The OBNA Board usually meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM. For information regarding location, agenda or minutes, contact the Board at: info@oldbend.org or leave a comment below.
Bend drinking water wins best tasting award
Bend’s water was awarded first prize at the Annual Best Tasting Water Contest held by the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade to Coast subsection of the American Water Works Association.
The water sample from the City of Bend, taken from the City’s surface water source springs, won first place this year with a score of 95 out of 120 points. A number of factors contribute to the taste of tap water, including its source, treatment process, pipes and reservoirs. Judges, after a blind taste test, rated water samples based on odor, flavor, and aftertaste. Bend’s water was described as “clean, crisp, and grassy,” with a “nice aftertaste.”
The four judges included a brewery owner, a winemaker, a water analysis systems company official, and a former National Football League fullback. Thirteen water utilities submitted samples to compete for the title on Feb. 16, 2012, in Eugene. Contestants followed strict guidelines for collecting and storing water samples. This was the fifth year of the competition.
As winner of this year’s contest, the City of Bend is eligible to compete for the Pacific Northwest Section title of Best Tasting Water May 2-4 in Yakima, WA.
The Bend Public Works Department plans to improve the surface water infrastructure to provide continued access to cost effective, clean, and reliable drinking water for Bend residents and businesses now and for the future. More information about the Surface Water Improvement project is available online: www.bendoregon.gov/surfacewater.
Condit Dam Removal Explained
In late October, 2011, the White Salmon River in Washington flowed again as the nearly 100-year-old Condit Dam was disabled with explosives. See this spectacular video of the dam’s lake draining, and find out how the end result is affecting habitat for salmon spawning. Further dam demolition is scheduled in 2012. The event was a significant milestone for river restoration and dam removal nationwide. This video is by Andy Maser.
Condit Dam Removal
On Wednesday October 26th, 2011, Condit Dam on the White Salmon River was dramatically breached with explosives. This was the first step in a year-long project to remove the 100 year-old dam and restore spawning habitat for threatened salmon. This video is by Andy Maser.
Board Meeting Notes: February 9, 2012
February Old Bend Neighborhood Board Meeting:
Present: Jan Gifford, John Kelly, Ken Cooper, Mark Weers, Spencer Dahl, and Brett Yost
Absent: Julio Lindsay, Bob Almquist
Guests: Michael Colanders, Greg Gifford, Dave Hakenson
Mirror Pond Update:
Guest, Michael McClandress, former project coordinator for the Mirror Pond Sedimentation Project, gave the board a brief history of previous and current efforts to find a solution to the Mirror Pond sedimentation problem.
See the OBNA and 2030 websites for articles discussing Mirror Pond.
Spencer Dahl moved that OBNA will not take a formal position on a solution to the Mirror Pond issue until the Public has received more information regarding all of the possible alternatives. Second by John Kelly
The Vote:
In Favor: Kelly, Dahl, Gifford, Weers, Cooper
Opposed:
Abstain: Yost
John Kelly, Spencer Dahl and Bob Almquist will write a letter to the editor encouraging the Mirror Pond Steering Committee to provide the public with information regarding the possible alternatives before they ask whether the public is in favor of pursuing a bond or tax district. Michael McClandress has offered to assist if needed.
Old Bend Newsletter results: Spencer reported that about 50 out 100 emails bounced back. We had three cancel subscription and one new subscription.
The website looks great and continues to evolve.
Next month’s meeting: March 8 at 6:00 PM. McMenamins?
I noticed that many of the Associations post: “The Board typically meets the second Thursday of the month between 6:00 PM and 7:30. Meetings are open to the public but please contact the chair for location and agenda.”
I also note that Board minutes are brief.
Agenda Item for next month: Published announcement of Board Meetings, Format of Board Minutes.