Q.Is the City going to implement a 1% Sales Tax? A.The City Council is looking at various options to assist the City
with its budget needs. One option is to make significant cuts (such as
Library, Recreation, and other services). Another option is to assess tax
levies for various services. Still another idea is some form of Sales Tax.
The Council has directed staff to begin putting together information on all
these options for the public's review. Following that review, we will
survey the community to get a sense of the desires of the citizenry. Based
on the results of the survey, one or more options will be placed before the
voters of Ontario on the November Ballot.
Q. I'm applying for annexation, rezone, and subdivision. Is the application alone really going to cost me over a thousand dollars? A. No. When applying for more than one action, the City charges the highest single fee, NOT the sum of all fees.
Q. Why does it cost so much to apply for annexation, rezone and subdivision? A. All of these actions require public processes, and the
public is entitled to be notified of them. Notification for a subdivision, for example,
includes mailing individual first-class notices to all owners of property
within 300 feet (at least - see next question) of the subject property two
separate times: The first notice is for the Planning Commission meeting, and the second is for the City
Council meeting. A legal notice must be published in the newspaper once for
each of the two meetings as well.
Q. The acknowledgement form says I need to supply addresses for all
property within 300 feet. Why is the Planning Department telling me
I need to supply more? A. Ballot Measure 56, approved in 1998, expanded the definition of
which properties are entitled to notice. It was not written very clearly, and
has yet to be thoroughly hashed out in court. In cases likely to have a
larger-than-average financial impact, the department may ask for addresses
from a larger area. This is to protect both the city and the
applicant --
if a property owner entitled to notice under Measure 56 does not receive that
notice, the property owner can take legal action against the applicant
long after the normal appeal period has expired.
Q. Why can't we have our street paved? A.
The cost of street paving and other such improvements are usually borne by
the property owner. The most common way streets are paved in an established
residential or business area is through a Local Improvement District (LID).
These are basically infrastructure improvements administered by the City and
financed by bonds, which are paid off by the property owners in 10 years.
More details on how an LID works and how you may apply for one are available
at the Public Works Director's office at City Hall.
Q. People park too close to my driveway and I cannot see when backing
out. What can I do? A.
You can talk to the people who park too close to your driveway and ask them
to please be considerate of others. If this does not work, or you do not
feel comfortable making this contact, parking is regulated by the
Ontario Police Department, and you may contact them at (541) 889-7266.
Q.
How do I get a "Handicapped Parking" space in front of my residence? A.
Restrictive parking requests are made through the City Manager's office.
That office may be reached at (541) 881-3223.
Q.
How do I get permission for parking on my street for a yard sale? A.
As long as the parking regulations are followed, patrons are allowed to park anywhere along public streets.
Q.
Who is responsible for broken and deteriorated curb and gutter? A.
The property owner is responsible under the provisions of 8-3-6 of the
Ontario Municipal Code, to maintain not only their curb and gutter, but also
their sidewalk. (Copies of the Ontario Municipal Code are available for review or purchase from the
Engineering Department in the Permits and Applications Center, 458 SW 3rd St.)
Q.
When will my street be swept? A.
The streets are swept on a schedule that covers the entire City. For
specific questions regarding this schedule you may
contact Street Supervisor John Bishop at (541) 889-8572 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Snow Removal
Q.
Which streets are plowed first? A.
The City's primary goal during any snowstorm is to preserve and protect the
community's emergency response capabilities and minimize the impact to
vehicular travel. The primary routes include SW 4th Avenue, N Oregon
Street, W Idaho Avenue, NW 4th Avenue, Dorian Way, Alameda Drive, Sunset
Drive, Verde Drive, SW 9th Street, and all of downtown Ontario.
Secondary routes include S Oregon Street, SE 2nd Street, SE 1st Avenue,
SE 9th Avenue, Se 10th Street, SE 5th Avenue, Goodfellow, East Lane, Fortner
Street, NW 8th Avenue, NW 2nd Avenue, SW 9th Street, SW 11th Street, SW 11th
Avenue, SW 4th Street and SW 12th Street. First response routes will
be cleared and sanded first. Then City staff will begin removal of snow from
the downtown core area, clearing City public parking lots, sanding
intersections in residential areas and Ontario Municipal Airport runways and
taxiways. All residential areas will be cleared of snow when
accumulation is sufficient. Icy intersections will be sanded as time and
manpower allows. There are a number of factors that affect the Snow
Response Plan: Snowstorm intensity, snowstorm duration, time of day,
temperature and traffic conditions.
Q.
How can I keep my driveway clear of plowed snow if I am physically unable to move it? A.
Snow will be plowed to the curbline on most routes, causing a snowberm to be left across the driveways. These berms will not be cleared by City staff. In residential areas, a snowplow berm will not go across any driveway clearly marked with "orange warning stakes." City staff ask that only those residents who are physically unable to remove the snowberm to mark their driveways with the orange stakes. Orange warning stakes are available at no charge at the front desk in City Hall. Before the first snowfall, "stakes" can be delivered by City Public Works staff for those who are physically unable to come to City Hall. For more information, call the City Shop at (541) 889-8572.
Q.
Are there parking restrictions during the winter for snow removal? A.
Throughout the months of December thru April, midnight to 1 a.m., City Code restricts parking on West Idaho Avenue from Second Street to Verde Drive. This will improve traffic and enhance safety.
Q.
Can I push the snow from my property into the street for removal? A.
City Codes prohibit property owners from pushing snow from their property onto City streets. This can cause traffic safety problems and could create a liability exposure for the property owner.
Q.
When do City workers remove leaves? A.
Twice a year, once during the spring and once during the fall, the City
picks up leaves on the same schedule as the sanitation service. Residents are
required to bag, box or bundle yard debris for easy handling. Watch for public
announcements informing the public of these dates.
Q.
Who is responsible for street trees? A.
Maintenance of trees between the property line and the street is the
responsibility of property owners.
Q.
Who cuts weeds on vacant lots? A.
The property owner is responsible by City code for maintaining their lots
including weed control and keeping garbage and other nuisances cleaned off
the lot. At certain times of the year the Ontario Police Ordinance Control
Officer cites, by registered letter, owners of lots that require cleaning or
weed removal. If the owner does not respond, the City can take the required
action and charge the property owner or place a lien on the property.
A copy of this City Code provision can be reviewed or purchased from the Ontario Police
Department. City Code includes tree trimmings, root control, and damages to
public and private improvements such as sidewalks, curb and gutter and
roadways caused by the trees.
Q.
Who is responsible for trees hanging over the road? A.
The property owner of the tree is responsible. When necessary, City workers trim tree limbs that
overhang the City streets.
Q.
Where can I dispose of my tree trimmings? A.
Tree trimmings are picked up during the spring cleanup period (remember, bag
box or bundle the trimmings) or debris may be disposed of at Ontario Sanitary
Service or at the Payette County landfill. There is a charge for disposal
at these facilities.
Q. Where is my sewer tap located? A.
Generally, information that reflects the location of your sewer tap is
available in the Engineering Technical Service Division at the Permit and Application Center, 458 SW 3rd St., across from City Hall. Many houses and commercial buildings have
detail drawings or "ties" showing how the sewer service goes from the main
and crosses the lot to the building. Where these ties do not exist,
subdivision records can provide an indication of where the sewer service
enters the lot.
If these do not exist, many of the sewer mains in Ontario have been
inspected by a special television camera that will show where a service
enters the main and if the service is being used. If it can be established
that a service does exist, Engineering personnel will come out and mark the
location on the lot. There is no charge for this service.
Q. Where is my sewer main located? A.
That information is available at the Permit and Application Center, 458 SW 3rd St., during the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Q. Whom do I call for a flooded roadway? A.
During normal working hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) contact the City Shop at (541) 889-8572 and personnel will be dispatched. After hours
and during holidays contact the Police dispatcher at (541) 889-7266 and
personnel will be dispatched to evaluate the situation. If the catch basin can be located near the flooded area, many times simply
clearing away any material blocking the grate will alleviate
flooding.
Q. Whom do I call when my toilet is stopped up? A.
Call a plumber, a very close friend or relative. The property owner is
responsible to keep their service line or service lateral clear from their
existing building to the public sewer main line, not the property owners
property line.
Q. Whom do I call to have my water turned off for repairs? A.
To have water service turned off for repairs, contact
the City Hall Water Desk at (541) 881-3246, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Do not attempt to turn off your water at the meter by yourself. Contact the City for assistance. There is no charge for this service.
For emergency water turn offs, call the front desk at City Hall at (541) 889-8572 during normal
business hours 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., or Ontario Police Dispatch at (541) 889-7266 during the evenings,
holidays and weekends.
Q. Where can I find out how to build a catch basin? A.
Drawings detailing standard catch basin construction are available at the Permit and Application Center, 458 SW 3rd St., across from City Hall.
Q.
Is a water deposit required to start service? A.
A water utility deposit shall be equal to two times the entire monthly minimum utility bill, but not less than $100 and the deposit is due before services are started. After a customer has one year of good credit history with the City (no late fees or disconnections from non-payment) then the deposit is applied to the customer's account as a credit. If a customer closes an account and the deposit is still on record, then the deposit is applied to the final bill. Reference letters will also be accepted from another utility (electricity, phone, gas or water) in lieu of a water deposit.
Q.
When will I receive my first bill? A.
Utility bills are mailed the 1st of every month. In the event the 1st falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, the bills are mailed the following Monday.
Q.
When will my meter be read? A.
All water meters are read in January, March and October each year, and most radio-read meters are read monthly. The city is slowly replacing all water meters with radio-read meters; we anticipate this project will be complete in 2008.
Q.
Is there a minimum bill? A.
Minimum bills are $46.99 for all active accounts with a 5/8, 3/4 or 1-inch meters. These are a majority of single residence homes in Ontario. Consumption is an additional $1.12 per 1,000 gallons inside the City limits. Bills include charges for water, sewer, storm drains and UCF, which stands for Utility Capitalization Fee and is 27 percent of the water charge. UCF goes toward maintaining City water lines.
Q.
How much is water? A.
As of January 1, 2004, water charges begin with a monthly base rate dependent on meter size and a consumption rate. The base rate is as follows for water inside the City limits: 3/4 to 1 inch - $8.30 1 1/2 inch - $20.75 2 inch - $33.20 3 inch - $83.00 4 inch - $132.80 6 inch - $332.00 Consumption rate inside the City limits is $1.12 per 1,000 gallons. The base rate for water outside the City limits is as follows: 3/4 to 1 inch - $14.53 1 1/2 inch - $36.32 2 inch - $58.10 3 inch - $145.25 4 inch - $232.40 6 inch - $581.00 Consumption rate outside the City limits is $1.95 per 1,000 gallons. To find out what size meter you have, contact the Water Department at (541) 881-3246. In January 2005, the second phase of an implemented water rate increase will be in effect as set forth in Resolution 2003-146, passed by the City Council November 3, 2003. Copies of this fee resolution may be reviewed at City Hall or copies may be purchased.
Q.
How much is sewer? A.
Sewer is a flat rate of $35.29 for a single residence, however, depending on what time of the month you move into your residence, your first month's bill may be prorated. For any buildings besides a single residence, contact the Water Department at (541) 881-3246 to find out what the sewer rate is and the Water Department will help calculate it for you.
Q.
What other costs will be on my bill? A.
Storm is a flat rate of $1.16 per month for single residences, and UCF (Utility Capitalization Fee) is 27 percent of your water charge, starting at a minimum of $2.24. UCF goes toward maintaining and repairing City water lines. For any building besides a single residence, contact the Water Department at (541) 881-3246 to find out what the storm rate is and the Water Department will help calculate it for you.
Q.
When are the Utility bills due? A.
All bills are due the 15th of every month, unless you are moving and receive a "final" bill, then you will have a special due date 7 days from the date the "final" bill is mailed. If there is a water deposit on record, your deposit is applied to the final bill.
Q.
What if my Utility payment is late? A.
Late fees are $5.00, or 10 percent of the delinquent amount, whichever is greater, and interest is calculated at 9 percent per annum. Visa and MasterCard are acceptable forms of payment, in addition to cash, personal check and money orders.
Q.
What if my water is turned off for non-payment? A.
Termination notices are mailed 45 days following the original billing date and water service is terminated 7 days later. Personal checks are not accepted after water is disconnected. Bills must be paid in full before reconnection, including a reconnection fee and deposit.
Q.
What if I need to turn off my water to make repairs at my residence? A.
Please call the Water Department at (541) 881-3246 and we can make arrangements to send a meter reader to your residence. The City can turn your meter off and on, at no cost, during the same day of your request if the request is made prior to 4:30 p.m. Charges may be applied if the service request is made more than once.
Q.
Are meter readings estimated during the winter A.
Meter readings are estimated only under certain circumstances - either during freezing weather because the meter lids are frozen shut or if there is snow on the ground and the meters are hard to find. There are more than 3,500 water meters in Ontario, and if too many meters are frozen shut or if there are too many meters which are buried under the snow, it becomes the decision of the Public Works Director whether to continue to try to read all meters or to estimate the readings for the month and use the previous month's consumption for each account.
Q.
What is the breakdown of water users inside city limits vs. those outside? A.
Q.
Can the public visit the Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant? A.
Yes. Both facilities can be toured. These interesting and highly
educational tours can be arranged by calling Water Treatment
Supervisor Ken Rawson (541-889-8011 ) or Wastewater Treatment Supervisor Ken Rawson (541-889-8011 ).
Q.
Does the wastewater treatment facility have an approved pre-treatment program? A.
At this time, the City is not required to have one.
Q.
How many significant industrial users discharge to a Wastewater Treatment Plant? A.
Ore-Ida is the only significant industrial user in the city and they
have their own treatment plant for the wastewater they produce.
Q.
Does the Wastewater Treatment Plant have an approved sludge management program? A.
Yes. In 1994, sludge was removed for the first time from the ponds in
more than 25 years of operation. At the current rate of population growth, the
sludge will need to be removed in another 10 to 15 years.
Q.
How does the Wastewater Treatment Plant dispose of its sludge? A.
The sludge is disposed of by using it in land application at the Wastewater
Treatment Plant.
Q.
How many gallons of wastewater does the Wastewater Treatment Plant treat in one day? A.
Approximately 2.5 million gallons in the winter and 2.3 million gallons in the summer.
Q.
Where does the treated wastewater go? A.
From May 1 to October 31, the treated effluent is land applied. From November 1 to April 30 the effluent is discharged into the Snake River.
Q.
How many employees work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant? A.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant employs three full-time employees and one supervisor.
Q.
What unusual items are removed from the sewage screens? A.
Baseballs, small toys and 2"x4" boards.
Q.
Who is the person responsible for the Wastewater Treatment Plant? A.
Ken Rawson is the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor.
Q.
Who is the person responsible for the Water Treatment Plant? A.
Ken Rawson is the Water Treatment Plant Supervisor.
Q.
Who owns the water treatment plant? A.
The residents of Ontario own the treatment plant. The Water Treatment
Plant was first constructed in 1970 and was designed to produce 6.0 million
gallons of drinking water per day. In 1980, the plant expanded to produce
11.0 million gallons per day. In 1991, capacity improvements were made to
the water treatment process and the Snake River pumps.
Q.
Is the phosphorous content in our area waters due to runoff or discharge
water from city sewer services? Are pollutants attributed to local use of
products? I have not read any contributing factors in your local news
articles and would like to know what our community can do to improve. Also,
I thought our sewer plant was adequate to handle local treatment with all
the newer modifications to the plant? A.
The river basins in eastern Oregon are complex and cover very large areas of
land. There are a lot of contributing factors when it comes to the different
pollutants in the rivers. The "Point sources" (cities and industry) were
determined not to be a significant factor as far as pollutants in the Snake
River/Hells Canyon river basin were concerned. It would be difficult to
adequately respond to your questions with the limited space available. One
place to find the information would be in the executive summary of the Snake
River/Hells Canyon TMDL. For a more detailed look at the contributing
factors of phosphorous and other pollutants please read the Executive
Summary of the TMDL at the following link:
In regard to the modifications to the City's wastewater treatment plant, the
City decided that the most economical way to deal with the Federal and State
regulations regarding pollutants was to not discharge into the Snake River
during the summer months. Most of the modifications were made with the
intent of applying the treated wastewater during the summer months when the
effects of the phosphorous, suspended solids, and temperature would have the
most impact on the river system. From May 1 to October 31, the City land
applies all of its treated wastewater. The City only discharges treated
wastewater to the Snake River during the winter months, from November 1 to
April 30 of each year.
Q.
Who do I call for local driving conditions? A.
Contact the Oregon State Police at (800) 977-6368 for local driving conditions. For questions or reporting problems, contact the City of Ontario Street Division at (541) 889-8572 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. After hours, contact Ontario Police Dispatch at (541) 889-7266.
Q.
What are your hours of operation? A.
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In September of 2003 the City moved to a 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
schedule, but later had to go back because another finance position was cut
for budget reasons.
Q.
Where is my property line? A.
Information is available at the Permit and Application Center, 458 SW 3rd St., across from City Hall, between 7 a.m. and noon or 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.: However, the City is
prohibited from conducting property surveys. Property surveys may be
obtained through licensed land survey firms.
Q.
When will my streetlight be fixed? A.
Problems with streetlights can be addressed to the Engineering Technical
Services Division in the Permit and Application Center at (541) 881-3238 or at City Hall at (541) 881-3274. Or the public may call Idaho Power directly at (800) 488-6151. To report a streetlight, Idaho Power needs the number on the pole and the intersection or street where the streetlight is located.
Q.
Why do I pay a storm drainage fee and a sewer fee on my monthly utility bill? A.
These are considered "user fees" established by the City Council. These fees are dedicated funds
for maintenance and construction of the infrastructures.
Q.
How can I find a street location? A.
Information on street locations is available at the receptionist's desk at City Hall at (541) 889-7684.
Q.
How can I follow-up on rumors about new street construction? A.
This information can be obtained from the Public Works Director at (541) 881-3231, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Q.
Who picks up dead animals? A.
Call the police dispatcher at (541) 889-7266 and they will inform the appropriate personnel.
Q.
How do I get water service? A.
Contact City Hall in person or by phone at (541) 881-3246. For new connections, contact the Permit Center at (541) 881-3238.
Q.
How do I get sewer service? A.
Contact City Hall in person or by phone at (541) 881-3246. For new connections, contact the Permit Center at (541) 881-3238.
Q.
How do I get garbage service? A.
Contact Ontario Sanitary Service at (541) 889-5719.
Q.
How do I sign up for electricity? A.
Contact Idaho Power at (800) 488-6151.
Q.
How do I sign up for phone service? A.
Contact Malheur Bell Phone Co. at (541) 889-5321.
Q.
How do I get in contact with the Department of Motor Vehicles? A.
Call the DMV in Ontario at (541) 889-8712.
Q.
How do I sign up for natural gas service? A.
Contact Cascade Natural Gas at (541) 889-5391.
Q.
Who is responsible for deteriorated sidewalks? A.
The property owner is responsible under the provisions of 8-3-6 of the
Ontario Municipal Code, to maintain not only their sidewalk, but also their
curb and gutter. (Copies of the Municipal Code are available for purchase or review from the Permits and Applications Center, 458 SW 3rd St., across from City Hall.)
Q.
The City is digging in front of my house and making a mess. Will this be cleaned up? A.
People who excavate in City streets are required to minimize the impact of construction on the public. Rules are established regarding how much of the street must be left open for through traffic. Access must be provided to fronting businesses and homes. The worksite must be kept clean. City inspectors check on the work. If you see a problem, call the Engineering Division Manager at (541) 881-3238 and he will send an inspector to the job site.
Q.
Why is the City digging up a street that was just paved? A.
Before the City paves a street, all utilities and fronting property owners are notified and given the opportunity to do any work requiring excavation before the street is paved. After the City paves a street, no one is allowed to excavate in it for four years, except in emergencies. Obviously, if a utility detects a gas or a water leak, we want those leaks repaired immediately. In addition, if a business needs additional water lines to expand, or a homeowner needs to repair or replace a sewer, they would also need permits.
Q.
Contractors started jack hammering in front of my house at daybreak. I can't get any sleep. What can I do? A.
The City sets standards regulating when construction can take place and how loud it can be. Generally, no construction is allowed between the hours of 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. If problems still exist, please contact the Public Works Director at (541) 881-3231.
Q.
How is the Public Works Department funded? A.
The Water and Wastewater Division are funded through user fees and
connection charges. The Street Division is funded by State Gas Tax monies
from the State of Oregon, and a portion of the Transit Occupancy Tax. This
is based on the City's population. The Storm Drainage Division is funded
through a surcharge on the utility bill. The Engineering Division is
supported through transfers from the other divisions which it serves.
The Department of Public Works is funded through many different sources. On
March 17, 1987, the Ontario City Council enacted Ordinance No. 2212
initiating a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of 6 percent. With the collection of
this tax, 70 percent of the tax revenue goes to street maintenance activities.
On April 4,1994, Ordinance No. 2344 was approved by the Ontario City
Council, increasing the total taxes to 7 percent. With this increase, the funds
were distributed with 60 percent of the TOT revenue going to street maintenance
activities. The City of Ontario also receives revenues from the Oregon Gas
Tax. As of March 28, 1997, the cities throughout Oregon receive 15.57 percent of
the TOT collected.
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