HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/28/09 City Council NewsletterEUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
May 28, 2009
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
WEST EUGENE WETLANDS PARTNERSHIP RECEIVES COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION AWARD
OREGON BACH FESTIVAL: LIVE PREVIEW AT LIBRARY
PUBLIC WORKSHOP INVITES PEOPLE TO SHARE THEIR VISION FOR WILLAMETTE RIVER
NEWSLETTER INCLUDES GARDENING AND ECO-SMART CAR WASH TIPS
SMOKE-TESTING NOTICES SENT TO RESIDENTS IN FIVE CITY NEIGHBORHOODS
FIRE & EMS RECRUIT DRILLS GET VOLUNTEER HELP
AROUND THE CITY
West Eugene Wetlands Partnership Receives Cooperative Conservation Award
The West Eugene Wetlands (WEW) Partnership, which includes
the City of Eugene, was selected for the U.S. Department of the
Interior Cooperative Conservation Award. Recognized for
community-based partnerships that achieve positive outcomes for
conservation, the WEW Partnership received the award from U.S.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in Washington, D.C. The
WEW Partnership also received this award in 2005.
The West Eugene Wetlands is a nationally recognized partnership
that has collaborated since 1994 to achieve substantial wetlands
protection. The WEW partners have collectively protected over
3,000 acres of wetlands and associated uplands, implemented
restoration of key habitats and endangered species, developed
recreation facilities, and excelled in environmental education. The
partnership has leveraged funds for ongoing wetlands protection
and brought legions of volunteers into the wetlands for
stewardship and education. The WEW includes nine member
organizations, representing non-profit organizations and local,
state, and federal governments.
For more information, contact Restoration Ecologist Emily Steel at
Holly McRae (WREN) and Pat Johnston (BLM) receive an
682-4874.
award fromU.S.Secretaryofthe Interior, KenSalazar.
Oregon Bach Festival: Live Preview at Library
On First Friday, June 5, at 6:00 p.m., the Oregon Bach Festival will offer a free
performance at the downtown Eugene Public Library. George Evano of the Oregon
Bach Festival will host this live, mini-concert previewing a wide variety of Festival 2009’s
offerings, including a sampling of the Messiah Project memorial concerts in honor of
Handel. Performers will include the University of Oregon Singers and the University of
Oregon Chamber Choir. Also featured will be prizes and ticket giveaways.
For more information, contact the Eugene Public Library at 682-5450 or www.eugene-
or.gov/library.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 1
May 28, 2009
Public Workshop Invites People to Share Their Vision for Willamette River
A public workshop on Tuesday, June 9, will focus on the Willamette River in and around the Eugene/Springfield
area. The workshop is from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Eugene Water & Electric Board Training Center (500 East 4th
Avenue in Eugene). The workshop agenda includes a presentation starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by opportunities
to provide input.
Participants will learn about the invaluable open space resource and share their ideas on river corridor
improvements. Topics will include recreation, trails, wildlife habitat, public safety, and visual quality. The ultimate
goal of this effort is to create an inspiring open space vision for the Willamette River corridor that will be used by
area partners to prioritize and coordinate implementation efforts in the coming years.
Forum sponsors and partners in this effort include Lane Council of Governments, McKenzie Watershed Council,
The Nature Conservancy, City of Eugene, McKenzie River Trust, City of Springfield, Willamalane Park &
Recreation District, Lane County Parks, Eugene Water & Electric Board, Willamette Riverkeeper and Metropolitan
Wastewater Management Commission.
For more information, go to www.lcog.org/willamette or contact Jeff Krueger, Lane Council of Governments,
jkrueger@lcog.org.
Newsletter Includes Gardening and Eco-Smart Car Wash Tips
Insects and other pest infestations are often a challenge for gardeners in the summer months. While chemical
solutions may offer a temporary fix, Stormwater Connections readers will find insights into healthier, long-term
solutions in articles about pest management and inviting “good bugs” to dinner. A bonus article, for anyone
considering using the herbicide Round-up, provides details on product ingredients and health considerations.
Smart choices in yard care have important benefits to area streams and
rivers when they keep problem pollutants away from storm drains.
Car washing is another potential source of stormwater pollution. The
region’s Pollution Prevention Coalition (P2C), of which the City of
Eugene is a member, offers information about soaps, commercial and
fish-friendly car washes and tips for washing cars at home.
Looking for an outdoor place to restore or explore? The article in the
Wetlands & Waterways section features the transformation of the
Whilamut Natural Area in Alton Baker Park.
The focus of the Stormwater Connections newsletter is educating and
informing community members about stormwater pollution and ways to
protect local waterways. Articles in Stormwater Connections typically
address seasonal or current issues and include one page of interest for
younger citizens.
P2Cmemberstourlocalcommercialcarwash.
Information provided in this semi-annual newsletter has been produced by the Stormwater Management Program
since 1994 to increase awareness of surface water and natural resource issues in the community. Copies of the
newsletter have been placed in the City Manager’s Office. For more information or additional copies of the
newsletter, contact Information Specialist for the Stormwater Management Program Kathy Eva at 682-2739 or
kathy.a.eva@ci.eugene.or.us.
Smoke-Testing Notices Sent to Residents in Five City Neighborhoods
Notices about the 2009 smoke testing program are being sent Thursday, May 28, to residents in five Eugene
neighborhoods. During the summer and early fall, crews from the City of Eugene Public Works Department will
evaluate the condition of the wastewater collection system in the Downtown, Southeast, South University,
Fairmount and West University neighborhoods. The work will take place starting the first week of July on weekdays
between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and will involve a technique called smoke testing. During the tests, a non-toxic,
white smoke is released into sanitary sewer lines. Residents with lung ailments who are concerned about being
exposed to smoke are encouraged to call Public Works Maintenance at 682-4800.
Smoke testing is one of the investigative methods the City implements to identify defects, deterioration, and
improper connections in the sanitary sewer system. Inspection of where smoke emerges helps Public Works staff
assess the condition of the system and determine specific problems regarding private building sewer connections
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
May 28, 2009
as well as public sewers in streets and easements. Follow-up actions include repairs to defects in the public
wastewater system and correction notices to property owners if defects or improper connections are found on
private property.
More information is available online at www.eugene-or.gov/smoketesting or by calling Program Manager Carla
Spangler at 682-4800.
Fire & EMS Recruit Drills Get Volunteer Help
New Fire & EMS recruits underwent their final practical skills
exam last week, responding to lifelike scenarios to test their
ability to perform the real-life work they were hired to do.
Under the supervision of EMS Instructor Karen Anderson,
the drills included simulated motor vehicle accidents (one
involving a live powerline), a case of anaphylactic shock, a
fire, and other emergency medical situations. The realism of
the exercises was enhanced by the work of local
professional makeup artist David Pratt. “Victims” included
volunteers from the local Wellsprings Friends School and
clients of Eugene’s Moonlight Talent agency. The
department appreciates the participation of the volunteers,
who provide scenarios far superior to what can be achieved
using mannequins. The unpredictable behavior of the
actors makes the drills more realistic, often providing
unanticipated but valuable circumstances and situations
against which recruits are evaluated. The current class of recruits will graduate from the 13-week academy at
nd
ceremonies scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 29, at the Emergency Services Center at 2 and Chambers. For
more information, please contact Program Specialist Karen Rich at 682-7113 or karen.rich@ci.eugene.or.us.
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May 28, 2009