June 2023

CITY MANAGER’S NEWSLETTER

JUNE 2023

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH HOUSING?

Bandon is at the mercy of three factors at the moment.  Two of those things are nationwide.  First, interest rates are higher than they have been for a long time, though they still seem low to those of us who lived through the 70s and 80s.  Second, materials prices are still high.   The other issue for Bandon is simply distance from population centers.  This makes it difficult to find contractors for larger projects.

The joint City/School District project is moving ahead in spite of those factors. This is the vacant land near the softball fields across from the high school.  We will be issuing a Request for Proposals looking for the best option for providing housing for our workforce.  It may end up that a modular housing option works, or a combination of single-family units with duplexes and 4-plexes. We are asking the private sector to use their resources and creativity to come up with the best solution for Bandon.

On the 17-acre piece south of town (the “Opportunity Site”), we are working with the state to get a more reasonable interpretation of what is and isn’t a wetland.  That site presents some opportunities for affordable home ownership, which is so important in maintaining community as we become more and more a second-home destination (which is not something we have much control over).

PROJECT UPDATES

I want to thank a couple of City staff for finding creative ways to cut costs in large projects.  Public Works Director, Tim Lakey, is working on a solution that may cut the cost of re-siding the Sprague Theater in half by simply repairing and siding over the existing siding.  We are having structural engineers create specifications and help run that bid process.  This may result in hundreds of thousands in savings.

Water Plant Manager, Jim Youravish, is working on a solution for the old, leaky clarifier at the water plant.  A change to the State Building Code added a million dollars to the price of a new clarifier tank, which is a project funded by the 2018 General Obligation Bonds.  Jim saw a presentation by a company that rehabilitates old tanks by epoxy coating the interior and wrapping the exterior in cable and a new concrete layer.  The company came out this week and will have a price quote in a couple of weeks.

This kind of work and thinking happens often and doesn’t get recognized enough. 

Filmore Pump Station (Sewer Plant).  Engineers are working on alternative designs to address floodplain issues.  This is after we had to say no to suggestions that we tsunami-proof the pump station (picture a two-story concrete structure).  There will likely not be a plant to pump to in the event of a major tsunami.

Backup Generator for Water Plant.  Request for Quotes went out last week.  We have not received any responses yet.

Seismic Valves and Tank Recoat.  The seismic valves are intended to shut off in the event of an earthquake, preserving up to 2 million gallons of water for emergency use. This project is complete, pending testing.  We took the opportunity to recoat the interior of the tank while it was empty.

Next Brush & Yard Debris Pick Up Starts June 5, 2023.

The second brush and yard debris removal event of 2023 will start on Monday, June 5, 2023. Bandon Disposal will be collecting piles of brush and yard debris. City residents are allowed approximately two pickup loads of brush and yard debris at no cost.

Place your brush and yard debris in the right-of-way alongside the street adjacent to your house BEFORE Monday, June 5, 2023. Do not put your yard waste out more than one week before the scheduled pick-up date.

The maximum allowed is approximately two pickup loads. Anything more than two pickup loads will not be picked up and will be the homeowner’s responsibility to remove. Anything longer than 5 feet will be left.

One pile per address.  Multiple piles will not be picked up and will be the homeowner’s responsibility to remove them.

Limit your items to woody yard debris such as branches, brush, gorse, etc. Grass clippings and leaves will also be picked up, provided they are placed in biodegradable paper bags. No plastic bags, metal, appliances, furniture, garbage, etc.

A boom truck is used to pick up debris so avoid placing your pile under overhead utility lines or overhanging trees.  Locate your pile away from fire hydrants and utility boxes, and do not impede sidewalks or pedestrian walkways.

If you get missed or have more than two pickup loads, or if you want debris picked up at another time, please contact Bandon Disposal at 541-347-9633 to get a price quote and schedule a special pick-up.