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This edition of the Bend Current, the City’s monthly enewsletter, includes an introduction to the City’s new Winter Tips webpage to help citizens get prepared, an update on our Streets Department’s winter plans, information on obtaining a free water conservation kit, Deschutes County’s 911 Emergency Alert Program, a downtown parking resource and a reminder about appropriate recyclables. You will also find updates on neighborhood associations and the Charter Review Committee.
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TIME TO PREPARE FOR WINTER
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Leaves are changing color and snowflakes flurried briefly in Bend last week - all signs that it's time to get ready for winter.
The City of Bend Streets and Operations Department is getting ready for the season and we’re asking you to do your part to prepare for winter too. Learn what to expect at bendoregon.gov/winter.
The Streets and Operations Department is adjusting its winter operations to improve service this year. This will include changing shift schedules, reviewing priority snow routes, coordinating with other agencies and increasing staffing and winter equipment.
The City is also exploring some targeted Snow Emergency Zone parking restrictions during snow emergencies. Expect to hear more as we ease into new approaches to snow and ice management on our roads.
When it snows, you can help the Streets Department plow curb-to-curb by trying to keep streets clear of obstacles such as parked vehicles or garbage cans.
For more information on winter street maintenance, keep an eye on the Winter Streets Operations webpage.
For all things related to winter, visit our Winter Tips page:
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PROTECT YOUR PIPES FROM FREEZING
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Property owners are responsible for protecting their pipes from freezing. Water pipes can freeze in mere hours with sub-freezing weather, especially if they're exposed to cold air or drafts.
To help prevent an expensive water pipe break:
- Disconnect water hoses from outside faucets and protect faucets with an insulated cover.
- During extended sub-freezing cold periods, open cabinets in low-heat areas where plumbing is located.
- Install insulation blocks in crawl space vents.
- Check pipes near exterior walls and in crawl spaces. Add insulation if they are exposed.
- Set the thermostat at a minimum of 55° during cold weather, even if the house is vacant.
- Winterize all irrigation systems.
- Snow on the ground insulates underground plumbing better than no snow.
- Keep a plumber's number handy!
If you suspect a frozen or damaged water meter, call the Utility Department:
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FREE INDOOR WATER CONSERVATION KITS FOR CITY CUSTOMERS
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The City of Bend Utility Department is offering free indoor water conservation kits to customers interested in saving water and money this winter.
Average water consumption during the months of December, January and February each year are used as the basis for monthly sewer volume charges.
That means saving water indoors this time of year will not only save water, it will also lower monthly sewer charges throughout the year!
Each indoor water conservation kit includes an EPA WaterSense approved showerhead, kitchen faucet aerator, two bath faucet aerators, plumbers tape, toilet leak detection dye tabs and shower timer.
City of Bend Utility customers:
Visit www.waterwisetips.org to request a free kit or contact the City of Bend Utility Department at (541) 317-3000 ext. 2.
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COUNCIL UPDATES
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NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS
UPDATE
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Last month, the City Manager and Mayor met with a coalition of neighborhood association leaders and asked them to share the neighborhoods’ top two citywide priorities.
This week, neighborhood association leaders told the City Council that their neighborhoods' shared priorities are transportation and livability.
Transportation priorities focus primarily on complete streets, improving accessible sidewalks, bike lanes and public transportation. The neighborhood representatives also highlighted traffic management and transportation system maintenance as key priorities.
Livability priorities focus on improving multi-modal transportation connections across the city. Neighborhood association leaders advocated for complete neighborhoods that have safe, convenient access to goods and services.
Related to livability, neighborhood associations are discussing with the Council whether and how they should formalize as a Council advisory group or committee.
Learn more about your neighborhood association:
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CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
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Bend City Council Goals include proposing a City Charter amendment to voters. The City of Bend Charter establishes structure and procedures for the city.
Last June, the Council established a Charter Review Committee to consider the issue and make a recommendation to Council. The committee will:
- Develop a recommendation on charter language changes for placing a measure on the ballot for a directly elected mayor.
- Consider and make an initial recommendation on whether to place a ward system measure on the ballot, including what type of ward system (number of wards, number of councilors from each ward, and/or a combination of ward and at-large positions).
- Provide a recommendation on removing all Council pay from the charter to be set by Council ordinance.
Charter Review Committee meetings are open to the public.
For more information on how to get involved with City government, visit our Citizen Committees page:
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City Council Goals and their supporting objectives are established every two years. These goals drive staff work plans. The City has a new online tool for the public to monitor progress on that work.
The performance data is expected to evolve as the City reaches targets and gathers more information. It will be updated quarterly.
Here is the link to the performance dashboard.
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You can get alerts about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for the Emergency Alert Program. This system enables regional emergency service organizations to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.
Sign up for the alert system by clicking here.
Once signed up, you will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. You pick where, you pick how.
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Breweries in Bend are producing award-winning craft brews that are recognized around the world. Bend has made its mark as a global leader in per-capita craft beer production. Many visitors are drawn to the region each year to sample local beer while enjoying the great outdoors and numerous festivals. Bend is attracting craft brewers because:
Great Water = Great Beer. Bend's high-quality water comes from two pristine sources. Our surface water comes from high in the cascades and our groundwater from a deep regional aquifer.
Water Rates. Relatively low water rates help keep production costs down.
Locals know Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy a pint. Bend brew masters create styles for every palate… Belgian ales, hoppy IPAs, dark stouts, porters, ciders and alcohol-free root beer. Bend breweries are a thriving part of our local economy and our community. Drink responsibly. Cheers!
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Many of our neighbors rely on a clear sidewalk to get to and from work, school or bus stops. To help keep our sidewalks safe and passable for your neighbors during winter snow storms, it is the responsibility of property owners to shovel sidewalks that border your property.
Snow removal guidelines and helpful tips are here.
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City Councilors recently affirmed support for warning and ticketing vehicles that extend beyond the end of striped diagonal parking spots on Bond Street, Wall Street and Oregon Avenue downtown. Vehicles that impede traffic will be subject to a warning for a first offense and a ticket for a second offense.
Most vehicles fit within the diagonal spaces downtown as long as they avoid common mistakes like not pulling all the way up to the curb or parking with attached racks and equipment extending into the travel lane.
However, there are some vehicles that just won’t fit. For vehicles that are too long, too wide, or have a rack or other equipment there are other options throughout downtown.
Click here for a map of the best places to park in downtown.
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Bend Garbage & Recycling and Cascade Disposal are asking for your help. Recently, China proposed a global ban to stop accepting post-consumer plastics and unsorted paper and the announcement has disrupted recycling markets. Bend Garbage & Recycling and Cascade Disposal are encouraging their customers to continue recycling, but to be more careful to only put items into recycling containers that belong. Any items that are dirty or not on the list of materials accepted for recycling in your local market leads to contamination. Customers can go to bendgarbage.com and download a recycling guide that lists what items are acceptable in your blue commingle recycling cart. Thank you!
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Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, etc., please contact Anne Aurand at: communications@bendoregon.gov; Relay Users Dial 7-1-1.
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