News & Updates

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Miller’s Landing meeting January 31

An open house to discuss the Miller’s Landing Park will take place January 31 in the community room of the Bend Parks & Recreation District Office.

The event will take place from 5:30 pm to 7 pm, and is the third open house to discuss the park project. The district is developing the park’s master plan and is seeking public input.

Park district staff presented a summary of the questionnaire results and public meeting input at a September board meeting. The district staff then created three park concepts that incorporated public comments, board input, and site conditions.

These concepts were presented at a second open house meeting on October 13th.  The drawings are available here:

For more information, visit Miller’s Landing.

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Snow and Ice Control

 Snow removal operations are critical for safe transportation and the economic health of our city.  The Street Division is responsible for clearing snow and applying de-icers on main roads, as well as trouble spots such as steep roads.

Once snowfall accumulation exceeds two inches of snow, City crews may plow arterial and collector roads with special attention to emergency services and school zones.

Detailed information regarding priorities and responsibilities is available for download:

Snow and Ice Requirements for Homes and Businesses

  • Snow should not remain on the sidewalk for a period longer than the first six hours of daylight after the snow has fallen in the commercial areas and one day in all other areas.
  • Ice should not remain on the sidewalk for more than six hours of daylight in commercial areas and one day in all other areas after the ice has formed unless the ice is covered with sand, cinder, or other suitable materials to assure safe travel.
  • In addition, maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to the CET bus stops is imperative. This will enable people, including those with disabilities, easy access to the transit services through the winter months.
  • When public walks are found in violation (Class C Infraction,) the property owner can be issued a citation with an initial fine of $165 ($100 fine and $65 assessment fee).

If a property owner has questions regarding the snow removal ordinance or procedures, they should call the Bend Police Department at (542) 322-2976.

Contact Cascades East Transit at (541) 385-8680 for bus stop questions.

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Fire Hydrant Snow Removal

A Public Service Announcement
From the City of Bend Fire Department

Bend Fire and Rescue reminds everyone to please keep fire hydrants visible and accessible during the winter months. With significant snowfall finally here, we need your help. This is particularly true where streets and parking lots are plowed. Snow plows can’t always direct the snow away from hydrants. You can help by keeping snow cleared away for at least three feet around fire hydrants when you notice they are obstructed. Also, keep a path clear from the hydrant to the road. By doing this, firefighters can quickly find and use the fire hydrant to fight a fire. If this is not done, precious time may be lost resulting in increased loss of life and property.

We would also like to remind everyone to keep the path to and from buildings, including homes and businesses, clear of excess snow. By doing so, you improve the fire department’s access to the building in the event of a fire or medical emergency. Also, keep all emergency exit routes clear and keep emergency exit doors from becoming blocked by snow.

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Yes, for a bond measure to dredge Mirror Pond

Yes, yes, yes to the idea of dredging Mirror Pond first and then trying to figure out the long-term picture later.

It was refreshing to hear that notion stated so directly by members of the steering committee working on this question.

“Something has to be done to remove the sediment immediately, regardless of what we do in the long term,” said Matt Shinderman, Oregon State University-Cascades Campus natural resources instructor.

“It’s kind of a two-stage process. The first is to dredge the pond, and the second is to do a longer-term study of what needs to be done to the pond,” said Don Horton, executive director of Bend Park & Recreation District.

Yes, indeed.

Earlier plans to spend $500,000 on a study of options faltered because the price was so high and no one had the money to pay for it. Estimates to dredge the pond range from $2 million to $5 million.

The group is awaiting citizen response from an upcoming park district survey before deciding if it should ask voters for a one-time bond issue to dredge the pond, or the formation of a permanent special taxing district.

A permanent taxing district is a complex question. Voters would need to consider whether they want to continue to carve out special tax obligations as they have for other things — such as the library and sheriff’s office — that previously were paid for by the general fund. And, voters wouldn’t know exactly what they’d get in the future with that obligation. Recommendations to return the river to its natural state, for example, would be far less popular than preserving the town’s crown jewel by dredging.

We favor a simple bond measure, because we think voters will support something they value and can understand.

Source: The Bulletin