City of Lincoln City

This is my second State of the City speech.  At least this year I have a full year behind me and am in a better position to offer reflection for you. 
I am reminded of a recent front page story in the Oregonian.  The story included a quote from our Governor Kitzhaber, “I’m finally getting a grasp of the job”.  This is of course after two previous terms and a total of 9 years on the job. So, if this is reality I am sure you will cut me some slack after only 1 year on the job.

Let me remind us all how 2011 began. 
 
Officer Dodds was shot while on duty. Council President Ed Kuntz passed away suddenly.  A water emergency was declared as a result of Schooner Creek road sliding and threatening to take our City’s only water transmission line out of service.  Councilor Brissette abruptly resigned leaving five Councilors to do the City’s business. And yes, let’s not forget the excitement around the tsunami emergency.  That pretty much took care of January through March. I’ll admit, I was questioning the wisdom of my judgment to be your Mayor.

For those who have been following my comments and speeches this past year, that I post on my website, you have perhaps observed that I think highly of one of our past presidents, President Abraham Lincoln. I look often to his speeches for guidance and attempt to utilize his thoughts in quotes.  So, not to disappoint, here is one I like and believe.  “The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do at all, or cannot so well do, for themselves in their separate and individual capacities”.  Abraham Lincoln

 Let’s review some highlights from 2011 in what I believe to be Basic Services:

I have come to realize that we, as Citizens, expect, without even thinking about it, that these services exist and perform at a very high level.

Again this year, I am including the North Lincoln Fire & Rescue.  As a reminder, NLF&R is not a department of the City; however, I believe it is an essential element to the City's growth, livability and well being. Lincoln City residents and the rest of the Fire District voters approved a tax measure this past year.  Thank you for that vote of confidence and support. NLF&R is noted as the premier fire district on the coast and the recently constructed training facility and tower in the Taft area only further enhances the District's position.
There have been a total of 1,774 calls this past year, 4.9 calls a day with 80% of those being medical. Again this is a record number. Soon the district will be graduating a class of 21 new volunteers expanding the total volunteer base to 80.This is the largest group in many years, if not ever.  A reminder that this is a volunteer organization that we enjoy the benefits of while many of our coastal community neighbors are raising concerns since their population base has aged to a level that this service is ineffective.  You may recall the story not too long ago of the Salem couple caught in the tide at the mouth of the Salmon River, in the water and losing the fight.  NLF&R came to the rescue.  We had two very grateful guests of our community.

Our schools also are not a department of the City, but vital to our community health and well being.
Again, the Lincoln City citizens stepped to the plate and voted to approve a recent bond measure to improve the physical aspects of our schools.  Thank you for doing the right thing for our younger citizens. The graduation rate has increased by 10%, our students have achieved double digit gains in reading, writing and math on the State assessment tests and more of our Taft High School students will graduate from high school with college credits already in place because of the cooperation and close proximity of our community college. Because of the generous financial contributions of the Siletz Tribe, Samaritan Hospital Foundation and the City of Lincoln City, the jazz band, advanced choir and health & wellness elective were made possible. And the Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professional group has gotten involved by mentoring Juniors & Seniors regarding their college plans.  The entire system of education is working better together here on the coast.

Police and Dispatch
We have a fully staffed police force. That means to the numbers budgeted.  2011 was a contract year for a new Bargaining Agreement. Key components for me were agreements to have incentive pay tied to education/certificates, response time (living close to the City) and meeting annual physical fitness levels.
This department is also shifting emphasis from a responsive agency to a proactive agency that addresses potential crimes before they are committed, working with our Citizens to recognize potential issues such as the recent experience with Lincoln City Head Start.
After having a concern raised by Head Start, our police agency, working with the Head Start Adm. was able to declare the area a school zone, thus reducing the speed limit, signs posted, and education pursued with students and their parents.  These young parents will be the same ones that will be traveling our public school zones for many years to come. Thus the proactive approach to prevention.

Water
Who can forget the water emergency? The filling of bath tubs, the concern about not having enough water for our guests let alone ourselves. A temporary work around done in record time and a permanent replacement line put in place while having the road repaired. A second transmission line into the city by way of Drift Creek was installed to produce redundancy. As I have stated, water is an essential ingredient for citizens and guests. Not something to gamble with.

Sewer
We are into the final construction phase of the wastewater treatment plant. Approximately 30% has been completed and we expect the project to be substantially completed by year end. This is the final phase of a voter approved 22 million dollar project to handle waste water and effluent.  Ultra violet light disinfection system versus the use of dangerous chemical is a huge improvement.

We continue to make improvements to our entire wastewater/sewer system though it is not perfect, yet. Earlier this month, during and after the day we had 8” of rain in 24 hours, we did have a spill. It is unfortunate and certainly something that we are striving to eliminate. We start by building a system that functions well in normal conditions and then continue to expand so that it functions in abnormal weather.  We haven’t gotten to the 8” of rain level of functioning, yet. We are sorry but working toward that goal.
 
Lincoln City has a water and wastewater system that looks to the future and rivals any community in Oregon.

Finances

The budget for this fiscal year was finally approved after a record number of meetings of the Budget Committee, comprised of 7 citizens and your 7 City Councilors. Every line item was reviewed and discussed, and still the budget was approved with expenses exceeding revenue.  The budget was balanced with the aid of a reserve fund previously established for such occasions. Our forecasts indicate that this will continue until additional revenue becomes available with the ending of Urban Renewal and/or as the annexation of Roads End is completed.  In the mean time, it is important that we not allow our annual expenses that are re-occurring to exceed our revenue. Reserves run dry and emergencies can arise.

The finance department continues to find efficiencies and ways to improve its service to citizens, such as accepting credit card payments for utility bills and court fines.  We are working to have this convenience of payment with credit cards available for any city payments.

The Quality of Life Services

I don’t mean to imply that these next city functions are any less important than the previous basis services.  It is just that I find these to be to some decree optional.

Roads- 2 miles of road overlay (new paving) took place.

Visitor & Convention Bureau- This group markets Lincoln City to the outside world and assists in seeing that our guests, once here, are entertained and enjoying themselves so that they will return.  A new website was launched, oregoncoast.org.  An official Lincoln City mobile phone app for iphone and Droid was launched. Filming has taken place for some television commercials, they published a new and expanded visitor activity guide, subscriptions to the culinary and VCB e-newsletters have increased dramatically.  And, the visitors continue to come.

Library- We just experienced the retirement of Sue Jenkins, Library Director, after 31 yrs with this library.
The current staffing situation is less than the budgeted 8.5 employees and less than the State Standard of 12, while the statistics reflect a return of use after having the numbers depressed during the remodeling of the library.  It could not happen with out the excellent work of numerous volunteers.

Parks & Recreation- this dept was split this past year with the retirement of Ron Ploger.  The community center reports to Human Resources and Parks reports to Public Works. Parks consists primarily of maintenance of our existing parks, public restrooms and city landscaping.

Community Center-a well used asset of the city that is appreciated and valued by both its citizens and guests. It is striving for top notch customer service and programs for the recreational community.  Programs for our youth continue to be well utilized and every opportunity is made to expand.  The challenge remains in increasing its revenue.  The expense of this facility is not covered by its users and it is probably not realistic to expect it to be.  Today, there is approximately a 50% subsidy from the general fund.  We should reduce the amount of this subsidy. Work continues to find efficiencies to lower the operating costs and raise participation fees.  This remains a delicate balancing act.

Urban Renewal-NW 15th street was completed. This featured street is designed to emphasize the connection of Hwy 101and the beach. It is hoped that businesses will find this street appealing, to open a new business and pull customers off the hwy to stop, shop and enjoy the beach.

The rehabilitation loan program remains a useful but underutilized tool for façade improvements, though there has been 40 loans granted from the inception of the program.

Finally we have the Impact Areas

These are the 16 Ordinances that were passed by Council this past year plus 35 Resolutions.
Sadly, I must report that this Council did not repeal a single Ordinance.  The good news is that the majority of the new ordinances were affecting existing ones, bringing clarity or reducing overall impact. 

Let me remind you of some of the Ordinances

We revised and updated the sign ordinance to allow, with some restrictions, flashing signs.
We trimmed back the Tree Ordinance to make it much more citizen friendly and practical.

We established criteria for the deferral of System Development Charges in areas such as Child Care purposes which assisted in making the Early Childhood Learning Center a reality.
The start time of City Council meetings was changed to 6pm.

Resolutions
 The Property Tax Exemption for The Ridge Apartments was renewed, thus keeping much needed affordable housing units in our community
Calling for High Level Heroes to assist us in resolving issues blocking improvements to Hwy 101.
We called for Special Elections, rather than appointments to fill City Council seats in Ward I and III.

Authorized the filing of complaints and legal actions against the Public Utility Commission regarding telecommunications and 911 service affecting Lincoln City by the merger of Century Tel and Quest Communications.
We authorized the agreement between the City and Quade Commercial Construction so that residents of the Cutler City area have access to high ground as an evacuation site.

In 2011 I believe your city government has met the needs of the people of Lincoln City and done for them what they could not do individually as per Abraham Lincoln’s beliefs.

What about 2012?
Last year when I spoke to you of the economic climate, I called it “not at all robust”, “not confident that we would be seeing relief anytime soon”.  I believe my predictions were sorrowfully “right on”.  I also challenged the businesses in Lincoln City to take action on their own, not to wait for time to pass for an improved economy or another entity to bail us out. 

It is easy to point to empty buildings and businesses that have closed.  This past year, I have traveled to many cities around Oregon and Lincoln City is no worse off than others.  We understand, but it doesn’t make it feel any better. It is challenging all over the State and this Nation.

I believe the overall economy has at least stabilized. We have bottomed out. I’m not sure there has been any improvement, yet, but at least we are not in a continual free fall.  So the challenge is Holding ON.  
As I walk around and drive around Lincoln City I am encouraged to see the positive changes in our business sector. I’ll admit, I view Lincoln City through the glass half full.

Let me point to some of the positives that I have seen in 2011:

Mojo Coffee, a new business
Starfish Framing, a new business
Hwy 101 Burgers, a new business
Pacific Coast Glass, a new business
Tan Republic, a new business
Collage Foods, a new business
Rock Your World, a new business
Rusty Truck Brewery, a new business, new building additional employment
Hillside House, reopened providing housing with services for Seniors
Naughty Mermaid, a business that sold to new owners
Beach Town Coffee, a business that sold to new owners
Beachin Pizza, a business that sold to new owners
B & B Packaging, a business that sold to new owners
Beach Dog Café, expanded with a new location
Bi- Mart, expanded into a new building
Elements Salon, expanded and new location
Extension Lash & Nail Salon, expanded space
Chinook Winds Casino & Resort, remodeled motel units and restaurants
The Sea Horse Motel, having had a roof blown off in a windstorm, fixed the roof and added an additional floor of rooms.
D Sands Motel, major renovation of rooms

This was not intended to be an exclusive list. I know I have missed businesses.  But isn’t it enlightening?  Existing business owners who are willing to expand in this economic climate or others willing to risk their own assets to purchase an existing business because they see on opportunity in Lincoln City.  It is refreshing and I thank all of you who are in business.  Additionally, a big thank you goes to The News Guard for their recent, past and future feature stories on businesses in Lincoln City.

Now let’s talk about our own continued frustration with our Governments. Again, last year at this time I spoke to you about our feelings of Distrust.  Usually the discussions center on our Federal government or our State government.  But City government is not immune.  I recognized this feeling and called it out last year. 
It continues to be on my radar. Thus, a word about the Occupy Movement that has been much in the news this past year.  We have supporters in Lincoln City that took to the front of City Hall in support of the movement.  I welcome the efforts of our Citizens to express their frustration.  Fortunately in this Country we have the right to rally and express our separate views. That is a good thing.  I know on a local basis, your City Council listens and hears our Citizens. We welcome and encourage your comments.  And believe me, this past year I have received a great deal of citizen input on what I or Council has done or not done or should do.  At each Council meeting we make time for Citizen’s comment, at the beginning and the end of the meeting. And by the way, not acting immediately upon the Citizen Comments does not mean the comments are not heard. Your comments plant seeds for future actions.

But let me point out that Rally’s, Comments, Emails, etc are not enough.  There needs to be some action.
 I encourage each of you to consider taking part in your community as an elected official, on a committee or as an active participant in some fashion to keep yourself informed and your ideas heard. For me, the action was to run for the honor of being your Mayor.  Thank you, again for electing me.

In 2011 we had three elections that impacted the Citizens of Lincoln City. 

In May, the Lincoln City Citizens in Ward 3 voted for City Council representation and we all voted on a School Bond tax.  Roger Sprague was elected and the school bond passed.

In September, the Lincoln City Citizens in Ward I voted for City Council representation, electing Alex Ward.

Finally, in November we had another election that impacted your pocket book, the North Lincoln Fire & Rescue District Tax. This too was passed.

After looking deeper into these elections, I found that even though Councilor Ward received 60% of the vote he was in fact elected by roughly 17% of those adults who could have been involved in the election process.
 And the NLF&R tax was passed by roughly 18% of those adults who could have participated in the process.  Taxation and representation are two of the primary components around our frustration with and distrust of, our governments. This is the time to ask the question, where is the participation from the 99%?

Participation starts at Home.  Register to vote, make sure to vote and then encourage others to do the same.

On a more positive note, I would like to remind you we are a community with much to be proud.

I was extremely proud of the Lincoln City community in its overall support for Officer Dodds, and who can forget the emotionally charged parade in welcoming him home. And now we have him back on full activite duty.

The Citizen’s support of our Schools and Volunteer Fire Dept by passing separate bond issues should be recognized. Lincoln City Citizens have continued to choose to tax themselves when it is beneficial to the health of the community.

The support of the Early Childhood Learning Center is a shining example of a Public/Private partnership that works. Affordable child care is a vital need for a robust economy. Numerous entities coming together recognizing the need and willing to sacrifice to put something in place was successful.  Because of the mix of community supporters who joined the effort early, many others contributed more dollars than had originally been requested of them.

Finally the Memorandum of Understanding with the Dept of Transportation to get the Hwy 101 improvement needed in “the gap” of stagnation. As a result of your City Council calling upon Heroes to get together we have a light shining at the end of the tunnel. Reasonable design plans are being drawn. No more talk of a 5 lane freeway through our commmunity.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

There is one last observation from this past year that I wish to share with you, it is;
Prior to being elected as your Mayor, I like most people, was full of one sentence answers to complicated issues. In reality, Council must educate themselves about each subject, balance the pros and cons and then make often, the tough decision while in a public forum. It is so gratifying for me as to how your City Councilors have stepped up to the job you have asked them to perform.  

I remain very much engaged in the job you have honored me with, that of being your Mayor.  I hope you see me as approachable, involved, caring, willing to listen to counter opinions and moving ahead to form lasting positive relationships that will benefit the citizens of Lincoln City. This is a great place to live and work. I thank you for this honor.

I wish you the best in 2012