Votes at a glance: Bend council acts on proclamations, committee appointments, ordinances and eminent‑domain resolution

Bend City Council recorded multiple formal actions at its May 20 meeting. Below are the key motions, outcomes and brief details.

Mental health and stroke proclamations — accepted - Motion: Adopt proclamations recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month and Stroke Awareness Month. - Outcome: Both proclamations accepted by voice vote. (Moved and seconded; public representatives from NAMI Central Oregon and Stroke Awareness Oregon addressed the council.)

Human Rights & Equity Commission appointment — approved - Motion: Approve appointment of Beth Hannon to the Human Rights & Equity Commission (alternate to member status). - Outcome: Motion approved by voice vote.

Resolution reaffirming support for the 2‑spirit/LGBTQIA+ community — adopted - Motion: Adopt resolution reaffirming City of Bend support for 2‑spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and agender community members. - Mover/Second: Councilor Riley / Councilor Norris. - Outcome: Adopted by voice vote after community testimony and a staff‑facilitated drafting process.

Three site‑specific TIF ordinances — first readings passed - Motion: Conduct first readings of ordinances establishing three site‑specific tax‑increment finance (TIF) plans (Bridal Ridge; Century area — Century West and Century Bluff; Viridian) tied to four housing proposals. - Outcome: Council approved first readings by voice vote; second readings required before final adoption. Staff noted each plan’s acreage, proposed project unit counts and maximum indebtedness; planning commission recommended the plans as consistent with the comprehensive plan.

HOME committee (informational request) — direction to staff - Motion: Staff requested direction to form a Housing Funding Strategy Committee (HOME) to vet local financing tools and return recommendations within 12 months. - Outcome: Council signaled support for forming the committee; staff will draft a resolution and return with membership and timeline.

Short‑term rental licensing code amendment — first reading passed - Motion: First reading of ordinance to require individual short‑term rental operating licenses (removing an umbrella licensing practice in Mount Bachelor Village), align code with parking rule changes and clarify application/refund language. - Outcome: First reading approved by voice vote; staff will issue letters and transition guidance to affected owners.

Code change permitting ex officio or alternate advisory members — first reading passed - Motion: First reading of ordinance to permit ex officio members on most advisory bodies and to formalize mayoral alternates for boards and commissions. - Outcome: First reading approved by voice vote.

Olney pedestrian/bicycle project — eminent‑domain authorization - Motion: Adopt resolution authorizing eminent‑domain steps if necessary to obtain a small temporary construction easement and a relocation‑flexible access easement needed to complete the Olney pedestrian and bicycle improvements and to access a permanent utility easement. - Mover/Second: Councilor Norris / Councilor Riley. - Outcome: Resolution adopted; staff will continue negotiations and, if needed, proceed with the eminent‑domain process.

Second‑reading ordinances (final adoption) - Graffiti ordinance (BMC Chapter 13.4): Adopted by roll‑call vote. - System development charges (BMC Chapter 12.1): Adopted by roll‑call vote (council member Ian recused from related item and left the dais prior to the SDC vote).

How votes were taken: Motions were made from the dais and, where ordinances required a second reading, first readings were moved and passed by voice vote; the three TIF measures advanced on unanimous first readings. Second readings of the graffiti and SDC code amendments were adopted by roll‑call vote.

Ending: Several measures will return to council for second readings or for implementation steps; staff will follow up on appointments, committee formation and easement negotiations.