Happy Birthday Sandy!
Save the Dates: August 14th - 28th
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This year marks our 110th anniversary as a city! We are busy planning fun events to celebrate, so keep an eye out for our announcements throughout the summer!
Events will be held between August 14th and 28th.
One event that is already generating lots of excitement is the Reverse Parade, where participants can use their creativity to create a display for everyone to admire, while also having a chance to win a $110 gift card! The parade has the theme "Sandy Past and Present."
What is a reverse parade?
In a typical parade, onlookers remain in one place as a column of people and floats pass by. In a reverse parade, the floats and displays are stationary and all of us get to pass by and enjoy them.
Who can participate?
Everyone! Families, neighborhoods, organizations, businesses.
How can I decorate?
Get creative! Be inspired by Birthdays, Mardi Gras, the 4th of July - whatever moves you. You could put up lights; decorate your yard, business, or front of your home; or do something truly whimsical. Just make sure it highlights the theme of "Sandy Past and Present."
How do I view all the entries?
The reverse parade will occur from August 14 through August 28, open-house style. There will be a map listing the participating locations so people will be able to drive around Sandy and check out all the amazing displays.
How do I enter?
Just click here! Registration ends on Saturday, August 7. You may keep your display up from August 14-28. The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will receive a $110.00 gift card. Winners will be announced on August 28th at the Sandy Centennial Plaza. Winners do not need to be present.
The parade will be a great way to highlight the history and essence of our community while showcasing our diversity with a spirit of inclusiveness. Sign up today to take part, and spread the word! Use the hashtag #110SandyBirthday when posting on social media.
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Wastewater System Improvement Project Update
Modernizing Infrastructure and Protecting Rivers
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Construction began in May on the City of Sandy’s program to control “infiltration and inflow” (also known as I and I) – the rainwater and groundwater that gets into the sewers in wet weather. Once this water enters the sewers it is routed to the City’s wastewater treatment plant, where it strains the plant’s limited capacity. Reducing the amount of I and I entering the sewers is the first step in the City’s plan to improve the wastewater system.
This is the single most cost-effective step Sandy can take to upgrade its 50-year-old sewer collection system and stay in compliance with regulatory permits.
After a comprehensive study to find the specific sewers that allow the highest amount of I and I, a contractor specialized in underground utilities is rehabilitating those faulty pipe sections using a “pipe bursting” method that minimizes costly excavation. The work in 2021 focuses on two of Sandy’s eight sewer basins that are responsible for 40% of the infiltration and inflow: Basin 8 – located in east Sandy; and Basin 2 – located on the westside.
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Replacing aging concrete sewers with new pipe using pipe bursting methods |
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Pipe Bursting
A trenchless method used to replace buried pipelines (sewer, water, gas) without the need for traditional “open trench” excavation. It involves less disturbance, economic impact, and environmental degradation, and requires less restoration than the traditional dig-and-replace method.
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The current repair work is being constructed by Oxbow Construction (Troutdale) at a cost of $7.5 million. The project is supported by state and federal grants and loans, as well as Sandy’s sewer ratepayers. There are no assessments on private property owners to fund the sewer repairs.
The sewer repair program will be extended to other basins in the system once the effectiveness of the current work is confirmed and as construction funds become available. Meanwhile, Sandy’s Public Works Department is working to identify other problem spots. Smoke testing and closed-circuit television help pinpoint more areas prone to sewer infiltration and places where stormwater drains are improperly connected to sewers.
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Sewer & Water Rate Increase |
On June 21, the Sandy City Council adopted new rates for sewer and water service for residential, commercial and industrial customers. The rate increase was set to take effect in January, but was postponed by City Council due to the pandemic. These new, higher rates will be effective with the July/August billing cycle and show up in bills customers receive in August.
Fortunately, the City was able to secure substantial financial assistance for this project to ease the rate burden on our local residents:
- A $14.7 million grant from the 2021 Oregon Legislature
- $15 million in planning grants and low interest loans from Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
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Happy Parks and Recreation Month! |
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Parks are at the center of so many of our experiences and memories. For many of us, parks were our first experiences in nature, or our introduction to a favorite recreational hobby or physical activity.
Sandy’s parks are places to gather and recreate with friends and family, spaces to celebrate life’s special moments, spots of respite and healing, and so much more. Our parks have also been essential throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with many of our community members finding a new appreciation for these essential spaces.
Please join us in expressing our heartfelt thanks to our staff members who work hard every day to keep Sandy’s parks, recreation opportunities, and other community programs going.
We appreciate you!
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A Note from Police Chief Roberts
Public Safety During Demonstrations
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To the Sandy Community:
At our June 21st City Council meeting, I heard from several residents who voiced their concerns regarding public safety during demonstrations held in and around the city.
First, I would like to sincerely thank you for taking part in the public comment process. I know it takes courage to stand up and voice your concerns. We constantly look for ways to grow as an organization, and your feedback helps us ensure that we are accomplishing our mission successfully. If our neighbors have suggestions for how we can improve our department, I want to hear them.
Your police department is made up of dedicated men and women, many of whom share this community with you. They are passionate about our mission; they take it very seriously and quite frankly, personally. They do their work without regard to what political party you support, without regard to race or religion, without regard to gender. I stand behind them and I’m proud of them. As our mission states, everyone in our department is dedicated to ensuring that community members feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect.
I invite all members of the public to contact me personally should you have any concerns regarding public events or any other public safety issue. My door is open.
Respectfully,
Chief Ernie Roberts
(503) 668-5566
eroberts@ci.sandy.or.us
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Water Quality Report for 2020 Now Available |
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Sandy's Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for calendar year 2020 is now available. Sandy had no water quality violations in 2020.
The CCR contains water quality testing results for 2020 from each of Sandy's water sources.
The City of Sandy has three water sources. During the spring, fall and winter approximately 50% of the City’s supply is purchased from the Portland Water Bureau. The remainder of our supply comes from Brownell Springs and Alder Creek. During the summer when demand increases each source provides approximately one-third of the total supply.
If you receive a hard copy utility bill from the City, the CCR will be included with the billing statement. If you've signed up for e-bills, the CCR will be attached or a link included for this information on the City's website. If you do not receive a utility bill directly you can access the CCR on the City's website using this link.
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WiFi Now Available on SAM |
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Announcing FREE WiFi, now available on SAM-Gresham and the Shopper Shuttle.
Whether working, studying, or socializing, SAM keeps you connected!
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Information on Land Use Applications |
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City staff keep the database updated as often as possible, so everyone can stay in the loop on what applications have been received and where they are in the process. You'll also find links to opportunities to take part in the decision-making process by submitting your own testimony.
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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:
- Parks and Trails Advisory Board - 7/14/2021
- City Council - 7/19/2021
- Planning Commission - 7/26/2021
Click the image below to access Sandy's full public meeting calendar with date and time details, and learn more about everything your city government is doing to serve you better!
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