Summary of Jan. 21 board of directors meeting
January 22, 2025
The BPRD board of directors had a work-session focused meeting on Jan. 21. A video recording is available.
The board of directors approved minutes from the Jan. 7 meeting and discussed fish passage, snow removal and the possibility of stipends for service on the board of directors. No actions were taken on those topics.
Fish passage
Kris Knight, Executive Director of the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, provided an update on the Mirror Pond Fish Passage Advisory Committee’s progress and funding sources. The committee, with facilitation provided by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, conducted a public process and developed four alternatives for fish passage at the dam, including the full-ramp concept outlined in the original 2015 vision.
The BPRD board and city council supported the committee’s recommended nature-like fishway as the preferred choice, and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council has since agreed to lead efforts to raise funds to design the fish passage structure.
Since 2024, the watershed council has been seeking grant funding to support the engineering design effort. In total, $400,000 has been raised to complete the engineering design phase in 2025-26 to inform construction cost estimates.
Snow removal
Park Services staff provided an overview of the district’s snow removal program. The program aims to ensure safe and timely public access to parks and facilities during periods of snow and ice, and to comply with the City of Bend’s ordinances regarding snow removal in rights-of-way and on sidewalks.
Staff included details on snow removal operations at parks, trails and facilities, priorities, equipment, strategies for efficient operations, and challenges. When snow falls, the team removes 1.5 million sq. ft. from 34 acres of parking lots and 45 miles of trail and sidewalks.
Stipend consideration
The board has previously expressed a desire to explore the possibility of implementing a modest stipend program for its members. Offering a stipend can help offset expenses that members incur while participating in meetings and fulfilling their board responsibilities, such as transportation, childcare or lost wages. This financial support acknowledges the time, effort and costs incurred by board members when they serve and helps ensure that participation is accessible to a wider group of individuals. By offering a stipend, the board can better attract and retain board members of all backgrounds.
Pursuant to ORS 198.190, board member compensation is limited to $50 per day for duties performed as a district board member. Board member stipends may be set per resolution passed by the board, or members can continue to serve as unpaid volunteers. After researching other like agencies, staff developed draft guidelines for board discussion. Following questions and discussion, the board asked for a proposal to consider in an upcoming business session at a future meeting.
The board of directors will meet on Friday, Jan. 31 to begin the budget planning process with a workshop.
