Juniper Ridge Not a Feasible Site for a Temporary Shelter Camp
Assistant City Manager Jon Skidmore told those participating in a listening session Tuesday evening that it is not feasible to develop a temporary shelter camp on Juniper Ridge this winter due to a number of factors.
The Juniper Ridge site, proposed in October, cannot be developed this winter in time to move the campers from the north portion of Juniper Ridge for a number of reasons. In addition to lack of budget and services near the site just north of Cooley Road, the land cannot be prepared until April. The contractor for the rock crushing site used for the sewer project is not available until then.
So the City is discussing other strategies for sheltering homeless families and individuals in locations spread across the city. When asked if BNSF Railroad had set a deadline for the City to comply with the request to gate the two access roads at the north portion of Juniper Ridge, Skidmore said the “railroad is working with the City” as it complies with closing those railroad crossings.
In the meantime City staff are collaborating with a task force of county and community organizations that work with the homeless to identify other locations and options for providing shelter.
City Seeking Input for Goal Setting
Every two years the Bend City Council sets goals for the next two years. As part of the process residents are invited to participate in a survey identifying important issues to be addressed in the goal setting.
This year some residents will be called by the contractor and asked questions. Those who are not called may participate via the online survey. www.bendcommuitysurvey.com
The survey will be open until December 27. Consider this one way to share your opinions with the City Council and Administration. There are only a few questions and most are multiple choice so it doesn’t take long to respond. There is also a Spanish language version.
Do you think preventing fire hazards is important? Or is dealing with housing and homelessness one of the goals you would suggest?
The Book Club Experience
Book Browse a reader’s service on the Internet recently did a study of book club members and how the pandemic affects their groups. Three quarters of the 3,417 respondents who say they are in a book club are in groups currently meeting. Some experienced sickness, quarantines or fatalities among those close to them and many feel drained by current events; but they also feel supported by their book club and buoyed by a greater sense of friendship and community.
65% of the groups are meeting virtually. 17 % were meeting outdoors while weather was fine.
In general, technology is viewed as positive, with Zoom being a lifeline. However, some groups still struggle with technical issues and virtual etiquette, and many are temporarily missing members who are unable or unwilling to meet virtually. Such discussions tend to be less free-flowing. This is seen as benefit by some who feel their groups; discussions are more focused and inclusive due to fewer side conversations; but others miss the organic flow of an in-person meeting.”
Neighborhood Boundaries
As Bend continues to spread out across the desert and mountains some question whether the Neighborhood Association boundaries should be adjusted.
In December the Neighborhood Leadership Alliance (NLA) unanimously supported putting forward a request that Council include a review of Neighborhood Boundaries in their Council Goals next biennium. The NLA committee will create a Boundaries Working Group to investigate this topic.
Bend Tree Code
Karon Johnson, Old Farm District N.A.’s Land use Chair, is proposing a new tree ordinance for the community. She has presented it to Mayor Sally Russell for consideration during the city Council’s goal setting process.