City of Bandon
CITY MANAGER'S NEWSLETTER
April 11, 2008
This newsletter is an informal report by City Manager Matt Winkel on the news, issues, and other items of interest from the City of Bandon. It will normally be posted once each month (on the Friday following the City Council meeting) on the City's WEB Page at www.ci.bandon.or.us, and will be e-mailed directly to all subscribers. Subscribers will also receive copies of City Council, Planning Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, Architectural Review Board, and Water Resource Committee agendas via e-mail in advance of each meeting.
To subscribe or un-subscribe, or if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please e-mail to citymanager@ci.bandon.or.us. Your e-mail addresses will be kept confidential and not distributed or used for any purposes other than e-mail communications with the City of Bandon.
FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE
- Proclamations
- Water Treatment Plant Clarifier And Ultra-Violet Disinfection System Are Up And Operating
- Fiscal Year 2006-2007 City And Urban Renewal Audits Completed
- Proposed Fiscal Year 2008-2009 City And Urban Renewal Budgets Being Reviewed By Budget Committee
- City Property Tax Rates Remain Low And City Continues To Rely Heavily On Utility Revenues
- Minimum Building Appearance Standards Being Considered
- Spring Cleaning Events Planned For May
- Workforce Housing Project Update
- Coos County Deadly Physical Force Plan Approved
- Please Remember To Pick Up After Your Dog
- Linda's Church Joke
PROCLAMATIONS
At the April 4, 2008 City Council meeting, Mayor Mary Schamehorn issued proclamations declaring Thursday, May 1, 2008 as National Day of Prayer in Bandon, and declaring the month of April 2008 to be Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Bandon.
WATER TREATMENT PLANT CLARIFIER AND ULTRA-VIOLET DISINFECTION SYSTEM ARE UP AND OPERATING
The new clarifier and ultra-violet disinfection system at the water treatment plant have been completed, and are now fully operating. The clarfier replacement project was initiated following a major breakdown of the old unit in 2005, and the ultra-violet disinfection system was added to provide an extra level of protection against any potential microbiological contaminants. Financing for the $1,010,000 project was provided through a low-interest loan from the State of Oregon, with payments being made through a voter-approved property tax supported bond, and water system development charges (SDCs). The next major improvement proposed for the water treatment plant involves the installation of tube settlers in the clarifier. Although the unit is operating as designed, tube settlers will help make the treatment process more efficient, by improving the quality of the water before it enters the filters and thereby allowing them to function more effectively and with less backwashing (cleaning).
FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007 CITY AND URBAN RENEWAL AUDITS COMPLETED
At the April 7, 2008 City Council meeting, representatives from Hough MacAdam Wartnik LLC, the City's auditing firm, presented the fiscal year 2006-2007 City of Bandon and Urban Renewal audits. Following the presentation and discussion, the City Council accepted the audits by unanimous vote. Copies of the City and Urban Renewal audits for this year and prior years are available for public inspection and copying at City Hall and the Library.
PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009 CITY AND URBAN RENEWAL BUDGETS BEING REVIEWED BY THE BUDGET COMMITTEE
The proposed City budget for fiscal year 2008-2009 (July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009) is currently being reviewed by the Budget Committee. (The Budget Committee consists of the Mayor, six City Councilors, and seven citizens appointed at-large, who are responsible for making a final budget recommendation to the City Council.) Copies of the proposed City and Urban Renewal budgets are available for public inspection and copying at City Hall and the Library.
City of Bandon Budget
The proposed budget total is $22,245,196, which represents a decrease of $314,633 (1.4%) below the fiscal year 2007-2008. The difference is not attributable to any one item, but is a combination of increases in some Funds and decreases in other Funds, and reflects the completion of a number of capital improvement projects. The number of City employees is projected to remain the same as last year. No electric, water, or sewer rate increases are anticipated.
Some of the major projects and activities proposed for the upcoming fiscal year include the following:
- Complete the installation of an ultra-violet disinfection system at the wastewater treatment plant.
- Install tube-settlers in the water treatment plant clarifier.
- Complete a feasibility study for the possible development of additional water reservoirs.
- Continue the program to install additional ADA sidewalk corner ramps at various locations.
- Construct the proposed South Jetty pedestrian pathway between Edison Avenue and the South Jetty Park (partial grant funding anticipated).
- Install a paved pedestrian/bicycle pathway in the Madison Avenue right-of-way from the South Jetty to the bluff at 7th Street SW (partial grant funding anticipated).
- Overlay Beach Loop Drive from the Sunset Motel to Strawberry Point.
- Stabilize the roadway failures on Ohio Avenue SE at Ferry Creek.
- Repair and seal coat streets in Old Town.
- Overlay Ohio Avenue NE from 2nd Street NE to Fahy Avenue.
- Complete the Oregon Avenue sewer line replacement and upsizing project.
- Replace portion of sewer main line in 11th Street west of Harrison Avenue.
- Complete the Community Center renovation and expansion project (partial grant funding anticipated).
- Install drainage and protective matting/material under playground equipment at City Park.
- Reconstruct air handlers at Sprague Community Theater.
- Complete property purchase and initiate development of an Eastside City Park at Bill's Creek Road and Harvard Street.
- Construct gazebo at proposed new park north of City Hall.
- Install new "Welcome to Bandon" sign and landscaping at the Highway 101 & Seabird Drive intersection.
- Purchase a new Electric Department bucket truck.
- Replace the deteriorating underground electric lines on North Avenue.
- Complete the undergrounding of electric lines along Fillmore Avenue between Highway 101 and 11th Street.
- Continue work on plans for installing a wind and solar generating system to provide electric power to the Coquille River Lighthouse (partial grant funding anticipated).
- Continue building reserve funds for future projects, including replacing culverts on Gross Creek, undergrounding electric lines on Highway 101; constructing the Johnson Creek reservoir and/or other water resource development; purchasing park, open space, and watershed property; replacing the water line in Ohio Avenue SE; and installing backup electric generators at the water and wastewater treatment plants.
Urban Renewal Budget
The combined total of the proposed budgets for Urban Renewal District No. 1 and District No. 2 is $1,294,336, which is $92,031 more than last year.
Some of the major projects and activities proposed for the upcoming fiscal year include the following:
- Provide additional matching funds for the Coquille River Lighthouse renovation.
- Provide matching funds for the Jetty Walkway and Madison Avenue Pedestrian/Bicycle Pathway.
- Provide matching funds for the Community Center renovation.
- Expand the Old Town restrooms adjacent to the Riverwalk.
- Continue making debt service payments on prior loans for Fillmore Avenue Construction, Wastewater Plant Improvements, Public Library Construction, and Community Center Renovation.
- Continue building reserve funds to undertake various projects identified in the Urban Renewal Plans, including partial funding for the proposed Community Swimming Pool.
Public Hearings
Hearings on the proposed City and Urban Renewal budgets, and on the use of State Revenue Sharing funds, will be held on Monday, April 14, 2008, at 7:00 PM, in the City Council chambers. Anyone with requests, comments, or questions on the proposed City, Urban Renewal, or State Revenue Sharing budgets is invited to attend this meeting.
CITY PROPERTY TAX RATES REMAIN LOW AND CITY CONTINUES TO RELY HEAVILY ON UTILITY REVENUES
The City's permanent property tax rate remains unchanged at $0.46 per $1,000 assessed valuation, and the Local Option Street Levy will continue at $.85 per $1,000 assessed valuation. With increases in assessed valuation, the property tax rate for prior bond repayments was lowered by $0.16, from its FY 2006-2007 rate of $1.02 per $1,000 assessed valuation to a FY 2007-2008 rate of $0.86. Since the completion of the water treatment plant clarifier and ultra-violet disinfection system were delayed, those bond payments were correspondingly moved back for one year. As a result, those assessments will not be made in the upcoming year, which will further lower the property tax rate. With the continuation of the Local Option Street Tax, the Urban Renewal Special Levy will not be imposed again this year. Bandon's total fiscal year 2007-2008 property tax rate was $2.17 per $1,000 assessed valuation, which was $0.16 less than the previous $2.33. For comparison, the FY 2007-2008 property tax rates for all other full-service cities in Coos County ranged from $6.10 to $8.29 per $1,000 assessed valuation.
Unlike most other cities whose budgets are based heavily on property taxes, Bandon's revenues are primarily generated by its electric, water, and sewer utilities. The City's ability to provide essential public services relies upon the overall health of its water, sewer, and electric enterprises. These utilities contribute to the City's operation through sales taxes, in-lieu taxes, and direct payments. As an illustration of this dependence, the proposed budget anticipates that the net new operating resources (beginning balance, grants, and pass-through funds excluded) to be received by the General Fund in fiscal year 2008-2009 will total $2,527,439. Of this amount, $1,713,218 (68%) will be received from the utility systems, through the 10% utility taxes, in lieu taxes, and direct reimbursements. The second largest resource is anticipated to be transient occupancy taxes in the amount of $447,969 (18%). Property taxes are expected to contribute only $153,992 (6%), with all other resources accounting for $212,260 (8%).
MINIMUM BUILDING APPEARANCE STANDARDS BEING CONSIDERED
An item which had been previously considered by the City Council was the possible adoption of regulations governing building appearance. In particular, concern was expressed over the derelict appearance of some buildings in the community, particularly some which had been under construction or unoccupied for long periods of time. Staff undertook a survey to determine whether similar ordinances existed in other cities. Like Bandon, most cities responding indicated that they had dangerous building regulations, but did not have standards which governed the appearance of buildings which were not necessarily dangerous. The City of Lowell, however, did respond with a copy of their regulations, which contained building appearance standards, in addition to dangerous building abatement. That ordinance appeared to be an excellent starting point for the possible development of such regulations for Bandon.
At their April 4, 2008 meeting, the City Council discussed the matter, and directed staff to prepare a draft ordinance adding Minimum Building Appearance Standards to the Bandon Municipal Code, and bring that proposal back for City Council consideration at the next possible meeting. The vote was five to one, with Councilors Briscoe, Claassen, Drew, Procetto, and Tiffany voting in favor, and Councilor Powell opposed. It is envisioned that the new regulations will primarily address maintenance of exterior building features such as roofs, siding, paint, doors, windows, awnings, stairs, fences, etc., and will place time limitations on temporary repairs, coverings, plastic sheeting, and buildings under construction.
SPRING CLEANING EVENTS PLANNED FOR MAY
The Beautification Committee and the Parks & Recreation Commission, in conjunction with the City of Bandon, Bandon Disposal, and SOLV (Stop Oregon's Litter and Vandalism) will be hosting two Spring cleaning events in May.
Brush Removal
The first event will be held during the week of May 5 - 9, at which time Bandon Disposal will be picking up piles of yard debris and brush. City residents will be allowed up to a maximum of 5 cubic yards of brush and yard debris removal (approximately two pickup loads) at no cost. Prior to Monday, May 5, simply place your debris in the right-of-way along your street, and Bandon Disposal will do a sweep through town beginning on that date, and continuing through the week. Make sure that your brush is in one pile, since there is a maximum of one pile per address, and no group piles. Keep in mind that this program is for woody yard debris such as branches, brush, gorse, etc., so other items and materials such as metals, appliances, furniture, etc. will not be accepted. Branches must be cut into lengths no longer than 5 feet. Grass clippings and leaves will also be picked up, provided they are placed in biodegradable PAPER bags. NO PLASTIC bags can be accepted. Also, please avoid placing your pile under overhead utility lines, since a boom truck is used to pick up the debris. Locate your pile away from fire hydrants and utility boxes, and do not impede sidewalks or pedestrian walkways. If you have more than 5 cubic yards of debris, there will be a charge of $8.50 per additional cubic yard. A total of three brush removal events are scheduled to be held each year. In addition to the first week in May, the other free events are held during the last week in October, and in mid-January. Bandon Disposal also provides debris pick-up service at other times throughout the year, and can be contacted at 347-9633 for a price quote.
City Park Walking Trail Construction
In partnership with SOLV's "Down by the Riverside" program, the Beautification Committee and the Parks & Recreation Commission will be constructing the first section of the proposed Rotary Club walking path in City Park. This phase will begin near the northeast corner of the Park, and will involve constructing 50 feet of gravel pathway. To participate, arrive at the City Park between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Bring a pair of gloves, and a shovel or garden rake.
Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate in these two Spring cleaning events. For more information, please contact the City of Bandon at (541) 347-2437.
WORKFORCE HOUSING PROJECT UPDATE
Last year, as a spin-off from the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee, a private non-profit organization, the Bandon Community Development Trust, was formed for the purpose of planning and developing workforce housing in Bandon. A 501.C.3 application has been submitted and is pending. At the April 7th City Council meeting, Joe Briscoe, who is serving as a consultant to the Trust, updated the City Council on the status of those efforts.
The objective of the Trust is to promote the development of some owner-occupied housing units which can be afforded by working families earning a living wage. At this time, many employees of local businesses, industries, and public agencies in Bandon are forced to live in other communities and commute to work due to the high cost of housing. In addition to the initial development of these housing units, mechanisms will also have to be put in place to ensure that the units were made available to working families, as opposed to investors, and that the homes remained affordable for subsequent buyers. The Trust received a start-up grant in the amount of $25,000 from the Oregon Community Foundation to undertake some initial planning activities, and is in the process of applying for other funds for project development.
The Board of Directors of the Bandon Community Development Trust are: Joseph Bain, Chair; Melody Juarez, Vice Chair; Cindy Lesner, Secretary; Nora Thomason, Treasurer; and at-large members Melonie Dodson, Nikki Whitty, and Matt Winkel.
COOS COUNTY DEADLY PHYSICAL FORCE PLAN APPROVED
At the April 7th meeting, the City Council completed its review of the 2008 Coos County Deadly Physical Force Plan, which was initially presented to the City Council by District Attorney Paul Frasier at the March 3, 2008 meeting. This plan provides a consistent framework for all police agencies in the County, regarding the response, investigation, reporting, and follow-up in the case of a police officer's use of deadly force. After discussing the proposed plan, it was accepted unanimously by the City Council.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG
This is a reminder to dog owners to please help keep Bandon a clean, safe, and pleasant community by picking up any dog waste while you are walking your dog. We continue to get complaints regarding dog owners not picking up after their dogs while walking them along streets, and also in large open areas such as the various cemeteries. The Bandon Municipal Code requires the use of a leash in areas other than your own property and approved "off-leash" areas such as the Dog Park at City Park, and also requires dog owners to pick up and properly dispose of dog waste. To help in this regard, the Parks & Recreation Commission will be placing dog waste bag dispensers and disposal units in select locations in the community. As a test, the first two will be placed in Old Town adjacent to the Alabama Street parking lot, and at the South Jetty Park. That will enable us to measure how much time and money is involved in providing materials and maintenance for these units, and to determine how much it would cost to service additional dog waste stations. A sincere thanks goes out to the many responsible dog owners who do pick up after their pets.
LINDA'S CHURCH JOKE
Well, I'm about to give up on Linda's church jokes, since she seems to be running on empty. However, here's one that was sent in by one of her faithful readers:
A Rabbi and a Catholic Priest met at the town's annual 4th of July picnic. Old friends, they began their usual banter.
This baked ham is really delicious," the priest teased the Rabbi. "You really ought to try it. I know it's against your religion, but I can't understand why such a wonderful food should be forbidden! You just haven't lived until you've tried Mrs. Hall's prized Virginia Baked Ham. Tell me, Rabbi, when are you going to break down and try it?"
The Rabbi looked at the priest with a big grin, and replied, "At your wedding!"
HA! HA! Ha! HO! Ho! HA! Ha! ha! ha! ha!
ANYTHING ELSE?
Do you have any questions, input, or suggestions? Are there any topics you want addressed or covered in the Newsletter? If so, please let me know at citymanager@ci.bandon.or.us. For more complex questions or issues that may take significant discussion, please feel free to contact me by telephone at (541) 347-2437, voice mail ext. 229, so we can schedule an appointment.
Also, remember to visit the City of Bandon WEB page at www.ci.bandon.or.us, where you can get more information on this wonderful place in which we live.
That's it for now. Have a great day!
Matt Winkel
City Manager
