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Bend Chamber
Weekly
February 6, 2009
By Courtney Linville, Communications Coordinator
This Week's
Highlights
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Council locked on
vacant seat, voters to decide
In its third attempt to fill the seat vacated by
Chris Telfer last month, the Bend City Council again
remained divided 3-3 on who should be appointed to
the seat. The vote for the newest City Councilor
will now go before the voters in May in a special
election.
Various ideas to choose the new councilor were
discussed including drawing names from a hat to a
simple coin toss.
Mayor Kathie Eckman suggested drawing a name out of a
hat and including all three finalists – Don Leonard,
Glen “Tom” Pickell, and William “Cliff” Walkey.
Eckman stated this would be fair because all three
of the finalists “are qualified candidates and they
would do a good job.”
Councilor Mark Capell argued against the use of names
out of a hat because three of the councilors would
have at least two candidates they preferred in the
running. “Odds are the three (councilors) would get
the candidate they wanted,” he said. However, Capell
did back up the idea of having a coin toss which was
suggested by Councilor Jim Clinton.
This seemed to be the last straw for Pickell who stood
up during the discussion and spoke over Eckman to
announce the withdrawal of his application. “I’m
withdrawing my application … you people do what you
want,” he said.
On his way out of the door he called the process a
“joke” and told fellow finalist Don Leonard “good
luck.”
There was a moment of stunned silence before the
meeting continued. Councilor Jeff Eager stated he
was not comfortable with the coin toss idea and
said, “I think it’s a highly arbitrary way to decide
this.”
Several councilors were worried about the embarrassment
a coin toss would have on the process. Councilor Tom
Greene said he was initially in favor of a coin
toss, but agreed with other councilors that the
process would “make us look kind of ridiculous.”
Capell rallied back saying the council has two good
candidates to consider and the issue needs to be
moved forward. “My concern is if we go three to four
months before we fill the vacancy, we’re going to
have a number of split votes and (the) council is
going to become less productive than we should in a
time when we need to work hard,” he said.
In the vote to decide the vacancy by coin toss,
Barram, Clinton, and Capell voted in favor of the
coin toss, while Eckman, Greene, and Eager voted
against the coin toss.
In a last ditch effort to decide the finalist that
evening, Greene suggested the council take one last
vote by ballot to see if they could decide the
issue. However, the results were the same as those
two weeks ago. The council remained at a stalemate
in a 3-3 decision.
Several councilors expressed their frustration over the
process and stated they were disappointed that now
the decision has to go to a special election.
After some discussion, Eager proposed the council
stop paying for meals prior to the council meetings
to help fund the special election. This idea was
passed unanimously by the council. The special
election could cost upwards of $13,000. According to
City Manager Eric King, the council’s meals add up
to between $5,000 and $6,000 per year. The council
does have a budget of $13,000 per year for meals,
plaques, etc. Though councilors would like to see
the money for the special election come out of the council’s budget, no final
decisions were made.
Barram told fellow councilors she was frustrated about
having to go to a special election when “we don’t
know how we are going to pay for it.” Clinton also
commented on the lack of decision by the council,
but said “it can’t always be a bad thing to let the
people decide.”
The candidates will now have to file for the May 19,
2009 election. The candidates must obtain documents
from the City Recorder to file and must have at
least 150 qualified signatures on a petition. The
petition must be submitted to the Deschutes County
Clerk’s office no later than March 10.
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City Council Highlights
BAT supporters rally in front of City Hall:
On Wednesday evening, prior to the regular City
Council meeting, a small crowd of about 20 people
gathered in front of City Hall to support public
transit. The picketers were carrying signs saying
“Bend needs transit” and “We support transit.” At
times the crowd was also singing “The Wheels on the
Bus.” Later during the council meeting, supporters
urged councilors to keep transit going and not cut
service. They also urged the council to try and
maintain a budget of at least $1.1 million so the
city could keep its grant funding. City Manager Eric
King will look at forming a stakeholder group to
look at the issues surrounding transit. He will come
back to council with a proposal at a future meeting.
Council tabled decision
on support resolution for the local rule: The
Bend City Council unanimously decided to table a
request for a Council Resolution of Support for
Measure 9-70 (Deschutes County’s Local Rule
Authority). The March 10 ballot measure looks to
overturn the county’s ruling that would require
South Deschutes County residents to update their
septic systems to help reduce the impacts of
nitrates on local aquifers and rivers. The
councilors stated they didn’t have enough
information about the measure to confidently make a
decision. Councilors will look to gather more
information from County Commissioners and will share
that information via email. The councilors have been
receiving emails from South Deschutes County
residents about their concerns. Councilor Tom Greene
stated he had been threatened in one email by a
resident who said he would urge LaPine residents to
shop in Redmond rather than Bend if the council
supported the local rule.
Bend Airport to receive
new manager: City Manager Eric King announced
Wednesday evening Gary Judd, the manager of the
Grant County Regional Airport in John Day, will now
serve as the Bend Airport Manager. King said Judd
has over 15 years of airport management experience
and has relationships with other managers across the
state. Judd will start on March 9.
New citizen outreach
committee to be formed: The city is looking to
have more citizen outreach while it looks at funding
options for street maintenance. City Manager Eric
King told councilors he has identified a dozen
people from various businesses and organizations to
participate in this committee. Some organizations
that will be represented include EDCO, Commute
Options, the Bend Chamber, and Neighborhood
associations.
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Deschutes Brewery specialty beer ranked among
world’s top 25 beers
According to
Draft Magazine, the State of Oregon has 4 of the 25
best beers in the world. In its publication, the
magazine listed Deschutes Brewery’s The Abyss as one
of the best in the world.
The Abyss is one of several limited edition beers the
brewery has and is a barrel-aged stout. Deschutes
President Gary Fish was quoted as saying the
inclusion of the brewery on the list validates the
company’s efforts to create specialty beers.
Currently, Deschutes Brewery distributes its
products in 13 Western states.
The other Oregon winners included Adam from the Hair of
the Dog Brewing Company in Southeast Portland,
Apricot Ale form Cascade Brewing in Raleigh Hills,
and Kiwanda Cream Ale from Pelican Pub and Brewery
in Pacific City.
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Bend to host another
cycling event
In an announcement just this week, USA Cycling
awarded the 2009 and 2010 Junior, U23 and Elite Road
National Championships to Bend.
“Bend is a destination for both recreational and
competitive cycling, and we’re excited to bring
another national championship to Oregon,” said USA
Cycling chief executive officer Steve Johnson in a
recent press release. “Bend’s long tradition of
community-wide support and passion for cycling
convinced us to award them two national
championships in the same year.”
The Junior, U23 and Elite Road National Championships
are expected to bring at least 3,000 visitors to
Bend including participants and families. Only just
last month, Bend was chosen as the site for the
Cyclo-cross National Championships.
“Destination sporting events like USA Cycling’s road
national championships are a great way to increase
awareness of Bend, with the added value of providing
a significant economic boost to the community at the
same time,” said Drew Mahalic, executive director of
the Oregon Sports Authority, in a press release.
“Bringing events like this to Oregon is a great
example of how tourism through sports can be used as
an outstanding form of economic development during
challenging times.”
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Correction
In last week’s Chamber Weekly, on the Events
Calendar there was a Ribbon Cutting that was not
mentioned. Central Oregon Crossfit will hold its
Ribbon Cutting on February 10 at 4:15 p.m. at 50 SW
Bond St, Ste 4.
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In the news
Oregon's 150th Birthday Celebration: If you feel in
the partying mood on February 14, the Oregon State
Capitol will be hosting Oregon’s Sesquicentennial
Birthday Celebration. The free family day event will
take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the day,
families can enjoy exhibits in the Capitol and mall
area, various children’s activities, a commemorative
Postmark by the Postmaster, and much more. At noon,
there will be a cake cutting ceremony for 3,000
people with presentations by the OSP Color Guards,
Senate President, Speaker of the House, and the
Governor.
Applications being accepted for Citizen’s Academy:
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is now taking
applications for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s
Office Citizen’s Academy, to be held at its Bend
office. This 10 week course is designed to give
attendees a very in-depth look at the different
divisions of the Sheriff’s Office and educate the
public about what the Sheriff’s Office does and is
responsible for. The deadline for receiving
applications is February 27. For more information on
the academy or for an online application, go to
www.deschutes.org/sheriff.
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Upcoming Events
February 10 –
Professional Development Series - High Impact
Presentations - Are first impressions really
that important? How do we take advantage of the
image we’ve so carefully crafted? How do we move
beyond the first impression, to create a lasting
impression of substance? In this engaging and
interactive seminar with award winning speaker and
Columbia River Bank Branch Manager Robert Killen,
you will learn the keys to outstanding communication
as well as traps to avoid. In times of uncertainty,
your ability to connect and establish trusting
relationships will be your greatest asset. The cost
is $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. RSVP for
this event by noon on Monday, February 9 at
www.bendchamber.org. If you have trouble signing
up online, call 382-3221. And ask how you can attend this
for FREE by buying a full year FLEX PASS.
February 17 – Professional Development Series –
Growing Your Brand – without shrinking your bottom
line ~ Marketing: Trends, Tools & Techniques for
Small Business ~ Get your message out in style!
– Speakers: Patty Davis/Ronald McDonald House
Charities; Michelle Franco/Eloquence Communication;
and Kelly Walker/Sublime Design Group. Now is the
time to maximize the positive public presence of
your business any way you can! While the current
tough economic situation tempts business owners to
cut expenses anywhere they can, effective marketing
must remain a top priority. Strategic marketing and
powerful messaging is more important to your
business success than ever before. You want to be
the first and most impressive business your clients
and potential clients think of when they need your
service. This is way beyond products and customer
service details - this is about your BRAND. Join us
as we explore strategies with three professionals in
business of branding and messaging and help you
'guide your business to the top', even in these
tricky economic times. RSVP for this event by
Monday, February 16 at
www.bendchamber.org.
February 18 – Young Professionals Network –
Orvis - Founded in 1856 as a small bamboo fly rod
shop in Manchester, Vermont, Orvis has been leading
the fly-fishing industry in innovation and quality
for more than 150 years. In addition to world class
fly-fishing equipment, Orvis offers distinctive
men's and women's clothing, fine furnishings for the
home and treats and toys for pets. Orvis donates
five percent of pre-tax profits each year to
environmental programs. Join your fellow young
professionals for a great evening of networking and
community partnership.
This month, the YPN is
working with the American Red Cross to help get sign
ups for blood donations. The American Red Cross
Pacific Northwest Regional Blood Services must
collect at least 5,000 pints of blood each week to
meet the needs of local patients. The organization
is the sole supplier of blood and blood products to
more than 80 hospitals in Oregon, Washington, and
Alaska. Help make a difference and sign up to give
the gift of life!
You can now pre-register for the full-year for $45;
February thru November events including the July
Annual Social. Prices for individual event advance
registration are $7 for members ($12 for non
members) and day of/at the door is $10 for Chamber
members/$15 for non-members. Register online at
www.bendchamber.org/ypn by Tuesday, February 17.
February 20 – Town Hall – Health Care Reform and
Business: What’s the Bottom Line? – Our health
care system is failing, and no one knows that better
than businesses. As the costs of providing health
benefits continue to rise, many businesses are
desperately looking for solutions. What is the role
of employers in a reformed health care system? Are
“insurance exchanges” a potential solution for small
businesses? What kinds of reforms are under
consideration in Washington, D.C., and Salem? What
are the implications for our businesses, our
employees, and for us as individual consumers of
health care? The Bend Chamber of Commerce has
invited Congressman Greg Walden, and Oregon Health
Fund Board consultant Bill Kramer along with other
health care experts to give us a perspective on the
reforms and to hear business leaders’ concerns and
priorities. If you would like to attend this event,
please RSVP by noon on Thursday, February 19 at
www.bendchamber.org.
February 23 – The Real
Estate “Survival” Forecast Breakfast - The Real
Estate Forecast Breakfast is one of the Chamber’s
most popular events. This year, several real estate
experts will look at the current market and give
attendees tools on how to stay alive in the current
market and beyond. Topics of discussion will include
the following: Statistical Update on our Residential
Market – Wendy Adkisson, The Garner Group Realtors &
Development;
Statistical Update on our Commercial Market – Bruce
Kemp, Compass Commercial Real Estate Services; Real Estate
Near-term:
Balancing Optimism and Pragmatism – Bill Valentine,
Valentine Ventures, LLC; and Stay alert, stay alive
in real estate today – Steve Scott, Steve Scott
Realtors.
Please RSVP for this event by Thursday, February 19 at
www.bendchamber.org. The member and non-member
price is $45 per person (and is
first-come-first-seated), and $595 for a reserved table of
10. If you have trouble signing up online, call 382-3221.
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