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Bend Chamber Weekly
February 5, 2010
By Courtney Linville, Government Affairs/Public Relations
This Week's Highlights
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Deschutes County Jail Bond to go to voters this May
The Bond Measure to fund the Deschutes County Jail Expansion and Remodel is now in the voters hands. The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to put the measure on the May 18 ballot Wednesday, citing now is the time for the county to get ahead and prepare for much needed jail space.
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is requesting a 30 year bond measure of $44 million which would add to the existing facility 250 beds, room for 50 inmates with mental health, medical or disciplinary issues, and increased room for intake, release, and inmate processing. According to Deschutes County Sheriff Larry Blanton, the average taxpayer in the county will pay $36 a year for the expansion.
Blanton told commissioners he is approaching the voters now because of potential concerns in the future about public safety. "Crime rates are down slightly because criminals know we hold them accountable," he said. "The department is not matrixing inmates at the jail currently, but if something doesn't happen soon, the county could be faced once again with the matrixing of inmates."
With the expansion, Blanton says the county will be able to hold offenders accountable. He stated those inmates who went through the matrixing process before knew what their score would be, who had matrixed out previously, and how long they would be in jail. While there are many programs to help inmates to get their GED's or help with mental health issues, etc., Blanton says without a captive audience, the programs will be virtually worthless.
"I understand better than anyone the issue with additional taxes, I pay them too," said Blanton. "But one thing we cannot afford to do is sit on our hands and not advise citizens of potential issues."
Commissioner Tammy Baney pointed out the county will not abandon tax payers to pay for the entire expansion. The county plans to sell land to help pay for the capital improvements. However, because of the current economy, the county wouldn't receive as much money for the sale, of lands right now. "We are not willing to have a fire sale on land to reap the least amount possible," said Baney. "We are looking for partnerships between the residents, and we are looking for ways through land-use actions to secure the (largest) amount possible to help buy down the debt service."
Commissioner Dennis Luke echoed Baney's sentiments stating over the past several years with funds from land sales the county has been able to build the Becky Johnson Center in Redmond, a new mental health facility, the courthouse, etc. "We can't make promises to the voters," he said. "We can by action show our intent. That is the intent, to reduce the impact on citizens."
To help keep construction costs down, Blanton plans to use inmate labor. "Yes, I can do that," he said. Inmates will be used on construction clean-up and preconstruction cleanup for shrubs, etc. "Even the smallest attempt to save money is what people expect of us and that is what we are going to do," said Blanton. "We are going to make sure that we have not assessed more than we need to assess."
Commissioner Alan Unger pointed out the expansion will provide much needed jobs in the area and it will help to keep people working. "We need to plan today and work today to create the ability to have the accountability (tomorrow)," he said.
Commissioners agreed they have a lot of trust in the voters and they will now turn to voters for their advice on this issue.
Blanton and his staff will now be tasked with educating the voters about the measure. He plans to hold numerous Town Hall events to talk about the needs of the Sheriff's Office, the consequences of not doing the expansion, and ultimately let the citizens decide.
Above all, Blanton says the expansion is "the right thing for us to do. If I didn't think we needed it, I wouldn't be asking for it." |
Bend City Council Establishes Goals for 2010
The Bend City Council plans to continue its focus on three main categories in 2010 which include economic development, financial stability, and growth management.
While the councilors looked at a variety of programs and goals for 2010, the main focus of the evening was centered on business retention and growth.
Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) Business Development Director Eric Strobel told councilors the city should look at offering incentives, continue with its efficient permitting process, move forward with infrastructure, and pursue an enterprise zone application.
Councilors agreed to pursue the enterprise zone application because they believe this could bring more businesses to the area. Strobel pointed to the success of the zones commenting on projects in Redmond and Facebook's recent decision to build in Prineville. "Every single surrounding community has an enterprise zone. Bend doesn't," he said.
Councilor Jim Clinton also brought up the idea of an applied research center. He said the facility would provide support to the growing high-tech sector in Central Oregon and it will create jobs.
Clinton pointed out to councilors a study which shows 95 percent of the income of high-tech companies comes from outside the area, which would have a huge multiplier effect in the community.
Councilors agreed now is the time to start seeking federal money to pay for the research facility. "If we wait for others and state institutions to do something like this in Central Oregon, it will be long after we are gone," said Clinton. "If we can get this started, they will be participants."
Financial stability will still be a main goal of the council throughout the year. The council will continue to look at employee benefit reform, reserve policies, and will explore the possibility of a fire district and a lobbyist to aggressively seek federal funds for transportation projects.
Infrastructure also remains high on the council's list including surface water projects, waste water treatment, and transportation improvements. The city will continue its work on annexation policies and the urban growth boundary.
The council did agree to carryover some of the priority projects from 2009 including accessibility, Bend Area Transit, and Mirror Pond. To that list, the council also added public safety staffing, expanded volunteer beautification efforts and connections with neighborhood associations.
City staff will now refine the goals, look at specific projects, and create timelines for the councilors. |
Bend City Council Looks to Promote Local Businesses
In an effort to honor local businesses, the Bend City Council plans to highlight a business each month at a council meeting. Councilor Mark Capell announced the idea Wednesday evening, stating businesses need to be recognized for all the good things they do for the community.
Councilors will look at businesses throughout the area that are supporting the community or doing something innovative. Each month one councilor will present a proclamation to the selected business. |
Other States Bring Out Welcome Mat with Measures 66 & 67 Passage
With the passage of Measures 66 & 67, several states are now bringing out the proverbial welcome mat to Oregon businesses.
Just last week, the Chicago Sun-Times, reported Chicago Mayor Richard M Daley plans to send economic development officials to Oregon to recruit businesses. "It will help our economic development immediately," Daley told the Sun-Times. "You'd better believe it. We'll be out in Oregon enticing corporations to relocate to Chicago."
According to the Portland Business Journal, Daley does have a track record of recruiting businesses from the Pacific Northwest. In 2001, Boeing Inc. moved its headquarters to Chicago from the Puget Sound area.
The Columbian, Vancouver, Washington's daily newspaper also published an editorial last week stating it will welcome businesses across the river with open arms. "Clark County's economic environment has long been penalized by business elements in adjacent Oregon," the editorial stated. "Now it's good to have a business boost here because of something that happened there."
The Wall Street Journal stated in an editorial that the passage of the taxes runs contrary to the public's current mood on taxes and spending.
The editorial explores how the measures were passed with advertising campaigns, and looks into the true impacts to employers and workers.
"The real victims of these taxes won't be wealthy business owners, who can always move away or shelter income, but less mobile Oregonians who will find it harder to get or keep a job," stated the editorial.
The Wall Street Journal also pointed out the obvious, "Oregon's folly will be some other state's gain."
Below are the links to the articles mentioned within this story:
www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/2017137,mayor-daley-trade-shows-012810.article
www.columbian.com/news/2010/jan/28/cmon-over/
WSJ.com - Opinion: Taxpayer Ambush in Oregon |
In the News
New informational Web page for City of Bend: In January, the City of Bend launched a new Web page that makes it easier to find important information on the City's Web site. CityFactCheck.com is designed to help avoid confusion on city issues and help residents simply get to the facts. According to a press release, the goal is to increase public knowledge and understanding of important issues facing City government. Topics on CityFactCheck.com include Juniper Ridge, City Budget and Finances, Fire Department Annexation, Urban Growth Boundary and more. For more information, visit www.cityfactcheck.com.
Redmond CDD Office to Reduce Hours: Starting on Tuesday, February 16, the Deschutes County Development Department will reduce its hours to 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. This is due to department staff reductions. The main Community Development Office in Bend will continue to be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the hours of the Deschutes County Community Development Department, please call (541) 388-6575.
KOHD News Adds Local Broadcast: KOHD News announced this week it is now broadcasting local news at 5:30 p.m. The show will be a half hour including news, weather, and Direct Connect. Direct Connect, is an interview segment that features local people and issues. "We wanted to do something at 5:30 that currently isn't available in the market," said General Manager Jerry Upham. "It's a hyper-local show that will feature 99 percent local content and stories." |
Upcoming Events:
February 10 - Business Success Program - The Mediation Process: Discover Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflicts - Business relationships bring challenges. These can result from failures in communication, understanding and interpretation of contracts or documents, or performance expectations. We can all agree that preserving and developing good business relationships is one key for business success. Charlie Young, a mediator/facilitator, who has participated in more than 600 mediations, will tell us that, along with the challenges of facilitative mediation, there are also opportunities. Rather than perceiving a difficulty or disagreement as something to litigate, mediation approaches the situation with the mindset of an opportunity for both parties to gain and to have the business relationship improve and deepen. Everyone will grow and succeed. In this interactive program, we will: Discover the elements of the facilitative mediation process, identify techniques that will allow the process to be successful, explore how this process improves business relationships, identify the economic advantages of mediation for your business, and identify healthy dialogue for everyday business transactions. At the end of the workshop, a fun block game will review the tools learned, and there will be time for a question and answer session. If you are interested in attending this session, please RSVP by Tuesday, February 9 at www.bendchamber.org.
February 17- Young Professionals Network- Deschutes Children's Foundation- Join your fellow Young Professionals this month at the Deschutes Children's Foundation. The mission of Deschutes Children's Foundation is to promote a community of services for the children and families of Deschutes County. Their primary strategy for pursuing this mission is to provide rent-free facilities and no-cost property management for human service programs that serve children and families directly. This puts critical dollars to work for children and families. Join the Deschutes Children's Foundation and your fellow young professionals for a great evening of networking, fun, and food and beverages provided by Olive Garden and Deschutes Brewery. If you are interested in attending this event, please RSVP by February 16 at www.bendchamber.org/ypn.
February 19- Town Hall Forum- Bend's UGB: Where do we go from here?- In January, the Bend City Council unanimously voted to appeal the report from Department of Land Conservation and Development Director (DLCD) Richard Whitman. The appeal will now go before the Land Conservation Development Commission (LCDC) in March. But several questions still remain. Where do we go from here? What is the reasoning behind the appeal? What hurdles does the city still face? What is the worst case scenario? At this month's Town Hall Forum, join our panel including Bend City Councilor Mark Capell and City Manager Eric King. Learn the about the key points of the Urban Growth Boundary Expansion, the main decisions the city council appealed, and the impact to the city if the appeal is denied. This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered about this issue that will impact the city for years to come. Please RSVP for this event by February 18 at www.bendchamber.org.
February 22- 2010 Real Estate Forecast Breakfast - Technically, the recession is over and we are on the road to recovery. But what does that mean for local real estate markets? How much inventory do we really have? What does the future hold? Join fellow Chamber members and get your questions answered! This year's Real Estate Forecast Breakfast features great experts including Linda Stelle, President of AmeriTitle and Steve Scott, Steve Scott Realtors. Stelle will help attendees to understand the effect of defaults in the current marketplace. She will also explore the "upside down syndrome" and the impact of the rental market. Scott will discuss real estate inventory and how that relates to the future turn around for our area. He will also talk about niche opportunities. Don't delay and sign up today to attend this premiere breakfast event at www.bendchamber.org/REFB. Individual seats (unreserved) are available for $45 each. If you are interested in a great marketing opportunity and would like reserved seating, consider purchasing a table sponsorship for $595. This table sponsorship will not only give you a great table location for the presentation, but it will also give you the following: a reserved table for 10, table stanchion with logo, business name listed in the event program, logo on the event Power Point program (displayed before and after the presentations), and logo and name listed on the Bend Chamber Web site. Partial-table sponsorships are also available. If you would like more information, contact Diana Haffner at 382-3221 or diana@bendchamber.org.
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