The Sandy Source Newsletter

The Sandy Source

Volume 44 | January 2024

Introducing the New MySandy App!

Have you ever wanted to report a pothole, a broken park sprinkler, or a code enforcement issue in your neighborhood? Now there’s an easy and seamless way for you to report problems, along with photos and locations, directly to city staff right from your smartphone!

Introducing the new MySandy App: connecting you with the City of Sandy like never before! With a few taps on your phone you can report issues related to:

Building / Permitting
Code Compliance
Parks
SandyNet
SAM Transit
Sewer
Stormwater
Streets
Water

Plus, you can access city departments, get information on city parks and facilities, and even pay your utility bill!

MySandy is available for Apple and Android devices.

Prefer to report issues from your computer instead of your phone? We have that option available too. Now you can visit our new Report an Issue webpage and take care of business from the comfort of your laptop or desktop.

Have questions specific to municipal code enforcement? Check out our new Code Enforcement webpage, complete with reporting forms, contact information, and an outline of how enforcement responsibilities are divided between the Police and Development Services departments.

Did You Know? The MySandy platform is already helping streamline work in the Public Works Department. Staff members are using the app to help complete the lead and copper inventory of our water system, which is required by federal regulations. We're examining and cataloging water service materials to confirm that they are lead free. If you see Public Works crews out at your water meter over the next few months, that’s likely why they are there.

SAM Route to Clackamas Town Center

Launching January 12

SAM service to Clackamas Town Center officially starts January 12, 2024! Now you can enjoy even more regional transit connections on our comfortable buses with friendly and professional drivers, free Wi-Fi, and affordable fares!

To celebrate this milestone, we invite you to join us for a Launch Party on January 11th at 2:00 pm in Centennial Plaza. The party will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Pulliam, refreshments, and entertainment! Don't miss this chance to meet some of the transit team and learn firsthand about the benefits and convenience of Sandy’s new route!

We hope you will join us to celebrate the positive impact the new bus service will have on our community!

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call the dispatch office at 503-668-3466.

Sandy Area Metro: 25 Years of Progress

Sandy Area Metro (SAM) has seen significant growth and improvement since its original establishment in 1999. The decision to withdraw from TriMet and start SAM was a strategic move that allowed the City of Sandy to better meet the transit needs of our residents. This transition led to better service for residents and increased service hours, leveraged a dedicated business payroll tax for local benefit, increased employment opportunities for CDL drivers, and established an ongoing partnership with Clackamas County to provide collaborative regional transit solutions.

The expansion of SAM beyond the original commuter route to Gresham includes in-town dial-a-ride service, medical transportation, Sandy to Estacada service, the Shopper Shuttle trolley, and the new Sandy to Clackamas Town Center route. The variety of service options demonstrates SAM's commitment to address the diverse transportation needs of the community. Those needs were identified through a public process that created a Transit Master Plan in 2009, which was updated in 2020 through another public process.

Along with adding service, the SAM budget has grown from $5 million to $11 million primarily through grant funding directed to our community. This has allowed for the diversification of service as well as capital growth projects, including electric buses and a maintenance bay to promote sustainability in public transportation. SAM was the first agency in Oregon to receive the Carbon Reduction Grant, which highlights SAM’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

SAM is proactive in adapting to the changing needs of the community, staying environmentally conscious and actively participating in broader transit initiatives at the state level. As part of that commitment SAM leadership has served on a variety of committees that oversee grant funding and support transit and transit adjacent groups. This includes the Transit Director, Andi Howell, serving two terms as the Oregon Transit Association President.

SAM looks forward to continuing to serve the City of Sandy as a vital part of our community!

Don't Miss the Teddy Bear Sleepover

Friday, January 5th - Saturday, January 6th

Sandy Public Library

Drop your favorite cuddly off at the Library on Friday evening between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and your stuffed animal will stay overnight for a sleepover at the Library!

Then come back to the Library the next morning at 10:00 am for a special Teddy Bear-themed storytime, and take home pictures of their adventures!

Questions? Contact Monica Smith [email protected]

It's Time to Kinderdance!

There's still time left to sign up for the first 2024 sessions of Kinderdance and Kindercombo! Kids ages 3 through 9 will develop a solid foundation of ballet and tap steps in a variety of combinations and music styles.

Courses start on January 10th and are taught by Debbie Sackett, who has been teaching these classes at the Sandy Community Center for over 20 years!

Debbie personally took ballet classes for 26 years before working as an elementary school teacher for 15 years. She loves the developmental nature of her courses, which blend academic skills, a focus on creative imagery, and most of all FUN!

Both classes are taught on Wednesday afternoons and cost $60 for a six week session. Sign your children up today by calling 503-668-5569 or by using our online registration platform. We'll see you there!

Learn More About City Finances

Have you ever wanted more details on how tax dollars are spent on city services? Good news - we have detailed audit information publicly available on our website!

Oregon law requires cities to undergo an annual audit by an independent auditor. Sandy's contracted auditing firm is Talbot, Korvola & Warwick LLP. Financial documents created through the audit process include an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), Urban Renewal Financial Statements, and the Single Audit, all of which are available on our website here.

Looking for a shorter read? The City also publishes a Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) designed to provide financial information in a condensed and easily understandable format. The City has received the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award for the last four years, and we anticipate receiving it again for our most recent PAFR.

Check out all of our audited financial information here!

Current Land Use Applications

Here's the latest in our comprehensive database of active land use applications, complete with links to public meetings, documents, plans, maps, explanatory videos, staff reports, and other materials! You'll also find links to opportunities to take part in the decision-making process by submitting your own testimony.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Be a part of the process! Members of the public are always welcome at meetings of the City Council and other boards and commissions.

Get meeting details and learn more about the variety of ways you can participate by visiting our online meeting portal.

Mark Your Calendars:

Economic Development Advisory Board: December 6th
Parks and Trails Advisory Board: January 10th
City Council Meeting: January 16th
SandyNet Advisory Board: January 18th
Planning Commission Meeting: January 22nd

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