DEVELOPMENT & PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER - FALL 2022
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Welcome to the Fall Edition of the City of Springfield’s Development and Public Works (DPW) newsletter. In this edition, we cover safety upgrades on Gateway Street, plans for future growth, changes to the local floodplain maps, and several opportunities to provide feedback but first, in case you missed it we recently announced that after serving the Springfield community for 19 years, Jeff Paschall has been selected to serve as Springfield’s next Community Development Division Director.
Paschall has held a variety of positions at the City, including progressively responsible leadership roles for the last 14 years. He most recently served as the City Engineer and led Engineering and Surveying for the Community Development Division. As City Engineer, he led several programs that provide services to developers and community members and support City Council goals. The position required regular communication and partnership with elected officials, community members, other City departments, and partner agencies.
“I have had the pleasure of serving the Springfield community for nearly two decades and I am excited for this new opportunity to further support Springfield’s community development needs into the future,” Community Development Division Director Jeff Paschall said.
During the six years, Paschall led the Engineering Division, his team had several notable accomplishments including updating the City’s Public Improvement Permit and Engineering Design Standards and Procedures Manual; delivering the 2018 street preservation bond projects which you'll read about in this newsletter; and supporting the review and approval of a record number of development applications and projects.
Paschall was selected from four finalists after nationwide recruitment. “During his time as Interim Director and throughout the recruitment process, Jeff modeled the energy, thoughtfulness, and fresh ideas we need to help move the division and our community forward,” said Assistant City Manager Niel Laudati. “In addition to his professional experience, Jeff has volunteered countless hours here in Springfield as a youth sports coach – building deep connections within our community. We’re so fortunate to have him on our team and I’m looking forward to what the future holds with his leadership.”
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Gateway Kruse Construction Update | |
Night work began November 14, at Gateway Street and Kruse Way to install safety elements and eliminate left turns into and out of Kruse Way. These safety upgrades are being implemented to help prevent crashes at this location. A new rapid flashing beacon pedestrian crossing is also included in this project and will allow pedestrians to safely cross Gateway Street.
Work is scheduled to take place overnight Sunday-Thursday between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Access to businesses within the area will remain open during the project. As work progresses, lane closures will be necessary with flaggers directing traffic. We ask that you please follow all traffic controls in the area and please drive cautiously to keep everyone safe. Access for pedestrians, including those with disabilities, will be available through or around the work zone. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting.
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Public Facilities and Services Plan Update | |
The City of Springfield and partner agencies kicked off a project to update the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area Public Facilities and Services Plan (PFSP) in January 2022. The PFSP addresses needs for water, wastewater, stormwater, and electrical facilities and projects.
This updated project is intended to: incorporate plan revisions adopted by ordinance since 2011 that have not yet been incorporated into the PFSP document; revise, clarify, and update PFSP text so they're easier for staff and the public to use; and update project lists and maps to reflect current facility master plans. To learn more and provide input on the project click the button below.
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The final project funded by general obligation bond 20-296 is complete, which wraps up the series of projects included with this bond. Centennial Boulevard between Aspen Street and Prescott Lane received a new layer of asphalt after removing the existing surface. A full redesign and reconstruction of sidewalk ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards was also part of this project. Lane striping and enhanced safety features including green bike lane markings completed the project. GO bond 20-296 was approved by Springfield voters in 2018, click the button below to see the other projects that were included in this bond.
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Feedback Opportunity: Bike Parking and Bike Share | |
The City of Springfield is seeking input on two projects related to bike infrastructure improvements in Springfield, bike parking upgrades and bike share expansion. The City recently received transportation grant funding to install new public bike racks and is seeking feedback on where to site the new bike racks. The City is also seeking feedback on where to locate bike share hubs if bike share were to expand into Springfield.
Why bike parking?
The City of Springfield recently received grant funding to purchase and install public bike racks at locations lacking quality bike parking, which helps implement adopted transportation policies. Qualifying businesses, organizations, and housing complexes that are nominated will be considered to receive free bike parking (rack + install). The project focuses on improving the availability of safe and secure public bike parking to support transportation and recreation throughout Springfield.
Why bike share?
PeaceHealth Rides bike share has operated in Eugene since 2018 and Springfield is exploring the opportunity to expand the system into our community. Springfield is uniquely situated for a small bike share system connecting nearby neighborhoods and transit stations to downtown destinations. Riders could use the riverpath system to connect to Downtown Springfield, Downtown Eugene, and the University of Oregon for shopping, dining, and recreation. The current bike share system operates with 300 bikes in Eugene and a system expansion would place about 100 additional bikes in Springfield for use 24-hours a day. The system would be operated at a regional level so that a user could pick up a bike anywhere within the regional service area and ride between Springfield and Eugene without any penalties or additional fees.
To give your feedback: Click the button below to nominate public bike rack and bike share hub locations. Questions? Contact Kelsey Moore, Springfield Transportation Options Specialist, at 541-682-4425 or kcmoore@lcog.org.
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Springfield's Draft Flood Map Available for Review | |
FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is working with the state of Oregon, Lane County, the City of Springfield, and other local communities to update the area Flood Map. This map uses new data and technology to better represent the risk of flooding in Springfield.
The flood map identifies the areas with a high risk of flooding. If your home or business is in a special flood hazard area and you have a federally backed mortgage, your lender will require flood insurance. When the updated flood map goes into effect, flood insurance requirements for your property may change. The current effective flood maps for the City of Springfield were developed in 1999. The new flood map will help better understand current flood risks and make more informed decisions about how to protect people and property.
At this time, the updated flood map is “preliminary.” This means that it is in draft form and open for public review and input. Once FEMA addresses all comments and appeals on the map, and Springfield and Lane County co-adopt the map, the new map will go into effect.
Learn more about the flood map process and visit the FEMA Storymap to review current changes and give input using the button below.
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Environmental Services Division | |
Moss Removal for River Lovers | |
In the moist Pacific Northwest, moss is common. This pervasive plant clings to shingles, siding, pavers, and sidewalks. We act to prevent moss growth because it can cause slips and falls as well as structural damage that requires expensive repairs. At the same time, we want to do the right thing in how we choose to prevent moss. Common chemicals and practices that deter moss can cause a lot of damage downstream. Chemicals and debris can easily wash into our storm drains and channels, and out to our streams and rivers. There they pollute the water we use for recreation and natural resources and can hurt the fish, plants, and other creatures living in and around waterways. | |
Efforts to Reconnect Oregonians to Our Water | |
“Water is our first medicine. When you have nothing else: water.”
–Judy Bluehorse Skelton, Assistant Professor of Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University
How can we live more in tune with the land and our waterways? A new initiative called Follow the Water is working on that. They’re collecting the stories, science, and actions we can take – and we can follow along!
Check out their 3-part video series that aims to re-establish Oregon’s relationship to water.
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The City of Springfield has embarked on a project to update its Wastewater Master Plan. Through this work, the City will identify needed improvements to the local wastewater system, based on current conditions and anticipated growth over the next 20 years. To learn more and provide input on the project click the button below. | |
Springfield's Bagged Leaf Pickup Program Begins | |
It’s that time of year, Springfield’s Bagged Leaf Pickup Program is here! This free program gives residents a chance to properly dispose of leaves while helping to keep leaves out of stormwater drains and prevent flooding. All you have to do is collect your leaves in medium-sized garbage bags and place them on the curb for pickup.
Leaves are collected throughout the City in two rounds. The first round of pickup begins Monday, November 28 for residents west of 28th/31st Street. If you live east of 28th/31st Street pickup begins Monday, December 5. The second round begins Monday, January 9 for residents west of 28th/31st Street and Monday, January 16 for residents east of 28th/31st Street.
The leaf pickup program also promotes public safety by keeping leaves out of bike lanes, streets, and sidewalks. Large piles can also be considered a nuisance by City Code. Piles of leaves on the side of the road can be very hazardous, examples include:
· Vehicles may swerve out of their lane to avoid piles of leaves.
· Dangerous items may be covered up inside piles (large rocks, bicycles, etc.)
· An attractive nuisance for children to play in.
· Forces bicycle commuters into the travel lane of vehicles.
It can take more than two weeks for all bags to be picked up within each part of the City depending on the weather and the number of bags set out for pick up.
All residents can enter a drawing for a $100 gift card to a local home improvement store when you pledge to properly dispose of your leaves. For full program and pledge details click the button below.
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Last Chance to See H2Oh! at Springfield History Museum | |
Springfield's H2Oh! exhibit is on display for just a few more weeks at the Springfield History Museum. This exhibit, presented by Springfield's Development and Public Works along with the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission, shares information and artifacts related to Springfield's water history.
Explore the City's stormwater system, the Springfield Utility Board's drinking water system, the water workforce, pollution prevention tips and resources, and more. The exhibit offers a fun water-quality laboratory for kids complete with play microscopes and lab coats, as well as interactive elements for all ages.
Head to Downtown Springfield to check out the fun and learn more about the one water we all share! The Springfield History Museum is open Thursday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the H2Oh! exhibit will run through December 31, 2022.
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Stay Connected with Springfield | |
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From updates on affordable housing to news on the City’s Main Street improvement efforts to volunteer opportunities to help keep our waterways clean, we offer a variety of ways to stay connected with Springfield. Subscribe to any of these email lists using the button below.
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