Bend Chamber Weekly
July 3, 2009
By Courtney Linville, Communications Coordinator

This Week's Highlights

• Bend Chamber Board approves letter directed to OLCC Commission Chair
  
  
• Council votes not to hear Shepherd's House appeal
  
  
• City Council Highlights
  
  
• Legislature adjourns, local official sees success
  
  
• SolAire project named Green Building Project of the Year
  
  
• Remember to be safe when using fireworks
  
  
• In the News
  
  
• Upcoming Events
  

Bend Chamber Board approves letter directed to OLCC Commission Chair

    The Bend Chamber Board of Directors recently approved a letter addressing issues regarding businesses and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. The letter was sent directly to the OLCC Commission Chair and several other state and local officials.
Here is the letter in its entirety:
     "The Bend Chamber of Commerce supports a resolution of concerns between the OLCC and the community and businesses of Bend which addresses the issues of public safety and ensures an environment that provides strong economic opportunity.
     In recent weeks, members of the Bend Chamber of Commerce have voiced concerns regarding the process and application of OLCC regulations in our city. As a community supported by tourism, the restrictive and inconsistent application of regulations is having a significant detrimental impact on our area's economy, specifically in regard to event revenue development.
     It is apparent that communities are treated differently. Bend is certainly unique as compared to other regions across the state; however it is events within our own community, with similar demographics, which have dissimilar restrictions and inconsistent guidelines. We acknowledge plans for addressing OLCC regulations at events are submitted in advance, yet businesses are frustrated by the lack of written guidelines and arbitrary last minute changes which occur.
     As with any regulatory body, there may be a certain amount of trepidation which accompanies a relationship with the end user. There is an unusual amount of apprehension from businesses in even discussing issues relating to the OLCC. Many members are willing to talk "off the record" so long as their name is withheld for fear of retribution. The appeals process is time consuming, expensive, and leaves the business exposed to reprisals.
     Some of these concerns may stem from a lack of communication and understanding between the OLCC and the business community of Bend. Greater effort needs to be applied to both educate businesses and the OLCC on the needs from both parties. As was demonstrated by the June 24 meeting between the OLCC and the Les Schwab Amphitheater, progress can be made so long as both parties are willing to listen. This meeting was a good first step and is an example of the progress we would like to see moving forward. A continuation down this path is needed to resolve this critical issue in our community.
     Businesses need every opportunity to be successful. In light of our current economic climate, now is the time to look at comprehensive reform in how we handle liquor in our State and how the regulatory authority works with the businesses and communities it supports and protects.
     It is our recommendation that the OLCC recognize the economic needs of the citizens it serves and work in conjunction with the business community of Bend to find reasonable solutions which satisfy both its mission of public safety and provides the best possible avenue for economic prosperity.
     The Bend Chamber looks forward to working with the OLCC to further the forward progress and bring timely and meaningful resolutions for all parties concerned."
     If you have any comments contact Tim Casey at tim@bendchamber.org or by phone at 382-3221.

Council votes not to hear Shepherd's House appeal

    In a 4-1 decision, the Bend City Council voted to not hear an appeal from property owners and business owners who want to stop the Shepherd's House from adding more beds.
     The Shepherd's House was looking to expand from 32 beds to 60 beds under the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. A Bend hearing officer approved the request last month, but an appeal was filed by local businesses and property owners.
     In the appeal, the concerned parties stated, "The Hearing Officer's decision is based on inadequate findings and does not reflect the substantial evidence in the whole record. Expansion is not compatible with the commercial district in which Shepherd's House is located."
     The City Council was asked to decide whether or not to hear the appeal of the hearing officer's decision. City Staff recommended councilors not hear the appeal stating the issue does not have a community wide policy implication.
     Councilor Oran Teater said though he doesn't want to make a habit of hearing appeals, he would prefer to listen to the appeal. "I know we don't usually hear these kinds of things," he said. "I'd like to make an exception. I know it will take a lot of time and effort."
     Mayor Kathie Eckman and councilors Mark Capell, Jim Clinton, and Tom Greene, all said it didn't make sense for the council to hear the issue because it would most likely end up at the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA); no matter what the council decides.
     "I'm not sure how relevant it is that we hear this," said Capell. "This is a huge issue and both sides are very adamant in their opinions. So, we can spend all the time to hear it, but the side that loses, whichever side we rule against, will appeal to LUBA and it's going to start all over again."
     Clinton echoed Capell's sentiments saying "though (this issue) has significance to a lot of people… To me, it's a very specific issue for that particular facility. It doesn't have city wide policy implications that I can see. I think the council should not hear the appeal."
     Councilors also stated they didn't feel they had enough time to get through all the material with the 120 day review period about to expire. Councilors would have to hear the appeal at the July 15 meeting and staff told councilors the information is about six inches thick.
     Councilor Jeff Eager abstained from the vote since he represents one of the appellants in a different matter. Councilor Jodie Barram was not present at the meeting.

City Council Highlights

Legislature adjourns, local official sees success

    The Oregon Legislature adjourned the 2009 Legislative session on Monday and one local official saw some successes during her first session in office. Senator Chris Telfer (R-Bend) was able to pass eight pieces of legislation this term.
     Telfer says only reason she was able to be an effective legislator was by working to find consensus with members of both parties. "This first session proved to me that if you have good ideas and you are willing to work with others no matter what party or perspective they come from, you can get things done," said Telfer in a recent release. "I'm pleased with some of the things we were able to accomplish for Central Oregon."
     Telfer's final legislative agenda includes:
     SB 862 - Requires the state to adopt rules to facilitate community-based health care collaborative..
     SB 863 - Reimburses local film makers for all or a portion of their local film projects.
     SB 876 - Protects organ transplant patients taking specific anti-rejection drugs.
     SB 449 - Names US Highway 97 the World War II Veterans Historic Highway.
     SB 589 - Permanently exempts Indian tribal land from taxation.
     SB 590 - Permits Indian tribe member of State Interoperability Executive Council to be designee
of an Indian tribe.
     HB 2619 - Requires a legislative office to solicit cost saving bids for printing the Oregon Revised Statute.
     HB 3379 - Gives local government flexibility when they are unable to meet funding requirements of a transportation planning rule.
     "Every day during session I asked myself what are we doing to make Oregon a place where families and businesses can grow and be successful," said Telfer. "Sometimes that meant standing in opposition to the policies of the majority party, and sometimes it meant finding common ground where we all could stand. At the end of the day I think that philosophy proved successful."

SolAire project named Green Building Project of the Year

    SolAire Home Builders was recently honored at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for its Vidas-Staley Residence as the Green Building 2009 Project of the Year.
     The Vidas-Staley Residence is the first LEED Platinum home to be certified in all of Central Oregon. Built in a traditional Prairie style architecture, the home features an energy efficient home envelope, solar electric panels, solar hot water panels, high efficiency heating equipment, efficient lighting, and a whole house clean air ventilation system.
     "SolAire Homebuilders shows how far residential green building has come," said Eric Borsting, chair of the NAHB Green Building Subcommittee in a recent release. "This project is a great illustration of sustainable, environmentally responsible construction and a good example for our members as NAHB continues to lead green building into the mainstream."

Remember to be safe when using fireworks

    The Fourth of July is nearly here and that means fireworks celebrations will take place across the city. The City of Bend Fire Department wants to ensure everyone has a safe holiday weekend. The following are tips to remember when using fireworks:

* Have a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of fire.
* Choose a location on a non-combustible surface, such as concrete, dirt, or gravel, far away from buildings, trees, grass, and vegetation.
* Only adults should handle and discharge fireworks. The minimum age to buy, sell, or use fireworks in the City of Bend is 18. The minimum age in the rest of Central Oregon is 16.
* Never alter fireworks or try to make your own.
* Never pick up or attempt to re-light a "dud."
* Soak all spent fireworks and "duds" in a bucket of water before disposal.
For more information or tips visit the City of Bend's Web site at www.ci.bend.or.us and go to the Fire Department's page.
 

In the News

     Cafe Yumm ranks 9th on Fastest-Growing Company List: Cafe Yumm! was recently ranked number 9 in the Portland Business Journal's 2009 List of Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. The company had a 224.21 percent rate of growth during a three year period. "Growing in these tough economic times is a testament to the need that Cafe Yumm! fills in our community," Cafe Yumm! co-founder Mark Beauchamp stated in a recent release. "Healthy, organic food at a reasonable price in a beautiful environment resonates with people." Cafe Yumm! has nine locations in Oregon.
     Portland Drivers have the least amount of road rage: According to a recent report for AutoVantage, a national auto club, Portland drivers are the most courteous. The city ranked number one out of 25 metropolitan areas. Other cities that were called courteous included Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Sacramento. AutoVantage completed the survey "to determine the driving habits and attitudes of commuters across the county and to learn more about consumer views on the topic of road rage." New York was named the least courteous city, and was quickly followed by Miami. Other cities that have road rage include Dallas/FortWorth, Detroit, Atlanta, and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
     Oregon receives $17 million for energy efficiency: Last Friday, Oregon was allocated close to $17 million in stimulus money for use on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The money was awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The money will be invested throughout the state at eligible public facilities including K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and government buildings.