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Home My WebLink AboutCC Newsletter - 08/04/05EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER August 4, 2005 City of Eugene 777 Pearl Street, Room 105 Eugene, Oregon 97401-2793 (541) 682-5010 (541) 682-5414 (FAX) www.ci.eugene.or, us EUGENE'S PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVES $90,000 GIFT FROM FRIENDS OF LIBRARY WORK BEGINS THIS MONTH ON TWO STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS YOUNGSTERS BRAVE THE HEAT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT NEW NATIVE PLANT NURSERY RECREATION SERVICES DIVISION STAFF SAVES LIVES AMAZON POOL SWIM MEET LARGEST IN OREGON HISTORY EUGENE OUTDOORS SHEDS LIGHT ON PARKS MAINTENANCE, RESTORATION, MANAGEMENT OFAM 2005: COLE PORTER - NIGHT AND DAY CONTINUES ANNUAL RECRUITMENT FOR BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS UNDERWAY Eugene Public Library Receives $90,000 Gift from Friends of Library The Friends of Eugene Public Library presented Library Services Director Connie Bennett with a check for $90,000 at the Library's staff meeting on July 27. The funds will be used to support Library programs and events for the public in the coming year. Library staff members exploded in applause and cheers for Friends representatives Nancy Kibbey (Vice President), Carol Hildebrand (Book Sale Team Leader), and Emily Schue (Community Action Chair). The majority of the donation was earned through sales of donated books at the Friends Annual Book Sale in April, and at Second Hand Prose Book Store, open for business year-round at the downtown Library. Also contributing were proceeds from magazine sales and Friends membership dues. "All of us at the Library deeply appreciate our Friends," said Bennett, "and everyone in the community will benefit from their dedicated work and this generous gift. This represents investments by a huge number of community members-- not only the Friends, for the thousands of hours of labor and years of expertise that made it possible, but also every person who donated a used book to the Friends or purchased one from them. It's an honor to be part of a community that uses and supports its Library the way Eugene does." The Friends of Eugene Public Library formed in 1976. One of its first events was a Ken Kesey talk for which the admission "ticket" was a Friends membership receipt. Ever since, the Friends have been tireless fundraisers and advocates for the cause of strengthening and expanding library services. Friends' gifts bought the Library's first public computer (an Apple lie for children's use), funded the beginning of the CD music collection, and provided $100,000 for the new downtown Library and $25,000 each towards establishing the Bethel and Sheldon branches. Since 1976, Friends have given more than $850,000 to support the Eugene Public Library. In addition, Friends members served on various planning, advisory, and political action committees leading to the successful vote for the new downtown Library and its operating levy. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 1 August 4, 2005 Work on the next Friends Book Sale, slated for April 8 - 9, 2006, is already underway. "If you're doing some summer cleaning and come across any gently-used, general interest books you're ready to part with, bring 'em on in," says Hildebrand, the book sale team leader. "Just don't put them into the Library book returns!" Donations are accepted at all Library locations: downtown, by the sign in the lower level parking garage; Sheldon branch, in the marked barrel at the Rite-Aid next door; and inside Bethel branch. To have a large donation picked up, otto ask questions, contact the Friends at 484-1452. For all other questions, call the Library at 682-5450. Work Beqins This Month on Two Street Improvement Proiects Work will begin this month on two street improvement projects in Eugene. Construction starts this week on a project to improve the 3rd/4th connector between Lincoln and Pearl streets. Delta Construction Company was awarded the contract for the $1.8 million project, which is funded through a combination of property owner assessments and systems development charge (SDC) revenues. The project is expected to be substantially complete in late November. The 3rd/4th connector project was included in Eugene's Capital Improvement Program to create safer traveling conditions for bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists using the badly deteriorated east-west route just north of the railroad tracks in downtown Eugene. The intersections at each end of the project will be realigned to further improve traveling safety. Improvements consist of a 32-foot wide roadway with two travel lanes, landscaped medians, bicycle lanes, curb and gutter, sidewalks, street lights, street trees, traffic calming, and wastewater and stormwater drainage systems. In addition, the design is intended to accommodate future north-south connections between the train station, Skinner Butte and the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House. The week of August 15, work is scheduled to begin on improvements to Debrick Road (Clinton Drive to Valley Butte Drive) and Butte Lane in north Eugene. The improvements, which are being made at the request of the neighborhood, include paving the graveled streets and installing curbs, gutters, sidewalks and a storm drainage system. The estimated $420,000 project will be paid through assessments to property owners and City stormwater systems development charges. The project is scheduled to be completed by late September. For more information about the 3rd/4th connector project, call Project Manager Steve Gallup at 682-8460. For more information about the Debrick Road project, call Project Manager Terry Colvin at 682-5398. Younqsters Brave the Heat to Make a Difference at New Native Plant Nursery Despite temperatures in the upper 90s, 24 youth from the Science Factory's Water World program volunteered last week for Stream Team at the new Native Plant Nursery in Alton Baker Park. One of the goals of the organizer was to share with participants what happens to rain when it falls on roofs, yards and driveways. Also discussed were their role and the role of native vegetation in improving water quality and fish and wildlife habitat. Students contributed to the effort by collecting seeds, planting plugs of a native grass into permanent beds, shoveling soil and watering. Stream Team and the Science Factory have partnered for years to improve the vegetation around the ponds near the Science Factory site. The proximity of the new volunteer-run nursery lends itself to this expanded partnership. For more information about this and other Stream Team projects, call Stream Team Coordinator Lorna Baldwin at 682-4850. Recreation Services Division Staff Saves Lives The word "recreation" implies relaxation, escape, and fun activities; however, along with most recreational pursuits comes potential danger. For this reason, City of Eugene Recreation employees are prepared to prevent and care for a variety of injuries, and to appropriately respond to a variety of emergency situations. All members of Youth and Family Services staff must become certified in Adult/Child/Infant CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), AED (Automated External Defibrillators), and First Aid. Sometimes, as in the following example, this critical aspect of staff training saves a life. On July 14, lifeguard Cameron Kellett put his training into practice by delivering back blows to an eight- month-old child in an attempt to dislodge a plastic wrapper on which the child was choking. He EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 August 4, 2005 successfully cleared the blockage and saved the infant's life. Cam, a two-year veteran of Amazon Pool, is a long-time competitive swimmer and polo player, and a student at Reed College. The Amazon Selection Committee recently recognized Cam as "Guard of the Week" for fulfilling his Amazon Pool duties with dedication and professionalism. His competent and timely actions reflect greatly upon Amazon Pool, the City of Eugene, and the work of lifeguards. Most important, however, is the life saved by his quick, professional action. For more information, contact Youth and Family Services Manager Tim Patrick at 682-6347. Amazon Pool Swim Meet Larqest in Oreqon History Amazon Pool hosted the Oregon State Age Group/Senior Championships July 28 - 31. More than 750 athletes from 53 teams participated in this major family event. It was an exciting four days of individual and relay races for Oregon children and teens, and a showcase for the youngsters' months of practice and self-discipline. This caliber of competition is the essence of positive youth development. Eugene YMCA coach Dan Cole reported, "It was the biggest swim meet ever held in the state, and it ran very smoothly, thanks to the parents of Mid-Oregon Swimming and Timing, the guards at Amazon Pool, and Eugene Facility Maintenance staff. Coaches from all over Oregon absolutely loved the facility, and many now consider it the best outdoor pool in state." In addition to the great performance by competitors, staff, and the top-notch facility, Eugene benefited greatly from hosting this meet. During the four-day meet, thousands of visitors contributed to the local economy by purchasing lodging, food, fuel and other goods and services. For more information, call Youth and Family Services Director Tim Patrick at 682-6347. Eu.qene Outdoors Sheds I_iqht on Parks Maintenance, Restoration, Mana.qement While there is considerable interest in adding new parks and purchasing natural areas for the future, the public is also very interested in preserving past investments. The latest edition of the Parks and Open Space newsletter was written to help answer the public's questions about what the City is doing to protect Eugene's existing parks, recreation and open space areas. Staff profiles of individuals and crews responsible for natural area restoration, play area safety, park irrigation, and maintenance of medians, street trees, and sports fields are featured. Other articles discuss the challenges of maintaining an exceptional rose garden, the ongoing battle against invasive non-native species, and improving the environmental sustainability of maintenance practices. The newsletter, which is mailed to nearly 70,000 households in Eugene, including those in the River Road and Santa Clara areas, will be delivered this week. Copies have been placed in this week's City Council packet. For additional information contact Andrea Riner, Parks and Open Space planning manager at 682-4800. OFAM 2005: Cole Porter- Niqht and Day continues On August 11 at the Eugene Hult Center, Oregon Festival of American Music (OFAM) showcases Cole Porter with Classic Porter--an evening of "classical" interpretations of his songs by Grammy-winning soprano Sylvia McNair. When asked to name a few highlights of her career, Ms. McNair responds, "Singing the Bach B-minor Mass with the Vienna Philharmonic for Pope John Paul II, and singing for Hillary Clinton!" Critic Rex Reed commented, "1 could get used to this kind of ecstasy," after hearing her performance at the famed Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel. Ms. McNair will be joined by American Symphonia music director and conductor James Paul, pianist Dick Hyman, and other guest musicians. Also on August 13, Dick Hyman, saxophonist Harry Allen, and other special guests join OFAM's Emerald City Jazz Kings for one final Cole Porter blow-out EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 August 4, 2005 under the stars at the Cuthbert Amphitheater with All Through the Night. For more information, contact the Hult Center Ticket Office at 682-5000. Annual Recruitment for Boards, Committees, and Commissions Underway The annual recruitment for City of Eugene boards, committees and commissions began on Tuesday, July 19 and concludes on Friday, September 9. Applicants are being sought for advisory committees to the City Council and one intergovernmental committee. Below are other key dates in this process. · Tuesday, July 19 Recruitment begins · Friday, September 9 Recruitment ends · October 4-6 Interviews for candidates for selected groups · Monday, October 24 City Council action on appointments · November 1 Terms begin The City is recruiting to fill vacancies on the following groups. Current members whose terms are expiring may apply to be reappointed. · Budget Committee* 4 vacancies (must be Eugene elector) · Planning Commission* 2 vacancies · Human Rights Commission* 5 vacancies · Toxics Board* 2 vacancies (must meet specific criteria) · Historic Review Board 2 vacancies · Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority 1 vacancy · Metropolitan Wasterwater Management Commission 1 vacancy · Whilamut Natural Area Citizen Planning Committee 5 vacancies Interested persons must complete an application (*a supplemental questionnaire is also required). Application information is available at the City Manager's Office, City Hall, Room 105, or online at www. eugene-or, gov. All application materials must be received by the City Manager's Office no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, September 9, 2005. Deliver or mail application materials to: City Manager's Office 777 Pearl Street, Room 105 Eugene, OR 97401 Materials may also be faxed to: 541-682-5414, Attention Boards Coordinator Information on the boards, committees and commissions, as well as on application materials is available by calling the City Manager's Office at 682-5406 or visiting the City of Eugene website at www. eugene- or. go v. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 4 August 4, 2005