Planning Department items:

20-032 DCA code changes associated with House Bill 2001 related to duplexes and ADUs: Planning staff held a PC work session regarding HB 2001 on October 26^th.  The PC hearing is scheduled for the January PC meeting.

Hood Street Daycare (20-039 DCA/ADJ):  The final order for this request to construct a new building for a daycare at 38422 Hood Street was issued on December 1^st.

Rogue Fabrication zone change (20-041 ZC):  This request to change zoning designation from I-1 to I-2 for Rogue Fabrication’s new facility at the corner of Champion Way and Industrial Way has now been deemed complete and is currently under review.

Pleasant Street Master Plan (18-022 CPA):  Staff continues with re-evaluating what is left to complete with this project.  This has been temporarily put on hold due to staff attention required for the Bull Run Terrace and The Views projects.

Bull Run Terrace (19-050 CPA/ZC/SUB):  This project was heard at the City Council meeting on November 30^th and given a first reading.  Second reading for this project will occur at the next Council meeting on December 7^th.

18350 Ross Ave Accessory Structure Setback Adjustment (20-044 ADJ):  The final order for this project was issued on November 6^th.

Les Schwab façade design review (20-048): This project to upgrade the façade for the Sandy Les Schwab is currently under review.

The Views Planned Development (20-028):  This project went before the Planning Commission on November 23rd, at which point they granted a continuance.  PC will pick up their discussion on it at their next meeting on December 16^th.

Sandy High School Field House (20-040 DR/VAR):  This proposal to construct a new indoor athletic field at 36525 Industrial Way has now been deemed complete.  Staff is anticipating this project to be reviewed at the PC meeting in January.

38471 Maple Street (20-046 ADJ):  Request to reduce side yard setbacks is currently being reviewed by staff.

38463 Maple Street (20-047 ADJ):  Request to reduce side yard setbacks is currently being reviewed by staff. 

Kelly’s Kudos:

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to our two outgoing Sandy Planning Commissioners, John Logan and Todd Mobley.  Their service on the Planning Commission fulfilled an important role for the City of Sandy and I want to recognize their volunteer efforts.  Commissioner Logan has served since March 2015 and was active in numerous planning projects, including the UGB Expansion, numerous code changes, the first iteration of the Pleasant Street Master Plan and many land use applications.  Commissioner Mobley has served since January 2018 and was instrumental in helping solidify our first clear and objective code changes related to traffic analysis.  He was also involved in many land use applications and other code changes.  I want to wish Mr. Logan and Mr. Mobley all the best in their future endeavors.

Internal projects: 

• Emergency Small Business Assistance grant program, Round 2: 
  • Staff has completed review of the applications for this program and will be officially informing applicants of their status (and hopefully delivering checks) next week.
  • There were 33 applicants for this round of the program.  After review, 29 of the 33 applicants were deemed eligible grants, so every eligible applicant will be receiving a grant award. 
  • Any remaining funds other than the 1% set aside for program expenses will be split up equally between the 29 recipients and added to their $3,000 award.  Final awards should be right around $3,400.
  • Of the four applicants deemed ineligible:
    • One was a home business based outside of city limits, so doubly ineligible.
    • One was a business owner with two eligible businesses operating under the same federal business registration number (EIN) even though they properly have two separate Sandy business licenses (i.e. one business entity with two DBAs).  As these businesses are considered to be the same business by the federal government, we can only issue one award.  (The business owner fully understands and tells me that any award money received will be going 100% to keep her employees on the payroll)
    • Two had past due transit tax payments.
  • Special thanks to the review committee (Councilors Lee, Exner and Pietzold, Ms. Jones and Mr. McKnight of the City of Sandy Economic Development Committee) and our Finance Director for their work on this program and to the Sandy City Council for making these funds directly available to our local business community. 
• Staff is currently soliciting bids for the replacement of the plumbing system at City Hall.   Project will install new copper pipe for all potable water in the building and a new, energy efficient water heater.  Bids are due December 11.
• Staff is also soliciting responses to an RFQ posted in early November for a consulting firm to prepare the south building of the old Cedar Ridge Middle School for demolition.  Selected bidder will manage the process of disconnecting and/or rerouting of existing utility service lines and generally preparing the grounds for building demolition.
• New lighting for the front of the Community Center is now complete and properly highlighting our recently restored mural.  Courtesy of Bull Run Electric.

Economic Development items:

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

• Façade project – Mtn Moka Building:  This project is now mostly complete – the three largest components (siding, stonework, paint) have been completed and the two smaller remaining components (lighting, garbage enclosure refresh) are waiting on contractor availability. 
• Façade project – Old Church on Pioneer Blvd:  This project seems to be about halfway done.  Windows are installed, and contractor is in the midst of replacing the worn siding.  Structural repairs at building entrance seem to be mostly complete.
• 2020 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: The Economic Development department would like to congratulate the staff of the Sandy Public Library for pulling off a great ceremony under the most difficult of circumstances. Looking forward to watching this event grow under Library management in the coming years.
• Building update – Masonic Building:  The Masons are giving their building an external refresh.  New siding, trim and paint and general maintenance items.  They were offered a Façade grant and considered the offer but ultimately decided to proceed on their own.

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• AntFarm downtown maintenance crew:  Maintenance work in the C-1 district seems to be in the best condition it has been in some time.  Many thanks to Nunpa and the AntFarm crew for their assistance in 2020, including weeding our planter strips, keeping our flower baskets maintained (during the fires, no less!) and removing downed trees in Sandy’s parks.  Looking forward to working with the crew again in the spring.  And as always, if you notice any of our streetscape areas looking shoddy downtown, please send an email to Economic Development and inform us so we can get it taken care of.  A clean, well maintained downtown helps to encourage and promote new development!
• Holiday street tree lighting:  Installed and operating.  Two circuits outside of Mt. Hood Cleaners were discovered to be inoperable and were quickly repaired by the Parks Department.  Hat tip to Mr. Preston.
  
  

Econ Devl – Economic Development Committee:

The December meeting of the Economic Development reason was cancelled to give the membership time to celebrate the holidays (and a welcome break from yet another Zoom meeting, which all of our membership seems to have a few too many of right now).  The committee will reconvene in January 2021.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

There were no significant trainings or conferences attended by Economic Development staff in November.

Planning Department items:

20-032 DCA code changes associated with House Bill 2001 related to duplexes and ADUs: Planning staff held a PC work session regarding HB 2001 on October 26 and the PC hearing is scheduled for the January PC meeting.

Hood Street Daycare (20-039 DCA/ADJ):  Completeness check has been completed.  This request to construct a new day care facility at 38422 Hood Street is currently under review.

Tree removal at 38432 Maple Street (20-036 TREE):  This tree removal request at 38432 Maple Street and request to install a retaining wall and grade near retention trees has now been deemed complete and final order has been issued.

Sandy Woods II (20-034 ZC):  This zoning map update with FSH overlay for Sandy Woods II has been withdrawn by the applicant.

Rogue Fabrication zone change (20-041 ZC):  This request to change zoning designation from I-1 to I-2 for Rogue Fabrication’s new facility at the corner of Champion Way and Industrial Way has been deemed incomplete.  Staff sent an incompleteness letter to applicant and are awaiting a few additional materials.

Vista Loop Lot Line Adjustment (20-031):  Staff received the requested updated plat map from the applicant.  Final order has been issued.

Downtown Walkability Assessment:  Development Svcs intern Christina Winberry completed the analytic work for this project prior to departing the City.  Shelley Denison is reviewing her work and performing some final editing before bringing this to City Council.

Pleasant Street Master Plan (18-022 CPA):  Staff is now revisiting this project and re-evaluating what is left to complete as the overall workload in Planning seems to be diminishing.

Bull Run Terrace (19-050 CPA/ZC/SUB):  This project was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at their October 26th meeting, and will be heard at the City Council meeting on November 30th.

18350 Ross Ave Accessory Structure Setback Adjustment (20-044 ADJ):  This project is currently under review.

Tree removal request at Alpine Village Apartments (20-045 TREE):  Final order for this tree removal request was issued on October 30^th.

OAOR Annexation (20-025):  Staff asked for a continuance for this project at the last Planning Commission meeting due to a couple of fairly serious code violations with Clackamas County.  Staff met with the applicant in mid-October – it was determined that the applicant needs to correct these code County violations prior to moving forward.  This project will be brought back before the PC once the outstanding issues have been corrected.  Staff anticipates that this will probably be in the 2^nd half of 2021.

The Views Planned Development (20-028):  This project will be heard by the Planning Commission at their November 23^rd meeting. 

Sandy High School Field House (20-040 DR/VAR): This proposal to construct new indoor batting cages at 36525 Industrial Way was deemed complete on November 12.  The proposal will include variations that necessitate a Planning Commission hearing.

16320 Bluff Road (20-037 DR):  The final order for this request to construct a new single family residence on Bluff Rd was issued on October 23^rd.

Building Department items:

FALL 2020 Building Department Report

The SPRING and SUMMER OF 2020 passed too quickly.   Despite the pandemic and uncertainties of politics and the unstable financial markets, residential construction and the building industry is still going strong.   The monthly reports produced by Noryne Robinson of Sandy’s permit activity are evidence.  

Drivers passing the new Space Age Fuel station see that Sandy is definitely growing.  The month of October saw more underground utility work and more foundations.  The contractors recently passed the rough framing, mechanical, plumbing and electrical inspections in the main building, installed weather protection, and have insulated the interior.  Enormous footings for the steel canopy over the fueling area were poured in September, but the underground fuel piping has been delayed due to backordered components.  

Anyone driving through our new residential developments on the north and south sides of Sandy can see that new home construction remains steady.   Sandy issued 11 permits for new single family homes in October alone.  Residential home sales have continued to expand as more people continue to leave the Portland area, and the mortgage rates continue to drop.  Home prices have continued to climb with the housing demand.  This has spurred more home remodeling and flipping of homes.  Consequently, this increase in home values has spawned numerous unpermitted remodeling projects by homeowners and unlicensed contractors.  Code enforcement is stretched and unable to prevent the current boom of illegal remodeling.  Neither are we able to prevent the growing number of secretive home conversions from single family homes into multi-dwelling residences and boarding houses.  The uniformed owners and occupants are not aware that permits and inspections help ensure minimum fire/life/safety measures, and ultimately save property and lives.  

The problem is growing, and much too large to adequately cover in this report, so it will have to wait until the next Building Department Report.

Respectfully submitted by
Terrence Gift, Building Official

Kelly’s Kudos:

I want to thank all our City Council candidates for running a competitive campaign that really highlighted our shared interest in making Sandy the best place possible.  I want to congratulate Don, Kathleen, and Rich on their elections.  Furthermore, I want to thank Councilor Lee for being such a compassionate and amazing City Councilor.  Her commitment to Sandy on issues such as sustainability, affordable housing, childcare, social equality, and public health are very much appreciated. I wish Councilor Lee all the best! 

Internal projects: 

• Minor changes to Community Center:
  • Lighting: Complete
  • Garbage enclosures:  Complete
  • West entrance awning:  Design and construction are complete.  We have been waiting for the design work for the porte cochere to be completed prior to installation – we would prefer to match the stain color and type to that being proposed for the porte cochere for consistency.  Since the design work is taking a bit longer than anticipated, we are going to choose the stain color for the architect shortly so we can proceed with installation of this awning. 
  • West entrance – new metal door:  Reviewing potential replacement doors now.

Economic Development items:

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

• Façade project – Mtn Moka Building:  Brad Picking has applied for a Façade program grant for a refresh of this building.  Scope of work for the project includes stone wrapping and a new look  for the overhand support posts at the suite entrances, new exterior lighting for the mural to be painted on the back side of the building, new Hardi siding for the physical therapy office, a refresh of the garbage enclosure area and a new 3-tone paint job for the entire building.  At the time of this writing, the siding, painting and stone work had already been completed.
• Façade project – Old Church on Pioneer Blvd:  The little church on Pioneer Boulevard is getting a new look!  Building owner Alan Fleischman reached out to the Ec Dev Office in the spring and inquired about assistance.  He told us he was going to replace the siding and most of the windows in the building before giving it a new paint job, and we jumped at the chance to help out.  Some of the siding at the ground level of the building will change style, but the majority of it including the steeple will be replaced with the exact same style.  Buildings in that particular section of downtown have a specific historical exemption to Sandy Style rules that allows them to remain white, and Mr. Fleischman chose to take advantage of this exemption.

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• AntFarm downtown maintenance crew:  All October maintenance work is now completed.  [The two pics below are of the landscaping strip next to DQ on Proctor and the landscape strip across from Two Bros at the coin-op car wash – both strips were overrun with weeds and had become eyesores – you can see the “before” look on the first picture at the bottom where the property line is.]
  

Holiday street tree lighting:  Installation will be completed by November 16.  We accepted a slight (3%) increase in cost to cover their increased labor costs for this work.  Installation to occur literally any day now.

Econ Devl – Economic Development Committee:

The November meeting of the Economic Development Committee was held virtually on November  4^th.  It began with a quick presentation in the Updates section highlighting the current work on two Façade Improvement projects going on downtown – the refresh projects going on at the Mountain Moka Building and the Old Church.  

Our invited guest took up the bulk of the meeting.  Andie Edmonds of NAI Cascade gave our committee a close up look at the Skipper property at the 362^nd/Bell St. extension and talked to us about general development concepts and how NAI Cascade and the property owner are viewing the development prospects of their property.   She concluded the meeting by asking our group to consider what the City and it’s residents would like to see built there (if anything specific) and how the City might direct that development by considering targeted incentives toward specific development concepts.  Although retail (including big box stores) would have the most interest in this space, she also let us know that the property owners are civic-minded folks and are open to suggestions.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

In October I attended the 2020 OEDA (the Oregon Economic Development Association) Conference from October 26-28 and Travel Oregon’s Outdoor Recreation Summit during the first half of October (Zoom meeting series).  Both events were virtual and focused most of their programming on economic recovery and ongoing management of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For a city of 12,000 citizens, Sandy has really hit the mark here with the following actions:

• Sandy’s Emergency Small Business Assistance program providing badly needed financial relief to local business – for a city our size, this was quite an accomplishment.  Staff is looking forward to continuing this effort on behalf of Council with Round 2 of the ESBA coming in December.
• Streamlining our rules regarding allowing outdoor seating in off-street parking spaces and erecting temporary accessory structures for outdoor seating, making it easier for restaurants to accommodate the outdoor dining needed during this pandemic.

Eliminating off-street parking requirements in the C-1 district, eliminating a barrier to development in our downtown commercial district.

Planning items:

Above is the updated platted and tentative platted lots list through September 30, 2020. We issued 9 single family homes between July and September.  The six remaining lots in Sandy Woods have all been reviewed and will likely be issued in October.  The seven remaining lots in Mt. View Ridge are in various stages of review and will likely all be issued before the end of the year.  The 15 remaining lots in Marshall Ridge were recently purchased by Lennar who also bought the 100 lots in Shaylee Meadows.

Speaking of Shaylee Meadows, Gunderson Road is being installed and the land is currently being graded.  I would expect that land to be ready for house permits in spring of 2021. We also recently heard of revived interest in the nine lots at Jewelberry Ridge and the six lots at Mairin’s Viewpoint.  At this point, staff is unsure of the status for moving forward with the 52 tentative platted lots at Jacoby Heights and Jewelberry Meadows.

You will receive the next update in January 2021.

DCA Code Updates to Chapters 17.100, 17.84 and 17.10 (20-023 DCA):   These proposed code changes, primarily in relation to ADT standards, were approved at City Council’s September 21^st meeting and went into effect on September 21^st. 

20-032 DCA code changes associated with House Bill 2001 related to duplexes and ADUs: Planning staff will be holding a work session regarding HB 2001 at the PC meeting on October 26^th.

Hood Street Daycare (20-039 DCA/ADJ): This request to construct a new building for a daycare facility at 38422 Hood Street has gone through the pre-app process.  Completeness check is pending.

Sandy Crest Planned Development (20-033): This application was withdrawn completely on September 18^th.  We may see a new application for a planned development at this location in the future.

16230 Bluff Road tree removal (20-035 TREE):  Tree removal request at 16320 Bluff Rd – this tree removal request is associated with demolishing and rebuilding a single-family house.  Final order was issued on September 11^th.

Tree removal at 38432 Maple Street (20-036 TREE):  This tree removal request at 38432 Maple Street and request to install a retaining wall and grade near retention trees has been deemed incomplete.

Sandy Woods II (20-034 ZC):  This zoning map update with FSH overlay for Sandy Woods II has been deemed incomplete.

Rogue Fabrication zone change:  This request to change zoning designation from I-1 to I-2 for Rogue Fabrication’s new facility at the corner of Champion Way and Industrial Way is in process.

Upcoming pre-apps:  Pre-apps are scheduled for the following future projects

• An accessory structure on Kelso Road
• Two proposed residential dwellings on Jacoby Road
  

Vista Loop Lot Line Adjustment (20-031):  Staff is waiting on an updated plat map from the applicant.  Once that is complete, the final order will be issued.

Pleasant Street Master Plan (18-022 CPA):  This project remains on the back burner for a bit as staff works on Bull Run Terrace and The Views.  We will revisit this project when those larger projects are complete.

Design Review:

• Bull Run Terrace (19-050 CPA/ZC/SUB): Staff has now received updated application materials from the applicant and are working on producing an updated staff report.  This project will be heard by Planning Commission at their October 26^th meeting.  Shelley Denison will be creating an updated video summary of this project shortly.
• OAOR Annexation (20-025):  Staff asked for a continuance for this project at the last Planning Commission meeting due to a fairly serious code violation with Clackamas County.  Staff will be meeting with the applicant in mid-October to correct this issue.  This project will be brought back before the PC once that is complete at a date to be determined.
• The Views Planned Development (20-028):  Planning Commission review of this project has been rescheduled to the November 23^rd PC meeting.  Staff report in progress.
• 16320 Bluff Road (20-037 DR):  This request to construct a new single family residence on Bluff Rd is currently under review by staff.

Internal projects: 

• Minor changes to Community Center: The City of Sandy Urban Renewal Agency is looking to upgrade a couple of items at the Community Center
  • Lighting: Fixtures on order, work to be completed by next report.
  • Garbage enclosures:  Complete
  • West entrance awning:  Design for awning has been received and approved.  Contractor is currently building the awning in his shop.  Should be installed by next report.
  • West entrance – new metal door:  The Community Services Director asked me if Urban Renewal could replace the metal door and frame at the west entrance – it has never worked properly and is beginning to become an issue.  I have accepted a quote from the same company that is designing and building the permanent awning, and am awaiting their suggested replacement door.  New door will be as close to identical to the old door as possible – metal door with window and interior crash bar.

Economic Development items:

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

• Rogue Fabrication – EZ project:  This Sandy business mentioned in last month’s report is slowly moving forward with a development project at the recently purchased Eastwinds site.  As this company is a light manufacturing company that produces tools and machinery for pipe bending, they qualify for 3 years of partial property tax abatement through the Enterprise Zone program offered by the State of Oregon and Clackamas County.  I have been working with the business owner and Cindy Moore from ClackCo Business and Economic Development to explain the program, and an application was sent to him on October 12.  This is the first Enterprise Zone project in the City of Sandy that I am aware of.
• Commercial vacancies:  I did not notice any new business closures in September.  We have lost about 10 businesses in the age of COVID-19 thus far; about half of them have been confirmed COVID casualties.  On the positive side, we have seen a few new businesses move into some of the vacant spaces – two commercial landlords have told me that all recent business vacancies in their buildings have already been filled.  A 2020 round of “musical businesses” (businesses moving within town to a) take advantage of better rental rates or b) upgrade their space) is now starting, with Impact Jiu-Jitsu moving into the space formerly occupied by Wolfpack Theater.  I anticipate several more moves like this between now and the end of the year.
• Expedited process for temporary outdoor seating covers:  Development Services has instituted a new streamlined process for temporary covers for outdoor seating areas in Sandy restaurants.  A simple, one page application with a quick staff-level review and a inspection by the fire marshal is all that is required for non-permanent structures to be erected for this purpose.  This new process has no fees and will be in place until later stage COVID restrictions governing indoor occupancy levels are lifted.  Letters and email notices were sent to all Sandy businesses (also applies to gyms) in the first week of October announcing the new procedure.  We have already had three Sandy businesses complete the  process entirely (Boring Brewing, Le Happy, Smoky Hearth).  Feedback from member Bill Schwartz (owner, Boring Brewing) at the October Ec Dev Committee meeting was extremely positive – easy to apply, City staff was responsive, and no fee required was very much appreciated. 

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• AntFarm downtown maintenance crew: New work requested from the maintenance crew for the month of October includes:
  • Clean up SE corner of Meinig and Proctor (weeds) — COMPLETED
  • Weed the planter strip on Proctor adjacent to DQ
  • Major weeding of planter strip on SE corner of Pioneer and Bruns at car wash (remove blackberries, weed and trim back plants in strip)
  • Clean up small corner planter strip on south side of Proctor at Bruns (remove grass, put down weed matting and barkdust)
• Flower baskets:  The flower baskets were removed during the last week of September.  Our watering contractor took good notes relating to what worked and what didn’t in the baskets this year and will forward to our basket provider for next year.  Considering the wind and wildfire damage sustained, the baskets performed admirably.
• Holiday street tree lighting:  Coming soon – will be installed by the end of October.

Econ Devl – Economic Development Committee:

The October meeting of the Economic Development Committee was held virtually on October 7^th.  It began with a presentation in the Updates section highlighting the new expedited process for installing outdoor seating cover structures at local restaurants, a review of current commercial construction projects in Sandy and updated local business closures.   Member discussion started with member COVID and wildfire updates (most were ok, Wippersnappers is really hurting), and then proceeded into a continuation of our current discussion about urban renewal spending priorities.  One point that members seemed to agree on is that we should be considering some sort of media marketing campaign to extoll the virtues of the City of Sandy. 

We concluded the meeting by giving our members a target area (space to be created by 362^nd extension) for future commercial development – we asked members to consider what specific kind of development might be prosperous there, and what kinds of new incentives the City should be considering to help drive this development  The discussion will continue on November 4th.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

No conferences or training in September due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but I will be attending the 2020 OEDA (the Oregon Economic Development Association) Conference on October 26-28 (full days) as well as Travel Oregon’s Outdoor Recreation Summit during the first half of October (Zoom meeting series).  Both events are virtual.

Planning items:

Safe Routes to School Program:  Following the February 2020 Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Action Plan, the Development Services Department applied for a SRTS grant in August for infrastructure improvements at Sandy Grade School and Cedar Ridge Middle School.  The total request is for $718,768, of which the grant would cover 60 percent ($431, 261) of the costs.  The grant request would improve safety and equity concerns by eliminating or reducing barriers to walking and biking to school.  The grant request was supported by the OTSD, State Representative Anna Williams, AntFarm Youth Services, Sandy Transit, and the Sandy Library.

DCA Code Updates to Chapters 17.100, 17.84 and 17.10 (20-023 DCA): These code updates relating to ADT standards were approved at their second hearing at the PC meeting on August 24^th.  City Council will vote on this at their September 21^st meeting.

DCA Code Changes – House Bill 2001: Planning Commission and planning staff will hold a work session regarding these changes on October 26^th.

Sandy Crest Planned Development (20-033): This application was deemed incomplete; applicant is now withdrawing application for this planned development and will be re-submitting a regular subdivision application at a future date.

16230 Bluff Road tree removal (20-035 TREE):  Request for a tree removal is associated with the demolition and rebuilding of this single-family house on Bluff Road.

Upcoming pre-apps:  Pre-apps are scheduled for the following future projects

• Bornstedt Village addition at 38330 Highway 211
• Rogue Fabrication: zone change (I-1 to I-2) at Champion Way lot
  

Vista Loop Lot Line Adjustment (20-031):  We are still working with the property owner to define some modifications to meet the SMC.  Staff is in support of this application.

Pleasant Street Master Plan (18-022 CPA):  Staff remains working on getting data organized and collecting feedback from the development team.  This project has been put on the back burner for a bit as staff processes some large development projects.

Design Review:

• Sandy Plaza Apartments (20-017 DR):  Final order for this 18 unit apartment complex project was issued on August 6^th.
• Bull Run Terrace (19-050 CPA/ZC/SUB): Staff has completed their review of submitted application materials from the applicant and finished the staff report.  This project was granted a continuance at the August 24^th Planning Commission meeting until the October PC meeting.
• OAOR Annexation (20-025):  Staff review of this proposed annexation continues – draft of staff report is in progress.  Planning Commission will hear this at their September 28^th meeting.
• The Views Planned Development (20-028):  Staff report for this large planned development is almost complete.  Planning Commission will hear this at their September 28^th meeting.

Kelly’s Kudos:

I want to say congratulations to our Long Range Planning Intern, Christina Winberry, for accepting an employment offer with 3J Consulting in Beaverton. Christina is starting employment on the 21st of September with the title of Land Use Planner. Christina recently earned her Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University in June 2020. While with the City of Sandy we have enjoyed Christina’s commitment to assisting with long range planning efforts, including but not limited to the Downtown Walkability Assessment and the Safe Routes to School program. Christina, we wish you the best in all your future endeavors!

Building Department items:

Nothing newsworthy to report from the Building Department in August.

Internal projects: 

• Minor changes to Community Center: The City of Sandy Urban Renewal Agency is looking to upgrade a couple of items at the Community Center
  • Lighting: We are still waiting on a quote from Bull Run Electric to replace the light fixtures at the Community Center. Considering current events, this may take a while to complete. Stand by.
  • Garbage enclosures:  Sandy Fence will be creating this enclosure for us as soon as their schedule permits.
  • West entrance awning:  Currently waiting on design to review from Mountain View Construction.

Economic Development items:

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

• Joe’s Donuts:  Upon permit review of the loading dock, there were a couple of items that needed to be remediated prior to approval.  There was no ADA landing pad installed for the exterior access stairs, and the handrails were 6” lower than required.  Our contractor has now corrected the hand rail problem by welding a 6” extension to the top of the handrails (see pic below).  We have another local concrete contractor lined up to install the landing pad, but he lives in Colton and is currently evacuated from his home/business.  We will revisit this issue after the fires subside.
  

• Commercial vacancies:  There have been few if any COVID related business closures in Sandy since we last reported.  I am not aware of any additional businesses that have closed their doors in August.
• Potential new light manufacturing business:  Development Services just completed a pre-app with a local business called Rogue Fabrication that has purchased the Eastwinds lot (SE corner of Champion and Industrial).  Business owner Jason Gambino intends to start building a new HQ at this site as the business has now outgrown the pole barn on his residential property.  This project is intended to be a three phase construction project, with three buildings being built over the next few years.  Ec Dev is scheduling a meeting with the business owner in the next few weeks to discuss applying for an Enterprise Zone incentive through ClackCo Business & Economic Development.

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• AntFarm downtown maintenance crew: Neal Hatley’s downtown maintenance crew has been temporarily sidelined.  Mr. Hatley’s father had a life-threatening health event several weeks ago, and Neal had to return to North Carolina to care for him.  He will not be returning to Oregon any time soon.  This one really hurts – Mr. Hatley has a gift for working with kids, and he will be sorely missed.  True to form, Nunpa already has another excellent Outdoor Programs Coordinator lined up – this man is a personal friend of Nunpa’s and has been a construction contracting work in his past, so we are hoping for a smooth fit once he gets settled in.
• Flower baskets:  The high winds we experienced in Sandy in early September dehydrated the downtown flower baskets pretty severely.  AntFarm was able to get them hydrated again right as the smoke settled in, so while some of them look pretty ratty, they are in much better shape than they would have been otherwise.  Baskets will be removed at the end of September.  Bonus info: Nunpa (and your Ec Dev Manager) made sure to get out and water the baskets during the thick of the fires; both felt it important to do what we could to maintain some color downtown during these difficult times to lift citizen spirits.

Econ Devl – Economic Development Committee:

The September meeting of the Economic Development Committee was cancelled due to the beginning of the school year and the associated chaos surrounding this event due to COVID.   The following memo was circulated to members instead – the purpose of this memo was to give members some information about current development projects going on around the City, and to refresh the discussions we had in June and August about the prioritization of urban renewal spending in Sandy.  We will begin our discussion there in October.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

No conferences or training in August due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but I am starting to see activity again in this space.  I will be attending the 2020 OEDA (the Oregon Economic Development Association) Conference on October 26-28 (full days) as well as Travel Oregon’s Outdoor Recreation Summit from Sept 28 to Oct 17 (Zoom meeting series).  Both events are virtual, which should be the norm for the foreseeable future.

Planning items:

Clackamas County Health Clinic (20-014 DR/VAR/DEV/ADJ): Final order for this project was issued on July 14^th.

19030 Dublin ADU (20-030 ADU):  Final order for the construction of this attached accessory dwelling unit was issued on July 28^th.

DCA Code Updates to Chapters 17.100, 17.84 and 17.10 (20-023 DCA): These code updates relating to ADT standards will have their second hearing at the PC meeting on August 24^th.

DCA Code Changes – House Bill 2001: Staff has received this information.  Processing to begin shortly.

Sandy Crest Planned Development: Staff has received information with regard to this planned development on Jacoby Road.  Processing to begin shortly.

Salmonberry tree removal (20-026 TREE): Final order for this project was issued on July 17^th.

Upcoming pre-apps:  Pre-apps are scheduled for the following future projects

• CFCU ATM machine
• New daycare facility on Hood Street (Rick Minor)
• New Barlow Trail Vet Clinic building (this is for the Connelly properties next door to the Action Center)

Chapter 17.78 Annexation Code Amendments (20-010 DCA):  These code amendments went into effect on August 5^th.

DCA 5G Small Cell code adoption (20-012 DCA): Resolutions 2020-20, Resolution 2020-21 and Ordinance 2020-22 were approved at the City Council meeting on August 3^rd.

Vista Loop Lot Line Adjustment (20-031): This project for a property owner prepping lots for development is close to completion.  Final order is complete and being reviewed by the Development Services Director.  

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 is currently working on getting data organized and collecting feedback from the development team.  There are currently two staff members working on this project.

Design Review:

• Sandy Plaza Apartments (20-017 DR):  Review for this project for an 18 unit apartment complex on Meeker Street is complete.  Final order will be issued shortly.
• Bull Run Terrace (19-050 CPA/ZC/SUB): Staff has completed their review of submitted application materials from the applicant and finished the staff report. This project will go before the Planning Commission at their meeting on August 24th.
• Chinook tree removal (20-027 TREE): Final order for this project was issued on August 4^th.
• Eagle Park Improvements extension (20-029 EXT): Review is complete.  The request for an extension to complete the improvements at the Eagle Park project until July 29^th, 2025 was approved.
• OAOR Annexation (20-025):  Staff is currently reviewing this proposed annexation — scheduled to go before PC on September 28; if all goes well, City Council will see it at the November 2nd Council meeting.
• The View PD (20-028):  Staff has completed the review of this planned development (!) and has deemed the application complete.   Staff report pending.

Kelly’s Kudos:

I want to thank Shelley Denison for working diligently on the 5G small cell code changes. She has quickly become the resident expert on small cell code and did a fantastic job presenting a complicated subject matter to the Planning Commission and the City Council. The adoption of these code changes, which become effective on September 2, will help protect the look and feel of Sandy’s neighborhoods. Thanks to Shelley for jumping in with both feet and accomplishing a long-standing department goal.

Building Department items:

Nothing newsworthy to report from the Building Department in July.

Internal projects: 

• Minor changes to Community Center: The City of Sandy Urban Renewal Agency is looking to upgrade a couple of items at the Community Center
  • Lighting: We are waiting on a quote from Bull Run Electric to replace the light fixtures outside of the west entrance to the cafeteria with a dark skies-compliant fixture and to replace the two fixtures on the front of the building with directional gooseneck fixtures to properly light the mural instead of the front landscaping.
  • Garbage enclosures:  SURA is looking to create a proper garbage and recycling enclosure on the site similar to the one constructed at City Hall.  We have not yet found an available contractor to perform this work due to the general shortage of available contractors due to COVID.
  • West entrance awning: The Community Services Director has requested assistance in replacing the fabric awning over this entrance with something more “Sandy Style” and permanent.  Currently speaking to Todd Speck at Mtn View Contracting about design and construction.
• More right-of-way work on Highway 26: Recently the City’s Code Enforcement officer issued orders to replace a badly damaged driveway approach and 50’ section of sidewalk at 37860 Hwy 26, a property across the highway from Les Schwab after an anonymous complaint.  This property is owned by Mt. Hood Cleaners.  Ec Dev has been working with Mr. Paluck per his request for assistance and with ODOT to get permits and paperwork completed properly – this process is almost complete.  Work should begin soon.

Economic Development items:

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

• Clackamas County Health, Housing and Human Services:  The old Oregon’s Wild Harvest HQ building across the parking lot from the Police Department has been demolished and removed.  The County will be re-designing the space and constructing a new clinic/office building here – construction likely to be completed sometime in early 2021.
  
• Commercial vacancies:  We are now starting to see a couple of COVID-related business closures here in town.
  • Lil’ Cubs Academy:  The owner contacted in early August to let me know that she was closing this business permanently.  After being closed for five months, she determined that there would be no way for her to make up the five months of rent she has been unable to pay.  The building owner is very sad to see her go.  This one really hurts, as it lowers the number of brick and mortar child care businesses in Sandy from 4 to 3.
  • Lori Ryland Art Gallery & Studio: This business closure also appears to be at least partially COVID-related.  Ms. Ryland lives in Portland and used this space to teach classes but has not been able to open since the shutdown began with no end in sight.  Hopefully she will return when the pandemic is over.
  • There have been 2 or 3 other closures of small businesses around town, but although I assume they are COVID-related, I haven’t talked to the owners yet to confirm this.  These are all single employee businesses.
  • There is a finance-related business in town (that wishes to remain nameless) that may be going virtual between now and the end of the year.  While this is definitely COVID-related, it is not a business closure.  This firm intends to keep operating at full capacity with staff working remotely from their homes even after the pandemic is over.
  • On a slightly more positive note, the space vacated by Jackson Hewitt next to Ria’s Bar on Proctor has a new tenant, according to the property owner – an unnamed medical services provider will occupy this space over the next several months.
• AEC:  The entire first floor of the AEC building is now available for lease.  The Braches are being very, very flexible with their space, allowing potential tenants to lease however much space they desire.  Listing on the Available Commercial Properties database is active.
• Bull Run Electric Building:  This yet-to-be-constructed light industrial building on Industrial Way is already considering tenants in their two new 4,000 SF tenant spaces, available in March 2021.  Listing is up on the Available Commercial Properties database.  No word yet from owner Kyle Ruthardt if there has been any interest expressed yet.

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• AntFarm downtown maintenance crew: Neal Hatley’s crew continues to work steadily to complete numerous small projects for us in the public rights-of-way.
  • Street tree trimming: Downtown crew trimmed 19 Trees in July (On July 7th and 9th) along the north side of Proctor, in front of the police station on down.  They also removed all suckers, trash, and debris from the tree boxes along the north side of Pioneer and along both sides of Proctor on July 17th. 
  • Sandy Public Library:  Grass, weeds and dead moss removed from around the two main planters and pedestrian walkways in front of the Library.
  • Homeless encampments:  Two small homeless encampments were cleaned up by the crew in early August – one behind Sandy Cinema and one off of Junker.
  • Firewood reclamation:  The AntFarm crew continues to pick up downed trees from our parks at no cost to the City, this one most recently from Meinig Park.  The Parks Department now cuts the trees into rounds for easy removal, and AntFarm picks up the rounds and transfers to their firewood lot for splitting and donation to those in need.  This system has been working very well — hat tip to Joe Preston and crew for making this possible.

• Jonsrud II:  The second stage of the refresh of Jonsrud Viewpoint is now complete!  The refurbished original telescope and the new color-blind abled telescope have been installed at the site (with appropriate COVID signage).  Tagging on the Clackamas County Heritage Trail signage has been removed by the Parks Department (way to go, Joe!).   The sticker collection (15 of ‘em) that had gathered over the years on the stop sign is also gone now.  It’s looking pretty nice over there now.  Kudos all around.
• Flower baskets:  A few baskets have been replaced due to damage or moved to better locations, but otherwise nothing to see here.  Baskets look healthy and are being watered regularly.  All is well.

Econ Devl – Economic Development Committee:

We held a virtual Ec Dev Committee meeting at our regularly scheduled date (first Wed of the month) on August 5^th  Unfortunately, only one business member was able to attend (many members were out of town for the weekend), but the discussion centered on urban renewal priorities and how the private sector sees them.   Kudos to Ernie Brache of AEC for representing the business community at this meeting and providing our elected official and staff-based committee members some excellent feedback on how the business sector views urban renewal and how we should consider using this dedicated funding in the future.

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 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.