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2024-278-Minutes for Meeting August 14,2024 Recorded 9/27/2024ES co o` G2< BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1300 NW Wall Street, Bend, Oregon (541) 388-6570 9:00 AM Recorded in Deschutes County C'J2024-278 Steve Dennison, County Clerk Commissioners' Journal 09/27/2024 9:35:59 AM 2024-278 BOCC MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY August 14, 2024 Barnes Sawyer Rooms Live Streamed Video Present were Commissioners Anthony DeBone and Phil Chang. Also present were County Administrator Nick Lelack, County Counsel David Doyle and BOCC Executive Assistant Brenda Fritsvold. This meeting was audio and video recorded and can be accessed at the Deschutes County Meeting Portal webpage www.deschutes.org/meet'LQZS—. CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair DeBone called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and noted the excused absence of Commissioner Adair. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CITIZEN INPUT: Ashley (no last name provided) expressed concern about the consideration of property owned by the City of Bend for a managed homeless camp. While she agreed that such camps are needed, she was concerned about potential environmental impacts if a wildfire were to result in an industrial accident at the Soterra chemical plant. Becca (no last name given) asked to know about any discussion regarding the possible establishment of a managed homeless camp near La Pine as well as any discussions with the Bureau of Land Management or other agencies regarding the enforcement of camping regulations on federally -owned land in that area. BOCC MEETING AUGUST 14, 2024 PAGE 1 OF 9 CONSENT AGENDA: Before the Board was Consideration of the Consent Agenda. 1. Approval of a Notice of Intent to Award a contract for the paving of Deschutes Market Rd / Tumalo Rd: 19th St to Tumalo PI Project 2. Approval of an amendment extending the services contract with Clean Earth Environmental Solutions for the Household Hazardous Waste program 3. Approval of minutes of the BOCC June 26 and July 1, 2024 meetings CHANG: Move approval of the Consent Agenda as presented DEBONE: Second VOTE: CHANG: Yes DEBONE: Acting Chair votes yes. Motion Carried 2 - 0 ACTION ITEMS: The Board convened as the governing body of the Deschutes County 9-1-1 District. 4. Amendment to Trunked Radio Use Agreement and Collocation Authorization with the Oregon Department of Transportation for Deschutes County 9-1-1 Sara Crosswhite, 9-1-1 Director, said the agreement between the County and the Oregon Department of Transportation for trunked radio use and collocation of facilities previously obligated the County to pay user fees of $212,699 per year until June 30, 2031. The proposed amendment would reduce DC911's annual user fee to $178,058, with a 3% yearly escalator. Commissioner DeBone said he attended the State Interoperability Executive Council meeting yesterday where this proposed change to the agreement was discussed. He agreed this collaboration has been valuable to both the County and the State. In response to Commissioner Chang, Crosswhite said 9-1-1 has facilities on several towers, all of which are shared sites. Some of these sites are shared with the State and some with the City of Bend. CHANG Move approval of f Document No. 2024-685, an amendment to the agreement with ODOT for continued partnership on the State-wide BOCC MEETING AUGUST 14, 2024 PAGE 2 OF 9 radio system DEBONE: Second VOTE: CHANG: Yes DEBONE: Acting Chair votes yes. Motion Carried 2 - 0 The Board reconvened as the governing body of Deschutes County, 5. Oregon National Flood Insurance Program / Endangered Species Act Implementation Plan / Legislative Consideration Audrey Stuart, Associate Planner, explained that the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), establishes minimum standards for floodplain management across the country and allows property owners in participating communities to qualify for certain types of flood insurance. A lawsuit brought against FEMA claimed the NFIP negatively affects endangered species and their habitat by allowing development within the floodplain. As part of the lawsuit's settlement, FEMA consulted with the National Marine Fisheries Service which issued a biological opinion to the effect that FEMA's implementation of the NFIP in Oregon is causingjeopardy to steelhead salmon and orcas, among other species, as well as adverse modification of critical habitat for certain affected species. Will Groves, Planning Manager, said as a result of the lawsuit, settlement, and biological opinion, some of the standards issued by FEMA regarding floodplain development must now be overhauled. Noting that cities and counties are required to adhere to these standards to be eligible for the NFIP, he referred to a map showing affected areas in Deschutes County. As shown in the presented map, only a portion of the floodplain in Deschutes County is impacted by this biological opinion. Responding to Commissioner Chang, Groves said some irrigation sites feed into the identified watersheds and can be impacted by infiltration, sedimentation, changes in temperature, and other factors. FEMA is obligated to protect all designated floodplain, and Deschutes County must apply FEMA's regulations to these areas. In response to Commissioner Chang, Groves said if property is located in a floodplain and purchased with a mortgage, most purchasers are required to obtain flood insurance. BOCC MEETING AUGUST 14, 2024 PAGE 3 OF 9 Groves said all impacted jurisdictions are required to act by December 1, 2024 and select a pre -implementation measure; however, because FEMA has not yet released its model code there is uncertainty regarding when jurisdictions will be able to adopt and implement these measures. Noting that the effective date for the model ordinance is next July, Groves said it is not clear whether any technical assistance will be available to local governments to help implement these changes. He said these changes will necessarily involve addressing Measure 49 and takings concerns as well as clear and objective standards requirements. Groves stressed that the failure to adhere to FEMA's regulations could result in the suspension of floodplain insurance. He proposed considering lobbying efforts in 2025 to ask that the Oregon Legislature clarify that federal requirements are not subject to the clear and objective standards for housing development per ORS 197A.400. Responding to Commissioner DeBone, Groves said FEMA is working with the State's Department of Land Conservation and Development on the model ordinance. Groves added that Deschutes County has its own customized floodplain ordinance, but cannot yet know how this may need to be changed. Saying that the State of Washington has already been through this, Commissioner Chang said it's likely that Oregon's regulations will be very similar to Washing nn'S_ He Spnke to the changing climate nnting that mii irh mnra precipitation is falling as rain rather than snow, and said because of this, Deschutes County's floodplains are larger than FEMA has previously recognized. He summarized FEMA's position to be that the floodplains must be mapped larger than they currently are, and care must be taken that development in these areas does not exacerbate flooding or harm the habitat of endangered species. Because he viewed the changes as appropriate if applied well and expected that the amount of land in Deschutes County affected by this process will be very small, he was somewhat reluctant to allocate lobbying resources to this matter. Groves allowed that over the last decade, fewer than ten permits in Deschutes County have been issued for floodplain development in the impacted area. The concern is that allowing certain projects to be evaluated under subjective standards would require the waiver of any and all clear and objective standards, and thus preclude the enforcement of the NFIP. Groves emphasized the need to be clear about the obligations imposed on the County via federal preemption, particularly with regard to how these tie into or affect the clear and objective standards required by the State. Discussion ensued regarding the upcoming legislative session and the difficulty in applying clear and objective development standards in the absence of clarity. BOCC MEETING AUGUST 14, 2024 PAGE 4 OF 9 Commissioner DeBone supported remaining updated on the progress and content of the model ordinance and taking a legislative position on this matter. Nick Lelack, County Administrator, said approximately 31 of Oregon's 36 counties are expected to be affected. Although he appreciated that DLCD has asked that these concerns be amplified to FEMA, he noted a possible opportunity in October to express the need for DLCD's help in crafting an Oregon model ordinance which would take the clear and objective standards requirement into account. In response to Commissioner Chang, Groves said staff is working with FEMA to produce a non -regulatory map for the Tumalo area to reflect winter flow rates without, however, updating the mapped boundary of the Flood Plain Zone. 6. Continued Deliberations - RVs as Rental Dwellings Tanya Saltzman, Senior Planner, reviewed the background of the Board's consideration to allow recreational vehicles (RVs) as rental dwellings under Senate Bill 1013. Referring to concerns raised by fire districts regarding how to pay for increased service demands that could result from allowing this use, she sought direction on whether the Board wishes to re -open the record on this matter to permit the submission of additional comments. Saltzman added that she will attend a meeting of the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs later today and nffPrari to chart- rPlPvant infnrmatinn with that arniin Commissioner DeBone supported reopening the record to gather more input as described. He also supported conducting outreach to fire protection districts as appropriate. Noting the Board had previously expressed interest in hearing what other counties are or may be doing with respect to the State's authorization to allow RVs as rental dwellings, Saltzman said Clackamas County has recently adopted an ordinance allowing this use. That ordinance is scheduled to take effect next month. Adding that the record in this matter had originally closed on May 291", Saltzman reviewed options for the Board's consideration. Commissioner Chang support reopening the record to allow sufficient time for fire districts to provide input to the Board. CHANG: Move approval of Board Order No. 2024-029, reopening the record for File No. 247-23-000700-TA as amended to accept new testimony until 4:00 pm on November 1, 2024 BOCC MEETING AUGUST 14, 2024 PAGE 5 OF 9 DEBONE: Second VOTE: CHANG: Yes DEBONE: Acting Chair votes yes. Motion Carried 2 - 0 Commissioner Chang was interested to hear how the regulations developed by Clackamas County are the same or different from the ones considered by Deschutes County. 7. Department Performance Measures Updates for FY'24 Jen Patterson, Strategic Initiatives Manager, said five departments were selected to provide updates on progress made during FY'24 Q4 on the selected performance measure of "Service Delivery." Chris Perry, 9-1-1 Operations Manager, presented on 9-1-1's performance measure to continue to meet or exceed the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) standard for call answering times. The standard established by NENA is that at least 90% of calls during busy times be answered in ten seconds or less; DC911 exceeded this goal by answering 97.35% of calls within ten seconds. Ctaxia nannicnn rnl Int%, (-IarL rnl- rtnrl nn tha c-1 -tort ., rf..rw,-,., ^ _+1� 1 v`i i� ��avi i, -vu. icy � . "I 1 � tJ. L.� vl 1 Ll lL .J _K:;k Lk::r I lJel I VI 11 IQI II.0 I I Ieazul e relating to the staff cost of tallying ballots for countywide elections, saying the target is $419 per 1,000 ballots and the County's cost is $328. Responding to Commissioner DeBone, Dennison said the State pays for the return postage of all ballots mailed to the Clerk's Office. Peter Gutowsky, Community Development Director, reported on six selected performance measures: 1. Achieve 8-12 inspection stops per day. The target is a minimum of 8.0 and the department average during the quarter was 8.8, 2. Achieve 90-100% of pre -cover inspections completed the same day as requested. The target is at last 90% and the number completed the same day during the quarter was 93.35%. 3. Achieve an average turnaround time on building plan reviews of 8-10 days. The target is a maximum of 10 days; the average during the quarter was 17.57 days. 4. Achieve the issuance of onsite septic system permits within 12 days of completed application. The target is 12 days; the average achieved during the quarter was 19.65 days. BOCC MEETING AUGUST 14, 2024 PAGE 6 OF 9 5. Sustain the issuance of land use administrative decisions with notice within 45 days of completed application. The target is 45 days; the average achieved during the quarter was 56.2 days. 6. Sustain the issuance of land use administrative decisions without notice within 21 days of completed application. The target was 21 days; the average achieved during the quarter was 24.3 days. Jason Bavuso, Human Resources Manager, reported on the performance measure to achieve 100% of recruitments opening within 21 days of receipt of a recruitment authorization. The target was 21 days; 98% of recruitments in the quarter were opened within 5.97 days of a recruitment authorization. Zach Neemann, Information Security Manager, presented on the performance measure to possess a minimum level IG2 for all 18 CIS Critical Security Controls, saying that with his hire, IT has created a framework for Deschutes County that aligns with ISO, NIST, and CIS standards and progress is being made to meet controls within the framework. Commissioner DeBone referred to a forthcoming after -action report to be issued by Curry County regarding the cybersecurity attack it experienced in 2023. Nick Lelack, County Administrator, recognized Human Resources and Information T ec II ology, saying ll lat as these are internal service depdrtf rleflLb, Me puDllc does not normally see their work and everything they do to support the rest of the organization. 8. Acceptance of a Community Capacity Building Grant from Pacific5ource Janice Garceau, Health Services Director, reminded that this past May, the Board authorized Deschutes County Health Services (DCHS) to apply for Oregon Health Authority's Health -Related Social Needs (HSRN) grant in the amount of $686,947. DCHS has been awarded $475,210 and now seeks approval to accept this funding, which will be used to collect and analyze data to understand the community's HRSN needs and establish pathways to refer individuals and families to community -based organizations identified as able to meet those needs. In response to Commissioner DeBone, Kacy Burgess, Clinical Information System Administrator, said the grant will benefit high -risk Medicaid -enrolled persons by utilizing a network of providers to stabilize their situations and achieve better outcomes for their medical and health needs. CHANG: Move approval of Chair signature of Document No. 2024-702 BOCC MEETING AUGUST 14, 2024 PAGE 7 OF 9 accepting a Community Capacity Building Grant from PacificSource DEBONE: Second VOTE: CHANG: Yes DEBONE: Acting Chair votes yes. Motion Carried 2 - 0 OTHER ITEMS: • Jen Patterson, Strategic Initiatives Manager, reviewed a draft letter commenting on the State's wildfire hazard map for the Board's consideration, noting it was based on the letter submitted by Craig Letz of Tamarack Wildfire Consulting. Discussion ensued regarding desired changes to the draft letter to express appreciation for the efforts of the State to protect lives and property. Commissioner Chang noted his agreement with Letz's suggestion that the Wildland- Urban Interface (WUI) map may be a better model than the wildfire hazard map. Commissioner DeBone suggested communicating the County's ongoing efforts via Project Wildfire and significant collaboration with other groups to support best practices and educate property owners on the importance of creating defensible space and reducing fire fuels, given that the risk of wildfire in Deschutes County is high. Kevin Moriarity, County Forester, agreed that the letter should acknowledge the efforts made to prioritize areas for treatment, and further concurred that using the WUI map would make sense for Deschutes County, where privately -owned properties are surrounded by wildland fire fuels. Commissioner Chang explained that the hazard map is not meant to be punitive but rather is intended to drive the allocation of resources to assist property owners in establishing defensible space, which helps to protect individual properties as well as neighboring properties. Commissioners Chang and DeBone were in consensus that the letter should make clear that more high hazard areas exist in Deschutes County than are shown on the draft map. • Commissioner DeBone chaired yesterday's meeting of the State Interoperability Executive Council which addresses such issues as cybersecurity for local governments. • Commissioner DeBone relayed efforts to determine how to fund medical examiner services across the state, noting he has talked with Major Alex Gardner, director of BOCC MEETING AUGUST 14, 2024 PAGE 8 OF 9 the Oregon State Police Forensic Science & Pathology Bureau, and has scheduled discussions with others on this subject. • Commissioner DeBone reported on a legislative tour earlier this week with representatives from several agencies including DHS, CORE3, BLM and ODF. • Commissioner Chang attended a session of representatives from area irrigation districts where the topics of current storage conditions in the basin and the monitoring of river and creek flows were discussed. • Commissioner Chang reported that he convened a meeting between Senator Golden and representatives of the insurance industry regarding increasing property insurance costs and ways to incentivize property owners to create defensible space. • Commissioner Chang attended yesterday's Sunriver-La Pine Economic Development Board meeting where the subjects of speculative ("spec") buildings and the industrial park were taken up. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None Being no further items to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:11 am. DATED this day of S2024 for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. PAT I ADAIR, CHAIR ATTEST: -kIu RECORDING SECRETARY ANTHONY DEBONE, VICE CHAIR z, PHIL CHANG, OMMISSIONER BOCC MEETING AUGUST 14, 2024 PAGE 9 OF 9 E S c0 o� Gam{ BOARD OF Mlqw COMMISSIONERS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING 9:00 AM, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024 Barnes Sawyer Rooms - Deschutes Services Building - 1300 NW Wall Street - Bend (541) 388-6570 1 www.deschutes.org AGENDA MEETING FORMAT: In accordance with Oregon state law, this meeting is open to the public and can be accessed and attended in person or remotely, with the exception of any executive session. Members of the public may view the meeting in real time via YouTube using this link: http://bit.ly/3mminzy. To attend the meeting virtually via Zoom, see below. Citizen Input: The public may comment on any topic that is not on the current agenda. Alternatively, comments may be submitted on any topic at any time by emailing citizeninput@deschutes.org or leaving a voice message at 541-385-1734. When in -person comment from the public is allowed at the meeting, public comment will also be allowed via computer, phone or other virtual means. Zoom Meeting Information: This meeting may be accessed via Zoom using a phone or computer. To join the meeting via Zoom from a computer, use this link: http://bit.ly/3h3ogdD. • To join by phone, call 253-215-8782 and enter webinar ID # 899 4635 9970 followed by the passcode 013510. • If joining by a browser, use the raise hand icon to indicate you would like to provide public comment, if and when allowed. If using a phone, press *9 to indicate you would like to speak and *6 to unmute yourself when you are called on. • When it is your turn to provide testimony, you will be promoted from an attendee to a panelist. You may experience a brief pause as your meeting status changes. Once you have joined as a panelist, you will be able to turn on your camera, if you would like to. 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, call (541) 388-6572 or email brenda.fritsvold@deschutes.org. Time estimates: The times listed on agenda items are estimates only. Generally, items will be heard in sequential order and items, including public hearings, may be heard before or after their listed times. CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CITIZEN INPUT: Citizen Input may be provided as comment on any topic that is not on the agenda. Note: In addition to the option of providing in -person comments at the meeting, citizen input comments may be emailed to citizeninput@deschutes.org or you may leave a brief voicemail at 541.385.1734.. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of a Notice of Intent to Award a contract for the paving of Deschutes Market Rd / Tumalo Rd: 19th St to Tumalo PI Project 2. Approval of an amendment extending the services contract with Clean Earth Environmental Solutions for the Household Hazardous Waste program 3. Approval of minutes of the BOCC June 26 and July 1, 2024 meetings ACTION ITEMS 4. 9:10 AM Amendment to Trunked Radio Use Agreement and Collocation Authorization with the Oregon Department of Transportation for Deschutes County 9-1-1 5. 9:20 AM Oregon National Flood Insurance Program / Endangered Species Act Implementation Plan / Legislative Consideration 6. 9:50 AM Continued Deliberations - RVs as Rental Dwellings 7. 10:05 AM Department Performance Measures Updates for FY'24 Q4 8. 10:50 AM Acceptance of a Community Capacity Building Grant from PacificSource OTHER ITEMS These can be any items not included on the agenda that the Commissioners wish to discuss as part of the meeting, pursuant to ORS 192.640. August 14, 2024 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING Page 2 of 3 EXECUTIVE SESSION At any time during the 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), 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 media. ADJOURN August 14, 2024 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING Page 3 of 3 vT E S o .< MEETING DATE: August 14, 2024 SUBJECT: Oregon National Flood Insurance Program / Endangered Species Act Implementation Plan / Legislative Consideration RECOMMENDED MOTION: Lobbying efforts may be necessary in the 2025 Legislative Session to recommend repealing entirely or paring back in designated floodplains, Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 197A.400. BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: A National Marine Fisheries Service 2016 Biological Opinion (BiOp) is now part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in the State of Oregon. This Oregon BiOp, which was issued in response to a federal lawsuit, concludes that the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) implementation of the NFIP in Oregon is causingjeopardy to 17 Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed species and adverse modification of critical habitat for 16 of those species. This is significant because FEMA provides floodplain development standards that cities and counties must follow to be eligible for the NFIP, and this BiOp will overhaul the floodplain development standards for certain areas. On July 16, 2024, FEMA sent information to Oregon cities and counties about how it will implement ESA within the NFIP. See accompanying memorandum for additional information. BUDGET IMPACTS: None ATTENDANCE: Peter Gutowsky, CDD Director Will Groves, Planning Manager Audrey Stuart, Associate Planner MEMORANDUM TO: Deschutes County Board of Commissioners FROM: Peter Gutowsky, AICP, Director Will Groves, CFM, Planning Manager Audrey Stuart, Associate Planner DATE: August 7, 2024 SUBJECT: Oregon National Flood Insurance Program / Endangered Species Act Implementation Plan / Legislative Consideration CONSIDERATION Depending on the Board of County Commissioners' (Board) position, lobbying efforts may be necessary in the 2025 Legislative Session to recommend repealing entirely or paring back in designated floodplains, Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 197A.400.1 This ORS pertains to clear and objective housing standards for: • Unincoroorated communities designated in;; rniintv'c arienn%eilArlvor! rnr prehensive plan after December 5, 1994; • Nonresource lands; and • Areas zoned for rural residential use as defined in ORS 215.501. BACKGROUND A National Marine Fisheries Service 2016 Biological Opinion (BiOp) is now part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in the State of Oregon.2 This Oregon BiOp, which was issued in response to a federal lawsuit, concludes that the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) implementation of the NFIP in Oregon is causing jeopardy to 17 Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed species and adverse modification of critical habitat for 16 of those species. This is significant because FEMA provides floodplain development standards that cities and counties must follow to be eligible for the NFIP, and this BiOp will overhaul the floodplain development standards for certain areas. A map of potentially impacted, privately - owned, floodplain zoned areas in Deschutes County is included as Attachment A. On July 16, 2024, FEMA sent information to Oregon cities and counties about how they will implement ESA within the NFIP (Attachment B). FEMA has been working on an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the NFIP implementation plan in response to the BiOp and concerns that the NFIP affects threatened species. i HB 3197 (2023). The amendments to 197A.400 (formerly 197.307) by section 2, chapter 533, Oregon Laws 2023, become operative July 1, 2025. 2 Oregon NFIP BiOp or BiOp. NWR-2011-3197. FEMA announced new pre -implementation compliance measures (PICM) that will run in parallel with the EIS process.3 FEMA is directing NFIP participating cities and counties to select one of the following PICM options by December 1, 2024: 1. Adopt a model ordinance that considers impacts to species and their habitat and requires mitigation to a no net loss standard; Choose to require a habitat assessment and mitigation plan for development on a permit -by -permit basis; or 3. Putting in place a prohibition on floodplain development in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).4 If a community fails to inform FEMA of its selection, they will default to the permit -by -permit PICM pathway. Communities will be required to report their floodplain development activities to FEMA beginning in January of 2025. Failure to report may result in a compliance visit. III. PROBLEM FEMA's December timeline is unrealistic. These new PICMs will place considerable demands on Oregon counties (and cities) while creating development uncertainty. As the figure below indicates, these measures will be pervasive along the Oregon coast, Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, and Eastern Oregon. For Deschutes County, the impacts will be felt predominantly along Whychus Creek and the floodplain mapped in association with the irrigation facilities running from Watson Reservoir, through McKenzie Canyon Reservoir and continuing into the Lower Bridge area. Other affected areas include the Crooked River watershed east of Bend, where development activity and land disturbance are infrequent as well a_ s_ other isolated mapped floodplains. Figure 1— Oregon NFIP BiOp Action Area 11A•GO mlks 1:3R01,800 OREGON NFIP BIOP ACTION AREA LEGEND AROUT OBEGON ENIPACTION AREA COUNTIES 1Rxma 4uya>SNe R�{on MlPetOPA2on Aeaxhuo M;iul Aablta4 twaNroa Q erO uaMeaY NnE e.emxiarc.em olBme MlF�ulare GfdapCMMNw IONAP CPRkAE NASRAIS • NMPAARCIPATINGRUSE3 q lx.aeat pwuonp ww xmA l»B4p Ma.areRa.xM NeerwBuanot (SALMON/STEEINEAD)l Bvkn.Na+tp.xNmAn, Eaw.atd AWPmwtwrnlea. NAlONS1PFAMS NRPPAARCIIAMOCOMMUNIRES 3 The release of the Final Implementation Plan is anticipated by 2026, following the Record of Decision in the EIS process, then FEMA will fully implement the Plan in 2027. 4 As of the date of this memorandum, FEMA has not released a model ordinance. -2- FEMA's PICMs are inconsistent with Oregon's land use planning program. They disregard the efforts of local governments to protect endangered species and their habitats while balancing other responsibilities, such as housing, economic development, and mitigating natural hazards. Instead, FEMA is mandating a top -down approach to comply with ESA. Many jurisdictions lack the resources to implement these measures yet will be held responsible for insufficient administration of the NFIP program. Implementing any of the three PICMs listed above will require a text amendment and separate hearings before the Planning Commission and Board. FEMA's deadline does not afford local jurisdictions the time necessary for a robust, public process nor account for the time required to adopt an amendment into county codes .5 Staff will return to the Board at a subsequent meeting in August to seek direction on the chosen PICM and implementation strategies. If counties choose to adopt the model ordinance it must be effective by July 31, 2025, and any applications received between December 1, 2024, and the effective date are subject to the permit -by -permit review. Deschutes County may choose to take an approach that delays the effective date of the model ordinance to see how other cities and counties implement it and respond to legal challenges. The level of technical assistance that FEMA will provide to cities and counties is still uncertain, and the staff resources required to amend the zoning ordinance, review development applications under the new standards, and respond to potential appeals may be significant. IV. LEGISLATIVE CONSIDERATION The consequences of not following the BiOp are extreme and include suspension from NFIP, loss of the availability of NFIP policies, and no consideration for disaster relief funding. In addition, local governments may be faced with issues of property takings and inverse condemnation claims. The expense of defending against these claims will be financially_ consequential for many local governments and will ultimately undermine participation in the NFIP. Lobbying efforts are likely necessary to recommend repealing entirely or paring back HB 3197 in designated floodplains. It is unlikely that FEMA's model code will contain clear and objective standards because of surveying, engineering, biological and other assessments that will be required on a case -by -case basis to demonstrate that proposed floodplain activity complies with ESA. Attachments: A. Potentially Impacted Floodplain Areas B. FEMA Pre -Implementation Compliance Measure Letter 5 The model ordinance developed by FEMA is expected to be released the week of August 5, 2024, providing limited time for cities and counties to review it for compliance with state laws, adopted plans, and consistency with their own zoning ordinances. -3- Salmonoid Recovery Domain / Flood Plain / Privately Owned Land 1"=2.25Mi. Sisters - Redmond, Deschutes County, OR Jefferson County `' uT3 C0G �y a JISie(S yUtt, - . . . _. M .�. . . . . . . �. � � ti „h ,,: as � s+• crestt Hwy 126 f �� Redmond i t i i t t f�; I (F) Salmonoid Recovery Domain / Flood Plain / Privately Owned Land 1" = 3.25 Mi. East Deschutes County, OR Legend State Highway Salmonoid Recovery Domain Within FEMA 100 Year Flood Plain Brothers January 30, 2024 f July 15, 2024 Patti Adair P.O. Box 6005 Attn: BoCC Bend, Oregon 97708 Dear Patti Adair: U.S. Department of Homeland Security ITMA Region 10 130 228th Street, SW Bothell, WA 98021-8627 F E'mR'r A ND S The purpose of this letter is to announce the start of the United States Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Pre -Implementation Compliance Measures (PICM) for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participating communities in Oregon. The intent of PICM is to ensure the continued existence of threatened or endangered species in compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These measures include coordination with communities to provide appropriate technical assistance, help identify available resources, deliver trainings, and facilitate workshops to ensure on -going community participation in the NFIP. These pre -implementation compliance measures will assist communities in preparing for the Final NFIP- ESA Implementation Plan by helping them develop short and long-term solutions to ensure their on- going participation in the NFIP. FEMA is currently conducting a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluation of impacts associated with the Oregon NFIP-ESA Implementation Plan. FEMA developed this plan, in part, due to a Biological Opinion in 2016 from National Marine Fisheries Services. The Biological Opinion recommended specific measures for FEMA to take to avoid jeopardizing endangered species, including interim compliance measures. The release of the Final Implementation Plan (Plan) is anticipated by 2026, following the Record of Decision in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, then FEMA will fully implement the Plan in 2027. FEMA has heard concerns from several communities regarding challenges they are facing to meet the expectations of this Plan. To provide communities with the support needed to incorporate ESA considerations to their permitting of development in the floodplain, FEMA will inform, educate, and support our Oregon NFIP participating communities through the PICM before the Final Implementation Plan is released. NFIP participating communities in Oregon must select one of the PICM pathways which include the following: (1) adopt a model ordinance that considers impacts to species and their habitat and requires mitigation to a no net loss standard; (2) choose to require a habitat assessment and mitigation plan for development on a permit -by -permit basis; or (3) putting in place a prohibition on floodplain development in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Communities must pick a PICM pathway by December 1, 2024. If a community fails to inform FEMA of its selection, they will default to the permit -by -permit PICM pathway. Communities will be required to report their floodplain development activities to FEMA beginning in January of 2025. Failure to report may result in a compliance visit. Adair July 15 2024 Page 2 As a part of the PICM, FEMA will implement a delay in the processing of two types of Letters of Map Changes in the Oregon NFIP-ESA Implementation Plan area, specifically Letters of Map Changes associated with the placement of fill in the floodplain: Conditional Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (CLOMR-F) and Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) requests. This action was specifically requested by NMFS in their 2016 Biological Opinion and serves to remove any perceived programmatic incentive of using fill in the floodplain. This delay in processing will begin on August 1, 2024, and will be in place until the Final Implementation Plan is released. Your community's ongoing participation in the NFIP is critical, as it provides access to flood insurance for property owners, renters, and businesses. In Deschutes County there are currently 89 of NFIP policies in force representing $25763000 in coverage for your community. FEMA will be conducting informational virtual webinars this summer to provide an overview and status update for the Oregon NFIP-ESA integration, introduce the Pre -Implementation Compliance Measures, and provide an opportunity for Oregon NFIP floodplain managers to ask questions of FEMA staff. In the fall, FEMA will hold workshops to provide in-depth opportunities for local technical staff to work with FEMA technical staff, to understand and discuss issues relating to the PICM. The webinars will be held virtually over Zoom. The information at each webinar is the same so your jurisdiction only needs to attend one. You can register for a webinar using the links below. • Wednesday, July 31 at 3-5pm PT: https://keamswest.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkc- mi iri ct(-MP TiFinathi P lr_irl RNT_l-01, .._,_ .J` ..a • Tuesday, August 13 at 9:30-11:30am PT: https://kearnswest.zoom.us/meetin /register/tZAod- isrTsgGNOKgckRLPPeaZuu4rv961cR • Thursday, August 15 at 2-4pm PT: https:Hkeamswest.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIgcOGpgDoiHtTXaa946aI9dMpCTcJIH zt • Wednesday, August 21 at 12:30-2:30pm PT: https:Hkeamswest.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYgcuGsrD8rH9DZ022vGOv9KrNzVeUZA9g X FEMA will also develop a questionnaire to allow communities to identify how they currently incorporate or plan to incorporate ESA considerations, both in the short-term and long-term. To assist communities in making this determination, FEMA will be offering guidance on the potential pathways that help ensure current compliance. Communities will also be asked to help identify what technical assistance and training would be most beneficial. Feedback from this questionnaire will drive FEMA's engagement and outreach. Upon completion of the Environmental Impact Statement review and determination, the Final Implementation Plan will be distributed along with several guidance documents and a series of Frequently Asked Questions. FEMA will also be starting NFIP Compliance Audits, in which we will be reviewing permits issued by communities for development in the floodplain and will expect the community to be able to demonstrate what actions are being taken to address ESA considerations. If you have any questions, please contact us through our project email address fema-rl0-mit- E11CM a fema.dhs.gov. Thank you for your community's on -going efforts to reduce flood risk in your Adair July 15 2024 Page 3 community and for your support as we worked toward these milestones. Sincerely, Willie G. Nunn Regional Administrator FEMA Region 10 cc: WillGrove, Deschutes County John Graves, Floodplain Management and Insurance Branch Chief Deanna Wright, Oregon State National Flood Insurance Program Coordinator Enclosure: Pre -Implementation Compliance Measures Fact Sheet Oregon National Flood Insurance Program Endangered Species Act Integration Beginningth4s; summer, FEMA will aSSiStCGMmunities with coming changes to the National Flood Insurance program (NFIP), ,in Oregon. As the result of a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service, communities are required to demonstrate how floodplain development is compliant with the Endangered Species Act in Special Flood Hazard Areas. 0hanges, are needed to protect the habitat of several species of fish and the Southern Resident killer whales to comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). FEMA outlined these changes in the draft Oregon LJEIP- ESA lWernenlation Plan FEMA is evalluating, proposed changes to the N FI P1 outlined in the Implementation Plan through an environmental impact statement (EIS), in compliance with the National Environmental! Policy Act ((EPA). National Marine Fisheries service issued a Biolcif)cal opinion an the KFJP in Oregon, as required by the Enclangered species Act. The Final Implementation Plan is anticipated by 2.026 fiallowing the Record of [decision in the EIS process, then FEMA wil I fv,[!ry implement the plan in, 2027. Unti I then, com mun ifies need to begin taking action to protect habitat and achieve 'no net. loss-" FEMA is offering several resources for communities to learn more and implement interim measures., called Pre- Imp[ementation Compliance Measures (PI.CM's). 2021-Early 2025-- FEMA is drafting an EIZ to stucl?y Ute effects of Uie draft Implementation Pl8n. FEMA dave][Gped We draft CTegDn Implementation Plan for NfW-F&A Imegwion. FEMA % ConductiMg, outreach, edumicin, end direct te cftaica I a ss ista nce for the Pre -Implementation Oompliane-e Measures. FE34A Will t* fiM implementing the. fiffal Plan. Finalize and. issue Oregon NFU -ESA Implementation Plan. FEMA July 2024 What can communities do to comply with these changes? Oregon comm, unities participating in the NFIP can take short-term measures to comply with ESA requirements, known as PiCIVIs. FEMA. developed these measures in response to concerns from communities about the time and resources needed to meet requirements and ensure their future good standing in, the NFIP. By implementing these measures now', communities will be better prepared for compliance audits, which will begin when the Final implementation Plan is in place. Communities can select one of the following three PICMs:: . Prohibit all new developmenit in the floodplain.- . incorporate the ES.A. into locat-ftoodplain ordinances. . Require permit applicants to develop a Floodplain Habitat Assessment documenting that their proposed development in the Special Flood Hazard Area will achieve "no net loss," Communities must report to FEMA on their implementation of interim measures. in addition to the above measures, as ofAugust 1, 2024, FEMA is temporarily suspending processing applications. for Letters of Map Revision. based on FiEl (LOMR-Fsl and Condlitional Letters of Map Revision based on Fill (CLOMR-Fs) in NFIP communities to avoid potentially negative effects on ESA - listed species- FENIA is here to support your community. FENIIA is offering several resources to assist -lommunities in preparing for the Oregon NFIP-ESA Implementation Plan - Informational Webinzirs (Summer 2024): Learn about, what FEMA is doing to revise the Implementation Plan and receive an, introduction to the PI Ms. Questionnaire (Summer 2024): Share what floGdpiain ma nagement. measures yGur community is currently, implementing to comply with, the ESA, which PIOMs you're most interested in, and what support you, need. Your feedback will help us plan the fall workshops and identify needs for technical assistance. Workshops (Fall: 2024): Get an, in-depth look at PIOMs and talk through questions and concerns with FEMA staff. Technical Assistance (Begins in Fall 2024): Get support from, FEMA to begin implementing 1010ms. Learn i-nore at ferna.gov July 2024 2 X\\3�ES CO p G2� BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS I AGENDA REQUEST & STAFF REPORT MEETING DATE: August 14, 2024 SUBJECT: Department Performance Measures Updates for FY'24 Q4 BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Five departments have been selected to provide updates on progress made during FY'24 Q4 on the selected performance measure that falls under the County Goals and Objectives of "Service Delivery". 9-1-1 Objective: Service Delivery - Support and promote Deschutes County Customer Service "Every Time" standards. Performance Measure: Continue to meet and exceed the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) standard for call answering times by regularly auditing operational and technical practices internally as it related to call answering. Value/Target: 90% Q4 Update: 97.35% Clerk's Office Objective: Service Delivery - Support and promote Deschutes County Customer Service "Every Time" standards. Performance Measure: Election personnel cost comparison per 1,000 ballots tallied for countywide elections. Target: Cost to remain within 10% of similar -type election. Value/Target: $419 Q4 Update: $328 per 1,000 ballots tallied CDD Objective: Service Delivery - Ensure quality service delivery through the use of innovative technology and systems. Performance Measure: Achieve 8-12 inspection stops per day to provide quality service. Value/Target: 8 Q4 Update: 8.8 Objective: Service Delivery - Ensure quality service delivery through the use of innovative technology and systems. Performance Measure: Achieve 90-100% of pre -cover inspections completed the same day as requested. Value/Target: 90% Q4 Update: 93.3% Objective: Service Delivery - Ensure quality service delivery through the use of innovative technology and systems. Performance Measure: Achieve an average turnaround time on building plan reviews of 8-10 days to meet or exceed state requirements. Va I u e/Ta rget: 10 Q4 Update: 17.57 Objective: Service Delivery - Ensure quality service delivery through the use of innovative technology and systems. Performance Measure: Achieve the issuance of onsite septic system permits within 12 days of completed application. Value/Target: 12 Q4 Update: 19.65 Objective: Service Delivery - Ensure quality service delivery through the use of innovative technology and systems. Performance Measure: Sustain the issuance of land use administrative decisions with notice within 45 days of completed application. Value/Target: 45 Q4 Update: 56.2 Objective: Service Delivery - Ensure quality service delivery through the use of innovative technology and systems. Performance Measure: Sustain the issuance of land use administrative decisions without notice within L I UdyJ UI completed application. I. Value/Target: 21 Q4 Update: 24.3 Human Resources Objective: Service Delivery - Provide collaborative internal support for County operations. Performance Measure: Achieve 100% of recruitments opening within 21 days of receipt of Recruitment Authorization in good order (timely and accurately.) Value/Target: 100% Q4 Update: 98% - Q4 average of 5.97 days to open recruitment from receipt of Recruitment Authorization in good order. IT Objective: Service Delivery - Ensure quality service delivery through the use of innovative technology and systems. Performance Measure: Possess a minimum level IG2 for all 18 CIS Critical Security Controls Value/Target: True Q4 Update: With the hire of a new Information Security Manager we have created a framework for Deschutes County that aligns with ISO, NIST, and CIS standards. With that being said, continued progress has been made in meeting controls within the framework. BUDGET IMPACTS: No anticipated budget impacts. ATTENDANCE: Jen Patterson, Strategic Initiatives Manager Chris Perry, Manager, 9-1-1 Operations Steve Dennison, County Clerk Peter Gutowsky, Director, CDD Kathleen Hinman, Director, Human Resources Tania Mahood, Director, IT August 8, 2024 Re: Letter Addressing Draft Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map This letter is in response to the updated Draft Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map released July 2024. The map and associated policies appear flawed and have the potential to preclude communities and local governments from effectively adopting and enforcing building and landscaping codes that will protect millions of Oregonians from wildfire. The Map is designed to; be.used to designate where codes can and can't be employed. In conjunction with the,,,:,creation of the Haza'rd;Map, a Draft Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Map was also created. This WUI focuses on designating areas where wildland vegetation intersects with homes and other infrastructure rather.than trying.to categorize 6,level of potential hazard. Ultimately, the WUI Map would be a much more 'effective''tool as a to help guide policies, enact code, and keep Oregonians safe from wildfire and we recommend only utilizing the WUI Map. For example; the newer Tree Farm and'Westgate subdivisions on the west side of Bend have rigorous fire mitigation language in their design guidelines requiring home hardening and defensible space measures, yet both neighborhoods are classified on the Map as "high" hazard areas. Other older subdivisions on the west side of Bend with no fire mitigation requirements, such as Deschutes River Woods, are classified as moderate. Any fire professional familiar with these neighborhoods would find these designations wildly inaccurate. The Map also appears to disregard the following critical points: The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety stated, "during wildfires, as many as 90% of homes and buildings damaged or destroyed were first ignited by embers or other fires set by embers, and not the main wildland fire front." Embers have been regularly reported traveling 1.5 to 5 miles ahead of the main fire. Once a home ignites, structure -to -structure ignition occurs (structures include houses, sheds, wooden fences, garages, etc.). Since the Hazard Map 1300 NW Wall Street Bend, Oregon 97703 (541)388-6572 boardC)deschutes.org 0www.deschutes.org repeatedly classifies adjacent properties in different risk categories, we can assume the range of ember travel was not included. • The models used do not reflect the fire behavior of homes as a fuel type. Houses and ancillary structures in the WUI commonly are built with wood and can contain extremely flammable elements like propane tanks, ammunition, and fuel containers, and can accelerate the spread of some fires. Vegetation is constantly changing. Grass, brush, and trees are dynamic elements on the landscape and grow, die, and are planted by property owners. Treatments to reduce hazardous fuels are therefore not effective indefinitely. In Central Oregon, vegetation treatments could lose their effectiveness in as little as 5 years. The real flaw in this legislation isn't the Hazard Map itself, rather declaring the Map is the guiding tool in deciding where home hardening and defensible space codes can be enacted and enforced. Dividing cities or neighborhoods at the lot level, like the Hazard Map does, makes it extremely difficult for local governments to adopt and enforce codes that only apply to certain parts of a jurisdiction, all the while based on a map that inherently needs to evolve with changing vegetation, climate, and development. Mislabeling communities is also dangerous, primarily because it will create a false sense of security in areas rated "moderate" or "low" and make it extremely difficult to enact safer codes or inspire individual property owners or tenants to participate in improving the safety of their properties. The WUI Map, however, classifies the geographic area where structures and other human development meets or intermingles with wildland or vegetative fuels with a broader brush, better communicating the wildfire danger on a broader and more realistic landscape scale. As a state with a recent history of deadly and destructive conflagrations, we are shockingly behind the curve on protecting our growing communities from wildfire. Every year, we witness unprecedented fire behavior and are suffering staggering home, resource, and human losses. The Wildfire Hazard Map, while well-meaning, has become a distraction delaying the application of common sense measures and codes. The WUI Map, however, is the superior tool to help guide the process and should be utilized instead of the Hazard Map. The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners Patti Adair Anthony DeBone Phil Chang Chair Vice Chair Commissioner