A. Neighborhood associations are independent entities and not part of the City government.

B. City recognition of a neighborhood association does not make the association part of the City or make it a governmental entity. ORS Chapter 197 gives recognized associations certain rights to notice of certain land use applications. The Bend Development Code also provides recognized associations the right to notice and comment on certain land use applications and the right to a waiver of appeal fees, consistent with the Bend General Plan provisions on citizen involvement. The role of neighborhood associations in the land use process does not make them decision-makers or advisory bodies to the decision-makers. Recognition of a neighborhood association gives the recognized association the rights granted by State law, the Bend Development Code, and this chapter to recognized neighborhood associations.

C. The City has no responsibility or liability for actions of neighborhood associations.

D. Recognized neighborhood associations must designate an authorized representative and provide the City with contact information for the designated representative to allow notice to be provided under applicable land use regulations. Recognized neighborhood associations must have bylaws or other binding rules that require publicly announced and open meetings, govern election of board members and/or officers and meeting procedures, and must maintain minutes of open meetings. [Ord. NS-2171, 2011]