Office of Neighborhoods Weekly Update

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March 11, 2010 Weekly Update

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March 4, 2010 Weekly Update

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February 11, 2010 Weekly Update

Office of Neighborhoods Weekly Update

March 11, 2010

Recently, the Vancouver Police Officers Guild, the union representing most Vancouver Police Officers, announced a proposed vote of no confidence regarding my leadership of the Vancouver Police Department. The Union leadership's proposed vote is not based upon a rational analysis of my leadership or that of my Command staff. Their proposal is intended to resist greater transparency, protect Union interests, maintain a culture opposed to reform and weaken our efforts toward professional accountability.

Over the past three years, my efforts have been focused upon greater transparency with the public, increased accountability within the department and a safer city for Vancouver residents. This vision is based upon an overriding mission of providing professional, quality law enforcement services to the public. To accomplish this, we have restructured the organization, increased staffing in patrol, emphasized community policing programs and placed greater operational responsibility at the neighborhood and precinct levels of our department. These efforts have included the reinstatement of the School Resource Officer Program, implementation of an effective Neighborhood Patrol Officer program, integration of crime analysis in our deployment planning and establishment of a citizen volunteer program to patrol our neighborhoods (NOW). We have made progress, primarily due to the dedication of individual officers, department support staff, the City Manager's office, our City Council and residents of our city. Over time, however, Union leaders have opposed these changes and been unwilling to adapt to the changing needs of our community.

As Chief, it is my responsibility to maintain core law enforcement services to this community. Unfortunately, my efforts have been hampered by the budgetary challenges resulting from the current economic crisis. This crisis has required staffing and service reductions across the City, to include the Vancouver Police Department. I understand such decisions create a great deal of anxiety within our department and are unpopular with Union leaders. However, like the citizens we serve, we must adapt to this environment and function within our limited budget.

During my tenure, I have also emphasized and communicated a commitment to high standards of ethical and professional conduct within this department. I have demonstrated this commitment by implementing an Action Plan focused on increased transparency and accountability at all levels of the agency. These reforms are consistent with a third-party, independent report produced by the Matrix Group. Sadly, Union leadership has opposed many of our reform efforts and been highly critical of my disciplinary decisions regarding unethical conduct by department personnel.

As Chief I will not compromise the ethics and integrity of this department in exchange for Union popularity. I am steadfast in my belief that the political interests of a single labor organization should not outweigh the interests of the community we serve. To that end, I will continue my efforts toward reform while remaining open to constructive collaboration with Union leadership. It is my sincere desire that Union leaders join with me in this effort and demonstrate they are willing to move away from political posturing to ensure the future of our department and this community.

Congratulations to these newly elected neighborhood leaders. We look forward to working with you for the betterment of your neighborhood!

The Vancouver City Council meets at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 15, in Council Chambers, 210 E. 13th Street. The agenda includes an opportunity for citizen communication with the council. The public is invited to attend or may watch the meeting on Cable Channel 23 or through video stream from the CVTV website.

A council workshop session precedes the meeting at 4 p.m. in the same location. The public is invited to attend the council workshops, but public testimony is not taken during these sessions.

You may view the agenda for the upcoming workshop and meeting, as well as past meeting agendas and minutes here.

Here is the schedule for neighborhood street sweeping for the week of March 14. Please remind your neighbors to avoid parking cars on the street if your neighborhood is on the street sweeper's schedule. Thanks!

All single family residents of recognized city neighborhoods are eligible for free curbside pickup of a non-working major appliance during the month of April. Neighbors should call 619-4120 now to schedule an appliance pickup. Please include information about this opportunity in your February or March newsletter. We will continue to schedule pickups as long as there is space available. During other times of the year, residents can contact Waste Connections to haul away used appliances for a fee.

NeighborWoods Stewards Training
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, March 16 – April 20
Plus two Saturday Workshops
Marshall Community Center & Firstenburg Community Center
Become a local leader and resource in your neighborhood on all topics tree related through this free training offered by Vancouver Urban Forestry. You do not need to know a lot about trees – you do need to have a passion to learn and commitment to help. The six week course covers general tree care, tree biology, proper pruning, tree planting, preservation and identification.
To apply or for more info call 360.619-1108 or visit the urban forestry website at www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry

Friends of Trees Neighborhood Tree Planting
8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Salvation Army Church, 1500 NE 112th Ave
Join Friends of Trees and neighborhood volunteers in planting street and yard trees throughout central Vancouver! Just show up, tools and training will be provided –along with breakfast and a potluck lunch!

Downtown Tree Planting
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
819 Main Street
Urban Forestry is partnering with the Vancouver Downtown Association to plant trees along Evergreen Blvd. Join in the beautification of Downtown Vancouver and plant 40 new street trees. Come early to enjoy a breakfast provided by Chronis’ Restaurant. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Tools, gloves and training will be provided, just show up!

TreeTalk Workshop: Tree Pruning and Care
10 a.m. to noon
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Marshall Community Center
Join this workshop and hands-on demonstration with an industry professional to learn pruning basics including when, where and why to make the cut.

Arbor Day
11 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, April 14
Mayor’s Grove at Marshall Community Park
Join this celebration of trees in our community! Vancouver is celebrating 21 years as Tree City USA, an award recognizing Vancouver’s efforts in caring for our urban trees. And don’t miss the mayor’s planting; a tree will be planted in honor of Mayor Leavitt and added to the many trees planted commemorating each mayor.

While you are preparing to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, the 112th Ave. Traffic Safety Corridor Committee is “busy as a bee” emphasizing safety along the corridor. Posters in stores, table tents and coasters in the eateries along the corridor point out the important message “Drive Buzzed – Get Stung”, as a reminder of the possible consequences of driving while under the influence.

The 112th Traffic Safety Corridor Committee would like to wish you a Happy and Safe St. Patrick’s Day.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the 112th Traffic Safety Corridor Steering Committee, in conjunction with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), have designated 112th Avenue, Chkalov Drive and Gher Road as a Traffic Safety Corridor due to the number of fatal and disabling injury crashes compared to similar roads in the city and state. The committee focus is on the use of traffic law enforcement, road improvements, and education to improve safety during the next two years.

The 112th Traffic Safety Corridor extends 3.6 miles on NE 112th Avenue and includes Chkalov Drive and Gher Road. The project is spearheaded by a partnership of community members, businesses and public agencies who work together to develop low-cost, near-term solutions for improving traffic safety through enforcement, engineering and education.

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC) issues an open invitation to the public to attend the regular commission meetings. The PRAC meets monthly, typcially on the third Friday of each month, from noon to 3 p.m. Meeting locations are varied, and location information may be found here, Meeting information, including agendas and meeting minutes may also be found at the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission webpage.

The March meeting will be held at noon on Friday, March 19, at Firstenburg Community Center, Public Conference Room, 700 NE 136th Avenue, Vancouver, WA.

The PRAC is a joint city-county commission that advises staff, city council and county commissioners on parks and recreation-related needs, plans, programs, open space and facilities. The PRAC is a thirteen member commission; five appointed by City Council, five by County Commissioners, one each from Vancouver and Evergreen School Districts; 1 Parks Foundation Liaison.

Whereas, March 1, 1980, Mary White started her employment with the City of Vancouver; and

Whereas, Mary worked in the word processing department until April 5, 1993 when she was promoted into the position of Council Secretary. Mary continues to serve her role as Council Secretary until March 31, 2010; and

Whereas, Mary has served in her role as Council Secretary with the utmost dedication, attending to the needs of Council, staff and citizens. Mary leaves a legacy of excellence, attention to detail, and friendship; and

Whereas, All employees and community members who have been honored to work with Mary will gather and celebrate on March 24, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 210 E. 13th Street; and

Whereas, We request your RSVP’s no later than March 22, 2010 at 5 p.m. to Alexis Bafus at 487-8607 or alexis.bafus@ci.vancouver.wa.us.

NOW, THEREFORE, WE, Vancouver City Council and City Manager’s Office employees, do hereby honor Mary L. White as she sets sail for new retirement adventures.

At the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site staff are beginning work on the East and South Vancouver Barracks Master Plan. You are invited to one of two public scoping meetings and site tours, at the Red Cross building within the Vancouver National Historic Reserve, located on the northeast corner of Barnes Street and Hatheway Road.

Meetings will be held from noon to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7. These two meetings will take the form of an open house, starting with a brief presentation by park staff, followed by a chance to talk with park officials about issues you think should be considered with regards to the East and South Barracks. Written comments may be submitted at the meetings, or online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/fova from March 20 to May 1. Written comments may also be mailed to: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 612 East Reserve St., Vancouver, WA 98661.

The City of Vancouver Department of Transportation is designing pedestrian safety improvements for St. Johns Boulevard, from R to V streets. Safety enhancements will include the construction of ADA compliant curb ramps and the installation of missing sections of sidewalk on both the north and south sides of St. Johns Boulevard. Funding for this project comes from an additional Community Development Block Grant provided through the federal government’s recovery act. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer. The attached postcard contains more details.

Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington