Message from the Mayor
May, 2013
You may have read that the much-anticipated Lake Oswego•Tigard Water Partnership project is entering
the construction phase. Site work has begun on the expanded water treatment plant in West Linn and
contracts have been awarded for the water intake on the Clackamas River.
Why is this an important project for residents and businesses in the Tigard Water Service Area (TWSA)?
[TWSA includes residents of Durham, King City, two-thirds of Tigard, and Tigard Water District.]
Because the TWSA buys the majority of its water from the Bull Run reservoir through a contract with the City of Portland. As a retail purchaser, the TWSA has no control over the price paid, no guarantees that adequate supplies will be available to serve customers into the future, and our contract with the City of Portland expires in 2016.
Over the last 15 years, the city explored many long-term water supply options. Four sources were evaluated in 2007. In 2008. a partnership with Lake Oswego was identified as the best option to supply water customers with a reliable, high-quality water supply into 2035 and gain ownership in a source that allows Tigard to control costs.
Is it costly? Yes, but the partnership is the least-expensive option. The City Council and I
are actively involved in monitoring the project costs with our Lake Oswego partners. You can find
more information about the project (including the construction schedule) at www.lotigardwater.org.
The May quote of the month —
“I look to the future because that’s where I’m going to spend the rest of my life.” George Burns
John L. Cook, Mayor
April, 2013
Spring has sprung; well, at least the flowers have, even if the rain hasn’t stopped. Although April showers bring May flowers, they also bring a wet start to the Little League season!
The City Manager and I recently returned from a very productive trip to Washington D.C. We met with our
Senators and Representatives as well as nine other government agencies to discuss Tigard’s federal agenda,
and see which grant opportunities the city could be eligible for. If you’re interested, you can find
Tigard’s state and federal legislative agendas at www.tigard-or.gov/reps.
On Tuesday, April 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the City Council will host a Town Hall in the Burgess Community Room at the Tigard library. This is an opportunity to give your input on issues facing the city; topics like transportation, downtown progress, and more. We will try to have these regularly throughout the year.
My next “Fireside Chat with the Mayor” will be on Thursday, April 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Beveland Street Bistro and Coffee House, 7357 SW Beveland St. #100. Stop by and chat.
A new item for the Mayor’s Corner each month will now include a Quote of the Month.
“Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go.” Margaret Walker
March, 2013
At this year’s goal planning retreat, Council decided to take a different path than in recent years. Instead of listing our short and long-term goals, we are embarking on the development of a strategic plan for the city. To complete this visionary process, Council, city staff and citizen participation will be required. We will then set yearly priorities that align with the long-term strategy in mind. This year those will include water source and supply, River Terrace community plan, SW Corridor plan, and economic development.
I am inviting Tigard residents to join me once a month for open discussion regarding Tigard. My
next “Fireside Chat with the Mayor” will be held Thursday, March 14 (2nd Thursday of each month), from 3 to 5 p.m. at Beveland Street Bistro and Coffee House, 7357 SW Beveland Street, Tigard.
On another note, did you know that last year Tigard volunteers contributed more than 35,500 hours of service to the city? That is almost a 50 percent increase over 2003. Service included areas such as the library, parks, police, boards and commissions and tree planting events.
Our highly successful volunteer program is one of the things that make Tigard so special. Thank You!
This and many other reasons are why Tigard is A Place to Call Home.
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Fireside Chat with the Mayor
2nd Thursday of each month
Next Chat:
• Thursday, June 13
• 3 to 5 p.m.
• Beveland Street Bistro and Coffee House
7357 SW Beveland St., Tigard (off of 72nd Ave. by Lowes)
I invite Tigard residents to join me once a month for open discussion regarding Tigard.
Bring your concerns and/or ideas regarding our city or simply stop in and say hello. I am
looking forward to meeting with you.
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