News to keep you connected to Albany City government Winter 2010 CARA transforming Central Albany The evolution of CARA with CARA and a $120,000 investment, the available. With an elevator in the Flinn The Central Albany Revitalization Area business stayed in Albany and expanded Block Hall, thanks to a CARA partnership, (CARA) was created in 2001 as a way to space, investing $1 million and creating the ballroom has eliminate blight and give wings to the Albany 14 family-wage jobs, helping to create an been opened up to Town Center Plan. The key objectives are economically sustainable community. New use by the disabled straightforward: to attract new private retailers coming to town to fill vacant spaces and governmental investment and to retain and enhance bring jobs. The groups. CARA the value of existing private and public rehabilitation investments are investment in the area. The CARA plan, of two historic not just about the adopted in 2002, is based on the 1995 Central downtown beautification of Albany Land Use and Transportation Study, downtown, but the momentum, in the form or CALUTS. Conducted over the course of of investment, livability, and visitors, that it produces much more than vegetables. The several months in conjunction with public creates. neighborhood donated more than a ton meetings, open houses, and brainstorming, of food to local shelters and soup kitchens CALUTS included enhancement of the Preserve the Historic Districts, historic and planted outside the fence so a passerby historic downtown; reuse of the waterfront resources, and existing housing. or someone really in need could pick a which had previously been used for Investments such as streetscape projects fresh tomato or squash. The industrial purposes; and investment in and private partnerships have literally garden has improved public projects and private partnerships to transformed parts of downtown. In the the neighborhood, transform Central Albany. residential districts, CARA is helping to brought it restore four blighted historic buildings. The together, and Promises made, promises kept buildings created 12 new jobs. CARA’s home at 532 Baker Street SE was headed for created a sense of Here are the objectives and promises commitment to a sustainable economy is demolition. Instead, it has been completely place. of the CARA plan with examples of how demonstrated through direct investment rehabilitated and is owner occupied. CARA has kept those promises: in economic development projects like All of these examples say this: CARA the manufacturing example, as well as Increase residential density. is keeping its promises to transform Attract new private investment. the spinoff benefits of jobs created from CARA has 100 new housing units Albany. It is happening incrementally; and CARA’s investment of roughly $8 million investing in the rehabilitation of buildings. including 40 units of low-income senior with every project, it gains momentum. in public/private partnerships has leveraged housing, seven LEED townhomes, and CARA funds are being used for more $69 million in private investment—for Create a readily identifiable core that nine upper-floor apartments whichthan beautification; they’re creating jobs, every urban renewal dollar, $8.50 of private is unique and vibrant with a mixture of were previously unused, vacant spaces a livable and inviting downtown, a vibrant money has been invested. entertainment, housing, specialty shops, downtown. historic core, strong neighborhoods, offices, and other commercial uses. and opportunities for significant private Retain and enhance the value of existing This year, the Oregon Main Street program Provide an enriching environment and investment. Albany is riding a rising tide, private investment and public investment. held its annual conference in downtown livable neighborhoods. and we’re proud to report that CARA is at CARA’s investments are enhancing the Albany. More than 200 people from around In 2009, City staff reached out to the the heart of it. value of existing investments, public and Oregon attended. They shopped in Albany Salem Avenue neighborhood to see what Want to learn more? Visit CARA’s private. One form that takes is an increase in stores, ate in Albany restaurants, and we could do to help them. Their answer: website at http://www.cityofalbany.net/ jobs. Example: a local manufacturing firm stayed in Albany hotels. The conference a community garden. With $20,000, citymanager/cara/, join us for our monthly was considering leaving Albany because it was able to be held downtown because of CARA helped turn a vacant, unused lot meetings, or contact Kate Porsche, Urban needed more space. Though a partnership space, including the Flinn Block Hall, was into a garden, a community place that Renewal Manager, at 541-497-6228. Are you prepared for a flood? Flooding is the nation’s most common Step 1: Get a kit Spring thaw, heavy rains (La Niña natural disaster, but not all floods are alike. If you don’t already have them, put conditions), landscape changes due to In Oregon, floods generally develop slowly together home and travel emergency kits. wildfires, and compromised levees are all during an extended period of rain or in a If you have them, now is the time to go flood threats in the Northwest. Any or all warming trend after a heavy snow. through the contents to make sure you of these conditions can occur in the late The last major flood in Albany was in have what you would need in an emer- winter or early spring here. February 1996. It was the size of flood gency. Go to ready.gov or http://www. expected in this area about every 25 years cityofalbany.net/fire/ for information on Know your risks, know your safety and consisted of two types: surface flood- what should be included in your kits. Find out if your home is at risk for flood- For the latest on the ing in the south, east, and north, where ing and educate yourself on the impact a recent Albany arson small creeks were not able to manage the Step 2: Make a plan flood could have on you and your family. water flow because of debris in creek beds Do you and your family have a plan so FEMA’s Flood Insurance Study compiled fires visit: or culverts were too small, and overflow that, if you become separated, you will know statistical data on river flows, hydrologic/ albanyarsoninvestigation.com from the Santiam-Albany Canal in South what to do? If not, you need one. If you have hydraulic analyses, and rainfall and topo- Albany; and river flooding in West a plan, make time to talk about it and exercise graphic surveys to create flood hazard Albany, primarily from the Calapooia it. Information about emergency plans is maps that outline Albany’s various flood and Willamette Rivers. Flooding on the available at the websites listed above. risk areas. Calapooia occurred with heavy rains. Most homeowners insurance does not Inside Flooding on the Willamette was delayed Step 3: Be informed cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance because of water entering the river Floods take time to come about. Make provider about your policy and consider if The Big Pickup 2011...... 2 upstream. Both Spring Hill Drive and sure you are informed about weather con- you need additional coverage. Quarry Road in North Albany flooded, ditions in the area, watch the news, and be The National Flood Insurance Program How urban renewal works...... 2 isolating a large area. observant as you travel: Is water standing (NFIP) can help provide a means for What to know about floods...... 3 Weather experts predict a wet winter this in the fields? Are road drainage ditches full property owners to financially protect year due to a moderate-to-strong La Niña of water? Has it been raining steadily for themselves if additional coverage is Library basement facelift...... 4 system. Precipitation is expected to be two or three days? Watch the Willamette required. The NFIP offers flood insurance City saving energy...... 4 above average and, combined with frequent River real-time stream flow gauge at http:// to homeowners, renters, and business cool weather systems, will result in tons water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php? owners if their community participates in of mountain snow. Flooding in and near wfo=pqr&gage=albo3&view=1,1,1,1,1,1 to the NFIP. To find out more about the www.cityofalbany.net Albany this winter is likely. see the river level current status and what is NFIP visit www.FloodSmart.gov. facebook.com/cityofalbany What can you do to be prepared? predicted. more flood information, p. 3 twitter.com/cityofalbany 2 How does urban renewal work? Urban renewal was authorized by the people of Oregon in 1960 to help communities Albany earns Good improve and revitalize areas that have deteriorated, are unsafe, or show signs of economic or physical conditions that are detrimental to the community as a whole. Today, more than 50 cities and counties in Oregon have active urban renewal programs. Urban renewal is a tool to help communities focus on and finance the rehabilitation Governance Award of their most blighted areas. Urban renewal districts (URDs) are funded through what’s called tax increment. Though it contains the word, it is not an assessed tax or an increase The City of Albany received the Good Governance Award from the League of in taxes for properties in the district. Instead, it works like this: When the 991-acre Oregon Cities at the League’s annual conference September 25, 2010, in Eugene, CARA was created, the tax-assessed values on the properties there were recorded at their Oregon. The award was presented for “Where Does My Money Go” and “The Dashboard,” 2001 value, the “frozen base.” Tax revenue from the frozen base (about $4.2 million a two innovative Web applications designed to increase government transparency and year) continues to fund the taxing districts (City of Albany, Linn County, Albany School provide easy access to tax, financial, and performance information. District, and Linn-Benton Community College) for the life of the URD. Only the increase This award follows the September 8, 2010, recognition by the Sunshine Review, in assessed value over that frozen base goes to the district to implement the plan. The an independent national organization devoted to governmental transparency, of a taxing districts agreed to forgo this amount of revenue for 20 years with the idea that perfect A+ score for the City of Albany. Albany is one of only 27 governmental agen- investing those dollars in the underutilized, blighted, and economically challenged core cies nationwide and the only one in Oregon to receive this ranking. will stimulate growth, eliminate the blight, and create vitality in the area, resulting in a The City of Albany presented these applications to governmental managers stronger, livelier community for all. from across the United States and other countries at the International City/County Example: the Ironworks project between Water and First Avenues on Montgomery Management Association national conference in San Jose, California, on October 18, Street. This CARA partnership project had been a vacant, contaminated lot. It now has 2010. seven LEED-certified townhomes, a 15,000 square-foot office building, and a 12-unit loft apartment building. Ironworks received an Oregon Brownfield Award this year as exemplary of how developers, municipalities, and other government agencies can work together to bring a blighted property back to life. The project came about thanks to the Have you signed up for belief and investment by a private developer and a partnership with CARA. It is important to note that CARA’s urban renewal funds are not, and, by state law, cannot be, a part of the City’s General Fund. The urban renewal district is a separate entity Linn-Benton ALERT? from the City: CARA income is separate, and CARA money can only be used for specific The Linn-Benton ALERT emergency The service is available to anyone who projects as outlined in the Urban Renewal Plan. These special, unique funds can only notification system is a mass notification lives, works, or has family, friends, or be used for very specific system that allows public safety officials to property in Linn or Benton Counties. purposes—to eliminate Public/Private Partnerships provide rapid notifications to Linn County It is sponsored by a partnership of Linn blighting influences in the and Benton County residents of emergen- County, Benton County, and the City of district, revitalize the area, CARA cies, evacuations, and other urgent events. Corvallis. and implement the Town Investment By signing up for the Linn-Benton By signing up for the Linn-Benton ALERT $8M Center Plan. Simply put, ALERT, you will receive time-sensitive emergency notification system, you agree to we invest dollars today to emergency and safety alerts from public and accept sole responsibility for the accu- overcome blight and build safety officials in the county where you racy of the information you provide to the a stronger, more livable and work or live. You may choose how and Linn-Benton ALERT emergency notification economically viable com- Private where to receive alerts, including your cell system. All information is confidential and munity. CARA gives wings Investment phone, home landline, work phone, or all not shared with outside organizations. Linn- to projects that simply $69M three; by e-mail, text messages, or TTY Benton ALERT is only for use in emergency wouldn’t have happened (a device for individuals with impaired situations. without it. hearing). You may also prioritize how you To sign up, go to http://www.co.benton. would like to be informed. or.us/sheriff/ or http://www.linnsheriff.org. Pay Your The Big Pickup 2011 Water & will your neighborhood be next? Sewer Bill Albany’s annual neighborhood cleanup, rights-of-way, and drop off unwanted items do the work themselves and truly need The Big Pickup, is coming up and that can be recycled. The event coincides some help. organizers are looking for a neighborhood with SOLV’s spring river cleanup, and Neighbor volunteer organizers are the Online that wants a facelift. Allied Waste’s Recycle Roundup. key to the Big Pickup. We need your help Go to The fifth annual Big Pickup is scheduled City staff is looking for an area of Albany to make it happen. for Saturday, May 21, 2011. Sponsored that could use some cleaning up with If you want The Big Pickup in your cityofalbany.net/ by the City of Albany and Allied Waste two or three private properties where neighborhood this year and you have of Albany-Lebanon, the event is an volunteers can make a real difference by neighbors willing to help with planning, utilitybilling opportunity for neighbors and volunteers helping clear brush and weeds, get rid of contact Marilyn Smith, 541-917-7507; to sign up today! to get together to spruce up private junk, or do other work to improve how the Lynn Hinrichs, 541-917-3208; or Heather properties, pick up litter on public streets, places look. Project properties often belong Slocum, 541-791-0058, no later than weed and prune landscaping in public to individuals or families who are unable to Friday, January 14, 2011. City of Albany Directory Mayor City Hall Phone Numbers Publishing Information Sharon Konopa ...... 541-926-6812 General Information ...... 541-917-7500 City Bridges is published by an editorial team from Ambulance Billing ...... 541-917-7710 the City of Albany. Questions and input about this Ward I Councilors Building Inspection ...... 541-917-7553 newsletter can be directed to: Dick Olsen ...... 541-926-7348 Carnegie Library ...... 541-917-7585 Floyd Collins ...... 541-928-2961 City Manager ...... 541-917-7500 City Manager’s Office Engineering ...... 541-917-7676 333 Broadalbin Street SW Ward II Councilors Finance Office ...... 541-917-7500 P.O. Box 490 Bill Coburn ...... 541-928-0649 Fire Department ...... 541-917-7700 Albany, OR 97321-0144 Ralph Reid, Jr...... 541-928-7382 Human Resources ...... 541-917-7500 Main Library ...... 541-917-7580 Contributors Ward III Councilors Mayor/Council Line ...... 541-917-7503 Craig Carnagey • Jason Darling • Evan Fransted Bessie Johnson ...... 541-791-2494 Municipal Court ...... 541-917-7740 Ed Gallagher • Heather Hansen • Matt Harrington Jeff Christman ...... 541-926-0528 Parks & Recreation ...... 541-917-7777 Kate Porsche • Marilyn Smith • Angie Sousa Planning and Zoning ...... 541-917-7550 Darrel Tedisch • Bob Woods City Manager Police Department ...... 541-917-7680 Wes Hare ...... 541-917-7505 Public Information Office ...... 541-917-7507 Senior Center ...... 541-917-7760 www.cityofalbany.net Transit ...... 541-917-7667 Emergencies (Fire, Police, Ambulance) Water/Sewer Billing ...... 541-917-7547 facebook.com/cityofalbany DIAL 911 Water/Sewer/Streets ...... 541-917-7600 twitter.com/cityofalbany 3 What you need to know about floods Albany was settled near the confluence Flood Insurance Flood insurance erosion. Here are some suggestions and of the Calapooia and Willamette Rivers. protects you from the financial devastation information for understanding how Upstream, the Willamette River watershed caused by floods. If you don’t have floodplains function and how the City drains approximately 4,840 square miles flood insurance, talk to your insurance regulates the floodplain to protect property of mostly mountainous timberland. agent. Even a few inches of water can and lives while affording residents the Development in the watershed can increase bring thousands of dollars in repair and ability to obtain flood insurance: the magnitude and frequency of flooding. restoration costs. Most homeowners’ • Do not dump or throw anything in As fields and forests are replaced by insurance does not cover flood damage, ditches, creeks, or drains: A plugged “impervious surfaces” (such as pavement and disaster relief funds cover only a small channel cannot carry water and, and buildings), the development changes portion of flood damage. when it rains, the excess water must the way the water is stored and how it Even if you don’t carry a mortgage, you go somewhere. Trash and vegetation moves through the watershed. should still have flood insurance. If you dumped into drainageways degrades water quality and contributes to flooding. Dumping is a violation of the Albany Municipal Code. Even grass Aerial view of North Albany during the clippings and branches can accumulate 1996 Willamette River flood. and plug storm drains and channels. If you see dumping or debris in ditches, toilets, and other sewer connections; creeks, or drains, contact the Public and storing important documents and Works Department at 541-917-7600. other irreplaceable items where they are • Obtain a floodplain development permit unlikely to be damaged. and/or building permit, if required: • City floodplain information services: Always check with the Community Flood maps and flood protection Development Department at 541- references are available at the Albany 917-7550 (Planning) or 541-917-7553 Public Library, on the City’s website, (Building), or visit the customer counter and at the Community Development on the second floor of City Hall before Department on the second floor of you build on or alter your property in City Hall. If you live in the city limits the floodplain. A permit may be needed and find that your property is located to ensure that projects do not cause within a floodplain, City staff can Historically, most flooding in the Albany area affects low-lying areas of North Albany near flooding problems on other properties. provide information such as a FEMA the Willamette River. The Christmas flood of 1964 was the largest flood in recent history If you see construction work without elevation certificate, if one is available but fell short of being a “100-year flood.” The 1996 flood was considered a 6-year flood, a building permit posted, contact the for your property. They can also help based on regulated flow with dams upriver. Weather watchers and emergency managers Building Division at 541-917-7553. you estimate the risk of flooding to your in the Willamette Valley are warning of the potential for heavy flooding this winter due to • Recognize the natural and beneficial home; find ways to reduce or prevent the La Nina weather pattern and limited capacity at the dams. functions of floodplains: Flooding flood damage to your property; make in streams is a natural process. site visits to review flood, drainage and Understanding and protecting the sewer problems; or provide tips on Causes of flooding in Albany rent, your landlord is responsible for the natural functions of floodplains helps how to select a contractor. For more Albany is subject to two types of structure but not your belongings. You can reduce flood damage and protect information, check the City’s website flooding: purchase a separate flood insurance policy resources. Vegetation serves as a natural http://www.cityofalbany.net/comdev/ • Riverine flooding is the overbank because Albany participates in the National filter, trapping sediments and capturing floodplain. flooding of rivers and streams. In Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The Albany, those include the Willamette premiums are discounted because Albany Flood Safety Tips and Calapooia Rivers; Oak, Periwinkle, also participates in FEMA’s Community Do not walk through flowing water: Drowning is the No.1 cause of flood deaths, mostly Cox, Burkhart, and Truax Creeks, and Rating System program, which requires during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you the Santiam-Albany Canal. floodplain management activities above off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is • Urban flooding results from an unusual and beyond minimum NFIP standards. still in front of you. and rapid accumulation of storm water Coverage applies whether flooding results that temporarily exceeds the capacity of from heavy or prolonged rains, snow melt, Do not drive through a flooded area: More people drown in their cars than anywhere the local storm water drainage system. blocked storm drainage systems, levee dam else. Don’t drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out. Flooding of streams and rivers in Albany failure, or other causes. To be considered a Stay away from power lines and electrical wires: The No. 2 flood killer is electrocution. generally results from large winter storms flood, the waters must cover at least two acres Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your electric from the Pacific Ocean. When heavy or affect at least two properties. utility (Pacific Power & Light or Consumers Power) or the county Emergency Management rainfall comes at the same time as snow- Flood insurance is available for Office. melt runoff, winter storms can result in properties within and outside of simultaneous flooding on all rivers and floodplains. Your property’s flood risk is Shut off gas and electricity and move valuable contents upstairs: Be prepared in advance streams in an affected area. Historically, shown on flood hazard maps. Different with a detailed checklist because warning of an impending flood may provide little time for most major floods in Albany have occurred types of policies are available depending on preparation prior to evacuation. in December, January, and February, your flood risk: Look out for animals: Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek although flooding in other months is • If you live in a high-risk area, you will shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small possible. need a standard policy. Most mortgage animals. Past Floods: Flood records for the City lenders will require that you have such Look before you step: After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris of Albany indicate no regular pattern in a policy before they will approve your including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can which floods occur. Heavy rains that loan, including refinancing. be very slippery. saturate the ground and fill rivers and • Outside of high-risk areas, flood creeks coupled with warming weather that insurance is also available, usually at Be alert for gas leaks: Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, melts heavy mountain snow created the lower cost. A preferred risk policy covers lanterns, or open flames unless you know that the gas has been turned off and the area has major flooding that Albany has seen over both a home and its contents. While you been ventilated. And don’t turn the gas back on yourself; call Northwest Natural to do it. the last 150 years. The last major flooding aren’t federally required to have flood since the dams were built on rivers insurance in a low-to-moderate risk pollutants; it also anchors stream banks, FEMA’s Homeowner’s Guide to upstream took place in 1964 and 1996. area, it doesn’t mean you won’t ever need reducing bank erosion and providing Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your The February 1996 flood was the highest it. Large floods often extend beyond shade, which helps reduce water House from Flooding is on FEMA’s Web in recent memory but was considered the boundaries of high-risk areas and temperatures. In most cases, removing site at http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/mat/ significantly less than a “100-year flood,” smaller floods occur outside high-risk vegetation near a watercourse is a fema312.shtm. which is a flood that has a 1 in 100 (1%) areas as well. In fact, about 25% of all violation of the Albany Municipal Code. • Flood Warning System. A warning of chance of happening in any given year. flood insurance claims come from low- • Reduce risk of damage: Practical and potential flooding is conveyed to the The record flood of 1861 had almost to-moderate risk areas. cost-effective methods for reducing community through the Emergency three times the volume of water in the FEMA has the latest information about or eliminating the risk of flooding are Alert System. Regular programming on Willamette River as measured at the flood insurance policies and premiums at available. Techniques include preparing radio and television will be interrupted Albany gauge. The 1964 flood would have http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/. a household evacuation plan; elevation to describe the nature of the flooding, rivaled the 1861 flood without the flood FEMA’s Answers to Questions about the of the home; relocating the home to the locations likely to be affected, and control dams, but instead was considered National Flood Insurance Program is at higher ground; constructing floodwalls what protective action citizens in the an 80-year flood. http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord. or berms; flood-proofing the structure; area should take. Emergency services If you are in the floodplain, odds do?id=1404. having a licensed electrician protect personnel will also conduct door- are that someday your property will be Floodplain Function and Regulation utilities and electrical components; to-door notification when flooding damaged. Even if you don’t live in a Maintaining the flow capacity of rivers having a licensed plumber install is imminent. You should heed these floodplain, knowing what to do (and not to and streams requires cooperation and backflow valves or plugs to prevent warnings and take appropriate action to do) in a flood can be life-saving. assistance to prevent flooding and bank floodwaters from entering drains, safeguard your life and property. 4 Downtown Library gets basement facelift The basement of the downtown Carnegie half of the project funding; Fitzpatrick Second and Ferry was selected to house Library underwent an extensive facelift Painting for the bulk of the work; and the collection. The library was open to the this spring. Decades of paint, 8-12 layers Library patrons for their patience during public on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. thick in places, was removed from all the closure and wonderful feedback since Over the next few years, the club gathered the original woodwork and walls were reopening. 1,163 volumes. The library became a tax- repainted with a two-tone beige and brown supported service in December 1910 when color scheme thought to be the way things The Downtown Carnegie Library the City of Albany assumed its operation. looked when the building first opened in Andrew Carnegie, a steel magnate, was a Mr. and Mrs. S.E. Young donated land 1914. The basement was once home to philanthropist who began building libraries on the corner of Third Avenue and Ferry the Albany Regional Museum, which had in the United States in the early 1900s. In Street for the Carnegie building. Ground painted sections of was broken the walls in a variety June 5, 1913. of bright colors to Willard F. Tobey separate exhibits. was chosen as the Library staff and many architect. Mrs. longtime patrons wel- Young herself comed the change. carried in the first Fresh plaster was book, a Bible, applied in some places, three days prior some ground-level to the building’s window sills were dedication on replaced, and obsolete June 26, 1914. A Zeki, a 9-foot tall steel and titanium telephone wiring was community of sculpture, has found a new home removed. Restrooms, volunteers carried outside the Carnegie Library. The hallways, the book sale room, and staff office 1911, he offered the City of Albany $12,500 the rest of the 3,200-volume collection into $30,000 Raymond Hunter piece was got fresh paint on walls and ceilings; and to build a free public library if the City the new facility. commissioned by the Wanita Robb paint was removed from wood accents and would match his donation and staff the The Downtown Carnegie Library has Sculptural Trust to honor the educa- moldings. new building. The final building cost came been in continuous use as a library since. tion profession. The sculpture is the The basement was closed for about a to $20,000. It currently houses nearly 25,000 titles brainchild of John Boock, Jr., who month while work was completed. Library As early as 1907, Sarah Adams, then for public use, provides public Internet administers the trust. Libraries are staff moved the children’s collection, nearly president of the Modern Travelers Club, access, free Wi-Fi, and a special historic the premier institutions of lifelong 10,000 books, into storage and then back to initiated the idea of a public library by preservation book collection. It is included education, and so the corner of Third the shelves once work was finished. creating a committee to gather a collection as a landmark contributing property in Avenue and Ferry Street is the perfect Library staff thanks the Albany Public of books and naming a board of direc- the Monteith National Register Historic fit to honor education and to inspire Library Foundation, which provided tors. A single-room brick building near District of Albany. lifelong learning. Energy savings around the City Fire station lights the way to wired compact fluorescent light bulbs. A variable-volume refrigerant system has of outdated heating, ventilation, and air saving energy At installation, the City expected to save the ability to share heat energy back and conditioning equipment with a high energy- In today’s economy, public and private 32,437 kilowatt hours of electricity per year forth across the building without activat- efficiency centralized system. Total project organizations look for ways to save energy for an annual cost savings of $2,234. The ing the outside compressor unit, reducing cost was $119,016 with an estimated energy and control operating costs. Many find that Energy Trust of Oregon provided an incen- the system’s energy consumption. Energy cost savings of $1,775 per year. lighting upgrades are the best, and often, tive of $2,127 towards the overall project recovery ventilators further reduce heating the easiest first step in any energy-effi- cost of $9,246, and the project qualified and air conditioning costs. Albany City Hall ciency program because of the long-term for an Oregon Business Energy Tax Credit. The Library qualified for $44,067 in The City’s entire Information Technology cost savings, short payback period, and The payback is less than two years. Energy Trust cash incentives for the hub replaced 12 hard-drive computer host incentives. Firefighters noticed the difference energy-efficiency upgrades. The upgrades servers with one virtual server, funded The City of Albany began its sustainabil- immediately and appreciate the improved should save approximately $10,000, or entirely by a Department of Energy ity initiative with a lighting replacement lighting quality. The project helped reduce 157,614 kilowatt-hours, in the Library’s energy-efficiency block grant of $46,231. program in which they upgraded older fix- further equipment replacement costs, annual energy costs. Power consumption for these systems has tures to energy-saving high-performance increased the longevity of lighting fixtures, been reduced by 30% and cut City Hall’s fixtures. and is saving energy and operating costs. Albany Senior Center power bill by $4,967 per year. In September 2009, the City completed a The Station 12 lighting upgrades have With a federal American Recovery and Variable-speed drive high-efficiency lighting retrofit at Albany Fire Station #12, sparked other initiatives: improved track- Reinvestment Act grant, the City replaced motors have been installed on two rooftop 120 34th Avenue SE. Built in the 1970s, the ing of electrical power use in all City T12 fluorescent lamps and ballasts with heating/ventilation/air conditioning units 8,000 square-foot building needed a light- buildings and other energy-efficiency and higher efficiency T8s. The initial invest- with new carbon dioxide sensors and ing upgrade. The building is used 24 hours water-conservation measures. ment was $7,539 and annual energy programming controls to increase energy a day; so lights are on all the time and At Albany Public Library, energy-efficient savings are expected at 32,498 kilowatt- efficiency and indoor air quality. This the older fixtures needed to be replaced lighting includes LED exit signs, hard-wired hours or $3,087. Payback will be a little project was paid for with a $35,754 DOE frequently. City facilities staff replaced out- compact fluorescent light bulbs, pulse-start more than two years. energy-efficiency block grant. Estimated dated T12 lamps and ballasts with 31 new metal halides, and high-efficiency and high- An energy efficiency block grant from the energy savings is 38,284 kilowatts or $2,291 high-performance T8 lamps and four hard- performance T8 fixtures. Department of Energy paid for replacement per year. Public Works Department earns accreditation The Albany Public Works Department performance and instilled pride among “The APWA accreditation award is an ment to improving operations.” has become the third in Oregon and the agency staff.” acknowledgement of all the hard work For more information, contact Public 62nd in the United States to receive an The APWA accreditation program over the years done by our public works Works Accreditation Manager Angelia American Public Works Association recognizes public works agencies that go employees,” said Diane Taniguchi-Dennis, Sousa at [email protected]. (APWA) accreditation award. beyond the requirements of the management Public Works Director. “The Albany The accreditation award was announced practices established nationally in the public Public Works Department has reached an About APWA on November 5, 2010. Albany, Eugene, works industry. Every day, accredited agen- important milestone with this award. Only The American Public Works Association and Bend are the only Oregon to earn the cies meet or exceed standards of performance cities that are willing to have all of their (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, inter- APWA accreditation award. in areas such as water, solid waste manage- work policies, procedures, and practices national organization of more than 29,500 “The City of Albany is to be congratu- ment, street/sewer repair and maintenance, examined in a rigorous audit and meet the members involved in the field of public lated on earning their accreditation,” engineering, building maintenance, storm standards of APWA can be accredited. works. APWA serves its members by pro- said Ann Daniels, director of credential- water drainage, traffic safety, environmental “It’s exciting to complete the detailed moting professional excellence and public ing for APWA. “They have continually services, and vehicle maintenance. review of an agency’s policies and pro- awareness through education, advocacy, improved their public works performance A team of public works professionals cedures, and then recommend them for and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is and the provision of services, as well as from Florida, Texas, and Utah completed a accreditation,” said Daniels. “Albany’s headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, increased professionalism, provided for thorough evaluation of operations during a Public Works Department is to be highly has an office in Washington, D.C., and 64 succession planning, recognized good visit to Albany October 20-22, 2010. commended for their excellent commit- chapters in North America.