2020 TRANSPORTATION GO BOND
KICKS OFF

The first project of the voter-approved 2020 Transportation General Obligation (GO) Bond started earlier this month!

The Wilson Avenue Corridor is a multi-phased modernization project that will improve safety and east-west connectivity for all users on Wilson Avenue between Second Street and 15th Street. As part of the project, the intersection of Wilson Avenue and Ninth Street will be closed for roundabout construction through late May.

Learn more about the Wilson Avenue Corridor Project.

You can learn more about the 2020 Transportation GO Bond at Bendoregon.gov/GOBond.

TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

Street Preservation

The 2022 street preservation season is scheduled to begin in late March.

The City of Bend is preparing to do about $2.6 million worth of street preservation contract work this summer that will improve around 51 lane miles in Bend. The street preservation contracts this year include grind/inlay and slurry seal treatments.

Learn more about this year’s street preservation work.

Newport Corridor Improvements Project

Work is progressing on the Newport Avenue Corridor Improvements Project and access to businesses remains open! Crews are busy replacing the aging infrastructure on and under Newport Avenue, but you can still access all of your favorite businesses. 

Business access in the corridor and along the detour route is indicated by blue “Business Access” signs.

It’s easy to find the driveway or alleyway access points to your favorite businesses by following the signs with arrows.

Learn more and sign up for project updates at bendoregon.gov/newportimprovements.

Pruning Responsibilities

With the start of street preservation season and construction projects ramping up, we want to remind you that property owners have a responsibility to prune trees and shrubs that have grown into the right-of-way (as shown above) to accommodate street maintenance equipment.

It is the responsibility of Bend residents, per City Code, to:

• Maintain driveway approaches and landscaping adjacent to your property in good repair.
• Keep sidewalks adjacent to your property clear of vegetation, such as low-hanging branches or overgrown shrubs.
• Remove, cut and/or trim flammable vegetation adjacent to your property in the public right of way.

Maintain a clear vision area for intersections adjacent to your property.

HOUSELESSNESS UPDATE

Because of the broad community interest in housing and houselessness, the City Council added a standing agenda item to Council business meetings to provide regular updates on City Council’s work on addressing houselessness. Here’s Megan Perkins’ Council update on 3/16/22. This includes an update on recent actions at Second Street. And if you prefer, you can also see it in a video.

 Navigation Center

Councilors approved a three-year agreement with Shepherd’s House Ministries to develop and operate a Navigation Center at the City-owned Second Street Shelter at 275 NE Second Street. The first phase of the agreement includes program development and planning, including community outreach.

A Navigation Center is a low-barrier emergency shelter that is open seven days per week and connects individuals and families with health services, permanent housing and public benefits. Read more about this service here.

CITY COUNCIL UPDATES

Library Comprehensive Plan Amendment

After hours of public testimony and Council discussion Wednesday night, most Councilors indicated they were not inclined to grant the request from the Deschutes Public Library to amend the Bend Development Code and Comprehensive Plan to exempt the library from master planning requirements in Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion areas.

The Council continued their deliberations to April 6 for a formal vote on whether to change the Development Code and Comprehensive Plan to allow the exemption. At that meeting, Council will consider updated findings supporting a final decision.

The proposed central library is an allowed use on the property the library purchased in the OB Riley UGB Expansion Area, but is required to go through the master planning process. Granting the library’s application would result in waiving that requirement.  Without the exception, the library would have to undergo the master planning process or wait until the City initiates an area plan process, which is not currently on the City’s work plan.

The Comprehensive Plan and Development Code text amendments would, if approved by the Council, allow the library district to proceed with annexation and a subsequent Site Plan Review application without a required master plan in the OB Riley Expansion Area. 

Updated Council Rules

Council rules govern Council meetings and procedures, and help Councilors work more effectively with each other and engage with the community. Councilors approved updated and reorganized rules. Key changes include topics such as virtual meeting attendance, disruptions and decorum at Council meetings, and filling vacancies. Here is a summary of the issue and here is a link to the Council Rules.

 Standards and Specifications Update

Council approved updated Standards and Specifications – design criteria and construction standards for public infrastructure, to improve function and durability of infrastructure and increase efficiencies.

Read the summary.

INSIDE BEND: POLICE CHIEF’S
ADVISORY COUNCIL

This month on Inside Bend we talk to City of Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz to learn more about the development of the Police Chief’s Advisory Council.

Chief Krantz explains what the council is, why it’s important, and what he hopes he and the Bend Police Department will be able to gain from forming the council. Chief Krantz also explains how you can get involved with the council and be a voice for the community.

You can listen to the podcast at bendoregon.gov/inside-bend or on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify!

CLEAN WATER WORKS VIDEO CONTEST

The Clean Water Works Video Contest returns!

If your child is in 4th – 12th grade, they will not want to miss our 2022 Clean Water Works Video Contest, which ends March 31, 2022. There are great cash prizes awarded to Division and Grand Prize winners who submit the best 30-second video “commercial” capturing this year’s theme – “Love Your River: A How-to Guide.” The Grand Prize winner also receives the opportunity to work with a local Emmy Award-winning producer to turn their film into a professional public service announcement.

Visit bendoregon.gov/cleanwaterworksKIDS for more information.