"Oregonians hate two things," Councilor Victor Chudowsky said, referencing a quote from former Metro Executive Officer Mike Burton that appeared in National Geographic magazine. "They hate sprawl. And they hate density."
It was a fitting summation of a lengthy debate over a proposal to reinstitute the prohibition on height variances on the west side of Brooks Street between Franklin Avenue and Newport Avenue.
The intersection at Northwest Riverside Boulevard, Galveston Avenue, and Northwest Tumalo Avenue is only two days into a two month construction closure, but area residents and business owners are already over it.
At the Sept. 4 Bend City Council meeting, the visitor's section was filled with concerns about the project's impact. Among the chief concerns: Increased traffic on State Street, pedestrian safety, limited access to Galveston Avenue businesses, and a lack of advance notice for those in the effected neighborhoods.
Sharply dressed, members of the Bend City Council could have conducted business set to Justin Timberlake’s “Suit & Tie” Wednesday night. (Listen while you read, really, it might spice it up)
However, discussions weren’t quite as sharp, as the topics went from moderately interesting to humdrum.
Trees were a point of discussion during the work session in regards to the city’s tree removal process. A panel composed of city staff explained to councilors just how it breaks down, such as when complaints are made, or when trees pose a threat.
Bend’s Public Works Director Paul Rheault said everyone enjoys trees, but that they become a problem with sewer lines.
“Trees are always seeking water,” he pointed out. “They wedge their way into pipes and ultimately cause destruction.”
An issue with a tree at Franklin Avenue and Ninth Street recently sparked talks on whether the city should form a tree board.
Mayor Jim Clinton voiced his support, but some on council felt if a board hasn’t been necessary in the past, why is it now.
From there, basic housekeeping items were discussed, and residents spoke during public comment, one of whom suggested Councilor Doug Knight is placed on the Mirror Pond Committee.
Things got a little heated when councilors Mark Capell and Victor Chudowsky, who both already sit on the pond committee, defended themselves about continuing to serve in the roles.
“We made a certain commitment to bring this thing to fruition,” Chudowsky said.
Councilor Scott Ramsay joked he couldn’t believe four councilors wanted to serve on a committee involving a topic that’s divided the community.
The Bend City Council put months of discussion to rest Wednesday night by passing the Transient Room Tax Resolution, 5-2. Voters will decide in November if the tax-rate on rooms should jump from 9 to 10.4 percent.
The decision didn’t come easily, though. After hearing support from several business figures in the community, council members expressed their own concerns with the tax.
Councilor Mark Capell, although in support of the measure, brought up the notion of an advisory committee being formed to again thoroughly discuss the tax and receive feedback from those the tax would affect directly. Council members agreed a committee to open up dialogue would be in the best interest of a number of entities.
“Ultimately, we want to be as sharp and as effective as we can with those dollars — that’s the bottom line,” Councilor Sally Russell said.
Funding, as discussed in previous meetings, would mostly flow into tourism, the arts and emergency services.
Mayor Jim Clinton also voiced support of the resolution and listed its upsides.
“If voters pass this, it makes a strong statement about our commitment in Bend to moving our arts and culture to another level,” he said.
Council Members Jodie Barram, Doug Knight, Mark Capell and Sally Russell, as well as Mayor Clinton voted ‘yes’ for the resolution, while Council Members Victor Chudowsky and Scott Ramsay voted ‘no.’
NOTE: This blog looks long. Read it anyway—or skip to bullet points for the hair raising information.
Finances at the city of Bend are getting tight and, to be real frank, the sh*t is starting to hit the fan, particularly for the Bend Police Department.
Police Chief Jeff Sale gave a super bleak presentation to the Bend City Council last night about what will happen if the department does not get more cash.
Basically, the department will have to gut programs, lay off staff and pull back services A LOT, said the chief.
Here’s the plan he laid out last night. Keep in mind it’s just a proposal. The city could allocate more resources to the department and make this plan go away, he said. But if city councilors do that, they probably have to take cash from something else. In other words, see the first paragraph of this little blog.
2012 Proposed Service Reductions
2013 Proposed Service Reductions
2014 Proposed Service Reductions
2015 Proposed Service Reductions
2016 Proposed Service Reductions
The result of all this is layoffs every single year, said the chief.
The effect of the presentation was generally to scare the hell out of the city councilors. One council said it’s like a public service announcement for criminals. Come to Bend, criminals, we don’t have the resources to catch you...
Sale said to the department needs two or three new full-time staff positions a year, which translates to about $200,000-$300,000 per year.
You can weigh in by contacting city councilors. Find their info by going to this webpage and clicking on the "City Council Roster" link. Next council meeting will be held May 16 at City Hall, 710 NW Wall St.
The council meeting tonight is so packed with stuff that people care about, you might actually want to make an appearance. If not, at least check the Source’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
We’re going to live tweet the meeting!
The most interesting things they’ll talk about tonight:
I know it all sounds wonky, but really it’s a good time. Work session starts at 5 p.m., meeting is at 7 p.m. Both are downtown at City Hall, 710 NW Wall St.