12/17/09 - City Council Newsletter

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basketball and volleyball begin in Feburary. The Outdoor Program’s Alpine Adventures Adaptive Skiing, the area’s premier downhill ski program for youth and adults experiencing physical disabilities, is offered on many more days than in the past, from January to March. The “way-popular” Splash Dances for middle-school students are also back by popular demand. Take a few moments to thumb through the guide when it arrives or check out the online Rec Guide; everyone is sure to find something of interest to enrich their life. For information, contact Craig Smith at 682-5334. Second Round of Leaf Pickups Scheduled to Begin December 21 in Eugene The second and final round of leaf collection service in Eugene is scheduled to begin December 21. During the first round, Public Works crews collected more than 13,500 cubic yards of leaves. Leaf loads are generally lighter during the second round of collections, which allows crews to do pickups on unimproved streets. The second-round schedule calls for leaf pickups December 21 - 31 in west and central Eugene, December 28 - January 7 in north Eugene, January 4 - 8 in southeast Eugene, and January 8-12 in southwest Eugene. All dates are subject to change based primarily on weather conditions because the crews that pick up leaves also respond to winter storms, and snow and ice emergencies. Residents continue to be reminded that they should not put leaves in bike lanes. If their property is next to an on-street bike lane, they are being asked to consider other recycling methods or call the Public Works Maintenance Division at 682-4800 to discuss options for leaf disposal. Leaf vacs are doing a good job of keeping Although the 2009 leaf program is still under bike lanes clear. way, staff has received a significant amount of positive feedback about operational changes put into effect this year. The designation of priority bike routes and the addition of a leaf vac on priority bike routes has made a real difference, not only in making the lanes safer for cyclists but also in reducing localized flooding despite some heavy rains this fall. Many cyclists are pleased with the enhanced web site (www.eugene-or.gov/leaf) that allows them to report problem areas and see which streets have been cleaned recently. For more information about this year’s leaf program, contact Surface Maintenance Supervisor Damon Joyner at 541-682-4835. City of Eugene Employees and Projects Recognized st The City of Eugene celebrated International Human Rights Day, and the 61 anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on December 10, 2009. The annual celebration provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the work done on behalf of human rights, and be reminded of the significance of these rights in the world today. The City of Eugene plays a critical role in advancing human rights and community well- being. Each year the Human Rights Commission recognizes a City of Eugene work unit or employee for contributions in Lisa Barrong the areas of human rights and promotion of social justice. Nominees this year included: , Eugene StephanieJennings Police Department (EPD), and her work with Mano a Mano en La Comunidad; , Planning and Bob Briscoe Development, for her compassion and advocacy for low-income people; , Planning and Ilana Sophia Development, for assisting low-income people with construction and lending expertise; , Library, Recreation and Cultural Services, for developing the library’s access and adaptive technology services; the Downtown Bicycle PoliceRandy team for providing safety and security to downtown residents and visitors, and Ellis , EPD, for work with the West University Business District in changing it into a more wholesome, vibrant, inclusive, just, and equitable neighborhood. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 December 17, 2009