02/25/10 - City Council Newsletter

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governments implement policies and programs to mitigate climate change. The carbon dioxide emissions savings from the program equals 19,797 gallons of gasoline. SmartTrips Eugene incorporates an innovative and individualized marketing program that hand-delivers packets of information to residents who wish to learn more about all of their transportation options including transit, walking, bicycling, carpooling, and combining trips. Key components feature biking and walking maps and organized activities that get people out in their neighborhoods or places of employment to shop, work, and discover how many trips they can easily, conveniently, and safely make without using a car. SmartTrips programs in other areas have achieved a reduction in vehicle miles traveled up to 13 percent in each neighborhood it has targeted. “It’s great to see a city make it easy for citizens to use environmentally-friendly ways of getting around,” said Michelle Pirzadeh, deputy regional administrator for the EPA. “We’re excited to support this initiative - it’s a big step in the right direction to energy efficiency.” Most of the Harlow neighborhood and a portion of the Cal Young neighborhood will be included in the 2010 pilot program. The SmartTrips Eugene pilot program is funded by a separate federal grant from the Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant program. Close proximity to the downtown area and the University of Oregon, and a good pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure make this an ideal neighborhood to start the SmartTrips Eugene project. For more information about the Climate Showcase Communities program, visit http://epa.gov/statelocalclimate. For more information, please contact SmartTrips Eugene Program Manager Lindsay Selser, at 541-682-5094 or Lindsay.r.selser@ci.eugene.or.us. Music Provides Uplifting Environment Outside of Library Patrons and passers-by are now being treated to music near the entrance of the Eugene Downtown Public Library. The music is another step the library has taken in the past several months to ensure safe and welcoming access to the library for the entire community. The music is intended to create a pleasant, uplifting environment as patrons enter the library. Music selections will range from classical to light jazz. At other times, poetry readings may be played over the recently installed speakers. All audio selections will be played softly, to change the sound dynamics of the library’s exterior without overwhelming conversations or encouraging an audience. The music and readings have been selected from the library’s vast collection of audio files. If library patrons wish to put an item they hear on hold for future checkout, library staff can provide information about the selection playing at any particular time. Other steps taken toward improving the library’s exterior environment include a City Council-adopted ban on smoking on the sidewalk that will take effect March 12, more frequent power-washing of the sidewalks to improve cleanliness, “Walk bikes, Carry skateboards” signs to increase pedestrian safety, and increased police bicycle patrols. For more information, contact Library Services Director Connie Bennett at 541-682-5363 or connie.j.bennett@ci.eugene.or.us. thth Pavement Preservation Project on 6 and 7 Avenues Earns Award for Quality The pavement preservation project on Sixth and Seventh avenues completed in October 2009, has been awarded a first-place paving award by the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon (APAO) in the Urban Arterial category. The project encompassed milling of the top layers of deteriorated thth pavement and repaving with warm-mix asphalt on 6 and 7 avenues between High and Washington streets. The project also included reconstructing localized areas of failed pavement and upgrading selected ADA ramps. The project was constructed at night to reduce impact to the traveling public and downtown businesses. Award-winning paving projects are selected by APAO based on smoothness, quality of the paving, and complexity of the project. The EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 February 25, 2010