ELGL is pleased to share a weekly column to connect our members to each other – a series called “What Are We Doing?” These posts are your go-to resource for the best things that ELGL members are doing in their local government lives. See someone with a similar interest or work project as you? Send ’em an email, make a connection!
Today we meet up with three ELGL members: Scott Pingel, Jessica Pelz, and Beth Otto.
Scott Pingel, City Manager, City of Dayton
What Are You Reading?
I just finished reading the Divergent series. Also, I am always going through one chapter or another of The Trust Edge by David Horsager.
What Are You Working On Now?
We are always working on one water project or another. We are getting ready to put out bids to replace about a mile of our main transmission line from our watershed springs into town.
What Are You Listening To Now?
I don’t usually just listen to one album or artist. I usually have my Pandora on Classical/Enya, Country Love Songs, or 90’s Hip Hop depending on my mood.
What Current Topic or Trend Fascinates You?
One of my good friends is a Behavioral Finance expert who does several Ted Talks. His latest one is entitled, “Can being Weird Make You Rich and Happy?” Here is the YouTube video.
Jessica Pelz, Associate Planner, City of Newberg
What Are You Reading?
I love to read! I have a bookclub with my girlfriends and our most recent books were Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Five Days at Memorial (about Hurricane Katrina and its effect on a local hospital), and the Fault in Our Stars. I have also recently loved a book by Lidia Yuknavitch (Chronology of Water) and writing by Leslie Jamison. My favorite books recently include Tell the Wolves I’m Home, How to Be a Woman, and Cutting for Stone. I’m always in the market for book recommendations, so let me know what your favorites are!
What Are You Working On Now?
A major project I’m working on at work is managing the Transportation System Plan updates for Newberg & Dundee. And also our ongoing urban growth boundary amendment process for industrial land in Newberg.
What Are You Listening To Now?
I love the Be Good Tanyas, Justin Townes Earle
What Current Topic or Trend Fascinates You?
Related to planning: UGB rules and process, as cited by Garrett Chrostek in last week’s column. We are having similar struggles as Bend, and I’m concerned about the lack of a clear path for local governments, particularly with the endless appeal process and ease of casting doubt on any number of things in the process (methodology, semantics, justification, etc). On a personal note: Blazers play-offs! The homebuying process, as Zach and I are starting it. Which summer sandals should I buy? And what to wear in Mexico, because we are going there in three weeks!
Beth Otto, Planning Assistant, City of Tigard
What Are You Reading?
Orange is the New Black. It is clearly a very honest account of her time in prison (yes, I am saying that the show is not), and gives important insight into our incarceration system and the war on drugs.
What Are You Working On Now?
I am working on a community plan for a new development, River Terrace, a redevelopment plan in the Tigard Triangle, and the Southwest Corridor Plan.
What Are You Listening To Now?
I have been draw to Clap Your Hands Say Yeah lately.
What Current Topic or Trend Fascinates You?
I am interested in the data that shows that places with higher levels of equality have a lower carbon footprint; with the trend to use words that describe aspects of sustainability rather this blanket word; and with the notion that people are more concerned when they hear about global warming than climate change.