10/15/15 - City Council Newsletter

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Squad Car Maintenance Team Honored with Governor’s Volunteer Award The Eugene Police Department’s volunteer Squad Car Maintenance Team (SCMT) was honored this week as Regional Winner of the 2015 Governor’s Volunteer Awards for Community Based Volunteer Programs. The team was recognized at an awards luncheon at the Salem Conference Center on Monday, Oct. 12. The SCMT is an invaluable asset to the EPD. The team members are positive, energetic and willing to take on any task, even those outside their normal duties. Since 2004, the SCMT has contributed over 44,000 hours of service. Forty-six percent of the current volunteers have served on the team for more than seven years. The SCMT operates as a self-sufficient, well- oiled machine. The volunteers wrote their own training manual, developed forms, and even designed a database for their tracking purposes. Seasoned volunteers take responsibility for training new volunteers. The volunteers suggest agenda items and take the lead in presenting the material at team meetings. They take the initiative to improve processes, always with the goal of keeping police cars clean, well equipped, organized and functioning well. Volunteer Cliff Flesch, who has served on the SCMT since its formation, said, “The members of the Squad Car Maintenance Team are dedicated to providing the utmost service in order to assist the men and women of the Eugene Police Department. It is always appreciated when we receive recognition for our hard work. Our patrol officers let us know daily how much they appreciate what we do. Having this award presented by the Governor’s office tells us that others also value our service, and increases our sense of pride in our team and our work, and we wish to thank all involved in making this award possible.” Opportunities for citizens to join the Volunteers in Policing Program exist in a variety of areas of the department. For more information, visit www.eugene-or.gov/policevolunteers or contact Program Manager Carrie Chouinard at 541.682.5355 or carrie.f.chouinard@ci.eugene.or.us. Finalists Announced for Mayor’s Bold Steps Award Three Eugene businesses have been named finalists for the 2016 Mayor’s Bold Steps Award - Essex General Construction, Mountain Rose Herbs, and PIVOT Architecture. About the finalists:  Essex General Construction is a forward-thinking, sustainability-focused general contractor specializing in mid-sized, complex commercial projects in Oregon and Washington; some of their most recent projects include constructing new schools in the Bethel School District as well as the Eugene Airport expansion.  Mountain Rose Herbs is a “Fair for Life” certified company that is guided by the principle “People and Planet before Profit.” They operate a zero waste and salmon safe-certified facility, in addition to having many other sustainable practices.  PIVOT Architecture is a full-service firm that specializes in inspired architecture, planning, and interior design. In addition to certifying their office as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) “Platinum” level certification, their employees have contributed over 15,000 hours to professional organizations and community service. The Bold Steps Award recognizes Eugene-based sustainable businesses and represents a partnership between the City of Eugene, Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy, and BRING’s RE:think Business program. The 2016 winner will be announced on Jan. 6 at the Mayor’s State of the City address held at the Hult Center. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.eugene-or.gov/boldsteps or contact Stephanie Scafa at 541-682-5652. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 October 15, 2015