OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bend City Council Business Meeting and BURA – October 1, 2025

City Council — Wednesday, October 1, 2025
BodyBend, Oregon
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, October 1, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:16:50

Transcript — Verbatim
0:06

It is six o'clock, so I'm gonna call to order the Bend City Council business meeting.

0:11

Uh the mayor is currently in Portland and is online.

0:14

There she is.

0:15

So I will be running the meeting.

0:17

Um we'll start with introductions, and Councillor Platt will start with you today.

0:20

Steve Platt, he's him.

0:21

Megan Norris, she her.

0:23

Megan Perkins, she her.

0:24

Mike Riley, Ian.

0:26

Aurel Mendes, he him.

0:27

Gina Francesa, she her.

0:33

First uh on the agenda today for good of the order is the Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation, which I have the honor of reading.

0:42

Whereas domestic violence affects every person in the city of Bend and within our communities, whereas whether as a victim or survivor, or as a family member, friend, partner, neighbor, educator, employee, employer, or co-worker, and whereas systemic oppression and inequity create a culture in which some communities are especially targeted for violence and experience greater barriers to access services.

1:06

And whereas intimate partner violence affects more than 12 million people in the United States every year, with nearly three in ten women and one in ten men in the U.S.

1:16

having experienced rape, physical violence and or stalking by an intimate partner.

1:22

Access to a gun makes it five times more likely that an abusive partner will kill his female victim, and every month in the United States, an average of 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner.

1:35

And whereas now, more than ever, we are being reminded that we are capable of change, and each person makes choices every day that either support or challenge a culture of violence.

1:45

And whereas every individual in our community and within our city has a role to play in moving change forward and promoting health and safety for all people by not tolerating violence, by promoting accountability, and by participating in the efforts to end violence.

2:00

And whereas new efforts build on foundations laid by dedicated advocates, preventionists, activists, and other partners who have been doing this work for decades.

2:11

And whereas by taking action where you work, play, learn, worship, or live, change is possible and domestic violence is preventable when we are all working together to end systemic oppression, the root cause of domestic violence.

2:24

Now, therefore, we, the Bend City Council, hereby proclaim October 2025 to be domestic violence awareness month in the city of Bend and encourage all residents to join in this observance.

2:36

Second.

2:37

I'm sorry, should I make a motion?

2:39

Please move.

2:39

I move to accept the proclamation.

2:42

Second.

2:43

All right, uh, Councilor Francosa and we'll say Counselor Norris for the for the second.

2:50

Um we have with us um uh Abby, oh sorry, all in favor of accepting this proclamation.

2:56

Sorry, I got ahead of myself.

3:00

All right, we have with us Abby Rowan from Saving Grace.

3:03

Do you want to come up here and say a few words?

3:08

Right.

3:10

Well, thank you, Mayor Keebler.

3:13

Um, she's been a lovely partner for us, and thank you, counselors, for recognizing domestic violence awareness month at Saving Grace.

3:21

Every day we walk alongside survivors and their children.

3:25

Um, and we appreciate you helping to bring light, something that often stays quite hidden.

3:31

Um, domestic violence affects every neighborhood and income level here in Bend.

3:36

A lot of folks think that it does not exist prominently here.

3:40

It absolutely does, and we see that every day.

3:44

Um proclamations like this help shine a light, and the light saves those lives.

3:49

We do invite the community to learn warning signs and respond with I believe you.

3:54

How can I help you?

3:57

We also encourage the community to share Saving Grace's 24-7 helpline and local resources and check in on friends, co-workers, neighbors, and small questions often open doors that lead to safety.

4:11

Thank you to our partners, Bend Police, County Agencies, Healthcare, and schools and businesses, and on behalf of survivors, staff, and volunteers, we gratefully accept this proclamation.

4:23

We recommit to a bend where home is safe for everyone.

4:27

Thank you so much.

4:29

Thank you.

5:05

All right.

5:06

Next up we have another proclamation for White Cane Safety Day, and Counselor Francosa is going to read that one.

5:11

Thank you.

5:14

Whereas blindness or low vision affects individuals of all ages, all income levels, all genders, and all cultures.

5:22

And whereas there is there are different degrees of visual impairment, meaning that someone may be legally blind but can still see colors, shapes, movements, and varying degrees of light.

5:32

And whereas white canes and guide dogs are tools that people who are blind or visually impaired use to identify themselves and to navigate their environments with greater independence.

5:41

And whereas white cane and guide dog users have the right to travel safely while enjoying all the rights, benefits, and privileges of living, working, and playing in this great city of Bend.

5:50

And whereas everyone should be aware that Oregon law requires drivers to stop and remain stopped until a person carrying a white cane or using a guide dog has completely crossed the street.

6:01

And whereas October 15th was designated in 1964 by the United States Congress as a day of education and celebration of the advent of white canes and guide dogs for independence and safe travel.

6:14

Now, therefore, we the Bend City Council hereby proclaim October 15th, 2025 to be White Cane Awareness Day in Bend and call upon public officials, members of civic organizations, and all people in the city of Bend to join together as we work to ensure that the rights, benefits, and privileges of life in our lovely city are safely available to all community members and visitors who are blind or visually diverse.

6:40

And I have just a brief statement, and then you can please make a motion after that.

7:03

And I uh am I personally I have had the uh honor, I would say, to work on a lot of projects to bring universal design to our public spaces, be them excuse me, buildings or roads, crosswalks, sidewalks, all those kinds of things.

7:17

And so I've really come to the belief that universal design is just better design, and it makes um it makes our public spaces more um more accessible to all of our community, and that is equity.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing████████████████████████████28%
Tax Increment Financing████████████████16%
Public Engagement████████████12%
Economic Development██████████10%
Community Engagement██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Land Use Planning█████5%
Disability Rights████4%
Transportation Safety████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Bend City Council Business Meeting and Bend Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) – October 1, 2025

The Bend City Council convened on October 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. for a business meeting that included proclamations, public comments, a consent agenda, a quasi-judicial public hearing on the Emblem Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Plan, a second reading of a stormwater code amendment, and a City Manager's report. The meeting then adjourned to the Bend Urban Renewal Agency (BURA), which considered a fee resolution, the establishment of a new Core Area Revitalization Effort grant program, and two development assistance agreements.

Consent Calendar

  • Authorize contract with Rickabaugh Construction, LLC for the Bend Bikeways Miscellaneous Intersections Project in an amount not to exceed $377,462.50.
  • Authorize Amendment No. 1 to ODOT agreement for design of the Archie Briggs Bridges Replacement Project, increasing the amount by $811,022.
  • Authorize Amendment No. 7 to Hooker Creek Companies contract for commercial grade concrete, increasing the not-to-exceed amount by $80,000.
  • Authorize a Construction and Maintenance Agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway for an at-grade crossing for the Wilson Avenue Corridor Project, amount not to exceed $694,150.
  • The consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Mark Gentle (Bend resident) opposed delegating financial decision-making authority to the Core Area Advisory Board (CAB), citing municipal code restrictions.
  • Leslie Larson (homeowner in Petrosa) urged the council to uphold the Petrosa Master Plan, expressing concerns that a proposed project (Bella Pines Apartments) does not align with the original vision for a grocery-anchored, walkable commercial center.
  • Don Miles (Bend Area Director, Economic Development for Central Oregon) voiced concerns about proposed electrification policies, stating they could increase housing costs, strain the power grid, and conflict with economic development goals. He recommended an approach focused on outreach and education.
  • George Schott (homeowner in Petrosa) reiterated concerns about two affordable housing applications (Bella Pines and Clerical Workforce) on the master-planned commercial parcel, noting that the city had previously assured residents the marketplace would move forward.
  • Sarah Odendahl (Interim CEO, Bend Chamber of Commerce) opposed electrification fees on natural gas appliances, citing polling that 67% of Bend voters oppose such fees. She urged data-driven innovation over restrictive measures.
  • James Teeter (Bend Bikes) thanked the council for approving the Bikeways project but noted that Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) do not fully address safety risks at two-lane same-direction crossings, citing a Florida study showing pedestrian crash reduction but increased rear-end crashes.
  • Public testimony on the Emblem TIF Plan included Karen Johnson (Land Use Chair, Old Farm District Neighborhood Association) who supported the project but requested more two- and three-bedroom affordable units, and Sharon Sampson (Southeast Bend resident) who questioned the definition of blight and whether the rents ($1,600+ per month) truly constitute affordable housing.

Proclamations & Reports

  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Mayor Pro Tem Perkins read the proclamation; Abby Rowan from Saving Grace accepted and highlighted the importance of community support.
  • White Cane Safety Day – Councilor Franzosa read the proclamation; Charlene (community advocate) spoke about the importance of not distracting guide dogs and asking before assisting a white cane user.
  • Council Action and Reports – Mayor Kebler reported on a letter to Portland supporting Mayor Wilson against federal troops, and proposed sending letters to taxing districts supporting affordable housing projects (Verde Pines and Cascade Landing). Councilors reported on safe parking site visits, Welcoming Week events, joint city-county meetings, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, and the upcoming Southeast Neighborhood Roundtable.

Discussion Items

  • Emblem Tax Increment Finance Plan (Quasi-Judicial Hearing) – Urban Renewal Manager Jonathan Taylor presented the proposed TIF plan for an 8.38‑acre vacant site near High Desert Middle School. The plan has a maximum indebtedness of $22.1 million over 26 years, with 97% allocated to development assistance. The developer (not named) will provide 264 units, including 53 affordable units (20% of total) at 70%–90% Area Median Income (AMI) for 24 years, with an enhanced rebate for local contracting and green energy. The project is expected to generate $85 million in total development cost and spur $4.7 million in system development charges. Councilor Riley expressed opposition, citing the $22 million subsidy amount and questioning the necessity of the TIF tool; Mayor Kebler and other councilors supported the project as a way to deliver needed housing and implement the Southeast Area Plan. The first reading was adopted (Councilor Riley opposed).
  • Second Reading: Stormwater Code Amendment (BMC Title 16) – Council adopted the ordinance updating post-construction runoff control requirements to comply with the city’s MS4 permit. Passed unanimously on roll call.
  • City Manager’s Report – Russ Grayson announced upcoming events (Fall Fest, Fire & Rescue Open House, Larkspur Community Center open house for the Reed Market overcrossing), new economic development reports, progress on the low-income utility assistance program (shutoffs decreased from 415 in 2023 to 231 in 2024), and the move of public works staff to the new Juniper Ridge campus. He also summarized joint recommendations from the Transportation Bond Advisory Committee (TBAC) and the Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) on transportation funding priorities: maintain Greenwood, continue design of the Second Street crossing, fund Hawthorne Bridge planning, and proceed with Franklin Avenue as designed.
  • BURA: Fee Resolution for FY 2025‑2026 – Staff explained the only change is a 1% origination fee on affordable housing loan applications. Adopted unanimously.
  • BURA: Core Area Revitalization Effort Grant Program – Staff proposed replacing the Core Area Business Assistance Program with a new matching grant program (50% match, up to $50,000) focused on exterior/customer‑facing improvements. The Core Area Advisory Board (CAB) would be authorized to award grants (up to $100,000 per year in the adopted budget). After discussion about delegation authority and conflict of interest provisions, the council voted to adopt the resolution, with a direction to CAB to provide a summary report after the first $100,000 is awarded.
  • BURA: Juniper Ridge Development Assistance Agreement with Taylor‑Brooks, LLC (Project NoCo) – The agreement provides up to $4,315,977 in property tax rebates over 23 years for a six‑building light industrial/commercial campus on 8 acres (Lot 6). The project is expected to create 300–500 jobs. Councilor Mendez raised safety concerns about Northeast 18th Street, and Mayor Kebler requested a review of the policy at the December 3 investment strategy meeting. The agreement was adopted unanimously.
  • BURA: Tax Increment Assistance Agreement with PKWY Studios, LLC – The agreement provides up to $1,232,943 in total assistance (including $490,000 for system development charges and $742,000 in annual rebates over 23 years) for a 24‑unit multifamily project at 17 NW Irving Street. Twelve units (50%) will be rent‑restricted at 80%–90% AMI. The owner must use 30% local contractors and achieve energy efficiency certification. Adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved unanimously.
  • Proclamations for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and White Cane Safety Day adopted.
  • Emblem Tax Increment Finance Plan: first reading adopted (Councilor Riley opposed).
  • Stormwater code amendment (BMC Title 16) adopted unanimously on roll call.
  • BURA fee resolution for FY 2025‑2026 adopted.
  • Core Area Revitalization Effort grant program established; CAB authorized to award grants up to $50,000 per project; council to receive a summary after $100,000 in awards.
  • Juniper Ridge Development Assistance Agreement (Taylor‑Brooks, LLC) approved (up to $4,315,977). Policy to be reviewed at December 3 meeting.
  • Tax Increment Assistance Agreement (PKWY Studios, LLC) approved (up to $1,232,943).

Meeting Transcript

It is six o'clock, so I'm gonna call to order the Bend City Council business meeting. Uh the mayor is currently in Portland and is online. There she is. So I will be running the meeting. Um we'll start with introductions, and Councillor Platt will start with you today. Steve Platt, he's him. Megan Norris, she her. Megan Perkins, she her. Mike Riley, Ian. Aurel Mendes, he him. Gina Francesa, she her. First uh on the agenda today for good of the order is the Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation, which I have the honor of reading. Whereas domestic violence affects every person in the city of Bend and within our communities, whereas whether as a victim or survivor, or as a family member, friend, partner, neighbor, educator, employee, employer, or co-worker, and whereas systemic oppression and inequity create a culture in which some communities are especially targeted for violence and experience greater barriers to access services. And whereas intimate partner violence affects more than 12 million people in the United States every year, with nearly three in ten women and one in ten men in the U.S. having experienced rape, physical violence and or stalking by an intimate partner. Access to a gun makes it five times more likely that an abusive partner will kill his female victim, and every month in the United States, an average of 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner. And whereas now, more than ever, we are being reminded that we are capable of change, and each person makes choices every day that either support or challenge a culture of violence. And whereas every individual in our community and within our city has a role to play in moving change forward and promoting health and safety for all people by not tolerating violence, by promoting accountability, and by participating in the efforts to end violence. And whereas new efforts build on foundations laid by dedicated advocates, preventionists, activists, and other partners who have been doing this work for decades. And whereas by taking action where you work, play, learn, worship, or live, change is possible and domestic violence is preventable when we are all working together to end systemic oppression, the root cause of domestic violence. Now, therefore, we, the Bend City Council, hereby proclaim October 2025 to be domestic violence awareness month in the city of Bend and encourage all residents to join in this observance. Second. I'm sorry, should I make a motion? Please move. I move to accept the proclamation. Second. All right, uh, Councilor Francosa and we'll say Counselor Norris for the for the second. Um we have with us um uh Abby, oh sorry, all in favor of accepting this proclamation. Sorry, I got ahead of myself. All right, we have with us Abby Rowan from Saving Grace. Do you want to come up here and say a few words? Right. Well, thank you, Mayor Keebler. Um, she's been a lovely partner for us, and thank you, counselors, for recognizing domestic violence awareness month at Saving Grace. Every day we walk alongside survivors and their children. Um, and we appreciate you helping to bring light, something that often stays quite hidden. Um, domestic violence affects every neighborhood and income level here in Bend. A lot of folks think that it does not exist prominently here. It absolutely does, and we see that every day. Um proclamations like this help shine a light, and the light saves those lives. We do invite the community to learn warning signs and respond with I believe you. How can I help you? We also encourage the community to share Saving Grace's 24-7 helpline and local resources and check in on friends, co-workers, neighbors, and small questions often open doors that lead to safety. Thank you to our partners, Bend Police, County Agencies, Healthcare, and schools and businesses, and on behalf of survivors, staff, and volunteers, we gratefully accept this proclamation. We recommit to a bend where home is safe for everyone. Thank you so much. Thank you. All right. Next up we have another proclamation for White Cane Safety Day, and Counselor Francosa is going to read that one. Thank you.

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