Loading...
2019-58-Minutes for Meeting January 09,2019 Recorded 2/11/2019BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1300 NW Wall Street, Bend, Oregon (541) 388-6570 Recorded in Deschutes County CJ201 9-58 Nancy Blankenship, County Clerk Commissioners' Journal 02/11/2019 9:39:02 AM 11111811111111111111111111111 FOR RECORDING STAMP ONLY WORK SESSION MINUTES 1:30 PM WEDNESDAY, January 9, 2019 ALLEN CONFERENCE ROOM Present were Commissioners Phil Henderson, Patti Adair, and Anthony DeBone. Also present were Tom Anderson, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; David Doyle, County Counsel; and Sharon Keith, Board Executive Assistant. No citizens or representatives of the media were in attendance. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Henderson called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. ACTION ITEMS 1. Board Retreat Planning Management Analyst Judith Ure and Public Information Officer Whitney Hale presented options for the Board to consider for the format of this year's retreat. Ms. Ure reviewed the topics covered on the agenda from last year's meeting. This year's retreat is planned for Tuesday, January 29th. County Administrator Anderson explained that the retreat is essentially held so that the Board can develop goals that in turn operate to direct department objectives, performance measures and budgets for the BOCC WORK SESSION JANUARY 9, 2019 PAGE 1 OF 8 upcoming fiscal year. Commissioner DeBone commented on the process of the governing body of the County and the priority of giving guidance to the departments and in setting the budget and goals and objectives for the next fiscal year. A few times in the past a facilitator was brought in. Commissioner Henderson feels the name of the meeting could be changed to "Board Planning Session" instead of "Retreat." Commissioner Adair is concerned with the fiscal and capital needs of the County. Commissioner Henderson wants to discuss the tax rate and employee benefits presently (and prior toJune). Commissioner Henderson feels the budget should be the focal point of this year's Retreat. Commissioner DeBone supports the structure of the proposed agenda and agrees to include a preliminary discussion of finance/budget matters. Commissioner Henderson would rather spend time on the unfinished projects such as the fire code, stabilization center, Harper Bridge. Commissioners Henderson and Adair commented on the need for a site visit to existing stabilization centers. Commissioner DeBone recommended brainstorming with staff as well. Department Heads could continue the normal process of the Retreat and be on standby for participating in discussions. Commissioner Henderson recommended also establishing deadlines for project completion. Ms. Hale will draft an agenda and circulate it for feedback. Ms. Hale and Ms. Ure will schedule individual meetings with the Board to solicit thoughts on Goals and Objectives for 2019. The location for the Retreat has not been finalized. 2. Cohesive Strategy Steering Committee Alison Green, Central Oregon Cohesive Strategy Coordinator presented a status report to the Board. Ms. Green gave background on the Cohesive Strategy Initiative effort including multi -agency stakeholders in 2016. The idea behind the initiative is to make Central Oregon a safe place to live despite being within a wildfire prone area. Resolutions have been BOCC WORK SESSION JANUARY 9, 2019 PAGE 2 OF 8 adopted by the five counties establishing memberships. The intent of the steering committee is to provide direction and approve Alison's budget. According to the resolution, Deschutes County is to appoint a governmental and non-government representative. Commissioner Henderson reported on the background of Cohesive Strategy and fire prevention work. Commissioner Henderson offered continuing his membership on the committee (as the government appointee). His recommendation for a Deschutes County non-government member is for a representative from the Sisters area. Commissioner Adair has a recommendation for the committee for the La Pine area. Commissioner Henderson would like to see someone with exposure to private sector connections. Commissioner DeBone reviewed the goal is to help everyone work toward less loss of forest, living in the wildland urban interface and no loss of firefighters. Commissioner DeBone wants to include representation from industry and private. With identified desirable characteristics we could publish for applicants, Whitney Hale Public Information Officer could create a media release. Ms. Green will send membership criteria for the non-government representative. DEBONE: Move to appoint Commissioner Henderson to the Cohesive Strategy Steering Committee ADAIR: Second VOTE: DEBONE: Yes ADAIR: Yes HENDERSON: Chair votes yes. Motion Carried BOCC WORK SESSION JANUARY 9, 2019 PAGE 3 OF 8 OTHER ITEMS: At this time, the other items of pending letters of support were presented for consideration • Letter of support for affordable housing fee application Commissioner DeBone reported Bethlehem Inn has requested Deschutes County Commissioners send a letter of support for their application for the affordable housing fee program. ADAIR: Move approval DEBONE: Second VOTE: ADAIR: Yes DEBONE: Yes HENDERSON: Chair votes yes. Motion Carried • Habitat Conservation Plan letter of support requested by Crook County Peter Gutowsky, Planning Manager presented a draft letter of support requested by Crook County to be sent to the US Fish and Wildlife Service regarding cooperating agency status for Deschutes County / Habitat Conservation Plan. Mr. Gutowsky explained the scenarios that may be seen with this Habitat Conservation Plan. The three counties of Crook Jefferson, and Deschutes will be impacted. The Board expressed support. DEBONE: Move approval ADAIR: Second VOTE: DEBONE: Yes ADAIR: Yes HENDERSON: Chair votes yes. Motion Carried BOCC WORK SESSION JANUARY 9, 2019 PAGE 4 OF 8 EXECUTIVE SESSION: At the time of 2:48 p.m., the Board met under ORS 192.660 (2) (e) Real Property Negotiations. The Board came out of Executive Session at 3:03 p.m. for the following motion: ADAIR: To convey subject property at no cost to Habitat of Redmond DEBONE: Second VOTE: ADAIR: Yes DEBONE: Yes HENDERSON: Chair votes yes. Motion Carried 3. Deschutes County Committee Appointments & Affiliations Commissioner Henderson presented the list of pending committee appointments. Fair Board: Last year, in order to prepare for expiring terms, Commissioner DeBone participated (along with staff) in a number of interviews for three open positions. Commissioner DeBone explained the responsibilities of the Fair Board. Commissioner Henderson proposes that Commissioner Adair meet with the candidates. Commissioner DeBone spoke on the results of the interviews and the recommendations of the interview panel. Commissioner Adair has read the applications and letters of interest submitted by all of the candidates. DEBONE: Made motion for appointments for the three candidates As recommended by the Interview Panel ADAIR: Second Discussion: Commissioner Adair would be interested in meeting the applicants. BOCC WORK SESSION JANUARY 9, 2019 PAGE 5 OF 8 VOTE: DEBONE: Yes ADAIR: No HENDERSON: Chair votes no. Motion Failed DEBONE: Motion for appointments for the following candidates: Bill Kuhn and Steve Curley ADAIR: Second VOTE: DEBONE: Yes ADAIR: Yes HENDERSON: Chair votes Yes. Motion Carried Audit Committee: Commissioner Henderson explained the Audit Committee vacancy is also pending and recommends opening the applications for additional candidates. Commissioner DeBone explained the Audit Committee has made a recommendation of appointment. HENDERSON: Moves to open up the vacancy for additional solicitations ADAIR: Second VOTE: ADAIR: Yes DEBONE: No HENDERSON: Chair votes yes. Motion Carried Appointments and Affiliations: Commissioner DeBone requests to remain on the COIC Board. Commissioner Henderson suggested holding off on the COIC appointment. Commissioner Henderson would offer his membership on East Cascades Workforce to another commissioner. BOCC WORK SESSION JANUARY 9, 2019 PAGE 6 OF 8 Commissioner DeBone is interested in serving and in keeping membership on the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council and offers taking the membership on the Central Oregon Health Council and the Central Oregon Visitors Association. Commissioner Henderson is interested in LPSCC and COHC as well. Commissioner DeBone suggested having a report from Donna Mills of the Central Oregon Health Council at a Work Session. Commissioner DeBone is interested in keeping membership on the Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization for consistency with the group's progress and current project work. Commissioner Henderson is interested to serve on the Bend MPO since he lives in Bend. Commissioner Adair will take the membership on the Audit Committee, Economic Development Advisory Committee for Sisters, East Cascades Workforce Investment Board, and the Hospital Facility Advisory Board. Discussion will continue at a future Work Session. OTHER ITEMS: • County Administrator Anderson reported County Forester Ed Keith has shared information with the Board regarding the smoke management rules. Commissioner Henderson also spoke on the fire code building standards and will write a letter • Erik Kropp noted the Sheriff's Office Employees Association (DCSEA) contract negotiations are scheduled to begin on January 23. Mr. Kropp will present the main issues to the Board during an Executive Session on January 16. The Board recommended inviting Sheriff Nelson. BOCC WORK SESSION JANUARY 9, 2019 PAGE 7 OF 8 COMMISSIONER UPDATES: None reported ADJOURN Being no further items to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:52 p.m. DATED this Day of Commissioners. ATTEST: ECORDING SECRETARY BOCC WORK SESSION 2019 for the Deschutes County,Board of PHILIP G. H DERSON, CHAIR PATTI ADAIR, VICE CHAIR ANTHONY DEBONE, COMMISSIONER JANUARY 9, 2019 PAGE 8 OF 8 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703 (541) 388-6570 - www.deschutes.org WORK SESSION AGENDA DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1:30 PM, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 Allen Conference Room - Deschutes Services Building, 2ND Floor - 1300 NW Wall Street - Bend Work Session, which are open to the public, allow the Board to gather information and give direction to staff. Public comment is not normally accepted. Written minutes are taken for the record Pursuant to ORS 192.640, this agenda includes a list of the main topics that are anticipated to be considered or discussed. This notice does not limit the Board's ability to address other topics. Meetings are subject to cancellation without notice. CALL TO ORDER ACTION ITEMS 1. Board Retreat Planning - Whitney Hale, Public Information Officer and Judith Ure, Management Analyst 2. Cohesive Strategy Steering Committee - Alison Green, Coordinator 3. Deschutes County Committee Appointments & Affiliations COMMISSIONER'S UPDATES EXECUTIVE SESSION Executive Session under ORS 192.660 (2) (e) Real Property Negotiations At any time during the meeting an executive session could be called to address issues relating to ORS 192.5660(2)(e); real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2)(h) litigation; ORS 192.660(2)(d), labor negotiations; ORS 192.660(2)(b); personnel issues; or other executive session categories. Executive sessions are closed to the public; however ,with few exceptions and under specific guidelines, are open to the public. Board of Commissioners Work Session Agenda of 2 Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Page 1 OTHER ITEMS These can be any items not included on the agenda that the Commissioners with to discuss as part of the meeting pursuant to ORS 192.640. ADJOURN Deschutes County encourages persons with disabilities to participate in all programs and activities. To request this information in an alternate format please call (541) 617-4747. FUTURE MEETINGS: Additional meeting dates available at www.deschutes.org/meetingcalendar Meeting dates and times are subject to change. If you have question, please call (541) 388-6572. Board of Commissioners Work Session Agenda of 2 Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Page 2 Deschutes County FY 2019 Goals and Objectives Mission Statement: Enhancing the lives of citizens by delivering quality services in a cost- effective manner. Safe Communities: Protect the community through planning, preparedness, and delivery of coordinated services. • Provide safe and secure communities through coordinated public safety services. • Reduce crime and recidivism through prevention, intervention, supervision and enforcement. • Collaborate with partners to prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters. Healthy People: Enhance and protect the health and well-being of communities and their residents. • Support and advance the health and safety of Deschutes County's residents. • Promote well-being through behavioral health and community support programs. • Help to sustain natural resources in balance with other community needs. Economic Vitality: Promote policies and actions that sustain and stimulate economic vitality. • Support affordable housing options through availability of lands and appropriate regulation. • Administer land use policies that promote livability and sustainability. • Maintain a safe, efficient and sustainable transportation system. • Partner with organizations and manage County assets to attract business development, tourism, and recreation. Service Delivery: Provide solution -oriented service that is cost-effective and efficient. • Ensure quality service delivery through the use of innovative technology and systems. • Support and promote Deschutes County Customer Service "Every Time" standards. • Promote community participation and engagement with County government. • Preserve and enhance capital assets and strengthen fiscal security. • Provide collaborative internal support for County operations. REVIEWED LEGAL COUNSEL Asjencts%.- I+r's 2 For Recording Stamp Only BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON A Resolution Establishing a Governance Protocol for the Central Oregon Cohesive Strategy Initiative (COCSI) Steering Committee * * RESOLUTION NO. 2018-038 WHEREAS, the Central Oregon Cohesive Strategy Initiative (COCSI) began with multiple stakeholder support in September 2016; and WHEREAS, the primary purpose in formation of COCSI is to implement the National Wildland Fire Cohesive Strategy from an "all hands, all lands approach" with specific focus within the five counties (Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Klamath and Lake) in Central Oregon; and WHEREAS, an informal Steering Committee was established to provide guidance and direction to the acting Program Coordinator; and WHEREAS, the Steering Committee, with broad stakeholder support, decided to create a contractual position that would serve as the COCSI Program Coordinator; and WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Understanding with Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Klamath and Lake Counties was approved to provide stable funding for the COCSI Program Coordinator; and WHEREAS, a Participating Intergovernmental Agreement was signed by the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest with Deschutes County to provide an additional source of funding for the COCSI Program Coordinator; and WHEREAS, Deschutes County will provide contractual administration and oversight for the COCSI Program Coordinator; and WHEREAS, the COCSI Steering Committee will continue providing program guidance and direction to the contractual COCSI Program Coordinator; and WHEREAS, the COCSI Steering Committee will be comprised of representatives from the following stakeholders in Central Oregon: (1) representative from Crook County government, (1) representative from Deschutes County government, (1) representative from Jefferson County government, (1) representative from Klamath County government, (1) representative from Lake County government, (1) representative from the Deschutes National Forest, (1) representative from the Ochoco National Forest, (1) representative from the Prineville BLM, (1) representative from the Oregon Department of Forestry, (1) representative from the Natural Resources Conservation District, (1) member each for a total of five, from each County, a stakeholder representing diverse groups with an interest in implementing the National Wildland Fire Cohesive Strategy, for a total of a 16 -member Steering Committee; and WHEREAS, the COCSI Steering Committee members will each serve a two-year term, elect a chair, vice chair, and continue to provide program guidance and direction to the Program Coordinator, with the Program Coordinator being responsible for scheduling conference calls and meetings as necessary; and PAGE 1 OF 2 — RESOLUTION NO. 2018-03 8 WHEREAS, Deschutes County desires to formalize the governance and protocols of the COCSI Steering Committee; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON, as follows: Section 1. Recognize/Establish the COCSI Steering Committee with the stated purpose of implementing the National Wildland Fire Cohesive Strategy within the five counties in Central Oregon. Section 2. Task the COCSI Steering Committee to provide program guidance and direction to the COCSI Program Coordinator. Section 3. Task the COCSI Program Coordinator to provide semi-annual progress reports to the respective County Boards of County Commissioners and other significant stakeholders. Dated this .24 of 20 18' Recording Secretary PAGE 2 OF 2 — RESOLUTION NO. 2018-038 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ANTHQNY DEBONE, C PHILIP G. H DERSON, VICE -CHAIR TAMMY BAN. OMMISSIONER Central Oregon Cohesive Strategy Initiative: Background: The Central Oregon Cohesive Strategy Initiative is based on a national framework termed the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy. Its vision is to safely and effectively extinguish fire when needed; use fire where allowable; manage our natural resources; and as a nation, to live with wildland fire. Central Oregon Cohesive Strategy was launched in 2015 by a diverse group of stakeholders, to identify shared values and goals that can bring together Federal, State, Tribal, and Local agency stakeholders with non-governmental organizations and private landowners across a 5 -County region. Through facilitating the implementation of the three cohesive strategy goals; fire adapted communities, resilient landscapes, and safe & effective wildland fire response, Central Oregon will be able to better live with wildland fire. Through stakeholder involvement and diverse communication platforms, COCSI will increase the understanding, acceptance, and alignment of the Cohesive Strategy within the landscape. The Coordinator will be responsible for bolstering current and building new relationships to continue the adoption of cohesive strategy implementation best practices within the 5 -county landscape. In considering members for the steering committee, the coordinator is seeking steering committee members that can: • Dedicate time and attention to the steering committee meetings and/or functions • Learn about Cohesive Strategy and its implementation in the region • Provide a diverse viewpoint within the steering committee • Commit to collaboration in a diverse group • If possible, a steering committee member that has been involved in cohesive strategy implementation and/or the implementation of one of the three goals. �, 000 C 00 00 CO CO 00 00 CO C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Q NN N N N N N N N 0 N 00\ N N Lr) W cn C \ 1 .. \ - N N •Q Q N %-1r1 e- %-4 r -I c -•I -I N ci -I r -Irl e -•I CO U 0 0 Z 0 Z +>+ +>+• 0 .N � , + Z A >- c c i +, M O Z O M >A >_ c c O O >. >". O O C C 0 0 U U U U U U ti N = O C c O O � 4 O p p O OU U 4-, O M U U b' ac co co N t c a) v O O N N w c..) c.) CO 1 Q v O0 2 f6 ca N N J O oG N O O. J J -, U U Y Y = D CO 0 Z O O c 0 Ia N f0 0 co z US Forest Service Markus, Amy 0) C 0 cN O E E u E U O V O 0 0 N CU rn () m v 2 C O = w cuv E a Crook County, Natural Resources DeBoodt, Tim Klamath County, Commissioner DeGroot, Derrick US Forest Service, Des Forest 4-, C V) c O C O c V) N 4 U 'Ell 0 m 4J v C N L C co o o 0) , E _c co j, bA N Y o CU I 0 w c 0.1 CC N N U +,-C OL ULp.i -aC0 4-, O'O CI) CO 2 s- I_ N J N Qv Ci +, N N 41 0 ON4-+ NOL N L Lv.NL c�- Lp co rC O N 00 0p p V 0 CU QCI) u- Q ,4 r0o 0) +, i tea w v w v) L c 0 c rn D cn m 2 O LJ Z cn p o "a L 0 C 0 CU U +' x X UJ UJ m aA = c 0 >- 4 c > t CN 0cc = N J N 12 o v N 2 a, v N 0 C: 4., v� N 0 O N N t Z 0 Q °; 1- a U Possiblk ?r l4tv' 3 tat /APPOINT Individual members of the Board also represent the County through appointments or affiliations with various community boards and agencies. eyr a y e 3 w 4 ny );e Bo i hai f • Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners - Chair • Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) • PSSC - Public Safety Coordinating Council -Alternate Board Representative • Central Oregon Area Commission on Transportation • Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) - Executive Board • Deschutes County Audit Committee -Member • Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) Executive Committee • Sisters Economic Development Advisory Committee - Member • Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Energy, Environment & Land Use Committee - Member • Deschutes County Historical Society -Ex -Officio Member • Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) District 2 Chair • Central Oregon Regional Solutions Advisory Committee Member • Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners - Vice -Chair • Redmond Economic Development, Inc. - Member • East Cascades Workforce Investment Board - Member • Deschutes Collaborative Forest Committee • Project Wildfire - Commissioner Representative • La Pine/Sunriver Economic Development Committee - Member • Central Oregon Cohesive Strategy Initiative • Upper Deschutes Basin Study Work Group (BSWG) Steering Committee • Oregon Transportation Commission, Chair • Oregon Housing Stability Council, Chair • Local Public Safety Coordinating Council -Chair • Wellness and Education Board of Central Oregon -Member • Central Oregon Health Council -Chair • Hospital Facility Authority Board -Chair • ORMAP (The Oregon MAP) Board -Member • Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Legislative Committee -Member • Association of Oregon Counties -Past President • Family Access Network -Ex -Officio Member • Healthy Beginnings -Ex -Officio Member • KIDS Center Advisory Board - Member • Central Oregon Visitors' Association (COVA)-Member • National Association of Counties (NACo) - Human Service & Education Committee • Oregon School Immunization Law Advisory Committee - Member 1/q t2or1L asst I'km �bk APPOINTMENTS & AFFILIATIONS Memberships Held by Deschutes County Board of Commissioner. Required Membership of a Deschutes County Commissioner are highlighted/expected. Commissioner DeBone • Association of Oregon County Committees • Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) • Central Oregon Area Commission on Transportation • Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) Executive Board • Central Oregon Regional Solutions Advisory Committee • Deschutes County Audit Committee • Deschutes County Historical Society • Deschutes County Investment Advisory Committee • Deschutes County LPSCC — Local Public Safety Coordinating Council • Economic Development Advisory Committee - Sisters • Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) Executive Committee Commissioner Henderson • Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project • East Cascades Workforce Investment Board • Economic Development Committee — La Pine/Sunriver • Economic Development Inc. — Redmond • Project Wildfire • Redmond Airport Commission • Central Oregon Cohesive Strategy Steering Committee • Central Oregon Health Council • Central Oregon Visitors' Association (COVA) • Healthy Beginnings • Hospital Facility Authority Board • KIDS Center Advisory Board • National Association of Counties (NACo) Pending Appointments: Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council: The COIC Board consists of ten elected members — one from each county and incorporated city in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties — along with five appointed members. The five appointed members consist of one each from Crook and Jefferson Counties and three from Deschutes County and are representatives of timber and wood products; business and industry; tourism and recreation; unemployed and underemployed; and agriculture and agribusiness. The appointed members are appointed by their respective County Commissioner. Deschutes County appointed members: • Vacant— representing tourism and recreation • Katy Brooks — representing business and industry • Katie Condit — representing under and unemployed. Audit Committee: The Audit Committee is an advisory committee established to advise the Board and County Administrator on significant audit matter Membership includes 1 County Commissioner; 2 County Department Heads, and four to six public members. The County Administrator shall be an ex -officio non-voting member. Vacancy: Currently there is one vacancy for a public member Fair Board: The Fair Board oversees operations of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, a 320 -acre event site located in Redmond. The Board consists of not less than three or no more than seven members. Vacancy: Due to term expirations: three memberships were up for renewal or appointment. Applications were received and interviews were conducted. Central Cohesive Strategy Initiative Steering Committee: The primary purpose in the formation of COCSI is to implement the National Wildland Fire Cohesive Strategy from an all hands and all lands approach with specific focus within the five counties of Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Klamath, and Lake. Vacancy: (1) non-government member from Deschutes County with an interest in implementing the National Wildland Fire Cohesive Strategy Deschutes County Committees: Appointments Recommended for Approval by BOCC • Ambulance Service Area Advisory Committee • Audit Committee • Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board • Bicycle / Pedestrian Advisory Committee • Black Butte Ranch County Service District Board • Board of Property Tax Appeals • Budget Committees: Deschutes County • Central Oregon Cohesive Strategy Initiative Steering Committee • Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council • Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority • Deschutes County Behavioral Health Advisory Board • Deschutes County Investment Advisory Committee • Deschutes County Public Health Advisory Board • Deschutes River Mitigation & Enhancement Committee • Dog Control Board of Supervisors • Extension 4H Advisory Council • Fair Board • Four Rivers Vector Control District • Historic Landmarks Commission • Hospital Facility Authority of Deschutes County • Investment Advisory Committee • Noxious Weed Advisory Board • Planning Commission • Project Wildfire Steering Committee • Public Safety Coordinating Council • Redmond Airport Commission (if not represented by a member of BOCC) • Solid Waste Advisory Committee • Special Transportation Fund Advisory Committee • Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund Advisory Board • Upper Deschutes Watershed Council -V- S <' Board of County Commissioners ill -4 Q .< PO Box 6005, Bend, OR 97708-6005 1300 NW Wall Street, Suite 206, Bend, OR 97703-1960 TEL (541) 388-6570 • FAX (541) 385-3202 www.deschutes.orq board@co.deschutes.or.us Philip Henderson Patti Adair Anthony DeBone January 9, 2019 Bridget Moran, Field Supervisor Bend Field Office U.S Fish and Wildlife Service 63095 Deschutes Market Rd. Bend, Oregon 97701 RE: Cooperating Agency Status for Deschutes County / Habitat Conservation Plan The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners (Board) respectfully requests Cooperating Agency status with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for the purpose of cooperating with the USFWS as it conducts an environmental analysis and prepares a draft and final programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Deschutes River Basin Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The Board recognizes that this request occurs mid -way through the National Environmental Policy Act review process. Nonetheless Deschutes County is interested in working with the USFWS as a cooperating agency because of the HCP's potential impact to the County as an organization and our constituents. The Board believes both entities will benefit from such a relationship. Deschutes County clearly has unique expertise when it comes to our local communities within the County's borders, and we hope to cooperate with the USFWS for this project by sharing that expertise. Within reason, the County is able to furnish documents upon request, provide any requested input within the expertise of the County personnel, and assist in issue identification. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Tom Anderson, County Administrator, tom.anderson@deschutes.org; 541-388-6565. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Deschutes County Board of Commissioners Philip G. Henderson, Chair Patti Adair, Vice Chair Anthony DeBone, Commissioner