Cityscape 2010-02 City of Tigard's Official Newsletter
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Mayors Corner M
In October 2009,the city flow on 99W and its intersecting
conducted its biennial Community streets. Taken together,these efforts iv L___�_ /� JVCW 1
Attitudes Survey.Residents listed represent an investment of over$10 `L.LL/�L/'L .Z
traffic and traffic congestion as million dollars,paid from current
the most important issues for the and future gas tax revenue and • You re invited to drop by the Tigard
Council to address in the coming development fees. . Library Community Room on Saturday,
year.When asked what the city's Similar improvements to the February 6,anytime between 11 a.m.and
priority should be to address traffic intersection at McDonald/Gaarde • 3 p.m.for the 3rd Annual Neighborhood
concerns,the most prevalent answer Street are planned once a fundin • Network Open House.
p p g • s
was improving Pacific Highway source has been secured. This •
(99W) at 34 percent;second was project is on Washington County's •
light rail at 20 percent. list fora$5 million dollar federal
•
To address those priorities,the earmark in 2011. • (� e
city has been working to complete Meanwhile,Council is
three major improvements to Pacific aggressively pursuing a light rail line • • Saturday,February 6, 11 a.m.to 3 P.M.
Highway as it passes through Tigard. which follows Pacific Highway from • Library Community Room
1)Working with the County, downtown Portland through Tigard. • 13500 SW Hall Blvd.,Tigard
plans are in place to expand and This transit project currently sits at •
•
reconfigure the intersection at Hall the top of Metro and TriMet's list s
Boulevard.Land purchases necessary of future projects and becomes a a s
to making highway improvements top priority for the Metro region Discover your neighborhood web
are underway. Construction is after the currently planned project . page. Get information about funding for
scheduled to start in the spring. to Milwaukie is complete. At this • neighborhood events,accessing community !.
2) In conjunction with this point,the soonest we could expect resources and connecting with neighbors
project,the city is finalizing plans the light rail line to be a reality is • and the city to address those"rocks in your
for a similar reconstruction at the 2019.The approval and d lanning shoe!"
planning
Greenburg Road intersection of process for light rail construction is e The Neighborhood Network program t
99W. a long one. has something for everyone—let us show you
3)This year a replacement Your feedback has helped • what it can do! City staff and representatives 0
and upgrade of the traffic control City Council focus on plans for e from the Neighborhood Network Program
system that governs light timing and immediate improvements to 99W ® will be on hand to answer your questions and s
sequencing along the entire length and a long-term strategy to add a • listen to your ideas.Re/reshments will be served./
of the highway from Portland all the high capacity transit choice as well. '!
•
way to Durham Road is planned. For More Information
All these projects are scheduled • Contact Joanne Bengtson at 503-718-
to be completed by fall 2011 and 2476 orjoanne@figard-or.gov.
will significantly improve traffic Craig E.Dirksen,Mayor
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL: MAYOR CRAIG DIRKSEN, GRETCHEN BUEHNER, MARLAND HENDERSON, SYDNEY WEBB, NICK WILSON
City of Tigard
Maintaimm Our Streets
investing a little today will save a lot tomorrow
The Pavement Management Program is the annual maintenance program for Tigard streets funded
What's in a Number.
by the Street Maintenance Fee. Through this program,the city is able to perform timely maintenance
Street condition is measured by
on city streets. Roads in good condition ensure that traffic moves efficiently through our community. a Pavement Condition Index(PCI) on
In contrast,roads in poor condition result in increased street maintenance and vehicle repair costs. a scale of 1-100. Pavement in good
condition is rated between 70 and 85.
Increase in Fees...Why Now? The city's goal is a PCI of 70-75,the
Citizens rank maintenance of streets second in importance behind safety and rank satisfaction range in which paving funds can be
with street maintenance second behind safety. As a community,we need to protect our investment used most efficiently.
in our streets by providing for their proper maintenance. Our goal is to use taxpayer dollars as The Compromise
efficiently as possible. City Council has made the difficult decision to increase fees now,even in Iii recognition of tight economic
difficult economic times,to maintain city streets that function well for residents and businesses. times,the new fees will provide
In recognition of the tight economic times,the fee increase will be phased-in over 18 months. funding to maintain streets at their
The table below shows the existing and revised rate structure passed by Council on January 5,2010. current level (an average 67 PCI)
and protect our investment. The
new fee also includes$100,000
Effective Dates for New Rates
Customer Type Current Fee annually for right-of-way maintenance
7/1/10 4/1/11* 1/1/12* (streets,street fights,landscaping,
Residential 1 $2.18 i $3.01 $4.13 1 $5.25 sidewalks,etc.).
Non-Residential $0.78 $0.92 $1.06 1 $1.19 We anticipate that this funding
will be enough to keep our streets
*Amount prior to inflationary adjustment from getting worse,but not enough
to improve the average pavement
condition to the optimal range.
So Much to Learn
For more street maintenance
How Does Tigard Compare? information,log onto the city's
Several other jurisdictions in our area also collect a Street Maintenance Fee. website at www.tigard-orgov/smf
and get all the details on the city's
Street Maintenance Fee Monthly Rate Comparison pavement management program;
why it's important;how we pay
Figures include all fees for maintenance of the right-of-way(streets,street lights,landscaping, for street maintenance;pavement
sidewalks,etc.)in 2009 dollars. condition details;and view the street
City Single-Family House 25,000 SF Retail Space maintenance project map.
Tigard $3.01 /$5.25* $85/$110* Questions?
Tualatin $3.42 $277 Contact Toby LaFrance at toby@
tigard-orgov or 503-718-2406 for
Wilsonville $6.92 $153 financial issues or Mike McCarthy at
Hillsboro $3.10 $93 mikem@tigard-orgov or 503-718-
- 2462 for engineering issues.
Oregon City $7.50/$10.26* $54/$81
*Figures represent fully implemented rates in 2012
Paget www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE
Cityscape Newsletter
2009 Tree Stewardship Awards
We're Looking for Nominees! Committee for Citizen Involvement Openings
Do you know a deserving individual, The Committee for Citizen R1 Forming 2010 Census Complete
business or organization who contributes Involvement(CCI)is recruiting for four Count Committee
to your city's urban forest? Nominate them at-large positions and one youth position. The CCI generally meets from
for the"Tigard Tree Stewardship Award" Recognized as the city's official 7-8:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of
which honors and recognizes those who citizen involvement group,the CCI every month at the Tigard Public Library.
contribute to the beauty and long-term advises City Council on all matters All committee agendas and minutes are
health and benefits of a tree-rich urban pertaining to citizen involvement and available at:xw..tigard-orgov/city hall/
forest. communications. boards committees/cci.
Eligible projects could include: Recent CCI focus areas include: If you are a Tigard resident with
a passion to serve,or you're seeking
• Protection and preservation of trees Q Increasing outreach to new and to develop public involvement skills,
during construction. under-represented groups in the we encourage you to download an
• A donor's generous financial support community application available online at www..tigard
and sponsorship of community Q Evaluating the structure and orgov/volunteer,at Tigard City Hall,or by
forestry projects. effectiveness of the Neighborhood calling Marissa Daniels at 503-718-2428
• A project or program that has been Program or marissa@tigard-orgov.
planned and/or implemented by
youth.
• An outstanding landscape design City Council Adopts 2010 Goals
which incorporates trees.
On January 12 City Council adopted ballot and,if so,when
Nominate Today goals for 2010.These goals represent b. Develop land acquisition
The Tigard Tree Board and City items Council feels deserve special strategies (potential options to
Council will select the award winners. attention this year.Although your City purchase,etc.)
Nomination forms are available on the city Council will accomplish much more
website at wxiv.tigard-orgov/trees,with paper than what is listed here,they have 4. Advance Methods of
copies available at the Tigard Permit Center identified these goals to be of particular Communication
located at 13125 SW Hall Blvd.,Tigard. importance to residents. a. External: Develop
You are encouraged to add 1. Implement Comprehensive Plan communication strategy and
photographs,plans,newspaper clippings, a. Complete the Transportation methods in support of city goals.
or any other items of note.Judges will System Plan (TSP) and begin area b. Internal: Support staff efforts to
evaluate entries on the basis of impact, plans for Tigard Triangle,99W change the organizational culture
quality,innovation, stewardship,and Corridor,etc. to create a proactive environment
adherence to sound tree management of exceptional people and service,
practices. b. Update Tree Code promoting the values of "respect
c. Continue to promote plans for and care,""get it done,"and"do
Deadline for Nominations 99W Light Rail the right thing" (Strategic Clarity).
Nominations are due Friday,
February 19,2010 at 5 p.m.The winners 2. Implement Downtown Urban 5. Support 2010 Washington County
will be selected on March 3,2010,and Renewal Cooperative Library System
will be honored at the April 13,2010,City a. Initiate developer outreach/ (WWCCLS)and Public Safety
Council meeting. recruitment Levies
1'
For More Information
b. Adopt Downtown Circulation Log onto the city's website at www..
For more information,contact
Plan tigard-orgov/councilgoals to view the five-
year and long-term goals adopted by
Associate Planner/Arborist Todd Prager at 3. Strategize with Park and Council.
503-718-2700 or todd@tigard-orgov. Recreation Advisory Board
on a 2010 Parks Bond Questions? Contact Cathy Wheatley
at 503-718-2410 or cathy@tigard-or.gov.
a. Decide whether to return to the
February 2010 www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 Page
it City of Tigard
RULES of the ROAD: MERGING AND ,JAMITONS
Sometimes the cause of a traffic travel lanes. Drivers already on the Studies suggest that jamitons
jam is clear: a collision,a disabled freeway,who have the legal right- could be reduced if drivers:
vehicle,construction or weather. But of-way,are reluctant to slow down 1) Allow enough space for
drivers often find themselves stuck or provide an opening for merging merging vehicles to change lanes at
in"phantom"traffic jams (called traffic,especially for trucks or other safe speeds; and,
"jamitons"by researchers): long slow-moving vehicles. Faced with the
lines of vehicles that slow abruptly prospect of being forced onto the 2) Leave a safe"cushion"
to a crawl,for no apparent reason, shoulder as the on-ramp ends,merging between vehicles to avoid excessive
and finally accelerate back to normal drivers will often pull into one of braking when traffic slows.
speeds after lengthy delays. the travel lanes even if they haven't Drivers have a choice. We can
In theory,a highway should be at matched the speed of traffic. charge ahead through traffic,seeking
peak efficiency when traffic volumes A jamiton can quickly result as any small advantage in the hope of
approach its design capacity. But even the driver behind the merging vehicle reaching our destination a few minutes
minor fluctuations in traffic flow can taps the brakes,or sometimes brakes sooner,or we can act cooperatively
cause a ripple effect that spreads miles hard,to adapt. Even small reductions to ensure the smooth"blending"of
vehicles at on-ramps,reducing the
upstream into a prolonged jamiton. in speed can be amplified backwards
the e mer
drbehind t ' vehicle risks from unsafe merging and the
For example,consider what often as merging vee avoidable delays caused by jamitons.
happens at freeway on-ramps in dense adjust—and sometimes overreact
traffic. Vehicles entering the freeway with hard braking because they were BY JUDGE MICHAEL J. O'BMEN
are accelerating and their drivers are tailgating. TiGARD MumciPAL COURT
looking for a place to merge into the
Sign Up Now—It Only Happens Once A Year! Community Emergency
The Tigard Police Department is range of topics: community policing, Response Team (CERT)
recruiting for the 18th annual Citizen's investigation,and use of force and Training 'ItN
Police Academy. If you are a Tigard firearms.All sessions are conducted Ever wonder how you'd
resident interested in learning about by members of the Tigard Police react during a crisis or disaster?
your police department,this free Department. CERT training can give you the skills and
8-week program is for you! confidence to provide life saving support in
Apply Soon! P pp
Classes begin Wednesday, If you are able to commit to an emergency.Participants receive 24 hours
April 7 and continue on consecutive attending most,if not all of the of training in basic emergency response
J
Wednesdays through June 2,2010. skills like disaster medical activities search
y g sessions,apply now! Enrollment is
Sessions take place between 7 p.m. and limited to 20 participants.A criminal and rescue,and fire suppression.
9:30 p.m.at Tigard City Hall (13125 history background check will be The spring class
SW Hall Blvd.). conducted to determine eligibility. is scheduled for
The purpose of the academy is Applications are available online at March 2 to April 24,
to create better understanding of the www..tigard-orgov/Police or in the Tigard 2010.Training takes
city's police department and improve Police lobby. place each Tuesday
communication between citizens and Application deadline is March 20 night for eight weeks,from 6 to 9 p.m.
police through education.The intent and participants will be notified by mail Class size is limited and registration is
is not to produce citizens trained in no later than March 25,2010. required.
law enforcement,but to help residents For more information,visit the
understand the limitations and abilities Questions?
city's web site at zvavtv.tigard-orgov/CERT
of law enforcement so police can For more information please or contact Emergency Management
better serve the community. contact Jim Wolf at 503-718-2561 Coordinator Mike Lueck at 503-718-2593
Subject matter covers a wide during normal business hours. or MikeL@tigard-orgov.
Page www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE
Survey Do the services offered at the Tigard Public Library meet your needs?
This is your chance to let us know. Please take a moment to fill out this
February 2010 brief questionnaire,because this is your Library.
1. How often do you visit the Tigard library? Please check one.
❑ 4 or more times a month ❑First-time visitor
❑ 1-3 times a month ❑Never
❑Less than once a month
2. How old are you? IL
❑ 18 or younger ❑26-40 ❑ 61 or older
❑ 19-25 ❑ 41-60
3. Please rate the following areas of Library service:
Library Service Excellent Good Just OK Poor Don't Use
Availability of Internet Computers ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Checkout Desk ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Reference Desk ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Children's Room Desk ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
4. Which of the following would you like the library to provide? (Check as many as you wish.)
❑ Online payment of fines and fees ❑Blu-ray videodiscs
❑Downloadable books for E-readers like Sony® ❑None of the above
and NndleTM
❑ Comments:
5. Have you left the library dissatisfied? ❑No ❑Yes If yes,why?
❑Item was checked out ❑ 1 could not find what 1 wanted ❑Story Times were full
❑ Waited too long for service ❑ All computers were in use ❑Parking
❑Library had no material on the subject ❑ Staff was unable to assist me ❑ W0 did not work
❑ Other:
6. Which of these electronic resources would you use to connect with the Library? qr
❑Facebook ❑ Twitter ❑Blogs ❑None ❑ Other:
❑ The ability to ask reference questions online through: O email O texting O communicating in real time(chat)
7. What would you like to ask us? M
Thank you for your time!
Please return your survey to the Tigard Public Library, 13500 SW Hall Blvd.,Tigard,OR 97223.
Beginning January 31,2010,this survey also will be available online at www.tigard-ongov/library.
=
Stream Restoration Planting 77 New Burnham Street Update
Mark Your Calendar to Volunteer After the holiday construction
break,crews are busier than ever with
Blue Heron Greenbelt "Tree for All" completing groundwork for a New
• At the intersection of Blue • Mary Woodward Burnham Street.
Heron Place and Walnut Street Elementary Greenbelt New storm sewer has been
• Saturday,February 6,2010 (12325 SW Katherine Street) installed on Burnham(from Main to
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Saturday,February 20,2010 Hall) eliminating the seasonal flooding
Help install willow cuttings into a • 9 a.m. to 1P.M. by Stevens Marine(sorry ducks!).
p•
Work also continues with storm sewer
stream bank. High rubber boots We will be working with Friends of installation on Ash Avenue.
or hip waders are recommended. Trees. This is a great event to share
Volunteers will need to stand in a with your kids! Log onto the Area 6 web page
moving stream so this event is not at a avzv tigardarea6.blogspot.com to
recommended for small children. view behind-the-scenes photos and
read comments from residents and
construction crews. For project
To Participate: construction
Twitter updates and maps
For more information or to register,please contact Surface Water of the construction zone,log onto
Quality/Volunteer Coordinator Carla Staedter at 503-718-2788 or the city's website at xww..tigard-orgou/
carla@tigard-orgov. burnham.
Fold Here
Tigard Public Library
" 13500 SW Hall Blvd. First Class
Tigard,OR 97223 Stamp
503-684-6537 Required
V Tigard Public Library
13500 SW Hall Blvd.
a
a Tigard, OR 97223
Tape Closed
Cityscape Newsletter A
News from the Tigard Librar% 13500 SW Hall Blvd. 503-684-6537
Join in the Library's 3rd annual community reading program
throughout February.
The adult selection,also suitable for teens in grades 10 through 12,is The Grapes of Wrath by John
Tigard Reodl 1010 Steinbeck. Younger readers can also participate with Woody Guthrie,Poet of the People by Bonnie
Christensen for children in 3rd grade or younger.A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck has been
selected for 4th through 9th graders.
Here is a sample of Tigard Reads events derived from Americans'experiences during the Depression.
IIGames, Wls and More III I ' ll I I . II I I
Children's Folk Music with Lorna Miller American Folk(rafts The Graves of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Tuesday,February 9,7-8 p.m.,Community Room Saturday,February 6,1:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesday,February 9,10:30 a.m.—Noon
Children and Families Puett Room,Ages 5&Up
Wednesday,February 24,7-8:30 p.m.
Sing and dance with guitarist Design a piece of Americana Houghton Room,Adults and teens in grades 10-12
Lorna Miller as she leads inspired by.American
the group in old-time To learn about all the events, folk crafts. A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck
favorites. pick up a Tigard Reads flier at Monday,February 8,7-8 p.m.
the Library or log on to Oral History Family Book Group:Parents and kids in grades 4-6
Dance Off www.tigard-or.gov/library. Interviews Registration required,Community Room
Depression Saturday,February 6,13, Thursday,February 11,4:30-6 p.m.
Friday,February 19 20,27,10 a.m.-2 p.m. BookTRON(Teens Read Outrageously Now)
5-8 p.m.,Community Room Local History Room Teens in grades 6-12
Ages 11 through adult Registration Required,Adults Registration required,Community Room
Learn 1930s dances (like the Charleston, Share your memories and experiences
Foxtrot and the Lindy Hop) from a during the Great Depression with the Woody Guthrie,Poet of the People
professional dance instructor. Then it's Tigard community. by Bonnie Christensen (Family Book Group
Ladies'Choice at our Sadie Hawkins with Lorna Miller)
dance. osu Master Gardeners"10-Minute
University": Starting Your Vegetable Thursday,February 18,7-8p.m.
Parents and children in grades Kthrough 3
Games of the 1920s and '305
Garden and Edible Landscapes Registration required,Community Room
Sunday,February 14,1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday,February 25,7-8 p.m.
Puett Room,Ages 6-12 Community Room, Adults and Teens Unable to Attend Our Book Discussion Groups?
Join us as we play old favorites like Go Two 20-minute talks with question and Join our online discussion at
Fish,Solitaire and War. We'll also play answer time. tigardreads.blogspot.com.The blog will also
Monopoly(released in 1934) and Scrabble feature program highlights,book suggestions
Tigard Reads is sponsored by agenerous donation
(1938). from the Friends of the Tigard Library. and video clips.
Other Events • Library 1
Super Bowl XLIV Information for Seniors— Genealogy Workshop
Sunday,February 7,3-7 p.m.,Community Room Medicare Part D Thursday,February 4,4-7 p.m.
Watch the broadcast of Super Bowl Wednesday,February 17,2:30-4 p.m. Technology Room
XLIV on the Library's big screen Library Conference Room Volunteers from the Tualatin Family
in an alcohol-free environment. Judy Castelano of the Washington History Center will teach participants
Test your Super Bowl smarts with County Department of Disability, how to explore family roots using
a Trivia Challenge. The winner Aging and Veterans Services will AncestryPlus and Heritage Quest
and two runners-up will receive gift discuss the details of Medicare Part D. genealogy resources.
certificates from a local sporting goods store.
We've made tax forms easier to find.We now have links to IRS and
Free food and refreshments mill be provided Oregon Department of Revenue tax forms on all of our public computers
by the Friends of the Library. on the second floor.
February 2010 www.tigard-or.gov•503-639-4171 Page
City of Tigard PRSRT STD
Watch Tigard City Council on TVCTV " 13125 SW Hall Blvd. US Postage
Do you want to watch your city officials in action? ' ' ' Tigard,OR 97223 PAID 503-639-4171
TVCTV provides comprehensive coverage of City Council Portland,OR
meetings on Channel 28 or online with video streaming. For Permit No 2528
a bird's eye view of the decisions that shape our city,log onto
www.tvctv..org and click on the council meeting coverage link.
Snow...Be Prepared! POSTAL CUSTOMER
Tigard Police advise drivers to carry chains and be
prepared for unexpected snowfall. If you get stuck,try to
move your car completely off the roadway and use your
emergency flashers. Call for a tow or try to flag down
someone to call for you. Vehicles left on the shoulder may
create a hazard for other drivers. Regular Council Meetings: Tuesday,February 9,16,23
DO NOT ABANDON your car. Police have an @ 6:30 p.m.,Tigard Town Hall(13125 SW Hall Blvd.)
obligation to protect life and property by keeping the roads
clear,including the shoulders so that other traffic can be Council Coffee *NEW*
kept moving. Any car left in the right-of-way could create a Saturday,February 6 @ 9 a.m.,Tigard Public Library Lobby
hazard. If your car is obstructing traffic in any way,it could Everyone is welcome to pard@ate in this informal exchange.
be towed and police tows are usually accompanied by a
citation and an increased tow fee. All meetings are open to the public. Council agendas are
More tips are available online at www.tigard-orgovlpolice. available online at www.tigard-or.gov/counc���/ or contact
Cathy Wheatley at 503-718-2410 or cathy@tigard-orgov.
Taking Care ofTigard's Streams and Rivers
Thankyou forprotecting our streams! drains are"cleaned up"at the wastewater • Pull weeds by hand or pour boiling
Little thingsyou do around the house and in the treatment plant. They are not! water over them.
yard can h@ protect storm water,streams,and What can I do to help? • Clean up pet waste by bagging it and
the environment. Here are some commonly askedputting it in the trash. Keep pet waste
• Sweep your driveway and sidewalk. out of the street,sidewalk,yard,and
questions about storm water. Avoid hosing these areas where the
storm drain system.
What is storm water? polluted water can run into a street or
Storm water is rain or melting storm drain. • Use a drain pan to catch automotive
snow that does not immediate) soak fluids when changing oil,antifreeze,or
y Visit a commercial car wash where the other fluids.
into the ground. Instead,storm water water gets cleaned and recycled.
flows across hard surfaces and picks up • Volunteer to install storm drain
• Wash tools and equipment over a markers which inform the public
pollutants like automobile oil,chemicals, P
grass or soil-covered area where wash about the risk to our rivers. Contact
sediment,and pet waste. water will soak into the ground and be
Brian Wheatley at 503-718-2610
Where does storm water go? naturally filtered. or brianav@tigard--orgov for more
About 75 percent of the storm water . Leave lawn clippings on your lawn. information.
in Tigard goes directly into local streams Studies show that clippings can add
and rivers;the remaining25 extent goes Volunteer for local stream restoration
p g substantial nutrients back into the soil, events. It's fun and beneficial to our
to storm water detention facilities. reducing the need for fertilization. waterways. (Seepage @
Does storm water get treated? • Plant native plants.They are adapted
NO. Many people mistakenly believe to the area and need less water and
the contaminants that enter the storm maintenance.