Split Bend council OKs $1 million for police body cams, calls off motel purchase Published
(Update: Adding video, more on body cam discussion; hotel deal called off)
Will seek new site for shelter; also gives nod to keeping downtown parklets
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) A slim majority of Bend city councilors voted Wednesday night to approve a five-year, more than $1 million contract to buy a body camera system from Axon Enterprise Inc.
Police Chief Mike Krantz said while body-worn cameras cannot tell the whole story, they can provide vital information and evidence of what transpires in some situations, assisting in investigations and responding to complaints.
Bend Seeks Transitional Housing Options
The Bend City Council directed City staff to terminate a purchase and sale agreement with Old Mill Inn & Suites, located at 904 SE Third Street, and pursue alternative motel property options for providing temporary transitional housing for the community. The City was considering the purchase of the motel through Project Turnkey, a State-funded grant program. The direction from Council comes near the end of a feasibility period for the purchase and sale agreement, set to expire April 9. During this period, inspections by City staff and others determined the building would not be suitable for the project. With the termination of the agreement, Council has directed staff to begin pursuing and evaluating other