City of Bandon
CITY MANAGER'S NEWSLETTER
October 17, 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
- Committee And Commission Appointments
- City Completes Four Annexations
- City Council Authorizes The Planning Commission To Respond To The LUBA Remand Of The Indian Point RV Park Plan
- Transient Occupancy Tax Proposal
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program
- Power Sales Agreement With Bonneville Power Administration For October 1, 2011 - September 30, 2028
- Dangerous Building Inspection Report Completed
- Lease Approved For Public Parking Lot In Old Town
- Pathways And Other Recreational Facilities Added To The List of Parks For Which The City Has Recreational Immunity
- Brush And Yard Debris Pick-Up Week: October 27-31
- Help Us Keep The Street Lights Shining!
- Linda's Church Joke
COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
The City Council awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to Tim Arnold for 6 years of service on the Water Resource Committee, from July 2002 through September 2008. Prior to being appointed to the Water Resource Committee, Tim had served on the citizen's Water Task Force that was responsible for overseeing the design and construction of the new water treatment plant. The City Council also unanimously approved the appointments of Rita Johnson and Peter Hughes to the Water Resource committee, to fill the vacant seats which resulted from Tim Arnold's resignation and the expiration of Patricia Soltys' second term. Rita's term will run through June 30, 2010, and Peter's term will run through June 30, 2012. A sincere thanks to Tim and Patricia for all of their hard work and service to the community, and congratulations to Rita and Peter on their appointments!
CITY COMPLETES FOUR ANNEXATIONS
Following an October 14th public hearing, and in accordance with the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the City Council unanimously approved the annexation of the following four small areas:
- Parcel 1 - A portion of the unopened 17th Street right-of-way adjacent to a prior annexation south of the Harvard Street Apartments. This right-of-way had inadvertently been left out of the prior annexation, and was necessary to ensure that the annexed private property had access onto a public right-of-way, and to ensure that anyone building on those parcels would be responsible for improving the street and storm drainage systems to full City standards.
- Parcel 2 - The Carter Street right-of-way on the north side of the Ocean Trails subdivision. This right-of-way had inadvertently been left out of the prior annexation, and will bring the existing City street into the City limits.
- Parcel 3 - Two privately owned lots on the east side of Jackson Avenue, south of 13th Street. This annexation also includes the adjacent street rights-of-way, and a requirement that the property owners share the costs of paving the streets at such time as the parcels are developed.
- Parcel 4 - The Bandon Disposal Recycling Center property, and the adjacent portion of 18th Street. This will bring the recently paved portion of 18th Street into the City's street system.
CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZES THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO RESPOND TO THE LUBA REMAND OF THE INDIAN POINT RV PARK PLAN
At their October 14th meeting, the City Council reviewed a draft letter prepared by the Bandon Planning Commission, responding to the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) remand to the County of the Indian Point RV Park Development proposal, which is proposed to be located on the old Rogge Mill site, on the east side of Highway 101, immediately south of the Coquille River bridge. When the application was initially heard by the Coos County Planning Commission in March, 2007, the Bandon Planning Commission raised a total of five points of concern, including Police Protection, Water & Wastewater, Urban Nature of the Development, Traffic, and Impact on Tourism. Of those, LUBA included two (Wastewater Treatment and Urban Nature of the Development) as valid points in its remand back to the County.
The letter prepared by the Bandon Planning Commission continues to raise the same two issues from the LUBA remand. It concludes that the proposed development violates Planning Goal 14 since it is "an urban usage of rural land," and that "the developer is creating a sewer system outside the UGB which is expressly prohibited under Oregon law." After discussing the matter, the City Council voted unanimously to authorize the Planning Commission to submit a response to the LUBA remand of the Indian Point Development proposal, and to attend the October 21, 2008 public hearing and present testimony on behalf of the City of Bandon.
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX PROPOSAL
As was reported in the Bandon Western World newspaper, the Bandon Lodging Partners (Bandon Inn, Best Western Inn at Face Rock, and Sunset Motel) submitted a request for an additional $150,000 in transient occupancy tax (TOT) proceeds for tourism advertising this fiscal year. Last fiscal year, Bandon's 6% TOT generated a total of $423,966, of which $89,129 was contributed to the Chamber of Commerce for tourism promotion. The balance of these receipts are used primarily to fund those General Fund departments which do not have significant funding resources of their own, the largest of which are Police and Planning. So, reallocating $150,000 would necessitate eliminating at least one police officer and one planner, or possibly two police officers. Once the Bandon Lodging Partners realized the impact on the City's budget, they withdrew their request.
An alternative proposal, which would generate additional funds for tourism promotion and the City, would be to place on the ballot for the March 10, 2009 election the matter of increasing the transient occupancy tax by 3%, from its current 6%. This would be consistent with the taxes often paid by Bandon citizens when they stay in motels in other cities and states, many of which have room taxes of 9% or more. Based on last year's receipts, a 3% TOT increase would generate an additional $211,983. State statutes require that at least 70% of new TOT revenues be used for tourism promotion, which would provide an additional $148,388 for tourism, plus $63,595 for general City purposes. This would be enough to pay for a police officer, or possibly hiring an employee to maintain the new parks and walking trails, as is being recommended by the Parks & Recreation Commission. This additional public service would be provided with no increase in rates, fees, or taxes for the citizens of Bandon. Since TOT revenues are currently declining due to the economic downturn, the actual amount of additional funds would possibly not be that high, although a successful tourism promotion campaign would help reverse that trend.
At their October 14th meeting, the City Council unanimously agreed to table consideration of the proposed TOT ballot measure until the November 3rd meeting.
LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The City annually participates in the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which is a federally funded program, providing energy bill paying assistance to qualifying low income households. Low income Bandon electric customers are also assisted by the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP), and the City's low income energy assistance program, which was instituted to comply with State electric deregulation legislation, and is funded by a City surcharge of $0.18 per month on residential electric utility bills, plus a kilowatt hour charge on commercial accounts.
In fiscal year 2007-2008, a total of $17,932 in Federal LIEAP assistance was provided to 68 households in the Bandon electric service territory; a total of $13,582 from the City's local low income energy assistance program provided electric bill paying assistance to an additional 47 households, and a total of $1,400 from the State OEAP provided assistance to 7 households.
To provide efficient program administration and keep overhead costs as low as possible, the City contracts with the Southwestern Oregon Community Action Committee, Inc. (SWOCAC) to administer these programs on behalf of the City. Those services include providing information to customers, taking applications, reviewing income qualifications, qualifying customers, authorizing payments, and record keeping. SWOCAC receives administrative funds directly from LIEAP and the State of Oregon for administering the federal and State programs, and is paid $10 per assisted household for administering the City of Bandon's local program. Anyone who believes they may qualify for low income energy assistance should contact SWOCAC in North Bend at 888-1574.
POWER SALES AGREEMENT WITH BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION FOR OCTOBER 1, 2011 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2028
At their October 14th meeting, the City Council unanimously approved a proposed Power Sales Agreement with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) for providing electric power to Bandon's electric utility for the period October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2028. The current Power Sales Agreement expires on September 30, 2011. Under the terms of the agreement, the City of Bandon will remain a full requirements customer of BPA, and will purchase BPA's load following product at its Priority Firm (PF) power rates, which are the lowest rates available. Effective on October 1, 2011, power rates will be divided into two Tiers. Tier 1 represents a proportionate share of the power from BPA generating facilities, based on what is referred to as each customer's "high water mark" (HWM), which is based on the actual loads in 2010. Currently, Bandon's average load is 7.6 megawatts (aMW), and the forecasted HWM is 8.03 aMW. Any power needs that exceed the power available at Tier 1 rates, will be available from BPA at their Tier 2 Rates, or could be purchased from other resources. The Tier 2 Rates will be based on the price BPA has to pay to purchase power from outside resources. Actual Tier 1 rates will be determined as part of the upcoming rate case, which should be completed some time during the Summer of 2011. At various points during the term of the Power Sales Agreement, the City will decide whether to continue purchasing power from BPA for ensuing periods, or to find its own resources. The first such decision will have to be made by November 1, 2009 for the period October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2013.
DANGEROUS BUILDING INSPECTION REPORT COMPLETED
In response to complaints regarding several buildings that were deteriorating and could be unsafe, the City hired an inspector to determine whether those buildings were in violation of the City's Dangerous Buildings Code. These included several unoccupied residential structures and two motels. The report, which was prepared by Architect Lon Samuels, has now been completed. Letters have been sent to the affected property owners, requesting that they either repair their buildings or remove them. If you are aware of any potentially dangerous buildings in your neighborhood, please notify the Code Compliance Officer (compliance@ci.bandon.or.us), so those buildings can be inspected.
LEASE APPROVED FOR PUBLIC PARKING LOT IN OLD TOWN
At their October 14th meeting, the City Council approved a lease for the parcel on First Street in Old Town, east of the Wheelhouse Restaurant, to be used as a public parking lot. Councilors Briscoe, Drew, Powell, Procetto, and Tiffany voted in favor, with Councilor Claassen opposed. For history buffs, this was the site of the old Leep Memorial Hospital, before the hospital was moved to its former location on 4th Street west of Edison Avenue (which was prior to moving to its current location at the east end of 11th Street. The lease is similar to the leases the City entered into for the property west of the Alabama Street parking lot and the old Bandon Cheese Factory property. These are year to year leases, which can be cancelled by either party on 30 days notice. There is no rent paid by the City. The consideration for the lease is that the property owner does not have to pay property taxes on the parcel, as long as it us used by the City for public purposes. The City is becomes responsible for maintaining the property, and for providing liability insurance naming the owner as additionally insured. This coverage is rolled into the City's overall liability insurance policy, so there is no additional cost.
By removing the gate and fence across the existing 1st Street driveway, there would be adequate vehicular access. The estimated cost for clean-up, grading and gravel would be $1,500 - $2,000. The Council also wanted to ensure that the old wall and arch, as well as the trees and bushes in the northwest corner would not be disturbed. It was also suggested that a bench and bicycle rack also be placed near this greenery, to serve as a small pocket park. If the lease is ever canceled, these items could be easily removed and relocated to another location.
PATHWAYS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ADDED TO THE LIST OF PARKS FOR WHICH THE CITY HAS RECREATIONAL IMMUNITY
At their October 14th meeting , the City Council adopted a resolution adding "pathways, and any other recreational facilities" to the list of facilities which regarded as "outdoor recreational areas" pursuant to State Statutes (ORS 105.682). By making this declaration, the City is granted recreational immunity from liability claims for injury of people using those facilities, as long as the City does not charge for their use. The prior resolution only specified "parks," which left some ambiguity as to whether pathways and other recreational facilities were included. It was particularly important to make sure these items were included, since the proposed Parks Master Plan includes a significant increase in pedestrian pathways.
BRUSH AND YARD DEBRIS PICK-UP WEEK: OCTOBER 27 - 31
The final brush and yard debris removal program of the year will be held during the week of October 27 - 31, during which time Bandon Disposal will be picking up piles of yard debris and brush. City residents will be allowed up to a maximum of 5 cubic yards of brush and yard debris removal (approximately two pickup loads) at no cost. PRIOR TO Monday, October 27, simply place your debris in the right-of-way along your street, and Bandon Disposal will do a sweep through town beginning on that date, and continuing through the week. Make sure that your brush is in one pile, since there is a maximum of one pile per address, and no group piles. Keep in mind that this program is for woody yard debris such as branches, brush, gorse, etc., so other items and materials such as metals, appliances, furniture, etc. will not be accepted. Branches must be cut into lengths no longer than 5 feet. Grass clippings and leaves will also be picked up, provided they are placed in biodegradable PAPER bags. NO PLASTIC bags can be accepted. Also, please avoid placing your pile under overhead utility lines, since a boom truck is used to pick up the debris. Locate your pile away from fire hydrants and utility boxes, and do not impede sidewalks or pedestrian walkways. A total of three brush removal events are scheduled to be held each year. In addition to the last week in October, the other free brush and yard debris removal events are held during the last week in mid-January, and the first week in May. If you have more than 5 cubic yards of debris, or if you want debris picked up at times other than the three brush removal week, please contact Bandon Disposal at 347-9633 for a price quote.
HELP US KEEP THE STREET LIGHTS SHINING!
Now that the nights are getting longer, and particularly with the switch from daylight savings time approaching, it is a good time to make sure all of the street lights in town are properly working. The City would appreciate your assistance in identifying those that don't work properly, so our electric crews can fix them. If you notice any street lights in your neighborhood that are blinking, dim, on all the time, or don't come on at all, please contact the Electric Department at 541-347-2437, or e-mail mailto:citymanager@ci.bandon.or.us,electric@ci.bandon.or.us.
LINDA'S CHURCH JOKE
Three old men are at the doctor for a memory test. The doctor says to the first old man, "What is three times three?"
"Hmmm," says the doctor as he turns to the second old man and asks, "What is three times three?"
"Tuesday," replies the second old man.
"Hmmm," says the doctor as he turns to the third old man and asks, "What is three times three?"
"Nine," replies the third old man.
"That's great!" exclaims the doctor. "How did you figure that out?"
"Simple," says the third old man. "I just subtracted 274 from Tuesday!"
