February 2016

New Firefighters
Fire Chief Larry Goff swore in five new Lake Oswego firefighters on January 19. Chief Goff noted the new hires represent a tenth of the 52-person department. The turnover is a result of retirements.



From left to right: Daniel Hires, Zachary Bell, Nicholas Foriante, Nathan Sigler, Nathan Weikel

Police Academy Grads
Three new police recruits graduated from the Oregon Public Safety Academy on January 22, following an intensive 16-week program.


From left to right: Captain Dale Jorgensen; Officers Michael Svoboda, Brock Rosenthal, and Mark Laymon; and Chief Don Johnson

 
Lean Oswego

Public Works and IT are teaming up to produce an iPad app that will significantly reduce the time it takes for mechanics to keep track of time and vehicle information. Stay tuned...

City Council Goals

The City Council held a retreat on Saturday, January 9, to set goals for 2016 and beyond. After some editing, the Council adopted them on January 26. They are:

1. Improve the overall transportation system

• Continue to improve the condition of streets  
• Continue to improve bicycle/pedestrian connectivity  
• Explore possible funding strategies for bicycle/pedestrian connections  
• Work with regional partners on a Willamette Shoreline Trail

2. Maintain and improve basic infrastructure and facilities  

• Break ground on upgrades to the Operations Center and Police/LOCOM facility  
• Consider, subject to community support and financial feasibility, a publicprivate partnership for a fiber broadband utility

3. Adopt key amendments to the Municipal Code  

• Adopt amendments to the tree code to provide more flexibility for homeowners  
• Streamline the development code to make it more business-friendly and resident-friendly, while still maintaining community standards.  
• Ease regulatory barriers that discourage remodeling rather than demolition

4. Explore new or upgraded community facilities and assets.  

• Work with the Lake Oswego School District to explore ways to partner on community facilities, including such areas as a community pool and a recreation center  
• Work with the Arts Council to identify a long term location for the Council office and gallery
• Explore opportunities for mountain bike trails

5. Support redevelopment of downtown and Lake Grove  

• Complete an agreement for redevelopment of the North Anchor properties  
• Complete final design for major improvements to Boones Ferry Road in Lake Grove
• Accelerate the pace of urban renewal projects

6. Encourage community involvement  

• Create a Youth Advisory Council  
• Form a task force to develop a tourism/visitor services strategy

7. Longer Term goals  

• Identify strategies for addressing the PERS increase that will begin in FY17-18  
• Explore the use of Local Improvement Districts with matching grants for neighborhood street and sidewalk improvements  
• Replace the exterior and windows of City Hall  
• Improve the appearance of downtown alleys  
• Explore possible upgrades to the Adult Community Center