HOLIDAY FIRE PREVENTION

We wish everyone safe and happy holidays!

Christmas trees can pose a fire risk when they dry out and become brittle. Bend Fire & Rescue has some tips on how to select, maintain and safely dispose of your Christmas tree. Safety tips include:

• Select a firm, fresh tree and place it in a cool place at least three feet away from a heat source.
• Keep candles away from evergreen decorations.
• Check electric lights for worn insulation, broken plugs, loose bulb sockets, and use only lights that carry the label of the leading national testing laboratories.
• Unplug lights when leaving the house or going to bed.

Tips also cover how to choose safe decorations and artificial trees, when it’s time to dispose of a tree and how you can recycle it.

Read more about seasonal safety tips.

BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT INCREASES DUII PATROLS

Speaking of safety, community members consistently rank traffic safety and enforcement as a high priority in Bend Police Department surveys. In a 2021 survey, more than 60 percent of survey respondents supported additional enforcement efforts and officers to enforce DUII crimes. 

In 2021, Bend Police redirected two traffic officer positions to the DUII / Aggressive Driving Enforcement Team. In recent months, Bend Police have focused on increasing DUII enforcement using this dedicated team, as well as officers on the traffic team and from the patrol division.

The Bend Police Department  made 2,243 DUII arrests over the previous five years. Arrests declined from 2019 to 2020 which can likely be associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bend Police Department encourages those who drink alcohol or use other intoxicants to use ride share opportunities or designate a sober driver. Bend Police also remind community members to report a suspected DUII driver by calling the non-emergency line at 541-693-6911 or 911 for an emergency.

CLEARING YOUR SIDEWALK

Did you know it is a property owners’ responsibility to shovel sidewalks that border the property? Many of our neighbors rely on a clear sidewalk to get to and from work, school or bus stops. To help keep sidewalks safe and passable for your neighbors during winter snow storms, read these guidelines about snow removal from sidewalks.

WILSON AVENUE CORRIDOR PROJECT OPEN HOUSE

Did you miss the in-person open house? You can still learn more at our online open house which has an overview of the project, design concepts and timelines.

The Wilson Avenue Corridor Project is a 2020 Transportation GO Bond project. It includes improvements along the existing corridor from 2nd Street to 15th Street, and improves east-west connectivity and enhances facilities for biking and walking.

Visit the online open house at bendoregon.gov/wilson until December 23.

 COUNCIL UPDATE

 Bend Fire & Rescue Operating Levy

Councilors received a presentation about Bend Fire & Rescue’s operating levy, which is related to how Bend Fire & Rescue improved its response times, saved lives and helped make Bend a leader in cardiac survivability rates.

Watch the Fire levy informational video!

Transportation Bond

City Council approved the recommended 5-year Capital Improvement Plan from the Transportation Bond Oversight Committee. The oversight committee advises Council on the implementation and progress of the $190 million transportation general obligation bond approved by voters in November 2020.

Read the news story.

Read the issue summary.

Parking District

Council approved continuing the Old Bend Parking Benefit District where residents and businesses can purchase annual parking permits. On-street parking in the district will be regulated by creating time-limited and paid parking spaces. Staff will consider income-based discounts on annual parking permits as well as adjusting locations for time-limited and permit-only parking.

Read more in this issue summary.

Houselessness Solutions

Councilors discussed and suggested some minor modifications to a City policy that explains how and when camps can be moved from the public rights-of-way. Here is the current policy prior to incorporating revisions. It covers how unsafe camps may be defined and removed, how social service providers are notified and involved, how debris removal can occur and more. Councilors agreed to allow staff to implement the policy without Council approval, but Council requested advance notice of camp removals.

Read more about how lands are managed where people are camping.

To learn more about how the City is addressing houselessness, see the recently-updated webpage: bendoregon.gov/houselessness. Councilors also provide regular updates on temporary housing strategies related to houselessness at their twice-monthly meetings, which are livestreamed and recorded for viewing later too.

Meeting agendas and livestreaming links can be found at bendoregon.gov/councilagenda.

SAVE WATER AND MONEY

Did you know that by saving water in the winter you can also save money on your utility bill?

Your water use during December, January and February will determine your sewer rate for the next year, so keep an eye out for leaks and watch indoor use this winter. As much as 60% of indoor water use comes from bathroom showers, faucets and toilets.

On this month’s episode of the Inside Bend podcast we’re talking water conservation! Utility Program Manager for Water Conservation Dan Denning explains just what you can do to help save water and save money! You can listen to Inside Bend at bendoregon.gov/inside-bend or on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify.

Request a free indoor water conservation kit from the City of Bend at WaterwiseTips.org.

Get notified of leaks and watch your water use change through your water use portal. Sign in at bendoregon.gov/watersmartinfo.

ZONING BASICS MAP

Do you wonder what type of development could be coming to your neighborhood?

The City of Bend's Zoning Basics Interactive Learning Tool is a web-based interactive StoryMap that is intended to help community members better understand zoning in Bend, and how it impacts how Bend grows and develops over time. 

It's now available in the City of Bend Map Gallery and on the Land Use Education webpage.

NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNICATIONS SURVEY

If you live in the City of Bend, you are a part of one of the 13 Bend Neighborhood Associations! 

The City, in partnership with the Neighborhood Leadership Alliance, developed a Neighborhood Communications Survey to better understand trust and communications needs between the City, Neighborhood Associations and community members.  

This survey was first completed in fall 2019, providing baseline metrics to gauge future progress in meeting the needs identified. Since it has been two years since our initial survey, it's time for a check-in on these important trust and communications needs.  

Take the survey here!