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Cityscape 2011-03 City of Tigard's Official Newsletter (] 1TYSCAP.F,_ Md Mayor's Corner Taxpayers Save Big with Bond Rating Every March,a delegation of Tigard officials received With the new bond local elected officials makes the trek to great news on the rating in place,Tigard sold Washington,DC to meet with Congressional $17 million Parks Bond: a the$17 million Parks leaders. new bond rating which will Bonds on January 25 With representatives from Metro,the yield Tigard taxpayers a and on the same day, region's three counties and several local savings of$1,421,093. took offers to refinance cities,our goal is to advocate for local issues In January,bond the city's only other and especially for federal funding for key rating agencies (Moody's and voter-approved bond,the regional transportation projects. Standard and Poor's) conducted remaining twelve years and$9 Tigard's City Council is able to take a thorough review of Tigard's million on the Library Bond. advantage of the timing of this event(along parks projects,local economy,city In the ballot,it was stated that with the National League of Cities annual finances and management policies the Parks Bond would cost$0.29 per conference) to get double the bang for and practices and increased Tigard's $1,000 of assessed value in the first our travel dollar. We have an opportunity credit rating. We received a two-level year of the 20-year bond repayment. to campaign Congress for transportation increase from Moody's to"Aa2" For the owner of a$207,000 home, dollars for Tigard and the Portland Metro and for the first time,a rating from the total cost was estimated at area,but more importantly,we get to meet Standard and Poor's to"AA"which approximately$60 per year.Based on with our counterparts from around the is equal to Moody's rating. Last year, the actual bond sale,the cost will be nation to receive valuable training and bonds with an Aa2 rating paid a half $0.275 per$1,000 of assessed value information and share successful policies a percent less on interest than Al or about$57 per year for the same and programs with one another. bonds. City Manager Craig Prosser $207,000 home.Although that might said,`A city's bond rating is the only not seem like much,it represents a In the past,these trips have resulted independent third-party`report card' savings of $1,421,093 over the 20- in Tigard receiving funding that's helped on a city's finances.To receive an year repayment period. us achieve improvements to Pacific increase in our rating in this economy The refinancing of the Library Highway and our Downtown.Without our recognizes the city's solid fiscal policy, Bond results in a 7.44 percent net involvement,the attention we receive and direction and management practices." present value of savings over the the influence we exercise would go to others The report from Standard and current bond.With this award,Tigard who do make the effort. Poor's referenced the city's"strong property taxpayers will save$863,289 Being part of the National League of financial policies and practices." Last over the remaining twelve years of Cities gives us a voice at the national level year,faced with slowing revenues due the Library Bond. and allows our region's views to influence to the recession,Tigard implemented When you combine the savings, national policy. a six percent budget cut. The city's Tigard is able to save property resolve to make necessary fiscal taxpayers$2,284,382 over the next 20 decisions is also highlighted in the years based on the bond sale results. Craig E.Dirksen,Mayor report. TIGARD CITY COUNCIL: MAYOR CRAIG DIRKSEN, GRETCHEN BUEHNER, MARLAND HENDERSON, NICK WILSON, MARC WOODARD ACity of Tigard Tigard Police Focus on Safe and Happy Youth The Tigard Police designed to provide Tigard Crime Analyst Department is committed a safe,educational Receives Award to building and reinforcing , environment to help Tigard Police positive relationships 0 M kids avoid gangs and Department Crime among Tigard's youth and �+ drugs. Analyst Gayla the community. Here are P�� • Police Cadets:The Shillitto received a few of the ways Tigard Police Cadet Program the Outstanding Police are helping Tigard's is an opportunity for Service Award from kids navigate the challenges young men and women the Lake Oswego Police of youth: ages 16-20 to learn Department at their Annual Awards • School Resource about careers in law Banquet in January. She earned Officers:There is enforcement.Log on the award for her assistance in the an officer assigned to every school to avaviv.tigard-orgov/police for details. investigation of a series of pharmacy in the city.These police officers robberies in Tigard and surrounding P • Tigard Youth Advisory Council: urisdictions. Her ex ertise was provide a positive role model for An official advisory group recognized P children while supporting prevention by the Tigard City Council to provide instrumental in the arrest of the two and educational programs aimed at suspects involved in a substantial P g information and recommendations number of armed robberies. deterring youth from committing to Council regarding the city's youth. crimes. The Youth Advisory Council provides • The DARE Program:Since 1991, opportunities to empower,improve Free Shred Event Drug Abuse Resistance Education has and connect the lives of Tigard's Sponsored by Tigard Police in helped fifth grade students find ways youth. Partnership with Pride Recycling to say"no"to drugs and peer pressure • Peer Court: Run by youth for youth, ■ When: Saturday,April 16, by focusing on consequences,positive it provides first-time offenders with 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until truck choices and friendship.DARE to be an alternative to the juvenile justice reaches capacity GREAT Summer Camp provides system.Program statistics place positive activities for more than 500 re-offend rates at only one percent. ■ Where:Tigard City Hall parking kids between ages 9-13. There is no In 2010,youth offenders completed lot(13125 SW Hall Blvd.,Tigard) charge to attend,and it's available to more than 1,400 hours of community ■ Why:To have your confidential all kids who apply. service for Tigard. or sensitive documents destroyed • The GREAT Program: Since 1996, • Women's Self-Defense Classes: free of charge by a Pride Recycling Gang Resistance Education and Self-defense classes for women ages mobile shredding truck Training has reached more than 1,700 12 and up teach basic self-defense ■ What else: Consider bringing students between fourth and sixth techniques to empower women. along a non-perishable food item grades by encouraging them to stay to donate to the Tigard St.Vincent away from gangs,drugs and violence. dePaul food pantry serving hungry Students learn about conflict Tigard area residents resolution,anger management, Reminder: Check the web at zvavay.tigard-orgov/police positive choices,communication,and Applications will be accepted for more information and other ways ways to combat peer pressure and until Sunday,March 20th for to help reduce crime or improve on gangs. the spring Tigard Citizen's Police your safety. • TOGA After-School Programs: Academy. Tigard Organized GREAT Activities is a partnership between Tigard Police and the Boys and Girls Club aimed Save the Date' at providing Twality and Fowler A prescription drug"take-back" Middle School students with positive event on Saturday,April 30th... after-school activities.Activities More details to follow in the include homework help, sports,arts April edition. .))))AVP_ &crafts,field trips and more,all Paget www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE Cityscape Newsletter Announcing Tigard Safety Town: A Day in the Life of... (Two Sessions: June 21—July 1 and July 5—July 15) City Manager Craig Prosser What is Safety Town? Tigard Safety Town is a nine-day event that teaches Tigard has the Council/Manager children about safety through the use of speakers,puppets,films,art projects, form of government.In this system, music and hands-on activities like riding through our own Safety Town! Children the City Manager is the administrative learn about bicycle,pedestrian,home,fire,electrical,personal safety and more. head of the city,responsible to the City Council who serves as the"Board of Who is eligible to participate? Children born between Directors."Council sets policy,and September 1,2004 to January 1,2007. ' gTpp the City Manager implements Council No EXCEPTIONS. directives. REGISTRATION I often view my job as similar to that of an orchestra leader. Council • Saturday,April 16,2011 (Re gistralion location to be determined) provides the score,and I am responsible • 9 a.m. for Tigard residents (97223,97224) and 9:45 a.m. - for making sure that all the instruments for non-city residents. keep the beat and the tempo,balance • Registration Fee: $65 (Each additional sibling$60) Cash or check only. their efforts,and operate in harmony • The child's legal guardian must be present at registration and bring: to create beautiful music.I need to 1) Child's valid birth certificate (no substitutions!) encourage those lagging behind and 2) Proof of address tone down those who get too far ahead 3)Medical insurance policy number and medical information of the rest of the organization. 4)Name and phone number of child's doctor I also spend a lot of time working with our regional partners to advance Safety Town will be held at Mary Woodward Elementary School. Tigard's goals,remove obstacles to our For more information visit www.tigardsafetytown.com success,and encourage actions that move us and our partners forward in a positive manner. 2011 Tree Stewardship Awards Finally,I am available to citizens Nominate Someone Today! The Tigard City Council will who encounter problems.My preference Do you know a deserving select the winners.Nomination is to resolve problems at first point individual,business,or forms are available at www. of contact,but occasionally problems organization that contributes tigard-or.gov/trees or need to be brought to my attention. to our city's urban forest? at the Tigard Permit When they are,I look into the issue to Honor their contribution to Center(13125 SW Hall see what can be done. Sometimes the the beauty and long-term Blvd.).Photographs, problem can be resolved and sometimes health benefits of a tree-rich plans,newspaper it cannot,but we always try to work urban forest by nominating clippings and other with our citizens in a courteous and them for a Tree Stewardship items are welcome. respectful manner. Award. Entries will be judged This is a fun and challenging job. on their impact,quality, Sometimes it feels like herding cats,but Eligible projects innovation and adherence most of the time it is very rewarding. It Protection and preservation of to sound tree management is especially gratifying to see a job well trees during construction practices. done,and to see long-term efforts like the search to secure a long-term water Outstanding landscape design that Deadline incorporates trees source for Tigard,improving Burnham P Nominations are due at 5 p.m.,Friday, Street,reducing congestion on Pacific Tree-related project or program March 18,2011.Winners will be honored Highway and acquiring parkland come planned or implemented by youth at an April City Council meeting. to fruition. A donor's generous support and/or If you have questions,contact Questions or comments? Email sponsorship of community forestry Planning Assistant Tim Lehrbach at craig@tigard-orgov. projects 503-718-2804. March 2011 www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 Page 3 City of Tigard RULES of the ROAD: OREGON TRAFFIC LAW 101 The compilation of laws known Fines are heavily regulated by state law, Anyone charged with a violation as the Oregon Vehicle Code sprawls even in county and municipal courts. or crime has a constitutional right across 772 pages of fine print,not For example,the minimum base fine to plead"not guilty"and have a trial counting 73 pages of index. Many of $287 for running a stop sign is set before an impartial judge or jury. Oregon judges become familiar by statute,as are the highest and lowest Trials for violations are conducted by with the Code during their careers, fines. Some traffic violations can have a judge and the accused has a right to especially the 50-page chapter entitled serious consequences in addition to a be represented by a lawyer at his or her "Rules of the Road for Drivers." fine. Speeding at 100 mph or faster, own expense. Because their liberty is The bulk of the Code addresses for instance,can result in an automatic at risk,persons accused of crimes are a wide range of technical subjects like 30-day license suspension in addition entitled to a trial by jury and a court- equipment requirements,vehicle titles to the$1,000 minimum fine. appointed lawyer if unable to afford and registration,license suspensions, Traffic crimes are subject to a fine, one. Anyone convicted of a crime or insurance requirements,and weight jail time,lengthy license suspensions violation also has the right to appeal to limitations for commercial vehicles. and probation. These include DLIII, a higher court. The Code also establishes two classes Reckless Driving,Failure to Perform For more information,visit the of vehicle offenses: violations and the Duties of a Driver("Hit and court's website at:uww..tigard-orgov/ crimes. Run") and Attempting to Elude a court. Violations are subject to a fine and, Police Officer. These offenses carry in some cases,license suspensions. maximum penalties of a year in jail and BY JUDGE MICHAEL J. O'BRIEN a$6,250 fine. TIGARD MUNICIPAL COURT 'Bike Tigard'Map Available Pedestrians and Cyclists Have a New Voice Are you interested in discovering the Last year the city established trails and less traveled streets that make a new subcommittee to provide for great biking We'd like to hear from you g g advice and guidance on issues in Tigard? Then affecting pedestrians and cyclists. If you're interested in walking you need the Bike An offshoot of the Transportation and cycling issues,the Pedestrian Tigard map! Advisory Committee,the and Bicyclist Subcommittee The map Pedestrian and Bicyclist would like to hear from you. helps you find Subcommittee not only provides Meetings are open to the public. bike-friendly advice,but also seeks to promote Join us on the third connections to walking and cycling as a form of Thursday of each month, neighborhoods,parks,schools,shops, recreation and transportation. 5 to 6:30 p.m. transit and key destinations around the Red Rock Creek Conference city. It's great for planning commutes Subcommittee's current tasks g p g include: Room,Tigard City Hall, recreational rides,family outings,and 13125 SW Hall Blvd. even walking and running routes. • Addressing gaps and key Free copies are available at city connections in the city's —------------------------------- pedestrian and bicycle transportation system offices,the Tigard Public Library and • Developing community-building events several local businesses. To request a map,visit • Creating programs to help kids acquire walking"smarts"and cycling wtvzv.tigard-orgov/biketigard or contact skills Sr.Administrative Specialist Diane For more information,contact staff liaison and Senior Project Engineer Jelderks at 503-718-2465. Mike McCarthy at 503-718-2462 or mikem@tigard-orgou Page www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE Cityscape Newsletter A • � Mystified by Mapping Springtime 2011 Legislative Session Technology? Tigard Trivia Although Tigard residents Let Tigard's mapping experts help are represented by 13 unique you unravel the mystery.Join Preston March is neighborhoods,we all share a voice and Nate from the city's Geographic a magnificent in the Oregon Legislature.In the Information System (GIS) Section on month for current legislative session,we're Tuesday,March 15, 7-8 p.m.in the blooming flower represented by State Senator Ginny Grace T.Houghton Room on the 2nd bulbs. Have Burdick and State Representative Floor at the Tigard Library. you seen the city's official flower? Margaret Doherty. You'll get a guided tour of Tigard Maps! That's right,Tigard has an official Sen.Burdick was first elected to flower.It's called the Tigard Daffodil the Oregon Senate in 1996 and was �Ik Learn how to look up property and and it was registered with the Royal recently elected by her peers to serve permit information Horticultural Society in 1975 by as President Pro Tempore of the Learn about crime in your G.E.Mitsch representing the Tigard Oregon Senate. Sen.Burdick chairs neighborhood Garden Club. the Senate Committee on Finance View current and historic aerial Bulbs were planted in front of and Revenue. She's working to make photos the current City Hall and Permit Oregon's finance system more stable Center and at the home of (then) and adequate to sustain education, View natural hazards in your area Mayor Wilbur Bishop. Legend has health care,economic health and No computer experience is it that a voracious mildew destroyed public safety.She is also a member necessary! Come to watch,or bring the bulbs at City Hall. If you know of the Senate Rules Committee and your laptop and follow along using the of any surviving specimens,give the Consumer Protection&Public library's Wi-Fi. Joanne a call at 503-718-2476. Affairs Committee. Rep.Margaret Doherty was elected to the Oregon House of Help Wanted for grants,neighborhood beautification Representatives in November 2010 West Tigard funds and more. following a 2009 appointment to Neighborhood Network Area Even better,the amount of time serve out the remainder of former 13 (West Tigard)is looking for a it takes to get involved is far less than Rep. Galizio's term when he resigned. web administrator. Do you like you would expect. Many citizens will recognize Rep. knowing what's happening in your Doherty from her service on the neighborhood? Are you eager to Committee for Citizen Tigard Planning Commission and share what you know? Why not try Involvement Transforms her 10-plus years of volunteering at blogging for your neighborhood area? On January 25,2011,the Tigard the library.Rep.Doherty serves as Contact Joanne at 503-718-2476 for City Council adopted Resolution vice-chair for the House Committee details. No. 11-02 which changed the name on Business&Labor and is on the Steering Committees— and mission of the Committee House Committee on Health Care. Make lem work for your for Citizen Involvement to the Both Legislators are easily neighborhood! Neighborhood Involvement accessible and welcome the Committee. Members approved new opportunity to hear from Did you know an integral part of bylaws and membership guidelines constituents. Sen.Burdick can be the Neighborhood Network Program that encourage participation in the reached in Salem 503-986-1718 or by is the steering committee? Once Neighborhood Network program email at sen.ginnyburdick@state.or.us and a neighborhood area has an active and advocate involvement at the Rep.Doherty is available at 503-986- committee in place,the way is paved neighborhood level. 1435 or Doherty.rep@state.or.us. for accessing community-building L MOO March 2011 www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 Page 5 ACity of Tigard New Year, New Assignments Greenway Trail System Master Plan Nears As one of the larger cities in the metropolitan region,Tigard partners with cities and agencies that cross jurisdictional boundaries to work on issues that require Completion regional coordination. Managing the city's needs for transportation,water supply, Comedian Steven Wright said, communications and the Community Development Block Grant program requires a "Everywhere is within walking distance if team approach.In order to ensure Tigard residents are represented,the Mayor and you have the time." Well,if you have that Council members divide committee assignments (see below) and provide regular kind of time,let the city's Greenway Trail updates on these assignments under the"Council Communication"portion of System Master Plan be your guide! televised Council Business meetings.Watch them live on TVCTV,Channel 28. Work began in July 2010,thanks to a grant from ODOT. Staff assembled Intergovernmental Water Board: Washington County Coordinating eight dedicated volunteers,a technical Makes recommendations to the Tigard Committee: A forum for cities in our committee and a 3-firm consultant City Council on water issues.Partners county to coordinate activities pertaining team to develop a plan for completing include Durham,Ding City and the to regional and state land use and the Tigard trail system.The project is Tigard Water District. transportation planning matters. intended to provide a better picture Primary Member:Council President Buehner Primary Member:Mayor Dirksen of potential alignments,costs and Alternate:Councilor Woodard Alternate:Council President Buehner community priorities. Check out the project materials at Regional Water Providers Westside Economic Alliance: xww...tigardgreenwaytrads.com. Consortium:Comprised of all water Focuses on creating an environment suppliers in the Portland Metropolitan conducive to business growth and Why Develop a Master Plan? region to discuss regional water policy influencing decisions on policies that While the Park System Master Plan issues. impact the economic vitality of the identified Tigard's official trail network, Primary Member:Councilor Wilson region. the Greenway Trail System Master Plan Primary Member:Mayor Dirksen provides the details necessary for building Lake Oswego—Tigard Joint Water Alternate:Councilor Wilson a trail system that is considerate of Partnership Oversight Committee: wetland and wildlife habitat. Elected officials and staff from both Community Development Block cities govern the water partnership. Grant(CDBG) Policy Advisory You Told Us! Primary Members:Mayor Dirksen and Board: Eleven elected officials Staff surveyed residents who live Council President Buehner from Washington County cities make within walking distance of Summer recommendations to the County Board Creek,Pathfinder-Genesis,and Krueger Willamette River Water Coalition: of Commissioners on all matters community trails to determine their Officials from Tigard,Tualatin, pertaining to the federal CDBG program interest in,and support for,local trail Sherwood and the Tualatin Valley Water which funds projects and programs improvements.Neighborhood responses District serve to maintain the public's designed to assist low and moderate- will help set priorities for completing rights to the Willamette River for local income residents. these trails. At two open houses in and regional needs. Primary Member:Councilor Henderson January,staff collected opinions and concerns from residents about the trail Primary Member:Councilor Henderson system.Volunteers counted more than Alternate:Councilor Wilson Metropolitan Area Communications Commission:The 11000 trail users at three data collection points and surveyed 235 trail users, Metro Joint PolicyAdvisor governing body for contracts and cable Y providing useful feedback for the project. Commission on Transportation: services,including TVCTV(Tualatin A committee that provides a forum for Valley Community Television). Next Up: elected officials and agencies to evaluate Primary Member:Councilor Woodard On March 8,the Trail Master Plan regional transportation needs and make Citizen Committee will share their views recommendations to the Metro Council. on the plan with City Council.Watch the Primary Member:Mayor Dirksen meeting live on Channel 28 at 7:30 p.m. Until then,see you on the trails! Page www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE Cityscape Newsletter Aw Spend Spring Break Shelf Ar.,. Lmife ® the Library! News from the Tigard Library 13500 SW Hall Blvd. An Afternoon with Chelsea Cain Board Game Fun Ea(1,11 1(2,c11 AffI"e,1( Friday,March 18 Cl) Saturday,March 26,2-3:30 p.m. 2-4 m \\\\\ WINa Nlasl1 Gaime I`es-t' Community Room Puetp.m. Room Thursday,March 10,5-7 p.m. Chelsea Cain's fourth thriller featuring Grades K-5 Community Room,Grades 6-12 Portland detective Archie Sheridan arrives School's out!Drop this month. Celebrate the spine-tingling into la a varlet TGF n. 7.Agathering series with Ms. Cain as she reads from and play Y of teens to play Bock of board games appropriate for children in TM talks about Night Season. kindergarten through fifth rade. Play a Band®, lYWir games, au 9 9 9 Y Xbox 36OTM and otherMemoir Writing Workshop quick game or stay for the full two hours. gaming devices.2.A G- Thursdays,March 17,24,31 and April 7 place with plenty of 7-8:30 p.m.,2nd Floor Conference Room Worm Composting snacks.3.An eventSaturday,March 19,1-2:30 p.m. 1a` Start putting your life story on paper with Community Room,Teens&Adults often featuring a special '+"°t this four-part Memoir Writing Workshop theme with crafts, �-`�" Learn to start your own home worm facilitated by writing student Tabitha composting system to provide our garden activities andpnZes. Blankenbiller. Space is limited.Please call p g y p y 4.A chance to pwn or be pwned. with rich,organic fertilizer. the reference desk at 503-718-2517 for Celebrate Teen Tech Week by playing more information and to register. games on the big screen! Enjoy a variety What's Up With the Weather? of trivia,word and video games and step Focus on Travel:Romancing Saturday,March 19,1:30-2:30 p.m. the Rails Puett Room,Ages 5&up outside for our geocaching scavenger hunt. Tuesday,March 22,7-8:30 p.m. A hydrologist from the National Weather Community Room Service will blow into the library,along with An Irish Celli All aboard! Learn about some of the his tornado machine. worlds'most famous railroads,like the Friday,March 11,7-8:30 p.m. Orient Express and the Ghan. Movie Matinee(rated PG) Community Room,All Ages Presented by Focus on Travel. Sunday,March 20,1:30-3 p.m. Get your green on! Discover traditional Community Room,All Ages Irish music and dance during this fun Read Across America Day Laugh along at Greg HefFley's attempts to gathering. Celebration avoid middle school landmines like wedgies, Wednesday,March 2,4-5 p.m. bullies,swirlies and moldy cheese. Information for Seniors Puett Room Ages 3&up All Ages Anime Wednesday,March 16,2:30-4 p.m. E Thursday,March 24,4-6 p.m. 2nd Floor Conference Room Join us after school Community Room,All Ages Adeo In Home Care will talk about to celebrate Dr.Seuss'birthday with Bring your whole family for an anime film home medical services that can help and Japanese crafts and snacks! seniors maintain their independence and Seuss stories and quality of life. crafts. LEGO'Construction Zone Sunday,March 27,1:30-3 p.m. Tigard Maps Demonstration Puett Room,Ages 5&up Tuesday,March 15,7-8 p.m.,Houghton Room Drop in to work on your creations with other LEGO'fans.We'll supply the building blocks; Need to look up property information about your house? Learn about crime in you bring the creativity. your neighborhood? See which businesses are located in your area? Join us as we explore Tigard Maps, the City of Tigard's online mapping program. March 2011 www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 Page 7 City of Tigard PRSRT STD Dog Owners... 13125 SW Hall Blvd. US Postage Scoop the Poop AND Save Our Streams Tigard,OR 97223 PAID � Nearly 9,200 dogs call Tigard home. Our 503-639-4171` r Portland,OR city has great dog parks and sponsors several Permit No 2528 pet-friendly events.Dogs are an important part of our lives and our community,but i � having a dog comes with responsibility. Scooping your pooch's waste isn't just a courtesy;it's the healthy and environmentally-friendly thing POSTAL CUSTOMER to do.Recent DNA studies confirm that 13 percent of fecal bacteria in the Tualatin River Watershed can be traced back to our canine pals. Some Tigard waterways had canine fecal bacteria levels at 20 percent.In a natural environment,this Special Council Meetings: number would be near zero.Along with creating health risks Tuesday,March 1, 6:30 p.m.,Tigard Town Hall for humans,the bacteria creates conditions that are harmful to Tuesday,March 29,6 p.m.,TVF&R Headquarters aquatic life. (11945 SW 70th Avenue,Tigard) Rainwater carries bacteria from unscooped pet waste Cancelled Council Meeting: Tuesday,March 15 directly into creeks and streams,even when the waste is deposited miles away.Rainwater that flows through storm Regular Council Meetings: Tuesdays,March 8,22 drains in streets and neighborhoods is funneled right into @ 6:30 p.m.,Tigard Town Hall (13125 SW Hall Blvd.) waterways too. All meetings are open to the public. Council agendas are So be a responsible pet owner,considerate neighbor and available online at www..tigard-or.gov/council or contact environmental steward—scoop the poop and put it in the trash. Cathy Wheatley at 503-718-2410 or cathy@tigard-orgov. Pacific Highway Intersection Improvements Help Your Motorin'Mojo! If you live in Tigard,you probably know about the An event to commemorate the intersection improvements is construction at the intersections of Pacific Highway and tentatively scheduled for early spring.When plans are finalized, Hall Boulevard and Pacific Highway and Main Street/ information will be posted on the city's website and will be Greenburg Road. available from Senior Project Engineer Mike McCarthy at 503- Work to improve traffic flow through these two 718-2462 or mikem@tigard-or.gov. intersections started nearly a year ago and is now nearing completion.Newly constructed turn lanes from intersecting streets were opened to motorists late last year.In January,a third through-lane on Pacific Highway followed suit. Preliminary traffic data indicates the intersection improvements (and your patience during construction) have paid off!Traffic back-ups have been dramatically reduced,with most vehicles moving through each of —_ the revamped intersections in one signal cycle. For those of you that routinely travel this stretch of road, you know what an amazing accomplishment that is! The improvements have reduced travel times on Pacific Highway southbound from 1-5 to Greenburg Road by about 20 percent. Northbound travel time between Walnut Street and Highway 217 has been Hall and Greenburg: After Intersection Improvements reduced by about 30 percent in the evening rush hour hi and by about 60 percent midday.