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Philomath

City News

Published for the Citizens of Philomath, Oregon

“City of Volunteers”
Summer 2002

PHILOMATH COUPLET HISTORY AND FACTS

As the process to build the Couplet moves ahead, there continue to be questions about this project. The City continues to believe that the Couplet represents the best overall solution to coping with the presence of an ever- expanding volume of traffic on Highway 20/34 through our City. In the interest of sharing the history and the facts that have led to where we now find ourselves, the Mayor and City Council ask the citizens of Philomath to consider the following:

History

The City has had some form of a couplet as a proposed solution to through-city traffic problems from the early 1950’s.

Main St., circa 1910 (BCHM 1998-137.0053)

In 1991, the Council appointed the Highway 20/34 Committee, composed of city business people, citizens, and truckers, to determine what improvements the community preferred. They spent a year obtaining comments and evaluating alternatives and determined that the Couplet as it is presently designed was preferred.

In 1993, the City adopted the Couplet design of the Highway 20/34 Committee by making it a part of the City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

From 1997-1998, the City, in response to new State requirements to develop a comprehensive community transportation planning strategy, formed a new citizen committee which held two open houses, provided surveys to all Philomath citizens on couplet options, spoke before the Chamber of Commerce, and reported on couplet

issues several times through the city newsletter. Again, after all the alternatives were reviewed, the present couplet design was selected as the best solution and is adopted in the Transportation System Plan.

In 2001, the Oregon Transportation Commission agreed with and funded the recommendations of the Cascades West Area Commission on Transportation that the Couplet was a priority project. To date, the state has allocated $8.3 million to the project with the Oregon Transportation Commission currently reviewing a request to add an additional $2.75 million to complete construction of the couplet.

Facts

· The Couplet, by splitting the traffic flow into two one-way legs, each with two lanes traveling in the same direction, adds capacity to the highway to move traffic more efficiently. At present, especially during peak morning and evening “rush” hours, the volume of traffic exceeds the capacity of the highway to create unacceptable service levels. This condition will only worsen over time.

· Along a portion of each leg of the Couplet (College and Applegate Streets) the City plans to create additional commercial zoning to allow the downtown district to expand as the City grows during the next 20-30 years.

· The Couplet will substantially reduce the traffic hazards associated with the present configuration of the intersection at Main and 19^th Streets. This intersection is in the top 10% of the State’s high accident locations based on vehicle and pedestrian collisions. Any plan that retains or expands on the number of opposing traffic lanes at this location will only exacerbate public safety. Continued on page 2

Opposing opinions on the Couplet project on Page 3

Page 2 City News

Couplet Questions Answered continued…

· The location of additional traffic signals along the Couplet route will assist through traffic flow as well as assist cross traffic moving across the highway at those major intersections.

· One-way traffic flows are easier and safer for pedestrians, especially seniors and children. The Couplet avoids passing in front of both the elementary and high schools.

· One-way traffic flows allow for easier and safer vehicular crossings from side streets and reduce rear end collisions which are the most prevalent along Main Street.

· On-street parking will be available along both sides of the Couplet roadway.

· Main Street, from approximately 12^th to 15^th Streets, will remain open for traffic and would return to City control. This would create more

on-street parking (angled as opposed to parallel), greater business signing options, street amenities, Saturday markets, etc.

· The Couplet “crossovers” (from College to Main and Applegate to Main Streets) will function as passive speed control by creating slower speed and eliminating the visual straight shot feel of a multi-lane highway.

ODOT has hired CH2M Hill to act as its consultant for the Couplet Facility Plan. By mid July, the consultants will be identifying stakeholders who will participate in a working group on various Couplet issues, including a public outreach approach. By late August or early September, enough information should be available to hold a public open house

MAP OF PROPOSED COUPLET
MAIN ST./COLLEGE ST./APPLEGATE ST.

click map below for more detailed map

Page 3 City News

Two Points of View:

In Support of the Couplet Design

By City Councilor Toni Hoyman

When I filled out a questionnaire about a couplet plan back in 1991 I was very concerned about the highway going by the elementary school. Because Philomath School District serves many out-of-town students, much traffic converges on the elementary school. School start time coincides with the highest commuter time making a very dangerous situation. In 1991 I supported a bypass.

Years later I applied for an opening on the Transportation and Traffic Safety Commission that was to develop a transportation system plan (TSP) for Philomath thinking we could discuss a bypass. We Philomath citizens and business people who joined this process were brought together with ODOT, Benton County employees, City representatives, and a consultant firm.

We considered bypasses, couplet configurations, and an enlarged highway through the middle of town. All ideas were up for scrutiny and discussion.

Our task was to find a way to increase highway capacity, improve accessibility from side roadways, control speed, and improve safety, while not destroying our community. …. no small task!

With the river on one side, and hills and railroad on the other, a bypass clearly became the most expensive option by far. A bypass may be in our future 50 to 100 years from now but it was not a realistic solution for today’s traffic needs.

The option of 5 lanes down Main Street requires demolition of two, and possibly more, blocks that are our '‘traditional'’ downtown flanking 13^th St. in order to fit the needed lanes. This option will not sufficiently increase capacity because stoplights cannot efficiently manage two-way flow. The wide-open view makes it hard to control driver’s speed and frustration, and would be even more difficult for traffic and pedestrians to cross.

Continued on next page…

Opposed to the Couplet Design

By Kevin Russell, President, Philomath Business Association

Why should alternatives to the Philomath couplet proposal be considered? Because the couplet proposed by the City is not the best solution to ensure the future vitality and livability of our city.

A healthy business district is essential to the vitality of a city. Businesses create jobs, pay taxes, provide local products and services, and form a living heart to a city. Community livability is about many things and includes being able to buy groceries, gas, meals and gifts locally. However, these retail businesses in Philomath are dependent on westbound traffic. Philomath is a gateway to the Oregon Coast; it is the last opportunity to buy gas, food and supplies and the first opportunity to buy gifts. A large percentage of the retail sales from Main Street businesses come from westbound travelers. Routing westbound traffic onto College Street would be ruinous to these businesses. They would be forced to relocate or close.

We have consulted real estate brokers specializing in both commercial and residential property in Philomath. They predicted that with the proposed couplet there would be many more vacant storefronts on Main Street. Property values would decrease substantially east of 12^th Street. Property owners would be unable to sell their property without substantial losses, if at all. They further predicted that commercial development on College Street would be very slow. The properties there are residential and rezoning to commercial would not create lots suitable for development.

Another prediction was that property values would decrease on College Street. People do not want to live on a highway and the few investors who may want to buy commercial property on College Street will most certainly not pay more than existing value for it.

Continued on next page…

Page 4 City News

Couplet benefits continued…

This option is also expensive and does not solve our problems.

We spent much time looking at several couplet paths. A couplet solves the access problems for pedestrians and cross traffic, and allows the control of speed by synchronized stoplights. With speed control and two lanes for each direction we gained the capacity that we needed.

Our dilemma was where to have the crossovers for the couplet. There is strong opposition to a route near the elementary school. Commuter and school needs would clash leading to lower capacity, frustrated drivers, and severe safety concerns. The College Street option eliminates the speedway look of entering Philomath from the east and both crossovers require 20 to 25mph speeds to passively control a driver’s speed. Ultimately, we concluded that the couplet option illustrated in this newsletter was best.

We as a community have a design problem that needs to be solved. Traffic on the highway increases annually. After a 2^nd grader was hit crossing in the crosswalk, walking with the light, at 19^th and Main St. this spring, I feel it is more important than ever we resolve the safety issues for our community. Philomath can finally have a downtown that will be safe, friendly to drivers and pedestrians, and accessible with plenty of parking. This design gives the center of Main Street, between 12^th and 15^th, back to the community to have a Saturday market, or the Philomath Classic Car Show as a more central event. It will accommodate sidewalk cafes, flower boxes, and banners. Far from being a “deadzone” this area will become a center for community events. This plan will improve pedestrian and traffic safety, commuter convenience, and tourist accessibility. Affected residents will have four to five years to prepare for change but will gain safety, convenience, and possibly increased value from the changes. Some businesses may be negatively affected and the city wants to work with the business community to lessen those impacts. The couplet plan shares the burden while making our community safer and provides opportunities for commercial development bringing jobs to Philomath and the surrounding community.

Couplet concerns continued…

The brokers predicted that College will remain mostly residential for many decades and the homes will, on average, deteriorate in appearance much as those on Main Street. They concluded that highway travelers would notice the empty storefronts on Main Street and the shabby appearance of College and conclude that Philomath is a city in decline. Commercial and residential buyers alike may start looking elsewhere.

There is not a perfect solution. There will be negative impacts regardless of which improvement option is chosen. We are being forced to make tough, responsible choices, which will govern our future. Facts, research and the good of the entire community should be the basis of our decisions.

The Philomath Business Association feels that ODOT should research at least two other traffic improvement options: Option 1: Keep two-way traffic on Main. There may be ways to improve traffic flow without 5 lanes all the way through Philomath. We suggest a middle ground for improvements to Main Street be looked at which improve traffic flow and yet minimize physical and financial impacts. This would have the least amount of impact on business, schools and the surrounding community and may cost the least amount of money.

Option 2: A couplet, west on Main and east on Applegate. This provides for the most efficient traffic flow and safety of all the improvement options considered in the City’s Transportation System Plan. It should also cost several million dollars less than the current couplet proposal. Main Street businesses would maintain at the least the most important westbound traffic and a viable commercial zone would be created between Main Street and Applegate, where property is already available for commercial development. ODOT has assured us that improvements can be added to ensure the safety of school children along Applegate. This is obviously very important and should be researched further before conclusions about safety can be made. (For more info, see our website at www.philomathcouplet.com) The Oregon Department of Transportation will be considering these and other options in upcoming public forums. Watch for public notices on dates and times. Now is the time for constructive suggestions about alternatives. ODOT is listening.

Page 5 City News

Utility Rate News

Starting with the July utility bill, residential customers will notice small increases in both water and sanitary sewer rates amounting to about a $1.08 per month increase for the typical homeowner. With these adjustments, the City will be able to fund the new year’s operating budget as well as continue to provide the funds necessary to proceed with projects identified in the Capital Improvement Plan.

In its annual rate study analysis that includes comparisons with other Linn and Benton County cities, Philomath continued to make progress in making system improvements while keeping utility rates competitive. In 1996, of the 12 comparative cities, Philomath had the third highest combined water and sewer rates.

With these latest adjustments, Philomath’s combined rates rank 9^th highest out of 12 comparative cities.

The city will continue to strive to provide reliable utilities for its customers in the most competitive and cost effective manner possible.

City Beautification Underway

The City Council has established a goal of improving the city’s appearance by requiring property owners to clean up problem areas and also recognizing citizens who make the extra effort to maintain their property.

This “carrot and stick” approach has resulted in numerous property cleanups and approximately 50 junked vehicles removed from the city.

The following properties have been recognized for their exceptional appearance: 119 N. 17^th St., 1520 Main St., 1022 Main St., 364 N. 10^th St., 334 Vincent St., 1547 Applegate St., 311 S. 17^th St.

For their efforts, these property owners have received certificates for free meals from either Ixtapa’s or McDonald’s. The City appreciates the generosity of these businesses for volunteering to provide these gifts.

The City hopes to keep this program active beyond this year in an effort to build on the progress that has been achieved. The Mayor and Council thank all property owners who are doing their part to make Philomath a beautiful place to live and work!

New City Recorder On the Job

Terri Phillips, who served the City as its Recorder since 1990, has taken the position of City Recorder in Hood River.

Terri had been an employee of the City for 15 years. She had also served as the Chair of the Building Committee for the construction of the new PYAC facility.

Terri will be greatly missed by all who had come to know her and we wish her the very best in her new position.

Upon a review of the applicants who responded to the position opening, the City Manager and City Council have selected Ruth Post to become Philomath’s new City Recorder.

Ruth has been employed as the Utility and Court Clerk and assisted as a backup to the City Recorder in her absence during the past 3 years. The Mayor and Council look forward to working with Ruth and encourage you to introduce yourself and congratulate Ruth on your next visit to City Hall.

New Bus Routes Available

With the opening of the Applegate Street Bridge, the Philomath Connection has been given the opportunity to travel a new route to better serve the needs of our citizens. Along with the route changes, including in-town possibilities, some additional fare options are also available for low income as well as discount coupon books. A schedule is provided for you in this issue should you wish to consider becoming one of the growing number of students, seniors or commuters who have discovered the benefits of this service.

Remember to Conserve

Even when the water supply is adequate, as it is in our community, conservation is simply a wise use of a precious resource. Conservation can contribute to a healthy environment, reduce your water bill, and assure an ample water supply for our future. Find water conservation tips on our website at www.ci.philomath.or.us.

Page 6 City New

Vacation Safety Tips

Going on Vacation? Help Burglars Take One Too!

By Philomath Police Chief Ken Elwer

An empty house is a tempting target for a burglar. Use this checklist of tips to help safeguard your home while you’re away.

Have good locks on all door and windows, and USE THEM!

1. Ask a neighbor to watch the house and water houseplants while you’re away. It’s a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency. If you have a pool, ask your neighbor to monitor it too. Check in with your neighbor to see if all is well.

2. Never leave your house key hidden outside your home.

3. Stop all deliveries or arrange for a neighbor to pick up your main, newspapers and packages.

4. Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the home a lived in look

5. Plug in times to turn lights and a radio or television on and off at appropriate times.

6. Turn the bell or ringers on your telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won’t be alerted to your absence by a ringing phone.

7. Don’t announce your absence on answering machine messages.

8. Leave your blinds, shades and curtains in normal positions. Don’t close them unless that is what you do when you are home.

9. Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.

10. Tell your local police you plan to be away. Patrol officers may have the opportunity to periodically check your home.

For more vacation and travel safety tips, check the CRIME TIP OF THE MONTH column at the city’s website, www.ci.philomath.or.us.

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