The Sandy Source

Volume 48 | May 2024

Sign Up for Summer Fun in Sandy!

It's that time again - Sandy's new Recreation Guide is out, and it's packed with information on classes, programs, and other opportunities for the whole family this summer!

You can pick up a physical copy at the Community CenterLibrary, or City Hall. Or you can scan the QR code below or link directly to the guide online here.

New Sewer Capacity Approved

The City of Sandy is pleased to announce that after significant reinvestment into our wastewater infrastructure under the Sandy Clean Waters program, the capacity of the system to accept new connections has been officially raised by 90%.  


In their April 2024 approval letter, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Oregon DEQ “recognize(d) the progress that the City has made towards increasing capacity, including but not limited to significant inflow and infiltration reduction.” Their approval raises the cap on Sandy’s wastewater system from 300 new equivalent residential units (ERUs) to 570 ERUs, with an approved pathway for the City to receive an additional 190 ERUs once further conditions are met.


“I am immensely proud of the work we are accomplishing to repair and modernize our infrastructure here in Sandy,” said Mayor Stan Pulliam. “Rather than kick the can down the road, I am committed to doing what is necessary to rebuild a solid foundation for our town to ensure Sandy remains open for business.”


A ‘stress test’ of the wastewater system was performed in 2023 to measure its capacity, followed by analysis of the resulting data and a series of negotiations between the City and regulatory agencies. At the conclusion of the negotiations, the City was able to secure the immediate availability of enough ERUs to accommodate all the development applications that were submitted prior to the City’s initial development moratorium, providing those property owners the certainty they need to proceed with their projects and decreasing the City’s legal liability.


“I am happy to announce that property owners who submitted applications before the moratorium now have assurances that they can connect their projects to our wastewater system,” said Mayor Pulliam. “These property owners have waited patiently and played by the rules, and I know this approval comes as welcome news.”  


The City Council will consider adoption of a revised moratorium, formally allocating ERUs to existing projects and allowing staff to process connections up to the new 570 ERU cap, at their meeting on June 3, 2024.


Although the wastewater system improvements accomplished thus far have been significant, more work remains to be done, including adoption of an updated wastewater facilities plan, construction of new treatment infrastructure, and additional rehabilitation of the existing collection system.


To learn more about the Sandy Clean Waters wastewater improvement program, please visit our website.

Public Works Info: Lead Pipe Inventory

As you probably read in past issues of the Sandy Source, we are conducting an inventory of water lines in Sandy as required by federal regulations, to ensure that community members are protected from possible exposure to lead from water pipes and fixtures.


Lead was common in service line materials used in other parts of the country, but it has not been documented as an often-used material for water service in the Pacific Northwest. It's very important to note that the City of Sandy is not aware of any lead service lines in our system. Lead was, however, used in plumbing fixtures that can sometimes leave traces of lead in drinking water. The City of Sandy monitors our water quality by collecting regular samples from single family structures with pipes that predate the federal ban on new lead plumbing materials in 1986.


Please click here to learn more about lead in drinking water, and how to identify the pipe materials in your home.

SAM Drivers: Committed to Safety

Safety is a top priority for all SAM drivers, which is why it's no surprise that two of our finest, Charles Lowe and Chrysler Collins, recently received prestigious recognitions.


Charles was recognized in MV Transportation’s quarterly national newsletter for his awareness and safety practices. During a routine stop, Charles implemented the “rock and roll” practice - pausing for three seconds and looking right, left, right before proceeding forward through a green light.


And thank goodness he did - as the video below shows, a semi truck ran a red light through the intersection ahead, and would have collided with the bus if not for Chris' safe driving.

Chrysler recently received the prestigious Katherine McClary Award for quarter four of 2023, MV’s highest safety and service honor recognizing the nation’s top transit drivers. Out of over 15,000 drivers, only one is selected quarterly for this award!


You may recall Chrysler from a previous issue of the Sandy Source, where we highlighted her safe transport of a passenger needing medical care during a winter storm. She often steps up to the plate when other drivers need time off, frequently brings in treats for her coworkers, and organizes potlucks to build camaraderie in the office.


We take great pride in our drivers - next time you ride SAM, make sure to say hi and thank your driver for getting you to your destination safely!

Don't Miss Yappy Hour!

The City of Sandy is hosting our first ever Canine Carnival!


Join us for "Yappy Hour" at Sandy Bluff Park on May 16th from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.


Bring your dogs for all sorts of fun activities like free pup cups, bobbing for tennis balls, an agility course, and much more!


Yappy Hour for adults will include select beers, ciders, and food from Boring Brewing.


Please join us for a Round of A-Paws to our vendors who will have their own booths and activities at the event: Mt. Hood Pet Resort, Geren's Farm & Landscape Supply LLC, DogTown, Tractor Supply Co., VCA Sandy Animal Hospital, and Boring Brewing!


It's going to be paws-itively dog-tastic!!

Celebrate Spring in Sandy!

Welcome spring with seeds to plant, arts, crafts, and a plant sale!


The Sandy Public Library has teamed up with Sandy Garden Club and Wy’East Artisans Guild to create a truly unique community event on Saturday, May 18th. 


First we'll have the Sandy Garden Club’s Plant Sale which takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Proceeds will go to local scholarships. 


Then from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the Sandy Seed Library will offer a selection of seeds perfect to sow in the spring, Sandy Parks and Recreation will provide information about Bee City USA, and the Wy’east Artisans Guild will be offering a garden-themed craft.


We hope to see you there!

Resources for Seniors

Sandy's Senior Resource Fair promises to be an invaluable event for seniors in our community!


Mark your calendars for May 14th at the Sandy Senior Center, where we'll gather a diverse range of vendors and organizations under one roof to cater to your specific needs and interests.


Whether you're seeking information on healthcare options, care giving, retirement living, or simply looking to explore new hobbies and activities, this fair will have something for everyone. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with experts, ask questions, and discover the resources available to enhance your quality of life as you age gracefully.


Join us for a day of empowerment, education, and camaraderie. We can't wait to see you there!

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:

  • Parks & Trails Advisory Board: May 8th
  • SandyNet Advisory Board: May 16th
  • City Council: May 20th
  • Urban Renewal Board: May 20th
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