City of Bandon
CITY MANAGER'S NEWSLETTER
January 11, 2008
This newsletter is an informal report by City Manager Matt Winkel on the news, issues, and other items of interest from the City of Bandon. It will normally be posted once each month (on the Friday following the City Council meeting) on the City's WEB Page at www.ci.bandon.or.us, and will be e-mailed directly to all subscribers. Subscribers will also receive copies of City Council, Planning Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, Architectural Review Board, and Water Resource Committee agendas via e-mail in advance of each meeting.
To subscribe or un-subscribe, or if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please e-mail to citymanager@ci.bandon.or.us. Your e-mail addresses will be kept confidential and not distributed or used for any purposes other than e-mail communications with the City of Bandon.
FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE
- February 29, 2008 Declared Coquille River Lighthouse Birthday Day
- Storm Debris Removal Program Underway
- Solid Waste Collection Rates To Increase 2%
- Bandon Disposal & Recycling Agrees To Expand The Brush Pickup Program
- Population Estimates Show Bandon Continues To Grow
- Preliminary Plans For Bandon Pedestrian/Bicycle Loop
- New Street Light Policy Being Prepared
- Public Hearing To Be Held On Possible Madison Avenue Improvements
- Public Hearing To Be Held On Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments
- Utility "Bad Debt" Quarterly Report
- City Council Agrees To Provide Grant Matching Funds For A New Dial-A-Ride Van
- Public Paper Shredder Now Available In The Library
- Help Keep Bandon Clean By Picking Up Litter Whenever Possible
- Linda's Church Joke
FEBRUARY 29, 2008 DECLARED COQUILLE RIVER LIGHTHOUSE BIRTHDAY DAY
The City Council has officially declared February 29, 2008 as Coquille River Lighthouse Birthday Day, in recognition of the fact that the Lighthouse first went into service on February 29, 1896. During the last 112 years, the Lighthouse has stood at the entrance to the Coquille River, and has come to represent an enduring symbol of the City of Bandon to its residents and visitors. Several events are being planned around Bandon for that day, including tours of the Lighthouse, and everyone is invited to a birthday cake celebration which will be held in the City Council Chambers at Noon.
The Lighthouse Keepers have been spearheading the Coquille River Lighthouse fund raising and renovation efforts, and Phase 1 of the restoration project has been successfully completed. If you are interested in helping or donating towards this project, please contact Roger Straus, President of the Coquille River Lighthouse Keepers, at kttmint@yahoo.com.
STORM DEBRIS REMOVAL PROGRAM UNDERWAY
A special storm debris pickup is currently underway, and is being undertaken by Bandon Disposal, together with City crews, and Bandon Concrete and Development, who donated employees' time and equipment to help with the cleanup. All of the material which residents and businesses have placed alongside the streets is being removed. It is being taken to the City's property at the corner of Fillmore Avenue and 4th Street SE, where it is combined with all the other storm debris which was deposited on the property, and chipped. The chipping contractor is not charging the City for removing the materials, but is being compensated by the value of the resulting chips, which are hauled and used for hog fuel at lumber mill electric co-generation facilities. In addition to the chipping activities, the City also set some of the larger, clean logs aside, where it was apportioned to local residents who were allowed to cut it up for personal-use firewood. An estimated 16 individuals cut and removed approximately 30 cords of firewood.
If you are inside the City, and were unable to get all of your storm debris placed alongside the street in time for this week's pickup, or if you were missed during the initial pass-through, please contact the City Hall front desk at 347-2437, and ask to be put on the list for a follow-up pickup.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION RATES TO INCREASE 2%
Following a public hearing at the January 7th meeting, the City Council approved a 2% inflationary adjustment to the Bandon Disposal & Recycling solid waste collection rates effective this month. The last solid waste collection rate adjustment was a 2.7% increase, which was approved by the City Council in January, 2007. There was no public testimony objecting to the requested rate increase.
BANDON DISPOSAL & RECYCLING AGREES TO EXPAND THE BRUSH PICKUP PROGRAM
As requested by the Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI), Bandon Disposal & Recycling has agreed to expand their previous twice per year no-charge brush pickup program to three times per year. The events will now be held during the first week in May, the last week in October, and mid-January. This program is being conducted to help offset the impacts which resulted from the City's ban on outdoor burning.
POPULATION ESTIMATES SHOW BANDON CONTINUES TO GROW
The City received the certified 2007 population estimate from Portland State University. The University's Population Research Center was formed in 1956, for the purpose of preparing annual population estimates for cities and counties to provide the basis for the distribution of State tax-shared revenues. The July 1, 2007 population estimate for Bandon is 3,235, which is an increase of 120 over the July 1, 2006 estimate of 3,115. This represents a growth rate of 3.85% over the last year. Since the certified April 1, 2000 Census figure of 2,833, the population is estimated to have grown by 402. This represents a total increase of 14.2% over the last seven years, for an average annual growth rate of approximately 2% per year. According to these figures, of the 242 cities in Oregon, Bandon is now the 91st largest!
One of the most important factors in planning for Bandon's future is ensuring an adequate supply of water, so City staff uses these figures to track how fast the community is currently estimated to be growing, compared to the population projections in the 2003 Water Master Plan Addendum. This helps us determine whether we are approaching the water supply limits quicker or slower than anticipated. The Water Master Plan Addendum projected an annual growth rate of 1.76%, for a 2007 Bandon population of 3,200. If the Portland State University estimate is correct, the actual growth rate is very close to the projected rate.
PRELIMINARY PLANS FOR BANDON PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE LOOP
The City engineer has completed the preliminary plans and cost estimates for the Bandon Bicycle/Pedestrian Loop, which would extend from Highway 101 along Riverside Drive, 1st Street, Jetty Road, Madison Avenue, and Beach Loop Drive to Polaris Street. Based on topography and rights-of-way configurations, portions of the project would involve the installation of 5 ft. wide concrete/asphalt pedestrian walkways, portions would include 8 ft. wide pedestrian & bicycle facilities, and the Madison Avenue segment would include a 12 ft. wide pedestrian & bicycle pathway. The pathway is configured so that it jogs around any significant trees along the route. Depending on the options selected and final construction costs, the total cost of the project is estimated to range from $3,778,920 to $5,079,920. This is a long-range project which will take many years to complete, with the first phase being the Jetty Road walkway segment, which is scheduled for construction this year. Copies of the preliminary plans are on display in the main City Hall lobby.
NEW STREET LIGHT POLICY BEING PREPARED
The City's current policy on the installation of street lights in subdivisions is not very specific regarding what is expected, and who is responsible for paying for those lights. That policy reads: "Street lights shall be installed as required and served from an underground electric source." Under the current regulations, the street light installations for new subdivisions are determined on a case-by-case basis at the time the preliminary plat is reviewed and approved by the City. At their January 7th meeting, the City Council discussed the development of more specific street lighting requirements.
In cases such as Ocean Terrace and Face Rock Village, where the City's standard concrete pole and uniform light fixture is being installed, the developer has been responsible for all installation costs, with the City responsible for the cost of electric power and maintenance once the street lights are incorporated into the electric system. In cases such as Bandon Commons, where the developer wants to utilize their own street light design, the developer has been responsible installation costs, as well as the monthly electric power and maintenance costs. For all these subdivisions, City staff worked with the developers regarding where street lights should be located. For existing streets and neighborhoods, the City has paid for the installation of lights at street intersections, where the Police Chief has determined they are necessary for safety purposes. The cost for installing street lights at mid-block locations have been the responsibility of the property owners, with the City responsible for the cost of electric power and maintenance once the street lights are incorporated into the electric system. As far as which costs are paid by the City, and which costs are paid by the developer, the City Council directed staff to prepare a policy for inclusion in the Municipal Code, which would codify the existing practices described above.
Regarding the requirements to be placed on subdividers and developers, the City Council felt the City should specify which locations, such as intersections, would require lights to be installed for safety reasons, and allow developers the option to install street lights in other locations. The City will, however, require subdividers to install all of the underground conduit, transformers, bases, and base covers throughout the subdivision, to avoid future infrastructure and street disturbance in the event street lights are desired by the property owners in the future.
Regarding where street lights are allowed at locations other than for safety at intersections, the City has generally required that the proposing party secure the permission of affected property owners adjacent or near the proposed location. The City Council felt this was appropriate, but that the written policy should require formal approval of 100 percent of the residents who would be affected by the light which could intrude into their home, unless the light was being installed for safety purposes at locations recommended by the Chief of Police.
Although there is no written policy regarding full cutoff, "dark-sky" compliant lighting, the City has been requiring all installations to be full cutoff, with the exception of the Old Town decorative lamp posts. The City Council felt that the new policies should specify that all future street lights, yard lights, and other exterior lighting to be "dark-sky" compliant. The only exceptions would be the Old Town decorative lighting and lights illuminating the United States flag being flown at night.
The City Council directed staff to prepare a set of written street light policies for inclusion in the municipal code, and to bring that ordinance back to the City Council for consideration at a future meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON POSSIBLE MADISON AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS
The City Council has been considering whether to leave the section of Madison Avenue from the South Jetty to 7th Street at the top of the bluff as a gravel emergency access route, to pave it as a pedestrian/bicycle pathway and emergency access, or to proceed with opening it to full City standards. The City's Comprehensive Plan designates this section of Madison Avenue as an unopened, gravel, emergency access route, with gates at both ends.
At the conclusion of discussions during the November 5, 2007 meeting regarding Madison Avenue, the City Council directed staff to expedite the preparation of cost estimates for paving that section as a 12 ft. wide pedestrian and bicycle pathway. The total estimated cost for installing the paving in the unopened section of the Madison Avenue right-of-way from the cul-de-sac on the South Jetty to 7th Street at the top of the bluff is $165,080. Although the funds were not included in the current fiscal year 2007-2008 budget, the Urban Renewal Plan for Area 1 includes an allocation of $175,000 for the Jetty Road and Madison Avenue Pathway. In addition, this project would be eligible for funding from the Local Option Street Tax Fund.
Since there had been significant public input into the status of Madison Avenue during preparation of the Comprehensive Plan, and since the project could potentially impact property owners and residents on the South Jetty and along its route, the City Council determined that it would be appropriate to hold a public hearing on the matter. That hearing will be held at the City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, February 4, 2008, at 7:00 P.M. Anyone interested in commenting on the status of this section of Madison Avenue may appear at the public hearing and be heard, or may submit written comments. To be included in the City Council packets, written comments must be received by the City no later than 5:00 PM on January 29, 2008.
PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
The Planning Commission has forwarded to the City Council a number of recommended changes to the Zoning Regulations in the Municipal Code. Some of these amendments would be more restrictive than current regulations, some would be less restrictive, and some represent clarifications to existing requirements. The major areas addressed include commercial land divisions, definitions, design features, yards, lot size and dimensions, height limitations, temporary fish/seafood sales signs, and vision clearance areas. A handout detailing all of the proposed changes is available from the Planning Department at City Hall. For additional information, please contact City Planner Charli Davis at 541-347-2437, ext. 226, or e-mail cdavis@ci.bandon.or.us.
Although the City Council is not required to hold a public hearing, since one was held before the Planning Commission, the Council felt it would be appropriate to provide another opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed changes prior to making a decision. That hearing will be held at the City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, February 4, 2008, at 7:00 P.M. Anyone interested in commenting on the proposed amendments to the zoning regulations may appear at the public hearing and be heard, or may submit written comments. To be included in the City Council packets, written comments must be received by the City no later than 5:00 PM on January 29, 2008.
UTILITY "BAD DEBT" QUARTERLY REPORT
During the quarter from July 1, 2007 thru September 30, 2007, the City had a total of $8,875.97 in utility bills which customers failed to pay. This represents customers who either left their residence or business without paying their final bill, or had their service disconnected for failing to pay. Periodically, in order to apply any utility deposits which the City is holding, these unpaid amounts are written off as "bad debts." Then, if the City is able to determine a customer's new address or workplace, the City pursues the bad debt through Small Claims Court, to obtain a wage garnishment order. In addition, the names of all customers with bad debts are turned over to all of the major credit reporting agencies. In difficult to collect cases, the debt is also turned over to the City's collection agency. For this last quarter, a total of $2,375.66 in deposits (with interest) were applied against the unpaid bills, for a net loss of $6,500.31. During that same period, a total of $420.56 was recommended for new Small Claims actions, and $2,307.63 was collected from former customers for previously written off bad debts. Any customer who has an unpaid bad debt, and wishes to re-establish utility service, must first pay all of that unpaid amount, in addition to a new utility deposit. The City pursues bad debts as vigorously as possible, since it is the good utility customers who are ultimately paying for those who do not pay their bills.
CITY COUNCIL AGREES TO PROVIDE GRANT MATCHING FUNDS FOR A NEW DIAL-A-RIDE VAN
The City received a request from Coos County Area Transit (CCAT) for $4,622 in matching funds towards a $40,378 grant from ODOT to purchase a new replacement Dial-A-Ride van for Bandon. Since one of the Bandon City Council goals relates to the provision of a community-wide shuttle service, the City Council felt the expenditure would be appropriate. This will enable the van to be purchased this upcoming Spring.
The fiscal year 2007-2008 City budget currently includes a $3,500 contribution in State Revenue Sharing funds towards the operation and maintenance of the Dial-A-Ride program in Bandon, and the additional funds for purchasing the new van will come from the Capital Improvement Fund.
PUBLIC PAPER SHREDDER NOW AVAILABLE IN THE LIBRARY
For people who don't have a paper shredder, and wish to get rid of some of their paperwork, income tax worksheets, credit card statements, or other documents which may contain personal information that could subject them to identity theft, the shredder at the Library is now available for public use. You can either hand the paper you want shredded to the Library staff who will immediately put it into the shredder, or you can request to use the shredder yourself.
HELP KEEP BANDON CLEAN BY PICKING UP LITTER WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Bandon's Committee for Citizen Involvement would like to remind residents that public image is important to our town; for individuals, neighborhoods and businesses. Our appearance as a clean community is noticed by visitors and tourists. Please remember to use trash cans, avoid littering, and remind your children about civic pride. When you go out for walks, consider taking a trash bag with you to pick up litter along the way. Picking up litter as we walk is rewarding and easy. If you see something too big for you to carry or a dead animal or something messy, please notify the City Public Works Department at 347-2437. Thanks for your efforts to keep Bandon clean and beautiful!
LINDA'S CHURCH JOKE
No church joke from Linda this time, but I did hear one that I'm also passing along to Fred and Shala:
A man walks into a bar with an alligator and asks the bartender, "Do you serve lawyers here?
"Sure do," replied the bartender.
"Good." says the man. "I'll take a beer, and my gator will have a lawyer."
HA! HA! Ha! HO! Ho! HA! Ha! ha! ha! ha!
ANYTHING ELSE?
Do you have any questions, input, or suggestions? Are there any topics you want addressed or covered in the Newsletter? If so, please let me know at citymanager@ci.bandon.or.us. For more complex questions or issues that may take significant discussion, please feel free to contact me by telephone at (541) 347-2437, voice mail ext. 229, so we can schedule an appointment.
Also, remember to visit the City of Bandon WEB page at www.ci.bandon.or.us, where you can get more information on this wonderful place in which we live.
That's it for now. Have a great day!
