It’s now been over one year since the coronavirus pandemic began. It was March 17 that we closed city facilities to the public and on March 23, 2020 the Governor issued the statewide stay at home order. Now, after a long, difficult, and distressing year, we now have more than 1 million Oregonians with at least one dose of the vaccine. That number includes several City of Sandy staff members and we look forward to our frontline government employees becoming eligible early next month.
This month the Sandy Library welcomed patrons back with limited browsing hours. Curbside service continues to be a hit.
Next month, we will be reopening City Hall to the public on April 5. Throughout the pandemic we have been conducting our regular business via phone, virtual meetings, and appointments. But with the declining case numbers and rising vaccinations and protection measures in place, we feel we can safely conduct transactions in person with the public. Although many staff will continue to telework and most meetings will continue to be virtual for the time being, we’re pleased to be moving in the direction of a return to more normal operations.
This month we received notice that Sandy’s share of funding for local governments in the American Rescue Plan will be approximately $2.3 million. This is outstanding news and we’re anxiously waiting for the detailed criteria to be developed on how the funds can be used. So far we know it can be used for replacing revenue loss and expenses incurred due to the pandemic, and for water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. The first half of the funds are to be received this fiscal year. The are other funding opportunities with the Plan that we are tracking as well.
2021-23 City Council Goals
In January we welcomed 3 new City Councilors that were elected in November: Don Hokanson, Kathleen Walker, and Rich Sheldon. The Council held 3 goal setting sessions in January and February and set goals for the next two years: https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/citycouncil/page/2021-23-city-council-goals.
The goals are ambitious and diverse and represent the range of important work we have in front us to keep moving the community forward: Addressing infrastructure needs; managing and planning for growth; fostering economic recovery and growth; maintaining financial strength; addressing homelessness; engaging and celebrating with the community; and expanding recreational opportunities. A lot of the implementation actions will require community involvement, cross department collaboration, and strategic use of staff resources to accomplish. But I know we are capable of delivering.
The Council also worked on developing a vision for the city which they will refine over the coming months.
Updates
We continue to make steady progress on a number of important projects and initiatives. The first phase of the Wastewater System Improvements Project is nearing construction with work beginning this spring on the collection system and at the treatment plant. In April we will be discussing with City Council the updated funding plan and rate adjustments needed to fund the project. Earlier this year we received notice that we have been invited to submit for the attractive federal loan program that can save ratepayers millions of dollars over the life of the loan.
The design on the 362nd and Bell Street extension project is nearing completion with land use review and right of way acquisition coming up next month. Construction on at least a portion of the road could be started as soon as this summer.
The long awaited Highway 26 sidewalk project between Vista and Ten Eyck is still under design by ODOT and scheduled to go out to bid in October 2021. Speaking of Highway 26, the state is also working on a number of ADA ramp improvements along the highway that will be under construction this summer.
In December, the City Council and Sandy Urban Renewal Board established a new grant program for businesses to build covered patios. This will allow them to increase outdoor seating capacity during the coronavirus pandemic, while also helping revitalize and enhance the experience of dining out in our downtown and commercial areas. The covered patios will be Sandy Style and the first, at Ria’s Bar will be under construction very soon. Other grantees that are being assisted include Le Happy, Sandlandia, Red Shed, and Tollgate.
The transportation system plan update is finally underway while the Parks & Trails Master Plan Update has been drafted and is under review by the staff, Parks Board, and Technical Advisory Committee. The Plan is slated for adoption by the Council this summer. A new Water Master Plan is also underdevelopment and planning staff have also started initial work on the update of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Internally, I’m looking forward to the interactive diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings scheduled for April 6 and 7. The trainings are a first step in this important work for us and to continue the conversation about the actions we can take as a local government to ensure our organization and community is welcoming, supportive, and inclusive to all.
We are also deep into the BN 2021-23 budget development process. Departments have submitted their proposed budgets and staff have started assembling the proposed biennial budget. The first budget committee meeting is April 26.