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2007-388-Minutes for Meeting January 22,2007 Recorded 3/29/2007COUNTY OFFICIAL NANCYUBLANKENSHIP, COUNTY CLERKOS CJ 2007.388 COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL 03129/2047 04;24:26 PM 1111111111111111111111111111111 2007-388 Do not remove this page from original document. Deschutes County Clerk Certificate Page If this instrument is being re-recorded, please complete the following statement, in accordance with ORS 205.244: Re-recorded to correct [give reason] previously recorded in Book or as Fee Number and Page ~~TES C Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.or MINUTES OF ADMINISTRATIVE WORK SESSION DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2007 Present were Commissioners Dennis R. Luke, Mike Daly and Tammy Baney. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Susan Ross and Anna Johnson, Commissioners' Office; and, for part of the meeting, Lane Roberts of 9-1-1, Ernie Mazorol, Courts; Catherine Morrow and Tom Anderson, Community Development; and, by conference call, Bill Hanka and Shawn Morgan of The Ferguson Group; and media representative Keith Chu of The Bulletin. The meeting began at 1: 30 p. m. 1. Discussion of Federal Legislative Priorities. The group discussed federal agenda priorities via conference call with Bill Hanka of The Ferguson Group. Last year transportation, in particular 19th Street, was a big issue. Mr. Hanka said at this point the support seems to be there; however, no documents have been seen and some projects will likely be on hold. This is being handled on a case-by-case basis. Wickiup Junction is also a top priority project. Commissioner Baney asked about family access network and drug court projects. Mr. Hanka said the drug court project was viewed favorably, but there is a lot of competition for these grant funds. A Byrne Memorial Justice Action grant may work and can be applied for now. Lane Roberts explained the needs of 9-1-1 in the near future and long-term. There are no alternatives for them if funding is not obtained. He asked about possible funding sources for equipment as well. He will contact Mr. Hanka direct to discuss this issue further. ivliiiULUS ui riamimsiranve work Nession Monday, January 22, 2007 Page 1 of 5 Pages In regard to the Rural Schools Act, Mr. Hanka said a lot of people are pushing hard for this funding, but it has been an uphill fight so far. Susan Ross asked about funding for homeless shelters. Mr. Hanka said the HUD budget is earmarked for this issue and for economic development, and grants may be available. Commissioner Daly brought up jail issues; in particular, funding for jail construction or alternative programs. Mr. Hanka stated that Byrne grants may be available. After the conference call concluded, the Board discussed renewing the contract with The Ferguson Group. Commissioner Luke stated that they do a good job of communicating with County staff, and work well with Senate and Congressional staff. Catherine Morrow added that they helped to obtain $400,000 in funds for the groundwater project. Susan Ross said that they provided a lot of help with the La Pine Senior Center project as well. Commissioner Daly stated that Bill Hansell of Umatilla County said The Ferguson group helped with a large project and obtained $10 million within a year's time, after trying to deal with Congress for ten years without help. LUKE: Move approval of renewal of the contract for one year, at the same terms as before. BANEY: Second. VOTE: LUKE: Yes. BANEY: Yes. DALY: Chair votes yes. 2. Discussion of a Letter to Legislators regarding Establishing Local Medical Assistance for Veterans. Commissioner Daly said that Dick Tobiason has requested a letter from the Commissioners be submitted regarding contracting for medical care for veterans on a local basis, so that they don't have to go to Portland for these services. The Board consensus was to sign a letter of support in this regard. Minutes of Administrative Work Session Monday, January 22, 2007 Page 2 of 5 Pages 3. Economic Development Grant Requests. • FAN Foundation - match event: Commissioner Baney granted $1,000, and Commissioners Luke and Daly granted $500 each. • Alamo Club - remodeling project: The Commissioners granted $500 each. 4. Discussion of Art at Work Program After a brief discussion, the Board took action. LUKE: Move to continue the program. DALY: Second. VOTE: LUKE: Yes. BANEY: Yes. DALY: Chair votes yes. 5. Update of Commissioners' Schedules; Meeting Details. The group discussed membership on COACT (Central Oregon Area Commission on Transportation), and decided that Commissioner Luke would be the main representative, with Commissioner Baney alternate. Commissioner Baney stated that she will no longer take part in Commission on Children & Families' Board meetings at this point, due to her new position as Commissioner. Dave Kanner suggested that the Commissioners meet with the various non- profit agencies and other County-affiliated groups on a regular basis, as this helps with strategic alliances and goal setting. He feels the groups appreciate Board involvement. Commissioner Luke said that he does not want the Commissioners to be perceived as micro-managing; however, he would like to establish liaisons with the various departments again. Commissioner Daly stated that he feels liaisons should be rotated each year if it makes sense. Mr. Kanner stressed that having the Commissioners meet with advisory groups and committees helps them to identify concerns early and then communicate those concerns back to the other Commissioners. Commissioner Baney added that she feels if a Department Director speaks with just one Commissioner, there could be a breakdown in communications. This issue was to be discussed further in the near future. Minutes of Administrative Work Session Monday, January 22, 2007 Page 3 of 5 Pages 6. Other Items. Tom Anderson said that an intergovernmental agreement with the City of La Pine regarding planning and building assistance has been drafted. Decisions need to be made as to whether it would include land use applications, basic land use administration and/or code enforcement. He said he prefers it not include code enforcement at this time. The City may consider the issue differently and could rezone in some instances. The fees would go to the County at this point. If there is more involvement needed, a surcharge could be added. Other services could be added as needed. The Board indicated this document should be reviewed and approved by Legal and to expedite its approval so applicants would be left in limbo. The group then discussed the Commission on Children & Families' by-laws. Changes have been made in regard to the governing board's duties and responsibilities. Commissioner Baney said that the intent is to involve the County Administrator, but he needs to remain neutral. Ernie Mazorol explained some changes made in 1993 that added the presiding judge, and to have all members be lay persons to eliminate conflicts and attract a wide range of citizen involvement. Commissioner Luke stated it is awkward having a County employee supervised by a lay board - this could mean hiring, firing and disciplining. Mr. Kanner said this was probably not the intent of statute; it should mean taking direction from the Commission on Children & Families' Board. A lengthy discussion took place as to whether this change should be made at the statute level or if changing the by-laws would be sufficient. Mr. Kanner will work closely with the Commission on Children & Families' Board to come to a resolution. At this time, the group went into executive session, under ORS 192.660(2)(e), real property negotiations. Minutes of Administrative Work Session Monday, January 22, 2007 Page 4 of 5 Pages After executive session concluded, the Board took action. LUKE: Move approval of releasing the earnest money on three lots in Newberry Business Park. BANEY: Second. VOTE: LUKE: BANEY DALY: Yes. Yes. Chair votes yes. Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m. DATED this 22"d Day of January 2007 for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. ATTEST: (&UVA-4- Recording Secretary T issioner Minutes of Administrative Work Session Monday, January 22, 2007 Page 5 of 5 Pages Dennis R. Luke, Vice Chair G Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org WORK SESSION AGENDA DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1:30 P.M., MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2007 1. Meeting with Bill Hanka of The Ferguson Group regarding Federal Legislative Priorities 2. Discussion of Letter to Legislators regarding Establishing Local Medical Assistance for Veterans 3. Economic Development Grant Requests - Susan Ross . Family Access Network Redmond Alano Club 4. Discussion of Art at Work Program 5. Update of Commissioners' Schedules; Meeting Details 6. Other Items PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating to: ORS 192.660(2) (e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h), pending or threatened litigation; ORS 192.660(2)(d), labor union negotiations; or ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues. Meeting dates, times and discussion items are subject to change. Meetings are conducted in the Board of Commissioners' meeting rooms at 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, unless otherwise indicated. If you have questions regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572. Deschutes County meeting locations are wheelchair accessible. Deschutes County provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. For deaf, hearing impaired or speech disabled, dial 7-1-1 to access the state transfer relay service for TTY. Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information. January 22, 2007 The Honorable Ron Wyden United States Senate 230 Dirksen Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Wyden, Deschutes County is represented on the Central Oregon Health Council (COHC) by the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. COHC includes membership of most of the health care facilities and government agencies in Central Oregon. County Commissioner Michael M. Daly, Deschutes County Sheriff Les Stiles, and staff members of the Sheriff's Office and the Health Department serve as members. The County has a very direct relationship with the County's 15,000 veterans through the County's Veterans' Service Officer (CVSO). The CVSO and staff meet with County veterans on a daily basis and provide services to approximately 4,000 County veterans. Our CVSO is one of the key players in arranging veterans' visits to the nearby Bend Veterans' Administration Clinic and the Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Portland, which is located 170 miles from Bend. We have become increasingly concerned that some veterans do not use the health care services to which they are entitled because of the long drive to Portland and the length of time required to get an appointment. County Commissioner Daly, Sheriff Stiles, and members of staff attended the January 9, 2006 COHC meeting at which LTC (Retired) Dick Tobiason briefed the Council on his proposals to you to provide expanded health care to veterans living in Central Oregon. The proposals would retain the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic in Bend; require the VA to contract with Central Oregon health care facilities for services now provided by the Portland VA Medical Center, and provide for a VA or VA/State assisted care facility. Dick noted that the Oregon delegation was instrumental in creating the Bend VA Clinic before Central Oregon experienced recent explosive population growth and consequent increases in demand for health care services. At the meeting, the Council concluded that it would support Col. Tobiason's proposals by sending letters that urge you to take necessary actions to implement them in a timely manner. The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners also agrees with the proposals and hereby requests your support and implementation. Page 2 At the Council meeting we were also briefed on HR 5524, the "Rural Veterans Health Care Act of 2006". It was noted that Rep. Darlene Hooley is a cosponsor of HR 5524. The Commission and Council agreed that Rep. Walden should also support it, since his District contains the majority of the State's rural veterans. We also agreed that a Senate version of HR 5524 should be sponsored by Senators Smith and Wyden. Should HR 5524 be enacted into law, Central Oregon Health Council members would fulfill the requirement in Sec. 2. "Outreach Program to Veterans in Rural Areas" explains that the VA "shall seek to work with employers, State agencies, community health centers located in rural areas, rural health clinics, and critical access hospitals located in rural areas... While HR 5524 does not mention County agencies, we believe County government has a role to play. Central Oregon would be an ideal location for implementing several features defined in HR 5524: Mobile Vet Centers, Quality Care in Rural Areas, Health Information Technology, Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans, Rural Health Research, Education, and Clinical Care Centers. We believe that, as a member of Central Oregon Health Council, the County Commission can help play a vital role in implementing the proposals. As members of the Council, we would welcome an opportunity to discuss this in more detail when your schedule calls for visits to Central Oregon. Sincerely, DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Michael M. Daly, Chair Dennis R. Luke, Commissioner Tammy Baney, Commissioner Copies: Rep. Gene Whisnant Rep. Chuck Burley Sen. Ben Westlund Central Oregon Health Council LTC Dick Tobiason County Commissioners of Crook County and Jefferson County City Councils of Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Madras, Prineville and La Pine