Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA)

61396 South Hwy 97 Suite 203 Bend, OR. 97702

COBA'S Bend Metro Parks District Board (BMPD) Candidates Questionnaire

Return Deadline: 12:00 PM, April 25, 2005

The members of COBA's Political Action Committee would like to know your views on the issues that affect our members. Please fill out this questionnaire if you are interested in support from COBA. Thank you.

1. Does BMPD need to increase System Development Charges (SDC's) to meet its mission?

No. The formula for calculating SDC's was revised in the spring of 2003 (just before I took office). This revision has made it possible for the District to keep up with the rapid growth here in Bend. Eleven neighborhood parks have been completed and 200 acres of new parkland have been acquired as a result of this revision. Parks are essential to the quality of life and SDC's enable the District to maintain the standard we have come to expect.

2. If a proposal was made to increase the parks SDC would you vote in favor of it?

No. The formula we now have is working effectively. The formula does not provide for new facilities, just parks, open space and trails, but I believe that new facilities should be brought to the voters for their approval if supplemental financing is necessary.

3. What is your understanding of how BMPD reaches their level of service requirements?

The "level of service" standards were established from the level of service being provided at the time that the Comprehensive Plan was adopted (1995, I believe). They are used in planning for future needs and to guide the District in developing appropriate neighborhood parks, ball fields, and trails as Bend continues to grow. It is important to note that the "level of service" standards are NOT requirements.

4. Is the current level of service BMPD provides its citizens adequate? If no, how would you like to see that level of service expanded?

The current level of service provide by the District is far more than "adequate." BMPRD was recognized this year as one of the four best Park Districts in the United States among cities of 50 to 100 thousand.

Currently several proposals are being considered that were brought to the District by non-profit groups within the City. They include an ice rink, an equestrian center, a whitewater park, and a skateboard park. If these groups can help with supplemental funding it may well be possible to develop these new facilities.

5. Does BMPD need an increased tax levy to meet the needs of its citizens?

No. As Bend continues to grow however, the Juniper Swim and Fitness Center will not be able to serve the needs of the community. We will be faced with either not meeting the needs or finding new sources of revenue.

6. What is your position on the proposal(s) for a new recreation center in or around the Old Mill district?

I favor the development of a new recreation center adjoining the Old Mill District. I voted to acquire that land both because the recreation center was projected to require the smallest subsidy for operation there as a result of its central location and because the land itself completes the major river park established at Farewell Bend.

During the past year the Board took two essential steps for developing the recreation center in the long term. First we acquired the land. Riverfront land will always be more expensive in the future. Second, we moved to expand the Juniper Swim and Fitness Center to increase the usage from the current 250,000 visits per year and at the same time reduce maintenance costs. A new recreation center will be needed as Bend grows but because of the steps taken by this Board, it will not be necessary for a few more years.

7. What is your position on the proposal(s) to build the Bend Pine Nursery Recreation Center?

The Pine Nursery was acquired to anticipate the growth projected for Bend. It will be developed in stages as the need for new sports fields and other facilities manifests itself.

I strongly believe in maintaining the "levels of service" that are currently being provided by the Park District. Acquiring and developing parks, fields, and trails can be accomplished within the existing tax structure. We are very fortunate to have stable funding through a permanent serial levy and an appropriate SDC formula.

Because of the excellent staff at the Park District, Bend has one of the best recreation and park programs in the country. This and the foresight of the Board in acquiring the land will continue to make Bend one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. Parks are essential for the good life and Bend is blessed by wonderful park and recreation programs.

NAME OF CANDIDATE: Ted Schoenborn, Candidate, Position 4