City Council Actions 
     At last night’s Council meeting, with a 7-0 vote, the Bend City Council terminated City Manager Andy Anderson effective November 17, 2007.  Andy Anderson has agreed to work with the city to manage a smooth transition.  The Council will, at a later date, discuss the replacement process they will use to find and select a new City Manager.  A number of the Council members thanked Andy for his service to the city.
     The City also elected to establish a citizens committee along with representatives for the Police and Fire Departments to develop a “Win-Win” solution to address the proposed Ordinance Amending Bend Code Section 5.080 to Prohibit the Sale of Fireworks.

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Former Mayor Allan Bruckner Speaks Out at City Council Meeting Last Night
     Allan commented on the October 15, 2007 memo from former City Manager (and now Project Manager for Juniper Ridge, Ron Garzini) on changes he proposed to Juniper Ridge and the UGB.  These changes were adopted at the October 15 City Council Work Session.  The main thrust of the changes covered the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) between the Juniper Ridge Master Developer, his Investor and the city of Bend; and, a reduction from over 800 acres to 400 acres for Juniper Ridge in the UGB.  Allan pointed out that, in his opinion, no real change has taken place in the direction the council is going for Juniper Ridge.  He pointed out that the main change affects the UGB discussion, and that Juniper Ridge changes continue to move away from what the community wants: i.e.: now 68% of the property is designated for high-end housing, the light industrial has dropped from 500 to 275 acres, the developer and his investor now are eligible to receive 45% from the first $100 million in profits along with a 20% guarantee to the investment group.  He also expressed concerns about the fact that under the adopted recommendations, the city is now dedicating only 35 acres to education, and even this has been watered down to include a high school and even a performance arts center.  Allan expressed concerns that the success of the Juniper Ridge concept is achieving the goal of attracting a higher education; institution otherwise Juniper Ridge will be just another commercial and residential center.

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One Voice Trip
     In late March or early April of 2008 (depending on the Congressional schedule) the Chamber will once again be conducting its One Voice trip to Washington DC.  The goal of this trip is to meet with our US Senators and Representatives to discuss issues important to this community.  “By having a cross-section from the community meet with our elected representatives in DC, we act as ‘one voice’ on the issues we present.  The message is a lot more powerful and less self-interest motivated when the group represents different interests from our community,” Mike Schmidt stated at a recent meeting with some Chamber members.  If you are interested in more details about the 2008 One Voice to Washington, DC trip, call Mike Schmidt at 382-3221.

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Town Hall at the Deschutes County Service Building 
     Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) President, Joe Robertson, M.D., M.B.A., who took office in September 2006 is hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, October 24, 2007. The purpose of the Town Hall is to hear from Central Oregon residents, local healthcare professionals and lawmakers about their expectations and future needs from OHSU.  The meeting is from at 8:30  to 10:00 a.m.  One of the key issues expected to be discussed is Oregon’s impending shortage of medical care professionals.

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Oregon Utility Rates to Increase 
     In an email sent by Pacific Power representative Angela Jacobson on Oct. 16, Pacific Power reported SB408 methodology rule changes.  The 2005 law that was intended to protect consumers from companies like Enron that avoid paying federal and state income taxes will result in a rate increase for Pacific Power customers, according to filings made with Oregon regulators. Pacific Power filed its first tax report under the 2005 law and this indicated they paid approximately $32.6 million more in taxes then are reflected in rates.  Pacific Power stated in the email release that rather than increase rates the full amount, the company is proposing to limit the impact of the increase by an average of 3%, effective June 2008.

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Last Week’s Survey Question 
     Last week, members were asked if they would support a tax increase to fund fixing roads and/or expanding the BAT system.  Like other survey questions, this one generated a lot of responses:
“For roads, we are silly not to try for a gas tax. Tourists would pay for a large share of the cost.”
     “I support taxes for roads but not for BAT.”
     “Yes, I would definitely support a tax increase to maintain roads and improve BAT service.”
     Clearly, the overwhelming number of responses favored a district to fund road improvements and BAT. The city has now formed a new committee which will study this issue and make a recommendation to the City Council on what should be done to meet our transportation funding needs.

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Coming events

     Oct 24: Business After Hours at Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center, co-sponsor: Healing Bridge Physical Therapy, 60575 Billadeau Rd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m..  [sign up now] or call contact Brandi at brandi@bendchamber.org or call 382-3221.

     Oct 30: Bend Chamber Annual General Membership Meeting at the Tower Theater from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.  Learn what has been accomplished this year, what’s on tap for 2008, meet the new 2008 Board of Directors and the first 100 attendees will receive a special gift. No cost to attend, but and reservations are required. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

     Nov 7: Economic Forecast Breakfast – Vision 08 at The Riverhouse from 7:30 to 9:15 a.m. The speaker will be Tom Potiowsky, professor of economics at Portland State University and past Oregon State Economist. [sign up now] or call contact Lindi at lindi@bendchamber.org or call 382-3221. 

     Nov 9: Legislative Council Breakfast at the Bend Golf and Country Club from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. RSVPs are required for this breakfast meeting.  Call 382-3221 to make a reservation.  This meeting will be part two of the Town Hall discussion on the new changes proposed for Juniper Ridge. Do you like them?  Is there any real change in direction?  What do you think about the deal points in the DDA?  Let your voice be heard!   This is the last breakfast meeting for 2007 and we will be unveiling the new 2008 program changes.  They are exciting to say the least! 

     Dec 6: Annual Holiday Party at the High Desert Museum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Parking is limited as is the number of attendees. RSVP early to make sure you will have a reservation for one of the best holiday networking parties in Central Oregon and it’s free to all Chamber members. Call 382-3221 to reserve your spot.  Shuttle busses will be provided for your convenience.  

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This week’s survey question 

   What qualities and skills do you want to see in our next City Manager?  Please e-mail your responses to:  mike@bendchamber.org.