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08-29-2019 Council Newsletter N CoundlNewskaer • Provided to the Tigard City Counc l on a weekly basis to stay abreast of current zty issuer. August 29, 2019 1. Local Focus: Women in Leadership Tuesday, Sept. 10 Business Meeting The League of Oregon Cities' newsletter contains a lot 6:30 p.m. -Town Hal of Tigard superstars this month. To read the entire Tuesday, Sept. 17 Workshop Meeting magazine,log onto www.orcities.ore. 6:30 p.m. -Town Hall 2. Events, Events, Events -You're Invited! Tuesday, Sept. 24 Business Meeting Tigard Street Hertage Trail Ground Breaking—Aug. 29 6:30 p.m. -Town Hall @ 5:30 p.m. 12345 SW blain Street - Family Fest Latino Festival— Sept. 7, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Main Street - City Council dr'Tigard Cbamber Business Forum—9/11, 5:30—7 p.m. Burgess Community Room,TPL - Tigard Police Open House—9/21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Multi-QU Equity Summit-10/19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lake Oswego High School 3. Construction Project Update Christina Zellmer attached an overview of road, trail and construction projects underway in the city. 4. Public Works Project Update Marissa Grass attached an update on Public Works activities and projects. 5. Press Release TPD issued the attached Press Release this week: - Scammer impersonating a Tigard officer 6. News articles • A little something for everyone in downtown Tigard • Barbur light rail project faces $462 million funding gap, tough decisions loom • Tigard police warn of scammer impersonating Tigard police officer • Downtown Tigard sees new businesses moving in • South Metro suburbs to hold equity summit this fall 7. Council Calendar Tuesday, Sept. 3 Business Meeting 6:30 p.m. -Town Hall �r 13125 SW Hall Blvd.Tigard,OR 97223 1 Web www tigard-or gov Phone:503.639.4171 FAX:503.684.7297 1 TDD 503.6842772 Women in Leadershi* p Their Stories . Their Perspectives . hroughout Oregon, women are exemplifying great leadership in government. In the following pages, you'll meet some of the leaders who are guiding our state, as well as individuals and teams that are charting exciting new pathways for cities of differing sizes and locations. You'll read about their personal experiences, their inspirations, and how they see the future for women in leadership. w .orcities.org Third Quarter 2019 1 LOCAL FOCUS 21 'r Ai- 1 9 !, RooseveAW ol Y �r� AdP r ti Ai s ^�� 1 i l I r y All r::•. N ` b 't t Tigard Police Chief Kathy McAlpine BlazingTrailt e Tigard 's municipal leaders share inspirations, motivations and advice for future generations igard is one of several cities across the state in "It was a natural fit right from the get-go.It fit my personal- which women fill the top government leadership ity,had a combination of athletics and intelligence and it's positions,and they talked with Local Focus about working with people,which I enjoy,"said McAlpine,adding what inspired them to work in public service, she has learned much from the variety of cases she has worked how they stay motivated to serve,and what they on as she moved through the ranks to become a detective and find most rewarding about their work. police chief. Police Chief Kathy McAlpine "Probably one of the most rewarding aspects is when I'm working to resolve some quality-of-life issues for a commu- Kathy McAlpine was a college athlete in Tacoma and was nity,"she said."It's a pretty powerful and impactful thing to be considering being a physical therapist when she was intro- part of." duced to two police officers who encouraged her to pursue a career in law enforcement. 32 1 Third Quarter 2019 www.orcities.org While Tigard has a strong group of female leaders in gov- ernment and there are more women serving as police chiefs across the country,McAlpine sees that much more gender eq- uity is needed.She attended the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference last year,and during a breakout session with fellow female police chiefs,one shared that a city councilor in her community had asked her,"Which Charlie's Angel are you?" "There's still stigma,there's still work to be done but I have definitely seen over my 30 years in law enforcement that prog- ress has been made,"she said. McAlpine recalled visiting Tigard's Summerfield Estates Retirement Community shortly after she was hired,and several female residents were excited to meet her and have their pictures taken with her."They're the trail blazers of us breaking the norms,so we don't take it lightly that we're here to represent all of us." She advises other women working in public service to con- tinue to push themselves and grow."If you are interested in something,ask and take the reins and be actively engaged. Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone,"she said. Tigard Councilor Held) Lueb "Find mentors out there—people you respect and valueand now is the time to pay it forward and be a mentor yourself." "There are a lot of big issues going and we have the weight of the world on our shoulders,but get involved at the local City Councilor Heidi Lueb level because it's really rewarding to dig in and see progress Heidi Lueb was involved in student government during high about what you are passionate about." school and college and knew she wanted to continue public City Councilor Liz Newton service as an adult. A comptroller at Grady Britton,Lueb applied to the Tigard Budget Committee because she thought Liz Newton was already a familiar face when she joined her experience in finance would be helpful.Former Mayor Tigard's City Council earlier this year.She was an urban plan- John Cook and current Mayor Jason Snider encouraged her to ning intern for the city in 1980 and was hired full-time after apply for an open seat on the city council as well. graduating from Portland State University.Over the next four decades,she was promoted.within the Planning Department, During a July interview,Lueb said she found joining the became the city's first assistant to the city manager and then council meant a"steep learning curve"and was starting to feel its first assistant city manager. more comfortable in the role after the first six months. "It was a small enough staff with the city that any interdepart- "Any government position is hard because you can't please mental committees that evolved I would volunteer for,and I everybody,but it's an opportunity to figure out the big picture always encouraged others to do that because it's interesting and the best solution long term,"she said."I can't fix the and it also gives people in other departments a chance to see world right now,but I can certainly get in and start with my you in a different light,"she said. own neighborhood." Newton also served as the city's human resources director, Lueb said she has enjoyed the chance to talk with citizens helped co-lead the library and was interim city manager be- about their pride in their community and how they want to fore Tigard hired current City Manager Marty Wine. see it change and grow.She also appreciates the opportunity to be part of a team of female leaders. "I just tried to expose myself different opportunities.I was fortunate in that had I just been a planner I might not have "The current national political environment has been both a stayed,but changes every three years or so kept me there,"she blessing and a curse.It's encouraged a lot of women to get in- said."I liked working with the community,going to meet- volved,"she said,adding that,in order to get more women to ings and doing public outreach to help community members the table,more options for helping them balance work,family understand their role in the process." and other responsibilities are necessary."I'm really excited to be a part of it and see the next generation coming up and get- When Newton retired in 2017 after nearly 37 years with the ting involved.It's really important to get involved and have a city,she knew she still wanted to be involved in public service. voice about how their neighborhoods are taking shape." She had applied to work with the budget committee shortly after she retired and now is enjoying her role on the city Lueb advised other women interested in public service to ask council. questions,listen and be engaged. (continued on page 34) w .orcities.org Third Quarter 2019 1 LOCAL FOCUS 33 e -;, - "One of the key things I did was volunteer for other opportu- nities within the organization,"she said,noting it allowed her yk=n- to learn new skills,meet new people,hear different perspec- tives and add variety to her work."I would encourage folks to find something they are passionate about that they dont consider to be work." Assistant City Manager Kathy Nyland Kathy Nyland's journey into public service began about 10 years ago when she got involved in neighborhood and political activism in Seattle."We were in an up-and-coming neighbor- hood and a lot of issues were happening that were not favor- able.I've always been one to raise my hand and get involved." During that process,she got to know some of the city's policymakers.She also helped run a campaign for a council member who won and then hired Nyland as chief of staff. Four years later,the mayor hired her to work on neighborhood and land use issues for the city and she served as a strategic adviser with Seattle Parks&Recreation. Tigard Councilor LIZ Newton "I really like making an impact and being that bridge between I government and community.Everyone has a voice and it's our "I ran for city council because I missed the community con- job to hear them,"she said. nection,"she said."As HR director I had a lot on my plate, After a decade with Seattle's city government,Nyland became so the community engagement duties were taken away and I interested in relocating to Tigard. missed them horribly." "One of the reasons Tigard was appealing to me was because Over the years,Newton has met many women who were my family lives nearby but also because Marty Wine was the smart and assertive but didn't really advocate for themselves. city manager,"said Newton,who knew about Wine from her She'd like to see more women not only be better advocates for work as assistant chief administrative officer in Renton,just themselves,but also mentors and advocates for others. Pioneering Energy Solutions. Proven Cost Savings . From • _ - to wastewater treatmentplants and facility retrofitsto fully integrated smart city solutions,Ameresco can turn your utility spend into infrastructure improvements with no up-front capital investment. We focus on energy solutions that apply smart applications to reduce costs, decrease carbon emissions, and improve public services. c _ ILearn more about Ameresco's full range of solutions. AMERESCO((y 1-866-AMERESCO ameresco.comismart-cities Green. Clean •Sustainable •401BM[rta".Mc Mwexoutl•aMmgv�bBo.•embe5rabl W MebpAne'Grcen Chen.Sw•In[bb'an,epf WtlnBw US.VaWAaMTnbrte•Mro.Illry'Mmuye. 34 I Third Quarter 2019 w .orcities.org i Tigard Assistant City Manager Kathy Nyland Tigard City Manager Marty Wine southeast of Seattle."Less than 18 percent of city managers "My intention was always to be a part of government because are female and I knew she was one of the best." I have a belief that if public service is managed well it can be Though she's been in Tigard a short time,Nyland said she very important,"she said."I enjoy the variety,in particular already appreciates the differences in living in a smaller being a city manager,because no one day is like the next one. community.Seattle,as a larger city with a larger staff,means There's always something that needs to be done or someone things take more time to accomplish.By comparison,Tigard's who needs to be responded to or services that can be im- government is nimbler. proved." "But sometimes people want things faster than possible.I Wine added,"I'm a believer that local government,cit- would say we want to do it'right'instead of`right now,'and ies,counties and schools touch residents'lives most directly, there are issues I worked on in Seattle that took eight years," so that's another thing I like about working for a city.We she said."When you see things come to fruition you think, provide a whole range of services and you can easily see the `Yeah,we started that conversation and that might have been impact of those services on the community." years ago but it's happening." She noted that many women have a skillset that enhances Nyland noted that while gender equity in government should their ability to succeed when they take on leadership roles in continue to improve,she sees positive signs every day."One of both public-and private-sector jobs. my happiest things is I have a niece who is 23 and when she "Women have a certain way of including people and decision graduated a couple years ago she was figuring out what she making,and I think I would call it progress that there are wanted to do and now works for government." more womens voices in that process,not just holding jobs like Her advice for other women considering a career in govern- mine but in the community and how deliberations happen," ment:"Figure out what you like to do and try it.You can Wine said. change lanes at any time in your career.Network,meet people, She added that she has seen more female engagement in vol- ask questions,ask people out for coffee,explore,and know unteer positions on boards and committees,all of which have there is no wrong answer." benefited by their involvement.Her advice to women,whether it comes to careers or volunteer public service,is to"jump in." City Manager Marty Wine "Local government is really fun and is part of making an Marty Wine grew up with a mother who was a public school impact on your community,"Wine said. ■ teacher and a father who worked for the Port of Seattle.She earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration with the full intention of a career in public service. w .orcities.org Third Quarter 2019 1 LOCAL FOCUS 35 item#.;?7 y Construction Project Update —August 28, 2019 Newsletter: This update is a listing of major construction projects with traffic impacts. If you do not see a project on the list here are a few resources you can use to find more information: • Tigard Active Permits— interactive map with a list of planning, building, and engineering permits. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Mapseries/"index.html?appid=d86ee38351le430dalc050637040107c • Public Works Update—summary of work done by our Public Works crews. https://www.tigard- or.gov/community/pw news.php • Capital Improvement Plan —Tigard's 6-year plan for large-scale improvements. https://www.tigard- or.gov/city hall/cip.php Tigard Street Heritage Trail Tigard Street Heritage Trail is expected to be closed September 9 through the end of October, while trail renovations are in progress. Pedestrians will be rerouted along Tigard St, and bikes will share the roadway with vehicle traffic. Commercial Street Sidewalks ODOT is constructing sidewalks between SW Lincoln and Main St starting July 22nd. SW Commercial Street is closed between SW Lincoln Ave and SW Main St through October 12. Durham Rd—Tigard High School Expect some delays at the intersection of Durham Rd and 92nd Ave this Friday, August 30, as the contractor replaces restripes the crosswalk. Fern Street SW Fern Street west of 135th Ave will have half street closures with flagging during the day for a sewer line project. 74th Avenue SW 741h Ave at SW Red Cedar Way may be reduced to one way traffic for road work and curb installation on the Red Cedar Estates subdivision. Arthur Court Colony Creek Trail is closed between Deeann Ct and Wall St for a streambank restoration project. 124th Avenue and Ann Court A short section of 124th Ave is closed north of Ann Ct for work on a culvert replacement. The road is expected to reopen in early-October, but may have one lane reopened earlier. Detours are provided. Beef Bend Road Culvert Washington County will be replacing a pair of failed culverts under Beef Bend Rd near SW 1461h Ave. This project also includes installing a new waterline for the City of Tigard. A six-week road closure is expected during construction from 9/4/19 to 10/15/19, possibly extending to 10/28/19. SW Beef Bend Road, between SW Roy Rogers and Hwy 99W, will be open to local traffic only during the closure. Beef Bend Road, between 146th Avenue and the Oak Mont Apartments entrance, will be closed to all traffic. Pedestrians with mobility i needs who travel between 146th Avenue and the Oak Mont Apartment entrance will need to contact Washington County for an escort during construction. Visit the County's project website at https://www.co.washington.or.us/LUT/TransportationPromects/beefbendcu lvert.cfm?page=About River Terrace Area Construction • River Terrace subdivisions are under construction particularly on the east side of Roy Rogers Rd south of Scholls Ferry Rd. See https://www.tigard-or.gov/river terrace.php for more information. • A new sewer line is being installed along Clementine Street, out to Roy Rogers Rd and will impact Clementine Street, a section of Pumpkin Valley Terrace, and Sabrina Ave. Expect some delays and short closures while work is in the roadway. • A contractor is building a new subdivision on the west side of 1501h Ave south of Hawksridge. There are other significant road, sewer and water projects underway or planned in the area. Visit GetUsThere.org for information and updates. 69"'Avenue— Hampton Inn A Hampton Inn is being constructed on 69th Avenue at Clinton Street. 69th Avenue is closed to traffic from SW Baylor Street to SW Clinton Street. 114th Place A new subdivision is being installed on 114th Place north of North Dakota Street. Contractor will be striping the roadway in the upcoming weeks. 131St Avenue (Kine City) King City is constructing improvements on 1311t Ave from Beef Bend to Fischer. Lane closures are expected on 13151 between 7 AM and 8 PM. Construction is anticipated to end September 15th. See the project website for additional information: http://www.ci.king-city.or.us/king city projects/131st avenue improvements - december 2018.php 100"'Ave south of McDonald St A new subdivision is being installed on 100th Ave south of McDonald Street. Expect delays on 100'Ave and 103rd as utilities are being installed. Public Works Item# j � � / Newsle1er: '>S'2�1-19 8/29/19 HIGH WATER AHEAD Detour Signs Installed Possible water on trail near Scholls Ferry Road. Signs have been installed on the Fanno Creek Trail to warn users of high water ® Detour routes below. ® ahead. The signs include a detour route for potentially flooded areas near Scholls Ferry Road. The City of Tigard and Tualatin Hillls Park and Recreation District worked together to design and install signs on either side of Scholls Ferry Road. The city is working with partner agencies to mitigate the impacts of trail flooding, including a conceptual design and alternatives analysis of where the ` trail could cross Scholls Ferry Road at-grade. The alternatives will be compared �. for feasibility,impact, and cost,with the result being a preferred alternative and enough information to use as supporting documentation in seeking grant funding for the final design and construction. Beef Bend Road Closed Starting September 4 A six-week road closure is expected during Beef Bend Road construction from 9/4/19 to 10/15/19, possibly extending to 10/28/19. Washington County will replace a pair of failed culverts under Beef Bend Rd. near 146'' Ave. This project also includes installation of a new waterline for the City of Tigard. Beef Bend Road, between Roy Rogers and Hwy 99W,will be open to local traffic only during the closure. Beef Bend between 146th Avenue and the Oak Mont Apartments entrance,will be closed to all traffic. Pedestrians with mobility needs who travel between 146th Avenue and the Oak Mont Apartment entrance will need to contact Washington County for an escort during construction.Visit the County's project website for more information: httns://www.co.washington.or.us/LUT/TransportationProjects/beefbendculvert.cftn To ensure continued water service during construction, 33 homes will be served by a different pressure zone during construction. Crews worked this week to remove water meters and install a pressure regulator for these customers. Register for the Family Fest Fun Run = d Run or walk with Tigard Parks &Rec through our city's parks a ;farayfend trails. '` This 5k route starts at City Hall and ends at the Downtown Tigard Street Festival. This event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Sign up early and receive a free t-shirt: www.tigard-or.gov/recreation Cost: $5; Free for kids under 5 years old aim Distance: 5 kilometers RUN Tigard Police Department lte#Newsletter:`�'�1�� Media Release ' 13125 SAX%Hall Boulevard I Tigard,Oregon 97223 www.tigard-or.gov/police FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August29,2019 Contact: Stefanie Kouremetis,Community Engagement Program Coordinator Tigard Police Department Phone: 503-718-2814 Email: Stefanie.Kouremetis@tigard-or.gov Scammer Impersonating a Tigard Officer Over the last couple of days,Tigard Police have received several reports of a scammer(s) calling residents and businesses claiming to be a Tigard Police Officer. In a couple of these reported calls, the person identified himself as "Deputy Kyle Parker" and,in one case, attempted to obtain personal information from the call recipient. Fortunately,the recipient did not share any information. In at least one case,the scammer provided a phone number for call back with a voicemail stating that he is a Tigard Police Officer and that people should call 9-1-1 for emergencies. In many of these schemes involving law enforcement, fraudsters tells intended victims that they have outstanding citations or arrest warrants and must pay immediately to avoid being arrested. In some cases,scammers claim that victims missed jury duty and have warrants out for their arrest. Scammers goals are to pressure victims to act before they have time to think or do their research. Some scam prevention tips to consider: • Tigard Police will not demand payment from you for citations or warrants. • Be wary of anyone calling you and asking for your personal information. • If you are contacted unsolicited by someone identifying themselves to be a Tigard officer, contact the non-emergency number at 503-629-0111 to verify. • Be aware that you can't always trust caller ID. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing,which allows them to falsify the number shown on caller ID. • Many scarnmers are currently demanding payment by gift card or prepaid credit card. Be wary if that is the requested payment method. Page 1 of 2 � Tigard Police Department ®!Yep Media Release 13125 SW Hall Boulevard I Tigard,Oregon 97223 1 w .dgard-or.gov/police • If a caller claims that you owe money and you are concerned that you do,hang up and contact the company directly to check it out. • If you have been a victim of a scam in Tigard,please report the crime to the police non- emergency number at 503-629-0111. For information on the Oregon Attorney General's Office consumer hotline,please visit: htti2s://-,z-,vw.doj.state.or.us/consumer-12rotecLiori/ Page 2 of 2 Item# / 19 1 Newsletter: 1 -21—) 1 A little something for everyone in downtown Tigard Ray Pitz Wednesday, August 28, 2019 Tigard Family Fest, including the Latino Festival, Street Fair and Fun Run, is next weekend. R TIMES PHOTO: JAIME VALDEZ-A youngster enjoys a ------- - _ wagon ride down Tigards Main Street during the 7th 1t Annual Explore Downtown Tigard Street Fair and Latino Festival. ,Times-News The annual event included music,food and almost 200 vendors lining Downtown 6EEsTigard Tigard Street Fair and Latino Festival draws ` hundreds to Main Street ► In 2005, Jennifer Ries, a student at Mary Woodward Elementary School in Tigard, wrote a letter to then-Tigard Mayor Craig Dirksen asking for the creation of a "Family Day." In the letter, the second- grader said the event should have sandwiches and cookies. r "Families are important and it would be a fun day for families,"Jennifer wrote at the time. Dirksen agreed, and that's how Family Fest was born. This year's event is set for Saturday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 8, across multiple Tigard venues. "This year's Family Fest is reflective of our strategic vision of building a more interconnected and healthy community," said Tigard city spokesman Kent Wyatt. "The popular Fun Run is back and encourages community members to get their steps in before enjoying the food and activities at the Street Fair, Latino Festival, and Festival of Fun." The Downtown Tigard Street Fair, organized by the Tigard Downtown Alliance, will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 7, on Tigard's Main Street. The event will feature vendors, entertainment and more. Steve DeAngelo, board president of the Tigard Downtown Alliance, said he's excited about the event, which started out small but has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. He said the gathering is a great way get the community out to enjoy a day in Tigard's downtown,just south of Southwest Pacific Highway, also known as Highway 99W. The event has attracted as many as 7,000 visitors. "Last year, it was crowded from the time we opened to the time we closed," said DeAngelo, who owns DeAngelo's Catering on Burnham Street. This year, 179 vendors are expected at the street fair. "This event is about bringing the community into our downtown core to celebrate community, connect and have a good time, as well as begin to honor, celebrate and recognize the diversity within our community," said Debi Mollahan, treasurer of the Tigard Downtown Alliance and chief executive officer of the Tigard Chamber of Commerce. "Through events of this type, the TDA works to bring the broader community into downtown Tigard to create awareness of our ever-improving and ever-changing mix of businesses and encourage residents to shop locally." Also on Saturday, Sept. 7, is the Tigard Latino Festival. The fourth annual incarnation of the event will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Southwest Main Street. The community festival, which is put on by the City of Tigard, features Latin American food, dance performances and face painting for children. The Latino Festival also includes a 6:30 p.m. appearance by Pa'lante, featuring a "fiery, authentic and irresistible Salsa, Latin Jazz and Afro Cuban rhythms by an outstanding array of professional musicians." Mollahan said there is more to do in downtown Tigard than ever, with recent business additions that include an escape room, board games, board game bar, vintage pinball, table tennis, whiskey library, Zumba and an increasing range of services, pet grooming as well as a doggie day spa. Other activities For all those wanting to get a little exercise, a Family Fest 5K Fun Run is also slated for Saturday, Sept. 7, sponsored by Tigard Parks & Recreation. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome. Parking is available at Tigard City Hall, where participants can check in as well, beginning at 9 a.m. The 3.1-mile walk or run begins at Tigard City Hall at 10:30 a.m., meanders through the city and ends on Main Street. The entry fee is $5, and children under age 5 run for free. Early registration is available online and includes a T-shirt. The fun continues on Sunday, Sept. 8, at the Tigard Public Library. From 2 to 3 p.m., families are invited to the Tigard Library Puett Room (on the first floor) for a chance to create ferocious paper bag dragons. And why dragons? "Libraries breathe fire into the imagination and creativity into the soul," said Terri Smith, youth services senior library assistant, who is in charge of the program. At the same time, participants can also try their hands at making a folk-art bean mosaic. Also in the library on Sunday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. will be award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick, appearing in the Burgess Community Room. Kirkpatrick will talk about writing and her latest novel, "One More River to Cross." The story is based on the survival of the Stevens-Murphy party, who left Missouri two years before the Donner Parry to journey through the treacherous Sierra Nevada Mountains. Seeking religious freedom and education, the group of mostly Irish Catholics, were fine until heavy snow caused difficulties. "We are always excited when we have an author as popular as Jane Kirkpatrick,"said Paula Walker, library communications coordinator. "And we are especially excited that she will talk about her brand-new book." Kirkpatrick, a New York Times bestselling author, will have books on hand that can be purchased and she will sign them as well. Sept. 7 musical lineup • 11 a.m.-noon: Laymen Terms • 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.: Stack Wagon • 2-3 p.m.: Cody Weathers • 3-3:30 p.m.: Hot Salsa & Timba (demonstration) • 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Tequila Highway 4:45 - 5:30 PM: Hot Salsa & Timba (demonstration) • 5:45-6:30 p.m.: MexicaTiahui Aztec Dance • 6:30-8 p.m.: Pa'lante Barbur light rail project faces $462 million funding gap, tough decisions loom Updated Aug 23,2019;Posted Aug 23,2019 Barbur Boulevard in Southwest Portland, pictured in 2018 By Andrew Theen I The Oregonian/Oregon Live .� atheen@oregonian.com 503-294-4026 u Projected costs for TriMet's next light rail project have increased by nearly half a billion dollars, creating a new budget gap that TriMet officials are optimistic can be addressed, but has raised alarm bells for some suburban leaders. Southwest Corridor leaders say the 12-mile route expected to terminate near Bridgeport Village in Washington County is now projected to cost$2.87 billion to build, about$462 million more than the amount TriMet plans to request from a combination of federal, state, regional agencies and metro area voters. Newly revised labor and construction costs helped to drive price estimates upwards. The region had banked on about half of the project cost, $1.25 billion, coming from the federal government. The financial uncertainty comes early in the years-long design period, when engineers map out the rail line, and how the 13 stations and surrounding bike and pedestrian infrastructure will look and feel. It also presents officials from TriMet, Portland, the state, Metro, Washington County and suburban cities with tough decisions to trim costs -- including one option that is anathema to most members: terminating trains in downtown Tigard instead of Bridgeport Village until more money is available. "Obviously we're taking it very seriously," said Dave Unsworth, TriMet's director of project development and permitting, while adding that the situation is "not unusual" for such a large project. He said all options were on the table and would be presented to the project's steering committee in coming months. "We're leaving no stone unturned," Unsworth added. Construction is expected to begin in late 2022 with the first trains running by late 2027. Discussions about what a reduced project may look like are still preliminary, but political considerations are unavoidable, especially with broad regional support needed to ensure the project receives funding through a November 2020 transportation package headed to metro voters. "We've got to make sure we're aligned for the 2020 funding measure," Unsworth said. Washington County Commissioner Roy Rogers, a former Tualatin mayor who's sat on the county board since 1985, said there's one sure fire way he and his colleagues won't agree to chip in $75 million toward the project. "If It doesn't go (to Bridgeport Village)," said Rogers, a light rail supporter, "we as a board are not really pursuing this a lot further." Other committee members have drawn different lines in the sand. Tigard's Mayor, Jason Snider, said he was "very concerned" planners will reduce travel lanes on Barbur Boulevard as a primary way to save cash. "Other options to reduce the scope of the project should be thoroughly considered," he said, "including a shorter project." Snider questioned whether broad support existed in the metro area to "eliminate two lanes" from Barbur for nearly five miles. "I'm concerned that this would threaten the entire measure," he said. Rogers, who's long been a member of regional transportation planning conversations, said he's viewing this more pragmatically. "If you don't think boldly, you're not going to accomplish anything," he said. Portland City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly, who oversees the transportation bureau, declined an interview request, but submitted a statement saying she is looking forward "to continuing to strategize with my fellow steering committee members as we develop the best financial plan for the project." "I recognize that the Southwest Corridor will impact transportation in the Portland metropolitan Area for decades to come," she said in her statement, "and I will continue to prioritize the project's transit and affordable housing goals in my role on the steering committee." Officials from TriMet and Metro transportation gave a tour of the proposed route for the new Southwest Corridor Light Rail MAX line. The tour included proposed routes, as well as building locations for stations and tracks along the route. The route is slotted to be complete in 2027. - MAX Line Southwest Corridor Noble Guyon/The Oregonian WHAT HAPPENED As the project on the meandering and hilly section of Southwest Barbur Boulevard and suburban southwest neighborhoods comes into focus— it's now at 15% engineering design —the actual costs have crystallized, too. Unsworth says that's not unusual for large projects. The Portland-Milwaukie light rail line, which cost $1.5 billion and opened in 2015, was revised when federal officials slashed a more than $135 million hole in TriMet's budget. Unsworth said that meant turning a park and ride building into a surface lot, removing pedestrian bridges, and other changes. But TriMet also had banked on receiving a larger share of the project financing —60% --from the federal government and it didn't budget on that estimate until later in the process. TriMet cut project elements but also pushed local partners, like the city of Portland, to pay more. Unsworth acknowledged the Southwest Corridor is different in some ways, particularly due to the undulating terrain it travels through the commercial, residential, industrial and retail corridor. He said they're considering inflation, increased labor costs and other factors when revising cost estimates. Most of the project financing remains undetermined, with just $50 million in federal money allocated by Metro formally in hand. The region will seek $1.25 billion from the Federal Transit Administration and will ask voters to contribute $850 million at the November 2020 ballot box. The state, city of Portland, TriMet and Washington County are all expected to contribute significantly as well, but the precise funding sources and firm commitments are still months away. TriMet said it didn't believe it could —or would -- receive more than $1.25 billion from the federal government. Who is expected to pay for the SW Corridor project? • Federal Transit Administration: $1.25 billion • Metro/regional funding measure: $850 million • State of Oregon: $150 million • TriMet: $75 million • City of Portland: $75 million • Washington County: $75 million • Regional flexible funds (federal money allocated by Metro): $50 million Total: $2.525 billion Revised estimated as of August: $2.97 billion (figures provided by TriMet. Total include an estimated $150 million in interest on bonds that will be issued by TriMet to account for stream of federal funds received over an 8-12 year period) On the Yellow, Green and Orange lines, Portland has used urban renewal dollars to pay a portion of its share of a local match, but it remains unclear if that's a viable option today. Prosper Portland, the city's urban renewal agency, is studying a potential new urban renewal district along Barbur at the request of Mayor Ted Wheeler. It's drafted two potential scenarios— a district as big as 932 acres and one as small as 498 acres—through the region on Barbur. The larger district could generate up to $120 million in revenue over a 20-year period, but in contrast with past light rail developments, this project would be subject to rules setting aside at least 45% of that revenue for affordable housing. Urban renewal officials said they're concerned committing future tax increment financing to building light rail line would take away from housing and economic development projects, a lesson learned from the construction of the Yellow Line. Prosper Portland is also constrained by having a maximum amount of city acreage in urban renewal districts, which capture revenue generated above a base assessed property tax value in that area as a way to generate new revenue. The agency is also considering developing new districts in Cully or east Portland in response to requests from local leaders there. The Portland City Council will decide early in 2020 how to pay for its share of the light rail line. TriMet said the region needed to show the Federal Transit Administration it had the commitment of funds by fall 2020. Project leaders are hoping to finalize that plan later this year and other partners— like Washington County and Portland —will take up the financial issue anytime between January and May, according to TriMet. Traffic on Barbur Boulevard and throughout the SW Corridor is a growing concern, and transit options are not available aside from a few bus lines. OPTIONS All options are on the table to trim the budget, it seems, aside from asking the Peds for more money. TriMet said it could consolidate or eliminate some of the seven park and ride lots and associated thousands of spaces, eliminate stations, experiment with battery-electric trains instead of building overhead electrical wires or reduce travel lanes on Barbur Boulevard in certain areas to cut costs. When asked whether TriMet could increase the amount of money it asks for in the 2020 bond, Unsworth said that was a discussion above his pay grade. "That is bigger than TriMet and is really predicated on the steering committee," he said. TriMet's steering committee will be briefed on the latest particulars at its September meeting. In October it will be expected to approve those "substantial changes to project scope' while exploring potential additional funding options, TriMet records show. Robert Kellogg, a Tualatin City Council member who sits on the light rail committee, said the biggest concern for his community was that the train goes all the way to its intended destination. "I am 100% in favor of getting the line to Bridgeport," he said. BARBUR Barbur Boulevard is one of the city's high crash corridors, meaning the 6.3-mile stretch of the road in city limits is one of the most-dangerous for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. It's also owned by the state's transportation department. Two aging bridges —the Newberry and Vermont Viaducts — are expected to be rebuilt as part of the project. Rebuilding those narrow, aging bridges allows Barbur to be widened to accommodate two travel lanes, new bike lanes, sidewalks and the light rail line in that area. TriMet could save money by building the transit line next to those viaducts instead of rebuilding them. Unsworth said TriMet could also look to acquire less residential or commercial property to expand the right of way to maintain two travel lanes in either direction on Barbur. One area Unsworth said he didn't anticipate significant cuts: bike and pedestrian improvements. But on a five-mile chunk of Barbur, TriMet could look to revise travel lanes to one way in each direction as a significant cost-saver. What those savings would look like are not yet clear, he said. Eliminating travel lanes on Barbur seems to align with the city of Portland's vision elsewhere, where travel lanes have been removed to slow down traffic, part of the Vision Zero campaign to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2025. Eudaly declined to address this issue in an interview or her statement, as did city of Portland transportation officials, which also emphasized the city's commitment to affordable housing and increased transit in the corridor. Rogers, though, said while he's aware many suburban commuters are against reducing travel lanes, he would defer to Portland. "It has to be something that's palatable to the city," he said. If Portland wants to reduce travel lanes on Barbur, he said: "I'm not opposed to that at all." Snider disagrees with that sentiment. He said although TriMet was only considering reducing auto lanes on a 5-mile stretch of road entirely within Portland city limits, those changes would still ripple outward to Tigard. The region of Southwest Portland, Tigard, Tualatin and Sherwood expects to add 70,000 people and 65,000 jobs by 2035. "Future reductions of road capacity on Barbur Blvd. will certainly impact the people of Tigard along with people from all over the Portland metropolitan area," he said. "In the recent past, Tigard voters have clearly expressed concern about any reductions in road capacity within five miles of the City of Tigard and I share this concern." Tigard's city charter indicates the suburb is opposed to any high capacity transit "that reduces available road capacity in favor of light rail, rail transit or exclusive bus lanes." It also defines road capacity as any road "within five miles of the city that currently permits public automobile traffic or any public rights-of-way that could otherwise provide additional road capacity at a future date." In 2016, Tigard voters narrowly voted to reverse the city's 2014 decision to oppose light rail. Kellogg, the Tualatin city council member, said he's also received emails from constituents concerned about the potential loss of a travel lane for cars. TriMet estimates the project could carry up to 43,000 daily riders by 2035. But Rogers, the long-time commissioner, said it's not going to be everything to everyone. "Are we going to get everything we want?" he asked, "of course not. There's not enough money to do everything." But he said regardless of reduced elements, the project is a step forward. "That's what is necessary," he said. The Steering Committee next meets at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23 in Tigard. Tigard police warn of scammer impersonating Tigard police officer • FOX 12 Staff Posted 8/28/19 TIGARD, OR (KPTV) - Tigard police is warning the public that a a� scammer has been impersonating a Tigard police officer. Police said over the last couple of days they have received z 6 reports of a scammer(s) calling residents and businesses claiming to be a Tigard police officer. In a couple of the reported calls, the person identified himself as "Deputy Kyle Parker" and, in one case, attempted to obtain personal information from the caller. Police said the caller did not share any information. In at least one case, the scammer provided a phone number for a call back with a voicemail stating that he is a Tigard police officer and that people should call 911 for emergencies, according to police. Police said fraudsters tell intended victims that they have outstanding citations or arrest warrants and must pay immediately to avoid being arrested. Scammers also sometimes claim that victims missed jury duty and have warrants out for their arrest. Some scam prevention tips to remember: 1. Tigard police will not demand payment from you for citations or warrants. 2. Be wary of anyone calling you and asking for your personal information. 3. If you are contacted unsolicited by someone identifying themselves to be a Tigard officer, you can always contact the non-emergency number at 503-629-0111 and ask to speak to that officer. The dispatcher will connect you. 4. Be aware that you can't always trust caller ID. Scammers often use caller id spoofing, which allows them to falsify the number shown on caller id. 5. Many scammers are currently demanding payment by gift card or prepaid credit card. Be wary if that is the requested payment method. 6. If a caller claims that you owe money and you are concerned that you do, hang up and contact the company directly to check it out. Downtown Tigard sees new businesses moving in Thursday, August 29, 2019 By Janae Easlon, Washington County Features Editor 971-762-1166 ieaslon pamplinmedia.com Janae at @Janae_Easlon The Chamber of Commerce has experienced an increase in membership as the commercial core fills out. Tigard, nestled among the Portland metro area and next to the Silicon Forest, is a place where many residents commute outside the city to work. But the town that about 55,000 people call home isn't a place without activity in the business scene. PMG PHOTO: JONATHAN HOUSE-Austin Gibbons pours a beer at RyBoy Brewery in Tigard. Debi Mollahan, chief executive officer of the Tigard Chamber of Commerce, has led the organization —which has dozens of members—for 10 years. She credits the success of the city's businesses to the economy doing well. a "One of the changes we have seen in the last year is it is getting increasingly challenging for businesses to hire,"she said. "The unemployment rate is so low right now. There is a lot of competition for the employment base out there. Businesses are starting to get creative on attracting quality candidates." She added, "In our downtown core, we have seen new business come, from moving here to just expanding." Wags Pet Resort is one of the new kids on the business block, Mollahan said, now located on 12230 S.W. Main St., which provides cage-free doggie daycare, as well as kennel-free boarding options. Wags isn't the only pet-oriented business in downtown ?— Ultimate Dog Grooming, 12501 S.W. Main St., bloomed from a mobile grooming services to a recently opened brick and mortar location. More entertainment is beginning to move into the core as well, including an escape room, a vintage pinball at Arcade Club PDX, and a board game store that partners with a pub so visitors can have a beer and play games. Mollahan said she has seen an increase in businesses joining the Chamber as a way to get to know Tigard's residents through events. "People are joining the Chamber not only to build connections, but they also believe in supporting each other," Mollahan said. "They are in it for the collective, giving it a community feel." With Tigard's location at the intersection of major transportation and freight corridors— Interstate 5, Highway 99W and Highway 217 all either touch or pass through the city—getting around is easy, and that's a big boon for local business. "Businesses are attracting many that are just passing through, going from point A to point B," Mollahan said. "They have three freeways to chose from, making Tigard an interesting place to relocate." Downtown Tigard is a happening place. City planners are considering ways to "develop urban spaces that provide active and passive recreational opportunities for pedestrians and attract residents and visitors to downtown," according to the City of Tigard. The centerpiece of this planning work has been dubbed the Universal Plaza. The park would be big enough to potentially hold big events and have elements like a splash pad, tree canopy maze, artwork and tool-sharing pavilion. Construction could begin as early as 2022 as plans continue to move forward. Dylan Dekay-Bemis, the city's economic development coordinator, says the outdoor spaces attract many to the outdoors and gets them near local businesses. "I think Tigard's accessibility and parks and open space separate it from the rest of Washington County," Dekay- Bemis said. "Tigard is centrally located and easily accessible in the middle of numerous major freeways, making it an ideal location for numerous industries that rely on the movement of goods and employees. Tigard's trails and open spaces also separate it from other cities. The Fanno Creek Trail, large city parks and the soon-to-be-built Tigard Heritage Trail provide great opportunities for recreation and leisure." That is not to forget the indoor recreation possibilities ?—according to Dekay-Bemis, more than 20 businesses offer ways for residents to get their exercise in alternative ways including indoor archery, indoor racing, indoor skydiving, indoor futsal and scuba diving. South Metro suburbs to hold equity summit this fall Holly Bartholomew Thursday,August 29,2019 Tigard and Tualatin are among the cities participating in the event at Lake Oswego High School. SUBMITTED PHOTO-Lake Oswego and Tigard city managers Scott Lazenby and Marty Wine celebrate the completion of ajoint water system in 2016. In 2011, Hillsboro resident Melissa Lowery began working on her documentary, "Black Girl _ in Suburbia," hoping to spur the seldom-heard conversations about racism in the suburbs where she grew up. Eight years later, representatives from Tigard, l�II l��I Tualatin, Wilsonville, West Linn and Lake Oswego j will have these conversations together for the first time. "There's a lot of people who feel that those subjects t are very scary to talk about. And it's really not. I just want the film to kind of spark something in the people who watch it," Lowery said before her film debuted in 2014. The five major cities of the eastern Tualatin Valley will congregate at Lake Oswego High School Saturday, Oct. 19, for the Multi-City Equity Summit. The event is sponsored and organized by the Tigard-Tualatin School District, the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, the Lake Oswego School District, the cities of Tigard, Tualatin, Wilsonville, West Linn and Lake Oswego, the West Linn Police Department, the Lake Oswego Police Department, West Linn Alliance for Inclusive Community, Respond to Racism, and LO for Love. The summit will consist of a keynote address from Marvin Lynn, a morning breakout session, lunch, another breakout session and closing remarks from Emmett Wheatfall. Lynn is the dean of the College of Education at Portland State University and an expert on critical race theory. Wheatfall is an assistant Clackamas County administrator. West Linn City Councilor Jules Walters said one of the main reasons an event like this is so important is because some people don't realize that discrimination exists in local communities. Walters got involved with planning the summit when the WLAIC approached her. "There is a conversation where some people are saying, 'No,there's no racism here. West Linn is great,"' Walters said, citing the example of her own small city east of Tualatin. "And then you have people who come from different cultures or different ethnicities saying, 'No, actually, it does exist."' She pointed to a debate that broke out among high schoolers and alumni at West Linn High School on Twitter earlier this year that followed along these lines, with some current and former students saying there is no racism at the school and others citing their own encounters with it. Having conversations where people share real stories of discrimination is an important first step toward eradicating it,because nothing will get done if people don't realize discrimination exists, Walters said. The need for conversations about diversity and equity is evident in the leadership of the five communities. On the five city councils and three school boards,racial diversity is almost nonexistent. "That's when it gets hard, when you don't have a diversity of voices shaping and guiding your policies in your cities. Part of it here is (the) somewhat lack of diversity in our population, but that certainly doesn't mean there aren't people in the community who wouldn't be excellent leaders on our councils and school boards and commissions," Walters said about the lack of diversity among people in positions of power in the community. Walters said keeping the conversation going after the summit will be key. "We're striving to make sure this isn't just a one-off event, but a continuing conversation not just of one city, but a group of cities together, a group of school boards, different governmental agencies saying, 'What are we doing and not doing? What do we need to change? How do we best serve all of our citizenry?"' Walters said. The event is free,but attendees should register now because space is limited. Registration is online at eventbrite.com/e/multi-city-equity-summit-tickets-61941054361. More information on the summit can be found at multicityequity.org.