HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/14/12 - City Council Newsletter
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
June 14, 2012
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 EDITION
SNAP RESULTS IN STRONG PARTNERSHIPS FOR TRAINSONG NEIGHBORS
SUMMER READING STARTS WITH KIDS’ SHOWS AT EUGENE PUBLIC LIBRARY
PUBLIC WORKS APWA REACCREDITATION INCLUDES 10 MODEL PRACTICES
FLEET AND RADIO SERVICES HOSTS REGIONAL 100 BEST FLEETS SEMINAR
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PUBLIC INVITED TO CONTRIBUTE TO NEW PUBLIC ART AT 13 AND ALDER
CITY LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN FOR EUGENE SUNDAY STREETS
VOLUNTEERS POLISH EUGENE’S CROWN JEWEL
FIRST CONVENTIONAL CHAIN GROCER TO JOIN LOVE FOOD NOT WASTE
AROUND THE CITY
SNAP Results in Strong Partnerships for Trainsong Neighbors
Through Neighborhood Service’s Strategic Neighborhood Assessment and Planning (SNAP) program, Trainsong
Neighbors has established a number of community partnerships to benefit the community. With the support of a SNAP
grant, Trainsong Neighbors is working with United Way of Lane County
to offer parents of infants “Baby University” classes that provide
information on nutrition, health, and activities that promote physical and
cognitive skill development. “Baby U” provides resources and referrals,
developmental screening, photos, and an opportunity to meet with other
parents to exchange information and experiences.
Grant funds also will be used to contract with Friends of Trees Eugene for replanting trees in Trainsong Park,
maintaining existing trees along Bethel Drive and offering low-cost, ornamental and fruit trees for Trainsong residents.
A third partnership arising out of the SNAP process resulted in the Eugene Water & Electric Board adding a light in
Trainsong Park to increase safety and visibility.
These partnerships reflect the hard work of the Trainsong Neighborhood board and its commitment to finding workable
solutions to community needs. Neighborhood planners Rene Kane and Lorna Flormoe coordinate the SNAP program.
For more information about the Trainsong SNAP work plan, please contact Rene Kane of Neighborhood Services in
the City Manager’s Office at rene.c.kane@ci.eugene.or.us or 541-682-6243.
Summer Reading Starts with Kids’ Shows at Eugene Public Library
On Monday, June 18, the Eugene Public Library will host free performances for kids and
families by Emmy-winning entertainer Bobby Norfolk (shown at right). Through his show,
“Sheroes and Heroes,” Norfolk brings to life amazing tales from around the world, inspiring
children’s imaginations and encouraging their interest in reading. The shows will start at 11
a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Downtown Library. Due to limited seating, pick up free tickets starting
30 minutes before each show.
The Library will also host The Tom Question Show at locations all over town, with free
admission. Start summer with smiles, juggling, stilt-walking, comedy, and more. See The
Tom Question Show at Sheldon Community Center, on Tuesday, June 19, 2 p.m.; Petersen Barn on Wednesday,
June 20, 2 p.m.; or the Downtown Library on Thursday, June 21, 1 and 3 p.m. (At the Downtown Library only, due to
limited seating, pick up free tickets starting 30 minutes before each show.)
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 1
June 14, 2012
This year’s Summer Reading theme is “Dream Big!,” featuring free events for all ages including hands-on arts and
writing workshops, live music, author talks, storytelling, comedy, and the annual Teddy Bear Picnic.
For more information, visit www.eugene-or.gov/library or call the Eugene Public Library at 541-682-5450.
Public Works APWA Reaccreditation Includes 10 Model Practices
Following an in-depth review by a team of auditors from the American Public Works Association (APWA), the Eugene
Public Works Department has been reaccredited by APWA. The review found that the department’s operations and
practices comply with – and in some cases go beyond – national standards set by APWA. In
2004, Eugene Public Works was the first agency in Oregon to be accredited by APWA and,
following two reaccreditation cycles, remains one of only about 80 agencies in the United States
to have achieved this status.
Ten of the department’s practices were specifically cited as being exemplary and will be
submitted as model practices. It is unusual for an evaluation team to name that many superior
practices and speaks strongly to the exceptional service delivery and professionalism in the
department. The model practices include: comprehensive organizational charts; a departmental
strategic plan that is well-defined and that includes performance measures and levels of service; the question-and-
answer features on the new web site, which was considered outstanding for public users; an all-inclusive
environmental self-assessment of programs and facilities; a well-established system for service requests and web-
based service request forms; an online process to plan for future vehicle replacement, including the budgeting of
replacement costs over the life of the vehicle; the work done with a professor and local arborists to prevent the spread
of “thousand cankers” disease and the partnership with local carpenters to use the salvaged wood; the iPhone app tied
to the department’s maintenance management system (MMS); and the car-wash kits used to promote environmentally
sustainable car washing.
“One of the real benefits of the accreditation program is its involvement of staff from all levels of the organization,” said
Public Works Director Kurt Corey. “I would like to particularly acknowledge the efforts of Carla Spangler and Gary
McNeel for serving as our reaccreditation managers, keeping everyone on track, and facilitating all of the logistics
leading up to the on-site review.”
For more information, contact Gary McNeel at 541-682-8451 or Carla Spangler at 541-682-4929.
Fleet and Radio Services Hosts Regional 100 Best Fleets Seminar
City of Eugene Fleet and Radio Services recently hosted and participated in a seminar presented by the 100 Best
Fleets in cooperation with the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB). The May 31 session included a tour of
Eugene’s and EWEB’s fleet facilities.
The 100 Best Fleets Program recognizes and rewards peak performing
public fleet operations in North America. Currently in its seventh year, the
program recognizes the top public fleets and encourages ever-increasing
levels of performance improvement in the fleet industry. Eugene Fleet
Manager Tony Jobanek and EWEB Fleet Manager Gary Lentsch
presented their best practices to the audience of fleet managers from
across Oregon.
“Having two public agencies in Lane County that have their fleet
operations recognized in the top 100 in North America is an amazing
accomplishment,” said Tom Johnson, president of the 100 Best Fleets
Program. City of Eugene Fleet Services has been recognized for the
past four consecutive years as one of the top 100 fleets among the over
Tony Jobanek (left) and Tom Johnson, president of
100 Best Fleets.
38,000 public fleets across North America. In 2011, Fleet Services was
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ranked as the 19 best fleet in the program. The 2012 rankings will be announced on June 20.
“Being recognized as one of the 100 top public fleets in the nation is a testament to not just each and every Public
Works Fleet and Radio Communications team member, but also to the relationships that are built between Fleet
Services and other City departments,” Jobanek said. “It doesn’t mean that we’re perfect, but it does indicate that we’re
making strides to do the right thing and that we continue to work toward operational improvements to cost effectively
and efficiently serve the needs of our customer departments and the community.”
For more information, contact Tony Jobanek at 541-682-4808.
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June 14, 2012
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Public Invited to Contribute to New Public Art at 13 and Alder
Eugene-based sculpture artist Jud Turner has been selected to create new artwork for 13th and Alder in the University
District and the public is invited to participate. A selection committee recently chose Turner’s proposed art work from
six proposals after the City made a regional “Call-to-Artist” in
March 2012. Turner will build a 16-foot-tall great blue heron
for this important and historically significant corner from
welded steel, including the rails of a trolley that once passed
by the corner. This location is a vibrant intersection where
the city and university meet.
Turner and the City of Eugene invite the public to be a part
of this signature public art piece by donating recycled
bicycle frames and parts, which will create a further layer of
connection between the local arts world and Eugene’s
award-winning bicycle friendly reputation. Those who are
interested are encouraged to donate bicycle frames and
metal materials that have historical significance to Eugene.
Items with minimal rust will be considered (not all material
will be accepted). Parts can be dropped off Saturday, June
16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Turner’s studio located at 3923
Cross Street in Eugene.
Turner says, “The proximity of the site to the Willamette River and analogy of ‘a street as a river of human traffic’ both
make the heron an ideal symbol to connect the area to the surrounding natural environment. Great blue herons are
also an iconic figure for residents of the Pacific Northwest…”
The City of Eugene’s Public Art Master Plan calls for large-scale, public art pieces in prominent locations with great
visibility to strengthen the community’s identity. This unique location for a signature public art piece created strong
partnerships and support from the City of Eugene, UO Duck Store and the University of Oregon, making the project
possible. In addition, OBEC Engineering is generously contributing the structural engineering as a gift for Eugene’s
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150 birthday. The art will be unveiled as part of the Eugene@150 birthday celebration on Saturday, Oct. 20.
For more information on this or other current public art projects, please contact Isaac Marquez at 541-682-2057 or
isaac.r.marquez@ci.eugene.or.us.
City Launches Fundraising Campaign for Eugene Sunday Streets
The City of Eugene has launched a $25,000 fundraising campaign to support the 2012 Sunday Streets event. A kick-
off for the fundraising campaign will be held at the monthly Breakfast at the Bike Bridges on Friday, June 29, near the
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corner of 24Avenue and Amazon Parkway.
Eugene Sunday Streets is a free, community event that will be held on Sunday,
Sept. 9, transforming almost three miles of roadway into a car-free venue for an
afternoon of fun and physical activity in the streets and adjacent parks of south
Eugene. The first Eugene Sunday Streets was held in 2011 and attracted over
2,000 participants and 200 volunteers. In 2012, event organizers are hoping to
double that to 4,000 participants.
The goal is to raise $25,000 and to have at least $4,000 of that amount come
from individuals or households. Reaching that level of individual and household
support will allow this event to remain successful and sustainable for years to
come.
Eugene Sunday Streets and other transportation option events such as Breakfast at the Bridges are designed to
improve the health of Eugene residents, reduce drive-alone trips by encouraging more biking, walking and transit use,
as well as increase neighborhood accessibility and livability, and create economic opportunities for local businesses.
To donate to Eugene Sunday Streets, go to www.eugenesundaystreets.org or contact the City of Eugene
Transportation Planning Office at 541-501-0390 or by e-mail at SundayStreets@ci.eugene.or.us. For more information,
contact Lindsay Selser at 541-682-5094.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3
June 14, 2012
Volunteers Polish Eugene’s Crown Jewel
On Saturday, June 9, nearly 300 volunteers with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) were out in
force, helping polish Eugene’s beloved riverfront parks. This is the fourth large volunteer partnership between LDS and
Eugene Park Stewards, resulting in 3,500 collective hours being
contributed to Eugene’s park system. The value of this
continued gift of support is more than $74,000.
“Many members of our several Eugene congregations of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were thrilled to
participate in this ‘Day of Service’ to our city,” said Whaanga
Kewene, LDS Day of Service Coordinator. “They expressed
their delight in helping to beautify our city prior to the arrival of
the many visitors coming to Eugene for the Olympic Trials and
in celebrating Eugene’s own 150th. For my part, I hope we have
lightened the load for the City during a time of tight budgets.”
Volunteers fanned out along the entire stretch of the riverfront
park system performing a huge variety of tasks:
Native trees and shrubs in the Whilamut Natural Area
received more than 90 yards of mulch chips and some
Volunteers mulch and weed neglected filberts.
much-needed weeding.
At Owen Rose Garden, more than 100 volunteers edged, weeded and graveled pathways, re-roofed sheds, made
new bollards, spread compost, and cleaned the pergola.
The playground at Sladden Park received hand-weeding and eight yards of new sand. Several areas within the
park were cleaned and edged, and blackberries removed.
Ten gallons of paint provided fresh coverage over the graffiti-riddled bridge columns in Washington-Jefferson Park.
LDS volunteers joined forces with an existing adoption group to pull blackberry crowns, prune trees, and spread
fertilizer and mulch at an abandoned filbert orchard along the West Bank Path.
A thank-you is extended to all the LDS volunteers, the Filbert Grove adoption group, and the many Parks and Open
Space staff for their support in pulling off this massive volunteer effort. For more information about the LDS Day of
Caring event, or Eugene Park Stewards, contact West Region Volunteer Coordinator Lorna Baldwin at 541-682-4845
or lorna.j.baldwin@ci.eugene.or.us.
First Conventional Chain Grocer to Join Love Food Not Waste
Albertsons® stores in Eugene are the first conventional chain grocers to join the City’s Love Food Not Waste
commercial compost campaign. The parent company, SUPERVALU, accelerated its commitment to waste reduction
significantly in 2011, and Eugene stores are full steam
ahead in training employees to compost through this
commercial program. The company added a variety of
waste reduction and recycling programs to help reduce the
amount of waste its business contributes to the nation’s
landfills.
Royal Avenue store manager Perry Tendick explained that
the path to zero waste is a great benefit to the
environment, and truly creates opportunities to lower
waste expenses overall. Over the past two years,
SUPERVALU’s recycling income was greater than its
landfill costs. Tendick’s goal is to have his store be the
sustainability model for all Albertsons® in the region. He
convened store managers in Eugene, Corvallis, and
Albany to make the company goal - reducing waste by 90
percent in all stores - a reality.
Assistant Manager Tom Hall shows the food waste and recycling
Regular staff trainings teach employees how and why to
system set up behind each department.
compost and recycle, creating a culture of awareness in
the work environment. With the help of the Love Food Not Waste outreach materials, each department manager
teaches staff how to compost and recycle, and monitors the process. Tendick was very excited to receive and
distribute outreach materials to staff and for the opportunity to have consistent, attractive signage and messaging.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 4
June 14, 2012
Currently, three out of the five Albertsons® in Eugene are a part of the Love Food Not Waste program: 4740 Royal
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Avenue, 1675 West 18 Avenue, and 55 Division Avenue.
For more information, and to view the list of over 60 participating businesses, visit www.eugene-or.gov/lovefood or
contact Stephanie Scafa at 541-682-5652 or Stephanie.scafa@ci.eugene.or.us.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 5
June 14, 2012