Cityscape 2008-05 City of Tigard's Official Newsletter
(11TYSCAPE.
•
Mayor's Corner
I'd like to take this opportunity to clear
up any misconceptions regarding the city's Ilylest
use of eminent domain which may have been
created by a recent news story in the Tigard 4th Annual Family Fest: September 11-13, 1008
Times. Contrary to story's headline,the City
of Tigard will not be"seizing"anyone's
property,now or at any time in the future. (ailing All Families, Groups, Friday,September 11 is Family Movie
What the story was reacting to was the city's Teams and Individuals! Night. The Tigard Youth Advisory
announcement that we will use eminent do- The Family Fest Planning Council will host this event; includes
main if necessary to purchase the additional Committee is looking for volunteers to free refreshments during the movie.
right-of-way needed to widen and improve assist with Tigard's 4th Annual Family Children age nine and under will need a
Burnham Street. Fest Celebration coming this fall: chaperone.
All property owners impacted by the September 11, 12 and 13,2008. Saturday,September 13 starts with a
improvements will be compensated at fair We need helpers Saturday, 5K Run/Walk. Runners and walkers
market value as determined by an Inde- September 13 during the 5K Run/
of all ages and abilities are encouraged
pendent appraisal. Authorizing the use of Walk. Tasks include marking the route to participate.This year there will be
eminent domain allows the city to move for runners and walkers,handing out free t-shirts for the first 200 folks who
forward in an efficient manner with property free t-shirts at registration,distributing arrive to run,walk or stroll! At the
purchases and street construction,prevents a water to participants along the path and finish line,enjoy a free breakfast! We'll
property owner from holding up the process recording times at the finish line. provide a ride back to City Hall.
by refusing to negotiate or demanding an un- The committee would like to add Join in a Treasure Hunt through
reasonable price for their property,and also a Night Skate event to highlight the downtown Tigard in the afternoon.
gives the affected property owners certain tax new Jim Griffith Memorial Skate Park. Great prizes will be awarded!
advantages when claiming the income from We're looking for a group to coordinate Pack a picnic dinner and head for
the sale of the property. All these things save this event. the Tigard Library. Enjoy a free magic
the city(and the taxpayer) money and help Family Fest`08 kicks-off Thursday, show and a concert by the Tualatin
the project be completed on schedule and on Valley Community Band.We'll have
budget. When completed,Burnham Street September 11 with an"Un-birthday"
Party in the Community Room at the free ice cream to celebrate the City of
will provide an enhanced street environment Tigard's 47th birthday while you enjoy
with wide sidewalks on both sides "green" Tigard Library. Enjoy a performance
g a spectacular fireworks show
street features,on-street parking,landscaping by perennial kid-favorite B.J.the Clown,
and easy access to Fanno Creek Park and the take part in arts&crafts projects,and Find out why Tigard really is A Place
enjoy free snacks! to(all Home!
future plaza.
If you are looking for a change of All events are free! Visit our
pace,head upstairs to the computer web site at www..tigard-orgov/famiy1 fest
lab and explore your family history or contact Joanne at 503-718-2476 or
/'�f"• with help from genealogy research Joanne@tigard-orgov.
Craig E.Dirksen,Mayor specialists.
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL: MAYOR CRAIG DIRKSEN, GRETCHEN BUEHNER, SYDNEY SHERWOOD, NICK WILSON,TOM WOODRUFF
City of Tigard
Under Construction Vision Clearance Hazards: Protect Yourself and Others
If you've ever tried turning onto a least ten feet above the street grade with
The week of May 5-11 is
Building Safety Week. The city's street and couldn't see past an overgrown tree limbs removed and bushes shaved Building Division will be shrub or tree,you may have encountered a back to leave the right-of-way clear.
ing the new"THINK PERMIT""RMITc- vision clearance hazard. Additionally,to meet vision clearance
standards when a corner is involved,
ro This program is aimed
Pram. s new The vision clearance regulations g P g simply mean the corners of all streets and nothing can be over three feet tall(aside
at providing education regarding the . If there is a
benefits of building permits and in- f k h
from the trunk oa tree driveways must be free of objects that f �
could block the view for motorists and vision clearance hazard on your property,
spections. Appropriate permits and you could be liable for an accidents or
inspections help protect your invest- pedestrians. y
injuries.
ment by ensuring safe construction Vision clearance triangles usually
and quality workmanship. measure 30'x 30'along the street starting For more information on dimensions
from the public right-of-way boundary. for a vision clearance triangle on
For arterial streets or driveway entrances, your property,visit the Planning and
the dimensions may change. Engineering counter,or call 503-639-4171
x2421. You may also review the Tigard
You Can Help Municipal Code regarding Vision Clearance
Please inspect all the way around your regulations at avww..tigard-orgov under section
property. If you have vegetation hanging TMC 18.795.
over the street or sidewalk,it must be at
1
I
I \�
For the Kids! i �•�
Friday,May 9 will be"Birdhouse
Day." Youngsters ten and under
are invited to come in to the Permit
Center between 8 a.m.and 5 p.m. -----------
to build a birdhouse they can take \ Vision Clearance Triangles:
home. Upon completing a permit \. Though the lot shapes are
application,youngsters will be given different,the regulations
a kit and staff will assist in the i remain the same. ------
construction of the birdhouse.Upon
passing inspection,the birdhouse will
be given the stamp of approval for
birds to occupy.
Tips Available
Brochures titled"Building �;,�ap
Green,""Mold-Tips on Prevention wj .,'�3► &{,� ,�
and Control,""Disaster Preparedness 0 04 � +R� V
Tips for Your Home and other TTT///
topics will be available to pick up at .K, 10'above
�.
the building counter in the Permit street 3'maximum,K, w►•. height AND
Center. The Permit Center is located trimmed away
at 13125 SW Hall Blvd.in Tigard. from street and 8'above
g sidewalk. \ sidewalk
Questions? Contact Brian
Blalock at 503-718-2448 or brian@ L i II
tigard-orgov.
Paget www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE
Cityscape Newsletter I&
City Charts aTen-Year
New Places to Play Course for Parks
The large playground cc . The city is updating its Park System
at Cook Park is actually
comprised of two large la a. Master Plan.The updated plan will chart
p g play the course for the city's parks,recreation,
structures,one designed for open space and trails for the next ten years.
younger children and a second, The plan will:
more challenging structure for • Analyze existing operations.
kids ages 5 to 12.
Over the past few months,
• Inventory resources,programs and
the city crews renovated the properties.
play structure for older children • Determine future goals and projects
by replacing decking,installing and corresponding costs.
plastic slides,and adding six — • Identify funding strategies to turn the
new swings. Sand,used for goals and projects into reality.
fall protection on the floor rq
-
of the play area,was replaced u ■
with wheelchair accessible, Share your thoughts on the city's parl<s,
engineered recreation,open space and trails:
wood chips. ■ On-line: By filling out a questionnaire
For a completely new at www.tigard-orgov/psmp.
playground adventure,city climbing wall,a slide and an overhead ■ In person - At any Parl< and Recreation
crews will replace the aging wooden ladder-trek to accompany the existing Advisory Board meeting held on the
play structure at the southeast side of tire-swing. The play structure is geared second Monday of each month at
Springwood Drive in Englewood Park. to kids ages 5 to 12,and construction is 7 p.m.at the Public Worl<s Building,
The new structure will feature a sloped expected to be completed this summer. 8711 SW Burnham Street,Tigard.
It will take about nine months to
complete the update and citizens are
Annual encouraged to get involved in the process
via community focus groups,surveys,
Doeele4s Day Out questionnaires,and workshops. Sometime
in late 2008 or early 2009,the plan will be
Come show off your four-legged friends and enjoy food, festivities considered by the Tigard City Council.
and fun with your fellow dog lovers! Prize categories include For more information or to learn
best trick, obstacle course, owner/dog look alike and a special more about the Park System Master Plan
ribbon for Best in Show! update,visit the city's web site at www..tigard-
orgov/PsV or contact Parks and Facilities
Manager Steve Martin at 503-718-2583 or
WHEN: Saturday, May 17, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. .neve@tigardorgov.
(registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)
WHERE: Cook Park in Tigard Tigard Farmers Market!
(behind the Tigard High School off Durham) * OPENING DAY: Sunday,May 11,
Mother's Day, 9 a.m.to 2 p.m.
COST: $12 registration fee (Register at 503-495-5394 or email * NEw LOCATION: Young's Funeral
lindaCa�lindaeaton.com) Home (11835 SW Pacific Hwy.)
All entrants receive complimentary gourmet dog biscuits * QUESTIONS? Call Market Manager
courtesy of Davidson's Restaurant. Trish Stormont at 503-244-2479.
May 2008 www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 Page
City of Tigard
Spring Cleaning? Tigard to Stage Earthquake Emergency on June 4-5
Bulky Waste Disposal As the saying goes,"practice makes The earthquake drill will test the city's
perfect,"and practicing for emergencies is ability to:
Coupons Available no exception.Tigard,alongwith other local
• Respond to an earthquake-type
Disposing of bulky items just governments,will be staging an emergency disaster.
got a little easier on the pocketbook! earthquake drill
Tigard residents can receive a$37 from 8 a.m. SON L, • Put new tools and equipment into
coupon to offset disposal costs at the to 5 p.m. on g , �G practice.
encard's Emer Tiement l
Hillsboro Landfill or Tualatin Valley Wednesday, s~� �. • Implement g Emergency
Waste Recovery: June 4 and from Consolidated Earthquake Response Plan.
Emergency
8 a.m. to noon Management • Communicate with fellow responders.
Location and Fees: on Thursday,
• Coordinate our response with
Both facilities are located at 3205 June 5. 1�7110�WZGOtF**
participating agencies.
SE Minter Bridge Road in Hillsboro. On these
The coupon will cover the cost • Effectively manage resources such as
of up to one car load of mixed days,residents can expect to see public equipment and personnel.
materials.To obtain the exact cost of works,law enforcement,and emergency �
personnel throughout the city. City facilities Want to be involved. The city
the item(s)you'd like to dispose of, may be temporarily evacuated and there is recruiting volunteers to act as media
contact the Hillsboro Landfill at representatives,evacuees,and victims.
503-640-9427. may be interruptions to city services.
Some Tigard residents will be affected For information or to volunteer,
Accepted items include: by the"practice"earthquake.The city will contact Emergency Management
use its new emergency notificationCoordinator Mike Lueck at 503-718-2593
■ Furniture g Ysystem,
"CodeRED,"to phone these residents in or mikel@tigard-orgou
■ Appliances
advance of the emergency exercise.
■ Box springs/mattresses
■ Passenger car tires
■ Automobile batteries National Drinking Water Week Winning Water Artwork
Celebrate A Precious on Display
Not Acceptable: Resource Thank you to the hundreds of
■ Electronic waste National Drinking Water Week is elementary students who participated
■ Business waste May 4-10.Why not celebrate by taking in this year's Water Conservation
the week to Poster Contest.
■ Food waste
focus on all The winning artwork will be
■ Hazardous and/or medical waste the times and incorporated into the city's 2009 water
This program is made possible ways you use conservation calendar.The contest
by the City of Tigard,Waste water? winners will be announced and their
Management's Hillsboro Landfill, For more artwork will be on display at the
Tualatin Valley Waste Recovery,and than 30 years,the American Water Tigard Public Library during National
Metro Regional Government. Works Association(AWWA) has Drinking Water Week,May 4-10.
Coupons are available on a first- celebrated National Drinking Water
come,first-served basis through Week to recognize the vital role water
May 16 and can be used from plays in our every day lives.
May 19 to May 30. If you're interested in learning
For more information,or to more about your water and how to -
request a coupon,contact Solid Waste conserve it,visit the city's web site at
and Recycling Program Coordinator WWAV.tigard-orgov/rvater,or contact Water
Jennifer Joe at 503-718-2599 or Quality Program Coordinator Jennifer
jennifer@tigard-or.gov. Joe at 503-718-2591 or jennifer@zgard-
orgov.
Page www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE
Cityscape Newsletter
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"" ' " " Presented by Tigard Public Library
Oregon author Nicole Mones' novel The Last Chinese Chef is our first community-wide reading project. Participate in Tigard Reads by reading the
featured book,joining in a book group discussion and attending events based on the theme of China, exploring the country's food, music, history
and customs. Join us at the kickoff event on May 2. Pick up your Tigard Reads Resource Guide and a free copy of the novel while supplies last!
Pajama Story Time Calligraphy Workshop
NY[ Iffil
Tuesday,May 13,7-7:30 p.m.,Puett Room Sunday,May 18,2-3:30 p.m.,Puett Room
Friday, May 2, 7-8 p.m. Ages 0-6 Years Artist Maihwa Frances Li will teach
Library Community Room Wear your jammies to the library for a workshop on Chinese calligraphy
books and more"good night"fun themed to adults and teens.Space is limited.
Join us for Chinese appetizers and around China.Don't forget to bring your Registration is required.Art supplies will
traditional Chinese music by the Portland favorite grown-up and teddy bear! be provided.Please call the Library at
Classical Chinese Trio. Pick up your 503-718-2517 to register.
complimentary copy of the novel Teen Anime Club
The Last Chinese Chef. Thursday,May 15,5-7 p.m. Travel to China with Columbia Crossroads
Community Room,Grades 6 to 12 Wednesday,May 21,2-3 p.m.
Family Story Time Anime,
the Teen Anime Club to watch Community Room
y N nime,draw manga and more! This Cynthia Billette of Columbia
Friday,May 2, 10:30-11 a.m.,Puett Room month we will featurera hic novels
Ages 0-6 Years g p Crossroads Travel will talk about what
about the Chinese-American experience. she has learned about Chinese culture and
Share the community reading For more information,call 503-718-2812. changes in their society during her
experience and bring the whole gang for 21 visits since 1984.
stories and songs themed around China.
Author Visit:
Wednesday,May 7,7-8 p.m.,Puett Room Chinese Rod Puppets
Chinese Tea Talk&Tasting An Eveningwith Nicole Mones
WImages of China: Vignettes&Stories of China
Friday,May 16,7-8:30 p.m.,Community Room Tuesday,May 27,7-8 p.m.,Community Room
Join Daniel Smith of the Tao of Tea es For All A
Nicole Mones speaks about the 9
to learn about cultural background,history
inspiration and writing of her novel, Enjoy the master puppeteers Yugin
and different brewing techniques of tea in The Last Chinese Che.
China. Sample an assortment of teas.Space f Wang and Zhengli Xu of Dragon Art
is limited. Registration is required. Please Studio.
call the Library at 503-718-2517 to register, Art Speaks: Early Chinese Art
or stop by the second floor Reference Desk. Lion Dance&Storytelling Friday,May 30,7-8 p.m.,Community Room
................... Saturday,May 17,2-3 p.m.,Community Room
Join docent Judy Bell from the
Book Discussions Bring the entire family to see a Portland Art Museum for a lecture and
Tuesday,May 13, 10:30 a.m.-Noon traditional Lion Dance performed by virtual tour of the museum's exhibit
Tuesday,May 20,7-8:30 p.m. Portland Lee's Association Lion Dance Mysterious Spirits,Strange Beasts,Earthly
Houghton Room Team. Local storyteller Margaret Eng will Delights: Early Chinese Art from the
Join us for a discussion of delight the audience with Chinese tales. Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Collection.
The Last Chinese Chef.
This program is made possible by a generous donation from the Friends of the Library.
May 2008 www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 Page
& City of Tigard
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News You Can Use — It's Your Neighborhood!
Neighborhood web pages are designed to serve as the Do you want to manage your Area's Web Page?
primary communication tool and information center for Neighborhood web pages are managed by volunteers who
neighborhoods to strengthen connections among neighbors are trained by city staff. Having residents manage pages for
and with the city. their neighborhood ensures information is relevant to their
Check it out! unique interests and issues. Much of the content is provided
Four of Tigard's neighborhood network areas have live
by the city and the web page manager chooses what to post.
If your neighborhood doesn't have a web page yet and you're
web pages! See the map below for links. One area's web page
is in progress and one is under development. interested in learning more,contact Liz Newton at
503-715-2412 or li.Z@tigard-or.gov.
J
Scholls FeM
2
Area 3
P
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I Work in Progress o6G`
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alnut
Area 10
West Tigard
www.tigardarea lO.blogspot.com/
6
www.yourneighbors.blogspot.com/
Gaarde Q'
12
Area 8
WWW.V.gardarea8.blogspot.com/ 7
■ Under Development Lr--Duham
(ooh Park Neighborhood
Work in Progress www.coolcparkneighborhood.blogspot.com/
On Line
Page 6 www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE
Cityscape Newsletter
Library Board Recruiting
Do you want to learn more about RULES of the ROAD: Road Hazards
library operations? Consider applying
.........................................................................................................................................................................
for a position on the Library Board. The Oregon's Rules of the Road the travel lane. A life could be
city is seeking to fill one opening on the
encourage drivers to exercise due lost if an emergency vehicle is
Board by Monday,June 30. Candidates for
care by driving defensively and delayed for even a minute in
this position must live within the Tigard
anticipating problems.But some road reaching its destination.
city limits.
hazards are so dangerous that laws ■ Following emergency vehicles:
The Library Board advises City have been specially devised to address Aggressive drivers sometimes
Council on library policies,budget, them,including: follow ambulances through heavy
facilities,and other needs. The Board traffic trying to take advantage of
s
meets on the second Thursday of each ■ Emergency vehicles on
month at t e se If you are interested highway shoulders: If you're their right-of way. Oregon law
driving on a four-lane highway requires you to allow at least 500
in the opening,please fill out a Citizen feet between our vehicle and an
and see a police vehicle or Y Y
Committee Interest Application and return ambulance on the shoulder with emergency vehicle whose lights
it to Tigard City Hall by Friday,May 30 at its lights activated,you must are activated. At 50 mph,that
5 p.m. Forms are available on-line at move out of the lane next to equals about six seconds.
www..tigard-orgov/volunteer and at City Hall. that vehicle. Ifou can't change Y g ■ Highway work zones: As
For more information,contact Library lanes safely,slow down and allow roadwork increases over the
Director Margaret Barnes at 503-718-2501 plenty of room as you pass. On coming months,drivers need
or margaret@tigard-or.gov. a two-lane highway with traffic to be aware of the dangers
in both directions,you must slow to construction workers and
Friends of Library Book Sale down. Failure to follow this rule themselves in work zones. Traffic
Is a Bestseller is a frequent cause of injuries and flaggers have the legal right
fatalities among police officers. to direct vehicles and initiate
The Friends of the Tigard Library ■ Emergency vehicles on citations against violators.
reported that their recent semi-annual
book sale raised$5,800—a new record! the highway: If there's an Each of the above violations is
emergency vehicle behind you subject to a$250 base fine,though
Friends with its lights or siren activated
President , work-zone violations are subject to
you must pull over to the right double fines. Fines also increase if a
George p p violation contributes to a collision.
and stop until the vehicle asses
Burgess
., you. Be sure to move right on
said that the freeways as well,since the left
d � BY JUDGE MICHAEL J. O BRIEN
group made shoulder may not be wide enough TIGARD MUNICIPAL COURT
more in the to keep your car from blocking
first day of the winter sale than they made
the entire previous sale.
In addition to the record-breaking
sales,the Friends were able to help out "Casino Royale" ��� House Plans Available
Vernonia by donatingleftover school
Join the Tigard Leadership Blueprints or drawings of
books to a Vernonia teacher to help rebuild Institute,on Friday,May 16 at homes built or modified in Tigard
its school library after the flooding in 7 p.m.for an evening of "casino"games, between 2004 and 2005 may be
December. One high school volunteer food and wine. Proceeds will benefit the available. Plans are free and will
who helped clean up after the sale took Good Neighbor Center and the Tigard only be released to the homeowner. '
the remaining kids'books to send to Leadership Institute. : Photo ID will be required at the
Guatemala. Y time of Ick u
WHERE: BMW Motorcycles of Western P� p•
"When we can help both the library Oregon, 12010 SW Garden Place To find out if the city has
and other communities,that's the best :
possible outcome,"said Burgess. For more TICKET PRICE: $50 per person ; your house plans,contact Records
information about the Friends,log on to Raffle tickets available too! • Specialist Lora Garland at 503-718-
2483 or cidyrecords@tigard-orgov.
zvavzvtigard orgov/library/about/fiiendr.arRESERVATIONS: tigardleadercbip@gmail.com ;
or contact Rindy Ranf at 503-639-1656 :
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
May 2008 www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 Page
City of Tigard PRSRT STD
Check Us Out... " 13125 SW Hall Blvd. US Postage
Tigard,OR 97223 PAID
Have you toured the city's web site lately? ' 503-639-4171
There are some new places you might want to visit! Portland,OR
Permit No 2528
Tis the Season for Recreating!
For the latest on Parks and Trees dickhere:
• wwwAigard-or.gov/trees
• www.dgard-or.gov/parks
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Building a Deck this Summer?
Take a look at.
• wwwAigard-or.gov/deck
Business Owners...
View our Commercial Crimes page: City Council Meetings in May
• www.tigard-or.govlpolicelcommercial_crimes Special Council Meeting: Tuesday,May 6 @ 6:30 p.m.,
Time on Your Hands? Tigard Town Hall (13125 SW Hall Blvd.)
Scan... Regular Council Meetings: Tuesdays,May 13,20,27
• www.tigard-or.gov/volunteer @ 6:30 p.m.,Tigard Town Hall (13125 SW Hall Blvd.)
• www.tigard-or.gov/library All meetings are open to the public and agendas are
available on-line at wwaa tigard-orgov/council or contact
Cathy Wheatley at 503-715-2410 or cathy@tigard-or.gov.
Commuter Rail News!
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Commuter Rail Railroad Crossings at WES Commuter Rail: Always expect a train
Main Street and Bonita Road in Tigard TriMet's Westside Express Service Commuter Rail,known
The Commuter Rail will have significant impacts as WES,is scheduled to begin testing trains in early summer.
on intersections at Main Street and Bonita Road. When that happens,all of us need to be alert to ensure safety.
Safety is the major factor being considered in the WES is faster and quieter than the freight trains we are used to
seeing.
final configuration of the railroad crossings on
these two streets. To be safe around WES,keep the following safety tips in
mind.
The commuter trains in some places will be
■ Stop,look, and listen. Trains yarn on any track, at any time, in
traveling at 50 to 60 miles per hour. Because of the
either direction.
new and improved railroad tracks,freight trains
■ Never walk or play on or near the tracks.It is illegal and
will travel at 35 to 40 miles per hour.TriMet and can be deadly.
ODOT Rail Division are extremely concerned
■ Be aware of warning signs and devices.Follow all traffic
about crossings where left-turning vehicles can signs and signals that warn when a train is approaching.
block through-traffic resulting in vehicles being
■ Don't be tempted to try to beat a train. Trains will be
trapped on the tracks. To resolve safety concerns, traveling between 45 and 60 miles per hour
a median was installed on Main Street and a traffic
signal system will be installed at Bonita Road and ■ Don't get stuck on the track.If your vehicle stalls at a crossing,
get out and get away. Call 9-1-1.
74th Avenue.