2009-1450-Minutes for Meeting August 19,2009 Recorded 9/10/2009COUNTY OFFICIAL
NANCYUBLANKENSHIP, COUNTY CLERKDS CJ 2009.1450
COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL
09/10/2009 08;Ot;30 AM
2009-1450
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Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org
MINUTES OF WORK SESSION
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2009
Present were Commissioners Tammy Baney, Dennis R. Luke and Alan Unger.
Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy
County Administrator; Tom Anderson, Nick Lelack, Dan Haldeman, Peter Russell
and Todd Cleveland, Community Development; Scott Johnson, Kate Moore and
Shannon Dames, Health Services; Judith Ure, Administration; and approximately
twenty other citizens, including two representatives of the media.
Chair Baney opened the meeting at 1: 30 p.m.
1. Bethlehem Inn Status Update.
Tom O'Brien of the Bethlehem Inn Board of Directors said that he wanted to
discuss how they might structure a purchase agreement, their current
fundraising plan, and a possible capital fundraising campaign.
He has some ideas that may have not been discussed with all members of his
Board. He introduced Dave Goodwin, Joel Morris, Chris Clovart and Rebecca
Gundzik.
Mr. O'Brien stated that they are thinking about setting up a small group process
between the two entities. This would allow them to get into the real work
process. He gave a brief history of the Inn and said they appreciate the support
of the County over almost five years. They had a difficult year operating their
own space as opposed to renting from County. They had run up a deficit of
$75,000.
This fiscal year they were able to end up with a positive cash flow, the reserves
are rebuilding, and they now have a positive balance of $71,000. They are
doing better, making progress, but not getting rich. About 37% of staff
expenses were cut to be able to keep the Inn open. They are serving almost
40% more people now, as there has been a dramatic increase in demand for
services.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Page 1 of 9 Pages
They have a strong board and staff working relationship now. Individual
donations went up, but foundations and grants fell off. They will do an annual
pledge program along with some kind of visible activity each month.
Dave Goodwin added that the staff that was left took over and did a miraculous
job of keeping things running and growing.
The County benefits from these services but the board of the Inn wants to work
on the commitment to repay the County. They plan to launch a capital
feasibility plan the first half of 2010. They need to build the bedrock from
where stable funding will come.
Commissioner Baney asked if the Bethlehem Inn board feels this is a County
building or wants ownership. Mr. O'Brien said that they have to demonstrate
sustainability to get grants, and part of that is ownership. People are aware of
the in-kind services, which reduce pressure on County services, such as Parole
& Probation. The quality of life in the area is positively affected - for instance,
residents are not allowed to stand on corners and beg for money.
Commissioner Luke pointed out that the cities benefit as well.
There will be numerous fundraising events, something every month to keep up
public awareness. They want people to know that they serve a great number of
families and women. They are always at capacity with families during the
winter months.
Much of the advertising is being done at no cost through the media.
Mr. O'Brien stated that his thoughts are for a possible lease to buy, as a solid
connection is desired. Another way would be some kind of a mortgage or low-
interest loan. Leasing would present less of a tax issue for his group. They
work with the local businesses and neighbors to address any potential impacts.
Habitat for Humanity may begin working with other groups that provide
housing.
Dave Kanner said the County does not have title to the building, so he is not
sure how an agreement would be structured. Commissioner Luke stated that the
City has ownership but the County may take over at some point.
Erik Kropp explained that it is a complicated issue.
Mr. O'Brien said that they would like to bring someone from the City in to
discuss this further.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Page 2 of 9 Pages
They asked for approval to apply for a grant on behalf of the Bethlehem Inn,
which will write the grant and do all of the necessary reporting. The County
would need to accept the grant if it is approved.
They also have a recycling program set up, which will in part help with work
experience for the residents.
2. H1-N1 Flu Update.
Scott Johnson gave the most current information on this issue. He said his
department would need to contract with someone to help during the vaccination
process. Shannon Dames added that there are 60 to 70 schools that they will
need to serve within the space of a few weeks. Some federal funding will be
obtained, but they will have only about a month to coordinate with others to get
this done. They have to be able to respond quickly. Per County Code, one
option is a request for a qualified pool of service providers. One concern is that
it is expensive to do this multiple times. Even the qualified pool might not be
quick enough.
Commissioner Luke said that there can't be a huge list of people who are able
to do this. Ms. Dames said there are companies nationally who provide this
service and are efficient, that are now breaking into the west coast. That is the
easiest way to go, but they want to look at local entities as well.
Commissioner Luke stated that it is hard to know how serious the situation may
be. Ms. Dames replied that over-planning is necessary so that enough planning
is in place. In other places, like Australia, they are struggling with inadequate
capacity. The target population, based on early research, would be those who
have other health issues and those younger than age 65.
Ms. Dames stated that the State and Federal agencies are providing vaccine.
When insurance can be billed, that will be handled by private providers. The
public providers will not be concerned about billing. Direction is coming from
the federal government through the State.
Mr. Johnson said that meetings are taking place with agencies of all kinds. He
is working as closely as possible with Legal Counsel on the RFP process. Ms.
Dames asked if the Board wants to know what steps are being taken as they
occur. The Commissioners said that e-mail updates are adequate unless it is felt
that there is a true emergency.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Page 3 of 9 Pages
3. School-based Health Centers Update.
Scott Johnson said that these centers now serve both health and mental health
needs. Kate Moore has been working with the school districts on this program.
Ms. Moore stated that the Public Health Advisory Board was updated in July, at
which time a proposal was sent out for new centers. The Board was supportive
of the current centers and wanted to know more about expansion.
She contacted all three school districts. There was no response from Bend, but
she did hear from Sisters and Redmond.
Redmond wants to proceed with planning. In Sisters, there was a lot of interest
as well but they do not have funds for this. City business leaders were
contacted about using space.
The safety net clinic was used to put in the existing centers. The funding for the
first year would be covered by funding, as would the second year. The State
would provide $41,000 annually. Sisters stated they would have more of a
problem coming up with cash.
Mr. Johnson added that Judith Ure is helping to move this forward.
4. Pre-Meeting Agenda Review for August 26 Joint Work Session with the
City of Bend.
Dave Kanner is working with Eric King on an agenda for this meeting. There
are three basic items on the agenda, but other things might come up. The
meeting generally lasts under three hours. Regarding the Bend Airport, there is
only a memo from a couple of months ago for reference regarding annexation.
It was discussed by the City Council, and they settled on alternative # 1, which
is a slow process but makes the most sense regarding annexation.
Commissioner Luke said this is the best time to pursue a master plan update.
Commissioner Baney stated that she attended a meeting of the users group, but
no one from the City attended.
Commissioner Luke asked if there is still illegal use of the buildings, especially
the hangars, taking place. Mr. Anderson said that the City asked the County for
help in this regard. However, the owner of the land is the City and ultimately
responsible.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Page 4 of 9 Pages
There was a complaint about a non-aviation related business being operated out
of a hangar. The County advised them that this would not pass as it was, so the
people came back with a different permit. A letter of support from Eric King of
the City then came in regarding this business. Mr. Kanner stated that this is
regulated by the FAA. Erik Kropp stated that there is language as well in the
lease agreements signed by the hangar users and the City.
Mr. Kropp said that it might be helpful for the City to hear the County's
expectations regarding the master plan. Commissioner Luke stated that he does
not want to tell the City what to put in its master plan. Mr. Kanner said that
County Code does speak to what should be included in the airport master plan.
Mr. Lelack said that Brian Reynolds would summarize the master plan. There
is a statement that the County is to participate and encourage this, although it is
not clear of the level of involvement that is expected. Mr. Lelack added that
they might expect more than the County can give. After discussion, it was
decided that staff involvement is all that is necessary at this point.
Mr. Kropp stated that federal funding to the City is not yet available and they
are hesitant to get too far into the process without that funding.
Regarding item #2, no progress has been made, as the facilitator has been
unavailable. Some training might be available on a shared basis.
Regarding item #3, the City sent ODOT a list of preferred alternatives regarding
north Highway 97 planning.
Mr. Kanner stated that the City wants its bonding capacity increased for various
projects, and would like the County to share its bonding capacity with the City.
The County's total bonding capacity is about $26 million. EDCO is also
interested in this situation. The County will need to make a decision on its own
bonding requirements in the near future. Commissioner Baney wants to make
sure some long-term jobs are created, and not just short-term construction
projects.
Commissioner Unger would like to have some discussions regarding various
events that impact the City and County, such as bicycle races. He wants to
know if there is widespread support and whether there are concerns about
capacity and impacts.
Mr. Kropp said that staff coordination is pretty good between the various
entities.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Page 5 of 9 Pages
5. Discussion regarding Interpretation of Ordinance No. 2008-019.
Tom Anderson said they have been applying the ordinance for 14 months.
There are three main provisions of the ordinance. A couple of instances have
come up under the new construction category that he is fairly certain were not
considered at the time. (He referred to a handout.)
Situation #1 relates to a replacement of a structure that was destroyed by fire.
The existing septic system may be functioning well, but it is in an area of high
groundwater and it might be necessary to upgrade to a sand filter system at the
very least.
Situation #2 is a code enforcement case whereby an accessory structure was
converted to a dwelling without permits. Permits are needed for the dwelling,
and a nitrogen reducing system might be required. The current owners of the
property were not aware of the lack of permits when they purchased the
property.
The question for the Board is whether the Board agrees with how the ordinance
is written or whether exceptions can be made in these types of situations. His
department needs some clear guidance and direction.
Commissioner Baney said that there might be a different in opinion between
Commissioners. Commissioner Luke asked if the buildings that were converted
are allowed. Mr. Anderson stated that they would have been allowed at the
time. Mr. Cleveland stated that the septic system was installed without permits,
however.
Commissioner Luke said that he has always viewed replacement dwellings the
same as the original. Mr. Cleveland stated that there was an old letter on an
instance regarding the septic system, a review at the time because it did not
meet separation requirements and the lots have high groudnwater. It was
installed in 1976, so typically it would have to be upgraded by this time.
Commissioner Unger said that there are regular County requirements as well as
the ordinance. When he reads the section regarding septic systems, it does not
talk about construction of buildings. To him, in the case of the replacement
house, the County would normally not inspect the system, just the building.
Mr. Cleveland said that by State rule anytime a residence is replaced, an
authorization notice is needed and the system has to be examined. All of those
factors come into play. It might not be failing but may need to be altered.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Page 6 of 9 Pages
Laurie Craghead stated that even if the Ordinance were not in place, an upgrade
would still be required. Rules of reasonable repair apply when improvements
are being done.
Commissioner Baney said this is an elderly couple who lost almost everything.
They have a functioning system and there have been no Code issues with that
system.
Mr. Cleveland said the authorization notice is left to the judgment of the
inspector. He can authorize hookup without further repairs. If an alteration is
needed, a requirement to upgrade is needed. A system installed that many
years ago is discharging directly into the groundwater. It does not meet the
minimum requirements of a standard system.
Commissioner Baney said that it makes sense that they need an adequate
system. Commissioner Luke stated that a failing system is sewage that poses a
health danger. Not having enough drainfield or an inadequate tank is a
problem. Mr. Cleveland said that a sand filter system or an additional drainfield
is needed.
Commissioner Baney said she does not view obtaining a permit after the fact is
the same as new construction. Commissioner Luke stated that people should
look at the existing permits when they buy property. Laurie Craghead said that
buyers of property don't normally inspect building permits on the record, nor
does the title company. Commissioner Baney added that it needs to be more
black and white. Commissioner Unger stated that what the ordinance was
looking at was new construction. The need for a review is a separate State rule.
In regard to situation #1, it appears that there is a potential health issue. He
hopes that there is a way to help these people get there.
In regard to situation #2, permits should have been done. Commissioner Baney
said that if the system met previous requirements, is an upgrade triggered.
Ms. Craghead said as the illegal dwelling comes into a permitted structure, it
would be the same as bringing electrical up to code. Either the standards are
what were required when built or they weren't.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Page 7 of 9 Pages
Commissioner Luke said that probably an installer put in the system in situation
#2. The new owners are trying to make good.
Commissioner Unger said that situation #2 is not necessarily tied to the
ordinance. Situation # 1 is similar, but is triggered because of State regulations.
Commissioner Luke stated that situation #1 triggers a sand filter system. He
did not envision this issue when the ordinance was adopted. However, it may
not be possible to extend the drainfield. Mr. Cleveland said the permit triggers
the ordinance requirements. This is a situation that happens very seldom.
Commissioner Baney said that the owners want to put in the best system they
can. The options should be discussed with them. Commissioner Unger agreed
that this should be encouraged. Ms. Craghead said that the Code as written
does not get them there. There can be an ordinance providing a variance based
on hardship. Situation #2 is triggered. Commissioner Baney pointed out that
these are new owners. Commissioner Luke said that they should have done
their homework before buying.
Mr. Anderson stated that he supports this idea of a hardship clause for situation
# 1. Regarding situation #2, the structure is the residence now.
6. Other Items.
Scott Cooper spoke about the La Pine Community Kitchen food pantry project.
He said this is a great group doing good work, all with one paid staff person,
feeding over a hundred people a week, and doing it all from a collection of old
buildings and shipping containers.
A community grant is being sought for a food bank. This is a huge issue in La
Pine. The City budget is about $150,000 total and they do not have the staff or
funds to pursue this grant. An agreement was reached to approach the County
about accepting the grant. It would be administered and written by COIC.
The triple-wide manufactured home donated by the County needs to be
inspected for snow loads. They would like to eliminate the ancillary buildings
and have everything tied to the new building. The Commissioners indicated
they are supportive of moving forward with the grant application process.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Page 8 of 9 Pages
Judith Ure said that only one CBDG can be open per category at a time. Mr.
Cooper stated that this would take about 24 months.
LUKE: Move that Deschutes County be the sponsoring organization for this
CDBG grant.
UNGER: Second.
VOTE: LUKE: Yes.
UNGER: Yes.
BANEY: Chair votes yes.
At this time, the Board went into executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(h),
pending or threatened litigation. No formal action was taken after the session.
Being no further items addressed, the meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.
DATED this 19th Day of August 2009 for the Deschutes Coun Board of
Commissioners.
Tammy Baney, Chair
n
Dennis R. Luke, Vice Chair
ATTEST: 0,-Cc
Alan Unger, Commissioner
Recording Secretary
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Page 9 of 9 Pages
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org
WORK SESSION AGENDA
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
1:30 P.M., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2009
1. Bethlehem Inn Status Update -Erik Kropp and Members of Bethlehem Inn
Board
2. H 1-N 1 Flu Update - Scott Johnson
3. School-based Health Centers Update - Scott Johnson
4. Pre-Meeting Agenda Review for August 26 Joint Work Session with the City of
Bend
5. Discussion regarding Interpretation of Ordinance No. 2008-019 - Tom
Anderson
6. Other Items
PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating to ORS 192.660(2) (e), real
property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h), pending or threatened litigation; or ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues
Meeting dates, times and discussion items are subject to change. All meetings are conducted in the Board of Commissioners' meeting rooms at
1300 NW Wall St., Bend, unless otherwise indicated.
If you have questions regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572.
Deschutes County meeting locations are wheelchair accessible.
Deschutes County provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
For deaf, hearing impaired or speech disabled, dial 7-1-1 to access the state transfer relay service for TTY.
Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information.
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Date: August 13, 2009
To: Board of County Commissioners
From: Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator ~
Re: Bethlehem Inn Update, August 19`h Work Session
The Bethlehem Inn will come in to update the Board at Wednesday's Work Session. Tom
O'Brien, Bethlehem Inn Board President, will discuss ideas for structuring a purchase agreement
with the County, upcoming fundraising efforts, and the plan for beginning a capital campaign.
Dave Kanner, County Administrator
Page 1 of
Bonnie Baker
From: Shannon Dames
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 1:38 PM
To: Bonnie Baker
Cc: Erik Kropp; Scott Johnson; Dave Kanner
Subject: Bonnie - Memo-RFP H1N1 - board meeting August 19th
Memo
To: Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
From. Scott Johnson and Shannon Dames
CC: Dave Kanner, Erik Kropp
Date: 8/14/2009
Re: Discuss Health Services communication and contract process as the Pandemic Event rapidly unfolds.
Purpose: To discuss the Commissioners involvement and frequency of updates during times of rapidly changing
scenarios as the pandemic unfolds. Specifically around contract process for procurement of resources, planning and
communication efforts.
Health Services is working hard to prepare for different scenarios that may arise with the availability of mass amounts of
vaccine to get out to the public, and the potential for mass illness will tap our medical resources. We are expecting to
need to have to respond to events promptly as they arise in the areas of communication dissemination, new federal
funding allotment for community response capacity, and the ability to contract with other agencies in a time period that will
quickly meet community needs.
It is important to us that the Board of County Commissioners and Administration be as involved and aware as they need tc
be, and certainly as they want to be, as we wade through the many tasks that this coming year will
bring. Defining preferences for frequency of public communication, contracting processes, and funding use are all topics
that we want to touch base on at the commissioner work session.
Shannon Dames
(541) 322-7410
3/17/2009
Memo
To: Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
From: Health Services Department
CC: Dave Kanner, Erik Kropp
Date: 8/14/09
Re: Consideration of adding one or two new School-Based Health Centers
Purpose: To update Board on opportunity to add a new School-Based Health Center in
Sisters School District and/or Redmond School District and request their support
Challenge: State School-Based Health Center funding provides $ 41,000 per new center
in counties with existing centers, and actual cost of operating ranges from $106,000 to
$122,000 depending on level of service offered, and number of days open, leaving a gap
of $65,000 to $80,000. Further the Request for Proposals (RFP) will be fairly
competitive as only 7 new centers will be funded for counties with pre-existing centers.
Background: La Pine School-Based Health Center founded in 2004 continues to
increase in client visits (this year over 600). Both the new center in Bend (at Ensworth
ES) and in Redmond (at Lynch ES) were certified this year. Visits at the new centers are
higher than expected during the first year of operations (almost 600 at each center this
year), showing pent-up demand. The high number of OHP and uninsured in our
community, and the planned expansion of OHP to 80,000 additional Oregon children
give reason to anticipate high demand for an access point for health care for these student
populations. Recently the state announced an RFP process for counties to add additional
SBHCs, due September 18, 2009. In light of this opportunity, talks have begun with the
three area school districts, and two (Sister and Redmond) have indicated a high level of
interest. At our recent Public Health Advisory Board Mike Bonetto from Cascades East
Health Center (CEHC) indicated an interest in having Health Services request funding
from CEHC Community Investment funding, and this funding is being investigated.
Efforts are being made to maximize billing in all centers as well. Both school districts
have been asked to provide remodeling of clinic space, IT connectivity and support,
phone lines, janitorial services, school representation on site councils as well as some
level of support. Contact has been made with Sisters Park and Recreation to open
discussion about use of shared space at the high school (SOAR building) and with Sisters
City Council member Jerry Bogart who is willing to participate in meetings. Sisters
Schools is concerned about being able to provide the needed space and funding. If a
SBHC is established in Sisters, it is anticipated Deschutes County Health Services will
utilize this space to also offer Women Infant Child Nutrition (WIC), Mental Health
services and Immunizations.
Redmond School district has identified possible spaces for a center in one of the high
schools, and a ready willingness to proceed with preliminary planning requirements.
Long term sustainability will be best achieved by combined funding from the hospital,
county, school districts, and OHP revenue.
If successful in the RFP process this state grant would provide planning money for 2009-
2010 school year to fund staff time for building community support and partnerships.
Beginning the 2010-2011 fiscal year additional funding from the county general fund
would likely be needed to supplement the amount offered by other partners. In light of
the high numbers of youth lacking access to mental health and health care in our county
Health Services is asking the Board to be supportive in our efforts to further build our
School-Based Health Care system.
Contact: Kate Moore, Program Manager, MCH
322-7422
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Dave Kanner, County Administrator
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1300 NW Wall St, Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202
www. co. deschutes. or. us
August 13, 2009
TO: Board of Commissioners
FROM: Dave Kanner
RE: Pre-meeting agenda review
The Board has a joint work session scheduled with the Bend City Council for
Wednesday, August 26. At the moment, the agenda for that meeting is as follows:
1. Bend Airport update
2. Shared services discussions: current status
3. Status report: North Highway 97 planning
Item number 3 will be presented by Gary Farnsworth from ODOT. I haven't seen any
back-up information yet, although you were briefed on the various alternatives at the last
joint work session and I believe Gary simply wants to present an update as to where we
currently are in the planning process.
Item number 2 relates to the panel that Commissioner Baney and Mayor Eckman have
been participating in, although I'm informed that they haven't met since June. It will
likely be up to the mayor to provide the update on this item, although we can also discuss
the shared training and building inspection efforts.
Item number 1 relates to Bend's master planning efforts. I had previously talked to you
about Bend's discussions about annexing the airport and the different paths they might
take to get there. It's my understanding that the City will take the traditional route, which
includes updating the airport master plan as the first step. I believe city staff will take the
lead on presenting this item.
The purpose of this work session discussion is to see if there is any information or back-
up materials the commissioners would like in advance of the joint work session so staff
can begin preparing that for you.
Enhancing the Lives of Citizens by Delivering Quality Services in a Cost-Effective Manner
Board Work Session
Ordinance 2008-019 Interpretation
August 19, 2009
Background:
Ordinance 2008-019 (attached) requires installation of a nitrogen reducing septic
system for all new construction in southern Deschutes County. When the
ordinance was adopted, it is likely that the Board of Commissioners envisioned a
scenario of new development on bare land.
There have been two recent situations however where a literal reading of the
ordinance might dictate the requirement of a nitrogen reducing system, when that
might not be the intent of the Board in the adoption of the ordinance.
Situation 1:
An approved manufactured home was destroyed by fire this past winter. The
owners desire to place a new manufactured home on the property. The existing
septic system does not appear to have been damaged, although that has not
been verified. However, the system was approved in 1976 and likely has a
limited useful life left. The property is also located in an area of high groundwater,
and under existing rules not related to Ordinance 2008-019, would be required to
upgrade from a standard system to a sand filter at time of system replacement.
Since the placement of a new manufactured home (even though it is a
replacement) falls under the category of new construction, a nitrogen reducing
system may be required.
Situation 2:
A property is currently in code enforcement for the illegal conversion of an
accessory structure to a dwelling. The accessory building was approved in 1989,
and sometime after that was converted to a dwelling, and a non-permitted septic
system was installed. The work was not done by the current owner.
Because the required permits to approve the conversion of the structure to a
dwelling fall under the category of new construction, a nitrogen reducing system
may be required.
Requested Action:
Provide specific direction to staff on whether these situations should require the
installation of a nitrogen reducing septic system under Ordinance 2008-019.
Note - Legal counsel is reviewing the ordinance and will advise on whether or
not a formal modification of Ordinance 2008-019 is required if the Board's
direction is to not require a nitrogen reducing system in these situations.
T
REVIEWED
LEGAL COUNSEL
BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON
An Ordinance to Establish County Procedures
Under Oregon Rule to Minimize Groundwater
Pollution in South Deschutes County, and
Declaring an Emergency.
* ORDINANCE NO. 2008-019
*
WHEREAS, extensive monitoring and study by the United States Geological Survey ("USGS") and the
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has shown that the groundwater underlying the south Deschutes
County region is threatened by discharges from conventional onsite wastewater treatment systems serving
development in the region, and
WHEREAS, south Deschutes County is identified as those unincorporated portions of Deschutes
County contained in Townships 19, 20, 21, 22 and Ranges 9, 10, and 11, except those areas authorized by the
State for sewer, and
WHEREAS, recent studies have shown that the predominant source of nitrate contamination of the
groundwater in south Deschutes County is from onsite wastewater treatment systems; and
WHEREAS, OAR 340-071-0130(1) states that county permitting authorities acting on behalf of the
State, such as Deschutes County, may not authorize installation of a wastewater treatment system that is likely
to pollute public waters, but rather, must require the installation of a wastewater treatment system that protects
public waters or public health; and
WHEREAS, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, in a letter dated January 4, 2008,
determined that a public health hazard exists in the south Deschutes County area; and
WHEREAS, Deschutes County Code 11.12.010 defines "Nitrogen Reducing System" as a wastewater
treatment system that reduces nitrogen loading to the groundwater in accordance with the Nitrate Loading
Management Model and that is approved by Deschutes County" and defines "Nitrate Loading Management
Model" as "the groundwater model developed by the USGS to determine the nitrate loading capacity of the
drinking water aquifer underlying south Deschutes County;" and
WHEREAS, nitrogen reducing onsite wastewater treatment systems are available and effective to
reduce pollutants contributing to the public health hazard and protect public waters; and
WHEREAS, requiring nitrogen reducing systems for any new County permit for construction,
installation, major alteration or major repair helps reduce pollution contributing to the public health hazard; and
WHEREAS, on and after July 1, 2006 Deschutes County required property owners in south Deschutes
County who requested site evaluation report approvals for construction, installation, major alteration or major
repairs to wastewater treatment systems to install nitrogen reducing wastewater treatment systems; and
WHEREAS, prior to July 1, 2006 owners of approximately 700 properties in south Deschutes County
had received county site evaluation report approvals for onsite wastewater treatment systems, for which the
PAGE 1 OF 3 - ORDINANCE NO. 2008-019 (06/11/08)
property owners have not received a permit to install the wastewater treatment system, and for those site
evaluation report approvals, the onsite wastewater treatment system that would have been approved at the time
of the site evaluation report is for a system that will not protect the groundwater in South Deschutes County
from nitrogen discharges; and
WHEREAS, repairs, replacements or remodels of existing development comprise approximately ninety
percent (90%) of the permits currently being issued; now, therefore,
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON, ORDAINS
as follows:
Section 1. Except as provided in Section 4 of this Ordinance, every owner of property with or without
an existing onsite wastewater treatment system site evaluation report approval must install a nitrogen-reducing
onsite wastewater treatment system in order to receive a County permit for construction, major alteration or
major repair, as defined in Section 3 of this Ordinance.
Section 2. The requirements shall apply to onsite wastewater treatment system permit applications
submitted on and after the effective date of this Ordinance.
Section 3. The following definitions from OAR 340-071-0100 are applicable to this Ordinance:
a. "Alteration" means expansion or change in location of an existing system or any part thereof.
1) Major alteration is the expansion or change in location of the soil absorption facility or
any part thereof.
2) Minor alteration is the replacement or relocation of a septic tank or other components of
the system other than the soil absorption facility.
b. "Construction" includes the installation of a new system or part thereof or the alteration, repair,
or extension of an existing system. The grading, excavating, and earth-moving work connected
with installation, alteration, or repair of a system or part thereof is considered system
construction.
C. "Repair" means installation of all portions of a system necessary to eliminate a public health
hazard or pollution of public waters created by a failing system. Major repair is the replacement
of a sand filter, RGF, ATT, or soil absorption system.
d. "Onsite Wastewater Treatment System" means any existing or proposed subsurface onsite
wastewater treatment and dispersal system including but not limited to a standard subsurface,
alternative, experimental, or nonwater-carried sewage system.
e. "Site Evaluation Report" means a report on the evaluation of a site to determine its suitability
for an onsite system prepared in accordance with OAR 340-071-0150.
f. "System" or "onsite system" means "onsite wastewater treatment system."
Section 4. The requirements of this Ordinance shall apply only to those unincorporated properties
within Townships 19, 20, 21, 22 and Ranges 9, 10, and 11, except those areas authorized by the State for a
sewer system.
Section 5. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is, for any reason,
held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of any remaining portion or
portions of this Ordinance, unless:
The remaining part or parts are so essentially and inseparably connected with and dependent upon
the unconstitutional or invalid part that it is apparent that the remaining part or parts would not
have been enacted without the unconstitutional or invalid part; or
PAGE 2 OF 3 - ORDINANCE NO. 2008-019 (06/11/08)
2. The remaining part or parts, standing alone, are incomplete and incapable of being carved out in
accordance with the Board of County Commissioners' intent.
Section 6. EMERGENCY. This Ordinance being necessary for the immediate preservation of the
public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this Ordinance takes effect on its passage.
Dated this / Hof 2008
ATTEST:
&Ojue
Recording Secretary
~ -N•
Date of 1St Reading: //day of
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON
DENNIS R. LUKE, Chi
A
T (B Y) L N, ice Chair
Date of 2°d Reading: t 1 - day of , 2008.
Record of Adoption Vote
Commissioner Yes No Abstained Excused
Dennis R. Luke
Tammy Melton
Michael M. Daly
Effective date: day of 2008.
ATTEST:
67r~u~- /&AJ-111
Recording Secretary
PAGE 3 OF 3 - ORDINANCE NO. 2008-019 (06/11/08)