Cityscape 2005-12 un Mimi MEN
AMEN
December 2005 www.tigard-or.gov Volume XXIII No. 9
Mayor's corner More Parks and Open Space in the Works
Happy Holidays! I hope everyone
enjoyed that most American of holi- Address Growth - City Council Goal #3
if
days,Thanksgiving. And as we look The Tigard Park and Recreation Advisory Board(PRAB), a citizen group
forward to the New Year, I greet charged with advocating for park and recreational opportunities in Tigard,has
everyone with best wishes for the been working on the City Council's goal to identify and acquire more parks and
holiday season. open space.The city allocated about $2 million dollars for the purchase of park
One of the Council's three goals and open space property in its 2005-2006
for 2005 is to improve Hwy. 99W budget.
including identifying specific projects Initially,Tigard citizens,the PRAB and city
to alleviate congestion on 99W. The - staff identified 47 park and open space properties
} :C } for consideration. In September of this ear, an
city has received a Federal Transporta- � P y ,
tion and Growth Management grant to evaluation process was developed and property
work in partnership with ODOT to owners were contacted to assess their interest in
fund a corridor study of Hwy.99W. selling their property for park or open space use. Ultimately, 29 properties were
The study will look at options the city evaluated by PRAB members and city staff. Evaluation criteria included site size,
and ODOT can undertake in the future usability,ease of public access,vulnerability to development,location to unserved
to help relieve the congestion on this populations,and habitat protection.
important regional highway. One The list of park and open space properties was approved by PRAB and
imperative to achieve a satisfactory presented to the City Council in November.The Council is currently considering
solution is for ODOT to hear from the PRAB's recommendations.Once Council finalizes the list,efforts to purchase
citizens that regularly travel Hwy. the properties will get underway. The sensitive nature of property negotiations
99W. I encourage Tigard residents dictates that the list of properties under consideration remain confidential.
with ideas to share them with our For a complete list of the evaluation criteria, or more information,please
ODOT Region 1 Manager Matt Garrett, contact Dan Plaza,Parks and Facilities Manager, at 503-718-2590 or
and Community Affairs Manager daniel@tigard-or.gov.
Steven Harry. Send your comments to
the Community Affairs Representative Attention Parents - No Fluoridated Water
Lili Gordon. Email her at
Zili.d.gordonQodot.state.or.us or Decreasing water demand in winter allows Tigard to reduce the amount of
write her at 123 N.W. Flanders St., water it purchases from wholesale water providers. This year Tigard has decided
Portland 97209-4037,and address your to switch off its supply from the City of Beaverton, the ONLY wholesaler provid-
comments to Mr. Garrett or Mr. Harry. ing fluoridated water to the Tigard Water Service Area. Therefore,Tigard Water
The city would like to hear from you Service Area residents are currently NOT receiving fluoridated water.
too. Visit the web site,write to the As spring approaches and water demand begins to rise,Tigard expects it will
City Engineer,Gus Duenas,or call the purchase fluoridated water from Beaverton. Tigard's Water Division will inform
city at 503-639-4171. customers of the change back to fluoridated water once the schedule is set for
n 2006.
X/. If you have any questions and/or concerns please contact Sally Mills,Water
v
vv"• /� Quality Program Coordinator, at 503-718-2604 or sally�tigard gov.us.
aig E. Dirksen, Mayor
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL: MAYOR CRAIG DIRKSEN, SALLY HARDING, SYDNEY SHERWOOD, NICK WILSON, TOM WOODRUFF
City of Tigard
It's Your Tigard JGet Involved!j Capital Improvement
Board, committee and task force meetings in December are below. Agendas Program (CIP)
are available at www.tigard-orgov or contact the person noted under each FY 2006-07
meeting. The formulation process for the FY
Library Board Tree Board 2006-07 CIP will begin with a public
Library Conference Room Library Conference Room meeting at 6:00 PM on Wednesday,
Thursday, December 8 at 7 p.m. Monday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. December 7, 2005 at Tigard City Hall.
Connie Martin at 503-718-2512 Matt Stine at 503-718-2589 This meeting is your opportunity to
Downtown Task Force City Council provide input on proposed projects or
Town Hall Town Hall submit suggestions for additional
Thursday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, December 6, 13 &20, projects.
Denver Igarta at 503-718-2429 at 6:30 p.m. The CIP includes improvements to
city streets, storm drainage, sanitary
Planning Commission Cathy Wheatley at 503-718-2410 sewer,water,parks and other city
Town Hall Committee for Citizen facilities. For the complete CIP formula-
Monday, December 5 & 19 at 7 p.m. Involvement tion process,milestone and tentative
Dick Bewersdorff at 503-718-2432 Town Hall schedules,please visit the City webpage
Park and Recreation Advisory 'Thursday, December 15 at 7 p.m. at www.tigard-orgov.
Board Duane Roberts at 503-718-2444 Holiday Help from the
Tigard.Water Bldg.Auditorium CPO 4B-C.F.Tigard Elem. •
Monday, December 12 at 7 p.m. I.i b ra ry
Thursday, December 1 at 7 p.m.
Daniel Plaza at 503-718-2590 Patt Opdyke at 503-725-2117 Feeling stressed during the holidays?
The library can help. From cookbooks
Volunteers . Time for Tigard brimming with thousands of delicious
recipes to a wide-ranging DVD and
Volunteer Peer Court Coordinator Community Volunteer Salute video collection,we can help ease the
Sought Hats off to the 104 Make A Differ- pressure on your holiday"To Do"list.
Help local youth get back on the ence Day volunteers who participated Do you have a houseful of restless
right track by supervising court-man- in the October 15 Dairy Dell Restoration family members home for the holidays?
dated community service hours at the Project and Shelving Party at the Tigard Send them to the library to pick up
city. Committed volunteers, 21 years of library.Thanks for your terrific contribu- recent movies or classic films.Movies
age and older, are being recruited to tions to Tigard! check out for a week;most can be
work with teenagers at the library and For more information about local renewed for up to two more weeks.
in parks and greenways. Volunteers volunteer opportunities contact Bob Want to settle a family debate over
will schedule and facilitate teens' Roth, Volunteer Program Development where Grandpa Ted was born? Take
mandated hours. Specialist, at 503-718-2402 or advantage of the library's new Ancestry
Previous experience with this bob@tigard-orgov. Library Edition database,generously
special population is desirable. Evening provided by the Friends of the Tigard
and some weekend hours are required. ,► Library. This online genealogy informa-
Criminal background checks will be tion resource is composed of more than
completed and training is provided. A 4,000 databases,including census,vital
minimum one year commitment is statistics,church,court and immigration
requested. records.
For more information on this unique "
, As you plan for the holidays,
and rewarding opportunity,contact consider the Tigard Public Library your
Trish Stormont,Library Volunteer industrious elf here to ease your holiday
Coordinator, at 503-718-2516 or at headaches.
trisb@tigard-or.gov.
Page 2 Cityscape Editor - Liz Newton Layout Design - Jill Byars CITYSCAPE
about the
Tigard City Center Urban Renewal Plan
The City of Tigard currently is considering an urban renewal plan for the downtown area. It is
important that you as a citizen or property owner be informed.
What is the purpose of the City Center Urban Renewal Plan?
The purpose of the City Center Urban Renewal Plan is to provide improvements in the downtown area so that it will
be economically healthy while maintaining its "uniquely Tigard" character. A downtown that is developed to its full
potential provides a greater selection of goods and services,provides greenspaces and public open spaces,jobs,housing
opportunities, and a stronger tax base.The intended purpose of the urban renewal plan is to make Tigard's downtown
such an area.
Establishment of an Urban Renewal Plan will provide a funding mechanism for the redevelopment of downtown
Tigard. In addition,it will provide for consistency in standards of development.
What does urban renewal look like?
The City is currently developing an urban renewal
district and plan for Tigard's historic Main Street area
and surrounding neighborhoods,with the intent of pro- ti!y
posing a "tax increment" financing measure to the PROPOSED ITRB aN
community's voters in May 2006. You will be hearing RENENVALARE,J, �
more about the plan and ballot measure in the coming
weeks. Nf`1�
Want to know what urban renewal looks like?just ` p PG\��Ci 0
take a look at two of our closest neighbors—Sherwood J
and Tualatin. The Tualatin Commons,that community's m
downtown, is an example of urban renewal. And J
Sherwood's Old Town District is part of a larger urban Q
renewal area that also includes commercial and indus-
trial property nearer to Six Corners.Many improvements
in Old Town are a direct result of urban renewal.
In Portland many"signature"spaces such as the Wa-
terfront Park,RiverPlace and Pioneer Courthouse Square
are a direct outcome of urban renewal.And Hillsboro's fr"
Orenco Station is yet another development that is part
of an urban renewal district.
Looking for more information?Call or visit the city
halls in these communities–most also have information
available on their websites.And stay posted to Tigard's
website and newsletter for frequent tidbits of informa-
tion on our local urban renewal plan.
How long will the urban renewal district and tax increment financing last?
The urban renewal district is proposed to last 20 years.
How will the improvements in the urban renewal plan be paid for?
Urban renewal districts use a financing method known as"tax increment financing." Under tax increment financing,
if the value of a property increases,the property taxes on the increased value go to the urban renewal district to be used
on urban renewal plan projects. Urban renewal projects may be financed by bonds, and any debts incurred are repaid
from the tax increment financing proceeds. Other funding sources, such as grants,may pay for some projects.
Will this mean that there is less money for schools, police & fire, or streets and parks?
Property taxes based on the existing value of properties will still be paid as before—only the taxes on the increase
in value will be used for urban renewal. In many cases,the increase in value will be the result of the urban renewal,so the
increase in value and property tax revenues would not have occurred without urban renewal. There is a possibility that
the City, the school district and other taxing districts in the short term will receive less revenue than they would have
otherwise as a result of the use of tax increment financing, but their revenue from properties in the area will not be
reduced from current levels.
When the urban renewal plan is completed and paid for,all the property tax revenues will go to the existing taxing
districts. Because the value of the properties in the area is expected to increase because of urban renewal,in the long run
it is anticipated that urban renewal will result in more property tax revenues for the City and districts that provide schools,
police and fire,parks,and other public facilities and services.
Will my property taxes increase in order to pay for the cost of the improvements contemplated by
this plan?
No. Basic property tax rates are fixed and will not change. The financing proposed for the plan does not include local
option levies or assessments but instead plans for use of tax increment proceeds,use of funds generated by existing taxes
at current tax rates, and grants.
Isn't it true that with Urban Renewal in place property owners can be forced to sell or modify their
property?
The Plan does not propose any forced sale of property. Whether or not urban renewal is in place,the City has the
power to condemn property for public use. However, the plan does not propose that the City use its condemnation
power in connection with the urban renewal plan. The plan does not require any property owners to modify their
property, and the City does not have the authority to require property owners to modify their property, except to abate
nuisances.
Where can I get more information?
• The Tigard City Center Urban Reneuxal Plan, along with other urban renewal information,is available on the
City of Tigard webpage: www.tigard-orgov/ur.
• Copies of the Plan also are available for viewing in the Tigard Public Library,located at 13500 SW Hall Boulevard.
Inquire at the second floor reference desk.
• A copy of the Plan may be obtained by writing to or visiting the Planning Division(address below)or by calling
503-718-2409.
Questions? Contact the Urban Renewal email or voice hotlines:
DURH@tigard-or.gov and 503-718-2409.
Planning Division, City of Tigard
13125 SW Hall Boulevard
Tigard, OR 97223
Cityscape Newsletter
Holiday Card-Making Workshop
ShelfLife
Thursday,December 1
Get in the holiday spirit with this
Nems from the Tigard Library creative card-making workshop. Make
one-of-a-kind personal holiday cards for
Library your friends and family. This is a free
Dec. 1-31 8`'Annual Mitten Tree-Puett Rm workshop,and all materials will be
Dec. 1 4:30-6:30 p.m. Holiday Card Workshop for Teens provided. This workshop is for
(Grades 6-12,Reg.req'd)—Puett Rm y W_ young adults in grades 6-12.
Dec. 1 6:30-8 p.m. Computer Class: Word Processing Pre-registration is required.
Dec.3 10:30 a.m.-Noon Computer Class: Basic Computer Skills
Dec.3, 10,17,24,31 1-3 p.m. Tigard Chess Group(ages 8 and up) Super Tuesday: Dragon Theater
-Puett Rm Puppets
Dec.5, 12 10:30-11:30 a.m. Storytime Adventures(ages 0-6)—Puett Rm Tlxesday, December 6
Dec.6 7-8 p.m. Dragon Theater Puppets(all ages)
—Community Rm Dragon Theater Puppets presents
Dec.6, 13 10:30-11:30 a.m. Storytime Adventures(ages 0-6)—Puett Rm The Wacky Adventures of Lewis&
Dec.7, 14 10:30-11:30 a.m. Storytime Adventures(ages 0-6)—Puett Rm Clark! Learn,laugh and languish at the
Dec.7, 14 6-7:30 p.m. Dogs and Tales(Reg.req'd,beginning readers duo's mishaps and discoveries. All
thru grade 5)—Puett Rm Super Tuesday programs are made
Dec.8 6:30-8 p.m. Computer Class: Internet for Beginners possible by the Ready to Read grant.
Dec. 15 5:30-8 p.m. Teen Movie Night(grades 6-12)—Puett Rm
Dec. 15 6:30-8 p.m. Computer Class: Introduction to Windows Dogs and Tales with Miss Lillie
Dec. 15 7-7:30 p.m. Spanish Storytime—Children's Rm Wednesday,December 7 and 14
Dec.22 6:30-8 p.m. Computer Class: Popular Uses of the Web Could your child use a helping paw
Dec.25 Library Closed for Christmas Holiday
with reading? Reading aloud to a dog
All library programs are free. For more information about programs, creates a relaxed,non-judgmental
visit www.tigard-orgov/library/. Some library programs require registration. environment that helps children de-
To register,please call 503-684-6537.
velop their reading skills and build
confidence. Registration is required.
Did you miss out on Winter Wonderland Story Time
y Adventures & 8" Annual Mitten Teen Movie Night -
buying a brick? Tree The Sisterhood of the al
You have another chance, Tigard Public Library invites the Traveling Pants
but act quickly! whole family to join us at our regular Thursday,December 15
Tigard Library Foundation's Bricks for story times during the first half of 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Books campaign ends December 31. December to enjoy wonderful winter Bring your friends to the library and
Order forms available online at stories,make fun crafts to take home, enjoy a movie and popcorn. For more
www.tigard-orgov or at the library. and help decorate our 8`'Annual Mitten information visit www.tigard-orgov/
For more information contact Tree. library/teens/or call 503-684-6537.
Jackie at 503-620-4829. The Mitten Tree will be in the Puett This program is for teens grades 6-12.
Room,ready to be decorated with Hora de Cuentos pard la Familia
Holiday Hours donations of scarves,hats and mittens to (Spanish Story Time)
be given to the Good Neighbor Center, Jueve, 15 de diciembre
The library will be open which offers assistance to the homeless
10 a.m.to 8 p.m. in Washington County. Se presentaran cuentos,canciones y
The Mitten Tree is provided by the
on Monday,December 26 and nmas para ninos de todas las edades y
sus familias.
Monday,January 2. The library will Friends of the Tigard Public Library.
be closed on Sunday,December 25 Computer Classes
and Sunday,January 1. Free classes are geared for begin-
ners,however,some classes have
prerequisites. Registration is required.
December 2005 www.tigard-or.gov Page 3
City of Tigard PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S.POSTAGE
13125 SW Hall Blvd. PAID
l Tigard, OR 97223 PORTLAND,OR
PERMIT 2528
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Sixth Annual Tree Lighting Festivities CAP walk schedule
* * Special events include: The schedule for CAP walks in
•
Hayrides(originating near Tigard December are as follows:
+ Fitness)will take you through"Old December 7 -Area 42
F r I d a y, Town"Tigard beginning at 6 p.m. December 14 - Area 34
December 2 Santa Claus will arrive at 7 p.m. December 21 -Area 11
at 6 p.m.
• Watch as a thousand lights come to life. View the report to citizens for any of
Choirs will sing holiday songs. these areas at www.tigard-or.gov. No
* Surprises for young and old alike. web access? Call Liz Newton at
Immediately following the lighting of the huge sequoia,
503-718-2412.
r Mr.and Mrs.Claus will work their way down to Tigard
EL I& Martial Arts where the whole family can enjoy free hot choco- Tigard City Council
late and cookies. Pictures with Mr.and Mrs.Claus will be available for $5.
Have a safe and happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing you at the meetings a i r
celebration! Live Video Stream Available:
Holiday Concert www.tigard-orgov,click on City
Council Meeting Webcast.
The Tualatin Valley Community Band,under direction of Steve Heuser,will
present their free annual Christmas concert on Sunday, December 11 at 3 P.M. Live on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at
at the Tigard Public Library(overflow parking is available at City Hall). 7:30 p.m.Replays every Sunday- 12 p.m.,
In addition to music,there will be an opportunity for the audience to Monday-7 a.m.,Thursday-2:30 a.m.and
sing along. The concert is scheduled to last about 45 minutes. 11 p.m.,Friday-7:30 p.m., and Saturday-
Hope to see—and hear—you there. 4 p.m. All programs air on Channel 28.
For further information, visit the city's web site at www.tigard-orgov.