RESOLUTION No. 36419

Approve the Water Bureau Security Initiatives at Hazelwood, Washington Park, Texas St. Tank, N. Vernon Tank and Bull Run Watershed (Resolution)

WHEREAS, the Portland City Council agreed to collaborate on Infrastructure initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the Water Bureau Security personnel have developed a security plan for the City's water system; and

WHEREAS, the Water Bureau owns several properties where a mutual benefit between the public and the City can be shared; and

WHEREAS, the Portland Water Bureau has recently acquired property with a structure at the entrance of the Bull Run Watershed which will house a Ranger who will interface with the surrounding community to provide a secure perimeter around the protected watershed of Portland's source water; and

WHEREAS, the proposed 2006/07 Water Bureau Budget reflects the addition of 6 security specialists who are more highly trained than contract staff utilized in past years; and

WHEREAS, the Water Bureau Security Plan calls for 24 hour staffing at Washington Park by trained Water Bureau Security Specialists; and

WHEREAS, the Water Bureau Budget includes upgrade and augmentation of security infrastructure and utility infrastructure repair at Washington Park; and

WHEREAS, the Water Bureau Security Plan calls for an expansion of the bureau's practice of utilizing citizens within neighborhoods adjoining the reservoirs for "passive security" purposes; and

WHEREAS, the community served by the reservoirs at Washington Park have a keen interest in the security of the reservoirs; and

WHEREAS, water utilities around the country are embracing their communities as a security resource for sensitive facilities through programs like the American Water Works Association's "Water Watchers" and others; and

WHEREAS, the Water Bureau Security Plan calls for public access to the areas around Reservoir 3 during daylight hours to increase activity around the reservoir and deter wrongdoing; and

WHEREAS, the Water Bureau Security Plan calls for public access to the areas around the Hazelwood Test Well facility; the Texas Street Tank, and the Vernon Tank; and

WHEREAS, the public can enjoy a mutual benefit while engaging in activities which serve the public good; and

WHEREAS, employing the public as a security element is a well established, effective practice that the Water Bureau has implemented at its facilities at Mt. Tabor, and will implement at Hazelwood Test Well, Texas Street Tank, and Vernon Tank, and on the perimeter of the Bull Run Watershed; and

WHEREAS, the connection between the public and its water utility can be strengthened through these initiatives;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Portland City Council supports the Water Bureau's security initiatives at Washington Park, Hazelwood, Texas Street Tank, Vernon Tank, and at the entrance to the Bull Run Watershed as described in the Water Bureau Security Plan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Portland City Council recognizes the value of the Water Bureau's efforts to strengthen its relationship with the community it serves.

Adopted by the Council, June 21, 2006

             GARY BLACKMER

Commissioner Randy Leonard        Auditor of the City of Portland

Ty Kovatch            By /S/ Colleen Phillips

June 13, 2006            Deputy

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 844-2006

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 36419