March 18, 2010 Minutes


Present: Edith Yang, Judy Heath, Esmeralda Allen, Todd Allen, Pat Shermer, Mike Mullett, Joe Harrod, Hugh White, Jim Smith, Tony Albert, and Special Guest Chris Westfall.

A. Mr. Chris Westfall is the Code Enforcement Supervisor, Development Services Division, for the City of Corvallis. ABC asked him to join us for a discussion about the work of the Code Enforcement Department.

Code Enforcement was implemented in the autumn of 2007 with the following initial program objective: "...to develop a professional, effective, and courteous compliance work group within the Development Services Division. The Program will enhance the livability of the City of Corvallis by providing educational outreach and inter-departmental coordination to not only obtain initial voluntary compliance but also ensure informed and willing long- term compliance with the Land Development Code and select Municipal Code Provisions."

We received a nine-page handout with information about the Program. For example, the Program oversees compliance for 43 complaint subject categories that range from animal feces disposal to vision clearance standards at driveways. The Program is also designated as a resource to provide assistance with 9 other complaint categories under the primary response of other programs and Departments.

Other "livability issues" of primary concern are the development of property and structures, over-crowded dwellings, inoperative or unlicensed vehicles on private property, and garbage accumulations.

The highest priorities for response are:

Life Safety/Public Health, e.g. obstructed vision clearance, dangerous buildings.

Impact to Public Facility of right of way, e.g. public pedestrian routes obstructed

Potential Severity of Financial Impact, e.g. rental or real estate agreements.

Time Sensitivity Impact, e.g. Historic Resources, damage or removal of significant vegetation).

Since the start of the Program, the number of complaints to the Department have increased from 229 violations received in 2006 to 501 in 2009.

Sidewalk Cafe Permits Issue:

The Municipal Code for Corvallis was revised after considerable public discussion, research of best practices, and follow-up after the first year of the revised code by the City of Corvallis. ABC members learned a great deal about the difficulties that multiple use of public and private properties entails in following the priorities for public safety. Advocacy groups frequently disagree on what are the best code decisions!

Where new construction is done, code can be uniform and best practices are well known and assured. It is in the remodeling or accommodation of older buildings and rights of way that uniformity is not present. For example, some public sidewalks are much narrower than others in Corvallis. To insure four feet of clearance for pedestrians on some streets will eliminate the possibilities of sidewalk cafes, planters, trees, etc.

We thanked Mr. Westfall for his time and presentation today. If any readers would like more information from the Code Enforcement Department, please call 541.766.6929 or e-mail: chris.westfall@ci.corvallis.or.us

B. Minutes of February 18, 2010 meeting approved as submitted.

C. Treasurer's Report. $360.00 less cost of plaque for Keith's Award.

D. Correspondence: Out-going for Keith's Award.

E. Continuing Business:

1. Keith's Award presentation date is pending. We plan to make the presentation on the steps of Kearney Hall, and ABC will inform readers of arrangements!

2. Ability Awareness Day Planning. Next Committee meeting is April 23, 2010, 10 a.m., Sunny Side Up Cafe.

F. New Business:

1. Joe Harrod shared access concerns for two businesses located in the shopping mall on 53rd and Philomath Highway. ABC will contact these businesses to support the concerns. Joe has already met directly with managers of the businesses.

2. Joe presented an idea for educating the businesses in Corvallis about welcoming customers with disabilities. ABC members believe there is a lot of worth in the idea. This discussion also led to ideas about how Corvallis Transit might encourage persons with disabilities to try busses when students first come to OSU in the Fall. A packet of information and safety items might be given to persons who ride the bus on a special day that is publicized. The Downtown Association would also be a good organization to consider these ideas.

3. Vicki Lein will be our Special Guest on April 15th! She is a motivational speaker with a variety of topics relating to persons with disabilities and their advocates.

Meeting Adjourned at 1 p.m.. Next ABC Meeting Thursday, April 15, 2010, Noon to 1 p.m., Benton Plaza, Commissioner's Meeting Room.