Bend City Council Meeting, September 17, 2025: Proclamations, TSSA Status, Automated Traffic Enforcement, and HREC Workplan

The Bend City Council met on September 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public testimony, an informational update on the Temporary Safe Stay Area (TSSA) at Juniper Ridge, approval of a contract for automated traffic enforcement, first reading of a stormwater ordinance, and approval of the Human Rights and Equity Commission (HREC) workplan. Council also recognized outgoing Equity and Inclusion Director Andres Portella.

Proclamations and Statements

• Week Without Driving Proclamation (Councilor Méndez): Recognized September 29 – October 5, 2025 as the week without driving. Councilor Platt read the proclamation, noting that roughly 30% of Oregonians cannot or do not drive. Michelle Rhodes (Bend-La Pine Schools active transportation coordinator) said about 4,000 of 17,000 students are in non-transportation zones, with two-thirds driven to school. Hal DeShaw (COCC) expressed support and called for more frequent bus service. Jim Elliott (Bend Bikes) cited his experience as a crossing guard, noting that safe routes to school increased walking/biking from 16 to 75 students at Bear Creek Elementary since 2020. Council accepted the proclamation.
• Public Lands Day Proclamation (Mayor Kebler): Proclaimed September 27, 2025 as Public Lands Day in Bend. The mayor read a statement acknowledging threats to public lands. Speakers: Xavi Borja (Vamos Outside), Lace Thornburg (Central Oregon LandWatch), and Sammy Godlove (Oregon Wild) accepted the proclamation and highlighted the importance of stewardship.
• Hispanic Heritage Month Statement: Mayor Kebler read a statement recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) and highlighted the history of the Bracero program in Central Oregon. She noted that about 4,200 H-2A visas were obtained for farm workers in Oregon last year.

Council Reports

• Committee updates: Stewardship and Community Building subcommittees are phasing out; public contracts subcommittee will meet September 30. Letters were sent regarding transportation funding and an EPA endangerment finding.
• Individual councilors reported on various meetings and events, including: a tour of the Newberry Geothermal project, discussions on homelessness with the National Vehicle Residency Collective, attendance at Welcoming Week events, and concerns about the loss of federal funding for the Central Oregon Disability Support Network.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Juniper Ridge/TSSA: Mandy Bryant, a former camper displaced from China Hat, opposed closing the TSSA, stating that forced displacement does not lead to housing and that a managed camp or tiny home village is needed. Eric Gardy (Primville, service provider) urged caution and noted the TSSA’s success in providing stability; he asked for collaboration with the National Vehicle Residency Collective. Chuck Hemingway (homeless advocate) opposed the proposed phased eviction of 231 people, calling it a violation of the city's homelessness response policy; he proposed establishing a long-term visitor area (LTVA) as an alternative.
• Short-Term Rentals: Peter Geyser and Michael Landris, representing 118 neighbors, petitioned for amendment of BDC 3.6.500 to remove a special exemption for short-term rentals in commercial neighborhood (CN) zoning, citing saturation (140 STRs in Old Bend) and conflict with housing goals.
• ADU Design Library: Sarah Odendahl (Chamber of Commerce) announced the launch of a pre-approved ADU design library, supported by the city and Simplicity by Hayden Homes, to streamline permitting and encourage accessory dwelling units.

Consent Agenda

Council approved the consent agenda unanimously (motion by Councilor Perkins, second by Councilor Riley). Items included:

• Approval of meeting minutes from May 21 and August 20, 2025.
• Monthly Financial Report for July 2025.
• Authorization of a sole-source agreement with Agri-Cycle, Inc. for septage oversight and hauling services at the Septic Receiving Station, not to exceed $667,080.

Discussion: Post-Construction Stormwater Ordinance (First Reading)

Lori Feya (Environmental Resources Manager) and Elizabeth O’Keefe (Stormwater Program Manager) presented amendments to Title 16 to comply with the city’s MS4 permits. Key changes: remove exemptions for residential and remodeling, apply a 5,000-square-foot impervious surface trigger (new and replaced), and provide simplified drainage templates. Councilor Norris declared a potential conflict due to her employment with Hayden Homes but was allowed to participate. Council approved the first reading (motion by Councilor Franzosa, second by Councilor Platt). No public opposition was noted.

Discussion: Temporary Safe Stay Area (TSSA) Update

Matt Stewart (Real Estate Facilities Director), Amy Freely, and Stacey Whitty (REACH) provided an update. The TSSA houses approximately 231 people; 194 unique individuals have accessed case management. Since March 2025, 26 exits into housing or shelter were recorded. About 800,000 pounds of trash have been removed. Enforcement has included 10 notices to remedy and three removals. Staff proposed a phased closure from March to October 2026, prioritizing areas near the COID canal due to safety concerns, and requested two additional LTE staff (cost ~$500,000). Council discussion reflected broad support for extending the TSSA beyond 2026 to allow more time for housing transitions and to avoid displacement without alternatives. Consensus emerged to: (1) prioritize closure of the area east of the canal, (2) discuss with Deschutes County the possibility of keeping the remaining area open past 2026, and (3) request more demographic and housing-need data for the joint meeting on September 29. No vote was taken.

Discussion: Automated Traffic Enforcement System

Police Chief Mike Grant presented a three-year contract with American Traffic Solutions dba Verra Mobility for up to 10 camera systems, with a not-to-exceed amount of $2,340,000 and potential renewal of $780,000 per year. The first four locations (city-owned) are: Reed Market at 3rd (westbound), 27th & NEFF (south and west), and Powers & Highway 97 (northbound). A 30-day warning period will precede citations. The program aims to be self-funded through citation revenue. Council approved the motion unanimously (motion by Councilor Perkins, second by Councilor Riley).

Discussion: Human Rights and Equity Commission (HREC) Workplan

Andres Portella (Equity and Inclusion Director) presented the refined workplan, now focused on two areas: policy and community. The plan incorporates the AIM equity tool and aligns with council goals. Council approved the workplan unanimously (motion by Councilor Perkins, second by Councilor Platt).

City Manager's Report

City Manager Eric King provided updates: re-establishing relationship with tribal leadership after May elections; a water summit planned for October; Butler Market road detour starting September 22; and encouragement to attend remaining Welcoming Week events.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved (unanimous).
• First reading of stormwater ordinance approved (unanimous).
• Automated traffic enforcement contract authorized (unanimous).
• HREC workplan approved (unanimous).
• TSSA: Council consensus to discuss phased closure with the county, prioritizing area east of the canal, and consider extending the remaining area past 2026. Staff to provide additional demographic data for the September 29 joint meeting.
• No action taken on public comments regarding Juniper Ridge or short-term rental code changes; items noted for future discussion.
• Council expressed gratitude to Andres Portella for his leadership and contributions to equity work.