City of Bandon
CITY MANAGER'S NEWSLETTER
November 7, 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
- City Council Election Results
- Committee And Commission Appointments
- Fiscal Year 2007-2008 City And Urban Renewal Audits Completed
- City Council Decides Not To Place A Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Increase On The March 10, 2009 Election Ballot
- All City Facilities To Be Designated "Smoke-Free"
- Report And Recommendations On Various Traffic Control Measures
- Update On The Barn/Community Center Renovation Project
- Special Burn Permit Issued For Face Rock Golf Course
- Emergency Electric Power Restore List
- Public Hearing On Garbage Collection And Disposal Rates
- Linda's Church Joke
CITY COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS
The results of the November 4th election for Mayor and City Council were as follows:
MAYOR
- Mary Schamehorn . . . . . . 950*
CITY COUNCIL
- Brian Vick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 580**
- Geri Procetto . . . . . . . . . . . 578**
- Claudine Hundhausen . . 550**
- Joe Briscoe . . . . . . . . . . . . 526
- Chris Powell . . . . . . . . . . . 492
- Phil Arlen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474
(** Elected to 4-year terms.)
Congratulations to Mary, Brian, Geri, and Claudine on being elected, and a sincere thanks to Joe and Chris for their service to the community as City Councilors. Thanks also to Phil for running. Mayor Schamehorn and Councilors Vick, Procetto, and Hundhausen will be sworn into office at the January 5, 2009 meeting.
COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
The City Council awarded Certificates of Appreciation to Patricia Soltys for 8 years of service on the Water Resource Committee, and to Lydia Delgado for her service on the Committee for Citizen Involvement. A sincere thanks to Patricia and Lydia for all of their hard work and service to the community!
FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 CITY AND URBAN RENEWAL AUDITS COMPLETED
At the November 3rd City Council meeting, representatives from Hough MacAdam Wartnik LLC, the City's auditing firm, presented the fiscal year 2007-2008 City of Bandon and Urban Renewal audits. The auditors reported a "clean" audit of the City's financial records. Following the presentation and discussion, the City Council directed staff to place acceptance of the audit on the agenda for the December 1, 2008 meeting. Copies of the City and Urban Renewal audits for this year and prior years are available for public inspection and copying at City Hall and the Library.
CITY COUNCIL DECIDES NOT TO PLACE A TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX (TOT) INCREASE ON THE MARCH 10, 2009 ELECTION BALLOT
As reported in the October 17, 2008 City Manager's Newsletter, 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.
At the November 3rd meeting, the City Council reviewed an alternative proposal, which would generate additional funds for tourism promotion and the City by placing on the ballot for the March 10, 2009, election the matter of increasing the transient occupancy tax by 3%, from its current 6%. 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. Actual amounts could be somewhat lower, however, since receipts so far this last quarter (July-September 2008) are running approximately 6.8% below the revenues for the corresponding quarter last year.
After considering testimony from various lodging facility operators, the City Council unanimously decided not to move forward with a TOT ballot measure. Several motel operators indicated that they would get together and investigate alternative mechanisms for generating additional revenues for tourism promotion.
ALL CITY FACILITIES TO BE DESIGNATED "SMOKE-FREE"
Oregon's new Smoke-Free Workplace Law goes into effect on January 1, 2009, which will prohibit smoking in workplaces and within 10 feet of building entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes. These are the minimum requirements, and local governments can adopt stricter no smoking regulations. After reviewing a recommendation from the City Employees' Safety Committee, the City Council unanimously decided to designate all City facilities as "Smoke-Free Areas," and directed staff to prepare a draft ordinance for adoption at the December 1, 2008 City Council meeting. The proposed regulations would prohibit smoking at all City facilities, including City Hall, City Park, the water and sewer treatment plants, etc., except that smoking would still be allowed within private motor vehicles in the parking lots.
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON VARIOUS TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES
The City recently received a final report from Brian Copeland, a traffic engineer, on traffic issues in various locations throughout Bandon. The City Manager, Chief of Police Bob Webb, Public Works Supervisor Richard Anderson, and the City's Insurance Agent Joseph Bain met to review the conclusions and recommendations of the report. At their November 3rd meeting, the City Council unanimously approved the following changes to traffic control in various locations:
Issue #1: Intersection Control Along 3rd Street SE - A few minor changes will be made to the location of stop signs at various intersections along 3rd Street SE. 3rd Street SE will be a through street, with stop signs for each of the side streets, except that the existing 3-way stop at Grand Avenue, the existing 4-way stop at Harlem Avenue SE, and the existing 4-way stop at June Avenue SE will be maintained.
Issue #2: US 101/Fillmore Avenue SE - A potentially hazardous condition exists where the northbound lane of Fillmore Avenue SE intersects with Highway 101. Some motorists turning right (east) on Highway 101 cross the bicycle pathway, and execute their right-turn from what is actually the parking lane. This conflicts with vehicles who are properly turning right from the traffic lane, since they are both turning into that same lane on Highway 101. The report recommends extending the curb line into the parking space lane to prevent right turns from that lane. Since funds are not available to extend the curb line at this time, and since ODOT will not permit the installation of a right-turn lane due to the turning radius of large vehicles, the City will be striping (cross-hatch in yellow) the problem area to keep right-turning vehicles out, while still allowing the current driveway access to Gibson Graphics. Staff will then monitor the situation to determine whether this measure improves the safety at this intersection.
Issue #3: Intersection Control at 2nd Street SE/Cleveland Avenue SW - The stop sign on Cleveland Avenue SW, at the intersection with 2nd Street SW, has been removed, and the speed limits in this area have been set at 15 MPH.
Issue #4: Eleventh Street SW Park Safety - A 3 ft. high chain link fence will be installed between the street and sidewalk adjacent to the children's playground, to provide additional protection for pedestrians and bicyclists. This fence will be installed upon completion of the upcoming work to improve drainage and replace the bedding materials under the playground equipment as directed by the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Issue #5: Posted Speed Along Seabird Drive - Due to excessive speeds on Seabird Drive, the speed limit will be reduced from the current 45 MPH to a new 35 MPH.
Issue #6: Street Light at the Highway 101 and 9th Street SW Pedestrian Crossing - To improve nighttime visibility and pedestrian safety at this dark intersection, the Electric Department will be installing a street light at the southwest corner of the Highway 101 and 9th Street intersection.
Issue #7: Old Town Striping - Staff has procured all of the "torch-down" striping and arrows for Old Town streets, parking spaces, and crosswalks. A test was completed last week to ensure that the materials will adhere to the recently completed slurry seal surface. This is a high priority project, so as soon as weather permits, the Public Works Department will undertake this work.
Issue #8: Curve at 4th Street SW and Ocean Drive - To improve safety at the curve where 4th Street SW turns into Ocean Drive, which has been the site of several recent DUI accidents, staff will be moving the curve-ahead signs back to the proper distance, and will be adding yellow 15 MPH advisory speed limit signs.
Issue #9: Curve at 7th Street SW and Beach Loop Drive - To improve safety at the curve where 7th Street SW turns into Beach Loop Drive, staff will be installing a center-line stripe and no parking signs on Beach Loop Drive between 7th Street SW and 8th Street SW. Signs will also be installed advising travelers that viewpoints can be found by turning right (west) at 8th Street SW and 11th Street SW. The City is working with the US Fish & Wildlife Service and Oregon State Parks to develop a sign design which is attractive and is consistent with other public recreational facility directional signs.
UPDATE ON THE BARN/COMMUNITY CENTER RENOVATION PROJECT
At the November 3rd City Council meeting, Community Center Manager Nancy Evans presented a draft fee schedule for use of the Barn, discussed a proposed mural for the west lobby wall, and updated the City Council regarding the current schedule of events and bookings at the facility.
The primary function of the new Barn, which will be open in January, will be to provide a facility for use by the community for various events, activities and meetings, and as a home for the senior citizens center, Dial-A-Ride office, the senior meals program, the EAT (Everyone At the Table) meals program, and the community Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. As an economic development tool, it will also be available for use by outside groups, individuals, and organizations for meetings, conferences, and small conventions. A total of 20 events, including two weddings, have already been scheduled for next year. The fee schedule is intended to be very favorable, compared to the cost for similar facilities in other communities. Funds generated by the fees charged for using the Barn/Community Center are utilized to offset the costs for operating and maintaining the facility.
The City Council approved the design concept and installation of a proposed mural in the lobby, which will be funded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and private donations. It will depict Coquille Point and the offshore rocks, and will be painted by former Bandon resident Jane MacQueen.
A Shower for The Barn will be held on Thursday, November 13, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, in the Public Library meeting room. This is an opportunity for folks to donate items they may have which will be needed for various events and parties, such as punch bowls, serving trays, etc. Tours of the new Barn will also be held for anyone who wants to get a preview of the new facility.
For additional information on the Shower for The Barn, the proposed fees, or to schedule an event, please contact Nancy Evans at 541-347-9081.
SPECIAL BURN PERMIT ISSUED FOR FACE ROCK GOLF COURSE
Margaret Miller and Jerry Brown presented a request to the City Council at the November 3rd meeting for a special burn permit to allow the burning of clean-up debris at the Face Rock Golf Course. Although outdoor burning is generally prohibited within the City limits, the municipal code has provisions which allow the City Council to grant special permission for burning in certain limited cases. The permit was requested due to the extent of the clean-up they are doing in preparation for re-opening the 9 hole facility. The burning will be undertaken in a series of individual burns over the next six weeks. It is anticipated that the fire will be far enough away from other properties and residences that it will not cause any problems. However, if the fire or resulting smoke causes a hazard or nuisance for nearby residents or businesses, the permit will be immediately cancelled and the fires extinguished. The special burn permit was approved by the City Council, with Councilors Briscoe, Drew, Powell, Procetto, and Tiffany voting in favor, and Councilor Claassen voting in opposition.
EMERGENCY ELECTRIC POWER RESTORE LIST
The City of Bandon maintains an "Emergency Power Restore List," which includes the names and addresses of all electric customers who have home medical equipment that would be negatively affected by power outages. This list is used to help prioritize the restoration of power during outages. With the winter storm months quickly approaching, it is important to be on the list, if you have medical equipment that relies on electrical power. If you are unsure as to whether or not you are on the Emergency Power Restore List, or if you want to be added to the list, please contact Vicki at City Hall, telephone 347-2437, extension 225, for the required information forms.
PUBLIC HEARING ON GARBAGE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL RATES
A public hearing regarding a proposed increase to the Bandon Disposal and Recycling garbage collection and disposal rates will be held before the Bandon City Council on Monday, December 1, 2008, at 7:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 555 Highway 101, Bandon, Oregon. The requested increase is for a 2.78% cost-of-living/inflation adjustment to existing rates. Anyone interested in commenting on the proposed rates may appear at the public hearing and be heard, or may submit written comments or obtain additional information by contacting Matt Winkel, City Manager, City of Bandon, P.O. Box 67, Bandon, Oregon 97411, telephone (541) 347-2437, ext. 229, or e-mail citymanager@ci.bandon.or.us.
LINDA'S CHURCH JOKE
Linda got this one from one of her joke readers, who said it proves that some old men can still think pretty fast:
An old farmer had a large back yard, which he had fixed up nicely with picnic tables, a barbecue, horseshoe pits, and some apple trees around a pond.
One evening the old guy decided to go down to the pond, since he hadn't been there in a while, and grabbed a five gallon bucket to bring back some apples. As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing. As he came closer he saw it was a bunch of women skinny dipping in the pond. As he approached, the women became aware of his presence, and all moved out to the deep end.
One of the women shouted to him. "We're not coming out until you leave."
The old man yelled back, "Don't worry ladies, I didn't come down here to watch you skinny dipping, or to make you get out of the pond naked." Holding up the bucket, he said, "I'm just here to feed the alligator."
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 good one!
