The Sunriver Owners Association utilizes an eclectic mix of tools to communicate and share information with owners
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE SROA News ................ 4-5 Calendar ..................... 13 SHARC News ............... 22
Public Safety ............... 27 Classified .................... 37 Editorial ..................... 39
Have a teenager at home or know someone in need of a job to keep them busy through the summer? SROA is hosting a job fair
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S U N R I V E R
S C E N E A NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE SUNRIVER OWNERS ASSOCIATION
MARCH • 2017
VOLUME XLIII • NUMBER 3
Sunriver Water seeking rate increase with PUC Sunriver Water LLC, a subsidiary of Sunriver Resort Limited Partnership, has requested approval with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to increase water rate fees. The proposed increase will affect residential, commercial and multifamily, non-metered flat rates, irrigation, golf course and private fire protection. The increase will bring Sunriver Water LLC total revenues from $1,719, 868 to $2,144,339, resulting in an overall increase of $424,471. In paperwork filed with the PUC, Sunriver Water notes that the rate increase will be used to cover increases in operating expenses and inflation, include new capital expenditures to the rate base, and add construction work in progress for construction of a new test well. According to the filing, increases in management fees have affected operating expenses, which includes a significant increase in Deschutes County property taxes after Sunriver Water constructed a new reservoir in 2015. The current rate for residential/ commercial/multi-family (3/4 or 5/8 inch) is $12.02 a month with usage overage at $1.39 per 1,000 gallons. The proposed increase would be $15.04 a month and $1.74 overage per 1,000 gallons. There will be meetings for owners to attend and comment periods about the proposed increases. Meeting dates had not been set at the time the Scene went to press. The PUC filing document, as well as any upcoming public meetings, will be posted to the SROA website (www.sunriverowners.org) under News & Notices and on the calendar. SUNRIVER SCENE SUNRIVER OWNERS ASSN. VOLUME XLIlI • NUMBER 3 P.O. BOX 3278 SUNRIVER, OR 97707
ODOT has proposed Highway 97 improvements between Sunriver and milepost 159 and will include U-turns, rather than the closure of Vandevert Road. Improvements will alleviate traffic hazards along this six-mile stretch of Highway 97.
ODOT reveals additional Highway 97 improvement plans The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is working to improve the overall safety and mobility of U.S. Highway 97. An open house was held Feb. 8, allowing the public to view conceptual designs and provide feedback on the proposed highway widening project on a six-mile stretch from South Century Drive south to approximately milepost 159. ODOT also gave a presentation at the Feb. 17 SROA board work session. Following talks with Sunriver and La Pine emergency personnel it appears, for the moment, the original plan to close Vandevert Road is off the table. Instead,
plans for U-turn style access through the median is being considered. As the main north-south transportation corridor through Central Oregon, Highway 97 is a critical part of the state’s transportation system. Demand continues to increase along this project’s stretch of highway with an average of more than 12,000 vehicles per day. Safety is a concern due to limited passing opportunities, leading to lengthy following times that often result in drivers making passing maneuvers at high speeds and limited sight distances. This section of highway also has a high frequency of animal vs. vehicle collisions, with more
than 150 reported deer/elk collisions occurring in the past five years. The project aims to improve the overall safety and mobility for the freight industry, local commuters and recreationists by expanding the highway to a four-lane divided highway. The proposed project is located within the Deschutes National Forest and plans to include aesthetics associated with the required scenic view corridor. The proposal for a wider, forested median reduces the need for a continuous raised median barrier and allows for Turn to ODOT, page 3
Ready to play dirty? Sunriver’s annual mud run on tap
Sunriver March Mudness is familyfriendly for all ages and abilities.
Families and friends who love to frolic in filth are getting ready for the Sunriver March Mudness Spring Break Mud Run on March 26. Hosted by the Sunriver Owners Association, the 1.5-mile course is designed for participants looking to choose their level of “mudness” while scrambling over/under obstacles and crawl, run and jump through multiple mud pits. The objective is to get dirty and have fun doing it. The event is open to individuals, families and teams. Creative costumes are encouraged and spectators are welcome.
The Sunriver March Mudness starts and finishes in a meadow near the Sunriver Marina and HOLA! restaurant. A timed, competitive race open to 100 adult registrants will start the event. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female competitive finishers. Non-competitive waves will follow to ensure all participants have plenty of time to complete the course. Contestants are encouraged to bring multiple layers of old clothes they don’t mind getting dirty as there is a good Turn to Mud, page 3 PRSRT STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID BEND, OR PERMIT NO. 213