Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
Clackamas County sponsored Senior Medicare Patrol on March 1st.  Services included free paper shredding, prescription drug drop-off (staffed by our own Sergeant Burns), general information about Medicare, and individual counseling sessions with a certified Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Counselor.

25 seniors traveled to the Oregon Zoo on March 11th for their first glimpse of Lily. Weather was perfect, and the baby elephant did not disappoint as she paraded in front of her adoring fans.

Parks
Tracy Brown hosted a meeting of Oregon Community Trees in Sandy on March 1st in the Library meeting room.  We were able to show off Sandy River Park and Tickle Creek Trail with a presentation followed by on-site tours of both areas.  After driving by the new high school, we ended up at Jonsrud Viewpoint.  Committee members were very impressed with the tour and commented on the quality upkeep of the parks.

The final park survey count exceeded 550 returns.  Chris Gaare (wife of park board member Craig Gaare) offered her time and expertise, free of charge, to tabulate the results.  Chris was instrumental in refining the survey prior to distribution as well.

Momentum is building for the dog park fundraiser, Bark for the Park.  Local businesses are excited to be involved, and donations of money and products have been brisk.  The goal amount to erect fences and double-gate systems at both sites (Meinig & Sandy Bluff) is $25,000.

A pre-bid meeting for Bornstedt Park was held on Tuesday, the 26th.  Bids will be opened on Thursday, April 4th.  Plans are underway for demolition of the abandoned residence on the property.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
Mountain Storm Youth Basketball for Grades K-1 and 5–6 had many activities in March including the 5^th and 6^th grade Jamboree in the new Sandy High School gyms.  The K-2 program continues to be a popular addition to the league.

Preparations for the Summer Recreation Guide are underway. The summer guide will be mailed in late May. The number of participants registering online has grown by about 12% over the same time period last year. For programs in the Winter/Spring Recreation Guide the online registration rate so far is 37%.

The Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt was held in the dark of night at Meinig Park on the 29th. Participants came from as far away as Wilsonville and Gladstone to join in this unique event for teens.  About 150 boys and girls, grades 6 through 12, searched for eggs and were rewarded with candy.  A lucky few found golden eggs and won gift cards to local businesses.

Transit (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 19,858, a decrease of  7.4% from the same period last year.  The SAM-Estacada route showed an increase of 10%; SAM-Gresham decreased 9.1%; STAR use decreased by 4.4% this month.

The Transit Advisory Committee convened in March with the primary topic of discussion being fare policy.  Currently all but STAR service is fareless, but with decreasing grant funding, the policy came under review again.  The Transit Master Plan provided the starting point as it recommended diversifying funding resources by instituting a fare.  The TAC recommendation put forward for Council was to institute a simple and modest fare with multi-trip options for fare discounts.

As federally required every five years, the Request for Proposals (RFP) for transit operations was published.  A pre-proposal meeting was held and the RFP closes on April 8, 2013.  The City coordinates RFP’s with Clackamas County for the Mountain Express service in order to gain efficiencies of scale.

Andi Howell and Joyce LeDoux attended the three-day Transit Management Training provided by ODOT Public Transit Division in Salem.  They found it very inspiring. Andi put it to use immediately with the fare policy equity portion of the fare review and is currently updating the federally required Civil Rights Program.

Staff developed the grant application to request funding for Saturday morning and Sunday service between Sandy and Gresham.  Service will run in conjunction with the Mountain Express extension of service to and from Timberline Lodge.

Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
The south side entrance doors got a major overhaul as new automatic openers were installed. After 21 years of service, reliability of the old mechanism was sketchy at best. Money from the Senior Trust Fund, made up primarily from memorial donations, was used for the repairs.

Monthly activities included the second annual Walk the Red Carpet Oscar party. Participants in attendance enjoyed hors d’ouevers, bubbly beverages, a Hollywood glitz costume contest and prizes for predicting the winners.

Parks
Thanks to heroic efforts from volunteers and staff at the Community Center and City Hall staff, in cooperation with Cool Printing, a massive park survey (including a Parks of Sandy map) was distributed to Sandy citizens.  The results will help shape the updated Parks Master Plan, currently under revision by the Park Board.  Apparently this is a subject people care about since well over 400 surveys have been returned.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
Mountain Storm Youth Basketball for 5th and 6th graders is in full swing with 10 teams. Instructional programs for K-2 are also underway. The opening of the new High School has created more gym time and the opportunity to look at new formats for the 2013-14 season.

Planning for summer 2013 is in the beginning stages. New classes are coming to the Recreation Department including Stained Glass, Letterboxing, and Crochet. Summer programs are being tweaked to meet both budget criteria and resident need.

Transit (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 19,067, a decrease of 6.8% from the same period last year.  The SAM-Estacada route showed an increase of 6.6%; SAM-Gresham decreased 5.6%; STAR use decreased by 22% this month.

A mandatory Drug & Alcohol Audit was conducted by ODOT in February.  The auditor reported Sandy Transit maintained good oversight of the operations Contractor.

Sandy has an opportunity to request funding for Saturday morning and Sunday service between Sandy and Gresham in conjunction with the Mountain Express extension of service to Government Camp.  Staff is researching the possibility.

Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
It’s a known fact that many seniors who receive home-delivered meals give up their food to feed their cats and dogs.  That’s why the non-profit FIDO started AniMeals, a partnership with Clackamas County Social Services and Senior Meals programs.  Sandy Senior Center staff identify meals-on-wheels recipients who have pets and report the need to the AniMeals program.  They, in turn, provide nutritious pet food once a month for the cats and dogs of people who receive home-delivered meals.  A volunteer delivers the pet food to the center, Bernice Powell sorts and labels it by route, and the meals-on-wheels drivers deliver it along with the day’s lunch.  Along with the 49 individuals currently receiving home-delivered meals, 11 dogs and 17 cats are fed as well.

Parks
Plans for Bornstedt Park really got rolling in January.  Following a kick-off meeting early in the month, the 50% documents were formulated by Group Mackenzie.   Those were reviewed by team members from Public Works, Planning, Parks Maintenance, Administration and Community Services.  Comments were returned to the consultant to be incorporated into the 90% documents, due for completion in late February.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
Mountain Storm Youth Basketball for 5^th and 6^th graders is underway with 10 teams. High School players and students are involved in helping to referee games and mentor the young players.

Among the new classes offered this season are Music for Babies and Toddlers, Zumbatomic, Adult Group Guitar, and Computer Instruction on Windows 8.

The Seniors will again be “Walking the Red Carpet” for a special Oscar Party on February 24^th.

Transit (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 19,243, a decrease of 3.6% from the same period last year.  The SAM-Estacada route showed an increase of 4.2%; SAM-Gresham decreased 3.3%; STAR use decreased by 13.7% this month.

Ridership broke the 2.5 million mark with a total of 2,501,805 rides provided since January 2000.  Average daily ridership is just over 1000.

The Transit Center opened on January 7, 2013 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  The turnout was light, but the attendees were impressed with the improvements and enthusiastic despite the blustery, wet weather.

The Transit Assistant job search went very well with the unanimous top selection, from several well-qualified candidates, accepting the position.  Andria (Andi) Howell will begin part time and be on board full time by mid-February.  Many thanks to Heidi Wammack from the court department who became “transit Heidi” three hours a day to keep the transit tax database current.  The full complement of staff time will be welcomed.

Transit is preparing for a Drug & Alcohol audit by ODOT in February.  The operations contract requires the 5-year request for proposals (RFP) this spring.

Staff will join the technical committee for the second stage of the Mt. Hood Multimodal Transportation Plan during the next 6 months.  Clackamas County has secured vehicle grants and private funding partnerships with Timberline and Ski Bowl to operate a pilot public transit service between Sandy and Government Camp and the ski areas.  The Mountain Express service will extend to Timberline sometime later in the year.

Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
The big news for December is always the Breakfast with Santa fundraiser.  Over $2,500 in net profit was earned to support the Sandy/Boring meals-on-wheels program.  70 volunteers (including the entire Community Center staff plus two from City Hall and Mayor King) helped to keep the event running smoothly.  Nearly 500 people attended with a great turnout of children visiting with Santa.

Parks
The RFP for Bornstedt Park design drawings and construction management was awarded to Group Mackenzie.   Survey work, from local company Firwood Design, began the last week in December.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
The Winter/Spring Recreation Guide was mailed and entered into the online registration system mid-December.  New classes are scheduled to begin after the holiday break, and the guide is full of both old favorites and some great new classes.

The 3^rd & 4^th Grade Mountain Storm Youth Basketball League wrapped up the season with a Jamboree on December 12^th at Sandy High School. It was exciting for the players to end their season in the new facility. Grades K-2 and 5-6 kick off their season in January and February.

Transit (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 18,133, a decrease of 6.6% from the same period last year.  The SAM-Estacada route showed an increase of 16.3%; SAM-Gresham decreased 7.3%; STAR use decreased by 18% again this month.

The annual ridership in 2012 increased by almost 3% over the previous year.  We should hit the 2.5 million mark in the month of January.  Average daily ridership is just over 1000.

The Transit Center construction was completed.  The Transit Advisory Committee hosted a public workshop on December 12^th to preview route and schedule changes proposed for implementation when the new Transit Center is opened on January 7, 2013.  There was a good turnout and general consensus for the proposed route changes with no changes to the schedules.

Staff attended the first meeting for to the FY15-18 STIP program, sharing information about the process with other departments.

The transit assistant job was posted.

SENIOR CENTER (Nancy Enabnit)
November saw a dramatic increase in the need for coordination of social services as well as an uptick in meals-on-wheels recipients. Cami Henderson provided 258 units of information and completed 127 referrals for service. Dena Isbell was hired on a contract basis to complete 143 applications for Energy Assistance.

For her capstone project, Chritine Beard, a Physical Therapy student at Pacific University completed a tri-fold brochure detailing the many services provided through the Senior Center. Among other uses, the brochure will be distributed to new meals-on-wheels clients during the initial home visit by center staff.

PARKS (Nancy Enabnit)
The board reviewed the final draft park survey with a goal of distributing it sometime in January. Survey results will help shape the revised Parks Master Plan.

The Park Board will have a vacancy, starting in January, as member Brian Adams becomes Councilor Brian Adams. Recruitment will take place in early 2013.

RECREATION (Sarah Richardson)
The Winter/Spring Recreation & Leisure Guide was finalized and sent to the publisher. Mail date is 12/17/12. New classes include Adult Guitar, Music for Babies and Toddlers, Self-Defense for Women, Couponing and Zumba for all ages.

Mountain Storm Basketball had programs in November for 3rd-6th grades. The 3rd & 4th graders were well into their season and the 5th & 6th graders were just getting started. Basketball programs for K-2 will take place this winter.

TRANSIT (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 20,166, representing an increase of 1.8% from the same period last year. The SAM-Estacada route led with an increase of 22%; SAM-Gresham increased 2%; STAR use decreased by 18%.

The pre-manufactured concrete bathroom was Sandy’s first crane-placed building when installed at the Centennial Plaza Transit Center this month. The bike rack and a garbage can were added near the shelter. The contractor is finishing the concrete work around the bathrooms, and then signage and striping on Hoffman will complete the project. The tentative date to implement the new route and schedule is still January 7, 2013. The Transit Advisory Committee will host a public workshop on December 12th to preview the alternative proposals.

Staff submitted two applications for transit capital projects to the FY15-18 STIP program and completed grant applications for two operating and two capital projects in the next State biennial budget cycle (FY13-15).

The Transit Adventure took fourteen participants on the Mountain Express to Barlow Trail in Welches for lunch.

SENIOR CENTER (Nancy Enabnit)
Two special events highlighted the month.  On October 22nd the third ever Candidates’ Forum was hosted by the Center.  Candidates for state, county and local offices presented information to the 90 or so in attendance.

Another world premier Halloween Skit was performed by staff.  The adoring audience had rave reviews for Snow White and the Seven Senior Dwarfs.

PARKS (Nancy Enabnit)
A draft park survey was presented at the October board meeting.  Members reviewed the questions and made suggestions for the final product.  The survey is scheduled to reach Sandy homes in January, 2013.

RECREATION (Sarah Richardson)
Preparations for the 2013 Winter/Spring Recreation Guide are in full swing. New classes include pre-school music, adult fitness and antiquing.

The new season of Mountain Storm youth basketball is in high gear with grades 3 & 4 hitting the court.

New fitness, computer, and pre-school classes were added to the fall calendar after the publication of the Fall Recreation Guide. The relatively new online system and database allows new classes to be added and advertised mid-season. Email blasts, Facebook, and occasional newsletters help to advertise new classes and to remind residents of deadlines and upcoming classes.

TRANSIT (Julie Stephens)
October was a very busy month for transit with many projects and strong ridership.  Total ridership this month was 23,128, representing an increase of 7.6% from the same period last year.  The SAM-Estacada route led with an increase of 22%; SAM-Gresham increased 6.6%; STAR’s increase trailed with 2.2%.

The transit center at the plaza on Hoffman Avenue continues to take shape.  Two new street lights were installed; curbs and sidewalks have been completed along with the road surface repaved.  The shelter stands strong with its beautiful wood handsomely stained as the roof is being added.  Plumbing and preparation for the bathrooms awaits arrival of the pre-fab building.  Lighting will soon be installed in the shelter and final completion, which includes a change in traffic direction, is slated for early December.  The tentative date to begin use of the new facility is January 7, 2013.

The solar lighting at bus shelters arrived just in time for the dark winter months.  Drivers and passengers are enjoying the improved visibility.  Thank you to the Public Works crew for the installation!

The new bus for the Estacada route is in the barn and ready to roll into service as soon as staff can be trained.  The bus is new for our system.  It is a larger (31’) body-on-chassis style.  The chassis is a Freightliner equipped with a heavier-duty engine and transmission and increased seating (26 passengers) as the route often runs at capacity.  The diesel engine should provide improved fuel efficiency.

Staff continued work with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan that will be adopted just in time for the biennial grant process.

It looks as if a funding source from the Oregon Department of Energy, the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC), which has made solid contributions to our transit system since 2004, will not survive as a viable option in the future.  The loss of this funding, along with other recent changes to the federal grant programs, will necessitate a thorough review of options.

The Transit Adventure, with thirteen participants, explored the Pearl District using the Streetcar in addition to SAM and MAX.

Senior Center
Two vans full of Center members attended the Sandy High School Grand Opening on September 7th.  Included in the group was 1936 SHS graduate Grace Reich.  Grace’s father owned a sawmill on land that is now the Nicholas Glen neighborhood, and she has remained active in the Sandy community serving on many committees.  She has coordinated the Center’s meals-on-wheels drivers for over 27 years, and a few years back won the Clackamas County Heart & Hands Volunteer of the Year Award for her efforts.  Grace was thrilled to meet Governor Kitzhaber in person. 

In anticipation of open enrollment time for Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit, representatives from Clackamas County held an informational meeting at the Center on Wednesday, the 29th.  Individual counseling sessions will be available here in November by appointment.

Parks
At the September meeting, Park Board members heard Chief Yamashita’s proposal for making Sandy River Park an alcohol-free facility, and restructuring alcohol use in other parks to a permit system only.  Follwing discussion, the majority of board members voted to support the Chief’s recommendations.  Revised code language will come before the City Council for discussion sometime in the near future. 

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
It’s fall so it must be time for Mountain Storm Basketball. For the first time, registration forms were included in the Fall Recreation Guide in an effort to get the word out sooner and to rely less on forms making it from schools to backpacks to parents. Girls and boys, grades 3 & 4, play October-December, and Grades 5 & 6 begin open gyms in November to prepare for the start of their season in January. The popular K-2 program will be back in January as well.

The current guide features old favorites and some new classes including tips for traveling abroad on a budget and a new format for fall hikes. Learn to make mozzarella cheese and pizza dough in a cooking class offered in October.

The online system allows classes to be added ongoing. Zumba and Art & Tumbling were added after the Guide was printed, and both are proving to be popular. Email alerts are sent when new classes are added which helps get the word out.

Transit (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 19,920, representing around a 6% decrease from the same period last year.  It was a short month for days of operation and all services had about the same use.

The contractor for the transit center has made significant changes to Centennial Plaza and Hoffman Avenue.  Curbs have been removed, and the street lights and electrical will be installed next week.  Solar lighting for existing bus shelters will be delivered next week with installation completed just in time for the dark, winter months.

Delivery of the new bus for the Estacada route is expected in mid-October.   

Julie, Joyce and Harriet attended all or part of the Oregon Public Transportation Conference along with Transit Advisory Committee members Joseph Lowe and Roxy Tolva.  Joyce was awarded the Outstanding Transit Employee Award.  She was nominated along with three other employees from around the state.  Her long and exceptional career in transit secured the top honor.  The City is fortunate to have her leadership in transit operations.

Julie also attended two days of the CalAct Conference in Monterey which focused on rule changes for ADA and the new Transportation Act, MAP-21.

Staff continued work with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan which will be adopted just in time for the biennial grant process.

Eight participants took the Transit Adventure to the Oregon City Farmer’s Market, then onto the Bomber Restaurant in Milwaukie for lunch.

Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)

Trips to the Clackamas County Fair and Oregon State Fair were the most popular activities in August.  The monthly hikes target destinations region-wide and continue to attract a large following.

Parks

The Conditional Use Permit application for Bornstedt Park went before the Planning Commission.  Concerns were expressed regarding the application, and the Commissioners voted to continue the public hearing to the September meeting.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)

The adult Softball League capped off a successful season with a two day double elimination tournament. There were a total of 14 teams and 254 players. Truck Design Auto Body for the fourth year in a row took home the trophy.

Development of the Fall Recreation and Leisure Guide took place in August. New computer and technology classes were added as well as a full schedule of fall hikes.

Transit (Julie Stephens)

Total ridership this month was 23,914, representing just over a 5% increase from the same period last year.  TheSAM-Gresham increased by 5%, whileSAM-Estacada was flat andSTARuse was up by 14.9%. The ED program increased 38% over the same period last year.

Progress continues with the Contractor for the Transit Center.  Staff met with the solar lighting vendor; we should be installing the lighting by October, just in time for the dark winter months.

Staff continued work with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan which should be completed within a couple of months, just in time for the biennial grant process.

The Transit Adventure took 12 participants to OMSI for the Wild Minds: What Animals Really Think exhibit.

Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)

If it’s July, then pie happens.  Another profitable Sandy Mountain Festival yielded $4000 in pie, cookie, coffee and tea sales.  The net proceeds benefit the area’s meals-on-wheels program.

The Sandy Senior Center was selected as a site for a new type of Tai Chi-based exercise program focusing on helping older adults maintain and improve their balance and wellness.  Bonnie Newman, long-time recreation department Tai Chi instructor, received specialized training and is serving as teacher.  Classes are held on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and are at capacity with 20 participants.

Parks

On July 25th Sandy hosted the Quarterly Trails Forum sponsored by Metro.  Trail enthusiasts came from throughout the region to learn about construction of Tickle Creek Trail and walk the trail from east to west.  Kathleen Walker of the Mt. Hood National Forest presented information on trail development in the Villages of Mt. Hood and in the Zigzag Ranger District.  She explained the long-term goal of a Timberline to Town (Portland) Trail. Staff from Clackamas County conducted an on-site tour of the Boring Station Trailhead and discussed its construction and relevance to the Springwater Corridor.  Participants also toured a section of the Cazadero Trail escorted by personnel from Oregon State Parks.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)

Sandy Adult Softball League was in full swing throughout July.  With construction of new fields at Sandy High School, the fourteen teams played all games at schools in Boring and Welches.  The league culminates with a playoff tournament in August.

Once again a successful slate of Mountain Festival Children’s activities were offered free of charge.  The Pet Show, Bike Derby and Kids’ Parade attracted record numbers of boys and girls.

Citizens enjoyed day camps, field trips, soccer camps and many other offerings advertised in the Summer Recreation Guide.

Sandy Summer Sounds and Starlight Cinema got rolling in July with another successful Shakespeare in the Park, Wine in the Woods (new this year) and weeks of a fantastically diverse line-up of live music as well as five weeks of popular outdoor movies.

Transit (Julie Stephens)

Total ridership this month was 21,751, representing just over a 5% increase from the same period last year.  The SAM-Gresham increased by 4.6%, while SAM-Estacada increased 7.3% and STAR use was up by 6.8%. The ED program jumped to 143% over the same period last year.

Progress continues with the Contractor for the Transit Center.  Solar lighting has been ordered for the bus shelters.

Staff continued work with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan.

Eleven participants went to the Portland Farmer’s Market in Pioneer Square this month.

SENIOR CENTER (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
Center members are gearing up for the Sandy Mountain Festival Pie & Cookie booth.  Proceeds from the efforts benefit the area’s meals-on-wheels program.  Many thanks to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary who helped mix cookie dough.  Once again the Festival music at the Birdcage Theater got a jumpstart from the center’s own Silvertones band and vocal group. 

PARKS
New members were approved by City Council for appointment to the Park Board just in time for the annual park tour.  Working towards the updated Park Master Plan, board members completed facility inventory forms for each of Sandy’s Parks.  Christine Gaare, wife of new board member Craig, provided valuable information on effective survey techniques. 

RECREATION (Sarah Richardson)
Adult Coed Softball is back to a full 14 teams for 2012, up from 10 teams in 2011.

A new program for middle school aged kids combines a visit to learn about volunteer opportunities with the Oregon Humane Society, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Oregon Food Bank with lunch and a movie.

Classes for pre-school aged kids in dance and soccer are very popular this summer with growth in both programs.

A variety of Martial Arts programs for all ages continues to expand and grow in popularity. 

The 7^th Annual Noah’s Quest 5k/10k Walk & Run was held on June 30^th.  New this year was a 1k Kiddie Run featuring an enthusiastic group of boys and girls.  About 170 people participated in all events.

Check out this year’s Sandy Summer Sounds & Starlight Cinema schedule at www.sandysummersounds.com or pick up a nifty brochure at any City building.

TRANSIT (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 22,348, representing just under a 2% decrease from the same period last year.  The SAM-Gresham and STAR were down by approximately 2%, while SAM-Estacada decreased 9.4%. The use of ED increased again by 15.4% over the same period last year.  There were fewer days of service due to the way the calendar fell.

Ridership for the fiscal year finished up by 5.8%, which is a greater annual increase than has been seen in recent years.

TheTransit Center bids came in with only one respondent; which, despite coming in over the estimate, was accepted.  Contract documents will soon be completed with construction expected in the fall.

Staff continues to work with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan.

Thirteen participants joined the Transit Adventure to The Old Church in downtown Portland.