HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Newsletter - 03/15/07
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
March 15, 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
EUGENE FIRE & EMS RECEIVES ADDITIONAL STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT AWARD
WIFI NETWORK EXPANDED
NEW EUGENE AIRPORT MANAGER NAMED
PUBLIC WORKS BEGINS ANNUAL OUTREACH FOR SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
APRIL 8-14 IS NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS WEEK
PUBLIC WORKS STAFF PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL RECOGNITION AND TRAINING EVENT
RECREATION EMPLOYEE CLIMBS STAIRS FOR A CURE
WINDFALL SERIES BRINGS WRITERS TO EUGENE PUBLIC LIBRARY
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN RECERTIFICATION PROCESS UNDERWAY
“AILEY II” MESMERIZES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
AROUND THE CITY
Eugene Fire & EMS Receives Additional State Homeland Security Grant Award
On February 20, 2007, the Eugene Fire & EMS Department was awarded a federal grant from the
Assistance to Firefighters Program in the amount of $770,376.00. Fire & EMS took the opportunity to
apply for remaining funds left over from the 2004 State Homeland Security grant cycle. Due to the
department's success in the 2004 process, Fire & EMS was eligible to apply, along with other successful
grantees, for a portion of the remaining funds this year.
This week, notification was received that the application was approved for additional funding in the
amount of $19,100.00, which will be applied directly towards mass casualty incident (MCI) equipment.
The grant covers 100% of the cost with NO matching funds required from the City. The specific
equipment that will be procured is:
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10 – casualty transport systems with backboards and straps @ $11,600.00
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50 – decon backboards with straps @ $7,500.00
In preparation for hosting the 2008 Olympic Trials, this award is very timely. Although planning for this
event is currently a big focus for the City of Eugene, the use of the new equipment will not be limited to
this application; it will be available for any large scale mass casualty incident occurring in or around the
community.
Captain Tim Cramblit was instrumental in acquiring the grant, due to his diligence and work on this
process. For more information, please contact Management Analyst Glen Potter at 682-7130.
WiFi Network Expanded
The availability of free, public wireless Internet access has been expanded to include the McNutt Room,
City Council Chamber and the City Hall courtyard area. In addition to these sites, free wireless Internet
access is available at the Hult Center, Eugene Airport terminal and all three Library locations.
Next up on the WiFi deployment list are the Park Blocks which will be “lit up” this spring. In FY08,
Information Services Division (ISD) staff will enable free, public WiFi at community centers and pools, as
part of the strategy to provide WiFi in and around city facilities throughout the community. For more
information, please contact Randy Kolb, ISD Director, via e-mail or 682-5070.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 1
March 15, 2007
New Eugene Airport Manager Named
Tim Doll has been hired as the new Eugene Airport
Manager. Doll is currently Director of Operations
and primary Airport Security Coordinator for the Little
Rock National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas. He
brings to the City of Eugene a wide array of
experience garnered over 14 years in airport
management. Doll will replace retiring Eugene
Airport Manager Bob Noble.
“Tim Doll has worked in a leadership capacity in
every aspect of airport management,” said Kurt
Corey, Eugene Public Works director. “That
experience is one key to operating a successful
airport in today’s volatile air service environment. I
expect Tim’s strengths, especially in the area of air
service development, to serve us well.”
Doll holds a Bachelor of Science in Airway Science Management from Arizona State University. He is a
private pilot, an Accredited Airport Executive and recently served as president of the Southeast Chapter
of the American Association of Airport Executives.
Doll says his first priority in taking the Airport Manager position is to continue providing quality facilities
for passengers traveling through the Eugene Airport by building on the good work that has already been
done, and looking for new opportunities for improved service.
“My wife and I look forward to being part of the Eugene community and becoming part of the Airport
family,” said Doll. “I want to work to ensure this community continues to enjoy the benefits of a strong air
service program.” said Doll.
Previously, Doll was employed at the Richmond International Airport in Richmond, Virginia, where he
was promoted up through the ranks to Manager of Administrative Services before taking his current
position at the Little Rock National Airport. His work history includes an impressive list of
accomplishments with a particular focus on customer service.
Doll enjoys outdoor activities and is an experienced world traveler. His love of aviation extends beyond
airports and airplanes. He is also a radio-controlled aircraft enthusiast. He will begin his service as the
new Airport Manager for the City of Eugene on April 16. For more information, contact Cathryn
Stephens, Marketing and Administration Supervisor, Eugene Airport, 682-5430
Public Works Begins Annual Outreach for Seasonal Employment Opportunities
The Eugene Public Works Department will begin its annual
outreach to publicize seasonal employment opportunities
during the week of March 19.
Each summer, Public Works hires between 35 and 50
seasonal employees who perform services such as parks and
grounds maintenance, building and custodial maintenance
projects, concrete and asphalt projects, bike path
maintenance, street striping and curb painting. Applicants
must be at least 18 years of age, and the pay ranges from
$9.50 to $14 per hour. While the seasonal positions are
temporary, they do provide excellent experience that can
prepare workers to be competitive in future entry-level,
regular employment opportunities.
Former
seasonal workers on maintenance crew
The City of Eugene contracts with SELECTEMP Employment
Services to advertise and receive applications for this recruitment. Applications will be accepted through
June 1, although hiring supervisors will be reviewing the pool as needed throughout the recruitment
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
March 15, 2007
process. Those interested in submitting an application for City of Eugene seasonal employment should
contact SELECTEMP directly at 1202 Gateway Loop, Springfield, OR 97477 or call 541-746-6200. For
more information, contact Della Diller, Public Works Human Resources, at 541-682-5076.
April 8-14 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week
The National Public Safety Telecommunications Week was established in 1981 to honor those who
provide critical emergency communication services to citizens and police, fire and EMS responders.
Staff are often called the first, ‘first responders.’ Administered by the City of Eugene, Central Lane
Communications is a regional 9-1-1 Center serving 89 percent of Lane County. Dedicated staff process
1,300-1,600 calls per day with generally no more than two or three call-takers handling phone lines, while
dispatchers deal with police, fire and medics over the air. This year, Central Lane Communications is
encouraging its partners and coworkers to take the time to send a card, drop a line or find another way to
let the staff know that their work is appreciated. For further information, please contact Kristi Wilde, 9-1-
1 Center, 682-2771.
In honor of these dedicated staff, here is a reprint of a portion of a special poem, submitted
anonymously:
I am the voice that calms the mother into breathing life back into her infant son.
I am the invisible hand that holds and comforts the elderly man who woke up this morning to find his wife
of 50 years had passed away during the night.
I am the friend who talks the disgruntled teenager out of ending her own life.
I sent help when you had your first automobile accident.
I am the one who tries to obtain the information from callers to ensure that the scene is safe for those I
dispatch to emergencies, all the while anticipating the worst and hoping for the best.
I have heard the screams of faceless people I will never meet nor forget.
I have cried at the atrocities of mankind and rejoiced at the miracles of life.
I was there, though unseen by my comrades in the field during the most trying emergencies.
I am usually not privy to the outcome of a call, and so I wonder…
I am the one who works weekends, strange shifts and holidays. …I am in this vocation by choice…There
is comfort in the challenge, integrity and purpose of my employment.
I am thankful to provide such a meaningful service.
I am a mother, father, sister, brother, son or daughter.
I am where you need me and still here when you don’t.
My office is never empty, and the work here is never done. I am always on call. The training is
strenuous, demanding and endless. No two days at work are ever the same.
WHO AM I?
I am an emergency dispatcher, and I am proud.
Public Works Staff Participate in Annual Employee Recognition and Training Event
On February 28, Public Works staff from the Maintenance and Parks
and Open Space divisions participated in the annual Safety and
Training Day. Each year, this event offers a variety of training classes
and an opportunity to honor employees who have been selected to
receive one of several awards that recognize working safely, peer
appreciation, and employee of the year.
The 2007 Employee of the Year awards went to Senior Administrative
Specialist Cela Weiss who has worked with the City for 25 years, and
Natural Resources Technical Specialist Paul Gordon. For more
information, please contact Jeff Lankston, Maintenance director, or
Johnny Medlin, Parks and Open Space director at 682-4800.
Recreation Employee Climbs Stairs for a Cure
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Roi Gershom, a Recreation activity employee at Echo Hollow Pool, finished 254 out of 1,300
participants in Scott Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge held in Seattle March 4. The challenge is a benefit
for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
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March 15, 2007
Dressed in full firefighter gear, including helmet, mask, turnout jacket/pants, gloves, and carrying a full
air park, it took Roi just 18 minutes and 15 seconds to climb the 69 flights of stairs and 1,311 steps to the
observation deck of the Columbia Center (formerly Bank of America Tower) that overlooks downtown
Seattle. The Columbia Center is the second tallest building west of the Mississippi and the climb
amounted to 788 feet of vertical elevation. Whew!
Roi has been a volunteer firefighter with Goshen Fire Department for two years. He is currently an EMT-
Basic and is working towards completing Paramedic certification to achieve his goal of becoming a
career firefighter.
The 16th Annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb surpassed all expectations, raising $335,000 – $110,000
more than last year's fundraising total. The event is the largest individual firefighting competition in the
world, with individuals from 16 states, Canada, and New Zealand participating. For information, contact
Rich Faye, 682-5525.
Windfall Series Brings Writers to Eugene Public Library
On Tuesday, March 20, the Windfall Reading Series features memoirist Jodi Varon with poet and
essayist David Axelrod at the Downtown Eugene Public Library at 7 p.m. Meet and hear the writers in
person, and enjoy refreshments at intermission; authors’ works are available for purchase and signing.
Admission is free.
Jodi Varon
’s recent memoir is Drawing to an Inside Straight: The Legacy of
an Absent Father. It’s the bittersweet story of growing up Jewish in 1960’s
West Denver, the daughter of a Ladino-speaking cattleman gambler whose
luck turned catastrophic when he wagered the family business. (“Ladino” is a
Judeo-Spanish language primarily spoken among Sephardic Jewish
communities.) “A richly evocative portrait . . . It will move readers,
sometimes to laughter, other times to disgust or tears — but always we are
moved” (Rocky Mountain News).
David Axelrod
’s collection The Cartographer's
Melancholy won the 2005 Spokane Poetry Prize
and was a finalist for the 2006 Oregon Book Award. In lean, fresh language,
this book explores fate, stillness, travel, power, and the connections
between personal and political history. Axelrod is a widely-published poet
and essayist whose works include Troubled Intimacies, a book of nonfiction
pieces about the interior rural West.
Varon and Axelrod are married and colleagues at Eastern Oregon
University, where they co-edit the literary and fine arts journal Basalt.
The Windfall Reading Series is sponsored by the Eugene Public Library, Lane Literary Guild, Friends of
the Library, Eugene Public Library Foundation, and the Cultural Services Division of Lane Arts Council.
For more information, call the Eugene Public Library at 682-5450.
Emergency Medical Technician Recertification Process Underway
The Eugene Fire & EMS Department is preparing for the bi-annual Emergency Medical Technician
(EMT) recertification process. Every two years, all levels of EMTs (paramedic, intermediate and basic)
are required to recertify through the Oregon Department of Human Services – Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) Section. Currently, EMT-Paramedics are required to have 24 hours of continuing
education and a myriad of other skills associated with high-risk, low-frequency skills. The EMT-
Intermediate scope of practice has changed, thus changing the recertification requirements from 14
hours to 42 hours. EMT-Basics will need to complete 25 hours of continuing education to re-certify at the
basic level. It is anticipated that by the year 2009, an increase in the required number of hours of
continuing education for Paramedics will total approximately 50 hours.
Last year, Eugene Fire & EMS personnel responded to 19,441 calls for service, an increase of 7% over
the last two years. With the added increases in the State of Oregon mandated training hours for both
Fire and EMS certifications, and the increase in demand for service in the community, Fire & EMS
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March 15, 2007
Training staff is constantly looking at new ways to fulfill the training requirements for personnel, while
always maintaining the operational priority of responding to the emergency needs of the community. The
majority of continued education for Eugene's EMT personnel is conducted in-house by the department's
EMS Training Coordinator. Additionally, research is being conducted on the possibility of adding on-line
training for some of the routine classes to reduce classroom and drill time, and allow for more
specialized training. For more information, please contact EMS Chief JoAnna Kamppi at 682-7130.
“Ailey II” Mesmerizes High School Students
Last Thursday, 750 high school students sat attentively while the dancers of Ailey II, Alvin Ailey’s second
company, showed them what young, world-class dancers can do. Cell phones were quiet and cameras
were off. For over an hour, an audience full of teenagers who spend much of their leisure time with
techno-toys and blockbuster movies were captivated by a live performance in a quiet theatre.
Since September, Hult Center Programming Manager Carol Philips and programming intern Amber
Lunch Dennis have been collaborating with educators to bring the Hult Presents performers to young
audiences. Along with advertised ticketed shows in the evening, the Hult Presents series brings free
performances by world-class artists to Lane County students. The audience included a high percentage
of kids from rural neighborhoods and Network Charter and Crow High Schools each brought their entire
student body. The following are just a few of the many comments made by teachers who accompanied
their classes to the performance:
—We took care to invite many students who might never attend a Hult event if not for your kind invitation.
Please think of us if you have similar events . . . We will show up with a courteous and appreciative
group every time.
—Thank YOU and all the good folks who provided us with such a beautiful and inspiring performance at
no cost. It was good to meet you this morning. We look forward to future projects.
—Our students came back agog! They said the performance was awe-inspiring. Thanks for making it
possible for us to go.
For more information, contact Hult Center Programming Manager Carol Philips at 682-2057.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 5
March 15, 2007