CC Newsletter - 05/25/06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Toe-tappin' Bluegrass: First Friday @ Downtown Library On First Friday, June 2, Lee Highway Bluegrass Band will appear at the Eugene Public Library. Lee Highway is the newest addition to the vibrant Oregon Bluegrass music community. Bringing together five accomplished musicians, the band's sound recalls the excitement, smoothness, and precision of the golden era of Bluegrass. The music is a mix of tight, tuneful vocal harmony supported by sparkling and powerful instrumentals. Featured performers are John Averill (mandolin/vocals), Rich Hoglen (guitar/vocals), Sue Averill (bass/vocals), Mike Eisler (fiddle/vocals) and Mike Stahlman (banjo/vocals). Lee Highway is equally skilled performing fast, driving Bluegrass, close harmony gospel, and 40s and 50s country dance tunes. With each musician bringing decades of experience to the band, it's the classic sound of Bluegrass made new again! Free live music starts at 6:30 p.m., and the Downtown Library is open for business until 8:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Eugene Public Library at 682-5450. Brochures Notify Customers of New Wastewater and Stormwater User Fees The City’s annual wastewater and stormwater rate notification brochures will be distributed via EWEB utility bills beginning in June. The rate notification brochure informs customers of rates and provides an overview of City services supported by these fees. Copies of the rate notification brochure are available in the Council Office. Wastewater fees are applied to all properties connected to the public wastewater system. The purpose of the regional wastewater program is to protect public health and safety and the environment by providing high-quality wastewater management services to the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area. The Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) regional wastewater rate increase is necessary to fund operation and maintenance of the existing wastewater treatment facilities and implement planned capital improvement projects. The local wastewater user fee increase is necessary to maintain current operating service levels and fund necessary capital improvements. The combined effect of the local and regional wastewater fee increases for a typical residential customer is an increase of $1.55 per month, from the current $17.92 per month to $19.47 per month. Of this typical increase, $1.19 is related to the regional portion while $0.36 is from the local portion of the fee. Other user categories will see similar effects in terms of the percentage increase, with dollar amounts varying depending on volume and strength of wastewater discharge. Stormwater fees are applied to all developed properties in Eugene. The fees support services that maintain flood protection and drainage services, maintain and enhance stormwater-related natural resources, and improve water quality. These services include street sweeping, seasonal leaf pick up, maintenance of underground stormwater pipes and efforts to reduce pollutants and adhere to water quality standards. Stormwater customers in the medium residential category, typical of most residential customers, will see an increase of $1.14 per month, to a total of $8.69. The City Manager approved the proposed charges by administrative order on May 11. Rates will become effective in July. For more information about the wastewater and stormwater fee increases, contact Tish Peterson at 682-6087 or by e-mail at tish.a.peterson@ci.eugene.or.us. Willakenzie Park Neighbors Invited to Preview Draft Plan for Park On Tuesday, May 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Willakenzie Park neighbors are invited to preview the draft design for improvements to their 4.75-acre neighborhood park. The park is located in Eugene’s Harlow neighborhood at the old Willakenzie School site on Best Lane, off Willakenzie Road. The workshop will be held in the Monroe Middle School cafeteria at 2800 Bailey Lane. Parks and Open Space Division staff based the draft concept plan on the results from the first public workshop held in late March 2006. The proposed improvements include a renovated playground, new park furniture, access improvements, trees and shrubs. The existing athletic fields, which have served EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 June 8, 2006