STEWARDSHIP
Sending out a big thanks to LOCR for spreading 35 yards of mulch at Foothill Park in less than 2 hours! 
Category Archives: Departments
Parks & Recreation
ACC
To share the good works of the ACC:
This is from a client: Just want to share with you how grateful our client is because we made a transport chair available so that her friend could go to the Convention Center to get her first dose of the vaccine. Our client indicated that it would not have been possible if the transport chair was not available.
Fix A Leak Week
It’s #FixALeakWeek! Did you know, household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons annually nationwide? That’s the annual household water use of nearly 11 million homes. This week, along with EPA Water Sense and the Regional Water Providers Consortium, we are challenging you to take 10 minutes to look for household leaks that can be easy to fix.
Follow along with the #FixALeak checklist: https://epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week
Parks & Recreation
ACC
The 50+ Advisory Board ask for a program to be offered that would allow them to know more about the Adult Center. The members of the 50+ wanted to be able to speak to neighbors about all the services the ACC has to offer, to become “Ambassadors”. We presented the program for the first time this week.
Arts Council
This week I was invited to an Arts Council of LO preview of the 2021-2023 sculptures that will be on display this summer as public art pieces within the Gallery Without Walls program. There are eleven exciting and dynamic pieces in total that will continue to enrich, educate and enliven Lake Oswego. Three artists gave presentations on their pieces, Kyle Ocean from Colorado spoke about Splice, a steel piece with patina and paint, and Ben Dye spoke about his piece, Harmony in the Balance, made of steel and automotive paint and the final chat was by Ren Swanson for her piece Dancing Moon Velocity made of enameled mild steel and painted. My favorite in the collection is this really cool piece called Big Bright Brookie by Rick True made of aluminum, vinyl, auto wrap, automotive paint and steel. It’s a fish of course! -Jan Wirtz
STEWARDSHIP
The ivy didn’t have a chance during the Mar. 6th, SA., Stewardship invasive species work party. Friends of Lily Bay Natural Area led 10 volunteers to remove ivy, blackberry and clematis from this gem of natural area. Adults and several students from LOHS and LOJH showed great determination as they pulled together to restore the habitat.
Friends of Lily Bay Natural Area were thrilled to see the sword ferns they planted in 2019 were healthy and had tripled in size!
EVENTS
Last Sunday, Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation’s Special Event team hosted the first ever Farmers’ Market in Lake Grove! This pilot program will continue on Sundays through the end of April from 1-5pm on Hallmark Drive between Collins Way and Mercantile Drive. The Special Events team was delighted with the success of opening day. A lineup for entry into the market stretched from Collins Way to Douglas Way. Many vendors reported sellouts within the first few hours and we even had some sunny weather to boot. Market patrons reported that they were thrilled to have a market on the 97035 side of town and enjoyed the afternoon timeframe. Customers and vendors alike hope to make the Lake Grove Farmers’ Market a permanent event in the community.
A Better Boones Ferry Road for All
When public spaces are improved and made accessible for all, everyone benefits. The Boones Ferry Road Project is creating a safer street that provides benefits to all transportation modes and all people.
This week is National Women in Construction Week, and today (3/8) is International Women’s Day! Today we are showcasing two of our incredible women civil engineers leading the Boones Ferry Road Project. Watch and learn as they share their stories about the vital safety and accessibility improvements that are a core element of the project, and why we are building a better Boones Ferry Road for ALL.
For more information, visit www.boonesferryproject.org
Parks & Recreation
LUSCHER FARM TASK FORCE
The Task Force held a final meeting on Wednesday March 3, 2021 to review suggestions and confirm a final recommendation on interests concerning Urban Agriculture Expansion and Environmental Education. The Task Force has been meeting with representatives from The Parks Board, 47th Ave Farm, Friends of Rogerson Clematis Collection, the Historic Resources Advisory Board, The Friends of Luscher Farm, Community Garden Program and Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation staff members. The Task Force report of findings and the final recommendation will be forwarded to the Department Director Anderholm for review, action and implementation. More info to come in the next few weeks. Many thanks to the facilitator, Charity Taylor and to the members of the Task Force for their insights and input into the process.
PARKS
Parks Storm Clean UP- The week of February 15th 20 park locations due to hazardous storm damage and 14 days later there are now only 4 areas that remain closed. The majority of this work occurred with Parks staff only as contracted crews were still supporting street clearing effort. Hazard trees come first! This past week contractors have been able to get into some into parks and bordering residential properties drop hazardous tree that staff could not. Big victories included the opening of Springbrook Park that was hit hard by this storm and Hallinan Woods that was hit hard the January storm. This cleanup effort includes residential properties that we are working though who had tree impacts from Parks trees as well. Lots of coordination and team work at its best!
In addition Athletic Fields were opened this week and Basketball hoops were put back up as contact sports are allowed by OHA.
CULTURAL
In person classes resumed this week at CCP, including a Little Masters Art Class, Skyhawks STEM Soccer, Fencing and the re-opening of The Teen Lounge! All programs are compliant with OHA guidelines associated with programs in the “moderate risk” county category. In total, we’ve been able to welcome over 50+ kiddos back to in-person classes!
Pakes & Recreation
ACC
It is official, the Medical Ride Reimbursement Program goes live on March 1. The ACC designed the program funded by grant dollars to reimburse older LO residents for a medical ride taken with a ride share company, up to $50.00. We are excited to provide a resource to make transportation to and from medical appointments a bit more accessible with financial support.
GOLF
In lieu of the course and range remaining closed we have made arrangements to conduct our golf classes temporarily at the Trails End Golf Center in Oregon City.
PARKS
All the storm stuff
Iron Mountain Park OPEN FOR RECREATION!
TENNIS
L.O. Tennis Center re-opens for the first time since November! As staff was preparing to re-open earlier this month when Clackamas Co. moved to OHA’s COVID High Risk level, a winter storm created another delay. Thanks to the City’s Parks crew for storm clean-up to make re-opening possible. There was no damage to the building, but here is a picture of the crew as they were in the ‘final stages’ of clean-up!
PLANNING & BUILDING SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS FOR JANUARY, 2021
CITY COUNCIL (CC) ACTIONS ON PLANNING ITEMS
On January 5, the CC:
Conducted a public hearing and enacted Ordinance 2862, amending LOC Chapter 47 Sign Code to allow portable A-frame signs and other temporary signs during COVID-19.
Conducted a public hearing and tentatively approved Ordinance 2856 (LU 20-0040), amending LOC Chapter 50 Community Development Code extending the timeframe for temporary commercial structures and waiving design review for awnings during COVID-19.
On January 19, the CC:
Adopted Findings, Conclusion and Order for LU 20-0040, and enacted Ordinance 2856 (LU 20-0040), amending LOC Chapter 50 Community Development Code extending the timeframe for temporary commercial structures and waiving design review for awnings during COVID-19.
PLANNING COMMISSION (PC) ACTIONS
On January 11, the PC received a presentation from DLCD staff on HB 2001 minimum compliance rules recently adopted by the State Land Conservation and Development Commission. City staff also provided an update on the public outreach process for Phase 1 of the City’s work toward compliance with the Bill.
Please refer to the following web page for the current PC meeting forecast: http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/boc_pc/schedule-and-information
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMISSION (DRC) ACTIONS
On January 4, 2021, the DRC held the following public hearings:
- LU 20-0030, a request for formal code interpretation of “Specialty Food” use as it relates to minimum parking requirements for certain tenants of the Kruse Village Shopping Center. The DRC tentatively approved the application 5:0, with Findings, Conclusions and Order scheduled for January 20th at 7:00 PM.
- LU 20-0011, an appeal of a staff decision to approve a 2-parcel minor partition with a flag lot and the removal of 22 trees. The DRC dismissed the appeal due to lack of the required neighborhood association documentation 3:2, with Findings, Conclusions and Order scheduled for January 20th.
On January 20, 2021, the DRC:
Approved Findings, Conclusions and Order 4:0 for LU 20-0030, a request for formal code interpretation of “Specialty Food” use as it relates to minimum parking requirements for certain tenants of the Kruse Village Shopping Center.
The draft Findings, Conclusions and Order for LU 20-0011 was continued to February 1st because there would have been a 2-2 tie of the Commissioner’s present and eligible to vote on the findings at the meeting and therefore no action could be taken.
HISTORIC RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD (HRAB)
At their meeting held on January 13, HRAB members reviewed their adopted goals and discussed the activities that will be conducted under this year’s CLG Grant. They discussed the work program for the Reconnaissance Level Survey of Historic Properties and the preservation outreach activities. This year’s awards ceremony is expected to be held in the Council chambers with City Council. HRAB has also scheduled their Public Outreach Information Booth at the Lake Oswego Farmers Market in June July and August.
ANNEXATIONS
City Council approved four annexations as follows:
- 5350 Firwood Rd. (AN 20-0006);
- 16115 Bonaire Avenue (AN 20-0007);
- 5110 Carman Drive (AN 20-0008);
- 19064 Benfield Avenue (AN 20-0009).
ADMINISTRATIVE LAND USE DECISIONS
Staff approved LU 20-0035, a request for a 2-parcel minor partition with one flag lot on Lake Grove Avenue, subject to conditions set forth in the staff report. The Notice of Decision was sent on January 11, 2021.
Staff approved LU 20-0038, a request for an Expedited 2-parcel minor partition with a flag lot; a minor variance to the rear yard setback for the existing house; and major variances to the flag lot perimeter screening fence requirement, and to the rear, lake and combined rear and side setbacks on the flag lot, subject to conditions set forth in the staff report. The site is located on Twin Points Road. The Notice of Decision was sent January 22, 2021.
PRE-APPLICATION CONFERENCES
In January, staff held six pre-application conferences as follows:
- PA 20-0080, 2-parcel minor partition with a flag lot on Pilkington Road.
- PA 20-0081, Modification to an approved Development Permit for exterior modifications to a commercial complex on McVey Avenue.
- PA 20-0082, Minor variance to reduce the rear yard setback for an addition to an existing single-family dwelling on Andrews Road.
- PA 20-0083, Conditional Use and Development Review Permits to construct a new aquatics/recreation center (Major Public Facility) on Stafford Road.
- PA 21-0001, RID variance to the rear yard setback for a detached accessory structure on Canal Road.
- PA 21-0002, RID variance to construct an addition to an existing single-family dwelling on Lake Front Road.
PLANNING REVIEW OF BUILDING PERMITS, SIGN PERMITS AND BUSINESS LICENSES
In the month of December, Planning staff reviewed 33 building permits, 4 sign permits and 29 business licenses.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Last month, there were 4 Code Enforcement cases resolved, all without Municipal Court action.
PERMIT CENTER ACTIVITY
Customer Contacts: During the month of January, 2021, the Permit Center was closed to walk-in customers. Staff responded to 1,144 phone calls, or approximately 61 customer contacts per day. Of the phone-in customers 28% were for Planning, 35% for Building, 10% for Engineering and 27% for other services. Staff served customers remotely via an inbox in the building entry vestibule, mailing of information, posting public information signs for trees and public hearings, and remote meetings to ensure social distancing.
Building Permit Activity: During January, Building staff received three New Single Family Residential (NSFR) applications. Two NSFR permits were issued as follows:
New Single Family Residential (NSFR)
- Goodall Road
- Troon Road
The City converted to new State of Oregon E-permitting software in August, 2020, which resulted in some delays in processing permits.
The above median timeline for review is from application completeness to “ready to issue”. As of December 2018, the Planning Department has provided NSFR plan review services for both Planning and Engineering reviews. Ready to issue includes time that applicants need to address corrections required for code compliance or factors beyond the City’s control.
In addition to NSFR permits, Residential Structural Permits include remodels, additions, decks, etc., of which there were 22 issued last month by Building staff, with the median days being 28. Commercial Structural Permits include Commercial, Industrial, Multi-Family and Institutional, of which there were 22 permits issued, with the median days being 30.
Parks & Recreation
Drone footage of the damage at the Golf Course- One minute video:
Team work and dedication are great words to describe the parks crew! Our Crews started the clean up by support the Street Department to get roads open and this week have been working in the parks. On Tuesday all natural areas were closed and developed parks that had hazardous tree issues. One by one areas are being assessed and opened when possible. Many natural areas will remain closed until we can evaluate them for safety. Please see the city website for the latest updates!
Parks & Recreation
STEWARDSHIP
A joint Cooks Butte planting occurred on Sat., Feb. 6th by the Parks Department and leaders of Friends of Trees. This crew of 11 planted 400 native species along the Cooks Butte Tributary. Many of the native species, such as Red Elder Berry, Indian Plum and Twinberry, will provide food, cover and nesting provisions for wildlife. Their flowers will offer nectar and pollen for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Friends of Luscher Farm and the Parks Department welcomed 26 volunteers from the Portland Garden Club on Mon., Feb. 7. The eager volunteers planted 250 native species, such as Oregon Grape and Snowberry, up in the Brock Oaks area. This was a great turnout and several adults brought their teens to join in this Stewardship habitat restoration!
ACC
The ACC staff worked hard to coordinate bags containing an emergency food box, a frozen meal and special Valentines for the Meals on Wheels participates anticipating ice and snow. A big thank you to our volunteers who delivered more than they expected.
