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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Bend City Council Meeting Summary - December 17, 2025

City Council — Wednesday, December 17, 2025

BodyBend, Oregon

SessionCity Council

DateWednesday, December 17, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:42:31

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0:05

All right, we will call um to order the city council business meeting for tonight.

0:09

Let's start with our roll call.

0:10

Um, start on your end, Councilor Franzoza.

0:13

Gina Franzosa, she her.

0:15

Ariel Mendez, he, him.

0:17

Melanie Keyboard, she her.

0:18

Megan Perkins, she her.

0:21

Megan Norris, she her.

0:22

She Platty.

0:23

And Councilor Riley is excused.

0:26

Um, okay.

0:26

So, first on our good of the order is a proclamation for the homeless persons memorial that may approach him Perkins is going to read this.

0:33

All right.

0:34

Whereas the winter poses hardship for unsheltered and inadequately inadequately housed low-income individuals and children in the state of Oregon.

0:42

And whereas the spirit of the holiday season of giving provides an opportunity for affirmation and renewal regarding our commitment to end homelessness.

0:50

And whereas December 21st has been designated National Homeless Persons Memorial Day by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council.

1:00

I'm a so recognized by cities nationwide.

1:03

And whereas Central Oregon helps homeless people survive, find housing, and rebuild their lives, organizes the Central Oregon Homeless Memorial each year to honor and remember those who have died homeless in Central Oregon, and helps prevent future homeless deaths by raising awareness about fundamental solutions to end homelessness.

1:21

And whereas in this season of generosity and sharing, citizens of Central Oregon are encouraged to commit themselves to promoting compassion and concern for all brothers and sisters, especially those who are poor and homeless.

1:33

And whereas remembering those who have died on the streets, the cause of ending homelessness is kept urgent and is as is the city's collective commitment in preventing such deaths in the future.

1:43

Now, therefore, the Bend City Council does hereby proclaim December 21st, 2025 as homeless persons Memorial Day in Central Oregon, and asks all citizens to take a moment of silence in remembering those who have died homeless and encourage our citizens to support all local efforts to eliminate homelessness in our communities.

2:03

Move to accept the proclamation.

2:06

Second.

2:06

All right.

2:07

Motion by Councilor Mindes, second by Councilor Norris.

2:10

All those in favor?

2:11

Aye.

2:12

All right.

2:12

Great.

2:13

It looks like we have Michael Hancock from Bethlehem Inn and John Baker, and then Eliza Wilson, the chair of the homeless leadership coalition here today.

2:23

Thank you for the proclamation, and thank you all for giving us this time.

2:27

I'm Michael Hancock, the executive director of Bethlam Inn.

2:30

And I have with me our development director, John Baker.

2:34

And this is Eliza Wilson.

2:35

She is the executive director for an amazing organization called Rooted Homes that tackles the problem of affordable housing, as well as the chair of the board for homeless leadership coalition, our care of continuum for Central Oregon and the truly the backbone of all of our service providers.

2:53

Homeless Memorial Day has been on in the nation for 35 years, and I believe this is our sixth or seventh year here in Central Oregon.

3:02

It's a time for us to come together and acknowledge and celebrate the lives of people who unfortunately died alone on the street.

3:13

And also a chance for us to remember those who haven't passed away and to come together as service partners and community members and redouble our efforts to make sure that people don't die on the streets alone.

3:26

And there are too many adults and children on the street in our community, and we need to come together as a team to help solve that.

3:34

So thank you very much for your time, Eliza.

3:37

Yeah, thank you all.

3:39

Um we want to also extend uh the invitation to attend the memorial this Sunday at 5 p.m.

3:45

at Drake Park.

3:46

Um, we know as of today that we'll be reading 27 names of people who passed away in in 2025 in Bend.

3:54

Um, and just hope that we can all remember that um folks living outdoors are our neighbors and should be cared for and remembered um when they've passed, but also prior to that.

4:07

And thank you for all of you for paying attention to this issue.

4:12

Thank you for all that you do.

4:14

Yeah, thank you.

4:14

Thank you.

4:15

Take a picture.

4:29

Okay, so thank you guys.

4:42

Thank you.

4:54

All right.

4:56

So um that will move us in to council action and reports.

5:00

We had a late development today on an item that has been added that is an action out of our executive session from a little bit ago.

5:07

And Councilor Franzosa is going to read a motion.

5:10

Thank you.

5:11

The council has discussed an executive session, a possibility that the development known as Bachelor View 2 could develop in a manner that does not meet the city's interests in ensuring timely access and utility connections to an adjacent property.

5:24

To account for that possibility and to ensure orderly and efficient use of properties already designated for residential development, the council directed staff to negotiate a non-statutory development agreement obligating council to condemn the public access and utility easements on or over bachelor view two in the future if necessary to facilitate development of the adjacent property.

5:45

Those negotiations have occurred and the terms authorized by the council have been accepted.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Economic Development███████████████████████████27%

Procedural████████████12%

Water And Wastewater Management███████████11%

Affordable Housing█████████9%

Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%

Public Engagement██████6%

Community Engagement█████5%

Technology and Innovation████4%

Transportation Safety████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Bend City Council Meeting Summary - December 17, 2025

The Bend City Council convened on December 17, 2025, at 14:00 UTC to address several critical items, including a proclamation for Homeless Persons Memorial Day, the adoption of the 2025 Stormwater Public Facility Plan, and the approval of the Bend Urban Renewal Agency's 2026-2030 Strategic Investment Plan. The meeting featured significant public testimony regarding surveillance cameras and the equity director's resignation, alongside routine budget approvals and road project authorizations.

Consent Calendar

Proclamation for Homeless Persons Memorial Day: Unanimously adopted, designating December 21, 2025, to honor those who died homeless in Central Oregon and recommitting the community to ending homelessness.
Bachelor View 2 Development Agreement: Council authorized the City Manager and City Attorney to enter a non-statutory development agreement regarding eminent domain authority for public access and utility easements on Bachelor View 2 to facilitate adjacent property development.
Committee Appointments: Unanimous approval of the final round of appointments for various committees and the Planning Commission for the year.
Letter on Language Access: Council approved the issuance of a full council letter to Pacific Source regarding language access in healthcare following contract cancellations.

Public Comments & Testimony

Surveillance Cameras (Flock): Multiple speakers (Abigail Schneider, Matthew Brynholt, Nathan Jewell, Jonathan Westmoreland, Dan Rowe) expressed strong opposition to the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology by the Bend Police Department. They cited privacy concerns, potential misuse of data by law enforcement and federal agencies, and the risk of setting a dangerous precedent for citizen monitoring. They requested a ban or strict moratorium on the technology.
Equity and Inclusion Director Resignation: Speakers Jamie Hampton and Karim Boris criticized the City Council for accepting the findings of the investigation into the resignation of the Equity and Inclusion Director. They argued the report relied on hearsay, failed to address the context of racial hostility facing the city, and represented performative commitment rather than genuine equity work.
Neighborhood Commercial Development: Kristen Reidelberger, speaking for Central Oregon Landwatch and Bend B.I.P., expressed support for the Invest Bend plan but urged the city to broaden its approach to commercial uses in residential zones to support small-scale entrepreneurship and walkable neighborhoods.
Affordable Housing Support: Michelle Martin expressed full support for the city's affordable housing efforts and master plans. Michael Baker (Boys & Girls Club) thanked the council for their continued support of youth programs.

Discussion Items

2025 Stormwater Public Facility Plan: Staff presented the updates to Chapter 8 of the Comprehensive Plan and the adoption of the Stormwater Public Facility Plan (PFP). The plan addresses drainage and water quality issues, incorporating climate change projections for increased storm frequency and density challenges. Councilor Franzosa expressed satisfaction that climate change effects on stormwater systems are being addressed.
NEF Corridor Eminent Domain: Council approved a resolution authorizing the use of eminent domain for up to 11 parcels along the NEF corridor for pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Councilor Franzosa suggested future right-of-way acquisitions might be streamlined to the consent agenda.
Ani Street Safety Project: Council authorized a contract amendment with Dow LLC ($874,081) for final design services. Discussion focused on the construction budget range and coordination with the Timber Yards development to ensure the East-West Ani Street connection is made.
Urban Renewal Investment Plan: The Bend Urban Renewal Agency (BORA) reviewed its 2026-2030 Strategic Investment Plan. Key decisions included reallocating $350,000 in the Core Area plan from marketing/branding to development assistance programs. Staff committed to bringing boundary expansion options for Juniper Ridge back in March for council consideration. Councilor Mendez expressed concerns about expanding the urban renewal boundary versus using Local Improvement Districts (LIDs) for the Caraway area infrastructure.
Core Area Advisory Board (CAB) Recommendations: The CAB presented five recommendations to the City Council, including:
- Exploring System Development Charge (SDC) modifications and deferrals to catalyze redevelopment in the Bend Central District (BCD). Council members expressed interest in a geographically and time-limited approach but requested further analysis.
- Redesignating Light Industrial zones to Mixed Use in the BCD as part of the Growth Management Plan.
- Streamlining adaptive reuse and minimum development standards to reduce permitting barriers.
- Prioritizing public infrastructure projects like the Hawthorne Landing relocation and open space development.
- Exploring alternative governance structures for the Urban Renewal Agency to improve focus and decision-making.

Key Outcomes

Unanimous Vote: Adoption of the proclamation for Homeless Persons Memorial Day.
Unanimous Vote: Authorization of the non-statutory development agreement for Bachelor View 2.
Unanimous Vote: Approval of committee appointments.
Unanimous Vote: Adoption of the resolution approving supplemental budget adjustments for the 2025-2027 biennial budget.
Unanimous Vote: Adoption of the resolution establishing fees and charges for fiscal year 2025-2026 (Councilor Norris declared a conflict of interest and recused themselves during the vote).
Unanimous Vote: First reading of the ordinance adopting the 2025 Stormwater Public Facility Plan and amending the Comprehensive Plan (Councilor Norris declared a potential conflict of interest but voted).
Unanimous Vote: Adoption of the resolution exercising eminent domain for the NEF corridor.
Unanimous Vote: Authorization of the contract amendment with Dow LLC for the Ani Street Safety and Connectivity Project.
Roll Call Vote: Adoption of the emergency ordinance adopting a statutory development agreement regarding Bachelor View 2.
Motion Passed: Approval of the Bend Urban Renewal Agency's 2026-2030 Strategic Investment Plan with adjustments to the Core Area allocation; approval of the Core Area Advisory Board work plan with branding bullet removal.
Staff Directives: Council will review SDC modification options, zoning redesignations, and adaptive reuse code updates. Staff to return in March with Juniper Ridge boundary expansion options and LID feasibility comparisons.
Administrative: City Manager's office noted storm preparation and that the new parking code enforcement will begin warnings on January 4th and tickets on January 21st.

Meeting Transcript

All right, we will call um to order the city council business meeting for tonight. Let's start with our roll call. Um, start on your end, Councilor Franzoza. Gina Franzosa, she her. Ariel Mendez, he, him. Melanie Keyboard, she her. Megan Perkins, she her. Megan Norris, she her. She Platty. And Councilor Riley is excused. Um, okay. So, first on our good of the order is a proclamation for the homeless persons memorial that may approach him Perkins is going to read this. All right. Whereas the winter poses hardship for unsheltered and inadequately inadequately housed low-income individuals and children in the state of Oregon. And whereas the spirit of the holiday season of giving provides an opportunity for affirmation and renewal regarding our commitment to end homelessness. And whereas December 21st has been designated National Homeless Persons Memorial Day by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. I'm a so recognized by cities nationwide. And whereas Central Oregon helps homeless people survive, find housing, and rebuild their lives, organizes the Central Oregon Homeless Memorial each year to honor and remember those who have died homeless in Central Oregon, and helps prevent future homeless deaths by raising awareness about fundamental solutions to end homelessness. And whereas in this season of generosity and sharing, citizens of Central Oregon are encouraged to commit themselves to promoting compassion and concern for all brothers and sisters, especially those who are poor and homeless. And whereas remembering those who have died on the streets, the cause of ending homelessness is kept urgent and is as is the city's collective commitment in preventing such deaths in the future. Now, therefore, the Bend City Council does hereby proclaim December 21st, 2025 as homeless persons Memorial Day in Central Oregon, and asks all citizens to take a moment of silence in remembering those who have died homeless and encourage our citizens to support all local efforts to eliminate homelessness in our communities. Move to accept the proclamation. Second. All right. Motion by Councilor Mindes, second by Councilor Norris. All those in favor? Aye. All right. Great. It looks like we have Michael Hancock from Bethlehem Inn and John Baker, and then Eliza Wilson, the chair of the homeless leadership coalition here today. Thank you for the proclamation, and thank you all for giving us this time. I'm Michael Hancock, the executive director of Bethlam Inn. And I have with me our development director, John Baker. And this is Eliza Wilson. She is the executive director for an amazing organization called Rooted Homes that tackles the problem of affordable housing, as well as the chair of the board for homeless leadership coalition, our care of continuum for Central Oregon and the truly the backbone of all of our service providers. Homeless Memorial Day has been on in the nation for 35 years, and I believe this is our sixth or seventh year here in Central Oregon. It's a time for us to come together and acknowledge and celebrate the lives of people who unfortunately died alone on the street. And also a chance for us to remember those who haven't passed away and to come together as service partners and community members and redouble our efforts to make sure that people don't die on the streets alone. And there are too many adults and children on the street in our community, and we need to come together as a team to help solve that. So thank you very much for your time, Eliza. Yeah, thank you all. Um we want to also extend uh the invitation to attend the memorial this Sunday at 5 p.m. at Drake Park. Um, we know as of today that we'll be reading 27 names of people who passed away in in 2025 in Bend. Um, and just hope that we can all remember that um folks living outdoors are our neighbors and should be cared for and remembered um when they've passed, but also prior to that. And thank you for all of you for paying attention to this issue. Thank you for all that you do. Yeah, thank you. Thank you. Take a picture.

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