2024-52-Minutes for Meeting February 09,2024 Recorded 2/23/2024 DESCHUTES COUNTY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Friday, February 9, 2024, 8:00 am
This meeting will be held virtually.
Members of the public may access the meeting
using this link: https://bit.ly/3WDZYOx
Or call (253) 205-0468
Webinar ID: 879 4809 6174
Passcode: 156736
1. 8 a.m. -Welcome - Patti Adair, Chair
2. 8:05 -8:30 a.m. - Updates and Priority Briefing from Legislators
3. 8:30 -8:35 a.m. - NW Policy Advocates Update
•
4. 8:35 -9 a.m. - Bill Tracker Review Report
a. Order of bill reviews by department:
i. Board of Commissioners
ii. Administration
iii. Health Services
iv. District Attorney
Recorded in Deschutes County CJ2024-52
Steve Dennison, County Clerk
Commissioners'Journal 02/23/2024 7:23:39 AM
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2024-52
Deschutes County encourages persons with disabilities to participate in all programs and activities.This event/location is
accessible to people with disabilities. If you need accommodations to make participation possible,please call(541)617-4747.
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A BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
1300 NW Wall Street, Bend, Oregon
(541) 388-6571
FOR RECORDING STAMP ONLY
DESCHUTES COUNTY
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
8:00 AM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024 ZOOM MEETING
A legislative work session was held on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.via Zoom Virtual
Meeting Platform.
Deschutes County Attendance:
x Commissioner Patti Adair, Chair Nick Lelack, County Administrator
x Commissioner Anthony DeBone,Vice Chair x Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator
Commissioner Phil Chang x Whitney Hale, Deputy County
Administrator
Kristie Bollinger, Property Manager Tim Brownell, Director Solid Waste
x Sara Crosswhite, Director 9-1-1 Steve Dennison, County Clerk
x Chris Doty, Director Road Department x David Doyle, Legal Counsel
Charles Fadeley,Justice of the Peace x Janice Garceau, Director Health Services
x Stephen Gunnels, District Attorney Peter Gutowsky, Director Community
Development
Geoff Hinds, Director Fair& Expo Kathleen Hinman, Director Human
Resources
x Deevy Holcomb, Director Community x Bill Kuhn,Treasurer
Justice
Scot Langton,Assessor Keith MacNamara, Manager Veteran's
Services
x Tania Mahood, Director Information x Kevin Moriarty, Forester
Technology
Shane Nelson, Sheriff x Elizabeth Pape, Internal Auditor
x Lee Randall, Director Facilities x Robert Tintle, Chief Financial Officer
2024 DESCHUTES COUNTY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FEBRUARY 9,2024 PAGE 1 OF 6
,
x Heather Kaisner, Director Public Health Holly Harris, Director Behavioral Health
x Tom Kuhn, Public Health Program x Jen Patterson, Strategic Initiatives Manager
Manager
x Angie Powers,Administrative Assistant
Others Present:
x Doug Riggs, Director NW Policy Advocates x Katy Brooks, CEO Bend Chamber of
Commerce
Legislators Present:
x Rep. Emerson Levy x Rep.Jason Kropf
1. Welcome & Introductions
Chair Adair called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m.
2. Updates and Priority Briefing from Legislators
Rep. Levy reported on the ongoing discussions related to Urban Growth Boundaries
(UGBs) in the housing bill. An emphasis has been the need for acreage for complete
communities, which is important for controlling urban sprawl. The most important
piece of this bill to unlock housing opportunities in Deschutes County is the
infrastructure funding. Doug added the hearing was contentious and there are
many people who are in opposition to the expansion of UGBs. Although there are
three separate housing bills, SB 1357 will be the one to move. Commissioner
DeBone stressed that we are currently in gridlock with the homeless situation,
adding that we must prioritize and aim for a brighter future. We can't accept that
people will live in substandard conditions for the long term. Rep. Levy echoed this
urgency.
Rep. Levy briefly discussed the revenue forecast which came in higher than
expected. She is fighting for infrastructure funding and is hopeful that funding will
be unlocked for East Redmond's 21 st Street improvements. This project is on Rep.
Gomberg's infrastructure bill. She is unsure if the southeast Bend sewer project is
on the list.
Chair Adair shared that South Deschutes County groundwater will need funding.
DEQ's well tests show that septic systems in south county have created a large
nitrate load in the groundwater. Commissioner DeBone added that there's not
currently a project due to land use restrictions. Chair Adair will send Rep. Levy an
email outlining the south county groundwater issue.
Rep. Levy said that BM 110 had a long hearing this week. She's comfortable with
misdemeanor A and is advocating for it. Commissioner DeBone highlighted that
county sheriffs, district attorneys, the League of Oregon Cities(LOC), the Association
of Oregon Counties (AOC), and county commissioners are all in alignment in
advocating for misdemeanor A, and it's important to provide help to those who
2024 DESCHUTES COUNTY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FEBRUARY 9,2024 PAGE 2 OF 6
want it. Rep. Levy said that legislators are being vulnerable in sharing their stories.
The consensus is to crack down tougher on dealers and suppliers. Commissioner
Adair added that our county is fortunate to have Ideal Options working in its jail.
Janice appreciates the no-nonsense, common-sense approach. Penalties and
diversion programs can be very effective in helping those with Substance Use
Disorder(SUD). She hopes to avoid a stalemate with the misdemeanor A vs. C
debate. It's critical that adequate investments follow recriminalizing.Janice thanked
Rep. Levy for her advocacy. Commissioner DeBone said it's important to remember
there is discretion within the DA's office.
Responding to Heather Kaisner, Rep. Levy said that funding towards primary
prevention focused on adolescents in the schools and with parents, is part of the
package. Doug acknowledged a bias in this area and is encouraged to see a focus on
youth behavioral health in this discussion. HB 4070 expands youth behavioral
health in all schools, including those with School Based Health Centers. In Doug's
opinion, youth substance abuse has been ignored far too long in Oregon.Janice
shared that our local prevention program is doing a lot of fentanyl awareness
education, including public service announcements and increasing access to Narcan
in schools. Heather said that youth SUD prevention could use much more funding,
but feels we are ahead of most counties. Rep. Levy stated her goal is to secure
funding then let the experts do their important work. Her pharmacy copay
accumulators and e-bike bills are both moving.
Deevy Holcomb expressed appreciation towards the conversations on the
importance of funding community corrections within the Joint Committee on
Addiction Community Safety Response (SB 402).
Rep. Kropf joined the meeting and thanked Chair Adair for her testimony on
Wednesday. The Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response is
in the process of vetting the different proposals. Wednesday's hearing was 95%
focused on misdemeanor crime level. He applauded Janice Garceau and Holly Harris
for their work on the stabilization center, adding that it's a highly respected state
model and funding the center is critical. He also spoke about funding for youth
substance use/abuse prevention. Funding for housing and homelessness, addiction
and public safety will be the bulk of the funding this short session, and they are
currently awaiting the final budget numbers.Janice thanked Rep. Kropf for truly
listening to the issues and hearing what the community needs.
Chair Adair reported the apartment rental vacancy rate is currently 9.4%. Affordable
housing continues to be an important issue, and Treasurer Bill Kuhn shares vacancy
data with the Board monthly.
2024 DESCHUTES COUNTY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FEBRUARY 9,2024 PAGE 3 OF 6
3. NW Policy Advocates Update
Doug walked through the bills on the tracking list, noting the list for department
head review has been narrowed down to 21 or 22 from 93. Bills were prioritized to
discuss today and next week.
4. Bill Tracker Review Report
A. Board of Commissioners
HB 4042 was flagged by Commissioner Chang. It authorizes the Oregon
Business Development Department to provide financial assistance to
projects related to industrial land. Doug fully expects this bill to pass, and
ways and means will determine whether to invest in the program. Position:
support, priority 2.
HB 4140 /SB 1587 were flagged by Commissioner DeBone, and appropriate
money and grants certain immunities to children's advocacy centers, such as
our local KIDS Center, and to employees and designated agents of these
centers. Position: support, priority 2.
SB 1511 was flagged by County Forester, Kevin Moriarty. It directs the State
Fire Marshal to establish a neighborhood protection cooperative grant
program which includes a wildfire risk assessment. Grant awards are based
on wildfire risk. It creates a fund for the grant and a certification program.
Position: support, priority 2.
HB 4107 provides that compensation for loss or injury to livestock or working
dogs under the Wolf Depredation and Financial Assistance grant program
must be based on certain multipliers of fair market value and streamlines the
process for ranchers. This bill is supported by ODFW and AOC. Doug will
follow up, as there may be a companion bill to HB 4107. Position: support,
priority 2.
B. Administration
No bills were discussed.
C. Health Services
HB 4002 Janice said this bipartisan bill aims to reform measure 110. She
doesn't have a strong opinion on the level of misdemeanor, noting that our
country spends a lot of money on incarceration and little on treatment. She
hopes for adequate funding towards treatment. Chair Adair shared that
BestCare Treatment Services lost 26 clients last year from drug overdoses.
Life expectancy in our country has dropped in large part to obesity and
addiction. Treatment programs are critical and must be funded at a level
2024 DESCHUTES COUNTY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FEBRUARY 9,2024 PAGE 4 OF 6
higher than current levels.Janice added that we have hundreds more dying
from alcohol addiction than opioid addiction, and alcoholism is also causing
community harm. It is her hope to destigmatize addiction, as many addicts
are housed with jobs. The treatment system for addiction in Oregon has
been neglected and is finally getting attention due to Measure 110 and the
houselessness crisis. Position: support, priority 2.
HB 4092 requires the Oregon Health Authority(OHA)to conduct a study to
determine the funding required for community mental health programs.
Janice said this is the administrative burden bill and she hopes this gains
traction. Time ran out before the Board's position on this bill could be
determined.
HB 4081 is the EMS modernization bill Tom Kuhn spoke about last week. The
Board adopted a position of support, priority 2 on this bill last week.
D. District Attorney
The District Attorney's Association will speak later today with Rep. Kropf
regarding the different proposals in the legislature for BM 110 reform
particularly HB 4002. Rep. Kropf said there's been a significant change in
prosecution of drug delivery charges in recent years, and he wants to make
sure law enforcement and district attorneys have the tools they require to
crack down on drug dealers. Responding to Chair Adair, Rep. Kropf said that
crime statistics data for the City of Bend has been relatively steady since
2019. Other communities have seen greater increases in crime rates.
Commissioner DeBone stressed the common ground amongst law
enforcement, county sheriffs and county commissioners advocating for
misdemeanor level A, and thanked Rep. Kropf for the work he's doing. He
expressed his support as the joint committee moves forward with making
decisions.
5. Other Items
Chris Doty spoke about SB 1566. His testimony was sent to the Board for review
yesterday. This bill allows counties to charge fees and issue permits for utility work
occurring in the right-of-way, so we can be reimbursed for our time. AOC is
advocating for wastewater fee recovery to be part of the bill. Doug attended the
hearing last night.
Jen Patterson shared that Katy Brooks is spearheading a regional effort for a Central
Oregon Innovation Hub grant application to Business Oregon, on behalf of OSU
Cascades. The Hub promotes and supports entrepreneurship and start-ups
throughout the tri-county area. It's a collaborative model between OSU Cascades,
COCC and EDCO. She requested the County's support, which is a requirement of the
2024 DESCHUTES COUNTY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FEBRUARY 9,2024 PAGE 5 OF 6
grant application. Responding to Chair Adair, Katy clarified that initial funding was
from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, but current funding is a pass
through from the state via Business Oregon. Additionally, the Ford Family
Foundation and OSU Cascades are other current funding sources.
DEBONE: Move to approve a letter of support for the Central Oregon
Innovation Hub grant application
ADAIR: Second
VOTE: DEBONE: Yes
ADAIR: Yes. Motion carried
Next Meeting: The next virtual legislative update meeting is scheduled for Friday,
February 16 at 8:00 a.m.
Adjourn: Chair Adair adjourned the meeting at 9:13 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted by:
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`Angi ow s, Administrative Assistant
2024 DESCHUTES COUNTY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FEBRUARY 9,2024 PAGE 6 OF 6