TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO



TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO

A Document for Discussion – Boring Community Planning Organization

PREFACE

About One half of the Boring CPO Area is inside the boundaries of Metro.

About One half of the Boring CPO Area is outside the boundaries of Metro.

The people of Boring had no say in the boundary selection for Metro and its preceding entities.

In planning for the future of Boring, it is obvious that this separation in our community will negatively affect local governance as well as the ability to receive and administer various grants. (For example: The sources for road project grant money or ODOT budgeted money are sensitive to whether a project is inside or outside the boundaries of Metro

In addition, if Boring were to become a city, it would have to adopt one set of rules & regulations for the area inside the Metro boundaries and another set for the area outside of the Metro boundaries. Alternatively, one set of regulations could be adopted that meet Metro’s requirements which would then be applied to the areas outside of Metro. Neither scenario is fair and equitable to all citizens.

Boring has three choices:

1) Do Nothing.

2) Request that the area outside of the Metro boundaries be annexed into Metro.

3) Move for Withdrawal of the Boring area from Metro altogether.

This document, written from the perspective of Boring, discusses the nature of the relationship, or lack thereof, between Boring and Metro, and certain issues that affect them both.

This document will be presented at the September 3rd meeting of the Boring Community Planning Organization for discussion and editing in accordance with the CPO’s wishes and direction.

The edited document will be forwarded to Metro for the preparation of a response, which they will be formally invited to present at the Boring Community Planning Organization meeting on October 1st.

Clackamas County will be asked to make a presentation concerning Boring and Metro and the above stated three choices on November 5th.

At the November 5th meeting, it is planned that the Boring CPO will determine which of the three options it will vote upon at the December 3rd meeting of the Boring Community Planning Organization.

(Note: The Boring CPO By-Laws state that any resident or business owner within the CPO boundaries may vote provided that person has attended at least two meetings within the past twelve months.)

TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO CHAPTER 1

WHAT DOES METRO DO?

According to the Oregon Encyclopedia – Oregon History & Culture;

Metro’s major responsibilities can be grouped into six (6) categories:

A) Land-Use Planning. Metro is the regional land-use planning agency. Its Urban Growth Management Functional Plan (1996) and Regional Framework Plan (1997) guide cities and counties in preparing their own plans. The plans implement the Region 2040 Growth Concept that Metro adopted in 1995 following a comprehensive process of technical analysis and citizen input. The 2040 model envisions a region with a strong center in downtown Portland, eight “regional centers” such as Hillsboro, “town centers” such as St. Johns and Lake Oswego, and “main streets” such as Sandy Boulevard.

B) Transportation Planning. Metro is the federally recognized agency for coordinating and recommending regional transportation decisions. A Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT) consisting of elected officials which operates under the agency’s auspices.

C) Open Space. In 1994, Multnomah County transferred several county owned parks to Metro and the agency won approval of a $135 million tax levy for open-space acquisition in 1995. Voters approved an additional levy of $227 million in 2006. By September 2008, the agency had acquired roughly 9,000 acres, much of it land at the edge of urbanized areas or just beyond.

D) Oregon Zoo. The Washington Park Zoo was one of the first responsibilities given to the original MSD. At the time, the City of Portland was glad to be rid of a money sump. Since then, Metro has renamed the facility the Oregon Zoo and worked to improve its exhibits and increase visitors.

E) Convention and performance venues. Through the Exposition-Recreation Commission, Metro owns and manages the Portland Center for the performing Arts, the Oregon Convention Center, and the Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center in North Portland.

F) Sold Waste planning and disposal. Household garbage, construction debris, and other trash in the metropolitan area are collected by private haulers, and Metro is responsible for the disposal of the collected materials. Since 1990, the bulk of this material has been trucked to a large landfill in Gilliam County. Metro works with local governments to encourage recycling and maintains waste transfer facilities in Oregon City and Northwest Portland for commercial haulers and individuals.

TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO CHAPTER 2

RECENT ELECTION RESULTS

According to the Clackamas County Elections Department website, there are 6,031 registered voters in the Boring Precincts which are: 403, 404, 405 and 406.

The Clackamas County Elections Department verified by telephone that 2,780 of these registered voters are within the boundaries of Metro.

On May 21, 2013, Metro had a ballot measure for a tax levy.

Clackamas County had a majority vote against this levy.

(Historic research has not found a Clackamas County majority vote in favor of any Metro ballot measure)

Washington County had a majority vote against this levy.

(Historic research shows only a few Washington County majority votes in favor

of Metro ballot measures)

Multnomah County and the City of Portland had a majority vote for this Levy which was enough to cause the Levy to pass. (Historic Research shows that Multnomah County and the City of Portland have had a majority vote in favor of every Metro ballot measure)

The Election Results published on the Clackamas County Elections Department website show the Boring Area Precincts voted as follows:

Precinct 403 65% Against

Precinct 404 72% Against

Precinct 405 77% Against

Precinct 406 77% Against

These facts demonstrate that the will of the people of Boring was trumped by the larger population in Multnomah County and the City of Portland.

Time and again, in elections with results like this, the people of Boring have been told how their community will be constituted.

It is apparent that the people of Boring do not often share the same values as the people of Multnomah County and the City of Portland.

Why? Boring is a Rural Center. Boring residents consider their community to be rural in nature with rural values, which they wish to keep.

The people of Boring have more in common with the communities of Sandy, Eagle Creek and Estacada than with Portland and Multnomah County.

It has been said by many Boring residents. I live in Boring because I do not like Big City life and high density population.

Yet, reading Metro’s Code and observing Metro’s actions; it is apparent that future high density population is planned for the part of Boring inside Metro’s boundaries, i.e., the Urban Reserve.

TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO CHAPTER 3

METRO TAXES

Boring property owners pay taxes to Metro. Current property tax statements show two Metro entries:

1) SRV 2 Metro (in 2011, this was shown as SRV 2 Metro – Oregon Zoo)

2) SRV 2 Metro Bond

What does Boring get in return for these taxes paid? An email was sent to Metro three years ago asking this exact question.

We are still awaiting an answer. Metro did not even reply!

It is common knowledge and the Oregonian has identified many times over the years in print that Metro operates the Oregon Zoo and these taxes are for that purpose. This can be verified on the Metro website as well.

However, when we go to the Zoo we have to pay the same entry fees as people who do not pay taxes to Metro.

In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, the Zoo gave a “taxpayer discount” if you showed you lived in the Zoo District and paid taxes.

Metro does not offer such a discount. Instead, at our expense, Metro sponsors Zoo concerts that are predominantly enjoyed by the people of Multnomah County and the City of Portland.

Furthermore, Metro has done nothing to facilitate parking at the Zoo. Rather than purchasing land for parking, Metro has let the City of Portland continue to run Zoo parking. The Oregonian has reported that parking fees have increased over 100% over the past few years.

The taxes paid to Metro by the people of Boring could better be used by Boring families or for local government, or both.

TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO CHAPTER 4

REGIONAL PROJECTIONS & REGIONAL PLANNING

Over the past several years, Metro has been involved in Regional Projections and Regional Planning.

These Regional Projections reference Population, Employment and Transportation.

Based upon reports in the papers and statements by politicians in the past election cycle, it is believed that none of the Metro Regional Projections over the past two decades have been accurate.

It is our understanding that Cities and Counties are required to use these inaccurate projections to develop their Comprehensive Plans.

Of particular notice is that these inaccurate projections have been used to justify infrastructure projects such as Light Rail.

In addition, these inaccurate projections were used to convince ODOT, City of Portland, City of Milwaukie and Clackamas County that Portland Milwaukie Light Rail was needed.

According to multiple sources such as the Oregonian and Clackamas County, the cost of this project is 1.4 Billion dollars.

The people of Boring have been waiting for the Sunrise Corridor Four Lane Highway that was promised 30 years ago.

Clackamas County Commissioner Paul Savas advised the citizens of Boring on May 14, 2013, the cost of the entire Sunrise Corridor Project is estimated to be 1.4 Billion dollars.

One can deduce the manipulation of Metro’s inaccurate forecasted projections were used to win favor for the PMLR and ignore the long awaited Sunrise Corridor.

There is additional conjecture that Metro’s Regional Planning has stymied the Regional Economy.

This Regional Planning picks winners and losers. Communities like Boring cannot attract new businesses because the Metro Code will not allow it.

Boring is subject to Senate Bill 100 (Oregon’s Land Use Law) whether it is within Metro or outside of the Metro boundaries. Does Boring really need to be under Metro also?

TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO CHAPTER 5

IS IT REALLY REPRESENTATIVE REGIONAL GOVERNMENT?

HIGHWAY 26 GREEN CORRIDOR AGREEMENTS

On Metro’s website, it is stated that Metro is the Elected Regional Government for the Portland Metropolitan Area. The website states that Metro works with communities, businesses and residents to create a vibrant and sustainable region.

Yet, Metro brokered an Agreement in 1997 and 1998 with the City of Sandy and Clackamas County that is known as the Highway 26 Green Corridor Agreement.

This Agreement gave the City of Sandy undue influence over Land Use Issues in the greater Boring Area. This Agreement takes private land to establish the borders of the Corridor.

Furthermore, this Agreement prohibits any up-zoning changes. This Agreement took away certain property rights from several Boring property owners. In other words, property owners in Boring were singled out and unable to process requests for zoning changes because of Metro, City of Sandy and Clackamas County.

It has been stated by current Clackamas County officials that this Agreement violates the 5th Amendment of the United States Constitution and it also violates the Oregon Constitution as there has been no remuneration for this taking of property and rights.

This Agreement came about without consultation with the property owners or the people of Boring. This negates Metro’s claim of working with communities.

In 2011, Metro brokered another Agreement that has been interpreted by many as a Land Taking for the purpose of planting screening vegetation. Clackamas County Commissioner Tootie Smith reiterated this interpretation in a Clackamas County Hearing on February 7, 2013. The 2011 Agreement was brokered without consult of the property owners or the people of Boring. Again, this negates Metro’s claim of working with communities.

The Boring Community Planning Organization made a formal written request to the Metro Council to withdraw from these Agreements. Metro declined to do so.

Please take note that the City of Sandy is not within the Metro boundaries.

Please take note that over half of the area controlled by these two Agreements is outside of the Metro boundaries.

Metro will meet with people outside of their jurisdiction to enter into Agreements that affect their constituents without consulting those constituents.

Metro did not work with the Boring Community or its businesses or its residents on these Agreements.

TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO CHAPTER 6

TRANSPORTATION ISSUES IN BORING

A RURAL ACT AND/OR JPACT

Metro has been silent and non-supportive over the past year as Boring confronted the City of Gresham and ODOT concerning the Springwater Intersection Area Management Plan and the Springwater Safety Upgrades on Highway 26.

Boring was not involved with the Springwater IAMP process. Boring was not even advised of this process nor was there an invitation to participate as a stakeholder.

Metro was involved and Metro did not look out for the interests of the people of Boring.

This can be verified by reading the historical documents concerning the IAMP on the City of Gresham’s website.

Boring and Clackamas County were involved in securing a Rural Area Commission on Transportation by supporting House Bill 2945 during the 2013 legislative session. Metro made no effort to assist in this effort. According to a letter dated June 20th to Representative Bill Kennemer from ODOT, we find that Metro was supporting ODOT’s position against this legislation. Representative Kennemer shared that letter by email to all who testified concerning HB 2945. Based upon this letter it appears that Metro took a position to oppose the wishes of the people of Boring and rural Clackamas County.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation website, the Portland Metropolitan Area did not form an Area Commission on Transportation. Instead, they use the Metro founded Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation known as JPACT. JPACT has 16 members: Three from the Metro Council, Three from each County, Three City Representatives from each County, Port of Portland, Tri-Met, Oregon DEQ, ODOT Region 1, City of Portland, Washington Department of Transportation and City of Vancouver.

Look at these representatives. There is no one representing Unincorporated Clackamas County, Unincorporated Washington County, Unincorporated Multnomah County or Unincorporated Clark County. It can be said the representatives from each County and Metro Council members represent the Unincorporated Areas. But, they also were elected and represent citizens in the Cities. They are not truly representing only the interests of Unincorporated Residents such as the people of Boring. In all fairness, it must be said that the people not in a City are not appropriately or fairly represented on JPACT. We suggest additional member seats should be added to JPACT: Three Unincorporated County seats, a seat for Clark County, two additional seats for Port of Portland representing Clackamas and Washington Counties and additional seats for the other Public Transit Agencies in the Metro Area.

These are more examples that the Community of Boring and its concerns and needs

are NOT represented by the Elected Regional Government.

TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO CHAPTER 7

REGIONAL RESOURCES USED TO SUBSIDIZE

MULTNOMAH COUNTY AND THE CITY OF PORTLAND

Metro took over the control and care of the Washington Park Zoo in 1976 from the City of Portland. The City of Portland could not afford the needed improvements of the Zoo and Metro engaged Regional Funding to relieve the City of Portland of the liabilities and costs of the Zoo.

Metro took over the control and care of Multnomah County Parks in 1994. This included Oxbow and Blue Lake parks. This was done to relieve some of Multnomah County’s budget woes.

Metro took over the control and care of the Multnomah County Pioneer Cemeteries in 1996. This was done to relieve Multnomah County of the expense of caring for this County responsibility so they could balance their budget.

This was done without a vote of the people of the Region.

According to the Oregonian, Metro stated this would not cost the Region as it would make a profit selling gravesites to cover the cost of the care and maintenance of the cemeteries.

According to the Oregonian, Metro MISMANAGED these cemeteries.

According to the Oregonian, Metro broke State Law in their endeavors to make a profit.

The Oregonian reported that to clean up its mess, Metro has spent hundreds of thousands of Regional Dollars to care for a Multnomah County responsibility.

On a Facebook Post, Metro Councilor Carlotta Collette stated on August 19th that Metro manages Portland ‘5 (Portland Centers for the Performing Arts) for the City of Portland. In other words, Metro is using Regional Resources and Regional Employees to relieve the City of Portland of managing its own asset.

Recently, as reported by the Oregonian, Metro spent almost $75,000 of Regional Dollars for a study to promote the building of a Hotel at the Convention Center. This has no benefit for Boring. This has every benefit for Portland and Multnomah County because they will receive tax revenue from such a project.

The people of Boring are paying taxes to Metro and they are spending these Regional Dollars to subsidize the City of Portland and Multnomah County.

Does Metro have any offices in Washington or Clackamas Counties?

According to their website, their offices are in Portland.

The location of Metro’s offices is inconvenient for all who live outside of Multnomah County and the City of Portland. It is difficult to participate democratically because of Metro’s location.

Furthermore, according to the Oregonian, the last known Transportation Flex Dollars that were distributed by a Metro Council vote sent those dollars….where?....you guessed it….in Portland!

TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO CHAPTER 8

PROPERTY PURCHASES BY METRO

AND BORING TRAFFIC CONGESTION

One of the most recent property purchases by Metro was outside of Sandy, which is outside of the Metro boundaries. This purchase was reported by the Oregonian and the Sandy Post.

Metro purchased this land from PGE for the Oregon Zoo Elephant Program.

Be aware that this land is no longer generating property taxes.

Because when Metro buys land it is taken off of the tax rolls.

When this happens, the property tax revenue needed for schools and local government is impacted and each property owner has to pay more taxes to make up for the missing revenue.

Also, this land was purchased with money that belonged to the taxpayers. It was reported by the Oregonian that Metro received a bonus payment for the sale of its bonds. (this is caused by a good credit rating….guess what…..the credit rating is based upon us, the taxpayers!) This bonus should have been used to pay down the bonded indebtedness of Metro. This bonus should have been returned to the taxpayers as there was nothing in the Ballot Measure for the Bonds giving Metro the authority to spend this money or to buy property for elephants.

In addition, as Metro develops the Zoo Elephant Program, there will be increased traffic from the Zoo to the other side of Sandy.

This increased traffic will add to the traffic congestion currently experienced in Boring.

Where are the Regional Planners? What is the Regional Government going to do to relieve traffic congestion in Boring?

Aside from the Zoo Elephant Program and the increase in traffic congestion in Boring, keep in mind that Metro may have purchased some properties in Boring.

They have not told us which properties they bought or what they paid.

But, we do know this; any Metro owned property is no longer generating tax revenue for our local schools and government.

TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO CHAPTER 9

METRO HAS A NEGATIVE AFFECT

UPON THE BORING ECONOMY

TAXES AND MORE PROPOSED TAXES WITH NO BENEFIT FOR BORING

As was demonstrated two years ago, the Tri-Met tax on local businesses took hundreds of thousands of dollars out of the local Boring economy and was transferred to the economy of Multnomah County and the City of Portland.

Metro is no different.

For every dollar sent to Metro, Boring sees a definite negative effect and little or no positive effect on its local economy.

We have identified where Metro has taken Regional Resources to benefit and subsidize Multnomah County and the City of Portland. Where are the subsidies and concern for the Boring folks?

Furthermore, why hasn’t Metro notified Boring of its “Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project”?

Why hasn’t Metro shared with Boring concerning its intentions to create or sponsor a Carbon Tax?

Portland Mayor Charlie Hales was quoted by the Oregonian in August of this year that Portland will be looking at such a tax.

Where did he get this idea? From Metro and JPACT?

According to the published minutes of the April 4, 2013 JPACT meeting, Mr. Andy Cotugno of Metro provided an overview of the letter to Congressman Blumenauer supporting the Carbon Tax. (The letter discussed how to set the Carbon Tax levels and use of revenues)

Boring is a Community and we have heard nothing about this Community Project.

Once again, this shows a true disconnect between Metro and the Community of Boring and it further proves that Metro and their tag line of “works with communities…..” is not a true statement from the Boring perspective.

TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO CHAPTER 10

ANALOGIES & ANECDOTES

It has been said that being in Metro is the same as being in an exclusive club.

You pay your club dues and you benefit from the club’s activities.

Boring pays its club dues and receives no benefit from the Metro Club!

It has been said that Metro is one big happy family.

Every happy family has dinner at the same table.

However, this family has Boring at a different table.

Portland and Multnomah County is eating porterhouse steak and

They are not even throwing Boring a soup bone.

As Stockholders in the great Corporation known as Metro,

The Boring contingent wishes to have a report on the dividends earned from its investment.

The Mayor of Troutdale stated at a Metro Council Meeting on July 11th:

“Troutdale is proud to be in East Metro County”

(Think about that statement; it is estimated that over 95% of Metro’s assets and activities are in Multnomah County and the City of Portland. The people of Boring are paying Metro taxes that are subsidizing Portland and Multnomah County)

It is recorded in the Congressional Record that Representative Earl Blumenauer stated:

“Boring, Oregon, a small community a few miles outside of the Portland Metro Region.”

If our Congressman says we are not in Metro, then should we be?

TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO CHAPTER 11

SUMMATION:

WHAT HAS METRO DONE FOR BORING?

With all that has been identified in this document, we find it difficult to list what Metro has done FOR Boring. We only seem to be able to list what Metro has done TO Boring.

Metro and President Hughes: Where are all of those jobs you promised in the last election cycle? We haven’t seen any here in Boring.

We do not know what Metro has done for Boring.

TO METRO, OR NOT TO METRO BIBLIOGRAPHY

This document was prepared by Stephen Bates, Chair of the Boring Community Planning Organization. Editing assistance was provided by Kathleen Newbill.

This compilation of facts, statements and deduction is attributed to the following sources:

Stephen Bates Personal Archives

Boring CPO Communications File

Boring CPO Minutes & Meeting Handout Files

The Oregonian (On Line and In Print)

The Sandy Post and the Pamplin Group (On Line and In Print)

Oregon Department of Transportation Website

Clackamas County Elections Department Website

Clackamas County Elections Department (by telephone)

The Metro Website (and On Line Searches)

The City of Gresham Website (and On Line Searches)

The City of Damascus Website (and On Line Searches)

Wikipedia

Oregon Encyclopedia – Oregon History and Culture

Assorted Websites

Conversations with Boring Residents and Business Owners

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