|
In this Bend Current enewsletter you will learn about the City’s ongoing work to address transportation in Bend, including construction on the Murphy and Empire corridors, the City’s Capital Improvement Program and the Neighborhood Street Safety Program. Also read about City Quest at Fall Fest and the Bend Police participation at UNIDOS. You will also find City Council updates on the new Council subcommittee structure, a special meeting on transportation, childcare shortage and more.
|
|
SEPTEMBER 2019
|
|
|
THE MURPHY ROAD & 15TH STREET ROUNDABOUT IS TAKING SHAPE!
|
|
Improvements Projects will include three roundabouts and other roadway improvements between 15th Street and Parrell Road. Construction will continue west and should be complete by July 2021.
Visit bendoregon.gov/murphyproject to find out more.
|
|
|
EMPIRE EXTENSION
|
|
The City is in the final phase of Empire Corridor Improvements Project that connects Empire east to Butler Market Road and 27th Street. Learn what's next in this video.
|
|
Improving Traffic Flow and Safety
The Bend community is asking for better traffic flow and more safe, reliable transportation options. The City’s Capital Improvement Program in the 2019-21 budget includes roughly $74 million in projects and programs to address transportation needs citywide. These projects range from major intersections to sidewalk improvements. Some projects will be funded through recently-increased Transportation System Development Charges, (fees on development), and Franchise Fees, (what some utilities pay to use the City’s right-of-way). We also dedicated funds for a Neighborhood Street Safety Program.
While we are addressing some current, critical transportation needs, we are also planning for Bend’s future by updating our current Transportation System Plan. This project began in February 2018 and still continues, with considerable community input. The Citywide Transportation Advisory Committee recently sorted a long list of transportation infrastructure projects and programs that comprise the bulk of Bend’s Transportation System Plan into near-term (1-10 years), mid-term (11-15 years), and long-term (16-20 years) categories.
Identified Projects Will:
- Improve traffic flow: Interchange improvements at U.S. 97 and Powers, Murphy Road, Colorado Avenue, and Butler Market Road; corridor improvements on Portland Avenue, Colorado Avenue, Olney Avenue, Bear Creek Road, and Reed Market Road; and key roundabout intersection improvements;
- Improve neighborhood safety: New connections and roundabouts to connect Third Street to the Old Mill area, Chase Road roundabouts and improvements, key bike and pedestrian routes, and a citywide sidewalk infill program;
- Promote school access and safety including: Improvements along Franklin Avenue and Bear Creek Road, improved bike lanes along Olney Avenue, safety improvements for Juniper Elementary and Pilot Butte Middle School, and a citywide school access and safety program.
|
|
|
All These Projects Can Be Completed with Additional Funding.
The City is working with citizens on funding recommendations. Some of the options discussed include:
- General Obligation Bond: Revenue generated by increasing property taxes over the life of the Bond for capital projects. Requires voter approval.
- Transportation Utility Fee: A fee assessed on all businesses and households to pay for infrastructure maintenance or programs.
- Urban Renewal funding: Property tax revenues from growth in assessed value in the designated urban renewal area, for capital investment inside the urban renewal area.
- Transportation System Development Charges: Increased charges on development to fund growth-related capital improvements.
- County Vehicle Registration Fee: A recurring charge on individuals that own cars, trucks, and other vehicles. The Deschutes County Commission would need to approve the fee and implement it County-wide.
- Targeted sales tax: Typically added to the price at the point of sale.
- Local Option Levy: Temporary property tax increase. Requires voter approval.
- Local Seasonal Fuel Tax: Tax on the sale of gasoline and other fuels. Requires voter approval.
Next Steps:
Recommendations will go to the City Council in January 2020 and will set a roadmap of funding tools that will pay for the transportation system Bend residents want to see in the future.
Learn More:
Mayor Sally Russell and City Manager Eric King will speak on the state of transportation, the City’s accomplishments and upcoming transportation initiatives at the Bend Chamber’s State of the City on October 8.
Some neighborhood associations are hosting presentations about transportation at their fall general membership meetings. Connect with your neighborhood association to see if transportation is on its meeting agenda.
|
|
|
|
BEND POLICE LATINO ENGAGEMENT
|
|
To progress on a goal to connect with the Latino community in Bend, a group from the Police Department recently participated in the UNIDOS Program and the North Texas Law Enforcement Community Engagement Summit. Topics included mental health and wellness training, planning and promotion of community events, diverse outreach and LGBTQ+ outreach.
UNIDOS is a Latino community outreach program that initiated in Dallas in 2006. Its main goal is to work closely with the Latino community, increase their participation with law enforcement, and promote safer communities.
Bend Police’s ultimate goal is to connect with the Latino population here in Central Oregon and build opportunities to learn the specific challenges that this part of our community is facing.
|
|
|
NEIGHBORHOOD STREET SAFETY PROGRAM UPDATE
|
|
The Neighborhood Street Safety Program has received over 180 project applications since Aug. 5!
This new program is for small-scale, residential street projects to address pedestrian and bicycle safety, safe routes to school, speeding, intersection control and crossings, and other residential street traffic safety issues. City Council approved $800,000 for the program in the City’s 2019-2021 budget.
Have a project idea? There’s still time to submit a project application! Applications are due Sept. 20. After applications close, each of Bend’s 13 Neighborhood Associations will prioritize the projects in their neighborhoods for the Neighborhood Leadership Alliance, and ultimately the City, to consider for funding and construction.
Visit bendoregon.gov/streetsafety to find out more.
|
COUNCIL UPDATES
Stay Informed!
Did you know that regular City Council meetings are livestreamed and viewable after the meetings, which take place on the first and third Wednesdays of the month? Videos are archived at bendoregon.gov/councilagenda.
|
|
|
COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES
|
|
Councilors have begun meeting in a new subcommittee structure in addition to their regular meetings. The Community Building Subcommittee met Aug. 26 and discussed several issues related to development, traffic impacts, short-term rentals and multiplexes. The Stewardship Subcommittee meets at 3:30 p.m. on September 24 at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 710 NW Wall Street. You can get information about the subcommittees, find meeting dates and times and agendas here. All meetings are open to the public.
|
|
SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION MEETING
|
|
A special Council meeting on Transportation Funding Options has been scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30 in Council Chambers at City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street. This meeting is open to the public and will not be livestreamed.
|
|
|
|
DOWNTOWN SPECIAL EVENTS
|
|
On Sept. 4, Councilors discussed special events downtown, in particular how many events should be held downtown, the need for pre- and post-event meetings, administrative review processes and parking. This issue will be discussed at the November Council Subcommittee.
|
CHILDCARE SHORTAGE
|
|
On Sept. 18, Councilors learned more about childcare provider issues facing our community. Providers find it difficult and expensive to develop childcare businesses. The City is exploring solutions that might help, such as possible incentives to encourage further childcare business developments. Here is the Council presentation.
|
LAND USE FOR LES SCHWAB
|
|
Council did not make a final decision and will keep the written record open for seven days on a Les Schwab proposal to relocate its tire sales and service operations from Franklin Avenue to a lot bound by Third Street, Clay Street, Fourth Street and Burnside Avenue, in the Bend Central District. The Bend Central District regulations do not allow ‘automobile-dependent’ uses (where automobiles are served by the use and the use would not exist without them). Les Schwab is asking the City to amend the Development Code and Zoning Map to remove the subject property from the Bend Central District in order to allow an automotive-dependent use on the subject property. The file is accessible in the public viewer of ePlans by searching for file PZ-19-0177.
Input: kswenson@bendoregon.gov
Here is the issue summary. The Council will discuss the issue next at its October 16 meeting.
|
|
|
CITY QUEST AT FALL FEST
|
|
Join the City of Bend for some family fun at City Quest during Bend Fall Festival, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. Talk to City employees and learn more about the services we provide.
For one day, Oregon Avenue will become City Quest, an interactive, hands-on family experience complete with a fire engine, police car, snow plows, fire and rescue demonstrations, interactive water models, games and more. Children can even pick up a City Quest Passport, get it stamped at each station, and earn a special prize.
See you at Fall Fest!
|
PREPARE FOR WINTER
|
|
We apologize for bringing this up now, but … winter is coming. It’s never too early to prepare.
Bend is a 3,623-foot-elevation town known for great downhill and Nordic skiing. That means we get snow! Average snowfall is more than 20 inches of snow in a winter. Get the resources and supplies you need on hand before you’re snowed in.
One thing you can do now, to help plows get as close to the curb as possible when snow plowing operations are activated, is to cut back your trees along the right-of-way. Trees and shrubs may have grown since last year, so it’s a great time to get outside and check.
You might also look into protecting your pipes, or prepare for winter driving. Find your snow tires and buy snow shovels and roof rakes. Learn more tips for preparing at bendoregon.gov/winter.
|
|
|
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
|
|
Because we live in a community that values a healthy natural environment, the Bend City Council has emphasized the importance of taking natural resources into consideration as we grow as a community. After almost a year and a half of work, the Council-appointed Climate Action Steering Committee has finalized its recommendations to help the community reduce its fossil fuel emissions.
The proposed Community Climate Action Plan identifies ways that we can reduce our environmental impacts while boosting the economy and providing a social benefit. The plan describes new programs, policies, initiatives, and investments that the Community and City can do together to help reduce fossil fuel use.
Actions fit into four categories, based on where emissions come from: energy supply, energy in buildings, transportation, and waste and materials. More information about those four categories can be found here.
The City is taking the lead by pursuing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in our own facilities and operations. But to achieve the plan’s goals, the whole community must participate. This means other entities and organizations will need to lead some initiatives, and individual residents and businesses will need to participate in new programs, to reduce fossil fuel consumption by 49% by 2030.
This could involve making energy efficiency improvements on your home with the help of incentives, changing the way you manage household waste, taking advantage of alternative transportation as new transportation investments are made, or participating in a new voluntary natural gas offset program. If we do our part now, future generations can enjoy Bend like we do today!
The City Council is currently scheduled to discuss and consider the plan in November.
|
|
|
SEPTIC TO SEWER CONVERSION PROGRAM
|
|
The Citywide Septic to Sewer Conversion Program will assist in converting properties reliant on septic systems for wastewater disposal to public sewer. The program allows neighborhoods with an interest in connecting to nearby sewer to apply for funds to cover the public infrastructure costs of extending sewer lines to their properties. The program is funded by citywide sewer rate payers.
The next round of applications are now being accepted and are due Feb. 1, 2020. Heads up, folks, the application is a little time-intensive.
For more information about the sewer conversion program see the frequently asked questions on this webpage. You can also find the application form here.
|
EMERGENCY ALERT SERVICE
|
|
Are you signed up for crucial emergency alerts? We encourage you to sign up for this great service offered by Deschutes County Sherff's Office.
The Deschutes Alert System can call, text or email you with important information during an emergency. Emergency services in Deschutes County can relay critical information to you about natural disasters or other emergencies that require your immediate attention at the phone number of your choice.
“It’s quick and easy to sign up,” said Sgt. Nathan Garibay, Emergency Services Manager with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “Emergencies happen with little or no notice at any time of the day or night. Help us help you get the information you need to be safe, as quickly as possible.”
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|