City Manager's Newsletter - December 5, 2008

City of Bandon

CITY MANAGER'S NEWSLETTER

December 5, 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, Committee for Citizen Involvement, 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
• Presentation Of Barn/Community Center Grant From The Oregon Community Foundation
• Ordinance Passed To Prohibit Smoking On Certain City Properties Declared To Be Smoke Free Campuses
• Garbage Rates To Be Increased
• Designation Of City Property For A Community Garden
• City To Offer Voluntary Low Income Energy Assistance "Round-Up" Program
• Ballot Measure For A Parks Maintenance Fee To Be Placed On The March 10, 2009 Election
• City Receives 2008 Population Estimate
• Census Bureau Now Hiring For 2010 Census
• City Not Awarded Grant For South Jetty Walkway
• "Old World Charm" Holiday Celebration
• Public Meeting On South Bandon Transportation Refinement Plan
• Linda's Church Joke

COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

The City Council unanimously approved the Mayor's appointment of SharonLee Danielson to the Committee for Citizen Involvement. Ms. Danielson will replace Lydia Delgado, who resigned earlier this year. This is a partial-term appointment which will end on June 30, 2009. The City Council also unanimously approved the Mayor's appointment of Roy Ashworth to the Water Resource Committee, to replace Peter Hughes, who was unable to serve since his residence is located just outside the City limits. This is a full-term appointment which will end on June 30, 2012. Congratulations to SharonLee and Roy on their appointments, and a sincere thanks to Lydia for her service and to Peter for his willingness to serve!

PRESENTATION OF BARN/COMMUNITY CENTER GRANT FROM THE OREGON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

At the December 1^st City Council meeting, Penny Allen, representing the Oregon Community Foundation, presented the City with a grant in the amount of $25,000 for kitchen equipment at the Barn/Community Center. This money will provide the final funding necessary to complete the purchase of the kitchen equipment. A sincere thanks to the Oregon Community Foundation for their generous contribution towards this important project.

ORDINANCE PASSED TO PROHIBIT PROHIBITING SMOKING ON CERTAIN CITY PROPERTIES DECLARED TO BE SMOKE FREE CAMPUSES

At their December 1^st meeting, the City Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to prohibit smoking on City campuses, such as City Hall, City parks and recreation facilities, water and wastewater treatment plants, City shop, etc. The new regulations, which take effect on January 1, 2009, will still permit smoking in motor vehicles within City campus parking lots, and will not ban smoking on City streets and sidewalks outside City campuses. The City is currently soliciting cost quotes and design proposals from sign companies for providing "No Smoking" signs which will be installed at the various entrances to City campuses. All areas outside of City campuses will be regulated by Oregon's new Smokefree Workplace Law, which also goes into effect on January 1^st, and prohibits smoking in workplaces and within 10 feet of building entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes.

GARBAGE RATES TO BE INCREASED

At their December 1^st meeting, the City Council approved, by a vote of 5 to 1, a request by Bandon Disposal & Recycling, the City's garbage franchisee, for an inflationary adjustment to the solid waste collection and disposal rates, effective January 1, 2009. Councilors Briscoe, Drew, Powell, Procetto, and Tiffany voted in favor, with Councilor Claassen voting in opposition. The last solid waste collection and disposal rate increase was in January, 2008.

As required by the Bandon Municipal Code, a public hearing on the proposed rate increase was scheduled and advertised. There was no public testimony in opposition to the rate increase. The rates approved by the City Council represents a 2.78% increase. The rate for once per week pickup of a typical 35 gallon residential container, for example, will increase by $0.41 per month, from the current $14.88 to a new rate of $15.29. All other rate rates will increase proportionately.

DESIGNATION OF CITY PROPERTY FOR A COMMUNITY GARDEN

A group of citizens, guided by Buck Rodgers, has been working towards finding a site for a community garden. The initially selected site was on Bandon School District property at Bandon Heights, but the School Board was unable to accommodate their request.

At their December 1^st meeting, the City considered a proposal to dedicate two residential parcels at the west end of 8^th Court SW as the site for a community garden. The lots are approximately 63 ft. x 92 ft. each, with a 12 ft. alley between them, which would result in a combined property size of 63 ft. x 196 ft. In addition, the undeveloped right-of-way at the west end of 8^th Court SW could be used for parking. These two parcels are zoned R-1 Single Family Residential, but are unsuitable for sale and use for residential or other building development, since a 12 inch diameter water main line runs through them. They were also not identified by the Parks & Recreation Commission for park development. In the R-1 zone, use of the property for a community garden would require a conditional use permit.

After reviewing the proposal, the City Council unanimously voted to authorize the use of the property as a community garden, and directed staff to prepare and process the conditional use permit application. Ownership of the property will remain with the City. The party primarily responsible for operating the community garden would apply for, and receive, a Temporary Right-of-Way Permit. The users of the property would be responsible for its continued maintenance. If it ceased to be maintained and operated as a community garden, the Permit would be canceled. Staff is working with our insurance company to determine what measures, such as hold harmless agreements, restrictions on heavy equipment use, etc., would have to be put in place to protect the City in terms of liability. The community garden organizers indicated that they have obtained liability insurance, and will name the City as additionally insured. It is anticipated that the conditional use permit process, which involves public notice and a public hearing, will be completed within 90 days, after which work on the garden could proceed if the permit is approved by the Planning Commission.

For more information, on the proposed community garden, please contact Buck Rogers at 347-2187.

CITY TO OFFER VOLUNTARY LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE "ROUND-UP" PROGRAM

Bandon's electric utility operates a Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), utilizing Federal funds and the proceeds of a dedicated charge which is added to each electric bill for that purpose. These funds are used to provide bill paying assistance to qualifying low income electric customers. Both the Federal and the local programs are administered under an agreement with the Community Action Agency.

Oregon's 2002 electric deregulation bill (SB 1149) required all investor owned electric utilities (IOUs) to charge a certain initial amount, which was then scheduled to increase in future years, to be used to provide bill-paying assistance to low income customers. Community owned utilities (COUs), such as Bandon, were also required to operate a comparable low income energy assistance program. Since the IOUs have increased their customer charges over the last several years, and considering the hardships caused by the current economic crisis, as well as the declining amount of Federal LIEAP funds available, the City Council determined it would be appropriate for the City to increase its contribution towards assisting low income customers.

The City of Bandon currently generates its local LIEAP funds from a charge of $0.18 per month per residence, and $0.00018 per kWh per commercial meter. For comparison with the surrounding electric utilities, Pacific Power has increased their monthly charge to $0.50 per residence, and Coos Curry Electric has a voluntary "round-up" program, whereby customers can voluntarily agree to have their electric bill rounded up to the next whole dollar amount, with the additional amount generated contributed to the LIEAP fund.

The fiscal year 2008-2009 budget anticipated a doubling of the City's LIEAP revenues to $22,000, by either increasing mandatory monthly charge or the institution of a voluntary contribution program. The City Council's preference was to first try adding a voluntary contribution to determine whether adequate funds would be generated, prior to increasing the mandatory contribution. At their December 1^st meeting, the Council unanimously approved adding a "round-up" program, which will take effect within the next two months. Like the mandatory low income energy assistance charge, the "round-up" contribution will not be subject to the 10% utility tax.

BALLOT MEASURE FOR A PARKS MAINTENANCE FEE TO BE PLACED ON THE MARCH 10, 2009 ELECTION

The Parks & Recreation Commission has completed the Parks Master Plan, and has forwarded it to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and recommendation to the City Council regarding its inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan.

While working on the plan, the Parks & Recreation Commission determined that adequate funds are not available to properly maintain existing and proposed parks and recreation facilities, and has concluded that it is inappropriate to make a significant investment in the development of additional parks, playgrounds, walking paths, and other recreational facilities unless sufficient funds are available to ensure their proper maintenance. The Commission recommended that a measure be placed before the voters at the March 10, 2009 election, proposing to add a $2.00 per month Parks Maintenance Fee to each electric utility bill to provide additional funds which would be used to pay wages and costs for an employee and associated materials, equipment, and supplies dedicated exclusively to maintaining the City's parks and recreation facilities. The City Charter requires voter consent to increase certain rates, fees, and charges. A Parks Maintenance Fee would therefore require voter approval. After discussing the proposal, the City Council decided, by a vote of 5 to 1, to place the proposed measure on the March 10, 2009 election ballot. Councilors Briscoe, Drew, Powell, Procetto, and Tiffany voted in favor, with Councilor Claassen voting in opposition.

There are currently 2,240 electric accounts (meters) inside the City, and 1,458 outside the City. Imposing the $2.00 per month fee on inside City accounts would generate an estimated $53,760 annually, which would not be sufficient to pay the costs for a parks maintenance employee and the associated materials, equipment, and supplies. Imposing the $2.00 per month fee on all inside and outside City accounts would generate an estimated $88,752 annually, which would be sufficient to pay the costs for a parks maintenance employee and the associated materials, equipment, and supplies. Since Bandon's parks and recreation facilities are utilized by residents both within and outside the City, including both customer groups was deemed appropriate. Since the Parks Maintenance Fee would not be a "utility" charge, it would not be subject to the City's in-lieu utility tax or the 10% utility sales tax.

CITY RECEIVES 2008 POPULATION ESTIMATE

The City received the preliminary 2008 population estimates from Portland State University. Portland State 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, 2008 population estimate for Bandon is 3,335, which is an increase of 100 over the July 1, 2007 estimate of 3,235. This represents a growth rate of 3.1% over the last year. Since the certified April 1, 2000 Census figure of 2,833, the population is estimated to have grown by 502. This represents a total increase of 17.7% over the last eight years, for an average annual growth rate of approximately 2% per year. 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 2008 Bandon population of 3,257. If the Portland State University estimate is correct, the actual growth rate is slightly (78 people) more than projected.

Since building permit activity is used as a factor in determining the population projections, and in light of the large number of second home and vacation residents in Bandon, combined with the large number of unoccupied homes constructed over the last few years, the actual population may be somewhat lower than the official estimates. The actual population will be more accurately determined when the 2010 US Census is completed.

CENSUS BUREAU NOW HIRING FOR 2010 CENSUS

The US Census will be taking place in 2010, and the Census Bureau is currently recruiting for various positions, which are available in Bandon and Coos County. These include Lister/Address Canvassers ($12.00/hr.), Crew Leader Assistants ($12.00/hr.), Crew Leaders ($13.50/hr.), Recruiting Assistants ($13.50/hr.), and Field Operations Supervisors ($15.00/hr.). In addition to these wages, the Census Bureau offers flexible hours, paid training, and an opportunity to help improve our community. The expenses for using your motor vehicle are also reimbursed at $.58/mile. If you are interested in any of these positions, please contact the US Census Bureau at 1-866-861-2010, or visit their website at www.census.gov for more information.

ADVISORY: A number of scams took place prior to the 2000 Census by persons impersonating Census workers. There will be absolutely no door-to-door canvassing taking place prior to January 1, 2010, and all official US Census workers will be wearing a prominently displayed ID tag. If anyone comes to your residence prior to that date, asking for information and claiming to be a Census worker, please contact the Census Bureau at 1-866-861-2010, or call the Bandon Police Department at 347-2241 or 2437.

CITY NOT AWARDED GRANT FOR SOUTH JETTY WALKWAY

The City received notification from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) this week that our request for Pedestrian and Bicycle Program grant funds for the South Jetty Walkway had not been approved. Due to limited resources, ODOT was only able to fund or partly fund 17 projects statewide, out of a total of 64 applications. The City's application was submitted in July, and requested $356,615 in ODOT funds, to be matched with $152,835 in City/Urban Renewal funds, for a total project cost of $509,450. The project involves constructing a 6 ft. wide pedestrian walkway along Jetty Road, between Edison Avenue and the South Jetty Park, and a 12 ft. wide pedestrian & bicycle pathway up Madison Avenue to 7^th Street at the top of the bluff, with a 6 ft. wide pedestrian pathway connecting the two. The project costs will be re-examined as we begin to prepare next fiscal year's budget, to determine whether the project scope can be reduced, and whether all or portions of the project can be completed with City and Urban Renewal resources.

"OLD WORLD CHARM" HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

The Old Town merchants are sponsoring an Old World Charm holiday celebration, with various events scheduled for December 6^th, 7^th, and 13^th. The community is invited to participate in all facets of this afternoon/early evening celebration. Friends and family are welcome to sing carols throughout the day, and join in the evening community sing as the children arrive in Old Town for the opening of the Christmas season.

The Old Town merchants are also looking for "actors" who would participate in the holiday celebrations. A walking nativity scene is being planned, (actors needed). No lines to learn! Also planned are fantasy Holiday characters walking around Old Town during the afternoons of December 6 and 13^th. Costumes will be provided (unless you already have – then please bring). Dickens characters, old fairy tales, candy canes, elves, mice, angels, etc. For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Margaret Pounder at 347-2656.

DECEMBER 6^th - St. Nicholas' Feast Day

• 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Beading & crafts at Whiskey Run inside the Continuum Center on Second Street.
• 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Build your own wreath at Inner Garden, bring gloves and pruner, all else supplied.
• 12 Noon - Santa Claus will arrive by Prowler Charter boat at noon and decorate a tree with the children in the Port of Bandon picnic shelter.
• 12:00 Noon - Close - Wine Tasting at Pacific Blues (west end of Second Street) and Oregon Wine Tasting (under the east arch on Second Street).
• 1:00 PM - Mrs. Claus reads her favorite Christmas stories at Winter River Books. After visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, continue enjoying the many festivities of over 70 merchants in Bandon's Old Town with holiday classes (for kids of all ages), demonstrations, and wine tasting.
• 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Ornament craft at SAGE Gallery, inside the Historic Coast Guard Bldg on First Street.
• 2:00 PM - Kids holiday crafts at the Picnic shelter on the Boardwalk, hosted by Bandon Coffee Café and Bandon Fish Market (parents need to supervise).
• 3:00 PM - Cookie decorating for children at Bandon Baking Company.
• 4:30 PM - Children gather at Holy Trinity Church. Children are encouraged to bring a donation for needy children in Bandon (food, toys, clothes).
• 5:00 PM - Holiday Lantern Parade starts at Holy Trinity Church - children to march to Old Town via the pedestrian path, and will be welcomed with bells ringing and music.
• 5:20 PM (time approximate) - Christmas Angel addresses the children and opens the Christmas Season in Chamber of Commerce lot.
• 5:30 PM - Bandon Beach Choir and community sing carols.

DECEMBER 7^th - Special Art Events

• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - at the Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center, "Native American Art Empowers 'Invisible People'."
• 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM - at SAGE Gallery, reception for local artist Angela Haseltine Pozzi, "Bioluminescent Sea Cave," an installation accompanied by paintings and sculpture entitled "Undetermined Species."

DECEMBER 13^th - Santa and Mrs. Claus will again visit Bandon Old Town

• 10AM - 12 Noon - Gingerbread Boys and Girls Foam Craft for Kids, at the Picnic shelter on the Boardwalk, sponsored by SAGE Gallery.
• 10AM - 4 PM - Beading crafts at Whiskey Run inside the Continuum Center on Second Street.
• 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Build your own wreath (bring pruning shears and gloves) everything else is supplied for $20 at Inner Garden on Second Street.
• 10AM - 5:00 PM - Open House at Forget Me Knots on Hwy 101, with refreshments and free coupon book.
• 12 Noon - Close - Wine Tasting at Pacific Blues and Oregon Wine Tasting.
• 1:00 PM - Santa at the Bandon Baking Co.
• 1:00 PM - Mrs. Claus will be reading more of her favorite Christmas stories at Winter River Books.
• 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Ornament craft at SAGE Gallery, inside the Historic Coast Guard Bldg on First Street.

PUBLIC MEETING ON SOUTH BANDON TRANSPORTATION REFINEMENT PLAN

The City of Bandon has received a Transportation and Growth Management (TGM) Program grant provided jointly by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). This grant will be used to provide a transportation refinement plan in the south area of the City. The study area will encompass land within the City limits, the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), and adjacent areas of the County, bounded roughly by 18^th Street on the north, Harlem Avenue on the east, Polaris Street on the south, and Beach Loop Road on the west.

A Public Meeting will be held on January 7, 2008, starting at 6:00 PM at the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting is intended to introduce the project to the community and provide an opportunity for public comment. Consultants from DKS Associates will co-facilitate the meeting and will be able to answer questions. A representative from ODOT will also be attending. For information regarding the TGM Grant Project or Public Meeting, contact Michelle Hampton, City Planner, telephone (541) 347-2437, ext. 231, or E-mail mhampton@ci.bandon.or.us.

LINDA'S CHURCH JOKE

Not only did Linda come up with a joke this week, but so did her husband Dale!

Linda: What do you call a cow that just gave birth?

Dale: I dunno.

Linda: De-calf-inated!

HA! HA! Ha! HO! Ho! HA! Ha! ha! ha! ha!

Dale: What do you call a cow with no legs?

Linda: I dunno.

Dale: Ground beef!

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. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Matt Winkel

City Manager