718-2432 or dick@tigard-
or.gov.
For further information, call 503-6394171 or visit the city's web site at wwwtigard-orgov.