05-23-2019 Council Newsletter Couxd1Newsktkr
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May 23, 2019
1. Updated Council Correspondence & Invitation 8. Council Calendar
Logs Monday,May 27 Memorial Day
I've emailed Council correspondence and outreach City Offices Closed
updates to your mailboxes. Councilor Newton let me „T
know the "Council Connection"with Sambo from -Pu,`'shy—, IM 5---' iislnea -iy eetizag
PSU has been responded to and once she contacts me Cancelled for lack of items
for materials,it will be closed. (Thank_you Councilor.' I'll Thursday,May 30 Council hosts Good Morning Tigard
begin sending monthly updates instead of quarterly 7:30 a.m. -Town Hall
and in between those deliveries,will include brief
updates on pending complaints in this newsletter. Thursday,June 4 Business Meeting
6:30 p.m. -Town Hall
2. Fee Waivers —for June 4 Council Meeting
Marty and Shelby attached a memo in preparation for Thursday,June 11 Business Meeting
the June 4 Council meeting. 6:30 p.m. -Town Hall
3. Construction Project Update Thursday,June 18 Business/Workshop Combo
Christina Zellmer attached an overview-of road, trail 6:30 p.m. -Town Hall
and construction projects underway in the city.
4. Public Works Project Updates Thursday,June 25 Business Meeting
Marissa Grass provided an update of PW activities. 6:30 p.m. -Town Hall
5. Press Releases Thursday,July 2 Business Meeting
Staff issued the following press releases this week: 6:30 p.m. -Town Hall
• Tigard Police and partners arrest five people
associated with scams
• Tigard Police participate in seat belt enforcement
campaign
6. Letter of Appreciation
The Chief shared a letter of appreciation for the
Commercial Crimes Unit,Detectives and Police staff
who assisted with the arrest of five people.
7. News Articles
- Major scam bust leads to 5 arrests, seizure of 300
Apple devices in Portland metro area
- Tigard police, other agencies,bust elaborate Apple
gift card scam
- Just Compassion purchases property,moves
forward with renovation plans
-- Beaverton,Washington County seek comment on
housing bond plans
13125 SXX Hall Blvd Tigard,OR 97223 1 Web wwv. ' id-otga J Phone:303.639 4171 1 FAX 503.684.729r TDD 503,684?7-2
Item# �f
Newsletter:
City of Tigard 2�9
Memorand91 um
To: Tigard City Council
From: Marty Wine & Shelby Rihala
Re: Fee Waivers —preview of proposal for June 4 Council meeting
Date: May 14, 2019
Current Code
Tigard Municipal Code 3.32 governs City fees and charges. It defines "fees and charges" as:
1. Fees and charges established for city services provided under this code;
2. Fees and charges for the dedication and vacation of streets and other public areas within the city;
3. Any other fee or charge established by the council in which the council specifically states that the
fee or charge is to be subject to the provisions of this chapter.
TMC 3.32.070 authorizes exemptions to City fees and charges and provides:
The city council is authorized to waive or exempt the fee or charge imposed upon an
application or for the use of city-facilities and services,if a nonprofit organization
requests such a waiver in writing and the council determines that community benefit
from the proposed activity-outweighs the financial burden on the city. The waiver or
exemption shall not excuse the nonprofit organization from compliance with other
requirements of this code.
Considerations
The current code language raises the following legal and policy issues:
A. Does this section apply to all City fees and charges? The definition is somewhat unclear and most fees
established by City Code do not expressly-refer to TMC 3.32. Additionally, the City does not have
authority over some fee waivers (such as public records requests which are set by statute) and SDC
exemptions (which are provided for in City Code). A final consideration is the amount of the fee.
NNUle some permits may be under$100, others are several thousands.
B. How will the City determine eligibility and qualification for the waiver? Current Code only allows nonprofits
to qualify for an exemption and merit is based on whether the"community benefit...outweighs
the financial burden on the city." Should other entities—like religious groups, for-profits, schools,
lox--income individuals, etc.—also be eligible?
C. IWho is responsible for administering fee waivers? Does Council want to review every fee waiver request,
or should the initial review be delegated?
D. How will legal risks be mitigated? Anytime the City gives a benefit to one party and not another,it
potentially increases the risk of a discrimination or equal protection claim. Additionally,without
an appeal process, there may also be due process considerations. The less discretionary the City's
role, the safer from a legal perspective. The current standard,which forces Council to determine a
nonprofit's "community benefit"is very discretionary. This also makes it difficult to be consistent
in its waivers and inconsistent treatment between similarly situated parties poses legal problems as
well.
Recommendation
Weighing the issues raised above, staff proposes to base the waiver off of need as opposed to
community benefit. Currently,Tigard Parks &Recreation has a scholarship program which allows a
waiver of fees for up to $300 for any activity,including community garden rentals. The request form
identifies acceptable evidence of need,ranging from pa;toll stubs to a free or reduced lunch form.
The proposed code language below is based off of the practice used in Parks &Recreation and also
resolves the larger issues raised above. Staff proposes the following code amendments:
TMC 3.32.070:
The city est is authorized to waive or exempt the following fees or charges,imposed upeft
appheation or for the use of eity faeilities and se in an amount not to exceed$300,if a nenpre€it
src;
Construction Project Update — May 21, 2019 item# ,
Newsletter:
Roy Rogers Road
C:ontracto>r x6ll be working on the signal at the intersection of Roy Rogers Road and Scho)lls !Ferry Road
during die Might, next Thursday, Ma-y 30111. 'Thc intersection will be. flagged overnight and fully reopened
Friday. inorning.
Tigard High School
Contractor working on installation of domestic water line on 92nd Ave. to serve new buildings on campus.
Expect light to moderate traffic impacts along 92nd Av e./Durham Rd. near Tigard High School.
Beef Bend Road Culvert
Washington County will be replacing a pair of failed culverts under Beef Bend Rd near 146th Ave. This
project also includes installing a new waterline for the City of Tigard. A six-,weeii: road cl63sure is
expected du-ting constructIon. frorl '7/:5/3.9 to 8/25/:!91. Beef Bend Road, between Roy, Roger, and
F-INtr-99W, \\,ill be open to local traffic only during the closure-. Beef Bend Road, between 14611, Avenue and
the (-Ilk \1c>nt Apartments entrance,will be closed ro :ill traffic. Pedestrians vith mobility needs \\-ho travel
between 14611, Avenue and the Oak Mont partment entrance will need to contact Washington ("ounty for
an escort during construction. Visit the County's project website at
https://www.co.washington.or.us/LUT/Transl2ortationProj ects/beef bendculvert.cfm?page=About
Pavement Repair
City crews are out saw cutting and paring in Picks Landing and the City Hall parking lot. This is in
preparation for slurry seal this summer.
Bull Mountain Road
Washington County is adding a 5-foot sidewalk on the east side of Bull Mountain Road, between
Nemarnik Drive and 155th Terrace, and on the north side of Bull!Mountain Road, between 155th Terrace
and Grandview Lane. Anticipated completion date is 1 uh• '15. Traffic will be reduced to one lane
intermittently, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. See https://,,x-ww.wc-roads.com/ for more information.
Beef Bend east of Roy RogersRoad
Construction is on-going on the sewer line being installed on Beef Bend Road. Beef Bend has been re-
opened but may have flagged lane closures during the day while the crews clean-up. They will return in late
Spring/early Summer to repave the road. Visit www.getusthere.org for more information.
OR 99W Sidewalk Project: Royalty Parkway to Durham Road
ODOT,in partnership with King City, plans to construct new sidewalk on OR 99`x' (Pacific Highway) and
on Royalty Parkway. \Vork has begun and is expected to continue through Tu1N=. During construction, road
users should expect daytime and nighttime work. There will be singte-hme, bike lane and shoulder closures
on OR 99\W' and on Ro�%;alty Parkwav as«ell as short-term sidewalk closures, -,irh AD \-approved
pedestrian detours. Nearby residents may hear intermittent nighttime noise. More information can be
found on the project website at https://u.-v-w.oregon.gov/odot/12rojects//pag�es/project-
details.as12x?12roject=18807
Cook Park Sewer Line
A portion of Clean Fater Services'West Durham Basin Improvement Program has started at Cook Park.
The project is replacing aging sewer interceptor pipes that help control water flow with larger, more
resilient pipes to improve wastewater capacity. Work is oii hold for the summer and will begin again in the
fall. Work began near the wastewater plant and progresses westward. More info is on the CWS website:
http://wv-v�.cleanwaterservices.org/about-us/12rojectsi west-durham-basin-improvement-program/
Fanno Creek Trail—Woodard Park to Tiedeman Ave
The new bridge and trail connecting the Fanno Creek Trail straight from Woodard Park across the creek to
the existing crosswalk on Tiedeman Avenue is now open. This project completed a missing link of the
Fanno Creek Greenway Trail, provided an ADA-accessible route where it did not exist before, increased
trail safety by lining the trail up with a safe crosswalk, and provided a very clear definition of the regional
trail route at Tiedeman Avenue. Most of the project was paid for using a generous $800,000 grant from
Metro. Upcoming projects in this location include safety changes at the crosswalk, adding refuge islands
and more visible lighting. As soon as a long enough stretch of rain free weather happens, a neve mural will
also be painted on the retaining wall and bridge foundation to add character to the trail and to help
discourage graffiti.
River Terrace Area Construction
• River Terrace subdivisions are under construction particularly on the east side of Roy Rogers Rd
south of Scholls Ferry Rd. If you have any questions, please contact Mike White at 503-718-2464.
• A contractor is building a new subdivision on the west side of 150th Ave south of Hawksridge.
Utility-work (with traffic delays) is in progress on 150th Ave.
• Bull Mountain Road Widening and Traffic Signal Construction: Bull Niountain Road (from
164th to Roy Rogers Rd) is open with a new roundabout at the future River Terrace Blvd, and a
traffic signal at Bull A-fountain and Roy Rogers Road. Visit GetUsThere.org for information and
updates.
• There are other significant road, sewer and water projects underway or planned in the area.
Visit GetUsThere.org for information and updates.
Hwy 217 Auxiliary Lanes
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is designing a project to add an auxiliary third lane
on Hwy 217 southbound from Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy to Hwy 99W, and Hwy 217 northbound from
Hwy 99W to Scholls Ferry Rd. Afore information is on the project website at hwy217.org.
150th Ave —Stonegate Subdivision
A developer is constructing a subdivision just south of Bull Aftn. Rd. on 150th Ave. It requires water and
road work with flagging on 150th which is a Washington County road.
69th Avenue — Hampton Inn
A Hampton Inn is being constructed on 69th Avenue at Clinton Street. 69th Avenue is closed to traffic
from Baylor Street to Clinton Street from until May 3rd.
Oak Street near 90th Avenue
A contractor is working on Oak Street near 90th Avenue for a new apartment complex. Daytime delays
likely.
Tiedeman Avenue and Tigard Street
A developer is building a new subdivision on Tigard Street east of Tiedeman Avenue. The contractor is
installing storm line in Tigard Street between Tiedeman and Katherine streets. Expect delays on Tigard
Street.
68th Parkway south of Hwy 99W
A developer is building a new self-storage facility on the westside of 681h Parkway south of 99W. Sidewalk
improvements along 68th Parkway will be beginning soon. Some delays possible.
150th Ave south of Hawk Ridge Drive
A developer is building a 180-lot subdivision on 150th Ave south of Hawk Ridge Drive. No impacts to
traffic expected.
72nd Avenue between Clinton St and Baylor St
A developer is building a new 37-unit apartment building on the east side of 72nd Ave between Clinton St
and Baylor St. Building foundation and concrete piles finished. Expect light to moderate traffic impacts on
72nd Ave. between Clinton and Baylor as site work continues.
Hunziker Road—Fields Apartments
A developer is building apartments on Hunziker Rd and improvements include widening Hunziker Rd.
Atlanta Street—Tigard Storage
A sanitary line is being installed at the Tigard Storage on Atlanta Street. Possible light traffic impacts on
Atlanta Street.
114th Place
A new subdivision is being installed on 114th Place north of North Dakota Street. Some traffic impacts
expected on North Dakota Street and 114t11 Place for the next few months.
School Construction
Construction continues on Templeton Elementary School, and on the new Durham Center education
services building near Durham Elementary School.
Public Works
5/23/19
National Public Works Week: Thank You to the People of Public Works
To celebrate National Public Works Week (May 19-25), Public Works Day was held on Saturday,May 19 at the
Tigard Public Library. Comments from community members include:
• "It was great fun!Thanks for hosting the event.All of the employees and volunteers were great with the kids!"Elizabeth C.
• "Thanks to all the employees who made this event such a success.My son can't stop talking about all the equipment, and I was
impressed at the professionalism of every operator we came across. Many thanks to ALL the employees who work so hard to
make this a fantastic event for kids andgrownup s."Allison B.
• "So much fun playing on tractors, big trucks and police cars!"Kelly A.
For event photos,please see the full online gallery on the city's Facebook page.
National Public Works Week celebrates the contributions of public works professionals as well as the communities
they serve.
• Infrastructure: The essential facilities, services and structures that support our daily life.
• Public Works: The systems we've invested in and depend on for drinking water, transportation and more.
• The Public Works Department: The People who protect and maintain this investment 24 hours per day, 365
days per year.
d �
V _ _
Cattle Grazing in Dirksen Nature Park: Cows are the new elk
Jv-11 Cattle are expected to arrive in Dirksen Nature Park on
}' �.��, Monday,May 27.
The cows have an important job to do assisting with the
restoration work in the park. This is part of an ongoing effort
to restore Dirksen's native oak savanna. The purpose of
- bringing cattle to Dirksen Nature Park is to mimic historic
disturbances like the grazing of elk.
T Ultimately the goal is to establish healthy levels of native
wildflowers and grasses in the oak savanna.
What to know about cattle grazing in Dirksen Nature
Park:
• This work will be managed by Ash Creek Forest Management,LLC.
• Prior to the arrival of cattle, two fences will be installed,including an electric inner fence.
• Fence lines will not cross any established trails and no trail or park closures will be necessary.
• An Ash Creek employee will be based at the park between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. and periodically
throughout the day to ensure the herd is undisturbed.
For more information,visit https://www.tigard-or.gov/community/dirksen park.php.
New Adopt-A-Street Program Volunteers
The Adopt a Street Program allows citizens to work in partnership with the city by "adopting" a segment of
roadway and agreeing to keep it clean. This program offers individuals an inexpensive way to contribute to their
community and generate publicity for their efforts. Every participant in this program makes a positive impact on the
appearance of the road system and their community.
New volunteers include the Rotary Club (Walnut) and Culver Home Team (135 ). For more information, and to
sign up, please contact Streets Supervisor Adam Jensen at adamj@tigard-or.gov or 503-718-2606.
DOPT
STREET
Home
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i Item# J
Tigard Police Department Newsletter:
Media Release
13125 S%'Hall Boulevard I Tigard,Oregon 97223 www.tigard-or.gov/police
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May20,2019
Contact:
Stefanie Kouremeds,Community Engagement Program Coordinator
Tigard Police Department
Phone: 503-718-2814
Email: stefanie.kouremetisgtigard-or.gov
Tigard Police and Partners Arrest Five People Associated with Scams
On 5/14/19 around 7:00am,Tigard Police along with federal and local law enforcement agencies
served multiple search warrants in Beaverton,unincorporated Portland, and Oregon City.The
search warrants related to ongoing criminal activity where scammers operating out of the country
demanded payment by Apple gift cards while criminal intermediaries located in the Portland metro-
area quickly used the funds at stores in the Portland metro-area,specifically in Tigard.The following
locations were searched:
• 7700 block S\X'Cirrus Dr,Beaverton
• 7800 SW Nimbus Ave,Beaverton
• 6500 SW Firlock Way,Portland (unincorporated WA County)
• 12200 block NW Barnes Rd.,Portland (unincorporated WA County)
• 13000 block SVG'Tapadera Street,Beaverton
• 400 block of Roosevelt Street,Oregon City
The following people, operating as intermediaries,were arrested in connection with the 5/14/19
search warrant:
• Ying Zhang,Portland woman,26 year-old,Theft I-other and Computer Crime (felony)
• Yiran Liang,Portland man,29 year-old,Theft I-other and Computer Crime (felony)
• Gongchao Liu,Beaverton man,23;rear-old,Theft I-other and Computer Crime (felony)
• Can Vu,Beaverton woman,24 year-old,Theft I-other and Computer Crime (felony)
• Yu Sun Johnson,Oregon City woman,26 year-old,Computer Crime (felony)
Additionally, over 300 devices were seized including Apple watches,iPhones,AirPods, and iPads.
Hundreds of used gift cards were also discovered.
Page 1 of 3
qPTigard Police Department
Media Release
13125 SD6"Hall Boulevard I Tigard,Oregon 97223 wv-w.tigard-or.gov/police
This operation relates to a trend in the last few years where scammers ask victims to pay them vxith
gift cards. Whether it involves a social security,IRS,jury,computer support,or emergency scam,the
fraudster instructs the victim to purchase a gift card and relay the card number over the phone,by
email or text. By the time the victim realizes they have been defrauded, the gift card balance has
already been depleted and they are unable to recover their money.
Early in 2019,Tigard Police Commercial Crimes Unit(CCU) Detectives re-.dewed multiple police
reports where victims,residing in Tigard and other jurisdictions in Oregon and other states,reported
fraud involving Apple gift cards. By the time they realized they were being scammed,the gift card
balances had already been spent at Apple stores in the Portland metro-area,specifically in Tigard.
Working with Apple and federal agents,CCU determined that scammers often operating out of the
country were using paid intermediaries located in United States to spend balances obtained from
stolen Apple gift cards on bulk purchases of iPhones and other products at Apple stores.The
intermediaries,claiming to be legitimate electronics resellers,would then ship the devices out of the
country.Detectives were able to identify several individuals and businesses located in Clackamas and
Washington Counties involved in this scheme.These individuals were the subjects of the 5/14/19
search warrant.
Tigard Police would like to thank the Portland office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation;Oregon
City,Tualatin and Beaverton Police Departments;and the'%Xashington County Sheriff's Office for
assisting Tigard Police in the service of these search warrants.
Scammers use high-pressure tactics to coerce victims to act before they have time to think or do
their research.These schemes may include threats of arresting victims who fail to pay immediately.
Tigard Police reminds the public to be wary of receiving calls,emails,or texts from people claiming
that you owe money and must pay now with gift cards, prepaid credit cards,or wire transfers;these
payment methods are chosen because they are difficult to recover once the information is provided
to the scammers.Additionally,government agencies v ill not call you unsolicited demanding
payment or ask for you to pay with gift cards. If you are concerned that you do owe money,please
find the contact information for the agency using a reputable source and call the agency directly-to
verify.
For media inquiries regarding this press release,please contact Commander Robert Rogers at
503-718-2551.
Page 2 of 3
Tigard Police Department
Media Release
13125 SW Hall Boulevard I Tigard,Oregon 97223 1 www.dgard-or.gov/police
Photo: Sample of items seitied at locations.
" 1
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Page 3 of 3
i Tigard Police Department
C �
Media Release
13125 WHO Boulevard I Tigard,Oregon 9"17223 www.tigard-or.gov/police
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May21,2019
Contact:
Stefanie Kouremetis,Community Engagement Program Coordinator
Tigard Police Department
Phone: 503-718-2814
Email: stefanie.kouremetis@tigard-or.gov
Tigard Police Participate in Seat Belt Enforcement Campaign
From May 20,2019 to June 2,2019,the Tigard Police Department(TPD)is participating in a
national seat-belt enforcement campaign.This annual campaign is part of the U.S. Department of
Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Click It or Ticket high-visibility
enforcement effort.The intent of Click It or Ticket is to save lives. In 2017,there were 10,076
unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States.
During the campaign,TPD Traffic Safety Officers will work overtime on seat-belt enforcement
thanks to a grant awarded by the Oregon Department of Transportation.'Where officers observe
other unsafe driving behaviors during this effort,they will be able to intervene. During the Click It or
Ticket campaign in February 2019,TPD officers cited 61 motorists for speeding as well as issued
nine other citations and nine warnings.
Recent surveys of Tigard motorists demonstrated that nearly 96% of front-seat occupants in
passenger vehicles complied with seat-belt laws.The national average is just over 90%. While the
compliance rates are impressive,the lack of seat-belt use has been a factor in numerous motor
vehicle fatalities in Oregon during recent years.
Please find the Click It or Ticket Fact Sheet below. For more information on this campaign,please
visit:www.nhtsa.gov/riot.
Page 1 of 1
OR
`T7
2019 Click It or Ticket
Products for Enforcement Action Kit: Fact Sheet
Be Part of the Progress
• From May 20-June 2, 2019, State and local law enforcement agencies across the Nation
are stepping up enforcement to crack down on motorists who aren't wearing their seat
belts.
• For this year's Click it or Ticket seat belt mobilization effort, the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking all States to participate in the kickoff
event, Border to Border (1326), a one-day national seat-belt awareness event
coordinated by participating State highway safety offices and their respective law
enforcement liaisons. The 13213 program aims to increase law enforcement participation
by coordinating highly visible seat belt enforcement and providing seat belt fact
sheets for drivers at heavily traveled, highly visible State border checkpoints.
Enforce Lifesaving Laws
• Click It or Ticket isn't about citations; it's about saving lives. In 2017, there were
10,076 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States.
To help prevent crash fatalities, we need to step up enforcement and crack down on
those who don't wear their seat belts.
• Seat belt use is required by law for a reason: In 2017, seat belts saved an estimated
14,955 lives of occupants 5 and older. From 2013 to 2017, seat belts saved nearly
69,000 lives.
• If all passenger vehicle occupants 5 and older involved in fatal crashes had worn their
seat belts, an additional 2,549 lives could have been saved in 2017 alone.
Face the Facts
• The national seat belt use rate in 2017 was 89.7 percent, which is good—but we can do
better. The other 10.3 percent still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives.
• Among young adults 18 to 34 killed in crashes in 2017, more than half (57%) were
completely unrestrained—one of the highest percentages for all age groups.
• Men make up the majority of those killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes. In 2017, 65
percent of the 23,551 passenger vehicle occupants who were killed were men. It
comes as no surprise that men wear their seat belts at a lower rate than women do-
51 percent of men killed in crashes were unrestrained, compared to 39 percent of
women.
I I VI OR
• High-visibility seat belt enforcement is important 24 hours a day, but nighttime is
especially deadly for unbuckled occupants. In 2017, 55 percent of passenger vehicle
occupants killed at night (6 p.m.-5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts.
Bust the Myths
• Vehicle type: There seems to be a misconception among those who drive and ride in
pickup trucks that their large vehicles will protect them better than other vehicles
would in a crash. The numbers say otherwise: 59 percent of pickup truck occupants
who were killed in 2017 were not buckled. That's compared to 42 percent of
passenger car occupants who were not wearing seat belts when they were killed.
Regardless of vehicle type, seat belt use is the single most effective way to stay alive
in a crash.
• Seating position: Too many people wrongly believe they are safe in the back seat
unrestrained. Forty-six percent of all front-seat passenger vehicle occupants killed in
crashes in 2017 were unrestrained, but 56 percent of those killed in back seats were
unrestrained.
• Rural versus urban locations: People who live in rural areas might believe that their
crash exposure is lower, but in 2017, there were 12,786 passenger vehicle fatalities in
rural locations, compared to 10,316 fatalities in urban locations. Out of those
fatalities, 49 percent of those killed in the rural locations were not wearing their seat
belts, compared to 44 percent in urban locations.
Click It or Ticket—Day and Night
• High-visibility seat belt enforcement is important 24 hours a day, but nighttime is
especially deadly for unbuckled occupants. In 2017, 55 percent of passenger vehicle
occupants killed at night (6 p.m.-5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts.
Learn more about the Click It or Ticket mobilization at www.nhtsa.gov/ciot.
TP00019d-021219-v1
Item# (10
Newsletter:
City of Tigard
May 21, 2019
To: Sgt. Fox, Detective Dresser, Detective Hockin, Detective Lee, Detective Hicks, Detective
Rinell, Officer Blinn, Officer Adamski, Officer Powers, Officer Sanders, Officer Imus,
Michelle Hellstrom, Shelly Wert, Sue Garino and Kr Stan Paris
Re: Letter of Appreciation
The Tigard Police Department Commercial Crimes Unit (CCU) had been investigating ongoing
criminal activity involving scammers operating out of the country demanding payment by Apple gift
cards while criminal intermediaries located in the Portland metro-area quickly used the funds at stores
in the Portland metro-area, specifically in Tigard.
CCU Detectives obtained authorization to search six residents and businesses in Beaverton,
unincorporated Washington County and Oregon City. It was determined that the best course of
action was to serve the search warrants simultaneously. While the threat level was relatively low, the
ability to serve all six warrants required a tremendous amount of resources from the FBI, DEA,
Homeland Security, Oregon City Police Department, Tualatin Police Department, Beaverton Police
Department and Washington County Sheriffs office.
The search warrants led to the arrest of five people operating as intermediaries. Over 300 devices
were seized including Apple watches,iPhones,AirPods,iPads along with hundreds of used gift cards.
Property crimes affect all of our cities and when scammers prey on the elderly, young, diverse and
uninformed victims they can create long-term financial impacts to those individuals.
The tremendous cooperation among law enforcement agencies was a vital component to the success
of this event. Please accept my appreciation for demonstrating out core values of Attitude,
Leadership, Integrity, Service, and Teamwork.
Respectfully yours,
I(thy e
Chief of Police
c: Employee file
Chief's file
City Manager
Human Resources
Commendation board
131.25 SW Hall lelvd. • T iga-rd, Oregon 97223 +m 503.639.441-1-171
1 l , Nleiay: 503.684.127/2 0 vTrv-,-,v.tigard-or.gov
Item# I'
Newsletter: 5- 2.,3-f01
Police: Major scam bust leads to 5 arrests, seizure of
300 Apple devices in Portland metro area
Fox 12 Staff Updati-A 12 ,:r,;a p,i Po.,. y ?; 3
NEWS WEATHER T?;,FF;C MOREGG0 S!,ORTS T7SCHEGll E
hfN'
SCAM ARRESTS
TIGARD, OR(KPTV) -A major
= scam bust led to five arrests and the
*�► seizure of more than 300 Apple
devices, according to Tigard police.
r3ft
The Tigard Police Department
worked with federal and other local law enforcement agencies to serve warrarts last week near
Portland, as well as it Beaverton and Oregon City.
Investigators said the scam operation involved calling people and claiming the victims needed to pay
money by using gift cards. The re stammers instruct the victims to purchase a gift card and relay the
card number back, at which time intermediaries quickly use the funds at stores -to purchase Apple
products.
The purchases were mainly made in Tigard, accordilg to police.
The intermediaries claim to be legitimate electronics resellers and su'lih the devices out of the country.
The seized stems included Apple watches, iPhones, AirPods and iPads.
Early this year, the Tigard Police Co,mrnercial Crimes Unit reviewed multiple police reports involving
victims purchasing Apple gift cards. Detectives said by the time the victims realized they were being
scammed, the gift card balances had been spent.
The suspects who were arrested were identified as:
• Ying Zhang, 26, of Portland.
• Yiran Liang, 29, of Portland.
• Gongchao Liu, 23, of Beaverton.
• Can Wu, 24, of Beaverton.
• Yu Sun Johnson, 26, of Oregon City.
The first four suspects face felony charges of first-degree theft and computer crime. Johnson faces
the felony charge of computer crime.
Warrants were served at the following locations:
• 7700 block Southwest Cirrus Drive, Beaverton
• 7800 Southwest Nimbus Avenue, Beaverton
• 6500 Southwest Firlock Way, Portland, unincorporated Washington County
• 12200 block Northwest Barnes Road, Portland, unincorporated Washington County
• 13000 block Southwest Tapadera Street, Beaverton
• 400 block of Roosevelt Street, Oregon City
Tigard police were assisted by the FBI,
Washington County Sheriff's Office and police
departments in Oregon City, Tualatin and
Beaverton in serving the warrants.
j
The Tigard Police Department released a
srafiament about the case and scam awareness:
Scammers use high-pressure tactics to coerce
victims to acl before they have time to think or
do their research. These schemes may include threats of ar:estingr victims who fail to pay
immediately. Tigard Police reminds the public to be wary of receiving calls, smails, or texts from
people claiming that you owe money and must pay now with gift cards, prepaid credit cards, or wire
transfers; these paymenmethods are chosen because they are difficult to recover once the
information is provided;0'
the scam mers. Additionally, govemment agencies will not call you
unsolicited demandng payment. If you are concerned that you do owe money, please rind the contact
information for the agency using a reputable source and call the agency directly to verify.
Copyright 2099 KPTV-KPDX Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.
Tigard police, other agencies, bust elaborate
Apple gift card scam
Times staff Monday, May 20, 2019
Police arrest five individuals in connection with an out-of-country scam involving i
local criminal intermediaries.
Tigard Police, along with federal and local law enforcement agencies, arrested five
people who they believe were acting as criminal intermediaries in a widespread out-of-
country scam involving Apple gift cards.
On May 14, Tigard police and other agencies served multiple search warrants in i {
Beaverton, unincorporated Portland and Oregon City in connection with the scammers -
demanding Apple gift card payments and then having area intermediaries quickly use
the cards for purchases in the Portland-metro area, specifically in Tigard.
Locations were searched included the 7700 block of Southwest Cirrus Drive, 7800 S.W.
Nimbus Avenue and the 13000 block of Southwest Tapadera Street(all in Beaverton); -the 12200 block of Northwest Barnes Road and the 6500 block of Firlock Way in
unincorporated Washington County and the 400 block of Roosevelt Street in Oregon ,
City. `^
As a result of a search warrant, police arrested the following people they believe were serving as intermediaries in
the scam. They include: Ying Zhang, 26, first-degree theft and felony computer crime; Yiran Liang, 29, first-degree
theft and felony computer crime; Gongchao Liu, Beaverton, 23, first-degree theft and felony computer crime; Can
Wu, Beaverton, 24, first-degree theft and felony computer crime; and Yu Sun Johnson, Oregon City, 26, felony
computer crime.
In addition to the arrests, police seized more than 300 devices including Apple watches, iPhones, AirPods, and
iPads. Also, hundreds of used gift cards were discovered.
This operation relates to a trend in the last few years where scammers ask victims to pay them with gift cards, said a
Tigard police spokesperson. Whether it involves a social security, IRS,jury, computer support, or emergency scam,
the fraudster instructs the victim to purchase a gift card and relay the card number over the phone, by email or text.
By the time the victim realizes they have been defrauded, the gift card balance has already been depleted and they
are unable to recover their money.
Early in 2019, Tigard Police Commercial Crimes Unit detectives reviewed multiple police reports where victims,
residing in Tigard and other jurisdictions in Oregon and other states, reported fraud involving Apple gift cards. By the
time they realized they were being scammed, the gift card balances had already been spent at Apple stores in the
Portland metro-area, specifically in Tigard.
Working with Apple and federal agents, CCU determined that scammers often operating out of the country were
using paid intermediaries located in United States to spend balances obtained from stolen Apple gift cards on bulk
purchases of iPhones and other products at Apple stores.
The intermediaries, claiming to be legitimate electronics resellers, would then ship the devices out of the country,
according to Tigard police.
Detectives were able to identify several individuals and businesses located in Clackamas and Washington counties
involved in this scheme. These individuals were the subjects of the May 14 search warrant.
In addition to Tigard Police, other agencies involved in helping out during the investigation included the Portland
office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Oregon City, Tualatin and Beaverton police departments; and the
Washington County Sheriffs Office, all of whom assisted in the service of these search warrants.
Scammers use high-pressure tactics to coerce victims to act before they have time to think or do their research,
according to police officials. These schemes may include threats of arresting victims who fail to pay immediately.
Meanwhile, Tigard police remind the public to be wary of receiving calls, emails, or texts from people claiming that
you owe money and must pay now with gift cards, prepaid credit cards, or wire transfers; these payment methods
are chosen because they are difficult to recover once the information is provided to the scammers.
In addition, government agencies will not call you unsolicited demanding payment. If you are concerned that you do
owe money, please find the contact information for the agency using a reputable source and call the agency directly
to verify.
just Compassion purchases property, moves
forward with renovation plans
Ray Pitz Friday, May 17, 2019
The organization that provides a day center for the homeless is looking at the idea of creating a year-round
shelter at the site at some point.
r TIMES PHOTO:JAIME VALDEZ-Since October
Vernon Baker has served as Just Compassions
executive director. He comes from a background of
• working with non-profit agencies and also is a pastor of
*b' a Portland church.
Jt Compassi0n After years of hoping to purchase
property to aid the homeless, Just
kswe Center Compassion has realized its own dream of
home ownership.
.�r
The local coalition of religious, civic and
business groups has purchased a renovated
home at 12280 S.W. Hall Boulevard where
the organization operates the Tigard
Resource Center, a day center where
homeless individuals can take a break to look
for a job, find suitable mental health services or receive food and clothing.
"We serve breakfast and lunch and we provide rest areas where (homeless individuals) can sleep,"said Vernon
Baker, Just Compasssion's first executive director,who was hired last fall. "We do everything we can to eliminate
barriers that prevent people from getting employment and housing."
Baker's background is in non-profits and he holds a doctorate in theology with an emphasis in counseling. He
previously served as director for Multnomah County's Developmental Disability Service and formally ran a small
consulting and motivational speaking business.
"We decided as a board, in order to move the organization forward, we needed an executive director,"said Renee
Brouse, a Just Compassion board member.
In addition, Just Compassion also hired its first full-time employee for its day center, Anna Wilson, who serves as
shelter supervisor.
"(Just Compassion is)the only daytime resource center in Tigard for homeless adults," Brouse pointed out.
Along with the purchase of the 1,800-square-foot Just Compassion home, where the day center has been operating
since last May, the organization also bought an almost identical house next door to it, along with all accompanying
property. The homes and the land sit on .59 acres of land that also contain a natural spring.
Hopes are eventually to transform the day center into a severe weather shelter to house homeless individuals during
cold winter nights. (Currently, a main floor bedroom serves as a sleeping quarters for those who need a place to
catch a nap during the center's open hours.)
And if things go as planned, there has been talk of eventually creating some type of campus on that site to include a
variety of resources with the possibility of having a shelter open to the homeless year-round, Brouse said. Brouse
serves as executive director of the Tigard Good Neighbor Center, an almost 40-bed facility off of Greenberg Road in
Tigard that houses homeless families for up to six weeks at a time.
Plans are underway to renovate the day center's basement to include lockers, showers that meet Americans with
Disabilities Act showers and a laundry space. A bathroom will be added as well.
Just Compassion has been around in one form or another since 2009, becoming a nonprofit organization in 2015. It
previously coordinated a twice-weekly homeless day center out of Tigard Foursquare Church.
TIMES PHOTO JAIME VALDEZ-Vernon Baker_ executive director of Just
Compassion, eyes some of the property the non-profit organization now
owns, including two homes
The center is currently open Tuesdays and Wednesdays
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. but Brouse said there are hopes to
expand those days.
"There's still a desire to open five days a week,"she said.
"That's still a goal."
The center is currently open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Since it's opening last spring, the Just Compassion Tigard
Resource Center has seen an uptick in usage as well.
Just Compassion will host its Second Annual "Supper in the
Burbs"fundraiser on June 20 in a location to be announced. Sponsors are still being sought and those with
questions can contact Baker at vbakeriustcompassion(Mgmai1.com.
Meanwhile, Baker, who also serves as pastor of Vision Ministries in Portland, said he's enjoying his work at the
Tigard Resource Center saying the mayors of both Tigard and Beaverton (where Just Compassion operates a
shelter) along with the chiefs of police have been extremely supportive.
"The people are real friendly,"said Baker. "So far it's been just a real positive experience."
Beaverton, Washington County seek comment on
housing bond plans
Peter Wong Friday, May 17, 2019
Strategies will guide city, county on how to spend their shares of money from a bond measure that Metro
voters approved Nov. 6.
d
1
PMG PHOTO BY PETER WONG-Highland Park Middle School was the setting for an open house May 16 on Beaverton's plan to guide
spending of$31 million from a regional bond for housing that Metro voters approved on Nov 6 The plan.which calls for a target of 218 units
in Beaverton, requires approval from the City Council and Metro Council before the money is released.
Beaverton and Washington County seek public comment on policies that will guide their spending of
millions on new housing for low-income residents.
Beaverton is scheduled to get$31 million, and Washington County$119 million, as their shares of a $653 million
regional bond that Metro voters approved Nov. 6.
Each government has to develop local implementation strategies that will specify not only how many units will be
built, but also how many will go to families(two or more bedrooms) and to households earning less than 30% of the
area median income.
(According to the American Community Survey of the U.S. Census, Washington County's 100% area median
income for a family of four was $75,634 in 2016.)
The regional bond is expected to pay for a total of 3,900 units to be built through 2026 in the three counties.
For Beaverton, the total target is 218 units, including 109 for families and 89 for extremely low-income households.
For Washington County, the total target is 814, which excludes Beaverton (218) and Hillsboro (284), because those
cities will get their shares directly from Metro. Washington County's share can go toward projects in other cities, not
just unincorporated communities.
I Mary Regional
Affordable HQUSI Bond
vting listening V-SVPTU wVivai did heor
qM YOO
PMG PHOTO BY PETER WONG-How Beaverton residents responded at several public sessions to housing issues The chart was displayed
May 15 at an open house at Highland Park Middle School
Beaverton had an open house on its plan May 16 at Highland Park Middle School,where about 76 people
participated in a community meeting April 4 to discuss challenges of rental housing.
"Now that we have a plan out, we want to get feedback from people who have voiced their opinions,"said Javier
Mena, the city's affordable housing manager.
"Some of this information will help us mold what should be at the Elmonica station."
Beaverton has proposed a project of 75 to 85 units on land owned by Metro near the Elmonica light-rail station. But
it has not yet been designed. Planners will have to rely on the guidelines to decide on a potential mix of
intergenerational family housing, and units for homeless people, seniors and veterans.
Money is available for two other projects, and Mena said once the city's implementation plan is approved by the
Metro Council, "we can put out solicitations for developments."
About$3 million of Beaverton's $31 million share already is committed to the Mary Ann Apartments, whose 54 units
will be at 1st Street and Main Avenue near Beaverton High School. The City Council and Metro Council endorsed
the project early because it is awaiting a $9 million federal tax credit, which will fund about half its$20.9 million cost.
Washington County does not have specific projects lined up for its share yet.
"People will have broad opportunity to give us feedback,"said Komi Kalevor, director of county housing services.
Sheila Greenlaw-Fink is executive director of the Community Housing Fund, based in Beaverton, who spoke at a
May 7 meeting of county commissioners. She said the plans should aim not only at residents eligible for housing,
but also minority and emerging contractors.
"No doubt, there are some heavy lifts inherent in the local implementation strategy,"she said. "There are a lot of
great priorities.We have a lot of work to do to stretch toward those priorities."
pwong(cb-pamplinmedia.com
twifter.com/capitolwong
Have your say
BEAVERTON: Public comment on the city plan will be accepted through May 31, and the City Council is expected
to adopt it June 18.
WASHINGTON COUNTY: County commissioners will conduct a work session on the plan June 11 and are
scheduled to adopt it June 25.
METRO: Both plans will go to the community oversight committee for the bond issue on July 26, and the Metro
Council is scheduled to adopt plans on Aug. 1.
Metro webpage on housing bond:
https://www.oregonmetro.gov/public-projects/affordable-homes-greater-Portiand
Link to Beaverton plan:
https://www.beavertonoregon.gov/2299/Metro-Regional-Affordable-Housing-Bond
Link to Washington County plan:
https://w m.co.washinciton.or.us/Housing/AffordableHousin.Bond/index cfm