January/February - City of Troutdale

THE
TROUTDALE CHAMPION
Published 6 Times A Year
January / February 2015
Mayor’s Corner
The annual Spring
Cleanup event will
be held Saturday,
istrative method of “division of taxes” which provides a very
May 2, 2015,
small portion of funds that would normally go to other taxing
at the
jurisdictions (city, county, schools), some of those taxes
are redirected to the URA to provide funds for redevelopTroutdale
ment.
Transfer
up
n
The TIF funds are available to pay for projects in an
Station.
lea
adopted URA Plan, which can include: construcC
Details
d
g
tion or improvement of public facilities including
n
n
i
about the
pr ay 2
streets, utilities, parks and other public uses,
S
l
event will be
M
acquisition and improvement of property,
ua
n
published
in the
participation with developers for property
An
improvement, and rehabilitation of existing
March/April edition
buildings.
of the Champion and a brochure
Our URA Plan also provides for a
will be sent to all residents in late April.
maximum indebtedness of $7,000,000
For questions about the Spring Cleanup Event
which may be incurred during the Plan
planning, please contact Amy Pepper, Civil
period. The Plan may be amended to extend the
Engineer, at 503-674-7241, or email
original 10-year Plan duration for an additional 10 years.
[email protected].
This amendment would allow more time to complete
by Doug Daoust
te!
a
D
e
h
t
e
v
Sa
The last Mayor’s Corner Champion
article on our Urban Renewal Area
(URA) prompted a number of follow
up questions.
The purpose of a URA is to facilitate
the development or redevelopment of
property which has become run
down, dilapidated and in need of
“renewal” so that it will more substantially contribute to our community. Typically properties in a URA
have some economic challenge or
obstacle to improvement, yet they
have great potential.
Great potential was envisioned for
our URA, and through significant
public involvement, the Troutdale
Riverfront Renewal Plan (Plan) to
eliminate blight and foster development and redevelopment, was
approved by the voters in 2006.
URA redevelopment is financed
through concentrated property tax
resource know as Tax Increment
Financing (TIF). Through the admin-
redevelopment in our URA, but it will NOT increase the
maximum indebtedness of $7,000,000, just allow more
time to complete projects in the Plan. Typically URA
Plans have a 20 to 30-year duration, just for information,
the Urban Renewal Plan, adopted by Ordinance #710 on
August 30, 2001, had a plan duration of 25 years.
Extending the URA Plan duration for another 10 years
will provide the continued opportunity to pursue the
redevelopment goals of the Plan. The continued TIF
collection would provide funding to support development
incentives and Plan goals.
In the icy-cold wind, City staff along with Frontier Communication workers Mike Kavanagh,
George Ngai, Ron Parrott and Raleigh
Winterbottom prepared the holiday tree in
Mayors Square for the annual tree lighting and
First Friday festivities. The tree stayed put
even though it remained windy for the next three
weeks.
The current URA Plan duration will expire in approximately 15 months. Not extending the duration will
effectively stop any further development efforts, as there
is insufficient time to realistically complete any significant development project. Once the $310,000 of URA
debt has been repaid, collection of the TIF would
conclude and the various other taxing jurisdictions will
no longer share a portion of their property taxes with the
URA. The URA Plan will no longer control what the
property owners may develop on the property.
(See “Mayor’s Corner” on Page 4)
POSTAL
POST
AL
PATRON
City of Troutdale
219 E. Historic Columbia
River Hwy.
Troutdale, OR 97060
US POSTAGE PAID
STANDARD
PRESORT
TROUTDALE, OR
PERMIT #16
Hailing from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
and many points thereafter, Norm
Thomas landed in Portland with his
family, as a high school
sophomore, attending and
graduating from Centennial High
School. After a short 8 ½ years in
the Army, marriage, children and a
stint living in the Rockwood area,
Norm, his wife Charlene and the
kids were ready to move but
decided to remain in the same
school district. Originally, Troutdale
was a little too far ‘east’ for their
tastes until they fell in love with a
house here whilst it was merely
‘sticks’!
What first drew
you to this form
of community
service?
The Call to Serve:
Norm Thomas,
Tireless & Devoted
Volunteer
I don’t know really! I was
active on church boards and
was interested in volunteer
work when I saw the ad in the
Troutdale Champion to apply for
committees. Also, when I met
(former Mayor) the late Paul
Thalhofer he called me to meet
him for breakfast one morning
around 8:00 a.m. We met at
McMenamin’s Edgefield and he
introduced me to the Chairman of
the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory
Commission. Then Paul left the
building and I’ve been on the
Commission ever since!
But Norm did not stop there! He
started out on the Citizens
Advisory Committee (CAC),
Planning Commission, Fire User
Board and 12 years on City
Council. All this beginning in
1994 and continuing to this day.
In your service to the City,
of what are you most
proud?
It’s a combination of The
Centennial Arch, our designation
as Tree City U.S.A. and the
promotion of Neighborhood
Associations. I have not
‘spearheaded’ any particular actions,
as I am not in it for me, just what is
best for the City. We have tried to
be sure that homeowners and
businesses are not negatively
impacted by our actions while
keeping our rates reasonable.
What would you change?
I am discouraged by not having
created the Urban Renewal District
sooner, when developers were
waiting.
You’ve been dealing with some
pretty serious health issues,
yet you’ve always maintained
your focus and dedication.
What’s your secret and what
advice to you have to offer?
“Also, take that first step to get
involved. ...People don’t realize how
City government directly impacts
your life. The further up you go in
government, the less direct impact it
has on individuals.”
Norm Thomas
My faith in God and a positive hope
for the future. I feel I have lots left to
do in my lifetime.
Also, take that first step to get involved. The CAC worked well for me! People
don’t realize how City government directly impacts your life. The further up you
go in government, the less direct impact it has on individuals.
City of Troutdale’s existing saniDo you know The
tary wastewater system collects
from households, busiwhere your wastewater
nesses, and industries. Flow through
the collection system is mostly by
wastewater gravity.
Ten lift stations pump wastewater
from areas that cannot flow by gravity to the
Water Pollution Control Facility where the
goes?
wastewater is treated before being discharged
back into the Sandy River.
What is “Wastewater Treatment”?
•
•
•
•
It’s cleaning used water and sewage so it can be returned
safely back to our environment.
Wastewater treatment is one of the last defenses against water
pollution.
Your community’s wastewater treatment plant is a vital part of
the nation’s effort to protect water resources and public health.
Clean water is the goal of your wastewater treatment plant.
(Pictured, Troutdale Water Pollution Control Facility) Following removal of large
solids and grit, wastewater is pumped to two primary clarifiers (foreground above)
where most of the fine settable solids settle to the bottom of the tank. The solids
are then treated at digesters before being pumped to the storage lagoon. With a
capacity of 3.5 million gallons, the storage lagoon (background) is used to store
treated sludge, which is eventually pumped to tankers and applied as fertilizer to
outlying grass hay farmers.
Why are wastewater treatment plants important?
•
•
They protect public health from disease causing bacteria and
viruses. Today’s treatment plants actually disinfect wastewater,
eliminating many of these harmful organisms.
They protect water quality so you can enjoy clean oceans,
lakes, streams and rivers.
Where does wastewater come from?
•
•
•
Homes: Human and household wastes from toilets, sinks,
baths and showers, laundry and dishwashers. On average,
each person in the United States contributes 50-100 gallons of
wastewater each and every day.
Industry: Chemicals and other wastes from factories, food
service operations, shopping centers and other industrial,
commercial operations.
Storm water runoff and groundwater: Water that runs
through manholes during storms as well as groundwater that
enters through cracks and loose seams into sewer lines and
manholes.
How do treatment plants protect
your water resources?
•
•
•
Out in the Parks …with Tim Seery
Remove solids: This includes everything
from rags, sand, soils, coffee grounds, egg
shells, etc.
Reduce organic matter and pollutants:
Helpful bacteria and other microorganisms
are used to consume organic matter in
wastewater. The bacteria and microorganisms are then separated from the water.
Restore oxygen: Wastewater treatment
facilities help ensure that the water put
back into your lakes and rivers has
enough oxygen to support life.
Volunteers do make a difference!
One of the greatest things a person can do is to volunteer their time towards
a cause that is rewarding to both the volunteer and the organization for
which they are volunteering. One of our newest volunteers is Tom Mitchell.
Tom recently retired and was looking for an opportunity to give back to his
community. Besides the common task of picking up trash in our parks and
walkways, Tom is pictured here finishing off one of seventy-nine trash
receptacles that need rebuilding. Wood has a limited life span and many of
the trash receptacles throughout our parks are in need of refurbishing. This
is a big benefit to the City, it keeps Tom busy during the day, and his
workmanship is outstanding. We have many outstanding volunteers who give
their time for so many important purposes. If you would like to volunteer for
the Parks department please call me at 603-674-7271, or Mollie King at
503-674-7206. Other volunteer opportunities are available in departments
throughout the City, including Police, Recreation and Public Works and
Recycling.
Recycle your
printers and
peripherals
for free starting
January 1
Troutdale has the following
E-cycle location:
Goodwill
Troutdale Market Center
26942 SE Stark Street
(corner Troutdale Road
and Stark Street)
Many hands make any task easier!
Did you
get new
electronics for the
holidays? Remember
to recycle your old
TVs, computers,
and monitors
through the Oregon
E-Cycles program for
FREE. Beginning January 1,
2015, computer printers and
peripherals (keyboards and mice)
will be added to the free recycling
provided by the Oregon E-Cycles
program. Oregon E-Cycles
provides free recycling for anyone
with up to seven items to recycle
at one time. Since these items
contain toxic materials and
recycling is readily available, they
are banned by law from disposal
in the garbage.
To recycle other electronics, inquire at the E-Cycles locations, call Metro’s
Recycling Hotline at 503-234-3000, or check out www.oregonmetro.gov/
findarecycler.
To read more about the City’s
wastewater treatment process,
with full diagram and details, go to:
http://www.troutdaleoregon.gov/
wastewater/treatmentplant.html
Did you know ...
The Troutdale Wastewater Services Division
collects, treats, and
disposes of an average
1.4 million gallons of
sanitary sewage daily
utilizing over 50 miles
of sewer mains, 8 pump
stations, and a 3-milliongallon-per-day treatment facility.
“The pessimist complains about the
wind; the optimist
expects it to change;
the realist adjusts the
sails.”
William Arthur Ward
This year Jack Frost is in
cahoots with the Snow Miser
to freeze your pipes! But
luckily there are things that
everyone can do to thwart
these winter villains. Cover
foundation vents and ensure
that pipes are adequately
insulated. If temperature is
extremely low, you may want
to open cupboard doors under
sinks and let faucets drip.
W i n t e r i z e y o u r p i p e s!
In the event a pipe does burst, it is critical to know where your home’s main
water supply valve is and be prepared to act fast to minimize water damage.
Now is the perfect time to find it, tag it, and inform family members of its
location. The most likely locations are where the supply pipe enters your home
next to the foundation, near the hot water heater, or in the crawl space.
If a pipe does burst, shut off the water supply immediately and call a plumber.
Don’t call 9-1-1. If you are unable to reach a plumber and need help shutting off
water to your home, you can contact Public Works during regular business
hours at 503-674-3300, or our after-hours emergency number at
503-251-4163. You’re on your own with the Burgermeister
Meisterburger though…
2
Have neighbor
problems?
A dispute with your neighbor is not
an uncommon problem, nor is it a
new one. Ongoing problems with
neighbors can begin with something
as simple as a polite request to turn
down the music late at night, or
asking them not to mow the lawn so
early. Many times someone’s first
instinct is to call the police to solve
the problem. Depending on what is
actually occurring, the police may
have no recourse in the matter
whatsoever. In addition, calling the
police on your neighbors may only
escalate the problem (“well, he
called the police on us”). This is not
in any way meant to say don’t call
the police. Police officers are
typically good mediators, but not
always the solution. We strongly
recommend that you try and work
the problem out with your neighbor
prior to calling the police.
Two common neighbor problems and how to deal with them
Noise, Noise, Noise
Troutdale Municipal Code, Chapter 8.24.035-Unreasonable noises prohibited.
A noise is unreasonable when;
• The noise is made between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• The noise is plainly audible within a noise sensitive unit (basically
any other building or structure with doors and windows closed).
• The noise is amplified by a machine, or object.
• The tone of the noise is abnormally high or low.
As a general rule: Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., any plainly
audible noise you are able to hear that is coming from a different location
than yours will fall under the noise ordinance.
The maximum penalty for violation of the Troutdale Noise Ordinance carries a
$1,000 fine.
Barking Dogs
Photo Credit: Toshohiro Gamo (Creative
Commons on Flickr)
Multnomah County Animal Control is contracted to enforce animal-related
complaints in Troutdale.
• If you have a neighbor with a dog that barks constantly, first try to talk
to the neighbor and solve the problem yourself.
• If this does not work, you may call Multnomah County Animal Control
at 503-988-3066.
• Note: If an animal is an immediate threat to any person, call 9-1-1.
What other options are available?
The City of Troutdale has a
Code Enforcement Division
The services provided by the Code Enforcement
Division are:
•
•
•
•
Investigating abandoned vehicles
Investigating illegal dumping
Issuing parking violations
Investigating nuisance conditions such as
high weeds
You can contact John Copeland, Code Enforcement Officer at 503-491-4009, or by e-mail:
[email protected]
In closing, we all live in close quarters within the City,
and in turn we will always have difficulties with neighbors in one way or another. It’s how we deal with
those problems that shape our community and each of
us individually.
Conflict resolution services
are available
Free Conflict Resolution Services to East
Multnomah County Residents: Helping Neighbors
Work it Out
Mediation is an effective way to work through a
disagreement or conflict between two or more
people. Call Tera Cleland at East Metro Mediation
for more information.
East Metro Mediation
Located at 1333 NW Eastman
Parkway in Gresham,
503-618-FAIR (3247), or email
[email protected]
Recycle your tree
locally with Boy
Scout Troup 174!
Bring your tree to the
Fujii Farms lot at the
corner of 242nd &
Cherry Park Road
(across from
Safeway), on Dec
27th and 28th, and
Jan 3rd and 4th from
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Come & Play!
Registration for
Winter Recreation
Program
begins Tuesday,
January 6th
Play can
add joy to
life, relieve
stress,
stimulate your
brain, and connect you to
others and the
world around
you. Troutdale
offers a variety
of recreation
programs for
youth and
adults.
Come and play!
Become a mediator
and help empower
your community!
Donations are
gratefully accepted!
Continuing programs: Little Trout Play Park,
Art Programs for all ages, Dance, Science,
Soccer, Taekwondo, Drop-in teen & adult
basketball and Yoga.
Scholarships are available for Troutdale residents and we also accept
donations for the scholarship fund. Contact Mollie King, Recreation Manager,
at [email protected], or call 503-674-7206 with questions.
Call 503-618-3247, or visit
www.greshamoregon.gov/mediation for more information. Hurry
as space is limited.
Here’s an
easy way to
help those
in need:
Happy New Year! New programs: Dress-up
Fun & Valentine’s Day Surprise for young
children, Acting for grades 1-4, Basketball
for ages 5-8, Moonlight Snowshoe Tour, a
creative Craft class for adults and expanded
Yoga offerings including a day to meet and
greet the instructors.
You can review all programs on the website
and check space availability through the
online registration system. Go to:
www.troutdaleoregon.gov, look to the left of
the home page under Quick Links and
choose the Online Recreation Registration
link. You can also find us on
www.facebook.com. In addition, paper
guides are available.
Are you
interested
in becoming a
mediator?
Volunteering with
East Metro
Mediation?
Want to
learn how to improve your
community? Do you need
Continuing Legal Education
(CLE) credits? Then sign up for
our Basic Mediation Training
Course, now pending approval for
42 CLE credit hours. The course
will be held on Tuesdays and
Thursdays (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.) and
Saturdays (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
starting February 10th through
March 3rd. Applications are due
January 16, 2015, and scholarships are available!
Top photo: Troutdale Recreation isn’t
just for kids! Yoga instruction helps
youth and adults build strength and
maintain flexibility. Above, young
Batman enjoys a morning of fun and
frolic at Little Trout Play Park.
The need for food is
great year-round, not
just at Christmas. The
food collected here at
City Hall goes to
SnowCap Community
Charities, and is
distributed to residents
throughout East
Multnomah County.
We accept nonperishable food, as
well as baby and pet
food. Thank you,
Troutdale, for your
continued generosity!
3
Did you know there is
a free resource for
Oregonians that have
insurance problems?
When faced with a denied claim, a
confusing policy, or uncertainty
about coverage choices, many
people don’t realize there is a state
resource that can help. The Oregon Insurance Division has recently launched a campaign to
make sure Oregonians know they
have a team of experienced consumer advocates available to help
with problems related to health, auto, life, or other types of
insurance.
Advocates help explain complex policies, resolve miscommunications with insurance companies, and in cases where
there has been a mistake, work towards a resolution. Last
year, they helped reclaim more than $1 million in unpaid
benefits.
ADDRESSES
City Hall - 219 E. Historic Columbia River Highway
Council Chambers - 217 E. Historic Columbia River
Hwy., Lower Level
Police Department - 234 SW Kendall Court
Public Works/Parks Department - 342 SW 4th St.
Building/Planning/Facilities - 2200 SW 18th Way
Water Pollution Control Facility - 1820 NW Graham Rd.
City Conference Building (CCB) - 223 S. Buxton Road
Glenn Otto Park - 1106 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy.
The Oregon Insurance Division can also help on the front end, when
buying insurance, and help you avoid common mistakes. These services
can be a big help to you, your friends, and families, so visit them online at www.insurance.oregon.gov, or
call an advocate at 1-888-877-4894 if you have any questions. The service is free, confidential, and available Monday through Friday 9-5. You can also connect with the Oregon Insurance Division through social
media, including Facebook, Twitter and Google +.
Mayor’s
Corner
by Doug Daoust
(Continued from Page 1)
The Council will continue to revise the URA
Plan as circumstances and economic
conditions evolve. A new public amenity of a
Sandy River waterfront park is one of the
prime goals of our URA, and we encourage
public involvement in the redevelopment
process.
Medical Marijuana facility
Two partners from out of town informed the
City recently that they are pursuing a lease
for a medical marijuana storefront in the
Marco Polo space across from Mayors
Square. They asked about our code adoption
process to remove the moratorium now in
place. The partner’s plan is to make any
lease contingent upon receiving a business
license from the City. Currently, staff is
preparing draft code to bring to the Planning
Commission (PC) as we normally do for code
amendments, with the expectation that the
City Council will subsequently hear the PC’s
recommendation if we’re to have the code in
place by the end of April. That is when the
year-long moratorium is up. Any code
changes adopted are valid, except where
state law pre-empts city code. Our City
process will decide whether we allow such a
facility. Stay tuned for more on this subject.
Medical Emergency
Refrigerator
Cards Can Save Lives
Every second counts when firefighters and
paramedics respond to a call for help. Being able
to provide your medical information
can make all the difference in
an emergency. But how can
you provide medical
information if you are
unconscious or can’t
communicate?
The Medical Emergency Refrigerator Card,
created by Gresham Fire and Emergency, is intended
to provide responders with valuable information
concerning your health and past medical history. Be
sure to share the form with your health care provider
first to ensure the information provided is accurate and don’t forget to update it when there are changes
in your health status.
Place the completed form on your refrigerator in a
conspicuous place. If you have a medical emergency
and it is necessary for emergency personnel to come
to your home, they will immediately check the
refrigerator. The information located there could
mean the difference between life and death for you,
especially if you are unable to articulate the problem.
To download the form, go to: http://
greshamoregon.gov/ and type Medical Emergency
Refrigerator Card in the Search box.
check out our website at ….
www.troutdaleoregon.gov
Troutdale City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS
JANUARY
JANUARY 1st, ALL DAY
NEW YEAR’S DAY
CITY HALL OFFICES CLOSED
For police or fire emergency, call 9-1-1
For water/sewer emergency, call 503-251-4163
JANUARY 19th, ALL DAY
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
CITY HALL OFFICES CLOSED
For police or fire emergency, call 9-1-1
For water/sewer emergency, call 503251-4163
NO FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
IN JANUARY!
FEBRUARY
Call 503-491-8407 for information
FEBRUARY 6th, 5 – 8 p.m.
JANUARY 16th, 5 p.m.
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Downtown, Historic Columbia River Hwy.
Call 503-491-8407 for more information
DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR
“BASIC MEDIATION TRAINING”
(see article Page 3)
Applications for training due today
Training begins February 10-March 3
Presented by East Metro Mediation
Call 503-618-3247 for info
JANUARY 18th, 2-4 p.m.
“Winter at Vista House” by Mark Nelson
Presented by Troutdale Historical Society
Holiday Inn Express/477 NW Phoenix Drive
Call 503-661-2164 for more information
FEBRUARY 15th, 2-4 p.m.
“Restoring Zimmerman House” by Dodi Davies
Presented by Troutdale Historical Society
Sam Cox Building at Glenn Otto Park
Call 503-661-2164 for more information
FEBRUARY 16th, ALL DAY
PRESIDENT’S DAY
CITY HALL OFFICES CLOSED
For police or fire emergency, call 9-1-1
For water/sewer emergency, call 503-251-4163
CITY MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL Regular Meetings
City Hall - 7 p.m.
January 13 y January 27
February 10 y February 24
View Council meetings live on Comcast
Channel 30 or Frontier Channel 38 at
7 p.m.; rebroadcasts are Saturdays at
2:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION
City Hall - 7 p.m.
January 21 y February 18
PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CCB - 7 p.m.
January 14 y February 11
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CCB - 7 p.m.
January 7 y February 4
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Police Community Room - 7 p.m.
No January meeting y February 5
HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION
CCB - 7 p.m.
Next Meeting To Be Announced
Copies of meeting agendas are on
the web at www.troutdaleoregon.gov
CALL US!
City Hall Main Number
~
503-665-5175
Building Inspection Request
Building Permits
Building/Parks Rentals
Business Licensing
Code Enforcement
Crime Tip Line
Fire Department (Gresham)
Mayor & Council
Municipal Court
Police & Fire
Non-Emergency Dispatch
Parks Department
Planning/Zoning
Police Dept. Business Office
Police Records
Public Works (Wastewater)
503-674-7204
503-674-7229
503-674-7297
503-665-5175
503-491-4009
503-618-7633
503-618-2355
503-674-7237
503-665-5175
503-823-3333
503-674-3300
503-674-7228
503-665-6129
503-665-6129
503-666-8377
Public Works (Water & Streets) 503-674-3300
Recreation Program
503-674-7206
Water/Sewer Billing Questions 503-674-7232
Water/Sewer Open/Close Acct. 503-674-7225
OT H E R A G E N C I ES
Animal Control-Multnomah Co.
Backyard/Ag Burning
Info Line-DEQ
East Metro Mediation
Garbage/Recycle-Waste Mgmt.
Gresham Outlook
Library, Mult. Co. (Troutdale)
Metro Recycling
Metro
Mt. Hood Community College
Mt. Hood YMCA
Multnomah County
ODOT Road Conditions
Reynolds School District Office
Streetlight Repair (PGE)
Troutdale Historical Society
West Columbia Gorge
Chamber of Commerce
503-988-7387
503-618-3083
503-618-3247
503-249-8078
503-665-2181
503-988-5355
503-234-3000
503-797-1700
503-491-6422
503-492-9890
503-823-4000
1-800-977-6368
503-661-7200
503-736-5710
503-661-2164
503-669-7473
4

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