HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Item - 2025-07-15 - Number 08.2 - South Shore Fire Station - Polling Update 8.2
F °� COUNCIL REPORT
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OREGO\-\
Subject: South Shore Fire Station Polling Results & Community Engagement Plan
Meeting Date: July 15, 2025 Staff Member:
Kristine Artman, Assistant Fire Chief
Report Date: July 2, 2025 Madison Thesing, Deputy City Manager
Department: Fire Department
Action Required Advisory Board/Commission Recommendation
❑ Motion ❑ Approval
❑ Public Hearing ❑ Denial
❑ Ordinance ❑ None Forwarded
❑ Resolution ❑X Not Applicable
❑X Information Only Comments:
❑X Council Direction
❑ Consent Agenda
Staff Recommendation: Not applicable— Council information only
Recommended Language for Motion: Not applicable—Council information only
Project/ Issue Relates To: 2025 Council Initiative: Conclude the South Shore Fire Station
needs assessment and launch a community engagement process.
Issue before Council (Highlight Policy Question):
❑X Council Goals/Priorities ❑Adopted Master Plan(s) ❑Not Applicable
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL
Staff update to Council on community outreach efforts related to South Shore Fire Station
project, including initial polling results.
BACKGROUND
Constructed in 1971, South Shore Fire Station is the oldest of the Lake Oswego's four fire
stations. Located at 1880 South Shore Boulevard, firefighters based out of this facility primarily
respond to calls for service within the southeast quadrant of the city. The South Shore Fire
Station has reached the end of its useful life. This facility needs to be replaced in order to
maintain our current and future coverage for medical, fire, and life safety emergencies.
Respect. Excellence. Trust. Servi e.
503-635-0215 380 A AVENUE PO BOX 369 LAKE OSWEGO, OR 97034 WWW.LAKEOSWEGO.CITY
Page 2
Following recommendations from the South Shore Fire Station Task Force and City Council
direction during the March 4, 2025 City Council meeting, staff are exploring project costs and
gauging community support.
DISCUSSION
Project Public Opinion Polling
To assess community sentiment regarding the South Shore Fire Station project and a potential
General Obligation bond, staff hired FM3 Research to conduct polling of likely voters.
The primary objectives of this polling were to gauge public opinion on the project itself and to
determine the optimal scope and timing for a bond measure. Specifically, the polling sought to
understand the community's perspective on:
• Replacing the South Shore Fire Station.
• The potential scope and cost of the project.
• The preferred timing for a ballot measure (May or November 2026).
Public opinion polling took place from June 3-10, 2025. The purpose of the survey was to
evaluate voter support and assess voter priorities related to the proposed project. Top level
polling results will be shared during the July 15 City Council meeting (Attachment 1).
Communications & Engagement Plan
One of the top findings of the polling was the importance of community education and
awareness of the project and how it aligns with our overall emergency response. To further
bring awareness to the project, staff have created the South Shore Fire Station Communications
& Engagement Plan with input from the South Shore Task Force.
The South Shore Fire Station Communications & Engagement Plan (Attachment 2) is a strategic
document that outlines how the Project Team will connect with target audience, stakeholders,
or the broader community to achieve our project goals. It is a roadmap for communication and
engagement, that serves as a working document that can be updated and adjusted as the
project is developed. The plan is designed to build relationships, disseminate information,
gather community feedback, and ultimately achieve desired goals.
Communications & Engagement Goals
The objectives and goals of the South Shore Fire Station Community Engagement &
Communications:
• Inform the community of the current condition of the South Shore Fire Station (SSFS)
• Inform the community on the Task Force and Project Team's findings
• Increase community understanding how the SSFS relates to public safety goals, including
future needs
• Increase public awareness and support for the potential SSFS project
• Inspire key community leaders to proactively champion on behalf of the project
Respect, Excel'ence. Trust. Service.
503-635-0215 380 A AVENUE PO BOX 369 LAKE OSWEGO,OR 97034 WWW.LAKEOSWEGO.CITY
Page 3
• Maintain ongoing communications and transparency with neighbors, neighborhood, and
other interested parties/stakeholders
• Monitor community response
Progress to Date
The Project Team began the community-wide communications and engagement activities in
April following the Council's direction to launch an engagement process to gauge community
support.
Completed Ongoing Upcoming
• Finalize Communications • Featured City publications— • National Night Out
& Engagement Plan HelloLO, LO Down, Social
• Project website • Station tour—in person & • Lake Grove Farmers'
virtual Market
• Project branding • LO Review stories & articles • CERT trainings
• Project key • Millennium Farmers' Market • Multi-
Messages/fact Points, family/apartment
including FAQs outreach
• Mayors Roundtable at • Adult Community Center • Senior Living outreach
South Shore (6/12) Lunches
• Community • Community events visits • Community
Presentations o Concerts Presentations
o Neighborhood o Mary's Woods o Neighborhood
Chair Committee Associations
o Neighborhood Annual
Associations Meetings (Fall)
Annual Meetings o Chamber
(Spring) o Rotary
o Chamber
o Farmers' Market
All activities and communications have been focused on the potential project. Council direction
to referring a bond to voters will initiate an adapted plan to prepare for ballot.
Next Steps
Following the polling results, staff will develop updated communications materials that reflect
the sentiments and themes of the community. Ongoing communications and outreach will
continue through the summer and into fall. The current plan is to poll again in early 2026 to
provide more information to Council on a decision for a potential bond.
ATTACHMENTS
1. FM3 Survey Results
2. South Shore Fire Station Communications & Engagement Plan —Working Document
Respect, Excel'ence. Trust. Service.
503-635-0215 380 A AVENUE PO BOX 369 LAKE OSWEGO,OR 97034 WWW.LAKEOSWEGO.CITY
ATTACHMENT 1
JUNE 3-10, 2025
LAKE OSWEGO SSFS SURVEY
F M 3 220-7588-WT
N=410
MARGIN OF SAMPLING ERROR ±4.9% (95%CONFIDENCE INTERVAL)
RESEARCH A/B SPLIT
400 LIKELY NOV. 2026 LAKE OSWEGO VOTERS
(PHONE ONLY)
Hello, I'm calling from ,a public opinion research company.We are conducting a survey about issues
that concern voters in Lake Oswego. Please be assured that I am not trying to sell you anything or ask for a donation of any
kind, and that your participation and responses will be kept confidential. May I please speak with ? (MUST
SPEAK WITH THE VOTER LISTED AND VERIFY THEY LIVE AT THE LISTED ADDRESS—OTHERWISE TERMINATE.)
(PHONE ONLY)
A. Before we begin, have I reached you on a cell phone? (IF ON CELL PHONE, ASK: If you are currently driving or
otherwise occupied, please confirm that it is safe for you to take this survey without endangering yourself or
others.)
Yes, on cell and can safely take survey 79%
Yes, on cell and should reschedule (RESCHEDULE)
No, not on cell 21%
(ONLINE ONLY)
Thank you for participating in this public opinion survey about issues that concern voters in Lake Oswego. Please be assured
that we are not trying to sell you anything or ask for a donation of any kind, and that your participation and responses will
be kept confidential.
A. If you are taking this survey on a mobile device and are currently driving or otherwise occupied, please confirm
that it is safe for you to take this survey without endangering yourself or others.
Yes, can safely take survey _ 100%
I'll come back later (DIVERT TO LANDING PAGE)
(RESUME ASKING ALL RESPONDENTS)
1. Overall, would you say things in Lake Oswego are headed in the right direction, or do you feel they are pretty
seriously off on the wrong track?
Right direction 57%
Wrong track 21%
(DON'T READ ON PHONE) Don't know 22%
F M 3 220-7588-WT PAGE 2
RESEARCH
2. The next questions are about a measure that could be on your local ballot in the future. It may read as follows:
"Shall Lake Oswego rebuild, an earthquake-safe South Shore Fire Station to improve emergency response
throughout the community by issuing bonds? If bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property
ownership that are not subject to the limits of Sections 11 and 11-b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution."
Would you vote yes or no on this measure?
(ONLINE: SHOW ANSWER OPTIONS FOR"YES," "NO"AND"UNDECIDED")
(IF YES/NO,ASK: Is that definitely or just probably YES/NO?)
(IF UNDECIDED,ASK: Do you lean toward voting yes or no?)
TOTAL YES 54%
Definitely yes 28%
Probably yes 17%
Undecided, lean yes 8%
TOTAL NO 35%
Undecided, lean no _ 6%
Probably no _ 9%
Definitely no 20%
(DON'T READ ON PHONE) Undecided 11%
F M 3 220-7588-WT PAGE 3
RESEARCH
(ASK IF YES/NO IN Q2—CODES 1-6)
3. In a few words of your own,why would you vote YES/NO on this measure? (OPEN-ENDED)
(PHONE: RECORD VERBATIM RESPONSE AND PROBE FOR SPECIFIC RESPONSE, NOT JUST "SOUNDS GOOD" OR
"SOUNDS BAD.")
a. Yes, n=220:
Public safety/reliable emergency response 31%
Safe work environments for first responders/firefighters 16%
Disaster/earthquake preparedness 15%
Updated/modern infrastructure 14%
General support for public infrastructure 11%
Rapid emergency response times 10%
Growth/changing needs of the community 10%
Live near/served by this fire station 6%
Mixed feelings (e.g. support with accountability/efficiency) 3%
Other 5%
Don't know/Unsure 0%
b. No, n=143:
Taxes are too high (general) 45%
Waste/mismanagement/no trust in government 21%
Don't need a new/upgraded fire station 18%
Other priorities are more important 11%
Do not support property taxes 10%
Earthquake chances are low 3%
Other 11%
Don't know/Unsure 1%
F M 3 220-7588-WT PAGE 4
RESEARCH
(RESUME ASKING ALL RESPONDENTS)
4. Here is some more information about the measure.
The measure would authorize up to $25 million in principal amount of general obligation bonds for modernization
of the South Shore Fire Station, one of the city's four fire stations. If approved, it would finance capital costs to:
• Construct an earthquake-safe fire station to replace the current station, which currently does not meet
current seismic standards as an essential facility;
• Provide dedicated space for decontamination areas to help limit carcinogenic exposure for firefighters;
• Add living quarters for increased staffing during emergency or natural disaster; and
• Create ADA-accessible community space for meetings, educational programs, emergency preparedness, and
firefighter training.
Having heard this, would you vote yes or no?
(ONLINE: SHOW ANSWER OPTIONS FOR"YES," "NO"AND "UNDECIDED")
(IF YES/NO,ASK: Is that definitely or just probably YES/NO?)
(IF UNDECIDED,ASK: Do you lean toward voting yes or no?)
TOTAL YES 59%
Definitely yes 35%
Probably yes 19%
Undecided, lean yes 5%
TOTAL NO 27%
Undecided, lean no 3%
Probably no 6%
Definitely no 18%
(DON'T READ ON PHONE) Undecided 14%
(ASK IF CODES 2-7 IN Q4) (IF CODE 1 IN Q4 CODE ALL AS"1")
5. Now, please indicate whether you would be very willing, somewhat willing, somewhat unwilling, or very unwilling
to support each of the following overall bond amounts for the South Shore Fire Station. (READ IN ORDER; ONCE
"1" IS CHOSEN, STOP AND CODE REMAINDER AS"1")
(ONLINE: SHOW ALL ANSWER OPTIONS)
Very Smwt Smwt Very Don't Total Total
Willing Willing Unwill Unwill Know Willing Unwill
a. $22 million 38% 22% 12% 19% 8% 60% 31%
b. $20 million 39% 19% 12% 20% 9% 59% 32%
c. $18 million 41% 20% 9% 20% 10% 61% 30%
F M 3 220-7588-WT PAGE 5
RESEARCH
(RESUME ASKING ALL RESPONDENTS)
6. Now, please indicate whether you would be very willing, somewhat willing, somewhat unwilling, or very unwilling
to pay each of the following amounts per household per year in additional taxes for the South Shore Fire Station.
(READ IN ORDER; ONCE "1" IS CHOSEN,STOP AND CODE REMAINDER AS "1")
(ONLINE: SHOW ALL ANSWER OPTIONS)
Very Smwt Smwt Very Don't Total Total
Willing Willing Unwill Unwill Know Willing Unwill
a. $250 22% 29% 18% 25% 6% 51% 42% _
b. $200 25% 29% 17% 24% 6% 54% 40% _
c. $150 38% 23% 12% 21% 6% 61% 33% _
d. $100 47% 18% 11% 18% 6% 66% 29%
7. Here is a list of some of the specific kinds of investments this measure could make. Please indicate how important
each would be to you: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not at all important.
(RANDOMIZE)
(ONLINE: SHOW ALL ANSWER OPTIONS)
Not Total
SS Ext Very Smwt At All Don't Ext/Very
Imp Imp Imp ImpKnow Imp
p
a. Replacing the South Shore Fire Station 22% 22% 25% 22% 9% 45%
b. Constructing an earthquake-safe fire station 30% 28% 21% 18% 4% 57%
c. Replacing the current station,which has outdated and A 26% 26% 29% 14% 5% 51%
deteriorating plumbing _
d. Replacing the current station,which has outdated and B 32% 23% 24% 16% 4% I 55%
deteriorating electrical wiring
e. Replacing the current station, which has outdated and A 29% 19% 32% 14% 6% 48%
deteriorating heating and air conditioning
f. Replacing the current station,which has a leaky roof B 31% 23% 23% 17% 6% 54% _
g. Providing decontamination areas to help limit 37% 33% 16% 10% 4% 70%
firefighter exposure to carcinogens _
h. Providing storage for modern medical and firefighting A 28% 24% 32% 10% 6% 52%
tools and equipment
i. Providing storage for personal protective equipment B 25% 29% 30% 12% 4% I 54%
for firefighters
j. Providing private living space, including individual A 20% 24% 37% 13% 6% 44%
showers and bathrooms for firefighters
k. Replacing outdated group locker rooms and bathroom B 12% 15% 33% 33% 7% 27%
facilities with individual, private facilities _
I. Providing space for increased staffing during an 23% 30% 28% 14% 5% 53%
emergency or natural disaster _
m. Improving access to community rooms for people with 13% 24% 35% 22% 6% 37%
disabilities
n. Supporting emergency medical response times 45% 29% 16% 5% 5% - 74% _
o. Supporting water and dive rescue operations 22% 29% 32% 12% 5% 51% _
p. Supporting technical rescue operations 23% 31% 26% 10% 9% 55%
q. Supporting wildland-urban interface fire response 31% 29% 25% 9% 6% 60%
F M 3 220-7588-WT PAGE 6
RESEARCH
Not Total
SS Ext Very Smwt At All Don't Ext/Very
Imp Imp Imp ImpKnow Imp
p
r. Supporting hazardous materials incident response 32% 29% 21% 12% 6% 62%
s. Supporting disaster response _ 41% 29% 20% 7% 4% 69% _
t. Supporting citywide response to critical fires, 45% 29% 5% 4% 0
accidents, and medical emergencies 16% 74/
u. Supporting response to fire and emergency medical
calls to Lake Oswego Recreation &Aquatic Center,
Luscher Farm, Lakeridge High School, and other large 35% 29% 24% 8% 4% 64%
community facilities
8. Next, here are some potential elements that could be included in the measure to enhance accountability. For each
one, please indicate if including that element would make you more likely or less likely to vote yes on the measure.
If it would make no difference to you, you can indicate that instead. (RANDOMIZE)
(ONLINE: SHOW ALL ANSWER OPTIONS)
(PHONE: IF MORE/LESS LIKELY,ASK: Is that much or somewhat MORE/LESS likely?)
Much Smwt Makes Smwt Much Don't Total Total
More More No Less Less Know More Less
Likely Likely Diff Likely Likely Likely Likely
a. Independent annual audits of City budget 37% 29% 21% 4% 2% 7% 66% 6%
and bond spending
b. Providing no money for salaries or 23% 24% 29% 5% 6% 13% 47% 11%
pensions
c. All funds spent directly on this project 45% 24% 18% 3% 3% 7% 69% 6% _
Now you will be presented with statements from supporters and opponents of this measure.
9. For each one, please indicate whether you find it very convincing, somewhat convincing, or not convincing as a
reason to support the measure. If you do not believe the statement,you can indicate that instead. (RANDOMIZE)
(ONLINE: SHOW ONE STATEMENT AT A TIME; SHOW ALL ANSWER OPTIONS)
SS Very Smwt Not Do Not Don't Total
Cony Cony Cony Believe Know Cony
a. (AGE)The South Shore Fire Station was built in
1971—it is not earthquake safe and does not
meet modern disability access standards. It has
a leaky roof, outdated electrical wiring and 44% 24% 24% 4% 3% 69%
plumbing, and failing heating and cooling
systems. Our firefighters and our community
deserve a safe, modern fire station.
F M 3 220-7588-WT PAGE 7
RESEARCH
SS Very Smwt Not Do Not Don't Total
Cony Cony Cony Believe Know Cony
b. (WITHOUT) Lake Oswego's four fire stations
provide critical medical,fire, and emergency
services within minutes for every resident of the
city. With one less station, response times will
increase beyond the current standard of 8 52% 25% 15% 4% 5% 76%
minutes or less—risking lives and property.
Voting "yes" keeps response times low and our
community safe.
c. (COMMUNITY)A new South Shore Fire Station
will include a classroom for training and skill-
building in CPR,first aid, and fire prevention.
The station can also serve as a center for 25% 35% 34% 3% 3% 60%
information and assistance in case of
emergency or disaster.Voting "yes"will
strengthen our whole community's preparation
and response.
d. (MINUTES/COVERAGE) In a house fire, property
destruction generally exceeds 50%after just 8
minutes of burning. And in a medical
emergency like a heart attack, every minute
counts—that's why Lake Oswego sends 53% 24% 16% 4% 4% 77%
firefighters from two stations to critical calls.
The South Shore Fire Station provides
firefighting and emergency medical coverage for
all areas of the city.
e. (SIZE) Currently, only one of Lake Oswego's fire
stations can fit a traditional fire truck—and the
South Shore station does not have enough room
for modern medical and firefighting tools and 47% 27% 16% 6% 5% 74%
equipment. By upgrading South Shore Fire
Station to modern standards, we can provide a
critical backup location for life-saving
equipment.
f. (DECONTAMINATE).The current South Shore
Fire Station has no dedicated space for
firefighters returning from calls to
decontaminate and store personal protection 43% 35% 13% 3% 5% 78%
equipment, which increases risk of exposure to
carcinogens. Our firefighters deserve facilities
that can reduce their risk of exposure to
hazardous materials as they protect us.
g. (BOAT) Our fire department responds to water
emergencies on the Willamette River,
Clackamas River, and Lake Oswego—and the
South Shore Station hosts our city's only rescue 25% 41% 26% 4% 5% 66%
boat. A new, updated station would provide safe
storage for the Rescue Boat and all emergency
tools and equipment.
F M 3 220-7588-WT PAGE 8
RESEARCH
SS Very Smwt Not Do Not Don't Total
Cony Cony Cony Believe Know Cony
h. (WILDFIRE) Communities like ours are facing
new challenges in the era of extreme wildfires
that quickly spread to homes --and that's
especially true for the south side of town near 38% 36% 20% 4% 2% 74%
the Stafford area. This measure would protect
our community by ensuring rapid response and
coverage for high-risk areas.
10. Please consider the measure to replace South Shore Fire Station by issuing up to $25 million in general obligation
bonds again. Would you vote yes or no?
(ONLINE: SHOW ANSWER OPTIONS FOR"YES," "NO"AND "UNDECIDED")
(IF YES/NO,ASK: Is that definitely or just probably YES/NO?)
(IF UNDECIDED,ASK: Do you lean toward voting yes or no?)
TOTAL YES 58%
Definitely yes 36%
Probably yes 16%
Undecided, lean yes 6%
TOTAL NO 31%
Undecided, lean no 2%
Probably no 8%
Definitely no 22%
(DON'T READ ON PHONE) Undecided 11%
Now you will be presented with statements from potential opponents of the measure.
11. For each one, please indicate whether you find each statement from opponents very convincing, somewhat
convincing, or not convincing as a reason to vote no. If you do not believe the statement, you can indicate that
instead. (RANDOMIZE)
(ONLINE: SHOW ONE STATEMENT AT A TIME; SHOW ALL ANSWER OPTIONS)
SS Very Smwt Not Do Not Don't Total
Cony Cony Cony Believe Know Cony
a. (COST/ANTI-TAX)The cost of living is
skyrocketing, and our taxes are already too high. 33% 25% 33% 8% 2% 58%
We just can't afford more taxes right now.
b. (UNCERTAIN)With experts saying the economy
is likely to enter another recession soon, now is A 18% 24% 44% 11% 2% 42%
the wrong time for this measure.
F M 3 220-7588-WT PAGE 9
RESEARCH
SS Very Smwt Not Do Not Don't Total
Cony Cony Cony Believe Know Cony
c. (DEBT) Because it is a long-term bond,this
measure will cost taxpayers too much for too B 31% 22% 38% 7% 2% 52%
long. We shouldn't pay for decades, leaving
debt to our children and grandchildren.
d. (CLOSE) We just don't need four fire stations
and all the costly equipment and staff that come A 6% 20% 44% 25% 6% 26%
with them.We should let South Shore close.
e. (RENOVATE) Rather than asking us to pay for
new facility, the City should present us with a
plan to repair the station we already have. B 29% 24% 38% 7% 1% 53%
Voting "no" sends a message that the city
should live within their means.
12. Please consider the measure to replace South Shore Fire Station by issuing$25 million in general obligation bonds
again. Would you vote yes or no?
(ONLINE: SHOW ANSWER OPTIONS FOR"YES," "NO"AND "UNDECIDED")
(IF YES/NO,ASK: Is that definitely or just probably YES/NO?)
(IF UNDECIDED,ASK: Do you lean toward voting yes or no?)
TOTAL YES _ 54°4
Definitely yes 31%
Probably yes 15%
Undecided, lean yes 8%
TOTAL NO
Undecided, lean no 2%
Probably no 7%
Definitely no 24%
(DON'T READ ON PHONE) Undecided 13%
We're just about done.The next few questions ensure we are hearing from a representative set of Lake Oswego voters.
13. How would you describe yourself politically?
(PHONE: READ LIST)
Progressive 15%
Liberal 17%
Moderate 48%
Conservative 19%
(DON'T READ ON PHONE) Prefer not to say 1%
F M 3 220-7588-WT PAGE 10
RESEARCH
14. Do you own or rent your home?
Own 87%
Rent 12%
(DON'T READ ON PHONE) Prefer not to say 1%
15. What was the last level of school you completed?
First to 11th grade 0%
High school graduate 2%
Vocational or technical school 1%
Some college, but no degree 5%
Associate degree 3%
Four-year college degree 58%
Graduate school 31%
(DON'T READ ON PHONE) Prefer not to say 0%
16. When asked to identify your racial or ethnic identity, how do you identify?(ALLOW MULTIPLE SELECTIONS)
Native American,American Indian or Alaska Native 2%
Asian or Asian American 5%
Black or African American 1%
Hispanic or Latino 4%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0%
White 86%
An ethnicity not included above(PLEASE DESCRIBE) 4%
(DON'T READ ON PHONE) Prefer not to say 1%
17. Which of the following best represents the annual income of your household before taxes?
(READ LIST)
Less than$50,000 6%
$50,000 to$100,000 17%
$100,001 to$200,000 35%
$200,001 to$500,000 33%
More than$500,000 8%
(DON'T READ ON PHONE) Prefer not to say 2%
18. What is your gender?
Male _ _ 48%
Female 52%
(THANK AND TERMINATE INTERVIEW)
F M 3 220-7588-WT PAGE 11
RESEARCH
SAMPLE VARIABLES
AGE
18-24 3%
25-29 3%
30-34 5
35-39 4%
40-44 7
45-49 10%
50-54 9%
55-59 10%
60-64 9%
65-74 17%
75+ 23%
F M 3 220-7588-WT PAGE 12
RESEARCH
PARTY REGISTRATION
Democrat 48%
Republican 23%
Non-Affiliated 21%
Other 8%
DATA COLLECTION MODE/CONTACT METHOD
Telephone 49%
Online/Text 51%
A/B SPLIT SAMPLES
A 50%
B 50%
PAST EVEN-YEAR ELECTION PARTICIPATION
P20 61%
G20 92%
P22 56%
G22 88%
P24 55%
G24 94%
Blank 2%
ZIP CODE
97034 51%
97035 49%
ATTACHMENT 2
, Os FIRE
AAF
South Shore Fire Station „-use
V O 1 u o
Communications & Engagement Plan -
�REGO� DRAFT dEpl•
WORKING DOCUMENT
Purpose
The purpose of the South Shore Fire Station (SSFS) Communications & Engagement Plan is to
outline the City's strategy and approach to communications related to outcomes of the South
Shore Fire Station Task Force and next steps for the Station.
This plan is intended to be a working document that can be updated and adjusted as the
project is developed. This plan will need to be further developed for bond campaigning
(dependent on Council-direction).
Communication Goals
The objectives and goals of the SSFS communication:
• Inform the community of the current condition of the South Shore Fire Station
• Inform the community on the Task Force's eight key findings
• Increase community understanding how the SSFS relates to public safety goals, including
future needs
• Increase public awareness and support for the potential SSFS project
• Inspire key community leaders to proactively champion on behalf of the project
• Maintain ongoing communications and transparency with neighbors, neighborhood, and
other interested parties/stakeholders
• Monitor community response
Sequence
Why/What How* Project*
Why/What How Project Delivery
Winter/Spring 2025 *We are here* *Dependent on voter-approve bond
To upgrade South Shore Fire
Tell the story of South Shore Station to meet the needs of Need for station and funding
Fire Station the community today and in has been supported by the
the future, we need to community
rebuild the station
Why is this being talked
about now?What are the How will we finance the Construction underway,
facility/service needs? rebuild? here's how it is going.
This should include: This should include: This should include:
• City Council Goal • Polling on messages • Ongoing storytelling
• SSFS Task Force • Financing options of progress
formation &work explored • Community designed
• The current • Proposed bond spaces/aspects when
conditions of the SSFS package appropriate
• Task Force's Eight Key • Value provided to the
Findings community
Intent: inform community of Intent: engage the Intent: deliver on the voter-
the challenges and community on how to fund approved project
limitations of the current SSFS
building with a focus on
future needs of the
community
Timeline
March
• Draft April HelloLO—Task Force • Neighbor Chair Committee
Report/Council meeting draft polling • Mary's Landing NA
contract— Evan
• finalize postcard
April
• Publish polling contract (2-3 advertising) • Palisades NA
• Draft May HelloLO—call response time, • McVey/South Shore NA
why 4th station matters • Westlake
• Create project website
• Create additional hand out materials
(budget postcard, coloring sheets)
• Develop internal talking points/key
messages
May
• Draft June HelloLO— • AAPI Month Celebration
o Mayors Roundtable • Farmers Market (5/31)
o Introduce Project and Task Force
findings
• Finalize Mayors Roundtable
o Promote through SSFS listserv,
CERT, Task Force, B&C, NAs
June
• Continue promoting Mayors Roundtable • Mayors Roundtable (6/12)
• Draft July HelloLO—fireworks, citywide
response
• Polling & Report
July
• Draft August HelloLO—fireworks, • Farmers Market (7/19)
insurance rating
• Presentation to Council
August
• Draft August HelloLO—fireworks, • Lake Grove Farmers Market (8/3)
insurance rating • National Night Out (8/5)
• Plan Fall Neighborhood Associations • MPP Farmers' Market (8/16)
schedule
Key Stakeholders
Stakeholders will evolve as the project takes shape, however, there are key groups to identify
and invite into the early stages of the process.
Elected Officials/Decision Makers City Boards& Commissions
• City Council • 50+ Board
• County Board of Commissioners • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Board
• Fire Union • Development Review Committee
• City Department Leadership— Library, • Budget Committee
Police, Parks • Library Board
• Parks Board
Special Interest—Emergency Response &
Emergency Preparedness Special Interest— Environmental
• CERT • Friends of Hallinan Heights Woods -
• LOARES Freepons Park
• Prep LO • Friends of Hallinan Heights Woods -
• CPR class graduates Hallinan Woods
• Wildfire Home Assessments • Friends of Luscher Farm
participants • Friends of Stevens Meadows
• Clackamas Co Water Rescue Group • Lake Corporation
• TVF&R • Watershed Council
Special Interest—Senior Facilities Special Interest—Community Organizations
• Mary's Woods • Methodist Church
• Marylhurst • Rotary
• The Stafford • Lions
• Contracted fire districts • Kiwanis
Neighbors/Service Area General Public
• Adjacent neighbors • Overall Lake Oswego community
• All Neighborhood Associations • Lake Oswego voters
• Atherton Neighborhood • Lake Oswego property owners
• Stafford-Hamlet • Property tax payers
• Hallinan Elementary • School-age children
• Palisades World Language School • Oregon State Fire Marshal
• Lakeridge High School • People who work in LO but don't live
• Park Academy here
• French Immersion School
• Palisades Marketplace Businesses
• Users of neighboring dog parks and
athletic fields (Hazelia)
• Neighbors who use the adjacent path
• West Linn
Channels
Majority of communications will be shared publicly. This will reach our "subscribed"/followers
on the City's different communications channels. However, more targeted and intentional
communication will need to be distributed to targeted/special interest groups.
City-Owned Channels Events/Presentations
• City website—dedicated project page • Farmers' Market— Downtown (May-
• HelloLO Oct) & Lake Grove (Aug-Nov)*
• LO Down • Mayor's Roundtable*
• Social media channels—utilize both • Summer concerts— Foothills &
main &fire-specific Westlake*
• Project email subscribers • Fourth of July Parade (July)*
• Parks & Library Listserv/newsletters • National Night Out (August)*
• Parks Activities Guide • Cultural Exchange (September)*
• Mailers • Emergency Preparedness Fair
• Utility bill insert (use selectively) (September)*
• Posters in City facilities—QR code • Reunion Farmers' Market (November)*
• Cardiac Arrest Survival Breakfast*
External-Owned Channels • Arts Festival
• Chamber newsletter • Rotary/Lions/Kiwanis
• LOSD newsletter • Neighborhood Associations Meetings
• Individual school newsletter • Neighborhood Chairs Committee
• LO Review articles • Chamber of Commerce Breakfast
• Neighborhood Associations newsletters • Lake Grove Business Association
• Lake Corporation newsletter Meeting
• Portland Tribune *City-sponsored events and programs
• NA websites & newsletters
• Mary's Woods newsletter Additional "Tools"
• Local LO blog/social media groups • SS Station tour
• Elementary & preschool visits
• Outreach to Mary's Woods
• Outreach at LORAC
Key Messages
These key messages reflect the project knowledge of today. The key messages serve as a
current platform to build off of. Messages should be further refined by stakeholder input and
public polling, as well as shift as the project progresses.
Top Level Message:
Constructed in 1971,the South Shore Fire Station has reached the end of its useful life. This
facility needs to be replaced in order to maintain our current level of coverage for medical,
fire, and life safety emergencies.
South Shore Station Service Demands Today
• Constructed in 1971, the fire station is the oldest of the City's four station.
• In 2024, firefighters from the South Shore Fire Station responded to 1,106 calls for
service ranging from public service calls and medical emergencies, to fire and life safety
incidents.
• The South Shore Fire Station is the closest emergency facility to large City-owned
amenities including Luscher Farm, George Rogers park, the Lake Oswego Recreation &
Aquatic Center, and the Municipal Golf Course.
• Additionally, SSFS is the closest to facility to Lakeridge High School, Hallinan Elementary
School, and Mary's Woods.
• Uniquely SSFS houses Rescue Boat 212, which responds as part of the regional water
consortium team to Lake Oswego and all of Clackamas County Waterways including the
Willamette, Clackamas, and Tualatin Rivers.
South Shore Station Deficiencies
• Over the last fourteen years, through strategic investment, the Fire Department has
extended the life of this facility.
• However, there are substantial upgrades to maintain its ability to effectively respond to
medical, fire, and life safety emergencies.
• This includes, but not limited to: requires to be built to "essential facility" seismic
standards, electrical system and backup power needs to be replaced, new roof, HVAC
system needs to be upgraded and/or replaced.
• Additionally, station should be upgraded for to be inclusive to the community, as well as
our diversifying workforce. This includes ADA upgrades, individual bathroom and sleep
quarters, and professional office spaces separate than living quarters.
Project Background
• In 2023, the City's statistically-valid community survey asked residents to prioritize a list
of potential capital improvement projects. More than 50% of respondents ranked
upgrading the South Shore Fire Station as one of their top three priorities.
• Based on these results, the City Council directed staff to "begin a needs assessment and
community engagement process to rebuild the South Shore Fire Station" as a part of
their 2024 and 2025 City Council Goals.
Task Force Process
• City Council adopted the 2024 initiative "begin a needs assessment and community
engagement process to rebuild the South Shore Fire Station."
• South Shore Task Force was formed to: study the existing conditions of the Station,
evaluate community coverage needs, and make a recommendation to the City Council
about how to address facility deficiencies.
• Task Force was composed of members representing various Neighborhood Associations,
community groups, and City Boards & Commissions.
Task Force Findings
• Task Force members reviewed information prepared by project staff and produced eight
key findings from their analysis:
1. The South Shore Fire Station has reached the end of its useful life.
2. The City needs a fire station in the southeast quadrant of Lake Oswego to
maintain the current level of system-wide service.
3. A new fire station should be built to meet the needs of the LOFD for the next
50 years.The long-term projected spatial need is approximately 14,000 sf.
4. The current location of Station 212 is optimum.
5. Alternatives, including renovating the existing facility, were deemed
infeasible.
6. Staff should explore the benefits and feasibility of acquiring additional land.
7. Based on comparable projects, a new build of this size could cost up to $18
million.
8. The most viable funding source would be a General Obligation Bond.
Future of South Shore Station
• Task Force Findings were presented to Council on March 4, 2025 for further project
direction.
• Council directed staff to continue the work--this next phase will focus on determining
the project cost and generating public support.
Materials Needed
To support the delivery of communications and messages, a suite of materials will be needed
for different channels and audiences:
• Project website • Main Project Key Messages/Fact
• Cohesive, identifiable project Points
branding • Project hand out (postcard style)
• Photo catalog to use on materials, • Budget hand out (postcard style)
including building condition • Pathway signage
• Video series (including station tour) • Coloring sheets— LO fire truck &
• Frequently asked questions 'design your fire station'
• Farmers' Market board displays