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Bend Chamber Weekly
November 20, 2009
By Courtney Linville, Communications Coordinator
This Week's Highlights
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City of Bend's future projects not a threat to local Tumalo Creek
Wednesday evening the Bend City Council learned, with the city's current water rights and management in place, it couldn't dry up Tumalo Creek, even with the new proposed hydropower project.
Patrick Griffiths, City of Bend Water Resources Coordinator, discussed the history of the watershed and the municipal use of water from Tumalo Creek. Essentially, the city's water rights surround the Bridge Creek Complex, the area from which the city has been taking water since 1926.
Griffiths says the Bridge Creek Complex does not fall into Tumalo Creek. While the city does take some water from the Middle Fork of Tumalo Creek, it wouldn't want the complete flow because of the turbidity in the water.
"The good news is even if we wanted to, we couldn't dry up Tumalo Creek, even with the rights we have today," said Griffiths.
As for water rights, Tumalo Irrigation has a maximum paper water right of 211 Cubic Feet per Second (CFS) of water. The City of Bend's maximum paper water right is 36 CFS. The city also has non-irrigiation and irrigation season rights, Griffiths explained.
The city is limited to a rate and a duty or volumetric limit. Griffiths said there are a lot of variables in water flows. "The flow of the creek is the biggest driving force," he said. "If the water isn't there, then you don't get water. (The water rights) make sure we can't dry up the creek."
Griffiths walked councilors through the historical flows of water through the seasons, and projections well into the future. The trend shows as the city as grown, so has the demand for water. However, as the senior water rights holder, the Tumalo Irrigation District will always receive water first.
Historically, the city has had two smaller sized pipelines in place from the Bridge Creek Complex running at full capacity, 24 hours a day. Griffiths told councilors the older design of the pipeline was created to burn off the excess energy generated by the gravity flows.
The new pipeline will not only be larger, but also have thicker walls to hold the energy needed to make hydro electricity. Griffiths also pointed out the new design will allow water, not in use, to be diverted back into Tumalo Creek, mimicking natural flows.
With the new hydro project, the city would also take about 29.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere each year, reducing the city's carbon footprint.
Several councilors agreed the presentation made them feel a lot better about their surface water choice.
City Manager Eric King told councilors a resolution will come before them shortly which will describe the city's intent to be good stewards of the environment and to keep the water flowing.
For more information on the presentation or the proposed projects, go to the city of Bend's Web site at www.ci.bend.or.us. |
City Council Highlights
City requests to scale back on ADA access ramps, advocates riled up: Accessibility advocates were riled up Wednesday, after learning about the city's proposal to scale back on accessibility upgrades. The 2004 legal settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) calls for the city to have buildings, streets, sidewalks, curb ramps, and other facilities in line with ADA standards by 2014. The number of curb ramps estimated is anywhere between 7,000 and 8,000. According to Bend Accessibility Manager Susan Duncan, the city's new plan would upgrade 600 to 700 curb ramps by 2011, while those curbs classified as functional would be left alone. Duncan says the plan will allow the city to focus on heavy traffic areas. However, many advocates stated the settlement already asks for minimum effort, and the city's current actions are an embarrassment. Several councilors said they are in favor of the scaled back plans. "I don't want to be critical, but I'm not seeing any thank-yous for what we've done so far, for the 400 or so ramps that have been done so far, and the 600 ramps we're going to do," said Councilor Tom Greene. "To see that many people having a negative reaction - there seems to be a disconnect, but I think we're going in the right direction." The city had been in talks with the DOJ prior to its recent request about the plan. City officials plan to hear from the DOJ within the next few months.
Council gives nod on Juniper Ridge Land Lease: The Bend City Council approved work on a land lease with the Oregon Rush Soccer Club on a 40-acre site in Juniper Ridge's north-end. The club is interested in building a soccer park complex which could include at least 11 soccer fields. No final deals have been made, but the club will explore the possibility of a 20-year land lease with the city. Several councilors agreed the fields would be an economic boon to the area. Though he agreed with the positives of the deal, Councilor Mark Capell also stated his concerns about Juniper Ridge Project Executive David Ditz's company representing the Oregon Rush Club. City Attorney Mary Winters stated this was a concern of hers as well, but the city did request Oregon Rush use a professional to help them through the hurdles of permitting, land use, etc. She also pointed out most of the construction, permitting, etc., will have to be approved by Deschutes County since the land sits outside of Bend's current UGB.
BURA removes condition on Putnam Pointe Property: Bend Urban Renewal Agency agreed to allow the City Manager to remove a condition on the Agreement for Purchase and Sale at Putnam Pointe. The condition that will be removed states that "the eleven residential condominium units on the fifth floor that will be priced so they are affordable to families with incomes at or below 120 percent of median family income." The units are currently up for auction. Several members of BURA stated they were disappointed in the way this deal worked out. |
Take advantage of great deals with the Bend Chamber Member Holiday Party
| Bend Chamber Holiday Party is brought to you by: |
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You've made the decision to attend the Bend Chamber Member Holiday Party, but several questions remain. Can you get a babysitter, do you really want to drive yourself to the event, and can you get some Christmas shopping done while at The High Desert Museum? You are in luck because there are answers to all of your questions!
The Bend Chamber and Kiddoz, Inc. have a solution to your childcare problem. During the Bend Chamber Member Holiday Party, Kiddoz, Inc. is offering free child care (a $16 value) for children ages 30 months to 9 years.
There is a suggested donation of $5 per child which will be allocated to a local nonprofit agency focusing on children. Children do not have to be potty trained, but parents are asked to leave a diaper bag with essentials and a change of clothes.
Parents also don't need to worry about feeding their children prior to dropping them off because Kiddoz, Inc. will also provide a healthy meal of pizza, vegetables, and snacks!
If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, please call Kiddoz at (541) 312-4742 to pre-register by November 30. You can start dropping your children off at Kiddoz, Inc. on December 2 at 5 p.m. and pick them up no later than 8 p.m.
If you are not excited about trying to find a parking spot at the Holiday Party, consider carpooling. Shuttle service, provided by Central Oregon Breeze, will begin at 5 p.m. from the southwest portion of the Wal-Mart parking lot. The shuttle service will run round-trips nonstop during the event.
The Member Holiday Party is also a great opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done. Remember to bring some money as there will be a 20 percent discount at the Museum's Gift Shop during the party only. |
Oregon unemployment rate remains flat
Oregon's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 11.3 percent for the month of October. This is the lowest the rate has been since February's 10.7 percent.
For the month of October, reports indicated 210,325 Oregonians were unemployed. The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reached its highest level in 26 years with 10.2 percent for the month of October.
Several sectors saw job gains during the month including professional and business services, financial activities, and real estate, rental and leasing.
Governor Ted Kulongoski said the recent report shows Oregon's unemployment numbers are starting to stabilize. He says his focus will continue to remain on creating and retaining jobs while also helping Oregonians seeking help during these difficult times.
"This economic period continues to remain uncertain for our families and our businesses, but what is certain is that we must continue to work together across public and private lines to help those in need manage through this difficult time and to ensure Oregon is well-positioned for the long term when a full recovery occurs - which it will," Kulongoski said. |
Mt. Bachelor Announces Opening Day Details
Mt. Bachelor is on schedule to open today for the winter season at noon. Occasional snow is forecasted to continue in the Oregon Cascades through the weekend adding to Mt. Bachelor's current base depth. Opening day operating lifts are anticipated to be the Pine Marten Express and Sunshine Express. All services including food and beverage, rentals, Snowsports School, and retail, will be based out of the West Village Base Area. Expansion of open terrain and lifts is likely on Saturday, November 21 as well as heading into the Thanksgiving weekend. Mt. Bachelor's Nordic Lodge and trails will also open for the season today. For the latest details, guests are urged to go to www.mtbachelor.com.
"The forecast looks wintry and mountain crews are at work preparing their departments for what's sure to be a busy opening weekend," said Dave Rathbun, President and General Manager. "A good Thanksgiving is key to getting off to a good start, and as it stands now, we're well positioned. Our large percentage of returning staff will be an asset as we ramp up our operation to full speed."
Mt. Bachelor's season pass office will open in West Village today. Guests who have elected to wait until opening day to get their passes printed should expect lines. The Mt. Bachelor Super Shuttle will also begin service. The full shuttle schedule is available at www.mtbachelor.com. |
In the News
Talk of the Town: In June of 2009, the Oregon Legislature put forth two tax increases intended to balance the state budget. Measure 67 would raise corporate taxes and fees. Measure 66 would raise individual personal taxes. Tax proponents portray these tax measures as fairer than the current structure as well as the only way to protect essential services. Tax opponents claim these taxes will increase further job loss and cause many businesses to either fail or retreat completely from Oregon. COTV-11's Talk of the Town plans a town hall discussion covering Measures 66 & 67, both of which head to voters in a special election January 26, 2010. Which businesses would pay more taxes under Measure 67? With Measure 66, if approved, which individuals would pay more on their personal income taxes and which would get a tax break?
What questions are on your mind? What information can you share with viewers? Contact Jamie Christman to participate. Join the televised town hall taping on Tuesday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Cascades Theatrical Company in Bend. If you plan on attending, RSVP to talk@bendbroadband.com or call 388-5814.
OSU-Cascades enrollment jumps more than 19 percent: Oregon State University - Cascades Campus recently posted a 19.8 percent growth in the number of students taking classes this fall, the largest percentage increase in headcount enrollment of any campus in the Oregon University System. The campus is now home to a record 611 students, with an additional 162 students taking courses at Central Oregon Community College and admitted in a degree program through OSU-Cascades, for a full contingent of 773 students. "Our growth is the result of a number of factors including the need for a university presence in Central Oregon, OSU-Cascades' growing reputation, and our partnership with COCC," said Vice President Becky Johnson. "Recent discussions about OSU-Cascades' enrollment indicate we could reach 3,500 students by 2025. To get there, we need to sustain this growth and continue to develop academic programs that reflect the needs and values of Central Oregonians."
Oregon Ranked as Healthy State: According to the United Health Foundations annual America's Health Rankings, Oregon is the nation's 13th healthiest state. The report focused on a variety of concerns including obesity, smoking, drinking, access to health care, health policies, and environmental conditions. Oregon moved up from last year's ranking of 18. Vermont was the healthiest overall state and Mississippi was the least healthy. |
Upcoming Events
December 2 - Bend Chamber Member Holiday Party
Brought to you by:
Join fellow Chamber members in sampling delicious food from Awbrey Glen, Baldy's Barbeque, Jake's Diner, Old Mill Bistro, Pine Tavern, and Subway Sandwiches. Wet your whistle with Deschutes Brewery microbrews, Grocery Outlet wine, or Bendistillery's martinis and coffee drinks. Top off the evening with desserts from Goody's, The Cake Lady, and Healthy Bites Personal Chef Service. Here is wishing you a wonderful time at the celebration this year and a prosperous 2010! If you are interested in attending, register today at www.bendchamber.org/holiday-party.
December 12 - 13 - Holiday Magic Moves to Summit High School!! Featuring Soloist Lindy Gravelle! A musical concert by the COCC Cascade Chorale and full orchestra to benefit CORIL and presented by SELCO Community Credit Union will be held on Saturday evening, December 12 and Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. Director Jim Knox is describing this production as the "rebirth of Holiday Magic," now in its fifth year! "The music this year is filled with wonder, joy and peace and will be clearly presented throughout each performance," he said. The Summit High School Music Department will also be participating in the performances. Knox says, "The concert will include Mark Brymer's, "The Christmas Suite"- a wonderful work scored for choir, soloists, and orchestra." This special salute to the season will feature many cherished pieces such as: Sing we now of Christmas; What Child is this; Master in the Hall; Hallelujah Chorus; Jingle Bells and much more. Lindy's famous song, "Christmas Corsage" will also be featured. Tickets are for open seating and all reserved seats can be purchased through the Central Oregon Resources for Independent Living (CORIL) Web site www.coril.org or by calling the main office at 388-8103. All tickets will be at the bargain price of $15, a tremendous value! |
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