Reminder: Please join us at the holiday luncheon 11:30-1:00 Thursday December 11, West End Building.
Continuous Process Improvement
Just some of the accomplishments so far:
- IT and Finance--an improved on-line form for utility customer move in/move out requests
- Parks & Rec--a streamlined on-line park shelter reservation process
- Planning & Building and Engineering departments--a streamlined process for removal of hazard trees in the right-of-way while still complying with the tree code
- IT - a better network connection to the Tennis Center that not only provides improved public WiFi access, but also saves the city $1,680/year
- Planning & Building--a pilot project to offer "intake appointments" for complex projects. The goal is to identify missing parts of an application on the spot rather than waiting days or weeks for a completness check
- Planning & Building--a laminated "cheat sheet" at the counter to match accounting system codes with the corresponding permit types. This low-tech solution will save time in fixing mis-coded entries.
- IT--creation of a common drive and modifying login configuration to allow Public Works and Engineering to documents dealing with the operation and maintenance of streets and utilities.
Celebrating a Great Program: Lake Oswego's "Culture of Survival"
On November 12, the fire and police departments hosted a ceremony for survivors of sudden cardiac arrest, and for the people who helped save their lives. One of many recognized was Jessica Metteer, who had the training and presence of mind to administer CPR to a co-worker named Hallie. Here is a copy of an e-mail from Jessica:
Dear Chief Johnson & Chief Wilson –
I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for hosting the breakfast this morning recognizing and celebrating the survivors of sudden cardiac arrest. The brave men and women of Lake Oswego Fire & Police, AMR, and 911 Dispatch that were so fast to respond, so reassuring and supportive of my efforts to help, and have been so encouraging and gracious in the almost four years since the day when Hallie collapsed; they are my heroes, today and always. It was an honor to get to see so many of them today.
I am so lucky to have been in the right place at the right time, just once. I am eternally grateful for the people who make it their life’s work to always be there.
Attached is a pic of Hallie and me from this morning.
The Continuing Saga of the West End Building...
Nick Bunick and the nonprofit organization The Great Tomorrow have, as of this writing, been unsuccesful in securing financing for the building. The City Council has directed staff to seek a broker to list the property for sale. Mr. Bunick remains optimistic that his organization will be able to purchase the property.
Rites of Passage and Council Goal-Setting
On December 16, Mayor Studebaker and his fellow councilors will recognize the contributions of outgoing councilors Donna Jordan (eight years on the City Council) and Lauren Hughes (appointed to complete the year and a half remaining on Mike Kehoe's term). Newly elected councilors Joe Buck and Jackie Manz and re-elected councilor Jeff Gudman will take their oaths of office on January 6. They will hit the ground running with a town hall forum on needs and priorities for the city on Thursday, January 8 and a goal-setting retreat on Saturday, January 10.
Charter Amendment
Lake Oswego voters supported amendment of the city's charter on road widening elections. Major widening projects that add a travel lane of 500 feet or more can still go to the voters, but smaller projects won't. This will, among other things, save a significant amount of staff time in our engineering department.
