Bend City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting – November 6, 2024
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Bend City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting – November 6, 2024
The Bend City Council held a work session beginning at 5:00 p.m. followed by a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. on November 6, 2024. The work session covered formation of a Youth Advisory Committee, a housing strategy update focusing on infill development, and a transportation fee update for Phase 2 implementation. The regular meeting included proclamations, public comments on traffic safety and land use code changes, adoption of a consent agenda, public hearings and first readings of ordinances, adoption of a houseless services grant program, second readings of four ordinances, and council reports. Councilor Barb Campbell was excused.
Work Session – Council Schedule Requests
- Youth Advisory Committee: Councilor Riley introduced a proposal from Camp Fire Central Oregon to form a youth advisory committee. The committee would not be formed for another year to year and a half, with initial relationship-building. Council directed the Stewardship Subcommittee to discuss it further at its November 15 meeting. There was interest in framing this within the city's goal of engaging new audiences.
Work Session – Housing Strategy Update: Unlocking Infill Development
- Housing Director Lynn (in her final meeting) and staff presented updates on middle-income housing pilot projects (down payment assistance, Habitat for Humanity Universal Design Home, ADU pilot), potential code changes (junior ADUs, accessory amenities, zero-setback construction), and a $4 million DEQ grant for small-unit housing (micro-units, ADUs). Council discussed pursuing a funding work group to develop a comprehensive housing funding plan, analyzing non-fiscal measures such as minimum lot size and unlocking small-lot infill. Council expressed support for the funding work group and exploring transitional housing and shelter-related services.
Work Session – Transportation Fee Update
- Staff (Russ Grayson, Sarah Hudson) reported on Phase 1 implementation: approximately 70 customer contacts, 3 escalations, 9 appeal forms, and $1.3 million billed toward the $5 million annual target. Phase 2 expands to a $10 million annual target by July 1, 2025, adding a business intensity/use factor to non-residential fees. Council confirmed moving forward with Phase 2 and discussed engagement: a heavier focus on business outreach via the Bend Economic Development Advisory Board (BDAB) and standard communication for residential customers. Council also raised questions about residential intensity factors and exemptions/discounts for further study.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Several speakers commented on traffic safety, urging adoption of a Vision Zero policy and improvements to bike infrastructure. Dan Pilver shared a personal story and called for safe street design. Doug Dryden described a near-miss on Bond Street. Whitney Bennett promoted driver education through the Oregon Friendly Driver program. Samuel Thesey expressed concerns about bike lane visibility. - Multiple speakers (Lauren Davy, Bradley Garrick, Violet Davy, Andrew Crosby, Tom Scott, Susie Newcomb, Diana Brown, Amber S., Nancy Gold) opposed proposed land use code changes that would allow income-qualified housing outright in public facility zones, arguing they go beyond state mandates and threaten parks, cemeteries, and open spaces. They urged Council to reject the planning commission's recommendations at the upcoming public hearing. - Gavin Leslie (Windermere Association) supported the burning ordinance amendment to allow burning with Fire Marshal approval for fuel reduction in the Deschutes River Canyon.
Good of the Order – Proclamations
- World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims: Council proclaimed November 17, 2024, as the day to remember victims, with a community event at noon at the Peace Corner. - National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month: November 2024 was proclaimed to raise awareness and support for homeless youth. - Honoring Former Mayor Ruth Burleigh: Council noted her passing at age 98, highlighted her role in creating the Deschutes Public Library District, public sewer system, and current City Hall.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously: Approval of minutes (October 16, October 29 special, and October 29 joint meeting), Monthly Financial Report for September, Quarterly Investment Report, contract with AKS Engineering for 2026 Neighborhood Street Safety Program design, agreement with Owen Equipment for a Vactor truck (not to exceed $608,368.22), and contract with Patrick Marold Studios Inc. for sculptural screen wall "Woven Passage" (not to exceed $300,000).
Public Hearing and First Reading – Sign District 6 Boundary Update
- Ordinance amending BMC Chapter 9.50 (Signs) to update Sign District 6 boundary to reflect new Bend Parkway alignment. Planning commission recommended adoption. No public comment. Council moved and approved first reading unanimously (councilor Norris moved, Councilor Méndez seconded; vote 6-0).
First Reading – Tree Preservation and Removal Exemptions
- Ordinance amending BMC Chapter 16.40 to add a missing exemption for tree removal on sites one acre or smaller that have a development approval for land division or site plan review without housing units. Councilor Norris recused (potential conflict). Motion to approve first reading (Councilor Broadman moved, Councilor Méndez seconded; vote 5-0).
Adoption of Resolution – Houseless Services Grant Program
- Resolution establishing a Houseless Services Grant Program using remaining ARPA funds ($3 million total): $750,000 from prior county agreement for shelter; $400,000 city ARPA and $400,000 county ARPA for Temporary Safe Stay Area (TSSA) case management; $1.5 million de-scoped from existing contracts. Funds to be distributed via rolling applications, fully obligated by December 31, 2024, and spent by 2026. Council adopted resolution (Councilor Broadman moved, Councilor Riley seconded; vote 6-0).
Second Readings and Adoption of Ordinances
- Country Club Drive Right-of-Way Vacation: Ordinance vacating excess right-of-way and Woodside Court cul-de-sac bulb. Councilor Norris recused. Adopted by roll call vote (6-0 with Norris absent). - Flood Hazard Management Ordinance: Adopted by roll call vote (6-0). - Juniper Ridge Overlay Zone and Sign District Map: Adopted by roll call vote (6-0). - Burning within City Limits: Ordinance allowing burning with Fire Marshal approval. Adopted by roll call vote (6-0).
Council Action and Reports
- Community Building Subcommittee: Councilor Méndez reported on septic-to-sewer program (awarding additional projects), and discussion on signalization of the Reed and Bond roundabout (staff to revisit automated metering system as a lower-cost alternative, pending budget prioritization). - Stewardship Subcommittee: Meeting scheduled November 15 to discuss Youth Advisory Council, climate action plan amendments, and Temporary Safe Stay Area updates. - Letters: Councilor Norris sent a letter to the school board regarding safe firearm storage after an incident at Pilot Butte Middle School. Mayor Kebler signed a letter reaffirming commitment to climate action. - Councilor Reports: Several councilors reflected on the national election results, reaffirming commitment to inclusive, local governance and continued work on housing, transportation safety, and community support.
City Manager’s Report
- Parking code update released, first reading scheduled December 4. - Received fire mitigation grant for Juniper Ridge fuel reduction. - Held meeting with Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs on water rights and cooperation. - Portland Avenue water line project to cause rolling closures starting November 12.
Key Outcomes
- Approved formation of Youth Advisory Committee discussion at November 15 Stewardship subcommittee. - Directed staff to proceed with Phase 2 transportation fee, engaging BDAB for business input and standard communications for residents. - Approved first reading of Sign District 6 ordinance (unanimous). - Approved first reading of Tree Preservation exemption (5-0, Norris recused). - Adopted resolution for Houseless Services Grant Program using ARPA funds (unanimous). - Adopted second readings of four ordinances (all unanimous roll call votes; Norris recused on Country Club Drive vacation).
Meeting Transcript
Alright, so we will begin our Benn City Council work session here this morning. We're all here, Council Campbell is excuse, and we are starting with Council Riley has a schedule request. Yeah, um wanted to talk about the youth advisory council that we've been talking about, and um I think it's just making sure that we're gonna talk about it some more at the next stewardship subcommittee meeting. I know there's been some additional discussion with a potential partner campfire, Central Oregon. Um they've come back with a proposal, and so it's really just sort of reviewing the proposal and looking at a time frame whether it's something we want to start in the beginning of 2025 or not, or start later in the year. Um if there might need to be a discussion about some kind of a budget adjustment to or whatever we need to do in terms of starting some of the funding because we would be potentially helping to fund some of the startup costs to get going. Okay, and Eric, did you have any other information about it? Um I think we this is uh an item that I think is being picked up. So we we talked with Kempler like six months ago with this idea. I think they've since kind of refined their approach. So I would appreciate knowing if there's interest in moving forward. We have uh tentatively booked the November 15th stewardship subcommittee, uh as Councillor Riley said to kind of hear more. We've I've seen a draft of that proposal. I think it's um there's a couple of different options about how to approach it that we can talk about. Um I think they their sensitivity to timing with kids in summer. They don't really want to start something in the summertime, so we either probably be this next fall or there's some relationship building. I think what we've heard from them is to take a slow approach and do um build those relationships and build some infrastructure and have the youth involved in shaping it before we just form a committee. So not forming a committee for another year, year and a half or so based on their timeline. But I think we can get into those details if council is interested in talking about it at stewardship. Is there an interest from from council in having stewardship discuss this item? Absolutely. Yes, I think that's great. My only hesitation is just this this sounds like something that could be part of our goal setting process. Um, so we're kind of kicking it off now, but I would appreciate the subcommittee just thinking about how do we pull this in so that we're um continuing that work into the next by annium for sure. Yeah, and I think it fits into the goal about um you know, around looking at new ways to engage in the community, that's how I see this fitting into the current goal framework. Right. This is part of that, engaging new audiences as well. Okay, sounds like there's support for that. Great, and then next we have our housing strategy update unlocking infill development. All right, I'm gonna just um embarrass Lynn for a moment. So the housing director is going to kick this off, and I just want to recognize Lynn's over seven years with the city of Ben. You might have heard it was in the news that she is taking a role as the executive director for housing works, our uh Central Oregon Housing Authority. Um really um proud of the work that she has done and proud of the work that she will be doing and continuing to be a strong voice uh in Central Oregon. So we know we're comforted that she's gonna not go too far and we'll I think all will all benefit from uh Lynn's uh experience and as she stepped into into this new role and to continue to amplify um our need for uh affordable housing. So I'll let Lynn um take the floor, but just wanted to personally thank her for her service at the city of Benz and her leadership. Thank you, Lynn. Thank you. Thank you, thank you. Um so yeah, this is my final meeting with you all as housing director. I'm definitely a little emotional already, and um Eric or Russ, one of you too made the mistake of suggesting that I get in front of the mic and now they can't take it away. Um so lots of bitter sweet here. Um I'm really proud of what we've accomplished together. That parks meeting that happened a week or so ago where all of you were so unanimous in coming together to work with the districts in a different way. Like we we went away after that saying they really get it. This is the council that everybody in Oregon wants. Um, and so just wanted to recognize you. I think um what makes Ben successful as our community and the folks that live here, and we have such an invested and active community that's so important and that makes us uh really thrive. And you know, in the events that have taken place in the last 24 hours, made me think about what do we do here as one city amidst this gigantic universe that we're in, and how do we move the needle really? And I think from my perspective, we have what it takes here to do so much work. And the future council, the current council, so many great things in play.
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