City Council Newsletter - 05/31/07

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the City Council. For more information, contact Transportation Planning Manager Rob Inerfeld at 682- 5343 or rob.inerfeld@ci.eugene.or.us. West University Park Neighborhood Meeting on June 7 Neighbors are invited to discuss final plans for reconfiguring and reopening West University Park. The meeting will take place Thursday, June 7, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, located at th 555 E. 15 Avenue (enter from the alley). The plan is based on recent design efforts involving collaboration among West University Neighbors, the th University of Oregon, and the City of Eugene. West University Park is located on E. 14 Avenue between Patterson and Hilyard streets. The West University Neighbors secured funding for limited improvements to West University Park through the City of Eugene’s Neighborhood Matching Grant program. Part of the grant funding will be used to complete the design process that was initiated last year. Remaining funds will be used to implement volunteer-based park improvement projects in fall 2007 after adjacent housing development is completed. Potential improvements include benches, trees, landscaping, paved paths, and a small children’s play area. For information, please contact Robin Hostick, parks planner, 682-4915. Free Fun for Teens at Eugene Public Library Starting June 2, teens may apply for this summer's Teen Team. On Wednesdays, June 27 - July 25, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., youth get together to volunteer at the Downtown Library. Teen Team members help staff prepare items for check out, ready crafts projects for kids’ programs, create displays, clean and organize books, and more. They support the Library, meet new friends, and contribute ideas. For more information or an application, visit the Downtown Eugene Public Library Teen Desk or call 682-8316. On Friday, June 8, it's Teen Game Nightin Sheldon! From 6:00 - 8:30 p.m., middle and high schoolers drop in to see friends, learn and play games, and eat pizza at the Sheldon Branch of the Eugene Public Library. New and unusual board and card games will be provided, including video and computer games. Youth are welcome to bring games as well. The event is hosted by Chris Ballowe, gamer extraordinaire. For more information, call 682-8316. 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 while also funding necessary capital improvements. The combined effect of the local and regional wastewater fee increases for a typical residential customer reflects an increase of $1.31 per month, from the current $19.47 per month to $20.78 per month. Of this typical increase, $1.05 is related to the regional portion while $0.26 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 $0.35 per month, to a total of $9.04. The City Manager approved the proposed charges by administrative order on May 4. 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. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 May 31, 2007