HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Newsletter - 11/02/06
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
November 2, 2006
City of Eugene
777 Pearl Street, Room 105
Eugene, Oregon 97401-2793
(541) 682-5010
(541) 682-5414 (FAX)
www.eugene-or.gov
IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION
TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT CRESCENT AND GILHAM GETS NEW YELLOW ARROW PHASE
RISK SERVICES GOES EXTRA MILE TO SAVE CITY MONEY
RESULTS OF SUSTAINABILITY DEMONSTRATION PROJECT PRESENTED
FIRE CAPTAIN APPOINTED TO OR-OSHA ADVISORY BOARD
TH
STATE GRANT APPROVED FOR PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE IMPROVEMENTS ON 18 AVENUE
ART'S UP @ EUGENE PUBLIC LIBRARY
CREST DRIVE CONTEXT-SENSITIVE SOLUTIONS PROJECT UPDATE
SOLE SOURCE FIRE APPARATUS CONTRACT
AROUND THE CITY
Traffic Signal at Crescent and Gilham Gets New Yellow Arrow Phase
Eugene’s first yellow arrow, left-turn indicator is scheduled to be activated on Thursday, November 2, to
add a protected left turn to the existing traffic signal at Crescent Avenue and Gilham Road. East- or
westbound motorists on Crescent Avenue who wish to turn left onto Gilham Road will see one of four
turn indicators:
?
A solid green arrow, indicating they have the right-of-way for a protected left turn;
?
A flashing yellow arrow, indicating that drivers must use caution and yield to oncoming traffic;
?
A solid yellow arrow, indicating the signal is about to turn red; or
?
A solid red arrow, indicating that no turns are allowed.
The four-section signal head with flashing yellow serves the same function as five-section heads
featuring a green ball and signs requiring left-turning drivers to yield. For many years, traffic engineers
have had concerns that drivers turning left on a permissive circular green signal indication might
inadvertently mistake that indication as implying the left turn has the right-of-way over opposing traffic.
A variety of different indicators and signal face arrangements for permissive left turns have been tried
over the years, but no comprehensive research was conducted until the Federal Highway Administrator
(FHWA) decided to evaluate all the potential displays.
“Motorists responded strongly and favorably to the concept with little or no public information,” the FHWA
research showed. “These highway users intuitively knew what the flashing yellow arrow meant.” Total
cost of the signal upgrade on Crescent Avenue is approximately $1,500. City Traffic Engineer Tom
Larsen said other protected-permissive traffic signals in Eugene will be upgraded with the new arrow
signals as funding allows. For more information, contact Tom Larsen at 682-4959.
Risk Services Goes Extra Mile to Save City Money
Risk Services staff has recovered over one million dollars for the City of Eugene in the past five years
through Risk’s Property and Workers’ Compensation programs.
Damage to City Property:
In FY06, Risk Services staff was successful in recovering $83,121 in
damages to City property caused by third parties. Risk Services has recovered $402,158 over the past
five years in this program.
Notice of damage to City property is received from the affected City work units, members of the public or
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 1
November 2, 2006
by review of police reports routed to Risk Services by the Police Department. Risk Services then pursues
a claim for the City’s cost of replacement or repair against the person who caused the damage, against
their auto insurance or through the court system if it involves a violation or crime. The funds collected
are returned directly to the affected City work units throughout the year to offset expenses for the
incurred damage. Common types of claims include damage to City vehicles, fire hydrants, street lights,
traffic signals, signs and street trees. Damage to City vehicles and fire hydrants were the most costly
types of loss in FY06. For more information, contact Jan Bergquist, property/casualty claims coordinator
at
682-5662.
Workers’ Compensation Savings:
Medical Bill Audit Program: Oregon employers like the City of Eugene that self-insure their Workers’
Compensation programs are required to audit at least 10 percent of the medical billings received each
year. In an effort to reduce the cost of claims, the City’s Workers’ Compensation Program audits 100%
of the medical billings received. The billed amounts over the maximum allowed by the Workers’
Compensation Division are written off by the medical provider. These medical bill audits saved the City
a total of $96,252 in FY06. Risk Services’ medical bill audit program has saved a total of $314,577 for
the City over the past five years.
Employer at Injury Program (EAIP): As an incentive for employers to return injured workers to modified
duty, the Workers’ Compensation Division’s Employer-at-Injury Program reimburses employers one-half
of the wages paid to an injured worker for up to 66 work days. The program also reimburses employers
for qualified worksite modifications and equipment purchases. The City’s Workers’ Compensation
Program submits the reimbursement requests and the funds are returned to the department employing
the injured worker. Risk Services recovered a total of $84,967 in FY06 and has recovered a total of
$295,353 from the EAIP program in the past five years. For more information contact Jamie Iboa,
Workers’ Compensation Program manager, at 682-5791.
Additional information on Risk Services’ recovery programs is also available in the FY06 Risk Report, on
the Risk Services website: www.eugene-or.gov
Results of Sustainability Demonstration Project Presented
Results of the recent sustainability demonstration project were presented by Good Company in
“Sustainability 101 for Business,” a two-hour workshop co-sponsored by the City and the Eugene Area
Chamber of Commerce. Seventeen area businesses attended the class for a brief introduction to
sustainability issues, the assessment process, and the assessment tool. Several project participants
shared their experiences at the class to bridge the gap from concept to application.
The demonstration project concluded with a final report for each of the five participating businesses that
included concrete, feasible, and affordable action steps to improve operations and marketing. Mary
Ellen Riley of Holly Residential said Good Company’s final summary was “the most efficient report I
have ever received.” Common areas for significant improvement among the participants included
energy efficiency, use of non-toxic cleaning products, and the selection of packaging with increased
recycled content and future recycling capabilities. Many businesses were also encouraged to improve
customer loyalty through marketing their sustainable business practices.
The demonstration project enabled five active Business Development Fund loan program companies
?
(Green Gear Cycling Inc., the makers of Bike Friday; Harlequin Beads and Jewelry; Holly Residential, a
residential group home; Mazzi’s Italian Restaurant; and Plaza Latina, a supermarket specializing in Latin
and Middle Eastern food) to access individual consulting time with Good Company. The project was
supported with City funds provided for sustainable economic development and co-sponsored by the
Eugene Chamber of Commerce and Good Company. [Good Company is a local research and consulting
firm that helps clients measure, manage, and market their social and environmental performance.] For
more information, call Amanda Nobel, Community Development Division, at 682-5535.
Fire Captain Appointed to OR-OSHA Advisory Board
A Eugene Fire & EMS Department employee has been selected as the representative for a newly
established advisory board for the State of Oregon’s Occupational Health and Safety Division (OR-
OSHA). Fire Captain Matt Ennis, who is also the Fire Department’s Safety Committee chair, is one of
three people who will represent career Fire Departments in the state, to work along side of
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
November 2, 2006
representatives from volunteer Fire Departments. These two entities will then meet with OSHA
personnel to help educate and support each other about safety as it pertains to the unique environment
of emergency incident scenes. This important assignment will also give the Eugene Fire & EMS
Department an opportunity to identify potential safety issues as Fire Service expands its role in
protecting the community. For more information please contact A/Deputy Chief Operations Randy
DeWitt at 682-7130.
th
State Grant Approved for Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements on 18 Avenue
On October 27, the Oregon Bicycle and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee (OBPAC)
approved the City's application for a $345,600
grant for pedestrian and bicycle improvements
on 18th Avenue. The ODOT Pedestrian and
Bicycle Grant Program received 56
applications from jurisdictions across the
state requesting a total of $12 million for $5
million in available grant funding. The Oregon
Transportation Commission will vote on the
OBPAC recommendations in January.
Eugene’s project is designed to significantly
improve the walking and bicycling environment
on 18th Avenue between Agate and Alder
streets. Bike lanes will be added to both sides
of the street between Alder and Agate. The 4-
foot-wide asphalt sidewalk on the north side of 18th Avenue between University and Agate streets will be
replaced with a wider concrete sidewalk and a planting strip with street trees will be installed between the
new sidewalk and the parking lane. There will also be curb extensions installed to shorten the crossing
th
distance for pedestrians at the intersections of 18 Avenue and Emerald, Onyx, and Harris streets.
Of the approximately 5.5-mile length of 18th Avenue, the only section without bike lanes is the half-mile
stretch between Alder and Agate streets. The sidewalk on the north side of 18th Avenue between
University and Agate streets is presently a very narrow curbside sidewalk with parking meters, making
the walking environment uninviting and noncompliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To
accommodate bicycle lanes entails removing the parking lane on the south side of 18th Avenue.
However, parking loss will be mitigated by carving parking bays into the planting strip on the south side.
Also, a few areas have been identified where additional parking can be added by reducing the amount of
yellow curb and removing unused curb cuts.
This project was developed in collaboration with residents and other stakeholders through two community
workshops that included representatives from the South University Neighborhood Association, Eugene
Tree Foundation, and University of Oregon. In total, these pedestrian, bicycling, and landscaping
improvements will significantly enhance the character of 18th Avenue. In addition to addressing the
th
pedestrian and bicycle issues along 18 Avenue, this project will also improve the City’s infrastructure
directly adjacent to where the 2008 Olympic Trials will be held. For more information about the 18th
Avenue pedestrian and bicycle improvements, contact Senior Transportation Planner Rob Inerfeld at
682-5343 or rob.inerfeld@ci.eugene.or.us.
Art's Up @ Eugene Public Library
The Eugene Public Library and Metro TV are pleased to announce the
premier big-screen showing of a new DVD about artwork at the
Downtown Library, featuring interviews with the Oregonians who
created it. The free screening is set for Thursday, November 2,
6:00 – 7:00 p.m., at the Downtown Library. Highlighted pieces include
paintings, sculptures, mosaics, monotypes, art chairs, terrazzo floors,
and stained glass windows by Jim Carpenter, Bob DeVine, Denis
Keogh, John Rose, Lilli Ann and Marvin Rosenberg, James Ulrich,
and Mike Walsh. These commissioned works were made possible by
Eugene’s One Percent for Art ordinance.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3
November 2, 2006
On Friday, November 3, at 5:30 p.m., the Downtown Library is the first stop on Lane Arts Council’s First
Friday ArtWalk. Meet the artists and enjoy works by Tallmadge Doyle, Bob DeVine, Madeleine Liepe,
Bev Soasey, and Mike Van. See the Bookend Project, a display by more than 35 local artists who
created unique bookends inspired by reading and literary themes. Come in for a sneak preview on First
Friday or any time in November. These works go on sale at the Authors & Artists Fair, December 2, to
benefit the Eugene Public Library Foundation. Also, starting at 6:30 on Friday, delight in Lo Nuestro
trio's lively music of the Andes, Venezuela, Mexico, and Cuba on guitar, conga, and pan flute. For more
information, call Eugene Public Library at 682-5450.
Crest Drive Context-Sensitive Solutions Project Update
The Crest Drive Community Team (CDCT) is moving
ahead on schedule with the implementation of its work
plan. Several important milestones have been met,
including the completion of a collaborative placemaking
activity, a neighborhood walkabout, and the first
community open house.
The open house was held on Thursday, October 5,
2006, at Crest Elementary School. Planning for the
event occurred over several meetings, with CDCT
members creating the open house design, including
development of display materials for open house
“stations.” To ensure adequate public participation and
stakeholder representation, the CDCT identified a
complete list of stakeholders who were invited to the first open house, and developed a newsletter that
was sent to residents and property owners.
Approximately 60 members of the community attended and participated in the open house, which was
staffed by committee members and City staff, and provided neighborhood residents and community
members with an opportunity to learn more about the CSS process from their fellow neighbors.
Committee members also solicited participants’ values and ideas through walkabout and placemaking
activities during the open house.
The placemaking and walkabout comments captured at the open house will be explored to identify
themes in common with the CDCT identified comments, and will be brought forward into the design
process. According to the CDCT work plan, the actual street design process is slated to begin later this
fall.
Additional items underway now include an ongoing educational “Engineering 101” series and continued
development of the street design process plan. For more information, contact Transportation Planning
Technician David Roth at 682-5727 or by email to david.f.roth@ci.eugene.or.us. The Crest Drive
Context- Sensitive Solutions project website can be found at www.eugene-or.gov/pwprojects.
Sole Source Fire Apparatus Contract
Eugene Fire & EMS, Public Works Fleet, and City Purchasing
have completed a 10-year sole source fire apparatus contract
with Pierce Manufacturing. Current year savings are expected
to be $300,000. Based on anticipated future costs, yearly
savings should also be realized.
In addition to these savings, the City will benefit from ongoing
parts discounts and Fleet’s ability to be reimbursed for warranty
repairs. For more information, please contact Eugene Fire &
EMS Logistics Manager Jeff Narin at 682-7130.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 4
November 2, 2006