City Managers Newsletter - February 5, 2010

City of Bandon

CITY MANAGER’S NEWSLETTER

February 5, 2010

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, (click on “City Hall”) 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

• Certificates Of Appreciation Awarded To The Anti-Graffiti Team
• Riparian Corridor Protection Ordinance Adopted
• Public Hearing On Proposed Regulations Regarding Beaches & Dunes, Shoreland Overlay Zone, And Statewide Planning Goal 18
• “ORWARN” Mutual Aid Agreement Approved
• Data Indicate Bandon’s Water System Leakage Is Extremely Low
• First Street Electric Undergrounding Project Expanded
• Question Raised Regarding Whether Urban Renewal Funds Can Be Used For Police Protection
• Two Temporary Burn Permits Approved
• New Decorative Street Light Bulbs Being Tested
• “Washed Ashore” Project
• Free Income Tax Counseling And Return Preparation
• Citizens Review Board Seeking Volunteers To Review Cases Of Children In Foster And Substitute Care
• Linda’s Church Joke

CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION AWARDED TO THE ANTI-GRAFFITI TEAM

At their February 1^st meeting, the City Council awarded certificates of appreciation to the members of the Anti-Graffiti Team, which consists of Jim Giambrone, Charlie O’Neill, and Wayne Robbins. The team members are volunteers who work with the Bandon Police Department to respond as quickly as possible to locations where graffiti has been painted in Bandon and paint over or remove the graffiti. Their goal is to have the graffiti removed within 48 hours, although that can sometimes be slightly delayed due to inclement weather. The Anti-Graffiti Team was responsible for the removal of the graffiti that was recently painted at several locations in City Park. Congratulations to Jim, Charlie, and Wayne on receiving their certificates of appreciation, and a sincere “thank you” for their outstanding work in helping keep Bandon beautiful and safe.

RIPARIAN CORRIDOR PROTECTION ORDINANCE ADOPTED

At their February 1^st meeting, the City Council approved the final version of the riparian corridor protection ordinance, with Councilors Claassen, Drew, Hundhausen, Procetto, and Tiffany voting in favor, and Councilor Vick opposed. The only change was to add a segment of Ferry Creek which had been originally included, but was inadvertently left off of the prior draft. Copies of the riparian regulations can be found on the City’s website at www.ci.bandon.or.us., and visiting the Planning Department page. Additional information can be obtained by contacting City Planner Charli Davis at cdavis@ci.bandon.or.us.

PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED REGULATIONS REGARDING BEACHES & DUNES, SHORELAND OVERLAY ZONE, AND STATEWIDE PLANNING GOAL 18

On Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 7:00 PM, in the City Council Chambers, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the adoption of Ordinance 1582 and Ordinance 1583. These proposed ordinances would amend the zoning regulations and Comprehensive Plan regarding Beaches and Dunes, the Shoreland Overlay zone, and the application of Statewide Planning Goal 18. The City of Bandon has determined that adoption of these ordinances may affect the permissible uses and values of property in the effected areas, which are primarily located along or near the beaches and along the bluff .

Ordinance 1582 and Ordinance 1583 are available for inspection and copying at the Bandon City Hall, 555 Highway 101. These Ordinances are also posted on the City of Bandon website at www.ci.bandon.or.us, go to the Planning Department page. For additional information, please contact City Planner Charli Davis, 541-347-2437, ext. 230, or e-mail cdavis@ci.bandon.or.us.

“ORWARN” MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT APPROVED

In recent years, many natural disasters have driven associations representing water and wastewater utilities throughout the United States to recognize the need for utility specific response networks. In early 2006, work began nationwide to form WARN (Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network) in each of the 50 states. WARN is an interstate utility-to-utility mutual aid system available to all public and private water and wastewater utilities. These networks can be activated with or without any type of formal disaster declaration. In 2006 four states (California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas) had WARNs in place. To get Oregon’s WARN started (ORWARN), a 20 person steering committee began working to make it a reality, and in March 2007 Oregon became the fifth state to have a WARN available. Presently there are 61 utilities that have joined ORWARN in Oregon. At their February 1^st meeting, the City Council unanimously approved an agreement for the City of Bandon to become a member of ORWARN.

There were two incidents during the last several years in which the City of Bandon required assistance from outside agencies to recover from emergencies and disasters. When the water treatment plant clarifier broke down in 2005, the City requested and received assistance from the Coos Bay/North Bend Water Board. Due to extensive damage to the electric system and resulting power outages during the December 2007 storm, the City requested and received assistance from Pacific Power & Light to help restore power to a large portion of our service territory. Since a mutual aid agreement was in effect prior to the event, the City was able to secure reimbursement for most of those costs from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There is no cost associated with ORWARN membership and utilities are under no obligation to provide assistance. To be eligible for federal reimbursement for emergency and disaster recovery costs, assistance provided through mutual aid agreements requires that the agreements be established prior to the event or emergency.

DATA INDICATE BANDON’S WATER SYSTEM LEAKAGE IS EXTREMELY LOW

Data from the water treatment plant and utility billing records show that the City produced a total of 160,137,515 gallons of water leaving the water plant, and sold a total of 144,300,046 gallons of metered water during 2009. The remaining 15,837,469 gallons was lost due to system leakage and fire hydrant flushing and use. This represents a loss of only 9.89% per year, which is extremely low. Most municipal water systems have losses in the range of 15% - 25%, with some even higher. 15% loss is considered low, and 10% loss is generally the ultimate goal. Having loss figures below 10% indicates either a very tight system or low readings at the main water plant meter. (It does not indicate faulty or old customer water meters since those meters run slower as they get older.) To determine whether these low loss readings are due in part to mis-calibration of the main water plant flow meter, we will be testing it as soon as we can install a bypass. The bypass is necessary since the testing would otherwise require shutting off the entire water supply into the City, which would not be acceptable.

FIRST STREET ELECTRIC UNDERGOUNDING PROJECT EXPANDED

Urban Renewal Area 1 is preparing to undertake the replacement of the sidewalk along First Street, between Cleveland Avenue and the Port of Bandon building. Part of that project includes placement of conduit under the new sidewalk to facilitate the future undergrounding of the existing overhead electric, telecommunications and cable TV lines. The project also involves mitigation of the extensive Coquille Indian Tribe archaeological resources throughout the project site.

Since the archaeological mitigation and construction work will be taking place in June and July 2010, and since the Urban Renewal budget includes adequate funds, the City Council unanimously agreed at their February 1^st meeting to spend an additional $250,000 in Urban Renewal funds to expand the project scope to include actually undergrounding the existing overhead electric, telecommunications, and cable TV lines. This will involve extending the undergrounding to the east to connect with the existing underground facilities in Old Town, and extending it to the west and south along Edison Avenue to connect with the existing system at the Jetty Road intersection. This will allow the City to finalize the archaeological mitigation through this entire corridor, and will provide Old Town with looped service. Currently, Old Town is served only from one direction, which means that power to the entire area could be shut down in the event of a major line break. It also necessitates shutting off power to a large number of businesses when certain repairs and system maintenance are undertaken. Serving the area with power from two directions provides redundancy in the event of a line break, and also reduces the areas that have to be shut down for repairs.

Undertaking the entire project at this time will reduce the overall costs compared to coming back later and starting over with the engineering, archaeological mitigation, and construction, and will help keep electric rates lower by using Urban Renewal funds while they are available instead of taking the money from future electric revenues. It will also significantly improve aesthetics along First Street by removing the unsightly overhead lines, and will lay the groundwork for proceeding with other future Urban Renewal projects such as the Gross Creek Park and the Edison Avenue sidewalk which will connect with the Jetty Walkway.

QUESTION RAISED REGARDING WHETHER URBAN RENEWAL FUNDS CAN BE USED FOR POLICE PROTECTION

Since Urban Renewal has adequate funds to undertake projects such as the First Street sidewalk and utility undergrounding project discussed above, the question was raised at the February 1^st City Council meeting as to why the City couldn’t just utilize Urban Renewal money to pay for police protection, instead of requesting the property tax levy that will be going before the voters at the May 18, 2010 election. Unfortunately, Urban Renewal funds can only legally be used for capital construction projects that are contained in the plan and are located within the district boundaries. They cannot be used for any operations or maintenance purposes, and cannot be used outside the district. Therefore, regardless of how much money is available for Urban Renewal projects, it would be illegal for the City to use those funds for police protection or any other General Fund purposes. The same thing is true for most other City funds, which are dedicated for specific purposes. In addition to Urban Renewal, the electric, water, and sewer enterprise funds, street tax funds, library funds, debt service funds, capital funds, and most other funds can only legally be used for specific purposes, which prohibits the City Council from using them to pay for police protection.

TWO TEMPORARY BURN PERMITS APPROVED

At their February 1^st meeting, the City Council approved two temporary burn permits, with Councilors Hundhausen, Procetto, Tiffany, and Vick voting in favor, and Councilors Claassen and Drew opposed. The Municipal Code regulations which prohibit most outdoor open burning contain a provision which allows the City Council to grant individual temporary permits for special occasions or events. The burns will be conducted in February or March depending on weather conditions, and include a one-day burn (with a few more days to complete smoldering) necessitated by a significant gorse removal project at the Old Bandon Golf Links, and a 4-hour burn of wood debris at the Moore Mill & Lumber Company log deck. In each case, an individual was identified who could have problems with smoke, so the City Council conditioned the approval on advance notification and obtaining permission for the timing of the burn from those individuals. The burns also have to be coordinated with the Fire Department to ensure that appropriate safety measures are being taken. If, during either of these burns, anyone experiences smoke or odor problems, you are asked to immediately contact City Hall at 541-347-2437 or the Police Department at 541-347-2241 during weekday working hours, or 541-756-8212 on weekends or evenings. The complaint will be investigated and, if necessary, the City can require that the fire be immediately extinguished.

NEW DECORATIVE STREET LAMP BULBS BEING TESTED

When the decorative street lights were installed in Old Town as part of the Urban Renewal sidewalk improvement project several years ago, they included QL light bulbs. The same lamp posts and fixtures were then used at City Hall and the Library. The QL bulbs were very bright street lighting bulbs which were specified by the lighting designer. Unfortunately, along with the associated hardware necessary for them to operate, they cost approximately $600 each to replace and last 1-2 years. In an effort to reduce operation and maintenance costs, the City is now testing two alternative bulbs which have become available. One is a fluorescent bulb which costs about $10 to replace and is expected to have a life of about 6 months. The other is an LED bulb, which costs about $200, but has a projected life of 25 years.

In addition to calculating the operation and maintenance costs, consideration must be given to the aesthetic effects of each type of lighting. So, as a test, we have installed the optional bulbs in the fixtures at the Library parking lot. Of the four lamp posts, the southwestern most lamp (closest to the Library main entrance) contains the original QL bulb. The one directly north of that one (the northwestern most lamp post) contains the fluorescent bulb. The remaining two easternmost lamp posts contain the LED bulbs. So, if you are out and about at night, and happen to be in the vicinity of the Library, and would like to give us your opinion regarding which type of light you prefer, that would be very much appreciated. Just e-mail your preference to citymanager@ci.bandon.or.us. When the Old Town lighting was first installed, several folks reported that they felt the lighting was too bright. So, you may also want to indicate whether you think the selected light should be brighter, dimmer, or whether it is just right. Once we have determined what appears to be the most desirable light at the Library, we will change out a few fixtures along one of the Old Town streets to provide folks with an opportunity to express their feelings about what looks best in that setting. Thank you very much for your help!

“WASHED ASHORE” PROJECT

Local artist Angela Pozzi made a presentation on her “Washed Ashore” project to the City Council at their February 1^st meeting. Her goal is to bring awareness to the impact plastic materials and other debris is having on the ocean and marine life, by preparing a documentary film to accompany a touring art exhibit and community workshops on the subject. As one of the project’s initial focal points, Ms. Pozzi is involving community members in gathering beach plastics and other non-organic debris to construct large outdoor sculptures of sea turtles, fish, birds, and other threatened marine life. The first community group sculptures will be in Bandon, with additional ones to be created on the exhibition tour. According to Ms. Pozzi, “The ultimate hope for ‘Washed Ashore’ is global action.”

Residents may have seen one of Angela’s exhibits, the “Bioluminescent Sea Cave” which is now located at her studio, Art 101, the purple building 7 miles south of Bandon on Highway 101. For more information, you can visit www.seathingsart.com. If you are interested in participating in the “Washed Ashore” project, please contact Angela at ahpozzi@seathingsart.com.

FREE INCOME TAX COUNSELING AND RETURN PREPARATION

Free income tax counseling and return preparation services are being offered to taxpayers who are low to middle income and those who need assistance. IRS/AARP certified Volunteers will be in cities along the coast, from Brookings to Florence from February 1 through April 15. In addition to tax return preparation, all sites will electronically file each return at NO COST. E-filing of federal and state returns ensures greater accuracy and provides the maximum security for confidential taxpayer information. Processing is quick, and federal and state tax refunds are expedited.

Schedules and locations from February 1 through April 15 are:

• Bandon: Bandon Senior Center - 1200 11^th St. SW - Tuesdays & Saturdays: 9:30 AM. - 11:30 AM. (Not open 2/27/2010)
• Brookings: Chetco Activity Center - 550 Chetco Ln. - By appointment only call (541) 469-6822 Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:00
• Coquille: Holy Name Catholic Church - 12 N Dean St. - Tuesdays: 12:00 AM. - 3:00 PM.
• Florence: Siuslaw Public Library - 1460 9^th St. - Mondays and Wednesdays: 10:00 AM. - 2:00 PM.
• Lakeside: Lakeside Lion’s Club - 890 Bowron Rd. - Thursdays: 1:30 PM. – 3:30 PM.
• North Bend: College Park Community Church - 2548 Newmark St. - Mon, Tue., Fri., & Sat: 10:00 AM. - 1:00 PM.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Diane Kimes at 541-347-4618, or to arrange assistance for the home-bound, call RSVP in Coos Bay at 541-888-7332.

CITIZEN REVIEW BOARD SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO REVIEW CASES OF CHILDREN IN FOSTER AND SUBSTITUTE CARE

The Oregon Judicial Department’s Citizen Review Board (CRB) in Coos County is in dire need of volunteer board members to review cases of children in foster and substitute care. The CRB consists of local volunteers throughout Oregon who are interested in the welfare of children in their community. Board members are trained and supported by professional staff of the Oregon Judicial Department to conduct case reviews of children and youth in out of home care, and usually meet one day a month. They receive information on each case before they meet, and at the review they hear from parties to the child’s case. The CRB creates a system of checks and balances in which the community has both input and impact on how the Department of Human Services and Oregon Youth Advisory Authority serve the children, youth, and families in Oregon. If you are interested in volunteering, or would like additional information, please contact Darcy Davidson, CRB Volunteer Resource Coordinator, toll free at 1-888-530-8999, or e-mail CRB.Volunteer.Resources@ojd.state.or.us.

LINDA’S CHURCH JOKE

I think Linda got this one from one of her faithful readers:

Morris, an 82 year old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman in his arm.

A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, “You're really doing great, aren't you?”

Morris replied, "Just doing what you said, Doc, ‘Get a hot mama and be cheerful!’”

“What I said was,” responded the doctor, “You've got a heart murmur; be careful!”

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!

Matt Winkel

City Manager

City Manager's Newsletter - December 11, 2009

City of Bandon

CITY MANAGER’S NEWSLETTER

December 11, 2009

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, (click on “City Hall”) 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

* Bringing Jack Back Mural Restoration Project
* Police Operating Levy To Be Placed Back On The Ballot
* First Street Sidewalk Project Delayed Until Spring
* Harlem Avenue Sidewalk Project Proceeding
* Household Hazardous Waste Management Plan Approved
* No Immediate Electric Rate Increase
* Riparian Corridor Inventory And Assessment Approved
* 2009 Bandon Population Estimate
* Census Worker Jobs Available
* Community Action Assistance Available Twice Each Month At The Barn
* Linda’s Church Joke

BRINGING JACK BACK MURAL RESTORATION PROJECT

At the December 7th City Council meeting, local Bandon artist Vicki Affatati made a presentation of her proposed “Bringing Jack Back Mural Restoration Project.” Jack Champayne painted a large number of murals with a nautical theme throughout the City of Bandon and other coastal communities.

One of Jack’s largest murals is on the sides of the wastewater treatment plant buildings and tanks. Shortly before his death in 2003, Jack renovated those murals, which he originally painted in 1993. As evidenced in the power point slides displayed by Ms. Affatati, those murals are showing signs of significant deterioration. Earlier this year, she proposed to voluntarily restore the murals, and to seek grant funding to pay the project costs. Prior to beginning the full restoration, City staff agreed to purchase some materials (paint, brushes, etc.) sufficient to undertake the restoration of a small portion of the mural as a test area. Due to weather, however, that work has not yet started, but Ms. Affatati has submitted a grant application for the mural restoration project. She also advised the City Council that she would be bringing back to them a mural-sized painting of a whale to demonstrate her ability to undertake and complete the project.

The City of Bandon very much appreciates the work done by Vicki in developing the proposed “Bringing Jack Back Mural Restoration Project,” and applauds her efforts to restore and protect these important works of art.

POLICE OPERATING LEVY TO BE PLACED BACK ON THE BALLOT

By a margin of only 31 votes (462 Yes to 493 No), the proposed police levy was defeated by Bandon voters at the November 3, 2009, election. A total of 955 ballots were cast, representing a voter turnout of 55.56 % of the 1,719 registered voters. The purpose of the proposed levy was to generate sufficient funds to pay all of the costs associated with two police officers for five years, beginning next fiscal year (July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011). In combination with four officers funded out of the remaining General Fund resources, this would ensure a total force of at least 6 full-time police officers.

In light of the police levy ballot measure failure, City staff has moved the normal schedule for beginning next fiscal year’s budget preparations forward into January, immediately after the December books have been closed. That will allow us to begin preparing for the potential impacts of budget shortfalls on the level of police protection.

At the December 7th meeting, the City Council discussed various options, including whether to again place the matter before the voters at an upcoming election. The next two possible election dates are March 9, 2010, and May 18, 2010, with filing deadlines of January 7 and March 18 respectively. One option would to again propose a police levy similar to the one narrowly defeated by the voters, to provide the funds necessary to meet the projected Police Department budget shortfall. Another option would be a ballot measure to increase in the transient occupancy tax (TOT). The TOT option, however, would not generate sufficient revenue to meet the City’s needs, since State statutes require that at least 70% of increased TOT revenues be spent on specified tourism promotion activities, which would leave only 30% available for General Fund purposes such as police protection. promotion.

After discussing the matter, the City Council unanimously voted to direct staff to prepare and bring back for City Council consideration at the January 4, 2010 meeting a ballot measure for a 5-year local option police operating levy in the amount of $.56 per $1,000 assessed valuation, for placement before City of Bandon voters at the May 18, 2010 election.

FIRST STREET SIDEWALK PROJECT DELAYED UNTIL SPRING

The First Street sidewalk replacement project was placed on hold a few weeks ago, pending a decision regarding how to proceed in light of the extensive archaeological resources in the form of a midden which were uncovered during initial sidewalk removal. The project involves replacing the deteriorated and unsafe sidewalk along the north side of First Street SW, between Cleveland Avenue and the Port of Bandon building (the old Coast Guard building) and, if possible, placing conduit and vaults under the sidewalk to accommodate the future undergrounding of the existing overhead electric, telephone, and cable TV lines. A major concern has been the City’s exposure for the cost of mitigating the disturbance to those archaeological resources.

At their December 7th meeting, the City Council reviewed various alternative which ranged from simply capping (paving over) the existing sidewalk to installing a new sidewalk with trenching, conduit, and vaults for future utility line undergrounding. Consideration was also given to the timing for the project, since delaying the work until drier weather would reduce the archaeological mitigation costs. Considering all of the factors, the City Council decided to delay the project until Spring, and to proceed with removing the existing sidewalk and installing a new sidewalk with conduit and vaults for future electric and communications utility undergrounding. The Council felt it was more desirable to undertake all of the underground work as part of this project, rather than have to re-disturb the same archaeologically sensitive area again at some future time either for undergrounding or for replacing the overhead utility poles.

It was also recognized that there are some educational, cultural, and economic benefits that could be realized by undertaking the more extensive archaeological excavation and mitigation. The Southern Oregon University Archaeologist in charge of the mitigation will help publicize the project and provide written materials and handouts for tourists and other parties who would be interested in visiting the site during the excavation. To help reduce overall mitigation costs, the Coquille Indian Tribe has committed to providing some personnel to assist the University staff and students. The City is working on a plan to cordon off the excavation site and provide a pedestrian walking and viewing area along the north side of First Street. It is anticipated that the archaeological excavation will begin in late May or early June, and would last approximately two weeks. Construction would follow, with the goal of completing the project prior to July 4th if possible.

The First Street sidewalk project is being funded by Urban Renewal, with the Port of Bandon and the adjacent private property owner contributing their fair share. This is another reason to complete the entire project at this time, since the Urban Renewal funds would not be available once the Urban Renewal District expires in the future. A significant savings was realized by bidding this project in combination with the Madison Avenue paving and Harlem Avenue sidewalk projects. With engineering, archaeological mitigation, and construction, it is estimated that the total project cost will be in the range of $279,000, with approximately $18,500 paid by the Port of Bandon, and approximately $4,200 paid by the adjacent private property owner. The City Public Works and Electric crews will provide in-kind assistance with such items as sidewalk removal, but otherwise no City funds are being utilized on the project.

HARLEM AVENUE SIDEWALK PROJECT PROCEEDING

Construction of the Harlem Avenue sidewalk is currently underway. It involves the installation of a sidewalk between 11th Street SE and Harvard Street, a slight widening of the vehicular travel surface, removing the roadside drainage ditch and installing an underground drainage system, and placing all of the existing overhead utility lines underground. The project is being funded by a $100,000 federal stimulus grant, with in-kind assistance from the Public Works and Electric crews who will also be doing some cleanup and shoulder widening on the east side of Harlem Avenue.

The drainage ditch has been eliminated, the underground drainage system has been installed, and the utility conduit installation is underway. The contractor is scheduled to be back on site to complete the sidewalk and paving work after January 1st. In the meantime, the Public Works crew will place gravel along the street to create a wider shoulder and temporary walking surface until the concrete sidewalk can be installed.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPROVED

At the December 7th meeting, the City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with Coos and Curry Counties to implement the Household Hazardous Waste Management Plan. The plan provides for the management of common household products known as household hazardous waste. These wastes are often found in household cupboards, garages or basements, and include such items as old pesticides, poisons, corrosive cleaners, fuels, paints, used oil, antifreeze, or even mercury-containing items like thermostats, thermometers, and fluorescent bulbs. These products, if not managed properly, can endanger public health, contaminate the environment, and threaten public and private drinking water supplies.

Under the plan, Coos and Curry Counties, in partnership with their cities and waste haulers, will manage hazardous waste from households and businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month. Proper management of household hazardous waste in Coos and Curry counties will help protect critical resources and ensure a healthy and safe environment for residents. This can help reduce long-term regional costs associated with environmental compliance, improve worker and community safety, and avoid contamination. The plan calls for the construction of a permanent facility for the drop-off and processing of household hazardous waste at the Beaver Hill Disposal Site. It also requires each county to hold up to four collection events for household and small business hazardous waste each year in places like Coos Bay, North Bend, Coquille, Myrtle Point, Bandon, Gold Beach, Port Orford and Brookings.

No fees will be charged for dropping off household hazardous waste at Beaver Hill or satellite collection events. Businesses may pay market rates for disposal of their hazardous waste. Funding sources include DEQ grant money for facility construction and an increase in disposal fees of $3.27 per ton of waste disposed at Beaver Hill and transfer stations in the two counties. The impact on garbage rates depends on container size and service levels, but on average the cost will only be about 28 cents per household per can per month, or $3.40 per year. Commercial customers would pay about 39 cents extra per container yard per month. These increases will cover the estimated disposal fee increase. Actual rates will depend on program participation and volumes of waste collected.

The City Council appointed Councilor Mike Claassen to serve as the City’s representative to a steering committee which will oversee implementation and administration of the Household Hazardous Waste Management Plan.

NO IMMEDIATE ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE

The fiscal year 2009-2010 budget anticipated a Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) wholesale electric rate increase in October. Based on staff’s projections that current rates should be sufficient to carry the electric utility through the fiscal year, a retail rate increase was not recommended. The final amount of the BPA wholesale rate increase was 7.48%. Staff indicated that we would continue to closely monitor electric utility revenues and expenses during the year to determine if this would necessitate a retail rate increase to pass these costs along to the City’s electric customers. So far, the Electric Fund and Electric Reserve Fund cash balances have continued to hold steady, so we remain optimistic that a retail rate increase will not be necessary prior to July 1, 2010. The need for utility rate increases will be evaluated as the proposed fiscal year 2010-2011 budget is prepared.

A survey was recently conducted by the Oregon Municipal Electric Utilities (OMEU) regarding which of the municipally-owned electric utilities had increased their retail rates in response to the BPA wholesale rate increase. Of the 10 utilities responding, 3 did raise their rates, and 7 including Bandon did not.

RIPARIAN CORRIDOR INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT APPROVED

At the December 7th meeting, the City Council approved an amendment to the Bandon Comprehensive Plan which adopted the recently completed Local Significant Riparian Inventory and Assessment, and amended the policies in the Natural Resources Section of the Plan.

The Oregon Administrative Rules require communities to protect riparian corridors as a Goal 5 resource. A riparian area is classified as the area adjacent to a wetland or stream consisting of the transition form an aquatic ecosystem to a terrestrial ecosystem. Riparian areas serve several important functions, including enhancement of water quality, flood management, thermal regulation, wildlife habitat, open space, recreation opportunities, and aesthetic values. Five riparian corridors were identified in Bandon, including Gross Creek, Ferry Creek, Johnson Creek, Spring Creek, and Tupper Creek

This latest effort to develop riparian protection measures was initiated in August 2008, was directed by the Planning Commission, and was undertaken in consultation with the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). DLCD has concluded that the proposal is in conformance with Statewide Planning Goal 5 governing riparian protection. The Planning Commission advertised, noticed, and held the required public hearing on the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment, and recommended its approval.

Implementation of the riparian protection measures will be accomplished by adopting an amendment to the Bandon Municipal Code, which will add regulations regarding permitted activities within the identified riparian corridors. Those corridors are centered along each of the identified creeks, and vary in width from 50 feet to 100 feet. At the December 7th meeting, the City Council reviewed the proposed regulations, made some recommended changes (the major change would be to expand the riparian corridor width along Johnson Creek from 50 feet to 100 feet), and held the matter over until a future meeting to allow staff time to clarify some of the provisions. The matter will be presented to the Planning Commission for their determination regarding those clarifications.

Copies of the Riparian Inventory and Assessment, maps, and proposed Riparian Corridor Protection regulations can be found on the City’s website at www.ci.bandon.or.us. (From the opening page, click on “Departments” then “Planning” and scroll down and click on the desired document.)

2009 BANDON POPULATION ESTIMATE

The City received the preliminary 2009 population estimates from the Portland State University Population Research Center, which 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, 2009 population estimate for Bandon is 3,295, which represents a decrease of 5 people below the July 1, 2008 estimate of 3,300. This is the first year which shows a net loss since the certified April 1, 2000 Census figure of 2,833, although it is still an increase of 16.3% over the last 9 years. The number is not particularly surprising, since the population estimates consider building permit activity among other factors, and much of that activity in Bandon was related to second homes and speculative building. Many of the dwelling units constructed over the last several years are still unoccupied. The actual population will be more accurately determined when the 2010 US Census is completed.

CENSUS WORKER JOBS AVAILABLE

The US Census Bureau has begun recruiting for Census Takers for the 2010 Census, and is in great need of applicants from the Bandon area. Employment applications and testing sessions will be held at 3 PM, on Saturday, December 12, at the Barn in City Park. The jobs available are good-paying, part-time jobs that will start soon, and will include mileage reimbursement. A few full-time positions are also available for Crew Leaders. Details on pay and mileage reimbursement are available for those who sign up for the December 12 testing session. Those interested can call 1-866-861-2010 to apply. The US Census Bureau is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please contact Murlan Powell, US Census Bureau Recruiting Assistant, Eugene Census Office, at 541-225-9251.

COMMUNITY ACTION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TWICE EACH MONTH AT THE BARN

Oregon Coast Community Action contracts with the City of Bandon to administer the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) which provides low income households with energy bill-paying assistance. Their service includes accepting and reviewing applications and income levels, and deciding the appropriate amount of assistance. In the past, Bandon customers had to travel to Coos Bay for counseling and submitting applications. The City has made a meeting room available at the Barn, so applicants and participants can now make appointments to meet with a Community Action worker in Bandon on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. If you feel you may qualify for low-income electric bill-paying assistance, please contact Community Action at 888-1574 for an appointment.

LINDA’S CHURCH JOKE

Linda thought a Christmas joke would appropriate this time of the year, so she sends this one along:

One Christmas, Joe and Peter built a skating rink in the middle of a field. A shepherd leading his flock through the area decided to take a shortcut across the rink. The sheep, however, were afraid of the ice and wouldn't cross it. Desperate, the shepherd began pulling them to the other side.

“Look at that,” Peter said to Joe, “That guy is trying to pull the wool over our ice!”

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!

Matt Winkel

City Manager

City Manager's Newsletter - November 6, 2009

City of Bandon

CITY MANAGER’S NEWSLETTER

November 6, 2009



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



* Police Levy Is Narrowly Defeated
* Gazebo Park Construction Delayed
* Bid Awarded For Installing The Wastewater Plant Ultra-Violet Disinfection System
* City Council Makes No Revisions To The Truck Route Regulations
* Good Earth Community Garden Update
* Linda’s Church Joke



POLICE LEVY IS NARROWLY DEFEATED



By a margin of only 31 votes (462 Yes to 493 No), the proposed police levy was defeated by Bandon voters at the November 3rd election. A total of 955 ballots were cast, representing a voter turnout of 55.56 % of the 1,719 registered voters. The purpose of the proposed levy was to generate sufficient funds to pay all of the costs associated with two police officers for five years, beginning next fiscal year (July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011). In combination with four officers funded out of the remaining General Fund resources, this would ensure a total force of at least 6 full-time police officers.



City staff will be moving the normal schedule for beginning next fiscal year’s budget preparations forward into January, after the December books have been closed. That will allow us to begin preparing for the potential impacts of budget shortfalls on the level of police protection.



The City Council could also consider placing the matter back before the voters at an upcoming election, such as the May 18, 2011 election. Another option would be to place an increase in the transient occupancy tax (TOT) on an upcoming ballot to at least provide part of the money needed for police protection. That tax is currently 6%, and is charged on overnight lodging in motels, vacation rentals, RV parks, and bed & breakfasts. In accordance with State statutes, the City could utilize up to 30% of the proceeds of an increased tax to subsidize the Police Department, with the remainder used for additional tourism promotion. The matter of Police Department funding will be placed on the December 7th City Council meeting agenda for discussion.



GAZEBO PARK CONSTRUCTION DELAYED



The current fiscal year 2009-2010 budget includes $20,000.00 in the Parks & Recreation Development Fund and $19,400.00 in the Community Beautification Fund for completing the Gazebo Park, which has been proposed to be located in the triangular shaped parcel along Highway 101, immediately north of City Hall. $18,610.00 from the fiscal year 2008-2009 Beautification Fund budget was initially utilized to purchase the gazebo, and it was delivered to Bandon in April. It is shrink-wrapped for storage, and the supplier Amish Country Gazebo Company assured the City that it “can be stored for a lengthy amount of time.” Remaining work will involve assembling the gazebo; installing concrete pad and pathways; grading; installing an irrigation system and planting grass; expanding the parking lot; and installing benches, trash receptacles, bicycle racks; and lighting. Commitments have also been secured from various contractors, businesses, and individuals to donate time and/or materials to the project.



At their November 2nd meeting, the City Council reviewed the proposal to decide whether to proceed, delay, or cancel the Gazebo Park project. Representatives from the Beautification Committee attended the meeting to support the project, although it is not currently a high priority project for the Parks & Recreation Commission. The Council reconsidered whether this was a good location for the gazebo in light of the wind, noise, and traffic safety issues, and whether this was the appropriate time to spend money to construct the new park in light of current economic conditions and the negative reaction from some of the public to the recent “Welcome to Bandon” sign installation at Seabird Drive. The issue of maintenance costs was also raised, since it is projected that it would add around $250 per month to the City Hall landscaping maintenance contract, plus the cost of water, electricity, and time and materials for emptying trash cans and other maintenance activities.



After discussing the proposal, the City Council decided to delay construction of the Gazebo Park until at least fiscal year 2010-2011, retain the funds currently budgeted for the Gazebo Park at least until the fiscal year 2010-2011 budget is prepared and adopted, and keep the gazebo in storage until a decision can be made regarding its final disposition.



BID AWARDED FOR INSTALLING THE WASTEWATER PLANT ULTRA-VIOLET DISINFECTION SYSTEM



In June, 2007, the City entered into a Mutual Agreement and Order (MAO) with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) under which the City was to upgrade the ultra-violet (UV) disinfection system at the wastewater treatment plant to comply with more stringent DEQ discharge permit requirements. The initial deadline for completion was May 2009, but the City was granted a time extension since additional efforts by the wastewater plant crew have allowed us to meet the discharge requirements.



It was anticipated that the project completion would cross over two fiscal years, and was budgeted accordingly, with a portion of the equipment purchase taking place in FY 2008-2009 and the remainder of the equipment purchase and its installation in FY 2009-2010. The equipment is now scheduled to arrive by the end of November. The City bid the equipment purchase on three occasions. The first successful bidder was unable to meet the bonding requirements. Both bids received during the second bidding were determined to be non-responsive, since the City’s existing UV channels are not a standard width (the original provider has since gone out of business), and neither manufacturer was willing to customize their system. The City then entered into negotiations with Spectral Innovations Ltd., who were willing to make a custom unit, the price of which is less than the previous low bid. In March 2009, the City Council approved an agreement with Spectral Innovations Ltd. to furnish the equipment.



At their November 2nd meeting, the City Council reviewed two bids submitted for installing the equipment, and awarded the contract to Kyle Electric, the lowest responsive proposer, in the amount of $30,730, which was less than the City Engineer’s estimate of $34,500. Including equipment purchase, engineering, and installation, the total project cost is $276,735, with funding coming from the Sewer Fund, Sewer Reserve Fund, and Sewer System Development Charges (SDCs).



CITY COUNCIL MAKES NO REVISIONS TO THE TRUCK ROUTE REGULATIONS



At their November 2nd meeting, the City Council again discussed matter of heavy trucks parked in residential neighborhoods, which had been held over from the October 13th meeting. The matter being considered was whether to amend the truck route regulations to prohibit semi-trucks from parking in residential neighborhoods. If they were prohibited, they would have to park in appropriate commercial and industrial zones, including such locations as the parking lot south of 3rd Street (adjacent to the site of the former Bandon Cheese Factory) which is leased from Tillamook Cheese. The existing truck route regulations contain an exemption which allows owners of semi-trucks to park their vehicles without trailers at their residences, provided they do not idle more than 5 minutes before leaving or after arriving.



A number of local commercial truck operators and citizens attended the meeting to voice their opposition to changing the existing regulations. After listening to discussion and testimony on both sides of the issue, by a vote of 4-2 the City Council defeated a motion which would have eliminated the current exemption which allows semi-trucks to be parked at the owner’s residence in residential zones. Councilors Claassen and Drew voted in favor of the motion, with Councilors Hundhausen, Procetto, Tiffany, and Vick opposed.



GOOD EARTH COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE



The Good Earth Community Garden is in the process of completing construction of Phase I. The plan is to have beds, guidelines, and a garden manager in place for the public in the Spring. It will be advertised when beds are available, and they will be issued on a first come, first served basis to anyone in the community.



The South Coast Community Garden Association (SCCGA) is seeking nominations to the Board for terms which begin in January. The SCCGA is encouraging folks to get involved. “You don’t have to be a gardener to participate in feeding and gardening education of the community!” Twenty four people attended a free, public soil building workshop in October sponsored by Good Earth, and the next free garden class will be held on November 14th. For additional information, or to make donations, please contact Buck Rogers, Good Earth, P.O. Box 1155, Bandon, OR 97411, telephone 541-347-2187.


LINDA’S CHURCH JOKE

Linda was obviously thinking about Thanksgiving with the plethora of jokes she came up with this week:

What did the turkey say before it was roasted?
Boy! I'm stuffed!

Why did the police arrest the turkey?
They suspected it of fowl play!

Why did they let the turkey join the band?
Because he had the drumsticks!

Why can't you take a turkey to church?
Because they use such fowl language!

And my personal favorite:

Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside!

That got Sarah in the mood, so she chimed in with this Thanksgiving poem:



May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!



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. Happy Thanksgiving!



Matt Winkel

City Manager

City Manager's Newsletter - October 16, 2009

City of Bandon

CITY MANAGER’S NEWSLETTER

October 16, 2009

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

• Bid Awarded For Several Sidewalk/Pathway Projects
• Police Department Operating Levy On November 3^rd Election Ballot
• Barn/Community Center Restroom Hours Of Operation
• City Reviewing Regulations Regarding Vehicle & RV Parking And Truck Routes
• Low Income Energy Assistance Program
• Reminder That Open Burning Is Not Allowed In Bandon
• Brush And Yard Debris Pick-Up Week
• City Council Meeting Videos Now Available On The Internet
• Linda’s Church Joke

BID AWARDED FOR SEVERAL SIDEWALK/PATHWAY PROJECTS

In an effort to reduce costs and get construction completed prior to the winter weather, the City recently combined several sidewalk and pedestrian walkway projects into a single project. These include the Madison Avenue pedestrian/bike path and emergency access route from the South Jetty to 7^th Street at the top of the bluff; the Old Town sidewalk replacement at the west end of First Street, including decorative sidewalk adjacent to the Port of Bandon offices in the old Coast Guard building; and the Harlem Avenue sidewalk, which will provide a safe pedestrian connection between 11^th Street and the Harvard Street Apartments and the future eastside City park.

After reviewing the two construction bids submitted, the City awarded the bid to LTM, Inc., dba Knife River Materials, the low bidder in the amount of $196,697.20. This amount is significantly less than the City Engineer’s original construction cost estimate of $352,175.00. Combined with engineering and archaeological assessment costs, the total project cost estimate is $233,777.20.

Several resources are being combined to fund all three segments of this project. A $100,000 federal stimulus program grant was received for the Harlem Avenue sidewalk project, and the Urban Renewal budget includes funds for the Madison Avenue pedestrian/bike path and the First Street sidewalks. The Public Works crews will also be undertaking all of the existing sidewalk removal along First Street, and the demolition, drainage, and base work on the Harlem Avenue sidewalk. Since property owners are responsible for the maintenance of the adjacent sidewalks, the Port of Bandon will be funding the portion of the sidewalk replacement adjacent to their building, and the owner of the residences along the north side of First Street between the Port building and Cleveland Avenue will be sharing in a proportionate share of that sidewalk replacement.

The initial plans included installing the electric conduit and equipment vaults under the First Street sidewalk, so it would be ready for future undergrounding of the electric, telephone, and cable TV lines. However, this area is one of the most sensitive Coquille Indian Tribe archaeological sites in Bandon. Removing and replacing the sidewalk alone necessitated hiring Southern Oregon University to undertake a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approved archaeological assessment at a cost of $13,000.00. Expanding the work to include open trenching for the electric, telephone, and cable television system undergrounding would have increased the archaeological assessment cost to $70,000.00 - $125,000.00. If significant artifacts were discovered, the cost for mitigating could potentially go much higher. The likelihood of that happening is significantly greater if utility trenches are dug than if the work only involves sidewalk removal and replacement. Considering the additional costs and potential impacts on archaeological resources, the installation of underground conduit and vaults has been eliminated from the project at this time. The sidewalk will be sectionalized, so future installation of underground utilities could take place by just removing the necessary sections of sidewalk. Some other less intrusive alternatives may also exist, such as installing the underground utility lines in the street in conjunction with future sewer line replacement (the soils above the sewer lines have already been disturbed, so the impact on archaeological resources should be much lower), installing the transformers and switching equipment above ground, and boring instead of open trenching.

POLICE DEPARTMENT OPERATING LEVY ON NOVEMBER 3^RD ELECTION BALLOT

The City of Bandon has placed Measure No. 6-128 on the November 3, 2009 election for voters to decide whether to impose a five-year property tax levy to generate funds for providing police protection beginning in 2010. The ballots will be mailed by the Coos County Elections Department on Friday, October 16^th, and should be received by registered Bandon voters the following week.

One of the primary public safety concerns for the City of Bandon is ensuring 24 hour police coverage. Considering the normal 40-hour work week, three shifts per day, seven days per week, vacations, sick leave, and court appearance time, it takes a minimum of five officers, including the Chief and Sergeant, to schedule coverage with at least one officer on duty at all times. To allow for some overlapping schedules for administrative duties, investigations, drug enforcement programs, and other similar activities, a minimum of six officers is recommended. With a population of 3,300, this calculates to 1.8 police officers per 1,000 population. The statewide average is 1.6 police officers per 1,000 population. (Source: Northwest Area Foundation, 1997-2007: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reports, http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm (Last Updated: November 17, 2008.) Dropping Bandon’s police force to five officers would mean 1.5 officers per 1,000 population, which is below the statewide average.

The City of Bandon currently has six police officers. Until this year, the City had seven officers, but due to budget constraints the City could only fill one of two recent vacancies, thereby reducing the force to its current level. Without additional funding, current budget projections indicate that the City would not be able to guarantee its ability to continue providing 24 hour police patrol coverage. The Police Department budget constitutes approximately 60% of all discretionary funds in the General Fund (money not legally obligated to other purposes), so their budget is projected to continue being negatively impacted along with other General Fund departments as cost increases outpace revenue growth. If additional budget cuts are necessary, they could include further reduction in the number of police officers, elimination of the clerical/dispatch office specialist position, and/or further reduction in the training, equipment, and vehicle replacement budgets.

The proposed police levy will be used to pay the expenses of two full-time police officers, including wages, benefits, insurance, training, travel, and vehicle costs for a period of five years. Those funds will be combined with money from the City’s General Fund to provide a total of six full-time police officers, plus the clerical/dispatch office specialist and all other police department operating expenses. The City Council has committed to providing 4 full-time certified police officers as the highest priority expenditure of the City’s General Fund, so funding 2 officers with a police levy will ensure a force of at least 6 officers.

The proposed levy will generate $1,105,125 over 5 years, which will be imposed in equal amounts of $221,025 each year. It is estimated that the proposed tax will result in a rate of $0.56 per $1,000 assessed value in the first year. To determine the impact on your property taxes, multiply the assessed valuation in $1,000's by $0.56. For example, a house with an assessed valuation of $150,000 would pay $84 per year ($150 x $0.56), $300,000 would pay $168 per year ($300 x $0.56), etc. That amount could vary up or down each year, depending on increases or decreases in total Bandon assessed valuation.

BARN/COMMUNITY CENTER RESTROOM HOURS OF OPERATION

This issue of Barn/Community Center restroom operating hours was discussed by the City Council at their October 13^th meeting. The question revolved around whether the restrooms should be opened for general public use on weekends and other times the Barn is not being used for specific activities. Neither before nor after the recent renovation have the restrooms been opened for general public use except in conjunction with activities at the Barn. The small restrooms adjacent to the Park Host space are open to the public on a daily basis, and are cleaned by the Park Host. The Barn restrooms are open during activities of all regular Barn users, such as the Lions Club, EAT program, senior meals, senior center, etc. It has also been understood that occasional users who rent all or part of the Barn for meetings, weddings, parties, etc. are also renting the restrooms, and are responsible for the costs of cleaning after those events. In all cases, the Barn restrooms have only been open when someone is using the facility, and they have never been open without someone in attendance.

Keeping the restrooms and kitchen clean and maintained is costly, and is a critical part of the overall value and appeal of the Barn. Opening the Barn restrooms to general public use, seven days per week, would add to the janitorial, supplies, and maintenance costs at a time when both the Community Center and Parks & Recreation budgets are very tight. The City’s experience with the South Jetty Park restrooms is that unattended restrooms are subject to extensive damage, vandalism, and abuse. These problems would be exacerbated at the Barn if the restrooms were opened without someone in attendance, since the lobby and hallways would also be open unless security gates were installed in the front hallway.

The most significant concern is that the existing small restroom building is not handicapped accessible. After discussing the matter, the City Council unanimously agreed that the Barn restrooms should remained closed except during events and activities at the facility, and that staff should make a concerted effort to identify a funding resource to replace the existing City Park public restrooms with a larger handicapped accessible building.

CITY REVIEWING REGULATIONS REGARDING VEHICLE & RV PARKING AND TRUCK ROUTES

City staff and Councilors occasionally receive inquiries and complaints regarding the number of vehicles parked in City streets and private yards, heavy trucks parked in residential neighborhoods, and large trucks and vehicles driving on certain collector and local streets. The various existing traffic, parking, recreational vehicle (RV), and truck route regulations were reviewed and discussed by the City Council at their October 13^th meeting.

At the conclusion of those discussions, it was the consensus of the Council that staff should prepare and bring back for further consideration an amendment to the regulations which would prohibit semi-trucks from parking in residential neighborhoods. At the same time, the City would make available the parking lot south of 3^rd Street (the property adjacent to the site of the former Bandon Cheese Factory which is leased from Tillamook Cheese) for parking semi-trucks and trailers. The existing truck route regulations allow owners of semi-trucks to park their vehicles without trailers at their residences, provided they do not idle more than 5 minutes before leaving or after arriving. The City Council also requested that the Planning Commission review the existing regulations related to RV parking and multiple vehicle parking in residential neighborhoods, and report back to the Council with any recommendations for regulatory changes which would address problems related to those issues.

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 helped by the City’s low income energy assistance program, which was instituted to comply with State electric regulations. This local program is funded by a surcharge on the electric utility bills and through voluntary contributions by customers who participate in the City’s “Round-Up” Program. These programs allow qualifying low-income households to apply for energy bill-paying assistance once each year. The maximum standard benefit is $300, which can be increased to $800 for crisis situations.

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.

For the one-year period from October 1, 2008 - September 30, 2009, a total of $47,946.01 in Federal LIEAP assistance was provided to 154 households (367 individuals) in the Bandon electric service territory. For the period April 30, 2009 - September 30, 2009, a total of $9,463.00 from the City’s local low income energy assistance program provided electric bill paying assistance to an additional 32 households (77 individuals). A total of 185 customers are currently participating in the “Round-Up” Program, providing an annual voluntary contribution of approximately $1,110.

If you feel your income level may qualify you for energy bill paying assistance, please contact Southwestern Oregon Community Action at 541-888-1574.

REMINDER THAT OPEN BURNING IS NOT ALLOWED IN BANDON

Recent data from the Police Department indicate a significant increase in the number of complaints related to fires and open burning. Please remember that open burning is not allowed in Bandon. This prohibition applies to burning garbage, rubbish, yard waste, and other materials in open fires, incinerators, and burn barrels. Operating indoor wood stoves is permitted, as is the appropriate use of approved outdoor barbeques and patio fireplaces. Any other outdoor burning for special events is subject to individual review and approval by the City Council, and payment of the cost for a permit and pre-inspection by the Fire Department.

BRUSH AND YARD DEBRIS PICK-UP WEEK

The final brush and yard debris removal program of 2009 will be held during the week of October 26 - 30, during which time Bandon Disposal will be picking up piles of brush and yard debris. City residents are 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 26, simply place your yard debris in the right-of-way along your street, and Bandon Disposal will pick it up sometime during that week. Please 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 and yard debris removal events are held each year. In addition to the last week in October, the other free events are scheduled for 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.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING VIDEOS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET

The Bandon City Council meetings are now available on the internet as video-on-demand, so they can be viewed at any time. The videos can be found at http://coosmediacenter.pegcentral.com/. (The latest version of Flash Media Player is required.) From the opening page, scroll down and through the pages (there are several pages which also contain Coos Bay City Council, North Bend City Council, Coos County Commissioners, and other area meetings).

Since there is limited storage space, the amount of time each meeting can be maintained on line has not yet been determined. It is anticipated that a minimum of the two most recent meetings will always be available, which means each meeting can be accessed for at least two months. For older meetings, copies of the DVDs are available for viewing and copying at City Hall and the Library.

LINDA’S CHURCH JOKE

This one was sent in by one of Linda’s many church-joke fans:

A man appeared before St. Peter at the pearly gates. "Have you ever done anything of particular merit?" St. Peter asked.

“Well, I can think of one thing," the man offered. "On a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota, I came upon a gang of nasty bikers, who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen. So, I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker and smacked him on the head, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground. Then I yelled, ‘Now, back off! Or you'll answer to me!’"

St. Peter was extremely impressed, and asked, "When did this happen?"

The man replied, "Just a couple of minutes ago."

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!

Matt Winkel

City Manager