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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Newsletter - 01/25/07 EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER January 25, 2007 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 LOCAL ARCHITECTS HOLD AIA 150 WORKSHOP ON FRANKLIN CORRIDOR DESIGN FIRE & EMS AWARDS CEREMONY INCLUDES CHIEF SWEARING-IN STRONG SHOW OF INTEREST AT COMMUNITY MEETING ON WILLAMETTE STREET STUDY NEW BAGGAGE SCREENING MACHINES STREAMLINE CHECK-IN, HELP SECURITY AT AIRPORT HULT CENTER INSTALLS NEW ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICE SYSTEM TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISING EUGENE-AREA EVENTS CITY BOOTH AT GOOD EARTH HOME SHOW HIGHLIGHTS EARTH-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS NEW FIRE RECRUITS BEGIN ACADEMY READIN' IN THE RAIN KICKS OFF WITH FIRST FRIDAY @ THE DOWNTOWN LIBRARY LOCAL BOY SCOUTS TEAM UP TO PLANT STREET TREES AROUND THE CITY Local Architects Hold AIA 150 Workshop on Franklin Corridor Design th In 2007, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) will celebrate its 150 anniversary. The local chapter, AIA Southwest Oregon (AIASWO), is inviting citizens of the Eugene-Springfield metro area to join in its celebration of the anniversary by participating in a collaborative project called, “Architects Bridging Communities: The Franklin Boulevard Corridor and Riverfront Study.” The study will examine the streetscape, neighborhoods and riverfront areas along this 3.5 mile segment of Franklin Boulevard and will result in a design analysis of the urban corridor that connects Eugene and Springfield. While the AIA 150 study area encompasses Eugene’s Courthouse District and the Walnut Station Mixed-Use Development study area, the AIA initiative is completely separate from the City’s planning efforts that are underway in these areas. Through a series of local forums and design workshops to be held in February and April of this year, citizens of Eugene and Springfield, neighborhood groups, design professionals, government officials, and other local stakeholders will participate in identifying and proposing resolutions for issues relating to the corridor. The February event begins with a drop-in reception Friday, February 2, between 5 and 8:30 p.m. at the Atrium Building, 99 W.10th Avenue, Eugene. Short, keynote presentations will be made at 5:30 and again at 7:45. The following day (Saturday, February 3) citizens, architecture students, civic leaders and design professionals will be grouped for a day-long design work session (10a.m. - 5p.m.). The entire event is free and open to the public. The goal of the AIA project is to improve the social, environmental and aesthetic quality of the community by producing a strategy for short- and long-term sustainable development along the length of Franklin Boulevard and its riverfront. The council is invited to bring its ideas and vision for this area to the February 3 workshop. For more information, contact Allen Lowe at Planning and Development Department, 682-5113, or visit the project website at www.franklincorridor.org. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 1 January 25, 2007 Photo-simulation from Walnut Station Mixed Use Development project: Fire & EMS Awards Ceremony Includes Chief Swearing-in City Manager Dennis Taylor administered the oath of office to new Eugene Fire Chief Randy Groves before an audience of about 200 at this week’s Fire & EMS Awards and Recognition ceremony. A 27- year veteran with the department, Groves was described by Taylor as “the clear-cut choice” among many qualified candidates for the position of Chief. Other newly hired or promoted department personnel were also sworn in, and awards were given for special achievements and acts of valor over the past year. Honorees included individuals who took life-saving actions following a water rescue vehicle accident last summer, as well as a local teacher who successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on a choking student. The department wishes to thank the members of the City Council who were able to attend the ceremony, and all members of the City’s leadership for its continued support. For more information, please contact Cinimint Harper in Fire & EMS Administration, 682-7120. Strong Show of Interest at Community Meeting on Willamette Street Study A proposal to study at two-block section of Willamette Street drew more than 40 residents to a public meeting on January 10. The goal of the initial community meeting on the Willamette Street study was to provide background on why the potential conversion of Willamette Street to two-way traffic between 18th and 20th avenues is being considered, to outline a process to form a stakeholder group and to listen to ideas and concerns from the public. Attendees included Willamette Street neighbors, several representatives from neighborhood groups, and local business owners. The meeting was facilitated by Paul Hoobyar, a local consultant who facilitated the River Avenue stakeholder process last year. Over the course of the two-hour session at the Washington Park Center, attendees offered dozens of questions and comments, ranging from specific operational issues to broad concerns about transportation planning between south Eugene and the downtown area. Staff recorded EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 January 25, 2007 all the questions and comments from the meeting, as well as those received by e-mail and through the project web site, and will provide a summary to the stakeholder group once it is formed. The stakeholder process is underway, with staff reviewing a list of stakeholder categories proposed at the community meeting and developing a list of potential representatives from those who indicated interest at the meeting as well as other interested parties. A firm timeline has not yet been developed, although staff anticipates that the stakeholder process will take at least a couple of months to complete. For more information, contact Project Manager Chris Henry at 682-8472 or visit the project web site at www.eugene-or.gov/pwprojects (click on the Willamette Street study link). New Baggage Screening Machines Streamline Check-in, Help Security at Airport New baggage scanning machines have been installed at the Eugene Airport, providing faster service for travelers. The new machines allow for a higher level of security with automated explosives detection capabilities. The system can process 100 bags an hour, which makes the security scanning process more efficient for airlines and ultimately for passengers. The use of the new machines will also reduce baggage screener injuries and reduce costs for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Congress has been advocating for the introduction of technological improvements since the TSA took responsibility for screening all baggage accompanying a commercial passenger aircraft. Four machines, valued at more than $330,000 each, were installed at the Eugene Airport by the TSA. The cost to the Eugene Airport was minimal: the installation of new carpet. Construction layout plans and building cost estimates for eventually moving the machines behind the airline ticketing area are in the works. Funding sources for this work have not yet been finalized. This joint project, including five regional airports in Oregon, was proposed by the Oregon Airport Management Association. Members of Oregon’s congressional delegation worked with the TSA to secure machines for the Eugene, Redmond and Medford airports. The Klamath Falls and Coos County airports are slated to receive the machines at a later date. For more information, contact Cathryn Stephens, marketing and administration supervisor, at 682-6638. Hult Center Installs New Assisted Listening Device System After nearly 25 years of service, the Hult Center’s Assisted Listening Device (ALD) system was in dire need of replacement. With the goal of providing better service to hearing-impaired patrons in all Hult event spaces, Hult Center technical staff investigated the possibility of repairing and upgrading the former system, but found that the purchase of a new ALD system was a more feasible option. After looking at several systems and demos, staff chose a system made by Listen Technology, and Anderson Group International (AGI) was awarded the contract to design and install the new system. The new infrared and FM band ALD system, paid for by Telecom funds, is specifically suited for the special needs of patrons with varying degrees of hearing impairment and has several different comfort options. The system also has a channel function that allows for descriptive programming for patrons with sight impairments. The new system covers both Silva and Soreng performance spaces, as well as The Studio and lobby. AGI was given the challenge of providing 100% high quality coverage in each area. “On testing the system when it was finished, I found that it performed well beyond my expectations. Each area had complete coverage to every seat (and beyond) and the sound quality was fantastic,” said Denny Conn, Hult Center head audio engineer. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 January 25, 2007 Assistance in testing, reviewing and implementing the system was accomplished in cooperation with members of the Accessibility Committee of the Human Rights Commission. All Hult Center audio engineers and ushers are trained in the use and operations of the system so they can assist patrons with adjusting the listening devices to meet their specific needs. The new system provides a great opportunity to provide better patron service and enhanced enjoyment of the arts experience. For more information, contact Mark Loigman, operations director at 682.5242. Telecommunications Funds Available for Advertising Eugene-Area Events Business privilege taxes are collected from telecommunications and cable communications providers and are dedicated to new communications technology projects that benefit the community. The City Manager has approved funding for a three-year pilot project, beginning in FY 07, to provide advertising matching funds for Eugene community event organizers who use Cable TV to advertise. The annual application process is competitive. The FY07 ad shown here will run twice in The Register-Guard, and a press release will be issued to allarea media. Since cable and broadcast television public service announcements are not federally required to be provided free, this project is intended to stretch the advertising dollars for Eugene community event organizers using cable communications technology. For more information, please contact Pam Berrian, franchise manager, 682-5590. City Booth at Good Earth Home Show Highlights Earth-Friendly Programs The highly acclaimed Good Earth Home, Garden & Living Show starts again on Friday, January 26, featuring an array of sustainable services, products and information. The show includes two booths showcasing the City’s many sustainable programs. Information on clean rivers, parks and open space programs, and alternative transportation are just a few of the featured programs highlighted at booth #400. In addition to program handouts and a short video feature, booth visitors can answer randomly selected topics ranging from stormwater to urban forestry and win a prize. Anyone curious about volunteer opportunities with Eugene Stream Team or NeighborWoods can learn more about how to get involved. Bike maps, park maps and handouts on protecting local riverswill be available, free-of-charge. This booth is sponsored by the Stormwater This “green bike” illustrates that “biking is natural”! Management Program and Parks and Open Space Division. The recycling program will team up with OSU Extension Service to provide information on backyard composting, worm bin composting and compost tea in booth #606. At both booths, staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide educational material. For more information about City participation at the event, contact Kathy Eva, Public Works public information specialist, at 682-2739. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 4 January 25, 2007 New Fire Recruits Begin Academy Thursday was the first day of a rigorous 13-week training academy for three new firefighters joining Eugene’s ranks. This class of recruits is much smaller than average, but the hiring is required so that the City can remain eligible for a $1.2-million Federal SAFER Act (Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response) grant that was a major financing element in the restoration of an engine company to Fire Station 9 (Valley River). One of the new recruits, the son of a retired Eugene firefighter, is of Hispanic ethnicity, and has achieved Paramedic (the highest) EMT certification, while the other two recruits are Intermediate EMTs. The academy will include intensive classroom and hands-on training in fire response, rescue techniques, and emergency medical assessment and treatment. After completing the academy, the recruits will spend the remainder of a one-year period as probationary firefighters, under observation, before being assigned as regular firefighters. For more information, please contact Training Chief Joe Zaludek at 682-7131. Readin' in the Rain Kicks Off With First Friday @ the Downtown Library Readin' in the Rain 2007 takes flight at the free Umbrella Opening the evening of First Friday, February 2, at the Downtown Eugene Public Library. Each winter, Readin' in the Rain invites Eugene/Springfield to read, talk about, and celebrate one book. This year's title is Oregon Book Award winner Providence of a Sparrow: Lessons from a Life Gone to the Birds by Chris Chester of Portland. It's an insightful memoir in which Chester's chance meeting with a newborn bird ultimately transforms the author’s life – and his beliefs about life. The book details an extraordinary cross-species friendship, raising questions about animal intelligence, what pets mean to people, and the larger relationship between humans and nature. Readin' in the Rain begins Friday, February 2, at 6:30 p.m. with a presentation featuring the live birds and educators of Cascades Raptor Center. At 7:30 p.m., writer and University of Oregon journalism instructor Melissa Hart explores the book's themes in a talk titled, “Nature Translated, From Nest to Page.” Free events continue throughout February, including a reading by the visiting author at the Hult Center on Wednesday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m., and drop-in discussion groups at Eugene Public Library, Springfield Public Library, Barnes & Noble, Borders, the University of Oregon Bookstore, and online at The Register-Guard (www.registerguard.com/blogs/books). For more information, visit www.read- rain.org or call the Eugene Public Library, 682-5450. Local Boy Scouts Team Up to Plant Street Trees On Saturday, January 20, the Webelos Scouts and members of Eugene Tree Foundation teamed up to plant 28 new trees along Harlow Road through the City of Eugene's NeighborWoods program. This was the third year of a four-year planting project designed to fill the available tree planting spaces along Harlow Road from North Garden Way to Coburg Road. To date, 58 new trees have been planted and, at the end of this multi-phased project, over 100 trees will be in place, eventually providing a thriving street canopy. For more information about this or other tree planting projects, contact Rick Olkowski, NeighborWoods program coordinator, at 682-4831 or rick.g.olkowski@ci.eugene.or.us. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 5 January 25, 2007