Planning items:

Clackamas County Health Clinic (20-014 DR/VAR/DEV/ADJ): This request to construct a new county health facility for Clackamas County Health, Housing & Human Services at the old Oregon’s Wild Harvest site was approved by the Planning Commission at their June 30 hearing.  Final order is in process and should be issued soon.

Bailey Meadows:  The cautionary LUBA appeal that was filed by Allied Homes and Development was withdrawn. The UGB expansion and annexation/zone change for Gunderson Road and the parkland are now effective. Staff is currently reviewing the construction plans related to street improvements and utilities and will soon issue the grading and erosion control plan.

Salmonberry tree removal (20-026 TREE): This request to remove a retention tree has been approved; final order issued on June 17^th.

Chapter 17.78 Annexation Code Amendments (20-010 DCA):  These code amendments were approved by Council at the July 6^th meeting and will go into effect on August 5^th.

DCA 5G Small Cell code adoption (20-012 DCA): This code adoption was approved at the PC meeting on June 30^th.  It now gets forwarded to the City Council for final approval.

Jewelberry Ridge subdivision extension (20-021 EXT):  A request for an extension to subdivision approval for this nine-lot subdivision off of Jewelberry Road was heard by the PC at their June 30^th meeting.  An extension of this approval until November 12, 2021 was approved.

Sandy Community Campus Replat (18-045 MP): Staff is still working on completing the final order for this project.

Pleasant Street Master Plan (18-022 CPA):  Staff continues to review the work already completed and create presentation materials for future discussion.  There are currently two staff members working on this project.

Sandy Feeder Reinforcement Project (20-015): – Staff is currently working on completing the staff report on this project.  It should be on the agenda for the Planning Commission meeting on July 27.

Design Review:

• Marshall Ridge ADU (20-020): The approval for this ADU at 38448 Maple Street is still under review – staff should complete the final order for this project by the end of July.
• OTSD/Bull Run tree removal (20-014 TREE): A request to remove two trees from the OTSD property on Industrial Way as part of the construction of the new Bull Run Electric facility on Industrial Way has been approved.  Final order was issued on June 17^th.
• Sandy Plaza Apartments (20-017 DR):  This project for an 18 unit apartment complex on Meeker Street is under review.
• Bull Run Terrace (19-050 CPA/ZC/SUB): Staff has received updated application materials from the applicant and is reviewing them.  This project is scheduled to go to the PC on August 24^th.
• Chinook tree removal (20-027 TREE): This request to remove a retention tree is currently bunder review.
• Eagle Park Improvements extension (20-029 EXT): This request for an extension to complete the improvements at the Eagle Park project is under review.
• OAOR Annexation (20-025):  We recently received an application from the Thai Buddhist Monastery on Hwy 211 to be annexed into city limits.  Staff is currently reviewing the application for completeness.
• The View PD (20-028):  Staff is reviewing this application for completeness.

Kelly’s Kudos:

Nothing this month.

Building Department items:

Nothing newsworthy to report from the Building Department in June.

Economic Development items:

Econ Devl – Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

• Dutch Bros:  The 400^th location for Dutch Bros is now open for business in Sandy.  The official grand opening was held on June 20^th, with a soft open on June 18^th to introduce themselves to the neighborhood.  At the start time for the soft open, the drive thru was at capacity with 15 cars queued up, which is pretty impressive considering that the promotion of this event was almost entirely done by word of mouth.  Franchise owner Abe Menschenfriend was delighted with the turnout and is excited about the potential for this store.  Special thanks to Mayor Pulliam and Councilor Exner for attending, and to the entire Council for your support throughout this project. 

• Commercial vacancies:  We still have not seen many shuttered brick and mortar businesses in Sandy due to the pandemic, at least thus far.  In addition to the two businesses mentioned in the last report (Island Teriyaki, Jackson Hewitt), the Metro PCS wireless services shop in the Sandy Marketplace has now closed – however, Metro PCS had informed the complex owners of their departure well before the pandemic started.  We have also seen Mt. Hood Cigars move into the vacated space left by Island Teriyaki.  I also know of another financial services business that wishes to remain anonymous that may convert their Sandy location to a virtual office soon but will remain in business here.

• AEC:  This business recently approached me about leasing opportunities in their building on Pioneer Blvd.  A remote workforce is apparently working so well for them that they are considering making their entire first floor available to tenants.  I am working with the Braches to put together something for the Available Commercial Properties database shortly.

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• AntFarm downtown maintenance crew: Neal’s crew has been working steadily to complete numerous small projects for us in the public rights-of-way.
  • Street tree trimming: This has now been mostly completed for the north side of Proctor Blvd – 19 trees completed in June.
  • Planter strip outside of VFW: Weeds and grass dug out, weed barrier installed and filled with bark dust.  Established rhody left in place
    
  • Planter strip outside of Brady’s:  All river rock and grass removed, weed barrier installed and filled with bark dust for ease of future maintenance.

• Action Center exterior lighting upgrade:  This project is complete.  This building now fully complies with Sandy’s dark skies ordinance.  Thanks to Bull Run Electric for the assist!

• Jonsrud II:  The second stage of the refresh of Jonsrud Viewpoint is almost complete.  Interpretive signage has been received from the manufacturer and has been installed by the Parks Department (see below).  The refurbished original telescope and the new color-blind abled telescope are in inventory at the Ops Center – these have not been installed yet due to concerns about COVID transmission.  All other maintenance items have either been completed except for the refurbishment of the entry signage.  (note: unfortunately, the Clackamas County Tourism signage for the Mt. Hood Territory Heritage Trail seen in the far left of the picture below has been tagged pretty badly – Code Enforcement has been informed of the tagging, and we have asked ClackCo Tourism for new signage)

Flower baskets: 

• At long last, AntFarm Youth Services now has a dedicated staffer for watering flower baskets.  Nunpa will now only water flower baskets when training or in the event of a staff illness or vacation.

• Baskets are being fertilized regularly and will have a pesticide applied in late July to control the petunia bug. 

• AFYS has also added watering services for the six street trees installed on Bluff Road near the PGE substation and the street trees installed with the Dutch Bros project to help them get established.

• Highway 26 “islands”:  This project is getting an upgrade – the city manager’s office is supporting an improved landscaping design for these two highway islands to be completed later in the summer.  Development Services will put together an RFP for this project in the coming weeks.

Econ Devl – Economic Development Committee:

No Ec Dev Committee meeting in June or July, as City Hall is still officially closed for business.  We are operating on the assumption that the committee will meet again for its regularly scheduled August meeting on 8/5, but this is not guaranteed.  The committee chair shall make this determination later this month.

As an update to the committee, Economic Development put together a short report entitled “Moving Forward in the Age of COVID-19” detailing the efforts the City of Sandy has made in addressing the pandemic in the business community.  To read this report, click here.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no conferences or training opportunities for the foreseeable future.

Planning items:

Clackamas County Health Clinic (20-014 DR/VAR/DEV/ADJ): This request to construct a new county health facility for Clackamas County Health, Housing & Human Services at the old Oregon’s Wild Harvest site has completed review and is scheduled to be heard at the June 30th PC meeting.

Chapter 17.78 Annexation Code Amendments (20-010 DCA):  Staff is initiating updates to the annexation code in Chapter 17 of the SMC to include clearer annexation criteria.

Bailey Meadows:  On May 26, 2020, the City issued the final order (i.e. decision) for the Bailey Meadows subdivision. The developer has applied for a grading and erosion control permit and has submitted construction plans for developing the streets and utilities. City staff is reviewing the construction plans.

DCA 5G Small Cell code adoption (20-012 DCA): Staff is currently working with a legal consultant to clean up our draft code amendment.  This is scheduled for the PC meeting on June 30th.

Jewelberry Ridge subdivision extension (20-021 EXT):  A request for a one-year extension to subdivision approval for this nine-lot subdivision off of Jewelberry Road will be heard by the PC at their June 30^th meeting.

Sandy Vault Storage (19-046 MOD/VAR/DEV): This request for modifications to the previously approved storage facility was heard by the City Council at their June 1st meeting, where they upheld the PC’s decision.  Decision issued on June 3^rd.

Sandy Community Campus Replat (18-045 MP): Staff is working on clearing up questions and completing the final order for this project.

Pleasant Street Master Plan (18-022 CPA):  This project is now in full swing – staff is currently reviewing and expanding the work already completed and working on creating presentation materials for future discussion. 

Design Review:

• Marshall Ridge ADU (20-020): Recently received application materials from the applicant; this is currently under review.
• OTSD/Bull Run tree removal (20-014 TREE): A request to remove five trees from the OTSD property on Industrial Way as part of the new Bull Run Electric facility on Industrial Way is still under review for completeness.
• Sandy Plaza Apartments (20-017 DR):  This project is undergoing a completeness check.
• Bull Run Terrace (19-050 CPA/ZC/SUB): The applicant has requested more time on this project.
• Chase Bank drive-thru ATM:  Staff is currently reviewing this proposed drive-thru ATM at Fred Meyer.

Kelly’s Kudos:

A general award of kudos to the Development Services staff in May for keeping their collective noses to the proverbial grindstone.

Building Department items:

Nothing newsworthy to report from the Building Department in May – builders seem very busy, and staff has been receiving kudos from them regarding our flexibility with inspections and the timeliness of permit processing.

Internal projects: 

• Mailboxes on Highway 26: The City of Sandy Urban Renewal Agency solved two ADA compliance issues for the sidewalks in front of KFC and Jiffy Lube. The existing mailboxes created ADA impediments for people using the sidewalk and the transit stop by KFC. The Public Works Department installed a new mailbox on the Safeway property for multiple businesses in a location that meets ADA clearances.
• Sidewalk Panel on Pioneer Blvd: The City of Sandy Urban Renewal Agency replaced a concrete panel on Pioneer Blvd. by the old La Bamba site. The panel was removed in 2016 by Wave Broadband and they used asphalt to fill the area. The panel was removed by Wave without a permit and the asphalt patch created an ADA issue as the surface was uneven. The City of Sandy has invoiced Wave to pay for the $1,050 sidewalk repair.
• ClackCo Bus & Ec Dev: The property review of Sobella and points west that ClackCo Business & Ec Dev committed to in 2019 is now null and void due to changing budget priorities caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. They will attempt to restart this process sometime in the near future, but no promises…it could be several years until this is available again.
• Community Partnership Program (CPP): Please be advised that due to the staffing and budget cutbacks Mt. Hood Territory (ClackCo Tourism) has endured due to COVID-19, the director has informed me that it is entirely likely that this program will not be restarted until 2022 or 2023.

Econ Devl – Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

Economic Development items:

• Dutch Bros:  Construction at this site is very close to being complete.  All that remains is some finish work on the building and the completion of the flatwork and landscaping.  Staff has also recently learned that this location is the 400^th Dutch Bros location, and that the company is considering a robust ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate sometime in June.  Staff is communicating with the developer and franchisee to help coordinate this coming event.  Mr. Mayor, your speaking and scissor-wielding skills will be required for this one – the Ec Dev Manager will keep you in the loop.

• Turra properties:  Development Services recently received a temporary sign permit for a “For Sale” banner to be installed at the Turra Building on Proctor Blvd housing Mr. Turra’s Italian restaurant.  A friendly inquiry by the Ec Dev Dept also revealed that they are currently giving serious consideration to a development project for the Sandy Lumberyard and Sandy River Brewing buildings – they forwarded us plans for a mixed use development concept they are considering at the site combining some elements of the existing buildings along with some new development on the Pleasant side of those lots.  Staff, along with Mayor Pulliam and Council President Pietzold, met virtually with Michael and David Turra (Angelo’s sons) and their architect on the 9^th of June to discuss the project at the 30,000-foot level.  The Turra’s were very heartened by the level of support and enthusiasm for this project and appear to be ready to update their 2018 design based on the input provided. 
  • Note: The first item the family discussed with us was off-street parking – the Turra family was delighted to learn that we have eliminated off-street parking requirements for commercial in C-1 and will be adjusting their design accordingly.  The feedback regarding that code change was extremely positive and really re-energized their interest in this project. 
  • They were also very interested in learning more about the Pleasant Street Master Plan and how they could integrate elements of that plan into their design.
• Commercial vacancies:  As Clackamas County begins the process of reopening, Sandy has seen relatively few business closures.  The only retail businesses within city limits that appear to have ceased operations at this time are the Jackson Hewitt office on Proctor and Island Teriyaki, and the former was probably not COVID related.
• Safeway signage: New signage at the Sandy Safeway promoting their new drive up grocery service.  The new exterior bottle return enclosure is also completed.

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• AntFarm downtown maintenance crew: Neal’s crew has completed street tree trimming on the south side of Proctor and is now working on street trees on the north side of Pioneer.  We have also added some general weeding at several downtown locations including the sidewalks and planter strips in front of the VFW and Rock Ranch Embroidery and the south side of Taco Time.  We are also using them for a small project to remove the river rock and replace with weed fabric and bark dust in the planter strip at Brady’s Brats & Burgers.

• Action Center exterior lighting upgrade:  This project is being temporarily delayed due to manufacturing delays stalling the fixtures for this project.  The property owner and their contractor are ready to go as soon as the fixtures arrive.
• PGE power pole streetscape repair work:  This work is now complete throughout the downtown.
• Highway 26 “islands”:  The two “islands” on Hwy 26 at Les Schwab and the USFS will be getting a makeover shortly – Public Works is currently contracting out the weeding and replanting of the Les Schwab island with kinnikinnick and Oregon grape – this should happen within the next month.  Maintenance at the other island will occur later in the summer.
• Flower baskets:  These were installed on the final weekend in May, 2 weeks after the normal install date.  This slight delay will help our watering budget and also helped our watering contractor by allowing them extra time to prepare, as they were in the midst of a major housecleaning and project binge in May due to the pandemic.  All is well here.
  

Econ Devl – Economic Development Committee:

No Ec Dev Committee meeting in May (or June), as City Hall is still officially closed for business.  We are operating on the assumption that the committee will meet again for its regularly scheduled July meeting on 7/1.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no conferences or training opportunities for the foreseeable future.

Planning items:

Gunderson Road & Parkland Annexation:  The annexation, comprehensive plan map, and zoning map proposal will be heard by Planning Commission at the May 27 meeting.  This land use item will be heard by the City Council on June 15.  The UGB Expansion related to this same property was continued to the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 3.

Bailey Meadows subdivision: The City Council will hear the proposed revisions to the conditions of approval on May 18, and a decision regarding the Bailey Meadows subdivision appeal is anticipated.

DCA 5G Small Cell code adoption (20-012 DCA): Staff is currently compiling a draft code for presentation to the Planning Commission.  Aiming for a June PC meeting.

McCormick Drive re-zone (19-037 CPA/ZC): After a recommendation of approval with conditions was forwarded by the PC, City Council heard this at their April 20th meeting.  Council approved the requested comp plan map and zone change, which will go into effect on May 20, 2020.

Sandy Vault Storage (19-046 MOD/VAR/DEV): This request for modifications to the previously approved storage facility was heard at the PC meeting on April 27 and was approved with some conditions.  Approval was issued May 1, 2020.

Sandy Community Campus Replat (18-045 MP): Staff is currently working on the final order for this project.

Pleasant Street Master Plan (18-022 CPA):  After a temporary hiatus due to a heavy Planning division workload, staff is re-starting work on this project and currently determining the best route to proceed.  More to come soon.

Design Review:

• Clackamas County Health Clinic (20-014 DR/VAR/DEV/ADJ): This request to construct a new county health facility for Clackamas County Health, Housing & Human Services is currently under review.
• OTSD/Bull Run tree removal (20-014 TREE): A request to remove five trees from the OTSD property on Industrial Way as part of the new Bull Run Electric facility on Industrial Way is currently under review.
• Trillium Machine (19-017 DR/VAR/DEV/TREE): A final order for the request for a new building behind their existing building will be issued in May.
• Sunflower Ave tree removal (20-011 TREE): This request to remove a required retention tree from Sandy Bluff Annex 5 subdivision was approved and issued on April 9, 2020
• Bull Run Terrace (19-050 CPA/ZC/SUB): Staff is working on the staff report and presentation in preparation for the May 27 PC meeting.

Kelly’s Kudos:

I want to thank Marisol Martinez for her commitment to keeping the lights on in Development Services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marisol has been instrumental in helping business remain close to normal. She has assisted Noryne in City Hall drop box appointments and created a ‘quarantine’ station for items that we recently received from the public. These modifications to our processes have allowed staff to continue processing land use applications and building permits. Thanks, Marisol, for your commitment during this very difficult and challenging time.

Internal projects: 

• Emergency Small Business Assistance Program:  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Economic Development completed the creation of an emergency small grant program to distribute $75,000 in aid to 25 Sandy small businesses in the form of $3K grants.  The program received 109 applications, 73 of which met the stated criteria for acceptance.  We received a lot of thanks from grant applicants for not requiring an abundance of paperwork in order to apply.  While there have been some inquiries by businesses not chosen to receive a grant as to how applications were analyzed (and a couple of disgruntled responses), the reaction to this program has been largely positive.  Thanks to Councilors Lee, Exner and Pietzold, and to SACC Executive Director Khrys Jones and Everfresh CEO Kurt McKnight for serving on the application review work group and helping to choose our grant recipients.
• Dutch Bros:  Construction at this site is edging closer to completion.  The overhead electrical line to Mattress World is scheduled to be undergrounded during the week of May 11, and the undergrounding of the telecom pedestal in the pedestrian right of way in front of the site is complete.  The construction of the building is about 80% complete, and the installation of the required stormwater infrastructure is complete (see picture below) and awaiting Public Works approval.  Remaining to be completed: surface work (blacktop and concrete), Pleasant Street access and landscaping.  The Urban Renewal Agency is paying for the electrical undergrounding (cost: $10,670 + cost of removal of contaminated soil, if necessary) and will contribute $30K through Urban Renewal toward a required stormwater main and some of the streetscape improvements.  The URA also split the cost of the pedestal with Frontier to ensure that it was completed in a timely manner (URA cost: $3,575).

Economic Development items:

Econ Devl – Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

• AntFarm Youth Services:  We have engaged in two small projects with AFYS during the lockdown period that are both now complete.  The first was to do a small Tenant Improvement project to correct all of the electrical issues creating code issues in both of their buildings – Bull Run Electric was able to get about 8 different small issues completed in one day.  The second was a Façade project to replace the rear doors and widen the rear entrance to the Café so that they meet ADA requirements – a project almost 10 years in the making!  This rear entry is now fully ADA compliant and approved by our Building Official.  Special thanks to Todd Speck at Mt. View Contracting of Sandy for getting this work done quickly for us.

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• Action Center exterior lighting upgrade:  We have a signed Façade contract with the Action Center now, and Bull Run Electric will be installing the new lighting during the week of May 18^th.  This project not only upgrades lighting at this facility to fully dark-skies compliant fixtures – it also resolves a code enforcement complaint from a residential neighbor.
• AntFarm downtown maintenance crew:  Neal and company continue to work on trimming up city street trees on Proctor and Pioneer Boulevards.  Proctor Blvd is largely complete in the couplet; crew is now working on Pioneer Blvd.  We have also renewed AntFarm’s maintenance contract for another full year – this crew has been exceptionally responsive to City needs and requests and is providing us with good value for their work.
• Mountain Moka Building:  Brad Picking has recently contacted us about the possibilities of a façade project to paint this building and make some minor repairs to go along with the new signage he has installed on Proctor Blvd.  Arts Commission Chair Becky Hawley has been working with Brad to secure another mural to the back of his building and has also been helping him with the selection of paint colors.
• PGE power pole streetscape repair work:  Contractors will be out during the week of May 11 to finally repair the pedestrian rights-of-way where their new power poles were installed late last year on Proctor Blvd.  Concrete work is almost complete as this report is being completed, and brick work will complete the repairs later in the week.

Econ Devl – Economic Development Committee:

The scheduled April and May meetings of the Economic Development Committee were cancelled due to the pandemic.  We are currently operating on the assumption that the committee will meet again at our scheduled date in June (Wednesday, June 3^rd), but will re-evaluate as the date gets closer depending on the availability of City facilities.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no conferences or training opportunities for the foreseeable future.

A Message from the Director of Development Services:

Building Division:

I am sure everyone is wondering how development in Sandy is evolving due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent stock market collapse in the United States.  So far there has not been any noticeable difference in building permit activity; however, I believe that is mainly because a number of projects were already financed prior to the recent downturn in the economy.

Below is the March end Building Permit Activity Report that includes new dwelling (37 single family homes and townhouses issued through March), residential additions and accessory development requiring permits (9 issued through March), and commercial/industrial permits (22 issued through March).  In March alone we issued 11 permits for new single-family homes.

We also have 7 additional house permits that have been reviewed by all internal departments and will be issued in the next two weeks.  In addition, there are another 6 houses that are beginning the review process.  This means that at least 13 house permits will be ready for issuance in April and May.  Development Services staff just finished reviewing the building changes to the Eagle Park buildings (i.e. where Wippersnappers and Platt electric are located) on 362nd Drive and parking lot changes at the USFS site.  Staff is also busy with the review of the Space Age gas station at the intersection of Orient Drive and Highway 26.

Planning Division:

Land use applications are definitely in a 1st quarter slump, although we have 10 land use applications from late 2019 and early 2020 that we are working on.  Also, a few developers have recently stated they are moving forward with their land use applications, independent of the economy, as they have already paid for engineering, surveying, and architectural fees.  Several of these land use applications will be heard in April hearings including the following:

• Bailey Meadows appeal – April 6th (City Council)
• McCormick comprehensive plan map and zoning map change – April 20th (City Council)
• Trillium Machine building expansion – April 27th (Planning Commission)
• Sandy Vault building modifications – April 27th (Planning Commission)

During this anticipated downturn in the economy the Planning Division is working on draft code modifications that will be brought forth in 2020, including changes to the following:

• Parking and Access (April)
• Annexation Criteria (June)
• 5G Small Cell (summer)
• Sandy Style (summer)
• Sign Code (spring or summer)
• Urban Forestry (TBD)
• Accessory Development (TBD)

While I am anticipating a downturn in land use applications, we have plenty of long-range planning objectives, including the Pleasant Street Master Plan and the Walkability Assessment, to work on.

—

Kelly O’Neill Jr.
Development Services Director

1^st Quarter Platted and Tentative Platted Lots Report:

The above graphic shows the updated platted and tentative platted lots list through March 31, 2020.  Bailey Meadows is included because it has tentative plat approval but is currently in an appeals process.  You will receive the next update in July 2020.

Planning items:

Bailey Meadows Appeal (20-009 AP):  City Council will hear the appeal to the Bailey Meadows subdivision on April 6^th.

Sandy Community Campus replat (18-045 MP):  Staff is currently compiling the final order for this project.

5G Small Cell code adoption (20-012 DCA): Staff is currently researching other cities’ approaches to including small cell units in their development codes and plans to bring the results before the PC at a June meeting.

Bull Run Terrace (19-050 CPA/ZC/SUB): Staff is currently compiling the staff report for this project. It is scheduled for the May 27^th PC meeting and the June 15th Council meeting. The applicant has agreed to extend the 120-day clock.

Dutch Bros:  Construction continues at the site next to 7-Eleven.  Kiosk construction is largely complete, undergrounding of Mattress World’s electrical supply is being scheduled by the contractors, and we are negotiating the undergrounding of a telecom pedestal in the pedestrian right-of-way owned by Frontier.

Design Review:

• McCormick Drive re-zone (19-037 CPA/ZC): This request to re-zone a lot from C-2 to R-2 has been rescheduled from the cancelled March 16^th Council meeting to the April 20^th Council meeting.  Planning Commission forwarded a recommendation of approval with conditions.
• Trillium Machine (19-017 DR/VAR/DEV/TREE): This application is for a new building behind their existing building has been rescheduled to the April 27^th PC meeting.
• Sandy Vault Storage (19-046 MOD/VAR/DEV): This application has been scheduled for the April 27^th PC meeting – please see entry from last month for additional details.
• Clackamas County Health Clinic (20-006 DR/VAR/DEV/ADJ): A request to construct a new building for a Clackamas County health clinic is currently under review.
• 15119 Sunflower Ave Tree Removal (20-011 TREE):  request to remove a required retention tree from Sandy Bluff Annex 5 subdivision
• Chapter 17.78 Annexation Code Amendments (20-010 DCA): Staff initiated updates to the annexation code to include clearer annexation criteria

Kelly’s Kudos:

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent impacts it has caused our business community have been devastating.  In a time that businesses needed assistance more than ever, David Snider brought his well-known charm and enthusiasm to the rescue. David put his own health in harm’s way in visiting most food and beverage owners in Sandy to find out their hours of operation for delivery and take out, and to lend a sympathetic ear.  Each and every day this pandemic brings forth new obstacles, but each and every day David is out there continuing to assist with the needs of the local business community.  David Snider truly epitomizes the meaning of ‘community’!


Economic Development/Urban Renewal

Internal projects: 

• COVID-19:  It is no surprise to anyone that our business community is reeling from the closure of restaurant dining rooms and non-essential retail as a result of this epidemic.  Restaurants and retailers are doing what they can to survive right now while waiting for federal and state assistance to arrive.  Here’s what we’ve done so far to help:
  • I have created a business assistance page on the City’s website containing as much relevant information relating to business assistance as I can fit on it.  I am updating this page updated daily. (https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/BusinessRelief–COVID-19) 
  • Jeff Aprati has created and is providing daily updates for a similar page for residents. (https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/CommunityResourcesDuringCOVID-19)
  • I have also created a page (with Jeff’s assistance) called “Information on Accessing Essential Services in Sandy” that lists all current information relating to urgent care, pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, and a list of restaurants that are serving take out and how to get a hold of them.  This is updated whenever we have new information to add. (https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/EssentialServicesInformation)
  • I have been trying to speak with business owners (especially restaurants) to offer them support, point them towards resources and get a feel for how they are surviving this.  Some are faring better than others, but all seem to understand the situation pretty well and are keeping in good spirits thus far.  Many have noticed that city staff and elected officials are patronizing them more than usual right now and it is appreciated.  Keep it up!
  • The few business owners I have spoken to about the emergency business assistance grant program that Council is currently discussing have been very encouraging.  I have been told that any amount of assistance that we can provide would be helpful, especially in the form of grants.   Considering the confusion surrounding some of the federal assistance available out there right now, this could be the shot of liquidity that can make the difference in keeping some doors open in the long run.
  • We have communicated to the restaurant community specifically that we are not going to enforce temporary sign code for the duration of this epidemic so these businesses can communicate to people that they are still operating in whatever way they think will be effective (within reason, of course). 
  • I am trying to learn as much as I can about the various forms of federal assistance, such as the Paycheck Protection Program, that are available right now so I can advocate for and assist local businesses if needed.
• City Hall:
  • The City of Sandy received $28,800 through the Community Development Block Grant program to install a power-assisted ADA entry system at the entrances to City Hall.
  • New signage for the three entrances of City Hall have arrived at the Ops Center.  These will be installed the week of April 6^th by Parks staff.

• Sandy Community Center:  After reviewing the reports completed by Axis Design Group and HHPR Engineering concerning the porte cochere (the structure over the primary entrance) we are still assessing the results but leaning towards having the structure demolished and rebuilding it correctly.  The existing damage to the structure (specifically to some of the primary support beams) combined with its overall design deficiencies would require some expensive scaffolding and temporary support structures to repair and wouldn’t solve some of the identified engineering deficiencies anyway.  Rebuilding the structure would also allow us to incorporate more robust supports, add some Sandy-style elements like a stone wrapping at the base, and give us more options for ADA improvements to the site overall.

Economic Development items:

Econ Devl – Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

• Thrive at 25:  This Chamber of Commerce-initiated event at SHS is an exercise in personal finance for freshmen – it asks them to choose a future profession, calculates the average monthly salary for a 25 year old in that profession, and then asks these freshmen to “pay their bills” for the month at different tables around the main gymnasium manned by local professionals in the community to see how much money they would have left at the end of the month.  It is a very eye opening  and educational experience for 15-year-old kids and has been a big hit for the last 5 years that SHS has been hosting it.  On March 5^th, City Recorder Jeff Aprati helped Ec Dev Manager Dave Snider operate the “Taxes” table and dash the dreams of our youth.
• Cleanup on Highway 26:  We passed a request last week to the Code Enforcement office to ask the grocery stores to pick up close to a dozen shopping carts left at different SAM stops along Highway 26.  Special thanks to Officer Kevin Moody for taking the initiative to pick all of these carts up in his old CE van and return them to their homes rather than burden the grocery stores with this task so our grocery workers could continue to focus on their primary jobs during this pandemic.  Well done, Officer Moody.

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• New signage for Mountain Moka Building:  The signage that was taken out by a semi during a snowstorm last year was replaced this week.

• Street tree trimming: Neal Hatley of AntFarm Youth Services and his crew have started trimming the street trees on Proctor Blvd – a project that will keep a couple of youth employed over the spring and summer and get a project done for the City that we have been meaning to get to for years.  They will start with Proctor and Pioneer, then move on to Pleasant Street and the cross streets downtown.  (If you happen to see Neal and his crew out trimming trees, introduce yourself – he is a delightful young man from North Carolina who has the perfect skill set for this position and a very bright future at AntFarm).  Once the downtown trees are trimmed, we are also considering leaving the street tree lights that we put up for the winter up permanently once they are installed again – this would eliminate the cost of having them put up and taken down every year, and many downtown businesses have told me they would prefer this to be a permanent thing anyway because they think it looks nice.  The LED lights strings use so little electricity that there is no downside to this.
• Action Center exterior lighting upgrade:  SCAC still waiting on quote from Bull Run – this has been interrupted by the pandemic.
• SCC parking lot fencing replacement:  Now complete.

Econ Devl – Economic Development Committee:

The March meeting revisited the retail market study concept – given a choice between Marketek (consumer-driven approach, author of past 2 studies) and ECONorthwest (never used in Sandy but good reputation, data-driven approach, slightly cheaper), the committee preferred the latter pretty overwhelmingly.  We transitioned from there into a basic discussion of urban renewal – why it exists, what it’s used for, how it is funded, etc. – and posed the question of how future UR spending should look to the members.  The meeting ended before any committee direction could be consolidated, but we will open the April meeting with a continuation of this discussion.  UPDATE: This project has been temporarily put on hold for the duration of the pandemic, as there is likely to be substantial change to the local business environment as a result of this event.  ECONorthwest and I will discuss changes to the scope of this project later in April.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the April committee meeting was cancelled.  The committee chair and I will decide about whether or not to convene the May meeting in mid-April.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

Nothing in March.

Planning items:

Bailey Meadows Appeal (20-009 AP):  City Council will hear the appeal to the Bailey Meadows subdivision on March 16, 2020.

Mairin’s Viewpoint (19-047 EXT): The Planning Commission extended the Mairin’s Viewpoint tentative plat approval to February 24, 2021.This is a 6-lot subdivision to the north of Green Mountain Street and west of Bluff Road.

Dutch Bros:  Construction is in full swing at the site next to 7-Eleven.  Kiosk is being constructed, and the electrical supply to the Mattress World building has been under-grounded.  The Urban Renewal Agency is paying for the electrical under-grounding (cost TBD) and will contribute $30K through Urban Renewal toward a required stormwater main and some of the streetscape improvements.

Grandma’s House: City staff is working diligently to help this daycare provider move from its current location by the Sandy Cinema to its expanded location on Pioneer Blvd. Staff is working with the provider, the Clackamas County ESD, and other agencies to help to the fullest extent possible.

City Townhomes:  The construction of this development across the street from the Sandy Post Office is almost complete.

Design Review:

• Proposed code changes to SMC (19-043 DCA): City Council will hear the recommended parking and access code changes to Chapter 17.98 of the Sandy Municipal Code on April 6, 2020.
• McCormick Drive re-zone (19-037 CPA/ZC): This request to re-zone a lot from C-2 to R-2 will be heard at the March 16^th City Council meeting.  Planning Commission forwarded a recommendation of approval with conditions.
• Trillium Machine (19-017 DR/VAR/DEV/TREE): This application is for a new building behind their existing building in I-2 zone – this application is currently under review and is anticipated to be on the agenda for the March 30 PC meeting.
• Sandy Vault Storage (19-046 MOD/VAR/DEV): This application is anticipated to be on the March 30 PC agenda – please see entry from last month for additional details.

Kelly’s Kudos:

Kelly’s Kudos: I want to send my thanks to the Planning Commissioners for their diligence and patience with the Bailey Meadows subdivision decision. The Planning Commission participated in three meetings regarding Bailey Meadows and read hundreds of pages of material. Making land use decisions is not always an easy task and is typically a pretty thankless position. As a citizen of Sandy, I am proud of our volunteers on the Planning Commission and their committed effort on making Sandy a great place for everyone to live, work, and play.

Internal projects: 

• City Hall: Blinds are installed, tinting has been replaced in both vestibules with a lighter, less reflective tint to more closely adhere to City code, and tint installed on Planning Director’s primary window.  Internal aesthetic and electrical modifications to City Hall are now complete.  Next City Hall agenda item –> attempt #2 to replace City Hall plumbing.
• Sandy Community Center:  
  • Axis Design Group and HHPR Engineering have completed an assessment of the porte cochere (the structure over the primary entrance) – there is weather-related damage to the structure due to deficiencies in its original design and construction that will require some structural beams to be replaced.  Axis also provided a code check on the entrance to the building and recommendations to bring the building into code compliance, with particular focus on ADA accessibility.
  • Matt Degner of Public Works and Development Services are assisting Tanya in acquiring and installing a grease trap at this location for the first time ever.  This will be paid for using Urban Renewal dollars.

Economic Development items:

Econ Devl – Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

• Le Happy:  Soft open dates of March 6 & 7 for selected audiences.  Opening date scheduled for March 8.  City of Sandy staff has been invited by the owners to be one of the group of participants in the soft open.

• Sandy Marketplace:  Planter project complete – all four planters at the mall have now been upgraded.  Representatives from Albanese Cormier (property owner) will be visiting Sandy Marketplace sometime during the spring of 2020 – I am looking forward to thanking them for participating in the Façade program personally and discussing future improvements at the site.
• Derelict buildings: The two derelict residences behind the Red Boot Branding Building at the corner of Strauss and Junker were demolished in early February.  The commercial building on site is preparing for a local childcare business to occupy it in the next few months.

Econ Devl – Downtown Maintenance Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• Action Center exterior lighting upgrade:  SCAC administration now has a proper scope of work from Urban Renewal to approach lighting contractors with.  Waiting on response.
• SCC parking lot fencing replacement:  Waiting on the two gates to be installed prior to paying the contractor and closing out the job – project otherwise complete.

Econ Devl – Economic Development Committee:

The February meeting of the Economic Development Committee was well attended.  After a brief review of resource materials, the committee discussed the need for a new retail market report by briefly reviewing the last report, discussing the advantages a 2020 report would provide and requesting a comparison of quotes received from two industry leaders for a 2020 report.  There was broad support for a new report after they heard from committee member Hans Wipper (Wippersnappers) and how he used data from the 2015 report to research his business idea and present that data to a bank as justification for a loan.  The other agenda item was about the Parks & Rec district being proposed – there were differing opinions in the room on this one, but the majority expressed opposition to spending on the pool because they didn’t see how aquatic center activity translated into activity involving other businesses in the downtown area.

The March meeting revisited the retail market study concept – given a choice between Marketek (consumer-driven approach, author of past 2 studies) and ECONorthwest (never used in Sandy but good reputation, data-driven approach, slightly cheaper), the committee preferred the latter pretty overwhelmingly.  We transitioned from there into a basic discussion of urban renewal – why it exists, what it’s used for, how it is funded, etc. – and posed the question of how future UR spending should look to the members.  The meeting ended before any committee direction could be consolidated, but we will open the April meeting with a continuation of this discussion.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory 2020 Winter FAM Tour (Feb 4^th): Clackamas County Tourism hosted their second familiarization tour on the mountain on 2/4.  These tours are primarily for tourism-industry workers and professionals to give them a hands-on experience with the tourism destinations they inform visitors about.

The tour started at the Bigfoot Center on US26, where they were met with complimentary Joe’s Donuts and Mountain Moka coffee courtesy of the City of Sandy Ec Dev office.  The tour then went straight to Timberline Lodge, then back to SkiBowl on the Mount Hood Express, a quick visit to the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum, lunch at the ZigZag Inn and a short walking tour of Wildwood Rec Site.  The tour ended here in Sandy at Bunsenbrewer. 

Planning items:

Forest Service Site remodel (19-035 DR/ADJ US): Final order on this parking lot remodel/expansion was issued on January 28, 2020 – this project is approved to begin construction.

Tickle Creek Village (19-038 DR/TREE/FSH):  Final order on this proposed construction of 67 condos at the NE corner of Ruben and Dubarko was issued on January 28, 2020 – this project is approved to begin construction.

Bull Run Electric Building (19-036 DR): Final order for this project was issued on February 5, 2020 – this project is approved to begin construction.

Idelman Park (Hood St) Tree Removal (20-004 TREE): approval to cut 1 dead Doug Fir tree down to a snag – issued February 3, 2020

Mairin’s Viewpoint (19-047 EXT): Planning Commission will hear a proposal to extend the plat approval for the Mairin’s Viewpoint subdivision. This is a 6-lot subdivision to the north of Green Mountain Street and west of Bluff Road.

Design Review:

• Bailey Meadows Subdivision (19-023 SUB/VAR): Planning Commission is reconvening on February 11, 2020 to deliberate amongst themselves and staff to make a decision on the Bailey Meadows subdivision. This subdivision is located to the south of Melissa Avenue and north of Highway 211.
• Proposed code changes to SMC (19-043 DCA): Planning Commission will hear parking and access code amendments (Chapter 17.98 of the Sandy Municipal Code) being proposed by staff at their February 24, 2020 meeting. Staff has scheduled these amendments to be heard by City Council on April 6, 2020.
• McCormick Drive re-zone (19-037 CPA/ZC): This request to re-zone a lot from C-2 to R-2 is currently under review and will be on the agenda for the February 24 PC meeting.
• Trillium Machine (19-017 DR/VAR/DEV/TREE): This application is for a new building behind their existing building in I-2 zone – this application is currently under review and is anticipated to be on the agenda for the March 30 PC meeting.
• Sandy Vault Storage (19-046 MOD/VAR/DEV): Applicant has submitted modifications to the previously approved storage units (File No. 18-047 DR/VAR/ADJ). The requested modifications include additional metal siding, reduced window percentages, and reductions to frontage features. The applicant is also proposing to add additional new structures (i.e. modular units) to the site; however, that request would be processed as a separate design review and the applicant opted to not provide the additional information and fees that would be needed to process that request with this application. The proposed modular units do not meet the requirements of Chapter 17.90. The applicant did not request variances or deviations to Chapter 17.90 for the modular units so staff cannot evaluate these structures as part of 19-046 MOD/VAR/DEV.  This application is anticipated to be on the March 30 PC agenda. 
• Proposed UGB expansion (20-002 UGB): Planning Commission will hear a UGB expansion proposal on February 11, 2020 that will include area for the extension of Gunderson Road and parkland to serve Bailey Meadows and the Nicolas Glen subdivision.

Kelly’s Kudos:

This month I would like to recognize Emily Meharg for her excellent work and amazing ability to pick up the slack in a huge way. During one of the hottest booms in the last 30 years we were faced with an absence in the Planning Division for almost four months. During this time Emily was tasked with several large planning projects, many pre-app meetings, and a constant barrage of questions from the public. She did a phenomenal job with everything big and small, and helped me keep my sanity. Thank you, Emily!

Internal projects: 

• City Hall: Blinds for the upper picture windows on the south and east surfaces of the building have been installed – Sandy Décor was able to perfectly match the blinds installed in the conference room several years ago.  They were also able to finish the touch-up trim painting on the east wall.  We are scheduling the installation of tinting on the Development Services Director’s primary office window (a unique situation here requires tinting) before closing this project and moving on to taking another crack at replacing the building’s aging plumbing system.
• Shade structures at Bornstedt Park: Sandy-based Mountain View Contracting has completed the construction of two shade structures (see below) at Bornstedt Park.  To recap, past Parks Board members reminded staff that the Bornstedt Park Master Plan originally called for shade structures, so we surveyed Sandy citizens to see if the demand for this amenity was still active.  Survey results came back 90% in favor, as lack of shelter from the weather was causing park patrons to leave these parks prematurely.  Mountain View Contracting was able to match the style of the entry arch to Meinig Park (also their project) almost exactly and really did a nice job with these structures.  Funding for this project was 95% Parks SDCs and 5% general fund money. 

Economic Development items:

Econ Devl – Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

• Old Chariteas (future Le Happy) site:  There have been a few minor setbacks with this future restaurant as some sub-standard work by a rogue contractor is corrected.  The owners seem confident, however, that their opening date is weeks away and not months.  Watch this space.
• Sandy Marketplace:  Remainder of project (upgrade of the remaining three planters to match test planter) will be completed by the next department report.
• Derelict buildings: The two derelict residences behind the Red Boot Branding Building at the corner of Strauss and Junker were demolished on Feb 10^th and 11^th.

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• After a citizen complaint about the exterior lighting at the Action Center came into our Code Enforcement office, Officer Moody referred Action Ctr management to the Ec Dev office for assistance.  Since all of their current exterior lighting is not compliant with our dark skies ordinance (and likely not outdoor fixtures anyway), I have offered a Façade grant to them to help pay for full cutoff lighting installed by a licensed contractor – the grant will reimburse them for 80% of the cost of fixtures and installation.  They are looking for compliant fixtures now…
• SCC parking lot fencing replacement:  The backstop is gone!  New 5’ black powder coated fencing installed around the parking lot on Pleasant Street and Smith Avenue.  Currently waiting on a new man gate for Pleasant Street and a new rolling gate on Smith Avenue to arrive and be installed.

Econ Devl – Economic Development Committee:

January 8^th was the inaugural meeting of the City of Sandy Economic Development Committee in Council Chambers after several months of planning by Committee Chair Pietzold, Mayor Pulliam, Councilor Exner, the City Manager’s office and the Economic Development office.  Meetings will be held in Council Chambers on the first Wednesday of every month (the first Wed of January 2020 was New Year’s Day, so we moved to the 2^nd Wed).  This committee currently includes the three City Council members mentioned earlier, the Chamber Director and management/ownership from 9 companies local to Sandy (Everfresh Fruit, AEC, Wippersnappers, Suburban, CCB, Boring Brewing, Johnson RV, Mount Hood Athletic Club and John L. Scott).

The inaugural meeting was really just a meet-n-greet and an opportunity for members to share their vision for the committee.  Next month’s meeting will include the distribution of a resource binder for members, discussion about a proposal for a new retail market survey and a policy discussion about the proposed Parks & Rec District being considered for the November 2020 ballot.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

Oregon Community Solar Program (February 5, 1:00 -2:00 PM, Clackamas County Red Soils Campus): Community solar is an emerging model that allows for individuals and businesses who are unable or unwilling to install solar on their property to connect with an offsite solar source. This program allows for PGE customers to subscribe to a portion of the project and jointly share the benefits by receiving bill credits on their monthly electric bill for their portion of solar generation.  Subscribers are required to participate for a minimum of 10 years, and most subscribers should see a discount on their bill of about 5% (20% for low-income subscribers, and 10% of subscribers must be low-income).  Oregon Shines is the project administrator for this program, which is still under development but getting close to launch – for more information: https://www.oregoncsp.org/p/Subscribers/

Metro Population and Employment Forecasts (February 5^th, 3:00 – 4:30 PM, Clackamas County Red Soils Campus): Clackamas County is currently working with Metro to do population and employment forecasting for 2020-2045, which is critical for planning regarding roads, transit, and water, wastewater & stormwater capacities for residential neighborhoods.  They would like to work with the small cities outside of the Metro boundaries (Sandy, Estacada, Molalla, Canby, the Villages) because these have impacts in Metro territory and vice versa, and because while Metro may not be responsible for planning in these areas, Clackamas County still is.  This meeting was to explain the process for that partnership, which is essentially to look at Metro’s data and add any suggestions on how to get a more accurate result from our perspective if necessary.  It will require our planning staff to look at semi-sensitive data from Metro, so some confidentiality protocols are necessary.

Vacant Platted, Tentative Platted & Expired Lots Report – 4th Quarter 2019 

Attached is an updated platted and tentative platted lots list through December 31, 2019. 

Coming into winter we issued only 5 new house permits from October through December. Our department has reviewed 5 house permits that are ready for issuance, and we have about 30 additional houses in the review process. Marshall Ridge was recently platted which added 37 buildable lots and in November we tentatively approved Jewelberry Meadows which is a 20-lot subdivision.

You will receive the next update in April 2020.

Planning items:

Trillium Machine (19-017 DR/VAR/DEV/TREE): Development Services has recently received new information from the applicant and is currently reviewing for completeness for the third time.

Forest Service Site remodel (19-035 DR/ADJ US): Deemed complete and currently under review.

Tickle Creek Village (19-038 DR/TREE/FSH):  Proposed condos at the NE corner of Ruben and Dubarko – deemed complete and currently under review.

Bull Run Electric Building (19-036 DR): Deemed complete and currently under review.

Sandy Vault Storage (19-046 DR/MOD): Modifications to previously approved storage unit project has been deemed incomplete – awaiting additional information from applicant.

Design Review:

• Bailey Meadows Subdivision (19-023 SUB/VAR):  The December 15^th Planning Commission hearing on this subject has been continued to January 23^rd – the City continues to work with the developer on pending issues.
• Space Age Fueling Station (19-012 DR):  Development Services Director issued final order to applicant per Planning Commission decision.
• Sandy Health Clinic (19-032 ZC): Zoning change approved and in process.  Clackamas County working directly with Ec Dev office regarding Façade and streetscape reimbursement.

Kelly’s Kudos:

I want to let Rebecca Casey know how much she has inspired me as an employee and friend.  Your year+ long health battle was an amazing example of willpower, strength, and perseverance.  You are a true warrior!  It is exciting to see you back at work and once again being a full-fledged member of the Development Services family.  Welcome back and thank you for showing everyone what a fighting spirit truly means.

Internal projects: 

• City Hall: City Manager’s office requested looking into blinds instead of installing tinting on south and east facing picture windows.  After researching, Sandy Décor can provide blinds matching CH conference room for about the same price, so we will go this route instead.  Windows have been measured and blinds are currently on order; installation should be scheduled for some time in February.

Economic Development items:

Econ Devl – Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

• Old Chariteas (future Le Happy) site:  We are getting very close to setting an opening date for Le Happy Creperie & Bar – while both TI projects are still in process, they should both be completed in January pending any unforeseen circumstances.

• Paola’s Pizza Barn:  Axis Design has completed the design work for the restaurant, and a scope of work is being drafted for the project.  Design work and scope will be forwarded to the restaurant owner when complete along with supplemental materials sometime in mid-January.
• Sandy Marketplace:  More minor improvements are being made here through the City of Sandy Façade Improvement program.  We approached them about restyling three of the square planters out in the sidewalk area in front of the suites to give them public seating on all four sides and to add capstone along the top for the seating, removing the dated wooden seating (and associated maintenance costs) currently installed and increasing the aesthetic value.  Pictured below is the completed first planter, the other two will be completed sometime in February – if you stop by Bi-Mart or Grocery Outlet sometime soon, compare this refurbished planter to one they haven’t started yet.  The difference is remarkable.  (We are thinking about adding this same capstone surface to the planters outside of the Sandy Public Library when we upgrade them in the spring, hopefully using the same contractor)

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• SCC parking lot fencing replacement:  Now that the base of this fencing has been repaired satisfactorily, we are looking to replace the actual fencing with new, black powder coated fencing at a uniform height (i.e. removing the backstop).  Sandy Fence will install beginning on January 16.  Watch for it.

Economic Development Committee (January 8 – inaugural meeting):

• The first Economic Development Committee meeting was held from 6:30 – 8:00 PM on 1/8/20 in Council Chambers. Committee members in attendance included Mayor Pulliam, Counselors Pietzold and Exner, City Manager Jordan Wheeler, Chamber Director Khrys Jones, and business leaders Kurt McKnight (Everfresh Fruit), Cathy Stuchlik (CCB), Bill Schwartz (Boring Brewing), Hans Wipper (Wippersnappers), Ernie Brache (AEC), Brandon Johnson (Johnson RV), and Jason Shuler (John L. Scott). Discussions at this first meeting of the committee were extremely positive. Future meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of the month.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

• Google DMO Content Training (December 5, 8-12:30 PM): Workshop hosted by our friends at Clackamas County Tourism focusing on Google destination marketing organizations and how to capture the ownership of our city’s “infrastructure” on the Google platform.
• Grow Clackamas! Business Appreciation Engagement Event (December 18^th, 4-6 PM): First annual business appreciation event hosted by Clackamas County Business and Economic Development.  CCB&ED asked us to invite and highlight a company that has “grown with your community” over the years for recognition and a county sponsored award.  My invitation went to AEC Inc., as Ernie Brache started his company in his Sandy garage 30 years ago and is now one of the largest private employers within city limits and has been instrumental to the development and growth of SandyNet.  The event also highlighted the promotion of cross laminated timber companies in the region by putting the spotlight on the breaking of ground at Clackamas County’s newest CLT factory – Sauter Timber in Estacada.  As AEC is getting involved in the CLT industry, it was delightful to introduce Mr. Sauter to Ernie at this event in the hopes that their two businesses might collaborate in the future.

Fall 2019 Building Department Report:

Sandy builders have been blessed with favorable weather, yet they have had enough rain to keep the ground pliable for excavation.  The rain also helped keep the typical late summer dust to a minimum and allowed more residential projects to get started than anticipated.  As of the end of November, Sandy’s Building Department had 83 Active Residential Dwelling Permits.  The total construction value of all residential and commercial permits this year so far has exceeded $28M.

The most significant change to happen to the Sandy Building Department is our converting to the E-permitting software controlled by the State of Oregon.  The whole transition started nearly a year ago but went live October 28^th, 2019.   This change to E-Permitting has increased processing time for permit applications approximately 4 to 5 times as long.  The software change combined with recent SDC increases and has created a backlog of permit applications.   There are over 25 house plans that are currently waiting to be processed and reviewed.   

CURRENT COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

Going into December, Sandy has two highly visible projects that are both within days of being completed:  The first one is the new TRACTOR SUPPLY STORE located at the west end of town.   The shiny new supply store has been operating under a Temporary Occupancy Permit since the start of October.  They completed the storage shed after Thanksgiving weekend but are still waiting for pole lights and a few other exterior items before they can obtain final completion.  MCDONALD’S is the other noticeable project that has seen a lot of attention.   The building received a total make-over and is noticeably better than the original.  (Note the new wall sign in the Play Area: “I’m Lovin’ It”.)

          Other active and visible commercial projects include: the extensive SAFEWAY remodel is nearing completion – which was primarily interior but included relocating the recycling machines to the SE corner of the exterior; and the new LE HAPPY restaurant on Proctor scheduled to open in January 2020.  (It is located in the house formerly occupied by Chariteas). 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Building Department,
Terrence Gift, Building Official

Planning items:

Safeway Recycling Room (19-040 DR): This exterior addition to the building of a recycling center was approved and final order issued on November 14.

Trillium Machine (19-017): Development Services has recently received new information from the applicant and will analyze for completeness soon.

Forest Service Site remodel (19-035 DR/ADJ US): This parking lot remodel/expansion at the USFS Building has now been deemed complete, but staff has yet to begin analysis.

Mt. Hood Senior Living (19-027 CUP): Applicant has proposed a conditional use to allow a senior living facility on this Scenic Street site.  Final order was approved and issued on November 25.

Tickle Creek Village (19-038 DR/TREE/FSH):  Proposed condos at the NE corner of Ruben and Dubarko – this application has now been deemed complete, but staff analysis has yet to begin.

Bull Run Electric Building (19-036 DR): Received additional materials from applicant; going through secondary completeness check at this time.

Design Review:

• Sandy Vault Storage (19-046 DR/MOD): Modifications to previously approved storage unit project is currently undergoing a completeness check.
• Cashatt Duplex (19-028 DR/CUP): The Planning Commission denied the conditional use permit for the Cashatt duplex at the Planning Commission meeting on November 19. Mr. Cashatt has appealed the Planning Commission decision. The appeal will be heard by City Council on December 16th.
• Bailey Meadows Subdivision (19-023 SUB/VAR):  The Planning Commission is meeting on December 17th to hold a public hearing regarding the 100-lot Bailey Meadows subdivision.  This hearing will allow the public to testify with regard to the proposal. The applicant is now proposing a UGB extension to accommodate a street connection from the south end of the proposed subdivision to Highway 211.
• Jewelberry Meadows (19-018 SUB): On November 15th staff approved a 20-lot subdivision to the east of Jewelberry Avenue. The applicant will need to complete construction plans and other details from the approval prior to constructing the subdivision.
• Space Age Fueling Station (19-012 DR):  On December 3, 2019 the Planning Commission heard the appeal from the applicant of Space Age gas station. The decision removed numerous conditions that staff had imposed based on code requirements. Staff is now working on a final order. 
• Sandy Health Clinic (19-032 ZC): A hearing for the re-zoning of the old Oregon Wild Harvest property from C-2 to C-1 in preparation for this new Clackamas County Health clinic is on the agenda for the November 16^th City Council meeting.

Kelly’s Kudos:

CONTENT FOR THIS SECTION IS PENDING

Internal projects: 

• City Hall: Drywall work has been completed.  Day one of painting is completed, and Day 2 of painting will take place on 12/13 and should be completed on that date.  We are awaiting quotes to tint the picture windows on the south side of the building now as well as on replacement of our ancient security/smoke alarm system.  After the tinting has been installed, we will be essentially complete with the upstairs of the building and will start focusing our efforts on taking another run at replacing the plumbing in the building, probably in February 2020.
• Mystery pole @ 362^nd and Hwy 26:  Finally removed by PGE on December 12

Economic Development items:

Econ Devl – Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

Old Chariteas (future Le Happy) site:  Façade grant project to repair the front railing and paint the trim on the building has been completed.  TI grant #1 (hood and installation) is complete but waiting for electrical work before being finaled.  TI grant #2 (bar & bathroom) is currently in-process.

• Paola’s Pizza Barn:  In the spirit of getting things moving forward, we have committed to completing and paying for the necessary design work for this building as a “business-friendly” measure.  We recently reached out to Axis Design Group of Gresham, and they have agreed to perform the needed design work for us.  Initial meeting on 11/18.
• Sandy Marketplace:  I have convinced the ownership group of this complex to take advantage of our Façade grant program by pitching them a small, cheap upgrade project with high visibility.  We are going to work with a Portland stonework specialist to rehab the three square planters in the plaza spaces over there – he will power wash, add blocks to make the sides a uniform height, and replace the top with

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• Restoration of SCC fence base:  Restoration work is now completed on the brick work at the base of the cyclone fence surrounding the pool parking lot.  We are currently executing a change order so the red coating applied to this brickwork extends to the wall visible from the parking lot side.  Current fence to be removed and replaced with uniform black, powder coated 5-foot fencing by Sandy Fence.  Man gate and rolling gate will also be replaced. 

• Derelict buildings – Smith Building:  We have a preliminary report issued to us by Peter Meijer Architect detailing the building surface repairs and potential costs – staff will evaluate and discuss preliminary findings with city manager before proceeding with any action on this item pending Council instruction.  PMA is still working on finalizing this report, which should be completed sometime in January.
• Sandy Marketplace:  Discussions with complex manager have led to Albanese Cormier making the following minor improvements:
  • All of the burned-out lights in their monument sign for the complex have been replaced.
  • The HVAC truck that had been sitting in their parking lot for years (note the accumulation of moss in the picture below) has been removed – they had a contract with the owner of that business to allow him to park that vehicle in their parking lot near Hwy 26 for a monthly fee.  I informed them that this was a violation of the Sandy Municipal Code and that the truck would have to be removed.  They were unaware of this, but understood our reasoning and complied immediately.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

• City of Sandy Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (December 6, 6-8 PM): Fantastic event, phenomenal turnout considering the rain.  Special thanks to Mayor Pulliam for performing his official tree lighting duties flawlessly, to Sandy Public Works Crew for dragging the tree down to Centennial Plaza, to Sandy Transit for another year of trolley rides, a secondary Santa (see pic below) and for helping to tear down afterwards on the fly, Sandy resident Jim Allison for playing Santa again for us this year, our local Girls Scout and Boy Scout troops for generally helping out, and to Alec Chase and the SHS Choir for singing Christmas carols for us in the rain.  Also, if you happen to come across them this holiday season,please thank the following organizations for providing treats again this year: AntFarm Café, Busy Bee Catering in Welches, Mountain Moka and the Tollgate Inn Bakery.

Planning items:

Tree code (19-020 DCA): Staff revisions still being drafted.

Safeway Recycling Room (19-040 DR): Safeway is building an addition to their recycling room.  Application has been received.  Completeness check in progress.

Starbucks food truck at Safeway:  Staff retroactively approved the Starbucks food truck at Safeway as a temporary use.  We let Safeway know that in the future they cannot use a food truck with a motor and should apply for a temporary use permit prior to using the temporary kitchen. 

Trillium Machine (19-017): Development Services has recently received new information from the applicant and will analyze for completeness soon.

Forest Service Site remodel (19-035 DR/ADJ US): This parking lot remodel/expansion at the USFS Building has been deemed incomplete.  Waiting on applicant to provide complete information.

Mt. Hood Senior Living (19-027 CUP): Applicant has proposed a conditional use to allow a senior living facility on this Scenic Street site.  This item is on the agenda for the November 19^th PC meeting.

Tickle Creek Village (19-038 DR/TREE/FSH):  Proposed condos at the NE corner of Ruben and Dubarko – we have received additional information from applicant; second completeness check in process.

Bull Run Electric Building (19-036 DR): This application has been deemed incomplete.

Bluff Road Tree Removal (19-039 FSH/TREE):  Removal of 2 trees from the steep slope FSH area approved with conditions; Final Order issued October 15

Design Review:

• Cashatt Duplex (19-028 DR/CUP): Conditional use permit for a duplex within a C-1 zoned property (located on Pleasant St.) is currently on the agenda for the Planning Commission meeting on November 19.
• Bailey Meadows Subdivision (19-023 SUB/VAR):  The applicant for this 100-lot subdivision by Ponder Lane is considering a UGB expansion for the extension of Gunderson Road and will likely be submitting an updated proposal; PC hearing postponed pending decision on this by applicant.
• Jewelberry Meadows (19-018 SUB): Staff review process is nearing completion — a decision is expected soon.
• Space Age Fueling Station (19-012 DR):  Received updated traffic analysis from applicant and related comments from transportation agencies; Final Order issued October 22; DECISION IS BEING APPEALED to Planning Commission
• Sandy Health Clinic (19-032 ZC): An application to re-zone the old Oregon Wild Harvest property from C-2 to C-1 in preparation for this new Clackamas County Health clinic is on the agenda for the November 19^th PC meeting.

Kelly’s Kudos:

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Noryne Robinson, Permit Technician II, for the ePermitting software conversion. Noryne did the heavy lifting on the conversion and was essential for the successful launch. She participated in countless emails, phone calls and other correspondence with the State. Noryne even worked overtime to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible for staff, contractors, and the public.  Job well done, Noryne 🙂

Internal projects: 

• New street trees: To go along with the new electrical infrastructure currently being installed on Proctor Blvd, the City required PGE to put in street trees on the south side of Proctor as a condition.  Note the new trees between Scales Avenue and the VFW.

• ePermitting: – Building Division staff successfully launched the State of Oregon ePermitting software program on October 28th. This new software allows for online application submissions and inspection requests. The software replaces the legacy system created by Scott Lazenby in the 1990s. While the new software has come with some headaches it also delivers some benefits for staff and public users.
• Joe’s Donuts undergrounding:  This project, after almost 1 calendar year, is now complete.  The utility pole on the corner of Pioneer and 211 was removed on 11/12.
• City Hall: Now that the electrical work is complete, we move to the next phase of the interior rehabilitation of Sandy City Hall.  Drywall work to clean up and cover the electrical and plumbing work we have completed has been scheduled – the work will be overseen by Full Throttle Construction out of Boring and should be completed before the end of November.
• Downtown transit shelters: The Urban Renewal Agency paid for Mtn View Contracting to put a couple coats of darker stain on the transit shelters at Centennial Plaza and in front of Walgreens during the first full week of November to replace the weathering clear coat.  The CP shelter particularly blends much better with the surrounding buildings now.

Economic Development items:

Econ Devl – Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

• Old Chariteas (future Le Happy) site:  Owners have applied for both TI and Façade grants.  TI work in progress.  Getting bids for Façade work.  More to come soon…

• Paola’s Pizza Barn:  In the spirit of getting things moving forward, we have committed to completing and paying for the necessary design work for this building as a “business-friendly” measure.  We recently reached out to Axis Design Group of Gresham, and they have agreed to perform the needed design work for us.  Initial meeting on 11/18.
• Sandy Marketplace:  I have convinced the ownership group of this complex to take advantage of our Façade grant program by pitching them a small, cheap upgrade project with high visibility.  We are going to work with a Portland stone work specialist to rehab the three square planters in the plaza spaces over there – he will power wash, add blocks to make the sides a uniform height, and replace the top with

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• More downtown cleanup via AntFarm:  Had the AntFarm crew clean up the remnants of the ground stump at Proctor and Meinig and dig out and dispose of a dead bush at Plaid Pantry.
• Restoration of SCC fence base:  Restoration work is currently in process on the brick work at the base of the cyclone fence surrounding the pool parking lot.  Current fence to be removed and replaced with uniform black, powder coated 5-foot fencing.  Man gate and rolling gate will also be replaced. 

• Mural restoration: Neilson Construction has completed the clean-up work the mounting site (power wash, paint, replace the mounting boards with some new pressure treated studs).  Look for this mural to be replaced sometime after the New Year.
• Derelict buildings – Smith Building:  The architect we are working with to produce the surface report (Peter Meijer) has completed a site visit and has begun working on the report.  We expect to receive it sometime before the end of the year and will evaluate next steps with the property owner at that time.
• City of Sandy Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – Friday, December 6^th, 6-8 PM:  the most wonderful time of the year is closer than you think…

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

• Mount Hood Community College CTE Tours (October 18): Took another group of SHS students to a half-day tour of the Career & Technical Education programs at MHCC.  Looked at the Automotive Technology, Cybersecurity and Networking, Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Integrated Media, Mechatronics and Integrated Metals (Welding) programs during our walking tour of campus. 
• Clackamas County FAM Tour – Lake Oswego:  Another in Clackamas County Tourism’s series of familiarization tours for ec dev and tourism professionals focusing on the Lake Oswego area.  These tours show all of the tourism draws for a particular area and connect local government folks with area tourism professionals to promote better regional awareness of all of the tourism draws in the County.  [it was during a Sandy/Villages/Gov’y ClackCo FAM tour a few years ago was when we discovered through one of our favorite local tour bus operators that her industry was avoiding Jonsrud because the narrow lanes caused bus drivers to get stuck there – this prompted CC Tourism to help us with funding the “curb shaving” project through the CPP grant program, which motivated the 2^nd round of upgrades at Jonsrud that are currently being completed]
• OEDA OCED training course – Real Estate Reuse and Development (Salem – Oct 27): Penultimate training class to receiving OCED certification from Oregon Ec Dev Association.  Last class will be in 2020.
• OEDA Annual Fall Conference (Salem – Oct 28, 29):  This is the big annual conference for the Oregon Economic Development Association – held in Salem this year, so no overnight expenses for this one.  Another opportunity to confab with my peers throughout the state and to discuss issues of concern to economic developers in Oregon like workforce housing, workforce development, etc.

Planning items:

Bloom Annexation (Case No. 18-026 ANN) City Council approval of request effective as of 9/30/19 via City of Sandy Ordinance 2019-16.  

Tree code (19-020 DCA): Staff revisions still being drafted.

Sign code:  Staff is almost complete with code review and will be available to meet with Councilor Pietzold and Mayor Pulliam shortly for a status review.

Trillium Machine (19-017): Deemed incomplete on 8/20/19.

Marshall Ridge (17-006):  The model home for this subdivision is currently being constructed (see below)

Forest Service Site remodel (19-035 DR/ADJ US): This parking lot remodel/expansion at the USFS Building has been deemed incomplete.

FSH overlay map update (19-021 ZC):  Update to zoning map to include FSH overlay on 2 recently annexed properties on Jacoby Road

Mt. Hood Senior Living (19-027 CUP): Applicant has proposed a conditional use to allow a senior living facility on this Scenic Street site.

Bloom Annexation (Case No. 18-026 ANN): City Council approved Ord. 2019-16 approving the proposed annexation.  Effective as of September 30.

Tickle Creek Village (19-038 DR/TREE/FSH):  Proposed condos at the NE corner of Ruben and Dubarko – this is currently undergoing a completeness review.

Mountain View Ridge (16-039): This subdivision is currently under construction (see below)

Vacant Platted, Tentative Platted & Expired Lots Report – 3rd Quarter 2019

We issued 30 new house permits from July through September. City Center Townhomes was recently platted and all six lots have house permits that were already issued, so the subdivision moved from tentative platted to off the list altogether. We issued a model home permit in Marshall Ridge, but the subdivision is still not platted so that is the reason the number of lots was reduced by one.

You will receive the next update in January 2019.

Design Review:

• Cashatt Duplex (19-028 DR/CUP): Conditional use permit for a duplex within a C-1 zoned property (located on Pleasant St.), deemed complete 9/6/19, on the agenda for the Planning Commission meeting on November 19.
• Bailey Meadows Subdivision (19-023 SUB/VAR):  The applicant for this 100-lot subdivision by Ponder Lane is considering a UGB expansion for the extension of Gunderson Road and will likely be submitting an updated proposal; PC hearing postponed
• Jewelberry Meadows (19-018 SUB): This 20-lot subdivision was deemed complete on 9/17.  Staff review is in process.
• Bull Run Electric Building (19-036 DR): Applicant proposed new multi-use, multi-tenant industrial building located on the north side of Industrial Way, east of 362nd Drive.
• Space Age Fueling Station (19-012 DR):  Received updated traffic analysis from applicant and related comments from transportation agencies; final order almost finished
• Sandy Health Clinic: (19-032 ZC) Rezone of 39831 HWY 26 (old Oregon’s Wild Harvest Building) from C-2 to C-1, deemed complete 9/18/19, on the agenda for the November 19 Planning Commission meeting.

Kelly’s Kudos:

• This month I want to say congratulations to James Cramer for accepting his new position with the City of Battle Ground, but even more importantly I want to say thank you for the last two years. Your time with the City of Sandy was fruitful in regards to land use planning, code interpretation, parks planning, sign permitting, and helping customers. Your ability to help residents troubleshoot questions and concerns was second to none. We wish you the best of luck in all future endeavors.
  
  

Internal projects: 

• Joe’s Donuts undergrounding:  We are reaching the completion of the project to remove the antiquated power pole supplying Joe’s Donuts by undergrounding power to this building.  PGE’s contractors (Kuenzi) were working on Sept 25^th to complete the technical work of re-routing the power to Joe’s (see below); as of this writing, there is a new temporary pole still serving the building – working to find out why.
  

• The second round of electrical work at City Hall is now complete.  Thanks to Bull Run Electric for completing the work quickly and quietly during our regular business hours.
• Picture window blinds have been removed on the south and west walls of the building by the Parks Department team.  Next steps: contract with a drywaller/finisher to repair all of the drywall cuts in the building and get all of the interior painting cleaned up.

Economic Development items:

Econ Devl – Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

• New restaurant at Chariteas site: We have completed the bid process for the interior modifications and selected the winning bidders.  Construction should start any day now.  The business owner very recently called to discuss starting a Façade Improvement project to paint the building and install a concrete pad in the “back yard” for future outdoor seating.
• Tractor Supply Company:  is now open!  There are some odds and ends for them to complete in the coming months (landscaping items, streetscape items, adding box windows, etc.), but these are bonded so these items will be completed shortly.

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• Cleanup on Pioneer Blvd: Complete.  Bonus points to Todd Sparks (owner of the Boring Brewing/Mad Dogz Building and Sparky’s Pizza) for providing free pizza to the AntFarm weeding crew out of the goodness of his heart.
• Rip City Rally:  Huge success.  Turnout at the Farmer’s Market was increased by a great deal because of this “rally” at the event, and the activities the Blazer’s organization had for the kids at this event was nothing short of fantastic.  The event was a great opportunity for our elected officials and some of our City departments to chat with constituents and show off some of the ways our City government works for them.  Shopper’s Trolley seemed to be a crowd favorite…
  
• Mtn. Moka Building: 
  • Oregon Tree Care removed the large tree on the SE corner of Proctor and Meinig in late September; wood was cut into manageable pieces and collected by the AntFarm for their firewood program on the same day the tree was removed.  Much better visibility at this intersection now, and one less maintenance headache for Mr. Picking – everybody wins.  Stump grinding to follow…

• The disintegrating wheel stop bars made of old railroad ties along the Meinig Avenue side of the parking lot of Mr. Picking’s property were also replaced with concrete wheel stops from Michael’s Precast Concrete on 9/11.  Wheel stops paid for by Sandy Urban Renewal Agency; installation done by KLM Construction at Mr. Picking’s cost.  Minor but highly visible aesthetic improvement at the intersection of two state highways.
• Mural restoration: With the restoration of both of the large downtown murals now completed, our Arts Commission volunteers have turned their attention to the the logging mural on the front of City Hall.  For ease of restoration, this mural was removed by Parks Department staff and is currently being restored over at the Bunker Building.  We are contracting with Neilson Construction to clean up the mounting site, paint and replace the mounting boards with some new pressure treated studs.  Look for this mural to be replaced sometime after the New Year.
• Derelict buildings – Smith Building:  Dao Architecture referred us to Peter Meijer Architect in Portland to produce the report we seek detailing the appropriate steps to take to halt degradation of the building surface and suggesting an appropriate method to restore surface paint.  Mr. Meijer is a specialist in historic building restoration and will be conducting a site visit to get started collecting data for the report on 18 October. Both property owners have been notified.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

• Oregon Main Street Conference (October 2-4, Tillamook, OR): Emily Meharg and I spent two days at this conference learning about what the Main Street organizations have been doing around Oregon over the last year and rubbing elbows with downtown organizations of all stripes. We also took a walking tour and got an upfront look at a massive $30 million downtown restructuring project where the City of Tillamook actually CREATED a couplet like ours out of a downtown full of two-way streets. The project included changing traffic patterns, all new streetscape infrastructure, large scale electrical undergrounding, the closing of a inter-couplet street to create an outdoor pedestrian space, and the addition of a new northbound access off of Highway 6 to Highway 101.