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Bend Chamber Weekly
September 4, 2009
By Courtney Linville, Communications Coordinator
This Week's Highlights
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Swing into Fall with the 12th Annual Member Invitational Golf Tournament
Time is running out to sign up for the 2009 Bend Chamber Fall Invitational Golf Tournament on September 14. Join fellow golfers at Brasada Ranch for a great day of networking, breathtaking views, and of course ... golfing!
Make sure to secure your spot for a team of four, or just yourself today at www.bendchamber.org/golf.
If you don't golf, consider becoming a sponsor. There are still a few open positions that will give you a chance to gain great exposure for your business!
But wait... there's more. You can also highlight your business by donating a prize for the raffle drawing or placing items in the golfer's tee bags.
If you are interested in donations or sponsorship opportunities, call Gayle Najera at 382-3221.
The 12th Annual Member Invitational Golf Tournament is brought to you by:
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Council looks at funding options for 97/Cooley
Developers and builders in Bend could see an increase in fees for transportation improvements that would help pay for the fix at US 97 and Cooley Road.
During a work session Wednesday evening, City Councilors received an update and overview on some of the options that are being considered for the improvements. While there are other options for paying for the improvements like buy-in from local businesses, grants, land sales, etc., city staff is also exploring a Transportation System Development Charge (TSDC) Overlay Zone, or possibly a citywide increase to the TSDC.
Finance Director Sonia Andrews told councilors "there is no easy solution" for this fix. Part of the problem the city faces is getting enough money upfront to fund the $34 to $37 million project. The Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) has requested the city find a solution to the funding problem before any more development can take place in Juniper Ridge.
Currently the TSDC is spread out citywide. If the council decides to move forward with this option, the fee would be smaller and spread over all new developments. However, the 97/Cooley project would have to compete with other projects citywide for allocation of funding and prioritization.
Should the council decide to go with the overlay zone, staffers say this would create more fairness. The zone would create a designated funding source for the improvements in the area rather than competing with other transportation system needs. The downside to this is developers would pay a significantly larger amount in development fees upfront.
Councilor Oran Teater voiced his concern over the overlay zone, stating it could be even harder to try to sell land in Juniper Ridge with the additional fee.
"The concern I have is the more we layer onto the cost of property at Juniper Ridge, the tougher the sell becomes," he said. "Right now we are charging $7 a square foot, if we get to $10 or $12 a square foot that will hurt our perspective buyers."
City Manger Eric King stated if there was a move to go to the overlay zone, the city would try not to have an extremely high fee.
Councilor Mark Capell stated he could see both sides of the issue. He was most concerned if the city went in the direction of the overlay zone, land at Juniper Ridge might have to be sold at a lower cost to compete with other areas of land in the City.
"It says to me, if I'm comparing buying commercial property in Juniper Ridge or across the highway from Juniper Ridge to buying property at the south end of town, say off Murphy Road, it forces us to lower our costs at Juniper Ridge to compete," he said. "Which means even though there's an overlay there, we're not getting the money in the long run. It makes it difficult to make (Juniper Ridge) fly."
Councilor Jim Clinton stated he still believes the state should contribute some money to the fix since the interchange would fix the state highway system. King stated he hopes to talk to the OTC about some contributions from the state, but the city needs to show the commission it has a funding plan.
"Once they know we have some skin in the game, it will put us in a better position to negotiate," he said.
King also pointed out the intersection fix at Cooley will probably be the first phase of the US 97 realignment.
At this time no decisions are being made about the TSDC options as city staffers are still working on some solid numbers. The work session was intended to get the councilors thinking about this possibility. Staff will come back to council in October with more information and ask council to make a decision at that time. More than likely, the funding for the project will come from several sources.
The City of Bend will go before the OTC in November with its solutions to help pay for the fix.
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City Council Highlights
Council continues to explore Surface Water Options: Membrane or Ultraviolet? The Bend City Council continued to explore the Surface Water Options during a work session and even had a little "show and tell." Councilors got to view a sample of the membrane and ultraviolet technology in the hopes to have a better understanding. The membrane system looked like a pipe with thousands of small straws in it. Staff and consultants explained nothing bigger than the size of the pore on the end of the "straw" would get through. With the UV option, there would be multiple tubes within the piping that the water would pass over. The light coming from the blub would be bright enough to deactivate the cryptosporidium from reproducing. Councilors also discussed the hydro power options, financials, and more. No decisions were made on the project. Councilors stated they would like to hear from the public prior to moving forward. A community forum on the proposed surface water projects has been set up for September 10 at 6 p.m. in City Council chambers. King says this will give the public an opportunity to ask questions about the projects, how much it will cost and more. More information on the projects can be found on the City's Web site at www.ci.bend.or.us under the surface water projects link.
City Council brings back light meals: In a unanimous decision, the Bend City Council decided to bring back light meals for councilors. At its February 4 meeting, the council approved the cutting of the meals to help pay for a possible special election to fill a seat that had been vacated by Senator Chris Telfer. The decision by council will now allow staff to use up to $200 per month to provide small meals prior to council meetings.
Council puts former Bend Bulletin site up for sale: The Bend City Council unanimously approved to place the former Bend Bulletin site on the market. The property is located on the NE corner of Wall and Olney and encompasses about 3 acres. The property will be listed for $3.9 million. The city is still paying interest on the property to the tune of $162,520 a year. City officials say to break even, the city would have to sell the property for about $5.5 million. The city originally purchased the Bulletin site in 2005 for $4.7 million to build a new City Hall. |
Flu shots soon available at Bend Memorial Clinic
Flu season is right around the corner and Bend Memorial Clinic is preparing a Flu Shot Clinic for seasonal flu vaccinations. Those who are interested in getting their shot before the start of the peak flu season in February can go to BMC's Eastside Clinic on September 19.
The flu vaccination will cost only $25 and the clinic is open to anyone over the age of three years old. To make an appointment, please call 541-382-4900. Walk-ins are welcome. For questions and concerns, please call Bend Memorial Clinic at 541-382-2811.
To protect you and your loved ones make sure you are proactive in getting your flu shot this season. Other clinics will be available throughout the season, or you can check with your doctor.
Please note this is a vaccination for the seasonal flu and not the H1N1 virus. According to recent reports, the H1N1 vaccination will be available later this fall to high risk groups. When the vaccine comes, the first batch will go to targeted groups including young children ages 6 months to 4 years, parents and caregivers of infants under six months, pregnant women, young people to age 19 with respiratory (e.g. asthma) or other serious medical conditions, and health-care and emergency services personnel who have direct contact with infected patients or materials.
For more information on the H1N1 or tips for your workplace, go to the following Web sites: www.flu.oregon.gov,www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/workplace.htm, www.flu.gov, and www.ready.gov/business. |
Take the Greenprint Survey
A broadly based group of government agencies, businesses, conservation and recreation groups, and residents have gathered to help create a "Greenprint" that will prioritize the values that shape our community. They need your input.
A Greenprint is a regional vision that will identify and map opportunities to protect natural and recreation areas. Help shape the future goals and priorities for land conservation and recreation in Deschutes County by taking a short survey and learn more about the Greenprint at www.deschutescountygreenprint.org.
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The Bend Chamber is proud to offer dental and vision plans!
As a Chamber member, you will be able to create a plan that fits the needs of your employees. You will have over 200 combinations of plans and one to two year rate guarantees.
To find out more, contact Dave Johnson at 866-656-3232, dave@johnsonbenefitplanning.com or Bev Hinshaw at 541-382-3571, bev@johnsonbenefitplanning.com.
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In the News
Former Oregon Governor to join 2010 race: On Wednesday, former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber announced he will run in the governor's race in 2010. "Campaigning is hard work, but I'm really excited about this campaign," Kitzhaber recently told the Portland Business Journal. "I'm doing this because I have a sense of optimism. We're at a pivotal point where we can actually forge a new landscape based on the future and not the past." Kitzhaber's platform will consist of the following: improving education, developing more jobs within Oregon, reducing the number of residents on public assistance, protection of Oregon's natural resources, and reduction in the state's prison population. Governor Ted Kulongoski's term will end in 2010.
Road work to close a portion of Galveston Ave: Galveston Ave. will be closed from the 14th St. roundabout west to 15th St. for road improvements. The closure is scheduled to last until Friday, September 11. The road will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and reopened on nights and weekends during the project, including the Labor Day holiday. Traffic will be detoured around the closure.
Applications now being accepted for the Bend Police Department Citizen's Academy: The Bend Police Department is accepting applications for its Citizen's Academy. The goal of the program is to inform and educate participants about the Police Department and the variety of ways it carries out its mission. Instruction includes narcotics, police dogs, officer survival, traffic, SWAT and more. The next Citizen's Academy begins September 29 and runs for eight weeks. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no charge to participate. For information about enrolling in the next academy, call 322-2976 or e-mail sesselstyn@ci.bend.or.us.
County Seeks Justice Court Case Management and Financial Application Software Vendor: The Deschutes County Justice Court recently put out a request for proposal form for vendors who are interested in providing "cost-effective and quality software solution to replace the Court's current records management application." The Court also seeks a vendor to provide all new software, software maintenance, installation conversion and support. For more information on the RFP, go to the Deschutes County Web site at: www.deschutes.org, or pick up a copy of the RFP at the Deschutes County Services Center Administration Office located at 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200.. All RFPs will be accepted until 4 p.m. on October 16.
EXTREME WATER HAZARD on Deschutes River just below Pringle Falls: The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is advising the public that the area of the Deschutes River near the Pringle Falls footbridge is extremely hazardous at this time and should be considered impassable. The river area immediately upstream from the footbridge is currently spanned from bank-to-bank by a large tree. This tree span is approximately 60' feet in length, with portions of the tree submerged. Additional debris is beginning to collect around this tree, making the river impassable. The Sheriff's Office is cautioning all recreation users of the Deschutes River and other waterways in the area to use extreme caution when attempting to navigate these waters. |
Upcoming Events
September 8- Professional Development Series Morning Session - Achievement Creates the Leader - The management at Deschutes Brewery risked all they had while striving to do the right thing for their co-workers and community, only to become one of the nation's most successful brewers. Gary Fish, owner of Deschutes Brewery, never set out to create the outstanding company you know today... .the simple goal was to be a little bit better than they were the day before. Join us to learn the insights and history behind the remarkable success of Deschutes Brewery as owner Gary Fish conveys his honest views on how Achievement Creates the Leader. This session will also feature time for attendees to ask Gary Fish questions about his business and much more. Take advantage of this opportunity to speak with this successful entrepreneur. This session is FREE. Please RSVP for this event by September 4 at www.bendchamber.org.
September 14 - 2009 Bend Chamber Fall Invitational Golf Tournament - The summer is starting to fly by and that means the 2009 Bend Chamber Fall Invitational Golf Tournament will be here before you know it. Join us at Brasada Ranch for a great day of golf. We pay out prizes for both the low net and low gross teams. Start making plans now. If you do not know the names of your players, take the first step of securing a spot in the tournament by signing up online today at www.bendchamber.org/golf. We also encourage you to register as an individual and we will create a team for you. If you are not a golfer, but would like to participate in the tournament we have options ranging from sponsorships to donations for tee bags, team prizes, and more. For more information on the golf tournament or sponsorship opportunities, contact Gayle Najera at gayle@bendchamber.org or by phone at 382-3221.
September 15- Professional Development Series - Boosting employee morale in a down economy - How do you keep employees engaged during an economic downturn? This can be challenging, especially during all the uncertainty. Employee morale and focus can wane. More than a decade ago, The Gallup Organization published a report that pointed to a sobering calculation: disengaged employees cost the American economy up to $350 billion a year in lost productivity. Imagine the costs today! As businesses look to get the biggest bang for the buck these days, no one can deny the greatest investment companies make is in their human capital. Join presenter Dana Barz, principal of danamics, to discover how you can reignite your team's passion, creativity, and productivity by using low and no cost techniques. Please RSVP for this event by Monday, September 14 at www.bendchamber.org.
September 16 - Young Professionals Network - Mid Oregon Credit Union- Mid Oregon Credit Union is a full-service, member-owned, financial cooperative that has served Central Oregonians for over 52 years. Mid Oregon is the only credit union headquartered and doing business solely in Central Oregon. Today they have five full-service branches; two in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and the newest branch in Madras. For more information about Mid Oregon Credit Union, their services, and branch locations please visit www.midoregon.com. September is Community Awareness Month and the Young Professionals Network has chosen to support SMART (Start Making a Reader Today). Please bring new or gently used books to drop off at the September YPN event. Books should be for ages K-3rd grade. Please no religious books or books about holidays. For each book you bring you will get to place a business card in the drawing to win one of many prizes. Join the staff of Mid Oregon Credit Union for an evening of networking, great food, and more. Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 15 at www.bendchamber.org. If you have trouble signing up, call 382-3221.
September 18 - Town Hall Breakfast - Legislative Impacts on Labor and Employment Law- There were many issues surrounding labor and employment law during the 2009 Legislative Session. How do the newly enacted laws affect your business? What is the Bureau of Labor and Industry (BOLI) doing to help employers? How is BOLI strengthening workforce development and civil rights? In this month's Town Hall, BOLI Commissioner Brad Avakian will talk about the impact of the 2009 Legislative session on employers, discuss BOLI's roll, look at the future of the organization, and share some information on BOIL's Technical Assistance for Employers program. Attend this Town Hall and get your questions about BOLI or any employment laws answered. Please RSVP for this event by September 17 at www.bendchamber.org.
October 16-18 - 11th Annual Fall Home Show & Living Green Expo: Market your company to thousands at the 11th Annual Fall Home Show & Living Green Expo at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds October 16 through October 18. The show is simply the most cost effective way to reach a targeted audience. The total attendance of the event is expected to exceed of 5,000 and is one of the largest fall events in Central Oregon. To reserve a space, visit the Show Web site, print out the Registration Information and send it into the Central Oregon Builders Association office, www.centraloregonshow.com/Registration/default.aspex. For more information or to reserve your location, contact Sonia Burns at the Central Oregon Builders Association at 389-1058 or soniab@coba.org, or online at www.centraloregonshow.com. If your business centers around selling a product or service to homeowners, you can't miss out on this opportunity to be an exhibitor at the Central Oregon Fall Home Show & Living Green Expo.
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