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At a glance: Bend council approves advisory‑board code changes, small‑business grant program, path projects and an economic‑improvement district
Summary
At its May 20 meeting the Bend City Council approved multiple items including first‑reading code amendments to advisory boards, a new small‑business assistance grant program, contracts for pedestrian and school‑path improvements, and the second‑reading adoption of an Economic Improvement District in the Bend Central District.
The Bend City Council on May 20 approved a slate of policy and capital items brought forward by staff.
Code amendments and advisory boards: Council held a first reading of amendments to Bend Municipal Code chapter 1.2 that would update the Bend Economic Development Advisory Board, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, and the Transportation Bond Oversight Committee. Council discussed a proposed renaming of the transportation committee to the Transportation and Mobility Advisory Committee (TMAC) to better reflect the department name and the committee’s expanded work plan; council moved and the change will appear in the code if adopted on a future reading.
Small‑business assistance grant program: Council approved a new small‑business assistance grant program for the current biennium. Staff described a $130,000 allocation for the biennium (split $100,000 for economic‑development applications and $30,000 for climate‑sustainability projects) and an administrative rubric; council authorized the city manager to enter into grant agreements and noted the resolution allows grants up to $250,000 per grantee as presented. Staff said administrative policy and application materials will be drafted in the coming weeks.
Path and school‑route projects: Council authorized a construction contract with a low bidder for the Neff Road bicycle and pedestrian project and authorized an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation to deliver the Larkspur Path School Connection project; staff said the city contribution for the IGA will not exceed $441,444 and that the construction contract includes manager authority for limited amendments.
Economic Improvement District: Council conducted a second reading and adopted an ordinance establishing an Economic Improvement District (EID) in the Bend Central District; a roll‑call vote was recorded on the ordinance.
Votes and formal motions: Council moved and voted on each item in public session; staff said details of grant rubrics, subsequent design phases and budget allocations will be provided as the programs move into implementation.
Several items will return to council for additional approvals as they move from planning to design and contracting.
