City Council Minutes - 10/13/2009 City of Tigard
r �a
r
z; Special Town Hall Meeting -- Minutes
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL& TIGARD STATE SENATOR AND REPRESENTATIVES
MEETING DATE/TIME: October 13,2009/7 p.m.
MEETING LOCATION: City of Tigard—Town Hall, 13125 SW Hall Blvd.,Tigard, OR
97223
7:03:45 PM
Mayor Dirksen called the meeting to order.
City Council present: Mayor Dirksen, Council President Wilson,Councilor Buehner,Councilor
Henderson,Councilor Webb
State Legislators Present: Senator Burdick,Past Representative Galizio,Representative Doherty
Staff: City Recorder Wheatley
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Mayor Dirksen announced that this is special meeting with no agenda items listed for City
Council discussion. This is an open forum and members of the community are invited to
discuss matters with the City Council. Cards were available for people to sign in to note
their question or the topic they would like to address.
• Barbara Stevens, 12160 SW King Richard Drive,King City OR 97224 advised she is
investigating three locations in downtown Tigard for a business she is interested in starting.
She asked how much a business license would cost and what other expenses would there be
for City of Tigard permits,etc. Mayor Dirksen said he assumed that since the business will
be downtown, the land use and zoning are probably already appropriate. Staff can contact
Ms. Stevens regarding the cost of a business license.
Ms. Stevens identified the potential locations for her new business:
1. A vacant bank building on Main Street near Value Village.
2. A building next to Crown Carpets
3. A building for sale on Main Street
Ms. Stevens said her proposed business is a design boutique for home, fashion and furniture.
Mayor Dirksen said he was pleased Ms. Stevens was interested in opening a business.
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES— October 13, 2009
City ofTigard 1 13125 SW Hall Blvd.,Tigard,OR 97223 1 503-639-4171 �7 w tigard-or.gov I Page 1 of9
Senator Burdick reflected on the events of the last legislative session:
o The last legislative session occurred during the "roughest" economic times she could
remember.
o She chaired the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee.
o Representative Gahzio was on the House Ways and Means Committee.
o Her concern during the session was to preserve an adequate level of education
funding. A number of strategies were employed to deal with the economic crisis.
She conjectured there was no one in the room who has not been affected in some
way by the economic circumstances we are facing in Oregon.
o A provider tax was passed,which allowed the State to attract Federal money—about
$1 billion—to expand healthcare coverage for children. About 80,000 more children
will have healthcare coverage.Thousands of additional adults will be able to enroll in
the Oregon Health Plan.
o A transportation funding program was adopted this session after a number of
attempts in previous legislative sessions. The program involves a gas tax increase
and some fee increases. It will do a lot to improve the "crumbling transportation
infrastructure" and`vill provide jobs.
o The legislature adopted a number of consumer protection measures.
o The initiative system was amended with language intended to counteract some of the
abuses experienced in the initiative process.
o The two tax measures adopted by the legislature will be on the January ballot for
Oregonians to consider.
o There was an approximate $4 billion shortfall in the budget. With spending cuts and
stimulus money, there was still a deficit. There were"just some cuts that we could
not in any good conscience snake to education,public safety, and the public safety-
net programs, especially in this time of need."
o The two measures on the January ballot will 1) apply primarily to business 2) apply to
high-income Oregonians. If approved, these measures will raise about$732 million
to help fill some of the deficit.
Representative Galizio reflected on the events of the last legislative session:
o Thanked the members of the City Council, the Mayor,and staff of the City of Tigard
for all of their great work. He said he wanted the people of Tigard to know the
extent to which the City Council members and staff members came to Salem to talk
to the legislators and to lobby on behalf of Tigard citizens, He said,"We've
developed a much better relationship and partnership...that's been a goal of the City
Council and they have done a phenomenal job..."
o Thanked Senator Burdick for her willingness to share her extensive knowledge of the
legislative process during the five years he served in the Legislature.
o Thanked the citizens of Tigard who supported him during his service. He said he
appreciated hearing from everyone including those who might not have initially
supported him. In comparison to many other states, Oregon legislators are
accessible. Citizens can have a strong voice and he urged people to become involved
in the process to the extent possible.
o Extended congratulatory remarks to Representative Doherty,recently appointed to
Fill his position in House District No. 35.
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES— October 13, 2009
Cit}of Ci pard 1 13125 SW I[all Bhrd.,Ti rd,OR 97223 1 503.639.4171 Page 2 uf9
o There were large budget cuts this last legislative session—almost $1 billion. These
were painful reductions that occurred in the three areas the State government
focuses upon: public education (head start through the university system); public
safety (police, fire); and human services.
o Revenue is required. Voters will decide whether the measures adopted by the
Legislature were wise decisions.
o The Federal stimulus money was important to the State of Oregon. Without this
money, devastating cuts would have been necessary. "We're not necessarily going to
have this kind of Federal stimulus money going forward. So,we still have a lot of
difficult work to do."
o I Ie served on the Ways and Means Education Subcommittee and they tried to
prevent drastic cuts to public education. They made large investments in capital
construction and work is underway on campuses throughout the state.
o As much as possible,he urged everyone to avoid political advertising in the coming
months. On January 26, 2010,voters will have an important decision to make
regarding$732 million affecting public education, public safety,and human services.
o He recounted the process for the appointment of Representative Doherty to the seat
he vacated to take a position with the Oregon university system. 7:23:31 PM
• Representative Doherty commented on her recent appointment to the legislature.
o The citizens of Tigard have been well represented—Senator Burdick and
Representative Galizio are highly respected legislators.
o The Legislature will meet in February 2010 for one month. She will serve on the
Transportation Committee and on the Human Services Committee.
o She is looking forward to serving. She noted the City of Tigard has worked hard to
have Tigard citizens'wishes be known in Salem.
o Unrelated to the legislative position, she advised she volunteers at the Library
supervising high school and middle school students fulfilling their community
service obligations assigned by Peer Court.
Council President Wilson commented on some upcoming City issues:
o There is a $20 million park bond measure on the November 3 ballot. It is a good
time to buy property because of the current market conditions.
o The City is embarking on a process to acquire a high-capacity transit corridor
designation on Highway 99W including Barbur Boulevard from downtown Portland
to Sherwood. This could eventually mean light rail through the City of Tigard.
o Last year, the City finalized an agreement with the City of Lake Oswego to bring
Clackamas River water to the City of Tigard. For the first time,we will have our
own water source.
• Councilor Webb commented on the upcoming election:
o With regard to the upcoming bond measure,she noted that passage would help the
City leverage money collected from System Development Charges thereby allotiving
the City to do more.
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES— October 13, 2009
City of Tigard �1 13125 SW Hall Blvd,,'1'ilnrd,OR 972213 1 503-637--1171 1 www.ugard-or.gov I Page 3 af9
• Mayor Dirksen commented on City-related issues:
o Tigard has been"behind the curve" on the number of acres of parkland within the
City. In the past,Tigard was more rural and there Nvas no urgency to tie up open
space into public ownership preservation. For the last few years, the City has been
trying to bring the amount of acreage for parks up to a"reasonable standard." It is
desirable,by federal standards, to have approximately 11 acres of parkland for every
1,000 citizens in the community. In Tigard,we have about 8 acres per 1,000. The
slower economy will give the City an opportunity to purchase and preserve land that
would otherwise be lost.
Q The City has worked aggressively to improve traffic conditions on Highway 99W and
elsewhere. Several projects were identified for the next several years to improve
traffic flow on 99W,including improvements and expansions of intersections (99W
and Hall Boulevard,Greenburg Road,McDonald Street). The City will also review
the land use along Highway 99W to determine whether zoning changes and land use
changes might allow better traffic flow and improve business opportunities. The
corridor is so busy that it is to the point where people are choosing to avoid this
highway and, thereby,avoiding the businesses along 99W as well.
o The City has big plans for the downtown area. On October 20, 2009, 3 p.m., the
official groundbreaking ceremony will occur for the reconstruction and improvement
of Burnham Street. The newly constructed, environmentally "green" street will help
encourage development and spur economic development in the downtown area.
• Councilor Buehner addressed the high school students attending the meeting:
o She referred to the upcoming election on the tax measures on January 26. One is
eligible to vote if he or she is 18 on or before January 26.
o Senator Burdick added that one must register 21 days before the election. Therefore,
if you are going to be 18 on January 26,you can register now.
• Bob Brennan, 13520 SW Fern Street,Tigard, OR 97223, said, "...I love my library. I do a
lot of business with them..." F Ie reported there were flyers all over the Library about an
event there tomorrow. He talked to Library staff member Len Anderson regarding the
event. Mr. Brennan referred to the current state of healthcare reform and said "...to have
someone come in from AARP and try to explain myths and facts about dais —I think the
timing is extremely wrong. United Health Care is a big part of AARP. I had no idea how
much money is tossed around by these insurance companies. The CEO of United Health
Care makes more in a week than the President of the United States makes in a year..." He
advised the library staff member was gracious and understanding about Mr. Brennan's
concerns. He said he is a member of AARP and believes they do a large amount of good for
the community,however, "the tuning on this is just all wrong." Mr. Brennan does not
believe the City of Tigard should pick up the expenses for this as tliis organization has the
financial wherewithal to do it themselves.
o Mayor Dirksen said he appreciated that Mr. Brennan came to express his concerns.
The Mayor said he understands that the discussion that will take place tomorrow at
the library is not about the issues of Federal healthcare reform,but more with the
importance of having good healthcare when one reaches the senior years. Mayor
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES— October 13, 2009
City of`l"shard 1 13125 SW]-Tall Blvd.,Tib.srd,Olt 97223 1 503-639.4171 1 tcww.tigard-or.gov I Fagv 4 of9
Dirksen said AARP is recognized for their expertise in the area of senior care. He
agreed with Mr. Brennan that AARP offers insurance. Mayor Dirksen said he did
not believe there would be insurance sales at this meeting. 4
7:41:23 PM
Mayor Dirksen asked for comments from those in attendance regarding issues or questions
they might have. No questions were forthcoming.
• Senator Burdick inquired of the students in attendance if there were any good plays or musicals
coming up for Tigard High School.
o A student (Nicky) advised that auditions are currently underway for Hello Dolly, the
Tigard High winter performance.
o In response to an inquiry from Representative Gahzio, the student reported that she and
the students in the room were attending this meeting as an assignment from their Senior
Seminar Class. After the meeting, each student is required to write a reflection paper.
• Mayor Dirksen advised it was a goal of the City Council to engage more with the young people
in Tigard. The City Council created a Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and those members are
welcome to attend City Council meetings and to sit on boards and commissions within the City.
The City Council interacts with the YAC on a regular basis. He encouraged the students to
engage in local and state government so they will have a say in their future.
Mayor Dirksen recounted how a group of students attended a City Council meeting about two
years ago and suggested crosswalk installation at the High School across Durham Road. As a
result, the new crosswalk at the Deb Fennell Auditorium on Durham Road was constructed.
• Senator Burdick said she sponsored the law requiring cars to stop before the crosswalk and
remain stopped until the pedestrian was across the road (rather than just"yield to pedestrians").
She asked for comments on how the crosswalk at Durham Road is working.
o Student Ashley Johnson said she just obtained her driver's license. She thought the
crosswalk was a good idea because many people were jaywalking and it was unsafe. She
advised there is a problem for drivers with the crosswalk because when the light starts
flashing,pedestrians start crossing immediately. It does not give drivers a chance to slow
down and stop before the pedestrians start across. Once the pedestrians are across, then
the lights remain blinking for awhile.
a Student Kevin McFarland said the crosswalk is more noticeable and, therefore,more
effective in the evening hours. Mr.McFarland reported that the yellow light does not
seem to signify to the drivers to "stop,"and offered it might be good to have a red
"stop" signal. Mayor Dirksen said it sounds as if we need to resolve the daytime
visibility issues.
o Student Adriana Flores noted her appreciation for the crosswallt and the increased safety
over the previous situation before the crosswalk. She said she thought it was "genius."
o Representative Doherty noted the students'comments were very appropriate—especially
regarding how quickly the light comes on for the crosswalk and pedestrians start to
cross. She has witnessed many cars go through the yellow blinking lights because they
did not see them. She complimented the students who are using the crosswalk.
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES— October 13, 2009
City of Tiprd I 13125 SW Mall Blvd.,'Iig.4 QR 972?3 1 503•639-4171 1 www.tigard-or.gov I Page S 09
• Mayor Dirksen reported two second-grade classes toured City Hall today. One of the questions
asked was, "How old do you have to be to be the Mayor of Tigard?" The requirements for ;
running for Mayor are that you must be 18 years old,a registered voter, and a resident of Tigard
for at least a year. Senator Burdick reported that one could not run for the State Legislature
until one is at least 21 years. She advised her daughter testified about this law and they
attempted to have tlus changed; however,it did not go through.
o Councilor Buchner pointed out that a Tualatin High senior (Councilor Scott Burgess)
ran for and was elected to the Tualatin City Council
• Councilor Buchner noted the City is reviewing the City Transportation Plan and if anyone wants
to give input on long-terra changes for local streets, to check the City website.
• Senator Burdick commented that in the previous legislative session, a law was passed disallowing
cell phone use by young people while driving a vehicle (both talking and sending text messages).
She carried a bill this session prohibiting cell phone use by adults as well,unless there is a hands-
free set up. The legislature adopted the bill.
Mayor Dirksen said Senator Burdick asked hire his opinion regarding the prohibition of cell
phone use while driving. I Ie said he was initially opposed to a law that would prevent people
from talking on their cell phone while driving,but acquiesced if hand-free cell phone usage was
allowable. Senator Burdick educated those present that the data shows that even with a hands-
free cell phone device, safe driving is impaired. The problem is not the mechanical act of talking
into the cell phone;it is the distraction and the changes that take place in the brain when you are
focused on something that has nothing to do with your driving. You are four-times as likely to
get involved in a crash when you are using your cell phone regardless of whether it is hands-free
or hand-held. You are 26-times more likely to get into a crash if you are texting. It is
comparable to driving with .08 alcohol present in the bloodstream. The restricted cell phone use
lain is effective January 1, 2010.
There are exceptions to the cell phone restrictions in a vehicle. One exception is that you can
use a cell phone in the course of your employment. Another is you can use the phone to dial
9-1-1 in an emergency.
8:10:29 PM
+ Linh Pao, 7444 SW Ashford Street,Tigard,OR 97224 referred to the earlier conversation
regarding involving young people. She asked if the elected officials were on Facebook,
Twitter, and My Space as these are the venues that younger people enjoy using on a frequent
basis. Mass media advertising has shifted to these communication formats. She commented
on her use of this new media format among her Tigard friends.
Ms. Pao said from her perspective, the forefront of discussion at this time (both on a
national and local level) is the healthcare reform issue. This relates to people of all ages. She
related her experiences with the healthcare forums she has attended. So far, these events
were some distance away from Tigard and there have been long waits in lines to find out if
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES— October 13, 2009
City❑f"Picard 1 13125 SIV Hall Blvd.,Ti6ard,OR 97223 1 503-639-=1171 1 www.rigard-orpiv I Pagr 6 ot9
she could get into these forums. She asked if the City of Tigard was hosting any discussions
on this topic so members of the local community can talk to and ask questions of legislators.
Representative Doherty advised that the Oregon House Democrats have their own {
Facebook Page with daily postings on activities. She said there is not much activity on
Twitter. Many legislators have a Facebook Page including herself. This is an important way
to communicate with constituents of all ages.
Councillor Webb said the email addresses of the City Council members are on Tigard's
website. She said she believes that the state legislators would agree with her, that if anyone
makes contact, they are listened to and they receive a response.
Councilor Henderson said there is an enormous amount of information on the Tigard
website. He referred to the Neighborhood Program and the websites for each of the city's
neighborhood areas. Utilizing this tool is a great way to communicate. He added that the
website contains information about rules and regulations;in fact, "you can find just about
anything,including how to start a new business."
Mayor Dirksen said the year before last there was a national study completed regarding
government communications. The City of Tigard was named as one of the top ten local
government websites in the entire United States. Mayor Dirksen said he is on Facebook.
Councilor Buehner said she belongs the Oregon State Bar and the Bar has not given their
permission for its members to use these social networking tools.
With regard to communications, Representative Galizio said that nothing replaces face-to-
face communication, as is being done right now in this forum tonight. He noted people
often choose to write emails these days,but when you get a letter in the U.S. Mail,it is
noteworthy. Councilor Buchner said she thinks a letter receives more attention. He noted
his experience in California and lie believes elected officials are more accessible in the State
of Oregon. He urged that to the extent possible,people should have face-to-face meetings.
With regard to Ms. Pao's request for Tigard to host a healthcare forum in Tigard,Mayor
Dirksen said that while this is more of a federal issue,insomuch as the City could facilitate
the discussion,we would be willing to do so. Council President Wilson agreed that we
would always be twilling to host any of our Federal representatives if they are willing to come
here. "We have a great library for something like that..."
Councilor Buchner called attention to the City's insurance program for discounts on
prescriptions. Tigard residents are eligible to receive a prescription card,regardless of
whether you have other insurance. You can order your card through the City of Tigard;
information is on the Tigard website. The National League of Cities sponsors this program
and the City of Tigard was the fust city in Oregon to offer it.
Mayor Dirksen educated those present regarding the Oregon model of government. Cities
are not the primary purveyor of social services. Social services are provided by the state
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES— October 13, 2009
City of Tipard 1 13125 SW 1-1 ill Blvd.,Tigard,OR 97223 1 503-039-4171 1 wuiv.dgard-or.gov I Page 7of9
government and even more so by the counties in Oregon. Traditionally,in Oregon, cities
provide services such as libraries, parks,police,water, sewer, streets and roads.
• Tigard High School Student(Nicky) noted that many of those present tonight are high
school seniors who are looking at attending college. A big issue is how are they going to pay
for this higher education? She asked if Oregon was doing anything to help;i.e.,
scholarships? Representative Galizio acknowledged that this is a critical question. The.
average college student today is graduating with$25,000 in debt; this is something that
represents a struggle for many. In the 2007 Legislative Session, the Oregon Opportunity
Grant was created. He reviewed the eligibility requirements for this grant. About$30
million in grant money was disbursed to students who qualified (including some family-
income restrictions). The Federal Pell Grant offering has increased significantly. He advised
the best option is to contact high school counselors who help individuals focus on potential
scholarship opportunities. He also suggested contacting the colleges to determine if they
have financial aid. Representative Galizio noted there is some frustration with regard to the
current funding situation for Higher education;it is quite a challenge. He said he and the
other elected officials would be glad to talk to anyone individually.
Councilor Buchner noted there are a number of organizations (i.e., Kiwanis, Rotary,
agricultural industry, business groups) that offer scholarships every year.
8:28:18 PM
Mayor Dirksen added that state schools are generally less expensive,but added that students
should not discount the concept of going to a private school. Private schools typically have
higher tuition upfront; however, at most private schools the opportunity to find grants or
scholarships is better than at state schools.
8:29:48 PM
Council President Wilson mentioned the option of attending a community college for the
first two years,which is the least expensive option.
• Representative Doherty offered to attend high school classes to talk about the Oregon
system of governance and how it can be accessed. She said that,while she is new to the
legislature, she would gain some experience in February.
8:31:30 PM
• Ms. Pao said she graduated from Tigard High School and she had a comment for the
seniors. There are quite a few scholarships that the school counselors can access. For some
of these opportunities, the counselors must nominate students to receive the scholarship.
She gave as an example the Harvard Book Scholarship,which is a scholarship that pays for
all textbooks. There is also a Principal Scholarship as well as others,including"memorial'
scholarships.
Ms. Pao asked a question about the traffic light on Bonita Road placed just before the
railroad tracks. During rush hour, often the light that allows people to turn left to the side
street will be "paused" for a long time. Often she cannot make a right turn on Bonita
TIG_ARD CIT_Y COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES_- October 13, 2009
City u(Tigard I 13125 SW 1-1 all Blvd.,Tigard,OR 97773 1 5113-639-4171 1 www.6gard-or.gov I Page B o!?
because traffic is "so backed up on Hall." She asked if something could be done to make
the light shorter. Mayor Dirksen responded that this traffic light has been a challenge in
figuring out a safe way to accommodate the train crossing and still allow left turns. Initially,
TriMet's solution was to place a barrier down the center of the road so no left turn on or off
this road would be allowed. The City negotiated so this turning movement was allowed with
the light as it is. Some adjustments were made to the light's timing. He said he would think
there is an opportunity to do additional adjustments.
Councilor Henderson and Councilor Buehner encouraged the students to share their reports with
the City Council regarding their experience at tonight's meeting.
8:36:20 PM
Motion by Councilor Buehner, seconded by Councilor Webb, to adjourn the meeting.
The motion was approved by a unanimous vote of City Council present.
Mayor Dirksen Yes
Council President Wilson Yes
Councilor Buehner Yes
Councilor Henderson Yes
Councilor Webb Yes
/s/ Catherine Wheatley
Catherine Wheatley, City Recorder
Attest:
/s/ Craig Dirksen
Mayor, City of Tigard
Date: Nov. 10,2009
IAADM\CATHY\CCM\2009\091013 fmal.doc
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES— October 13, 2009
Cityof Tigard 1 13125 SW Hall Blvd.,Tigard,OR 97223 1 503-639-4171 1 www.tigard-or.gov I Page 9 of9