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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Newsletter - 03/04/04EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER March 4, 2004 City of Eugene 777 Pearl Street, Room 105 Eugene, Oregon 97401-2793 (541) 682-5010 (541) 682-5414 (FAX) www. ci.euqene.or, us FRANCHISE MANAGER APPOINTED TO STATE BOARD FERRY STREET BRIDGE TO RECEIVE $800,000 IN NEEDED REPAIRS EUGENE-IRKUTSK SISTER CITY COMMITTEE WELCOMES MOSCOW STATE RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA EPA RECOGNIZES EUGENE WASTEWATER DIVISION AS A NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER DOG LOVERS AND ROCK LOVERS GIVE OF THEIR TIME AT ALTON BAKER PARK LOCAL YOUTH PROFESSIONALS DISCUSS DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS ELECTIONS 2004 UPDATE COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT FUNDS USED TO BUILD ACCESS RAMPS Franchise Manaqer Appointed to State Board City of Eugene Franchise Manager Pam Berrian has been appointed by Governor Kulongoski to the Oregon Telecommunications Coordinating Council (ORTCC). The ORTCC was created by the 2001 Oregon Legislature and extended for two years by the 2003 Legislature. The legislative direction to the council was to "study alternative approaches to providing coordinated statewide, regional and local telecommunication services, including providing services to unserved or underserved areas of the state" and to "study the manner in which telecommunication investments can be coordinated to facilitate partnerships between the public sector and the private sector and between state and local governments." The council's mission is "to provide all Oregonians with affordable access to broadband digital applications that will improve the quality of life in Oregon communities and reduce the economic gap between well-served and underserved Oregon communities for present and future generations." The council membership is drawn from the entire state, representing public and private entities with an interest in improving telecommunications services across the state. Pam was nominated by the League of Oregon Cities for one of the two city government positions on the council. This year's workplan includes committee work in the areas of telehealth, long distance learning, workforce development, healthcare education, and economic development. More information about the work of the ORTCC is at: www.ortcc.orq. Pam Berrian works in the Information Services Division and can be reached at 682-5590. Ferry Street Bridqe To Receive $800,000 in Needed Repairs The Public Works Engineering Division was informed recently that the Ferry Street Bridge was among 141 city and county bridges to receive funding from The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) under the Oregon Transportation Investment Act of 2003 (OTIA III). The bridge is slated to receive the full $$00,000 requested for needed repairs. The legislation mandates that bridge projects funded under the program demonstrate the need for significant structural repair or replacement and the bridge's importance to freight movement. A rigorous inspection of the Ferry Street Bridge uncovered a Iow sufficiency rating due to shear and flexural cracks in the concrete girders and spans on both the northbound and southbound approaches to the bridge. These types of cracks can significantly impact the structural integrity and load-carrying capacity of the bridge over time, making the bridge an excellent candidate for these ODOT funds. An application was submitted in October of last year, outlining the problems with the bridge and the proposed project to repair these cracks. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 1 March 17, 2004 The needed improvements do not represent work that was overlooked as part of the last bridge project in the late 1990s. "The art and science of structural engineering has advanced significantly since the bridge was constructed in the 1950s," says City Engineer Mark Schoening. "We can now apply more sophisticated engineering standards to address these issues." The City will contract with OBEC Consulting Engineers to design and oversee the construction of the bridge repairs. Construction may begin as early as this summer. The list of approved bridges by county may be viewed on the web at www.odot.state.or, us/otia/pdfs/OTIA3ApprovedBridges.pdf. OTIA III uses revenue from increased motor vehicle and motor carrier fees to finance transportation construction bonds. For more information about the funding or Ferry Street Bridge repair project, contact City Engineer Mark Schoening at 682-5243. Eugene-lrkutsk Sister City Committee Welcomes Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra The Eugene-lrkutsk Sister City Committee will welcome the internationally known Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra when it performs on Sunday, March 7, at 7 p.m. in Silva Concert Hall. Presented by the Hult Center, Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra's program will include Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 featuring Yuri Rozum and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4. Eugene area audiences will have a rare opportunity to hear music of the Russian masters, played by a distinguished Russian orchestra. It is the first time an international orchestra has performed in Eugene in more than 10 years. Eugene is the only Northwest stop on the orchestra's tour. The prominent Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra began as a radio broadcast ensemble in 1978, modeling itself after the BBC Symphony Orchestra's successful radio series in the United Kingdom. It has since expanded its activities to include film work for Russian, European and American film productions, as well as Russian television soundtracks. It has also developed an extensive educational program to teach young Russian audiences how to experience and understand the symphonic repertoire. Members of the Eugene-lrkutsk Sister City Committee will partner with the Hult Center staff to offer a warm welcome to the members of the orchestra at a reception after the concert. "A visit by such an outstanding and notable Russian organization is the type of friendship and cultural exchanges fostered by the sister city relationships", said Galina Groza, president of the Eugene Sister City Committee. "We are all very excited and honored to have the orchestra concert here." For more information on the concert, contact the Hult Center ticket office at 682-5000. For more information on the Eugene-lrktusk Sister City Committee, contact Galina Groza at 686-0546. EPA Recoqnizes Euqene Wastewater Division as a National Environmental Leader The Public Works Wastewater Division was one of 39 organizations--and the first municipal wastewater agency in the United States--recently selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for membership to the National Environmental Performance Track Program. The national program recognizes facilities that voluntarily exceed regulatory requirements, implement environmental management systems, work closely with their communities, and set three-year goals to continuously improve environmental performance. "The National Environmental Performance Track rewards exceptional progress," said EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt. "We recognize these facilities as environmental leaders because their business models are delivering environmental results beyond what is expected or required." Performance Track members represent a diverse cross-section of industries--electronics, medical and chemical products, machinery, pharmaceutical, transportation equipment, and wood products. Participating facilities receive a Iow priority status for inspections; reduced regulatory, administrative and reporting burdens; and public recognition. These benefits translate to greater efficiency and reduced costs. According to Wastewater Division Director Peter Ruffier, the division was selected because of its established environmental management system, proven track record of compliance, and its leadership in working with other municipal agencies to adopt effective environmental management practices for wastewater services. "Acceptance in the Performance Track program is a tremendous tribute to the staff of the Wastewater Division who have worked very hard to improve their environmental impacts," Ruffier said. "Involvement in the program will put us in contact with other environmental leaders and help us to continue learning and improving." Performance Track currently has 344 members from 43 states and Puerto Rico. Each membership lasts for three years, and participants must submit annual performance reports outlining their progress during this time. For more information, contact Wastewater Division Director Peter Ruffier at 682-8806. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 March 17, 2004 Dog Lovers and Rock Lovers Give of Their Time at Alton Baker Park Last Saturday, February 28, a group of 15 volunteers, active in the design and maintenance of the off-leash dog area in Alton Baker ~' ]~ Park, prepared a site for another bench that will feature colorful tiles donated by patrons and supporters of the dog park. After the rigorous labor of digging, laying gravel and framing the site for the bench, the volunteers still had energy to remove all downed limbs, pick up all litter inside and around the perimeter of the park, and install three more movable picnic tables. The park is located off of Leo Harris Parkway, behind Autzen Stadium. To the west, another group of 15 volunteers from the North American Rock Garden Society (NARGS) were preparing the Sebring Rock Garden located near the ponds for a west coast NARGS conference to be held in Eugene this weekend. Volunteers worked on Saturday and Sunday weeding and cleaning up the garden, top dressing the beds, replanting, and spreading gravel. NARGS volunteers helped establish and plant the garden in the late 1990s with a major grant from NARGS, donations of materials and plants from the local NARGS chapter, and assistance with site preparation, irrigation installation and signage from City parks crews. The group organizes work parties to maintain the garden on a quarterly basis, with monthly weeding during the growing season. Sebring Rock Garden was featured in Rock Garden Design and Construction, a NARGS publication published in 2003. "These volunteer efforts are at the heart of the Volunteers in Parks program," says Troy Kreger, Volunteers in Parks coordinator. "Without volunteers, we could not maintain and improve our parks the way we would like." For more information, call Troy Kreger in Parks and Open Space at 682-4845. Local Youth Professionals Discuss Developmental Assets It all started with a simple question on a flier: "Want to create a healthier community for ouryouth?" For more than 70 youth professionals from all over Lane County, the answer was a resounding "YES", so they eagerly assembled last Friday morning at Hilyard Community Center to learn more about the possibilities. Vivian Nelson-Jensen, nationally recognized champion of "40 Developmental Assets", explained how the assets framework can be incorporated into our lives, into agency policy, and into programs that encourage health and positive connections with youth. The attendees, most of whom had some familiarity with the assets framework, left energized and inspired to take these assets to the next level of understanding and implementation within our community. Because of her past work with the Search Institute, Vivian was able to share a personal history of Asset Development, the broad categories of which are Support, Empowerment, Boundaries and Expectations, Constructive Use of Time, Commitment to Learning, Positive Values, Social Competencies and Positive Identity. The Search Institute has surveyed over two million youth across the United States and Canada since 1989 to learn about their experiences, attitudes and behaviors, and the number of developmental assets at work for them. Studies reveal strong and consistent relationships between the number of assets present in young people's lives and the degree to which they develop in positive and healthful ways: the greater the numbers of assets, the lesser the degree of involvement in risky behaviors such as drug use, unsafe sex, and violence. The "40 Developmental Assets" is a model that has been incorporated into Youth and Family Recreation Services. Program supervisors Raquel Wells and Molly Elliott have received specialized training in this area and are leading the way in emphasizing asset development in recreation services, and in promoting community-wide awareness and involvement. This free presentation, sponsored by Youth and Family Recreation Services, Lane County Human and Health Services and the Search Institute, is just the beginning. A follow-up meeting for all those interested is scheduled for Wednesday, March 31st, at 4:00 p.m., at Ridgeview Elementary School in Springfield, located at 526 66th Street. For more information, contact Raquel Wells at x6380 or see: http://www.search-institute.org//<http://www.search- institute.org//> Elections 2004 Update Since last week's update, several candidates have withdrawn and others have completed the filing process in anticipation of the filing deadline, now just a few hours away. Two new prospective candidates initiated and completed filing: Tom Slocum for City Council Ward 1 and Pat Lanning for EWEB Commissioner in Wards 2 and 3. Nancy Nathanson completed filing for Mayor and Adam Walsh completed filing for City Council Ward 1. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 March 17, 2004 Two mayoral candidates withdrew this week: Kevin Gore and Makyadath Lazar from the mayoral race, Majeska Seese- Green from Ward 7 and Ruth Duemler from EWEB Wards 2 and 3. Once Lane County Elections completes the verification process for each candidate's eligibility (voter registration and residency), candidates will be certified as nominated for the May 18 election. The final list of candidates will be included in next week's newsletter and also will be available on the City's Elections website at www.ci.eugene.or, us/cityreco/Elections. For more information, contact City Recorder Mary Feldman at 682-8353. Community Block Grant Funds Used to Build Access Ramps Thanks to a $75,000 Community Development Block Grant, people with disabilities will find it easier to negotiate Eugene city streets. Starting Monday, March 8, Public Works Maintenance crews will begin constructing sidewalk access ramps at intersections throughout the city. The access ramps, which meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, feature truncated domes made of either brick or fiberglass and are being constructed at locations requested by citizens and the Disabilities Committee of the Human Rights Commission. The first intersection to receive access ramps this year th th th is on Lincoln Street south of 18 Avenue. Upon completion of these ramps, the sidewalk corridor between 18 and 27 avenues will be fully accessible to people with disabilities. Construction is also scheduled for locations in the university neighborhood which include travel corridors from 18th to 24th between Agate and Alder. Other locations include 8th and Lawrence, 11th and Lawrence, Chevy Chase and Boardwalk, and Brae Burn off Willamette. The Maintenance Division has received these grants for the past several years as part of an ongoing, citywide effort to increase accessibility in the community. For more information, please contact Street and Surface Supervisor Tony Jobanek, at 682-4800. 03/04 - 3/08 BT, NN National League of Cities Washington, DC 03~08 M Noon G Pap(~ Housing Policy Board County Comm. Conf. Rm. 03/08 M 5:30pm All Council Dinner Work Session McNutt Room 03/08 M 7:30pm All Council Meeting Council Chamber 03/10 W Noon All Council Lunch Work Session McNutt Room 03/11 Th 5:30pm BB, JS Police Commission McNutt Room Council Break: March 11 -April 6 03/16 T 6:00pm DK Human Rights Commission McNutt Room 03/25 Th Noon G Poling CVALC© Board Meeting Lane Events Center, Room 1 APRIL ................................................................................................................................................... 04/07 W 5:30pm All Council Process Session EPL - Bascom Room ** 04/08 Th 5:30pm BB, JS Police Commission McNutt Room 04/12 M 5:30pm All Council Dinner Work Session McNutt Room 04/12 M 7:30pm All Council Meeting Council Chamber 04/14 W Noon All Council Lunch Work Session McNutt Room 04/20 T 6:00pm DK Human Rights Commission McNutt Room 04/21 W Noon All Council Lunch Work Session McNutt Room 04/26 M 5:30pm Council Budget Committee EPL- Bascom Room ** ABSENT: Kelly 04/28 W Noon All Council Lunch Work Session McNutt Room EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 4 March 17, 2004 ABSENT: Kelly ** Denotes changes or additions to calendar Torrey: February 29 - March 4 Pape: February 29 - March 6 Meisner: February 28 - March 4 Nathanson: March 4 - 7 Taylor: March 5 - 8 (will be arriving late to 5:30 work session) Kelly: April 24 - 28 EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 5 March 17, 2004