The Sisters Roundup

January 2024

Heartfelt Thanks to the City of Sisters Board Members

As we welcome new faces and say goodbye to those who have dedicated their time to serve our community, we wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude to each one of you.

To the outgoing members, we can see the positive impact that your expertise and commitment have had on the city. Your contributions have laid the foundation for a stronger and more vibrant Sisters.

To the incoming members, we extend a warm welcome. Your decision to volunteer your time to serve on a city board or commission demonstrates a commendable commitment to improving our community and maintaining its quality of life. We are excited to embrace your fresh perspectives and ideas, and grateful for your willingness to take on this responsibility.

The City would like to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of two citizens who played an integral part on our Boards. Jack Nagel was a member of the Planning Commission for eight years and a part of the city fabric for over 40 years. Dave Moyer was an integral part to the development of Sisters. Dave’s time on City Council spanned an impressive 21 years, from 1975 to 1996, He led the City as Mayor from 1990 to 1996. Beyond his mayoral role, Dave was also on the Public Works Board, the Urban Forestry Board, and the Budget Committee for numerous years. His leadership and unwavering commitment were vital in shaping the policies and initiatives that have made our community thrive.

Once again, thank you to all City of Sisters Board members—both incoming and outgoing. Your service is the backbone of our community, and we are fortunate to have individuals like you who are willing to dedicate their time, energy, and expertise for the greater good.

Dark Skies Lighting Standards Updates

In their goal setting for fiscal year 2023/2024, City Council made continuing “to strengthen and prioritize Dark Sky Code language” a priority for the Council and the community.

Community led efforts to educate the community on the importance of sensitive lighting on the ability to see the nighttime stars have inspired this effort - most notably by the Astronomy Club with Sisters High School - who have provided community education about the impacts of lighting on the ability to see the stars at night and on wildlife and the environment. Additionally, the recent update of the Sisters Comprehensive Plan emphasized and supported the need to update the Dark Skies ordinance.

Following months of workshops, meetings, and input on the proposed updates, the City Council adopted Ordinance 536 amending the City's Dark Skies regulations.

The City Council also showed interest in becoming certified as an International Dark Sky Community by the International Dark Sky Association. According to the IDA, benefits of certification include increased tourism to the community (sometimes called astro-tourism) and increased public awareness about the importance of dark skies (while still preserving opportunities for lighting for safety). Designation entitles the community to display the International Dark Sky Community logo in official publications, promotions, and on signs at entrances or within the community. Certification requires adherence to a set of minimum standards and the proposed ordinance was designed to comply with IDA certification requirements should the City Council choose to apply.

Stay tuned for more information about the updated regulations.

City Invites Proposals for Lease of Main Avenue Building

The City of Sisters is excited to announce a request for proposals (RFP) for the lease of a city building located at 291 E. Main Avenue. The building is adjacent to Fir Street Park in the Downtown Commercial Zone and offers approximately 2,475 square feet of versatile space for a wide range of activities. The building is expected to be available for occupancy on or around April 1, 2024.

Prospective lessees are invited to submit their proposals to the City of Sisters by 12:00 pm on February 9, 2024. The City looks forward to reviewing innovative and exciting proposals that contribute positively to the good of the local community and enhance the vibrancy of Sisters' downtown area.

For further details and to obtain a copy of the Request for Proposals, interested parties are encouraged to go to www.ci.sisters.or.us or contact Kerry Prosser at [email protected].

Tree Code Update - Private Tree Removal Process

The City of Sisters is a Tree City USA as designated by the Arbor Day Foundation. As a Tree City USA participant, Sisters, Oregon has an Urban Forestry Board, Urban Forestry Management Plan, a contracted City Forester, and a Tree Ordinance. The preservation of both publicly-owned trees and private trees in Sisters is important to the community, but it is understood that sometimes a tree may die or get diseased which can create potential hazards if not responsibly removed.

Tree removal associated with new developments are regulated by the City's development code. Previously, regulations concerning removal of trees on private property not associated with development followed the same rules as the tree regulations in the Sisters Development Code.

As of January 1, 2024, the City has a new ordinance outlining a separate but similar process for removal of trees on private property not associated with development. If you are considering removal of a significant tree on your private property, you will need to submit an application along with a site plan and report from a certified arborist. The permit form and information about the requirements can be found on the city's website.

City Issues Notice of Funding Opportunity for Affordable Housing Program

In 2019, the City of Sisters established an affordable housing program to offer eligible agencies and private developers grant and/or loan funds for purposes of constructing and offering affordable housing to low-and moderate-income persons in the City.

Applicants must be a housing authority, a qualified nonprofit organization that constructs affordable housing, or a for-profit developer of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households.

Since 2017, the City has funded over $900,000 in affordable housing grants and SDC grants. The source of funding has come from a portion of the city's transient lodging taxes, American Rescue Plan Act funds, and the City's General Fund. For more information visit the City's affordable housing program webpage .

City Council Goal Setting Open House

Monday, January 22, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

In preparation for their 2024-25 goal setting, the City Council will be hosting an informal community Open House at City Hall to hear your thoughts and ideas on what the city should focus on in the next fiscal year.

Can't make it? Share your thoughts with Council online by filling out a brief survey.

Did you know?

City of Sisters Facts

The City of Sisters owns and operates Creekside Campground which offers 60 camp sites including 28 full-hook sites. The campground is open from April through October with online reservations available as of January 2. Reservations go fast, especially for the special events (Sisters Rodeo, Outdoor Quilt Show, and Folk Festival) and holiday weekends. Revenue from the camping fees help support the maintenance of the City's parks.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Stay informed by attending or viewing public city meetings!

Planning Commission Meeting, January 18, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
City Council Workshop and Meeting, January 24, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
Planning Commission Workshop, February 1, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
City Council Goal Setting Workshop, February 6, 2024 9:00 am

View the public meeting calendar, watch prior meetings, and access meeting information at https://www.ci.sisters.or.us/meetings.

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