Bend City Council Business Meeting – April 15, 2026

The Bend City Council convened on April 15, 2026, for a regular business meeting that included proclamations, public testimony, quasi‑judicial hearings, contract approvals, second readings of ordinances, and a quarterly goal update. Key actions included approving the consent agenda, advancing a short‑term rental code amendment with the record held open, approving the first reading of the Timber Yards master plan amendment, authorizing eminent domain for the Ani safety project, renewing a property tax exemption for affordable senior housing, awarding four street preservation contracts, and adopting several second‑reading ordinances. The council also discussed reducing the frequency of work sessions to one per month.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda, which included routine approvals and unanimous consent items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Climate Impact Fee: Numerous residents urged the council to pass a strong climate impact fee with implementation by April 2027 and no exemptions, citing health benefits, grid reliability, and climate justice. Several speakers from the building trades and energy industry opposed the fee, arguing it would increase housing costs, strain the electric grid, and that the grid’s carbon intensity makes electrification ineffective. Representatives from the Bend Chamber of Commerce and Central Oregon Builders Association called for a pilot program and exemptions for workforce housing. Staff noted a work session is scheduled for the following week and a final vote is targeted for June.
• TDS Fiber Optics Box: Nancy Hawks testified about a noisy, visually obtrusive TDS equipment box near her home in Northwest Crossing, presenting a petition with nearly 80 signatures asking for relocation. She requested a meeting with the city and TDS.
• Short‑Term Rental Code Amendment (Item 5): Residents of the Old Bend neighborhood spoke in favor of the proposed changes, arguing that CN‑zoned properties should follow the same rules as residential areas to protect neighborhood character. Property owners and investors opposed the amendments, stating they relied on existing rules, requested grandfathering of pending permits, and asked for a financial impact analysis.
• Other: Several speakers commented on transportation safety (cut‑through traffic on Riverfront Street) and general support for city policies.

Discussion Items

• Short‑Term Rental Code Amendment (Item 5): Staff presented proposed amendments to Bend Development Code 3.6.500, which would require CN‑zoned properties (five parcels in Old Bend) to follow the same STR permitting rules as medium‑density residential zones, including a 500‑foot separation and a one‑unit limit. The council heard public testimony and, at a party’s request, voted to hold the record open until April 22 for additional written evidence, with responses due by April 29.
• Timber Yards Master Plan Amendment (Item 6): Staff and the applicant (Kennedy Wilson) presented a request to update the master plan to reflect reduced development intensity (fewer commercial units, shift from west‑to‑east construction), replace a planned road with a bike‑pedestrian corridor, and adjust transportation mitigations (including a mini‑roundabout instead of a full one). The Planning Commission had recommended approval. After no public comment, the council voted unanimously for first reading.
• Eminent Domain Resolution (Item 7): The council authorized the use of eminent domain if voluntary agreements cannot be reached for 12 properties needed for the Ani Safety and Connectivity Project, which includes intersection upgrades and a shared‑use path.
• Property Tax Exemption Renewal (Item 8): Staff presented a resolution to reauthorize a qualified rental property tax exemption for Mountain Laurel Lodge, a 54‑unit 55+ affordable housing development. All taxing districts (including Bend‑La Pine Schools, which initially delayed) had approved the exemption. The council approved the full exemption, noting it is a renewal and savings pass directly to residents.
• Street Preservation Contracts (Items 9‑12): The council approved four contracts: Granite Construction ($2.4M for paving), Doodle Construction ($949,000 for chip seal), VSS International ($589,325 for microsurfacing on Third Street), and VSS International ($395,325 for residential slurry seal). Together they treat 77 lane miles.
• Second Readings (Items 13‑16): The council adopted ordinances for the Stevens Road Tract UGB expansion area, Legacy Village master plan, annexation of 265.7 acres, and wildfire hazard mitigation building codes (R327). Councilor Norris recused herself from these items due to a conflict of interest. Roll call votes were taken; results varied (one “no” on some items, one abstention).
• City Manager Quarterly Update & Meeting Schedule: City Manager Eric King reported on goal progress, noting delays due to state funding inaction and staffing, and proposed reducing work sessions from two per month to one, starting August/September, to allow deeper focus. Council generally supported the concept and discussed fine‑tuning timing and content.

Key Outcomes

• Short‑Term Rental Code Amendment: Record held open until April 22 for additional written evidence; responses due April 29; council will deliberate at a future meeting.
• Timber Yards Master Plan: Approved first reading (unanimous); second reading scheduled for May 6.
• Eminent Domain Resolution: Adopted (unanimous).
• Mountain Laurel Lodge Tax Exemption: Resolution adopted (unanimous), granting full property tax exemption for all taxing districts.
• Street Preservation Contracts: Four contracts awarded (each approved with unanimous voice votes).
• Second Readings (Items 13‑16): All ordinances adopted by roll call; Councilor Norris recused; Councilor Franzosa voted “no” on four items; Mayor Pro Tem Perkins abstained on three items.
• Meeting Schedule: Council agreed to move to one work session per month; staff will bring back a detailed proposal for implementation.