Portland Schools/ Hose Repair/YGH

School District Funds Major School Repairs

Portland - The volunteer Portland School Board approved a resolution that enables Portland Public Schools to move forward with the repair of its aging and deteriorating facilities and the needed upgrade of computers and software. The board authorized the district to reimburse up to $50 million in costs it might incur between now and the completion of subsequent debt financing. The board has voiced its intent to seek a capital bond to fund needed repairs, renovation or rebuilding of Portland Public Schools' 90-plus schools and other facilities, and better support the educational and technological needs of students. Portland Public School buildings are 67 years old, on average. Nationally, school buildings are an average age of 45 years old. Director David Wynde, the board's point person on the facilities work, said: "This decision gives us the ability to start tackling some of the needed improvements now. It will save money by allowing us to recover funds we may need to use in the short term to address our highest priorities, and also preserve our ability to access lower interest rates when we put longerterm financing in place. The resolution does not commit PPS to any specific financing or spending plans. Work on those topics is under way and will come to the board for approval before being implemented.

Hose Repair Business Opening New Location

Portland - Pirtek, a equipment hose repair franchise, opened its first Northwest location last month in Portland.

The company repairs hydraulic hoses on heavy equipment on-site. Based in Australia, it opened its first U.S. business in the 1990’s.

Projections are to open 18 service centers in the United States in 2009. “I’ve been in several other construction related businesses,” says Kurt Bratten company owner. “I wanted to do this because there is no other company like this in Portland and there is no saturation in the market.”

Initially the company will have six employees, including four mechanics. YGH to Donate Services

YGH to Donate Services To Local Non-Profits

Portland - Portland architecture firm, Yost Grube Hall Architecture (YGH), has joined the 1% Program of Public Architecture. Launched in 2005, this national program challenges architecture and design firms to pledge one percent of their billable hours to pro bono work.

Eighteen of YGH's full-time employees have pledged a total of 455 hours annually to non-profit organizations. The range of pro-bono services offered may include planning, programming, feasibility studies, architecture, interior design, graphics and fundraising assistance and cost control.

YGH has already donated services to non-profit organizations, including Self Enhancement, Inc., MercyCorps, and the Oregon Food Bank.

Time Share Completed On Washington Coast

Portland - Walsh Construction Co./OR recently completed the WorldMark Long Beach project in Long Beach, Wash., for Wyndham Vacation Ownership. The $20.4 million project is a 98-unit timeshare resort with on-grade parking and swimming pools. Site development included paving, landscape, storm water treatment and control structures, and ancillary improvements.

The 160,000 sq ft, four-story wood-frame building is beach-front and features condominium- style units in a combination of twoand three-bedroom sizes, as well as four three-bedroom suites. The location offers owners and guests proximity to the Long Beach boardwalk, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Disappointment State Park and miles of beaches.

Despite the challenges of record rain fall, as well as winds of 85 and 135mph, Walsh completed the project on time.

Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects served as the project architect.

AGC Members Receive Retro Rebate

Wilsonville - Oregon AGC members announced a $12.3 million retrospective return for more than 700 companies participating in the 2006–2007 AGC/SAIF group workers’ compensation program. This represents an approximate 28 percent return of paid premiums during the policy year and is the largest retro return paid in the group’s 18- year history.