Summary of Nov. 19 board of directors meeting
November 20, 2024
The BPRD board of directors approved additional affordable housing units and adopted the mid-point update for the Comprehensive Plan at the Nov. 19 meeting. A video recording is available.
Housing requests
BPRD has a history of providing System Development Charge (SDC) waivers to support affordable housing projects. These waivers help reduce costs for developers creating deed-restricted, affordable housing, which aligns with broader goals for increasing housing availability for lower-income residents.
Housing Works requested 45 waivers for its Nine Peaks affordable housing development, which was granted by BPRD’s board. The Nine Peaks development is a 45 unit, 100% affordable, three story, wood framed apartment building with 1,2 and 3-bedroom units, that exceeds BPRD’s SDC waiver program by 28 units.
“This is exactly the kind of affordable housing we need here in Bend,” said Donna Owens, vice-chair.
The board members expressed concern about setting precedent of exceeding the total number of units in BRPD’s adopted cap, and the elected officials agreed to continue future conversation about waivers in an upcoming meeting. Including this SDC waiver request, BPRD has waived 637 units totaling more than $4.16 million since 2019.
A tax exemption was previously scheduled for discussion, but it was removed from the agenda after it was approved by Bend-La Pine Schools, which means the approval is provided on behalf of all taxing entities.
Comprehensive Plan
The board of directors approved the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Midterm Update. The 2018 Comprehensive Plan was designed as a living document, with a scheduled update midway through its 10-year timeframe.
District staff reviewed the draft Midterm Comprehensive Plan Update at the Oct. 1 board meeting and provided an opportunity for feedback from the board and public. Changes were made to the plan based on the feedback received, and the final document was approved.
Liability protections for public trail use
Within the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) there are several statues that provide certain immunities from liability for landowners related to the use of their lands by the public. A portion of these statutes provide broad liability protections to landowners that allow the public to recreate on their lands, provided they do not charge for the right to recreate. This “recreational immunity” has long been used by the district to encourage property owners to grant easements across their lands for public trail use.
A recent court case has led to legislative actions to add definitions and examples of recreational activities. Based on legal counsel, the board of directors adopted Resolution No. 2024-09 Opting to Limit Liability for Certain Claims Arising from the Use of Public Trails or Structures in Public Easements and Unimproved Rights-Of-Way.
Contract for security services
The district entered into a two-year professional services agreement in June 2023 with Trident Professional Security for unarmed private security services. Maintaining consistent levels of service in fall and winter is deemed necessary to focus on patron and staff safety, particularly at recreation facilities. These continuations of services required an amendment to the security services contract to include additional charges, and a budget transfer from Administration to Community Engagement to account for the changes. There is no change to the overall appropriations.
The next board of directors meeting is Dec. 2.
