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2004-755-Minutes for Meeting April 05,2004 Recorded 5/3/2004DESCH TES COUNTY OFFICIAL UBLANKENSHIP, COUNTY CLERK 1��I ��04'��5 NANCY COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL 05/03/Z004 04;41;43 PM 1111111111111111111111111111 III 2004-755 DESCHUTES COUNTY CLERK CERTIFICATE PAGE L C � This page must be included if document is re-recorded. Do Not remove from original document. Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1130 NW Harriman St., Bend, OR 97701-1947 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 388-4752 - www.deschutes.org MINUTES OF MEETING LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2004 Commissioners' Hearing Room - Administration Building - 1130 NW Harriman St., Bend Present were Judge Stephen Tiktin, Chief Lane Roberts, Redmond Police Department; Citizen Jack Blum; Ernie Mazorol, Courts; Chief Andy Jordan, Bend Police Department; Bob Smit, KIDS Center; and Judge Michael Sullivan. Also in attendance were Defense Attorney Jacques DeKalb; Mike Maier, County Administrator; Michael Dugan, District Attorney; Jenny Scanlon, Juvenile Community Justice; Commissioner Tom DeWolf; and Becky Jackson, Adult Parole and Probation. No media representatives or other citizens were present. Absent were the following members: Scott Johnson, Commission on Children & Families; Gary Smith, Mental Health Department; Robert Warsaw of the Oregon Youth Authority; Sheriff Les Stiles; citizen member Denny Maloney; and Lt. Ron Nelson of the Oregon State Police. 1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order by Judge Steve Tiktin at 3:40 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes of January 5, 2004 Meeting. Jacques DeKalb moved approval; Jack Blum seconded; there was unanimous approval. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, April 5, 2004 Page 1 of 6 Pages 3. Overview of Parole & Probation Department Transitional Housing and Bethlehem Inn Proposal. Becky Jackson gave a summary of the proposal regarding a portion of the currently vacant Work Center being used for transitional housing, as well as being used for the Bethlehem Inn homeless shelter. She said that resources have dried up for transitional housing; funding was at $300 per release, and is now at $150. This amount only purchases a room at a local motel for a short time, and the atmosphere is not healthy for these people returning from prison. Several months ago a proposal for use of the Work Center was brought before the Commissioners. Written approval from the Department of Corrections has since been received. The plan is that four twenty -bed dorms are to house ten released individuals at a time, with some County prisoners anticipated. Student interns are being recruited for Parole & Probation to oversee the men in the dorms; this oversight is not needed for the women, who are a part of the Bridge to Hope program administered by Linda Swearingen. It made sense to partner for the additional space with Bethlehem Inn. They currently house homeless individuals during the colder months, but want to expand their services and add an accountability piece. This would require individuals staying at the Inn for more than two weeks to take part in programs, such as job training and alcohol/drug programs. Bethlehem Inn would be supervised at all times, either by staff or interns. Ms. Jackson said that the transitional housing facility will have a curfew, and no visitors will be allowed. She stated that so far only one person from the residential area near the Work Center has expressed concern, primarily about whether transportation would be provided to the people staying at the shelter. That issue is being addressed. Commissioner DeWolf stressed that he wants the Board of Bethlehem Inn to remember that this is not a County project and cannot become one. Ms. Jackson said that a hearing is planned regarding the Bethlehem Inn facility, and that their Board is working through a lot of details very thoroughly to make sure it is successful. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, Apni :), LUU4 Page 2 of 6 Pages 4. Discussion of Endorsement of Sheriffs Levy. Mike Dugan suggested that LPSCC endorse the upcoming Sheriffs levy for funds to operate Sheriff operations and the jail. If the levy does not pass, half of the inmates at the jail will need to be released, mostly 1145 offenders, with a small number of cells set aside for pretrial or sentenced offenders, and none for misdemeanants. He pointed out that part of the criminal justice system involves the jail, and it is prudent to endorse the levy. Jack Blum added that this is an important part of public safety, and it is important for LPSCC to support it. Judge Tiktin and Judge Sullivan suggested that it might be appropriate for LPSCC to support it as a group, but not the judges individually due to the political aspects of the levy. Mike Maier said that so far the campaign has been a good one, with over $50,000 raised for radio and television time, and door to door visits being planned. There has been no organized opposition. So far support has been offered by the cities, the fire districts, Sunriver Owners Association and other groups. Tom DeWolf added that the Bend Chamber of Commerce has asked its members to support it. DUGAN: Move that LPSCC endorse the Sheriffs levy. BLUM: Second. VOTE: Unanimous, with Judge Tiktin and Judge Sullivan abstaining. 5. Update on the Formation of a "Blue Ribbon" Committee to Address Permanent Funding for Sheriffs Services. Commissioner DeWolf said that he has been getting e-mails regarding the committee, and has received a good cross-section of responses. Mike Maier and Communications Specialist Anna Johnson are putting together a description of the plan, including details on the expected time commitment. There will probably be eleven members, and a modified cram course will be given to them covering Sheriff operations; and basic budget information will be provided by Marty Wynne, Finance Director. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, Apni :), /-vv,+ Page 3 of 6 Pages The goal is to select the members within about a month. Tentatively, the committee that will make the selection consists of the Board, Susan Ross, Bonnie Baker, Mike Maier and the Sheriff. Commissioner DeWolf asked if it would be appropriate to have a judge sit on the selection committee. Judge Tiktin replied that he didn't see a problem with that since the selection of the individuals will be decided by a majority. Commissioner DeWolf stated that some individuals would like to see the permanent funding proposal on the November ballot. However, given the time it will take the committee to be brought up to speed on Sheriff operations and the aspects of budgeting, this would be very difficult. Other considerations are the wide gap in the tax paid by city and rural residents, and the amount of public education that would be required. Mike Maier pointed out that another consideration is that in November other bonds will be on the ballot, including those for fire districts, schools, transportation and parks. Mike Dugan asked if LPSCC would be recommending members. Commissioner DeWolf said that there will be three names: a Circuit Court Judge, a Deputy District Attorney, and a Defense Attorney - people who understand public budgeting. The committee should also include residents of rural areas, but they should have some expertise in budgets. Also, some additional staff time will be required. Judge Sullivan will do some research as to whether it would be appropriate for the Judges to endorse the committee members, or for a Judge to serve as a member of the panel. He said that it his opinion that it is important for the Judges to stay out of the political process. He will advise LPSCC of his findings. Commissioner DeWolf stated that the questions are how much the budget should be, and what a fair rate to be paid is. He added that the Judges involved in public safety, and could provide valuable advice. 6. Other Business. Jenny Scanlon brought up a series that may be run in the Bulletin regarding sex abusers and child abuse. At first it was thought that the series would be primarily educational, but some concern has now been expressed regarding the tone of the articles. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, April 5, 2004 Page 4 of 6 Pages Commissioner DeWolf stated that there ahs been a request for information regarding predatory sex offenders, and although most of the information is available from a variety of sources, the Bulletin would like it all from the County. He voiced concerns about how that information would be used, especially if the release of information might re -victimize the victims. Bob Smit pointed out that if the incidents occurred within a family, this creates a big problem. Judge Sullivan explained that when he worked as a District Attorney in Jefferson County, a victim contacted him because she didn't want the information printed in the news of record, since within the small town everyone would know who the victim was. However, the Bulletin printed the information anyway, and the victim left school; Judge Sullivan added he did not know what ever happened to her. This is a case where the victim unfortunately was re -victimized. Becky Jackson said that the notification policy now used seems to work. All police agencies are notified; and, depending on the circumstances, landlords, girlfriends, churches and sometimes neighbors are notified as well. She added that some agencies put this information on their websites. Commissioner DeWolf observed that if this information is already available, what is the point of withholding it, if the victims' names can be omitted. It's a question of whether the staff at the Bulletin will use good judgment in these cases. Judge Tiktin reminded the group that the next LPSCC meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 3. Being no further items discussed, the meeting adjourned at S: 05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Recording Secretary Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, April 5, 2004 Page 5 of 6 Pages Possible Agenda Items for Next Meeting • Update of the formation of the "Blue Ribbon" Committee for Sheriffs Department funding. • Update of the status of the current Sheriff's levy. Attachment Exhibit A: Sign -in Sheet Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, April 5, 2004 Page 6 of 6 Pages r� O O N C Q C � L w rA V � P4 a a Z n v Cl) II (L `� l C iri Q ;