Redmond staff update council on managed camp planning; water, fire code and operations remain unresolved

City staff updated the council on planning for a managed camp intended to move people off street and county land and said technical questions about water, fire‑safety and long‑term operations remain under discussion.

At the informal session staff said site plans are preliminary and that the city is discussing requirements with the fire department, including whether a water main and hydrant or a large cistern would be required. Staff said fire‑department requirements are likely to change if the site contains about 30 or more sites; that threshold will affect infrastructure needs.

Staff identified a nearby existing encampment, Oasis Village, and said the proposed managed camp site would sit roughly 2,000 feet north of Highway 126 with a sizeable buffer between the two sites. "There's literally, almost 10 acre swath between Oasis Village and the placement of this particular camp," a council member said.

On costs and operations, staff said the construction and annual operating costs are still being refined. Staff reported they are developing cost estimates and proposed splitting construction costs with Deschutes County, and that the larger operational budget question remains unresolved. No final cost figures or committed funding sources were presented at the informal meeting.

Staff said they are drafting a memorandum of understanding and working with the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) and state contacts; they also plan to bring the topic to a joint meeting with county commissioners. The next internal milestone mentioned was a city meeting on Feb. 20 to continue design and partnership discussions.

Ending: Staff said more detailed cost and operations plans, a draft MOU and a joint‑meeting agenda will be provided at future meetings; no formal council action was taken at the informal session.