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Cityscape 2010-03 City of Tigard's Official Newsletter (] 1TYSCAP.F,_ Mayors Corner Renewing Downtown For several years Tigard has aspired to create a In 2026,Downtown Tigard continuous path following the Fanno Creek green- may look quite different than it $0 M 1 way,preserving and protecting the riparian corridor _11.1 !o t does today thanks to the City along the creek and allowing us to build a multi-use Council's adoption of new , trail useful for both recreational and transportation zoning and design standards for purposes. Over time,the city worked to purchase and the Downtown Urban Renewal build portions of this trail as opportunity allowed. Area. On February 4,the Metro Regional Council vot- ed to authorize the purchase of two small properties lead to the development near Grant Street that will move us one step closer to willwell-designed new development of a lively Main Street,home the completion of this trail,using greenspaces bond of and retail shops. as well as addressing existing measure funds. structures within the downtown. Nearby,visitors will be able s This is just a part of Tigard's overall plan to take advantage of excellent transit The code amendments are create a complete community with expanded parks service,walkable streets and safe intended to maximize flexibility and open space,public facilities like the library,a bicycle connections. Future plans in the location of land uses while proposed public plaza,and a transportation system include a new plaza and restored requiring high quality architectural that works. natural areas of Fanno Creek design. That plan includes over$10 million in improve- Park. Many citizens spent months ments to Pacific Hwy. over the next three or four Adopting design standards Forking on the draft code years,and a high capacity transit line for the Barbur/ and new code allows the city to language. Thank you to everyone Pacific Hwy. corridor linking Tigard to downtown implement the vision outlined who participated in the process. Portland and the rest of the region.This corridor is in the Tigard Downtown For more information about very important to the entire Portland metropolitan Improvement Plan.The plan the Downtown Code and Urban area for the transport of both people and freight. calls for a pedestrian-oriented Renewal,contact Sean Farrelly at The challenge will be constructing this transit line downtown which promotes 503-718-2420 or lean@tigard-or.gov. so that it provides service to Tigard and the other communities along its route,without reducing the current highway's capacity.This won't be easy and it Main Street Fat ade Improvement Update will probably take ten years to accomplish,but it can and must be done. The Urban Renewal-funded Main Street Fagade Improvement Together these projects will meet the needs of Program launched in November,2009. Since that time,four Main Tigard residents for the foreseeable future and keep Street businesses have requested and received free architectural design Tigard A Place to Call Home. services. We anticipate a matching grant will be awarded this spring to one or more of these businesses to complete a fagade improvement project.These grants will help revitalize Main Street as a place to shop and do business. Craig E.Dirksen,Mayor TIGARD CITY COUNCIL: MAYOR CRAIG DIRKSEN, GRETCHEN BUEHNER, MARLAND HENDERSON, SYDNEY WEBB, NICK WILSON ACity of Tigard Hot off the Presses! Pedestrian Bridge &Crosswalk Grand Opening Free Bike Tigard Map Join us Tuesday,March 23,at New Bridge Honors Former City The city,with grant assistance 1:30 p.m..as we celebrate the Grand Councilor Tom Woodruff from Metro has developed a Opening of the Woodruff The new pedestrian bridge has been new Bike Tigard map! Printed on Bridge and Hall Boulevard named"Woodruff Bridge"in honor weather-friendly paper,free copies Crosswalk. Hang up your of Tom Woodruff,who served are available at City Hall and the winter coat and kick- on the Tigard City Council from Tigard Library. off an active spring February 2004 to December break by walking, 2008.It is a fitting tribute to The map identifies many low-volume,low-speed streets biking or running Councilor Woodruff's devotion the newest segment `I to connecting citizens with local and local and regional trails in of the Fanno Creek government. Tigard that make good bike and Trail The Woodruff Bridge is an pedestrian routes. Knowing where these trails and low-volume streets This landmark ADA accessible timber structure planning attraction gives residents with cable railing.The boardwalk are located may assist a safer way to travel across leading to the bridge provides an your next adventure. Perhaps you'll discover parts of the city Hall Boulevard to the Tigard Public excellent platform to view wildlife and that you haven't found before! Library. Walkers and bicyclists will be able wetland restoration work. to trek nearly 1.5 miles (from Main Street During his tenure,Mr.Woodruff Order Your Bike Tigard to Fanno Creek Drive)without leaving the served residents not only as a City Map Today Fanno Creek Trail.The new timber bridge Councilor,but as a representative to the For more information,or to and boardwalk connect the existing trail Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, order a map,check out our web from the west side of Hall Boulevard to the the Metropolitan Area Communications site at mxw..tigard-orgov/biketigard new trail on the east. Commission and multiple water agencies, or contact Andrea Consalus at This project was funded through culminating in a partnership between 503-718-2461 or Mike McCarthy Washington County's MSTIP 3 Bike/ Tigard and Lake Oswego for shared long- at 503-718-2462. Pedestrian fund and local funds. term water rights. Tigard staff wishes to thank the great team of citizens who helped identify these routes. With Over the past year,Community Action safety and energy efficiency of their homes. their help,we now have a valuable played a vital role in addressing the causes tool to connect pedestrians and Your Money Supports Your City and conditions of poverty experienced cyclists with excellent paths to by Tigard residents. Community Action More than 150 parents received neighborhoods,parks,schools, works in partnership with the community referrals for quality,affordable child care, shops,transit,and other key to assist low-income people in achieving allowing them to go to work with the destinations around the city. self-determination. confidence that their children were in good hands. Community Action's Head Statistics are Astonishing and Inspiring Start Program helped prepare 124 Tigard The agency helped keep the heat children for success in school.Access to and lights on in 1,262 Tigard homes by prenatal care and parenting support was providing emergency energy assistance. provided to 107 uninsured,low-income Eighty-eight Tigard families were able Tigard mothers to support the healthy birth to avoid homelessness by receiving of their babies. emergency rent assistance.Housing In 2009,there were 2,412 contacts stabilization support or emergency shelter made by Tigard residents seeking support kept 25 Tigard families from living on the from Community Action's information t ' street. Thirty-three households received and referral line to a range of social and information on conserving energy and health services. If you would like to learn reducing heating bills. An additional more about this valuable agency and their 18 homes received comprehensive services,visit www..communityaction4u.org. weatherization services to improve the Paget www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE Newsletter -- Cityscape Great ectation United States(,) he Tigard Library Ys at g What is a Strategic Plan? For the library it is a roadmap for our Cen future, a crystal ball in print. At two community meetings last fall, residents and library staff discussed how the Library can best serve the community during the 2010 next five years. The result: Great Expectations—A Novel Approach to Tigard's Future. Tigard Can Make a Difference! The plan focuses on four key areas: Census Data is Powerful Plan(TSP)which uses Census data * Know Your Community; Tigard has a lot to gain by ensuring to determine future transportation * Connect to the Online World; an accurate count. We are directly options. * Stimulate Imagination; and impacted by Census data.Here's how: • For a list of 50 ways we use Census • Accurate data is crucial in data,visit wwx..tigard-orgov/census. * Learn to Read and Write. apportioning seats in the U.S.House Did You Know... Library staff have developed of Representatives and deciding goals to transform each of these how money is allocated for projects Tigard contains two block groups determined by the Census to be"hard-to- categories into substantive like new hospitals and schools. rams and services to help the count.' As is true in many communities, programs p • The remodel of the Tigard Senior the hard-to-count areas generally follow community thrive in the coming Center was partially funded by two the city's major transportation routes years. Community Development Block Interstate 5 and Highway 217.There Examples include introducing Grants (CDBG). Census data was are twelve variables used to determine used to compute the number of new technologies, encouraging 1' hard-to-count areas,including population newcomers to use the library; seniors living within the centers below poverty level,linguistically isolated, service area of Tigard and King renter-occupied,etc.Typically,the hardest and offering classes and further programs City. Census cross-tabulations were population to count is males age 18-24. to enhance literary an used to determine household size individuals' educational goals. and income level,more specifically, It's Important! Copies of the strategic plan will be the number of senior-headed Every year more than$400 billion in the Library beginning in mid- households below moderate in federal funds are awarded to states March. income level.The city was required and communities based on Census data; to provide this data in order to that's more than$4 trillion over a 10-year document eligibility for CDBG period. funding. Watch Your Mailbox • Based on Census data,the city has Bottom line,the Census is important. applied for and received CDBG Please take a moment to complete the grant funds for sidewalks and brief questionnaire and encourage your - associated improvements within neighbors to do the same. several areas. For more information about the • Census data is used often in Census in Tigard,contact Marissa Daniels planning projects.A recent example at 503-718-2428 or marissa@tigard-orgou is the Tigard Transportation System PHOTO CREDIT: Sally Schoolmaster March 2010 www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 Page 3 it City of Tigard RULES of the ROAD: DRIVING WHILE DISTRACTED Since January 1st,the use of and both end zones during that time. has a clear advantage over one handheld cell phones while driving has Nationally,texting is a factor in about involved in a cell phone conversation: been illegal in Oregon. The new law 3 percent of crashes each year. Given the passenger can help the driver adapt assumes that the margin of safety is the extreme risks,it's likely that rest of to changing conditions. Studies show improved by leaving both hands free to the U.S.will soon join Oregon and a that talking to a passenger is much less grip the steering wheel. Based on my few other states that already prohibit dangerous than even a hands-free cell own unscientific survey,it appears that texting while driving. phone conversation. most drivers are in compliance. A ban on texting is a no-brainer. While Oregonians can lawfully use Cell phone use is only one of But is a hands-free cell phone actually cell phones with a hands-free device, many distractions that reduce driver safer than the handheld variety? the convenience of this form of awareness,causing an estimated 6,000 Almost certainly not,according to communication may not be worth the fatalities nationwide in 2008. Others national studies. Drivers on cell serious risk it creates for everyone on include text messaging,drowsiness, phones,whether handheld or hands- the highways. playing CDs,eating,tinkering with free,are four times more likely to [Sources—FYI.- National Safety radios and talking with passengers. be involved in a collision than other Council,National Highway Traffic Safety Of these distractions,text drivers. Cell phone use is a factor in Administration] messaging is the most dangerous. On 25 percent(1.4 million) of all crashes average,drivers take their eyes off the each year,causing thousands of deaths By JUDGE MICHAEL J. O'BRIEN road for five seconds to make each and injuries and an economic cost of TIGARD MUNICIPAL COURT entry. At freeway speeds,a vehicle $43 billion. travels the length of a football field A driver talking with a passenger Announcing Tigard Safety Town: Tigard Shines in OR Check (Two Sessions: June 21–July 1 and July 6–July 16) Periodically the Oregon Liquor Control What is Safety Town? Tigard Safety Town is a 9-day session that Commission (OLCC)performs compliance teaches children about safety through the use of speakers,puppets,films,art checks among Tigard area businesses to ascertain projects,music and hands-on activities such as riding through our own Safety their compliance regarding the sale of alcohol to Town! Children learn about bicycle,pedestrian,home, minors. fire,electrical,personal safety and more. In the latest check,33 establishments were Who is eligible to participate? Children born visited by a pair of OLCC inspectors and an between September 1,2003 to January 1,2006. 0 eighteen year-old male acting as a decoy,as No EXCEPTIONS. 0 well as two Tigard Police Officers. The result? Tigard businesses scored an impressive 97 REGISTRATION INFORMATION: STOP percent compliance. This nearly perfect score significantly surpassed the dismal 30 percent • Saturday,April 10,2010 at Tigard CityHall, 13125 SW Hall Blvd. compliance results obtained in a similar sweep in • 9 a.m. for Tigard residents (97223,97224) and 9:45 a.m. for non-residents. 2009. • Registration Fee: $60 (Each additional sibling$55) The Tigard Police Department credits • The child's legal guardian must be present at registration and bring: the dramatically improved score to increased 1) Child's valid birth certificate (no substitutions!) education,enforcement and awareness. Efforts 2) Proof of address to combat underage drinking continue through 3)Medical insurance policy number and medical information partnerships with the school district and 4)Name and phone number of child's doctor involvement in programs which promote healthy and substance-free lifestyles amongst youth. Safety Town will be held at Mary Woodward Elementary School. For more information,contact Jim Wolf at Questions? Contact Kristin at 503-579-0269 or kristin921@hotmail.com. 503-718-2561 orjim@tigard-or.gov. Page www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE Cityscape Newsletter A Love Your Irrigation System? Shine a Light on aGood Deed Test its Backflow Prevention Device! Tigard's City Council believes it is No in-ground lawn irrigation assembly tester. State law authorizes important to recognize and honor those system is complete without an discontinuing water service to premises who make our community A Place To Call approved backflow for failure to conduct Home. If you know someone who has prevention device. the required testing. dedicated their time and energy to making This important ATTENTION: More Tigard a wonderful place to live,work and device prevents information about play,nominate them today! or stagnant potentially All Tigard Water Service Area g p y customers with irri ation backflow testing and The Exemplary Citizenship Award contaminated water g a list of companies is presented to those who have made from being drawn systems will be required that offer testing positive contributions to our city and back into our drinking to have their backflow services are available neighborhoods over the past year. Winners water supply. This prevention device tested by on the city's web will be honored during the Tigard Chamber annual test is typically June I, 2010. site at www.tigard- of Commerce annual Shining Stars performed before an orgov/backflow or by Community Awards Banquet on April 16, irrigation system is contacting Cross 2010. turned on in the spring. ' Connection Control Log on to wwww,tigard-orgov/award for the To ensure these A` ' � � Specialist Hung application. Nominations will be accepted devices are workingNguyen at 503-718- � y until 5 p.m. on March 15,2010. For more properly,Oregon 4 2603 or hung@tigard- information,please contact Liz Newton, law requires annual "' orgov. 503-718-2412,li.Z@tigard-orgov or Dianna testing by a state- Weston at 503-718-2402,diannaw@tigard- certified backflow orgov. Homeowners: You Play an Important Role Parks News! Landscape for Safety The city owns six tracts of The city asks all residents to ensure hydrants to allow fire personnel to undeveloped parkland. One of the largest that there is easy access to fire hydrants connect hoses and operate hydrant is Cach Park at and water meters located on their valves.A minimum clearance of two a little over 20 property.In the event of a fire, feet is required around water acres. r it is crucial that emergency meter boxes and there Located on responders are able to must be a clear,direct the westernmost identify and access fire path from the street boundary of hydrants. Easy access to to the meter. the city,this our water meter enables cr a�,� y �` The site includes citystaff to perform p responsibility of the Cach Creek repairs,provide routine maintaining the areas Nature Park and maintenance,and read near hydrants and water other properties meters in a quick and efficient meters belongs to the property acquired since the 1999 Parks Master manner. owner, so please check to see that your Plan. Land was purchased from the Cach Many hydrants and water meters water meter and neighborhood fire and Clute families,using funds from the throughout the community are hydrant are accessible to your service 1996 Metro Bond Measure and city park obscured or are difficult to access providers. funds,with the intention of developing a because of overgrown vegetation, For more information,contact community park that offers a wide variety fencing,landscape walls,and other Mater Operations Supervisor,Sam of amenities. obstacles.A minimum clearance of Morrison at samm@tigard-orgov or 503- The development of this park can take three feet is required around fire 718-2600. place after a water reservoir is placed on the property. March 2010 www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 Page 5 k City of Tigard Help is on the Way New Burnham Street Watch for Improvements to Pacific Hwy. Project Goes Green! The city is working to finalize plans • Landscaping to improve the look of The City of Tigard and Kodiak for a major construction project on this central area of our community Pacific Construction are committed Pacific Hwy.where it intersects The project will be to sustainable design and construction with Hall Boulevard, advertised for practices. Here are a few examples Greenburg Road competitive bids from the New Burnham Street project: and Main Street. in March,with �Ik Naturally landscaped areas provide As a result construction onsite stormwater treatment, commuters will anticipated to improve water quality and protect find improved start in May. local streams. traffic flow and Most of the safety at these - work will be done at Burnham Street sidewalks and intersections. pedestrian amenities make walking night in order to minimize traffic disruption,but some congestion is an attractive alternative to driving. Project highlights include: inevitable due to high traffic volume. • Connections to the Commuter • A third lane on Pacific Hwy.through Rail station in downtown both intersections to move traffic on Funding for this project comes from the city's gas tax,the county's Major Streets Tigard encourage use of public Pacific Hwy. Transportation Improvement Program transportation. • Additional turn lanes on the side Phase 3,and state gas tax revenues. • Innovative design and streets for more efficient intersection construction features promote operation The city is working with Washington County,ODOT,and WHPacific to sustainability: • Better roadway geometry for construct this project.Mike McCarthy ✓ Sidewalk construction avoided improved safety will serve as the city's project manager. removal of several large trees. • Sidewalks and bike lanes to improve Mike can be contacted at 503-718-2462 or mobility and safety for pedestrians mikem@tigard-orgov. Cleared trees are recycled as wood and cyclists chips forpaper or "hog fuel"for the generation of electricity. ✓ Old asphalt is recycled and reused in Hang a Left When You're Ready... new asphalt mixes. You've probably seen the newer county roads (such as Scholls Ferry Road), ✓ Wlood from the only Sequoia removed `flashing-yellow-arrow'left turn signals. and state highways (Pacific Hwy. seas recycled into a bench to be placed A flashing yellow arrow and Hall Blvd). This will mean in the upgraded Ash Street Dog allows you to legally(and drivers no longer have to wait cautiously) turn left when there is at a red arrow when there Park. is no oncoming traffic. Of a gap in opposing traffic. Recent g pilot projects have shown these course,drivers still need to signals allow drivers to turn left exercise normal caution when sooner while still maintaining a they are making a left turn good level of safety. with a flashing yellow arrow. The City of Tigard,in Conversion of these conjunction with Washington traffic signals should occur in March. This project County and ODOT,is installing many of these new flashing- Coming Soon: is funded by American Flash signals Recovery and Reinvestment yellow-arrow signals throughout the city at intersections that Act(ARRA) funds. have met the required criteria. If you have questions,please contact Project Manager Mike McCarthy at 503- Flashing Yellow Coming Soon 718-2462 or mikem@tigard-or.gov. They will be installed on city arterials (such as Durham Road and 72nd Avenue), Page www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE Cityscape Newsletter C cr,I ebb r a t ek Shelf 1,4r Lmife lleen -lechlkreek Dews from the Tigard Library 13500 SW Hall Blvd. Button Making:How Much Flair Do You Dare? Saturday,March 6,2-4 p.m.,Puett Room MINDS AT PLAY: GAMING @ THE TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY Join us for an afternoon of social button- A world of games awaitsyou at the Tigard Public Library. We just won a State Librarygrant making.Bring your own images or pick from to bringyou more!Expect to seegame events of all kinds for all ages, including videogames, trivia our selection. challenges,murder mysteries, board games and more. Teen Movie-Making Project Gaming Open House TGF (Teen Game Fest) Sunday,March 7,1-5 p.m.,Conference Room Saturday,March 13 and March 20 Thursday,March 18 Write it,film it and edit it in this afternoon 11 a.m.—1 p.m. • Library Lobby 5-7 p.m. * workshop.Using mini cameras,two teams Curious patrons of all ages can drop by Community Room will create mini films for the Library.Space is the Library lobby to try out Wii Sports TGF n. limited,so registration is required.Call 503- and Guitar Hero games. Experienced 1.A gathering of 684-6537 or stop by the Children's orYoung gamers: Come show off your gaming teens to play Dance Adult Desk to save your place. prowess. Find out more about the Dance Revolution, TPL Sing-Along Blog gaming series in the Library.Roll a strike Guitar Hero,Wii games,bingo,Twister Thursday,March 11,5-7 p.m.,Community Room in Wii Bowling to win a donut while and other gaming devices. 2.A place supplies last! with plenty of snacks. 3.A program Teen Library Council presents another Minds at Play is supported in Whole orpart by the often featuring a special theme with magnificent Teen Tech Week celebration with special guests from our BookTRON book group! Institute of Museum and Library Servicer througb the crafts and activities. Library Services and Technology Act,administered by Join us for a sing-along and a lip-synching the Oregon State Libra y. competition.Bring your favorite music(on CD please),perform for your peers and Simplifying Your Garden Strong Medicine: show off your talents.Pop or rock star attire for Easier Care Bethenia Owens-Adair, encouraged,but not required.The most divine diva or dashing crooner wins a prize!Group Wednesday,March 10,3-5 p.m. Pioneer Physician Community Room Sunday,March 7,2-4 p.m., performances are welcome. Localarden designer Barbara Community Room Teen Pizzine(Pizza&Zine) g infemationaf Blossom Ashmun will explain Observe International women's pay Saturday,March 13,Noon-1:30 p.m.,Puett Room how to garden sensibly into your Women's Day by learning Munch on pizza while you help create the retirement years. about a trailblazing pioneer who became one of WinterTeen Zine.Bring book review ideas, Oregon's first women doctors. artwork and your creative juices. Book Group Social Wednesday,March 31,7-8:30 p.m.Community Room Librarians will share book talks,book lists,news about the latest great books,tips Tigard Maps Demonstration and tricks for running book groups and online and library resources for your group. Wednesday,March 10,7-8 p.m. Then meet,eat,mingle and talk about books and book groups with fellow enthusiasts. Houghton Room(Library 2nd Floor) Refreshments!Prizes! Need to look up property information about your house? Learn Oregon Symphony Story Times about crime in your neighborhood? Saturdays,March 6,13,20,27,2-3 p.m.Community Room,Ages 6 and under See which businesses are located The Oregon Symphony is coming to the Library for four interactive,musical story in your area? Join us as we explore times! Each week will feature a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will the City of Tigard's online mapping share books,music,instruments and fun musical crafts.Madepossible by agenerousgrant program. from the Cultural Coalition of Washington County. March 2010 www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 Page 7 City of Tigard PRSRT STD Did You Know... " 13125 SW Hall Blvd. US Postage 7223 PAID 9 O , R Reservations for Cook Park and Summerlake Park picnic ' ' TTigard, R 9 shelters can be made online. Reservations are accepted for 71 Portland,OR events that occur between March 29—September 30. Use Permit No 2528 the online system and receive a$5 discount on the rental fee. It's easy and available 24-hours a day.Log on now to www.tigard-orgovlcommunity/parks to reserve space for your outdoor adventure! POSTAL CUSTOMER March Council Meetings: Location:Tigard Town Hall(13125 SW Hall Blvd.) ■ March 9: Cancelled ■ March 16: Rescheduled to March 30 Need more help? Contact staff Monday through Friday, • March 23 and March 30 @ 6:30 p.m. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.at the Tigard Public Works Building located at All meetings are open to the public. Council agendas are 8777 SW Burnham Street,or by phone at 503-718-2641 or available online at wwsutigard-orgov/council or contact email at parkres@tigard-or.gov. Cathy Wheatley at 503-718-2410 or catby@tigard-or.gov. Tigard Partners Being Prepared Neighborhood Sign up Now for Free CERT Training Network Open House a Success We've all seen images from the begins March 2,2010. Go to devastation in Haiti.While emergency wwwtigard-or.gov/cert and sign up online Thank you Tigard residents and response agencies desperately or call Mike Lueck at 503-718-2593. friends who stopped by the annual need help,many The Tigard Neighborhood Network Open House volunteers may CERTro ram on February 6. be turned away C} offers esidents an Volunteers and staff representing because they aren't opportunity to learn Neighborhood Network Blogs,CERT, trained,prepared valuable skills necessary the US Census,Tigard Police,Tigard or organized. 4' to support their family Turns the Tide Consortium and more, RESPONSE TEAMWhen disaster and neighborhood in visited with almost 100 residents to strikes the City an emergency. Training answer questions and share information of Tigard and Washington County, includes a wide variety of topics, on a program designed to strengthen professional first-responders and including small fire suppression, connections between neighbors and community members rely on the disaster medical activities,light with City Hall. dedicated and highly-trained members emergency search and rescue activities Want to learn more about the of Tigard's Community Emergency and more. Neighborhood Network? Log Response Teams (CERT). Your skills could be invaluable to onto the city's web site at wwzvtigard- Class Begins Soon! professional first responders in large orgov/neigbborboodwhere you'll find scale events. information,discover community Sign up now for free emergency resources,and explore opportunities to response training. The next class get involved.