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In this Bend Current enewsletter you can find information on Bend’s 20-year transportation system plan, updates on street preservation, fleet management and watch some videos reflecting on the progress made on City Council Goals over the past 2 years. You can also learn about how your property taxes are spent, the newly formed Climate Action Steering Committee, reconstruction work in progress on 14th Street, the Map Alignment Project, and an update to the City’s Utility Rates.
SHARE YOUR IDEAS ABOUT BEND'S TRANSPORTATION FUTURE
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Bend is growing. With that growth comes more people who need to get to work and school, medical appointments and other daily needs, not to mention shopping, social events, and recreational activities. As we grow, we need a transportation system that grows with us.
That’s why the City is working with the community to update Bend’s Transportation Plan. The 20-year transportation system plan will provide more options for getting around while protecting the quality of life that makes Bend a great place.
From now through July 6, members of the community are invited to participate in an online open house. The online open house has draft goals for the plan, survey questions and an interactive map to mark where you think transportation improvements are needed. It’s a great opportunity to let the City know your transportation needs.
To learn more about Bend’s Transportation Plan and to sign up for project updates, visit the project webpage:
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STREET PRESERVATION
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Streets deteriorate with age and use. Bend has a pavement management strategy to maximize cost effectiveness of preservation and maintenance. Regular preventive maintenance extends the life of a street and costs less over time. Every $1 spent on preservation saves $5 for rehabilitation or $12 for reconstruction.
What’s known as a “pavement condition index” ranks road conditions from 0-100; 100 is a perfect, brand new street, and 80 is a “good” road by industry standards. These videos give you a street condition tour around Bend.
In fall of 2016, the City’s overall pavement condition index was 70. In 2017, street preservation efforts improved about 93 lane miles of roads. In fall of 2017, pavement conditions rose to 71. In 2018, street preservation will touch 96 lane miles. The Streets Department also improves roads in conjunction with sewer and utility projects.
We’re planning on meeting a Council goal of a citywide pavement condition of 73 in fall of 2019!
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MANAGING OUR CITY FLEET
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The City hired a fleet manager to help the City save money and reduce energy use.
The City is committed to improving City fleet fuel efficiency and conversion to cleaner fuels, as described in both a 2007 Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement and a 2016 Council’s Climate Action Resolution.
In 2017, the City hired a fleet manager to more effectively evaluate the fleet and take strategic actions. Now, with centralized fleet management and data-driven decision making, we can identify ways to increase efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint.
We have used data to analyze, based on industry standards, how many mechanics, technicians, and administrators are required to manage a vehicle fleet. This work has resulted in 520 hours of labor saved per year!
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COUNCIL UPDATES
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As we approach the end of our fiscal year, it’s a good time to reflect on progress made on the City Council Goals. Here are a series of videos that highlight accomplishments or update progress made on the following five goals.
Goal 1 – Implement a Growth Plan that’s consistent with community goals for the economy, environment and affordability.
Goal 2 – Move people around efficiently, safely and reliably.
Goal 2 – Move people around efficiently, safely and reliably.
Goal 3 – Increase affordable housing options.
Goal 4 – Keep residents safe with innovative and cost-effective public safety services.
Goal 5 – Modernize and professionalize how City government operates.
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Do you have questions about how property tax revenues and city fees are spent? Watch the budget video that explains how the 2017-2019 biennial budget was developed and what your dollars support.
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The Climate Action Steering Committee is underway! Its role is to help establish a public engagement process for the adoption of the Community Climate Action Plan and recommend the plan to City Council.
"I am really pleased with how this committee process is working,” said Councilor Bruce Abernethy, a Council liaison to the committee. “There is great dialogue among committee members who recognize the need to work collaboratively and super staff support, providing background information and examples of what has and has not worked well in other communities. I’m optimistic about what will come out of the committee."
Visit the Community Climate Action Plan website for opportunities to participate, provide input and receive updates.
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We wanted to share Visit Bend's blog post helping people find and enjoy the businesses around the 14th Street reconstruction project. Check out the post!
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At an open house on July 12, City staff will provide an overview of the Map Alignment Project and be available to answer questions. The City is proposing to align the zoning map and the Comprehensive Plan map. Aligning the zoning map with the comprehensive plan map will:
- Provide clarity and transparency to the community about what can be developed and where;
- Make housing and development permitting more streamlined for affected properties; and
- Remove development barriers to reduce risk, costs and timelines.
Please join us at the open house on Thursday, July 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bend Park & Recreation District Community Room, 799 SW Columbia St., Bend.
A project website, including an interactive map and frequently asked questions, is available on the City’s website at bendoregon.gov/mapalignmentproject.
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The City of Bend Utility Department treats and delivers clean drinking water, conveys and treats wastewater, and manages stormwater services that help protect your quality of life.
The Utility Department is operated like a business and these programs are fully funded by the fees and charges billed to customers receiving service, as well as system development charges from new users who connect to the City’s infrastructure.
To operate and maintain these systems, meet regulatory requirements, and improve and expand the system when needed, fees typically increase as costs of doing business increase. These rate increases will support increasing costs to operate, maintain and expand existing infrastructure required to serve the City of Bend.
In June, the City Council approved increasing water and sewer revenues generated by customers by 2 percent for water, 6 percent for sewer, and 3 percent for stormwater. Increases are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2018. The City Council also approved an increase to the water and sewer Franchise Fee, included on the utility bill, from 3 percent to 4 percent. This increase in Franchise Fee will be directed at transportation project construction, including the Empire Avenue and Murphy Road extensions.
Actual increases and bill impacts may vary depending on the size of your meter and your water use.
Total bill increases will vary per household, but an average four-person house’s total utility bill will go up approximately 3 percent, according to estimates.
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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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