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2009-13-Minutes for Meeting September 24,2008 Recorded 1/2/2009DESCHUTES COUNTY OFFICIAL RECORDS CJ 7009-i3 NANCY BLANKENSHIP, COUNTY CLERK COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL 0110212009 08:30:08 AM IIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIII I III 2009-13 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 and Page or as Fee Number Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.orc MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 Commissioners' Hearing Room - Administration Building - 1300 NW Wall St., Bend Present were Commissioners Dennis R. Luke, Michael M. Daly and Tammy Melton. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; Dennis Morris, Tom Blust and George Kolb, Road Department; a media representative of KOHD TV and Hillary Borrud of The Bulletin; and nine other citizens. Chair Luke opened the meeting at 10: 00 a.m. 1. Before the Board was Citizen Input. None were offered. 2. Before the Board was Consideration of Chair Signature of a Notice of Intent to Award Letter, and Subsequent Document No. 2008-522, Purchasing Seven Dump Trucks from Brattain International. Dennis Morris explained that funding was being set aside for the past five years in anticipation of this purchase. The average life of a truck for the uses they have to endure is about fifteen years, but some at the Road Department are nearing 35 years old. The trucks are used during all seasons. DALY: Move approval. MELTON: Second. VOTE: MELTON: Yes. DALY: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 1 of 11 Pages 3. Before the Board was Consideration of Signature of Order No. 2008-079, Directing the Permanent Closure of Wimp Way at the Intersection of U.S. Highway 97. George Kolb gave a brief overview of the item. ODOT requested the closure due to accident history and the hazardous left turns. It will be available for emergency services access. This is part of the reroute scheduled for 2009. It will not be closed until the Lower Bridge Way project has been completed. There were a lot of letters and comments against this closure. Brian Pasley, ODOT; and Jim Bryant, Principal Planner, ODOT, came before the Board. Mr. Pasley stated that there have been numerous public meetings over the past two years, at Crooked River Ranch and in Terrebonne. He feels that all of the questions and concerns were answered. There were no changes as a direct result of the meetings, but the impacts of closing Wimp Way was incorporated in the overall route improvement plan. Commissioner Luke said that Wimp Way was partially closed when the railroad bridge project took place. Some people still drove around the barriers. The option for residents now using Wimp Way is using Lower Bridge Way in the future. Mr. Pasley said that this closure is needed due to the volume of accidents. It is about ten times as dangerous for those movements at Wimp Way than at Lower Bridge Way. Commissioner Melton asked about the impact on residents in the area. Mr. Pasley said that there are not that many residents living on Wimp Way, perhaps ten. Commissioner Luke stated that there are other actions being taken. Mr. Pasley stated they are closing a driveway in the vicinity, at the top of the curve with poor sight distance. Another closure will be Barberry. Commissioner Luke said that a classification of an expressway is desired by ODOT, which means frontage roads would primarily be used and there would be fewer roads directly accessing Highway 97. All of the cities along the highway are supportive of this. Commissioner Daly noted that he recalls that Wimp Way actually was Highway 97 at one time. Commissioner Luke said they ran into obstacles with the railroad people in trying to develop options. Access on the west side of the river is a possible option that is being investigated by Jefferson County. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 2 of I 1 Pages Commissioner Melton asked about the resident who has to close a driveway, and whether ODOT is working with them in this regard. Mr. Pasley said that they already have an existing access point that works better. Hope Johnson, a resident of Crooked River Ranch and speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and the Ultimate Exit Committee. She is also speaking on behalf of Sheriff Jack Jones. She read a statement, indicating various concerns, the biggest of which is ending up with just one exit since the details of the emergency exit have not yet been worked out with the BLM. She said they realize it is a huge problem, but feel closing the road is wrong and about 5,000 people could be negatively impacted. She added that they were involved in various meetings and had hoped their concerns would have been given more consideration. This change could add about four miles to people's commute. Commissioner Luke stated that they are putting in a gate because of Mr. Jones' concerns. All of the changes are being made for safety reasons. There have been a lot of changes to the original plan. He added that he spent two years working on this project and walked the area. There was a lot of interaction with other counties, ODOT and the railroad to try to work something out. They are still working on adding another exit. Ideally another bridge over the Crooked River would help, but there is not sufficient funding for that kind of project. Ms. Johnson said they have been pursuing grants as well to try to find a resolution to the problem. Commissioner Luke stated that eventually there could be an interchange at Lower Bridge Way. Judy Callahan of Crooked River Ranch said it is safer to enter Highway 97 from Wimp Way than it is from Lower Bridge Way. Commissioner Luke said the biggest concern is people stopping to turn left across the highway. Ms. Callahan replied that most people going north on the Highway would turn instead at Lower Bridge. She added that she would like to see a speed limit of 45 MPH between Terrebonne and the Crooked River Ranch. Mr. Pasley said that by closing Barberry Lane, it will be possible to extend the merge lanes. Ms. Callahan asked if there is something showing the actual number of incidents. And she would like to see a signal light in Terrebonne, which would benefit the school and would slow down traffic. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 3 of 11 Pages Commissioner Luke stated this has been considered but it is nearly impossible to get a light in an unincorporated area on a State highway. This has also been an issue in Tumalo. A flashing yellow light is allowed, especially if there is a school nearby. Mr. Pasley confirmed that in regard to signals, they don't even come close to being able to justify it. It could back up traffic into the two-lane section, and a four-lane road would be needed to accommodate that. Ms. Callahan stated that a signal is badly needed at O'Neill Junction as well. Commissioner Luke said that O'Neill will eventually tie into the Redmond reroute. Ms. Callahan said that at O'Neill and Pershall it is very hazardous to enter the Highway. Mr. Bryant stated that the TSP with Redmond has been completed and they are considering a right in, right out, with eventually a bridge. The signal was rejected. Ms. Callahan said that there is more traffic entering Highway 97 now at that area due to the construction. Commissioner Luke noted that ODOT and the City will be doing more studies and there will likely be more changes made as needed. Joanne Meisner, of the Board of Directors of Crooked River Ranch stated they have letters of opposition regarding the closure of Wimp Way. She took exception to the so-called open meetings of ODOT; she said she attended all except one last week, and they usually will not take testimony. Lower Bridge Way is hazardous for making a left, two directions coming down a hill and a left turn lane going north, and the school buses have to make a left from Lower Bridge Way onto Highway 97. Sometimes people have to wait a while to use Wimp Way but it has better visibility. She said that ODOT is creating a monster. They don't want people turning left onto Wimp Way, but could look at correcting that problem by blocking it off partially but still allow a right turn. Commissioner Luke said if a barricade is placed there won't be any way to make a left onto the Highway. Ms. Meisner stated that perhaps a sign would work. Or perhaps a left turn lane could be added, making it safer. With this closure, everyone will be forced to use Lower Bridge Way. Commissioner Melton asked how someone towing a vehicle can turn onto Highway 97 off Lower Bridge Way. Mr. Pasley stated that they did traffic counts and built a simulation model for peak times. The queue lengths don't get too long but it does take some time to make a left turn. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 4 of 11 Pages Commissioner Melton asked how they determine how long is too long to wait. Mr. Pasley said they don't have a specific time for one turn but look at functionality as a whole. Commissioner Luke pointed out that the current configuration of Lower Bridge does not fit well for traffic, but the new design should improve this situation. Mr. Pasley said that Wimp Way would not be closed until ninety days after the completion of the Lower Bridge Way improvements. If things are not functioning as they believe they will, they can make changes at that time. Commissioner Luke said they looked at putting in a 10th Street underpass, and also looked at Eby. But funding ran out for ODOT. Ms. Meisner stated that no matter how you figure it, you have to worry about entering Highway 97 from Lower Bridge Way. People get impatient and make bad judgments when they enter traffic. Aaron Palmquist of Crooked River Ranch said that he appreciates the opportunity to speak today even though the Commissioners did not have to allow them to, but he feels the notice was not adequate. Commissioner Luke stated that there were many work sessions with people from the Ranch and a lot of testimony was already taken. Mr. Palmquist said there is an alternative exit committee working on the issue, and that process will continue. Commissioner Luke said that there are several subdivisions in the County that have only one road out. The County is working with others to make sure there is at least one other exit for emergency purposes. Mr. Palmquist stated that the perception is that Crooked River Ranch is a stepchild and does not get the attention that other areas do. The Ranch is built out by about 60%. The population could increase to 8,000 in the near future. On West Lower Bridge, ODOT needs to be aware of a development at the old dolomite area, and he predicts that Redmond will do a northwest run around Terrebonne for growth and that traffic will end up on Lower Bridge Way. A water main has already been put in that direction. A Sunriver type interchange or overpass is needed. He feels that more time is needed to analyze traffic counts, which should have been done over a larger period of time instead of a snapshot. ODOT did not like to change their approach. Traffic counts should be done at various times. The accident rates do not show a significant enough problem to close Wimp Way. The data points are very minimal now. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 5 of 11 Pages He recommends that instead of closing Wimp Way, a test period of 90 days should be given to make sure this is the right thing to do. The type of traffic varies in different times of the year. There are a lot of part-time residents using their property certain times of the year, and those people who tow recreational vehicles. In regard to traffic signals, ODOT has made it clear this is a closed issue. Mr. Pasley said there is an existing light and ODOT does not want to replace it. The Governor has mandated fewer lights for energy savings purposes and a definite need has to be shown to do anything further. The existing light will be going away eventually. Mr. Palmquist said that it should remain and it is dangerous to remove it. Perhaps someone else will pay for the cost if that is the issue. He added that local representatives have been contacted and he would like to see what these elected officials can do with working out something with the railroad. Discussions are occurring and this is not completely discounted. Perhaps the emergency exit could be through the State park. Commissioner Luke stated that he has been involved with this for years and he tried to push this through. The State Parks and the railroad have been approached and the railroad does not want its right of way breached. Mr. Palmquist feels that some time needs to be allowed for State representatives to work with the State and the railroad. Commissioner Luke said that the railroad is the hardest one to deal with but there may be a way to influence them. Mr. Palmquist added that at 19th and Wickiup, two new schools are going in. Traffic will go to Highway 97 and it will become more hazardous. It seems that this location would be addressed long before Wimp Way. He feels that more needs to be done to look at the area regionally. Commissioner Melton asked about traffic counts. Mr. Pasley said that they are choosy about when they do the counts, usually over a 16-hour period, and adjust those numbers to the season and the local land uses. Those variations are taken into account. ODOT plans out these types of projects over a long period of time, usually five to seven years, contingent on funding. It is not meant to be a twenty-year fix. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 6 of 1 I Pages Commissioner Melton would like to discuss some of the options that have been presented. Commissioner Luke said that sometimes lights are not allowed and there are ways that a highway operates efficiently and safely. Spacing is important. All exceptions have to be justified. At times it is hard to deviate from the rules that have been established. They may not always be reasonable or logical, but they are the law. In regard to the emergency exit, Commissioner Daly said it would not be for everyday use. It would be through the BLM property off Lower Bridge Road, used only in case of a wildfire. It is there already. Commissioner Melton said that residents are concerned that this may not be sufficient. Commissioner Luke stated that there is only one way out of Crooked River Ranch. Commissioner Daly said that is actually at another subdivision, Sherwood Estates, but Ice is before that. Work continues on finding an alternative emergency exit. Commissioner Luke added that BLM and two counties are involved so it is time-consuming. Commissioner Melton asked about a light at Lower Bridge Way; if funding allowed it, is it a negotiating point. Mr. Pasley said that if the intersection is to be illuminated, it has to meet standards. Funding for long-term maintenance is the issue. Commissioner Melton said she gets the idea there will not be a formal evaluation of Lower Bridge Way prior to closing Wimp Way ninety days later. Commissioner Luke stated that when the improvements are done, you allow enough time for people to get used to the change. Commissioner Melton asked about the discussion between Bob Bryant, the railroad and State Parks. Commissioner Luke said that the railroad right of way is the biggest issue. Mr. Palmquist explained that those discussions continue but are challenging. Commissioner Melton asked if there would be any further studies. Mr. Pasley replied they will be doing another speed study. Commissioner Daly observed that ODOT does not have adequate funding and all of the suggested changes require a lot of money. The existing project costs over $8 million. Commissioner Melton asked what might happen if Wimp Way remained open. Mr. Pasley stated that it is clear in the over two years it has been studied, it is clear that accidents will continue to occur and the number and severity of those accidents will increase. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 7 of 11 Pages Commissioner Melton asked if a decision is not made today, if this will affect the work that ODOT is doing. She would like residents to have more time to comment and come up with other ideas. Commissioner Luke said that this has come up in many meetings and has been answered many times by ODOT and the County. There are people who will never be happy with the closure. Safety improvements can't happen at both Lower Bridge and Wimp Way. Highway 97 is becoming an expressway and will only get busier. Accidents and fatalities will occur if safety improvements are not made. If Terrebonne incorporates things could change. Partnerships are needed but aren't there yet. Commissioner Bellamy knows the area well and ODOT listened to him. Lower Bridge Way is not a good location but an overpass is not possible at this time. Commissioner Melton asked if it there is a way to leverage the need with the secondary access, working with ODOT and the BLM. Commissioner Luke said that these are two separate issues, and it took about twelve years to get the emergency access out of Deschutes River Woods, plus money. This cannot wait that long. He suggested that Commissioner Melton could take this on as a personal project. Commissioner Daly said that his perspective is this is a safety issue. It is the most dangerous thing to do, making a left turn on a two-lane major highway, hoping that the vehicle behind will see you stopped. This is a dangerous location and after spending years as a patrolman, he has seen what happens when these wrecks happen. This particular situation is the worst. If his decision to close it saves even one or two lives, it will be worth it. There will be a gate and a turnout for emergency evacuation. There may be changes in the future but at this point it is the sensible thing to do. It will take a lot of money to be able to do anything different. Commissioner Luke said that there is a continual evaluation of the entire corridor, as he sits in on those meetings. It is not like they take an action such as this without considering it before, during and afterwards. Mr. Bryant says that a speed study will be done, and over time the planned improvements will help with safety. An evaluation of the corridor is ongoing as there are always ways to improve it. Commissioner Melton said she feels that perhaps the issue should be closed and maybe there should not have been a hearing today. Commissioner Luke said this was not a hearing but testimony was allowed out of courtesy to citizens. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 8 of I I Pages DALY: Move approval of Order No. 2008-079. LUKE: Second. VOTE: MELTON: Yes. DALY: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of the Consent Agenda. DALY: Move approval of the Consent Agenda. MELTON: Second. VOTE: MELTON: Yes. DALY: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. Consent Agenda Items 4. Approval of Document No. 2008-514, Notice of Intent to Award the Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant from the Department of Health & Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 5. Signature of Document No. 2008-511, an Agreement with Jefferson Behavioral Health for Mental Health Services for Clients in or near Southern Deschutes County 6. Signature of Document No. 2008-500, an Amendment to a Contract for Subgrant for Family Access Network Services 7. Signature of Resolution No. 2008-128, Transferring Appropriations within the Sheriff's Office Fund 8. Signature of Resolution No. 2008-129, Transferring Appropriations within the Accountable Behavioral Health Alliance (ABHA) Fund 9. Signature of Resolution No. 2008-130, Transferring Appropriations within the Community Justice - Juvenile Fund 10. Signature of a Letter Accepting the Resignation of Beth Quinn from the Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board, and Thanking her for her Service 11. Approval of Minutes: • Business Meetings: September 10 • Work Sessions: April 23; September 3, 10 and 15 Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 9 of 11 Pages CONVENED AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE 9-1-1 COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT 12. Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of Accounts Payable Vouchers for the 9-1-1 County Service District in the Amount of $11,339.66. MELTON: Move approval, subject to review. DALY: Second. VOTE: MELTON: Yes. DALY: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. CONVENED AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE EXTENSION/4-11 COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT 13. Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of Accounts Payable Vouchers for the Extension/4-11 County Service District in the Amount of $1,411.39. MELTON: Move approval, subject to review. DALY: Second. VOTE: MELTON: Yes. DALY: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. RECONVENED AS THE DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 14. Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of Accounts Payable Vouchers for Deschutes County in the Amount of $725,909.24. MELTON: Move approval, subject to review. DALY: Second. VOTE: MELTON: Yes. DALY: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 10 of 11 Pages 15. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA A. Before the Board was Consideration of Signature of a Letter Accepting the Resignation of Richard Ferini from the Board of Four Rivers Vector Control District, and Thanking him for his Service. MELTON: Move approval. DALY: Second. VOTE: MELTON: Yes. DALY: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. B. Before the Board was Consideration of Signature of a Letter Appointing Cindy Van Patten to the Board of Four Rivers Vector Control District, through June 30, 1012. MELTON: Move approval. DALY: Second. VOTE: MELTON: Yes. DALY: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m. DATED this 24th Day of September 2008 for t Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. De Qs,R. Luke, Chair ATTEST: ecording Secretary Minuets of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 11 of 11 Pages Tammy (B y) Me~ on,) Vice Chair Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.orc BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 10:00 A.M., WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 Commissioners' Hearing Room - Administration Building - 1300 NW Wall St., Bend 1. CITIZEN INPUT This is the time provided for individuals wishing to address the Board, at the Board's discretion, regarding issues that are not already on the agenda. Citizens who wish to speak should sign up prior to the beginning of the meeting on the sign-up cards provided. Please use the microphone and also state your name and address at the time the Board calls on you to speak. PLEASE NOTE: Citizen input regarding matters that are or have been the subject of a public hearing will NOT be included in the record of that hearing. 2. CONSIDERATION of Signature of a Notice of Intent to Award Letter, and Subsequent Document No. 2008-522, Purchasing Seven Dump Trucks from Brattain International - Dennis Morris, Road Department 3. CONSIDERATION of Signature of Order No. 2008-079, Directing the Permanent Closure of Wimp Way at the Intersection of U.S. Highway 97 - George Kolb and Tom Blust, Road Department CONSENT AGENDA 4. Approval of Document No. 2008-514, Notice of Intent to Award the Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant from the Department of Health & Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 5. Signature of Document No. 2008-511, an Agreement with Jefferson Behavioral Health for Mental Health Services for Clients in or near Southern Deschutes County 6. Signature of Document No. 2008-500, an Amendment to a Contract for Subgrant for Family Access Network Services Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 1 of 6 Pages 7. Signature of Resolution No. 2008-128, Transferring Appropriations within the Sheriff's Office Fund 8. Signature of Resolution No. 2008-129, Transferring Appropriations within the Accountable Behavioral Health Alliance (ABHA) Fund 9. Signature of Resolution No. 2008-130, Transferring Appropriations within the Community Justice - Juvenile Fund 10. Signature of a Letter Accepting the Resignation of Beth Quinn from the Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board, and Thanking her for her Service 11. Approval of Minutes: • Business Meetings: September 10 • Work Sessions: April 23; September 3, 10 and 15 CONVENE AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE 9-1-1 COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT 12. CONSIDERATION of Approval of Accounts Payable Vouchers for the 9-1-1 County Service District CONVENE AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE EXTENSION/4-11 COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT 13. CONSIDERATION of Approval of Accounts Payable Vouchers for the Extension/4-H County Service District RECONVENE AS THE DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 14. CONSIDERATION of Approval of Accounts Payable Vouchers for Deschutes County 15. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 2 of 6 Pages 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. FUTURE MEETINGS: (Please note: Meeting dates and times are subject to change. All meetings take place 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) Monday, September 22, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Wednesday, September 24, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Thursday, September 25, 2008 9:00 a.m. Quarterly Meeting with Fair & Expo Center 10:00 a.m. Semi-annual Meeting with Assessor 11:00 a.m. Quarterly Meeting with Commission on Children & Families Monday, September 29, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Wednesday, October 1, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) 5:00 p.m. Regular Meeting with La Pine City Counsel, La Pine Senior Center Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 3 of 6 Pages Monday, October 6, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) 3:30 p.m. Regular Meeting of LPSCC (Local Public Safety Coordinating Council) Wednesday, October 8, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Wednesday, October 15, 2008 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Monday, October 20, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Wednesday, October 22, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) 5:30 p.m. Public Hearing regarding Proposed Event Venues Ordinance Monday, October 27, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 4 of 6 Pages Monday, November 3, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) 3:30 p.m. Regular Meeting of LPSCC (Local Public Safety Coordinating Council) Wednesday, November 5, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Thursday, November 6, 2008 8:00 a.m. Regular Meeting with Sisters City Council, Sisters City Hall 9:30 a.m. Regular Meeting with Judge Fadeley, Sisters Monday, November 10, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 12 noon Regular Meeting with Department Heads 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Tuesday, November 11, 2008 Most County offices will be closed to observe Veterans' Day Wednesday, November 12, 2008 8:00 a.m. Conference Call, Public Affairs Counsel (State Lobbyist) 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Thursday, November 13, 2008 7:00 a.m. Regular Meeting with the City of Redmond Council, in Redmond Monday, November 17 through Friday, November 21 Annual Association of Oregon Counties' Conference, Eugene Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 5 of 6 Pages Monday, November 24, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Wednesday, November 26, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) Thursday, November 27, 2008 Most County offices will be closed to observe Thanksgiving. Friday, November 28, 2008 Most County offices will be closed today (unpaid holiday) Monday, December 1, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) 3:30 p.m. Regular Meeting of LPSCC (Local Public Safety Coordinating Council) Wednesday, December 3, 2008 10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s) 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. Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Page 6 of 6 Pages Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org ADDITIONS TO BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 10:00 A.M., WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 Commissioners' Hearing Room - Administration Building - 1300 NW Wall St., Bend A. Signature of a Letter Accepting the Resignation of Richard Ferini from the Board of Four Rivers Vector Control District, and Thanking him for his Service B. Signature of a Letter Appointing Cindy Van Patten to the Board of Four Rivers Vector Control District, through June 30, 1022 ` ~_T ES oG~j ' 0~2{ BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MEETING REQUEST TO SPEAK Agenda Item of Interest Date ~ F Name: Address I G ~f P~{ S,GJ ~.~►-9 Phone #s 1/6 .5~ V e E-mail address y f 1-,01 In Favor Neutral/Undecided Opposed Submitting written documents as part of testimony? Yes No REQUEST TO SPEAK Agenda Item of Interest itz I M P C,., A % CWSu(e - Date L?Z ~-v sp Name t'~ R J A,y FA S L AK Address 6 S055 Al, illy (It Y:2 IS Lln:~! K fl C> d R q)7 20 l -S10 Z, GI~3 x z3`j Phone #s S I I 3 E-mail address 5(<IA,,) , /J, I A-,)LAY (0 DA07, 57m-r,6:: ~jz , v S [g'-~In Favor F-1 Neutral/Undecided 1-1 Opposed Submitting written documents as part of testimony? F~ Yes U N v~J-rES- ~O o { BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MEETING _ REQUEST TO SPEAK Agenda Item of Interest e ✓ Date a ~o Name e Address Phone #s E-mail address p ~xMa~1) In Favor F~ Neutral/Undecided 1 Opposed Submitting written documents as part of testimony? 1-1 Yes ~No BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MEETING REQUEST TO SPEAK Agenda Item of Interest e~~,~ Date Name (l~51 /1-. a Address ~`1 S s G 4Y :7 -7 Phone #s \ / ' - 04_7~~ I E-mail address /h~,,,,~G~,--~ G~~ vicer- ~ti h d in R In Favor R Neutral/Undecided [a Opposed Submitting written documents as part of testimony? 1-1 Yes No 44/ Agenda I~en Name , Address BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MEETING _REQUEST TO SPEAK of interest _ Date Phone #s~ c~ ` E E-mail address is U In Favor U Neutral/Undecided Submitting written documents as part of testimony? FN Yes Opposed U No -0 Y' i SIIG Urog~ress through Unit Crooked Rlver Ranch • Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Hope A. Johnson Executive Director P.O. Box 1502 • Crooked River Ranch, OR 97760 541-923-2679 • info@crrchamber.com 61150 S.E. 27th St., Bend, OR 97702 (541) 308-6581 • FAX (541) 388-2719 DUMP TRUCK BID SUMMARY Road Department The Road Department advertised an invitation to bid for the purchase of seven new dump trucks. The low bidder meeting all required specifications is Brattain International Trucks, Inc. in the amount of $877,968.00. Listed below are all of the bids received. BIDDER PRICE EACH TOTAL BRATTAIN INTERNATIONAL McCOY FREIGHTLINER PETERBILT PETERBILT (secondary quote) TEC EQUIPMENT $125,424.00 $131,344.00 $135,961.00 $136,288.00 $127,492.44 $877,968.00 $919,408.00 $951,727.00 $954,016.00 $892,447.08 Dennis Morris, Support Services Manager Deschutes County Road Department (541) 322-7125 v" 8065 SW High Cone Dr. Crooked River Ranch, Oregon February 27, 2008 Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I must protest this idea with great emotion. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow our residents our only additional ingress/egress option available. It is very important in times of high fire danger ( ie: this last year's fire near the so-called "Emergency Exit" which blocked that exit). Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Our safety should be measured by more than how many collisions occur. They have told us that only two accidents with NO fatalities have occurred at this intersection in the past six years. Please read on for a solution to this problem. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection'is not particularly safe nor unsafe, but this could and SHOULD have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of that intersection at minimal cost, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south would allow vehicles to slow down and exit Hwy 97 safely. Likewise, a center left-turn lane for Highway 97 north-bound traffic would provide a safe exit on to Wimp Way. This could be accomplished without excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist, but they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT.can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Kevin Smith Resident and director of the Crooked River Ranch Birders' Group Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become-necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue: The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects.43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important. in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, i Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, t ~f Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between.the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly. safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked-River Ranch is a rural subdvision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the. final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, D Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass, just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between- the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 . Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed: This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north oftthe intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. 12.6 S G S4J 1100 p~ Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out, of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation-of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The. subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary: Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuckholes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, r~ Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, `'">7 Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, 4 ! ~ t Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincrely^ i ! j Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43'd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, rf Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43 d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, ~Yc rzt--~ Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on. law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincere ly,yo' Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and-Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43'd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of-the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation.. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, k , % f _ /2 Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT canprovide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County. Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, n f Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the. access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, . J, f J V/ I~ RX Date/Time Feb 27 08 08:23p 02/27/2008 21:37 5037874103 Hake Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way 5037874103 P.001 p.I The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerejy, °1 b 5 W t•-~ C1`,~ Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites. the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Gle rkelrath 12820 SW Eagle Vista Place Crooked River Ranch Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, t. Martha Herkelrath 12820 SW Eagle Vista Place Crooked River Ranch Crooked River Ranch Seniors 6710 Ranch House Place PO Box 1514 Crooked River Ranch OR 97760 Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way. roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. n Sincerely, E Ste-- t- 0-L L, J -U, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Cz . Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects-with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, x 7 8 5 s rv 0~1 e, 97760 Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, .n-/ i1 9-1-74,6 Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they. intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, 171 Z-7 . cars and trucks are required, by law, to wear seat belts, the belts providing a significant increase in safety. Except for the driver, school buses do not even have seat belts, not for the kids. And, even if they did and even if the driver could some how enforce their use, is it common sense to allow only school buses to use an intersection that ODOT vehemently claims is dangerous? Do any ODOT kids ride in those buses? Common sense leads me to these observations: • Wimp Way provides a very real and popular alternative route for local residents including those from Crooked River Ranch. The only other realistic alternative is Lower Bridge Road and it certainly has its own serious problems. • Wimp Way should remain open to all traffic. If ODOT can substantiate that this intersection has a significantly higher risk for any type of accident when compared with other like intersections, then they could consider left hand turn restrictions from north bound US 97. • If ODOT really wants to improve safety for those citizens that live west of US 97 between Terrebonne and the Crooked River Bridge, then ODOT, perhaps with some encouragement and help from Deschutes County, needs to, at a minimum, make some improvements to the US 97 and Lower Bridge Road intersections. I am not thinking expensive improvements, but only perhaps a lower speed limit on US 97 (introduced with rumble strips) so traffic from Lower Bridge Road turning to north bound US 97 could turn with more safety. It is very difficult to clearly see this intersection at night, especially during adverse weather, and more lighting is desperately needed to help the one dim light presently in place. A relatively inexpensive blinking light or lights for an intersection with this amount of traffic should be mandatory. Are not solar lights available for this? • A hint to ODOT. You do not need to spend any more money to install a longer right hand turn lane from Lower Bridge Road to US 97 - this is NOT the problem at that intersection. How did this Wimp Way closure by ODOT for "safety reasons" become a "land use issue" for Deschutes County? I believe in common sense. I hope some other people do too. Sincerely, Marry and Sara Leigh Wilson cc: Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Oregon Department of Transportation Highway Division Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43"d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, L o)~ ~ T7~~ Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. 1 strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two-lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two-lane road, lee Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fore danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two-lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection; however, it was not A widening of the right-turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major potholes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for Hwy. 97 northbound-turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally, they have been rejected as ❑to expensive0. Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to thinly first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads. allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected.during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass_ just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Ate 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43`d Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43`d Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, n Richard Rochelle 8997 SW Chandler Ridge Pl. Crooked River OR 97760-9303 February 2008 Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,000 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two river valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects with Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, Ice Avenue, which connects 43rd Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an additional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is very important in times of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would substantially increase their response time. ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on law enforcement/medical response time, fire or other disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related transportation. Safety must be measured by more than how many collisions occur. The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not particularly safe. This could have been corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad overpass just north of the intersection, however it was not. A widening of the right turn shoulder pavement for vehicles traveling south and repair of the major chuck holes would allow turning vehicles out of the traffic lane. Likewise, a center turn lane for Highway 97 north bound turning traffic would prevent vehicles from being required to stop in a lane of travel on a busy highway. This could be accomplished without an excessive cost. Other possibilities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp Way exist. Generally they have been rejected as "to expensive". Perhaps ODOT can provide an estimate of the cost of a life. The closure of the Wimp Way intersection is a land use issue. The Board of County Commissioners will have the final say. I urge them to think first of the safety of the citizens, rather than the cost and or inconvenience of the state bureaucracy. Sincerely, i Deschutes County Community Development Department 1300 Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, OR 97701-1947 Subject: Closure of Wimp Way The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has indicated they intend to close the access of Wimp Way to Highway 97. I strongly protest this action. Crooked River Ranch is a rural subdivision located between the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. It contains over 2,600 lots, and a population estimated at 5,00 people. The subdivision is located in both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Because of the two 'ver valleys, the only access is 43rd Street, a paved two lane road to the south, which connects th Lower Bridge Road and then US Highway 97. There is an additional paved two lane road, lee, Avenue, which connects 4P Street with Wimp Way and Highway 97. The Ice Avenue/Wimp Way roads allow the residents an ad 'tional ingress/egress option that would not be available if the intersection were closed. This is. very knportant in tins of high fire danger, as in the event of a fire, evacuation of a portion of the ranch may become necessary. Law enforcement on the subdivision is primarily provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff located in Madras. Closure of the intersection would incn me thek response, fme ODOT cites the reason for closure as safety. Their measure of safety is strictly vehicular. They put no weight on laver enforcement/inedical response time, fire other.disaster evacuations, or transportation issues such as school busing or work related tvnsportation- Safety must be measured by more than hove many collisions ocacur_ The present Wimp Way/Highway 97 intersection is not par corrected during the reconstruction of the two lane railroad however•it was not- A widening ofthe right turn shoulder p repair of the magor chuck holes would allow turning vehicle cerAter turn- is nu fit-1 91 n0rej ESouu-d turning traffic would pr 'J' it-'Oyway Thiz L&PA.Mi LAC, ac alarly safe_ This could have been werpass just north of the intersection, cement for vehicles traveling south and out o thca LIC-I le, lane. LiNe vise" t? ent Vehicles les frorn being required to Ril h-shed without an excessive mot. Other pos.` -lities for accessing Highway 97 from Wimp W ' y „ ' exist. G4.Btl,fdliy tfli:y' Sad.V4 Eiduii rcJectcd as "to expensive'. Perhaps ,F-%OT cad r t _ m= = ; r,e.- - 2 t - S. SSG C3051654G i}f he VV -T11FJ YV;~y ~~]tiyT~(:t1C}Il is a land use 1SzUE r.r r _ Sincerely, r-- ~V The Board of Count, Commissi~o}ners r4v-- 11han the as I