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 Bend Chamber
 777 NW Wall St, Ste 200
 Bend, OR 97701

 Phone: (541) 382-3221
 Fax: (541) 385-9929
 info@bendchamber.org
 www.bendchamber.org

Bend Chamber Weekly
May 8, 2009
By Courtney Linville, Communications Coordinator

This Week's Highlights

• Building fees to increase July 1

• City Council Highlights

• Town Hall, Get your questions answered

• 919 Bond Wins DJC 2009 Top Project Award

• In the News

• Upcoming Events

Building fees to increase July 1

     In a 4-3 decision Wednesday evening, the Bend City Council voted to increase fees for building, planning and engineering by July 1.
     City staff says the increase in fees will bring charges in line with the cost of services, and it will help to generate much needed revenue for the Community Development Department (CDD).
     However, there was a slight change to the original fee proposal. The original fee increases called for a full 30 percent increase in building safety fees. After discussions with the Central Oregon Builders Association and others within the community, officials brought a new plan before council.
     The building safety fees will increase 15 percent within the next fiscal year, and another 15 percent the following year to reach the full 30 percent increase.      According to CDD Director Mel Oberst, to split the increase into two phases will cause the department to fund some of the service levels for the first year from the building fund reserves. This cost is estimated at about $300,000.
     Oberst told councilors this will help maintain service levels, and the department would still have two months in reserves. Several councilors were concerned over the changes, and leaving so little funding in the department’s reserves.
     Engineering fees will increase by 25 percent and planning fees will increase by an average of 15 percent. Many councilors were concerned by the increases in the planning fees because some fees are increased drastically. City staff quickly explained under the old fee structure some fees were subsidizing others.
     There will also be an additional 14 percent surcharge on some of the service fees to help support long range planning.
     Councilors questioned if the department had further efficiencies it could do to bring costs down and if some of the fees are actually related to the time spent on a project, like permits. Oberst explained the fees are based on averages and not actual time and materials. The department could run into liabilities especially in the planning department if it didn’t have a set fee structure.
     City Manager Eric King also pointed out to councilors that even with the fee increases, there will still be reductions in expenditures and staffing. “This is not to make the department whole, it’s just to (recover) the cost of service,” he said.
     The current draft budget calls for a reduction of nine building employees and three planning employees.
     Councilor Oran Teater said he is uncomfortable with the increases and has struggled for weeks over the decision because of the current economic downturn. “I’m looking at everything else we’re raising: water fees, sewer fees, (transportation utility) fees, state fees, federal fees … it’s all across the board,” he said. “I am just struggling with it.”
     Other councilors believed there was no other option than to increase the fees to make sure developers pay their fair share for services rendered and to continue to keep the Community Development Department running.
     “I have long been a critic of the city for not collecting 100 percent on cost recovery … coming into tonight I was less than thrilled to see the reduction to the 15 percent increase in the building safety fee for the next year, but I think you can often have an exception to your rules, especially right now with the recession,” said Councilor Jodie Barram.
     Five people testified before the council on issues ranging from the planning fees being too high to fees assessed on a per-acre basis to fees hindering economic development.
     Councilors Jodie Barram, Mark Capell, Jeff Eager, and Tom Greene voted in favor of the fee changes, while councilors Jim Clinton, Oran Teater, and Mayor Kathie Eckman voted no.
     The council will have a six month review of the fees in January 2010.
 

City Council Highlights

     EID passed by City Council: In a unanimous decision Wednesday evening, the Bend City Council approved the new three-year Economic Improvement District (EID) levy for downtown Bend. The EID now has an assessment of 15 cents per square foot assessment on commercial properties within the downtown area. It is anticipated the EID will raise about $120,000 per year. If property owners representing 33 percent or more of the affected commercial space had objected to the increase, the EID would not have taken effect. As of the meeting Wednesday, only 10 percent of property owners objected. Councilors stated since there was a lack of turnout, the only thing to do was vote in favor of the EID.
     BAT sees fee increases/route changes: Bend Area Transit (BAT) will see fee increases for riders and route changes starting July 1. The Bend City Council unanimously approved the hike in fares for fixed route and Dial-A-Ride users. The Rate for a single adult fare will increase from $1 to $1.50 while an all day pass will increase from $2 to $2.50. The six-day pass booklet will also see an increase from $10 to $12. Dial-A-Ride will see an increase for a one way ride from $2 to $2.50. The monthly pass rate will stay the same. BAT will also see changes in its fixed route system on Routes 11 and 3.
     Council approves Development Code Tune-Up: In a 5-2 decision, the Bend City Council approved revisions to the development code. The city is working to clarify definitions, eliminate inconsistencies, and ensure development review procedures conform to state law and customer service objectives. The amendments in question revolve around accessory structure height, equipment shelters for utilities, and authority for zone change applications. While the councilors agreed on the new accessory structure heights, there was much debate on the utilities and zone changes. Councilors agreed the new language for utilities would work for now, but asked staff to work on a telecommunications ordinance. Councilors Jodie Barram and Jim Clinton voted against the revisions.

     Military Family Appreciation Day: Military Family Appreciation Day will take place throughout Oregon today. Bend has been chosen as one of 13 cities to hold ceremonies to appreciate the significant contributions made by the families of those who serve to protect our nation. Proclamations by the Governor, County Commission, Adjutant General, and Mayor for the City of Bend will be read. A special tree will be planted in Drake Park to commemorate this first annual event. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. at the Riverfront Plaza and refreshments will be provided. The community is encouraged to attend.

     Visit Bend announces community wide visitor development fund: Visit Bend recently announced a program where local businesses can contribute to a Visitor Development Fund that will be used to attract major events, conferences, and conventions to Bend. According to a press release, the fund is separate from the organization's working budget and will be used to offset costs associated with bringing groups and events to Bend. Those who contribute to the development could receive online exposure at Visit Bend’s Web site, advertising in Bend’s official visitor guide, and much more. “As Bend’s economy strives to find equilibrium, our tourism industry has become increasingly vital to the economic health of our community,” said Doug LaPlaca, president and CEO of Visit Bend. “Bringing major events, conferences, and conventions to Bend requires money and community wide support, and the resulting economic impact from these groups provides a substantial benefit to the entire community.”  
 

     May 12 – Professional Development Series – Advance Your Business Now! - How do you think the current market will define your business? What opportunities are out there? Can I make my business grow in this current market? In this month's Professional Development Series Morning Session, Rich Rudnick, Smart Sales Solutions Sales Coach and Consultant, will help you learn how the market will define you and the key components of taking your business to peak performance in this tough market. Other topics of discussion will include: what separates those who thrive from the rest, the keys to advancing your business in this market, out-of-the-box ideas that just might work, and opportunities available in this market. Please RSVP for this event by no later than noon on Monday, May 11 at www.bendchamber.org. If you have trouble signing up, call 382-3221.

    May 12 – 2009 Excellence Awards – You are cordially invited to attend the 2009 Excellence Awards Dinner at The Riverhouse Convention Center. It's an evening of networking, dining, and entertainment. Come enjoy this semi-formal event with fellow Chamber members and vote for the Large Distinguished Business, Small Distinguished Business, and Outstanding Organization of the Year. Those in attendance will also find out who will be recognized as Citizen of the Year! This year, the finalists for Large Distinguished Business are: Nosler, Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Bend, and Robberson Ford Sales Inc. Small Distinguished Business of the year nominees include: Homecare I.V., Jake's Diner, and ServiceMaster Cleaning Specialists. The finalists for Outstanding Organization of the Year are: Central Oregon Resources for Independent Living (CORIL), Family Access Network (FAN), and Healthy Beginnings. For more information or to sign up, visit www.bendchamber.org/annualdinner.

     May 15 – Town Hall Forum – Oregon Legislative Update: Employment Bills – Every year employers face new regulations and guidelines not only from the federal government, but also the state. This year there are several bills in the Oregon Legislature that could affect your business. Do you know what is being talked about in the Legislature? How could certain bills affect your day to day business? What steps will you possibly have to take to hire or let go of an employee? Join Katherine Tank from Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, PC and fellow Chamber members in this interactive forum and get your questions answered. If you would like to attend this event please RSVP by noon on Thursday, May 14 at www.bendchamber.org. If you have trouble signing up, call 382-3221.
 
     May 20 – Young Professionals Network – The Athletic Club of Bend - Established in 1991, The Athletic Club of Bend has continued to provide the community with the best in health and wellness facilities and activities. Conveniently located on the way to Mt. Bachelor and nearby river trail system, the club is a great place to start or end your daily fitness routine. This event will have a slight twist. Attendees should come with their sneakers and semi-casual clothes to participate in some outside networking games from their childhood that focus on fun and teamwork. There will also be an opportunity to sign up for The Athletic Club of Bend’s new Young Professionals club membership! This membership is designed for individuals 18-30 years of age. For those members who want to continue to network after the event ends at 7 p.m., the Athletic Club of Bend will offer Happy Hour food and drink pricing until closing in the lounge for all YPN members! If you would like to attend this event please RSVP by Tuesday, May 19 at www.bendchamber.org.