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2025-23-Minutes for Meeting January 08,2025 Recorded 1/24/2025o vT E S COG2< BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1300 NW Wall Street, Bend, Oregon (541) 388-6570 9:00 AM Recorded in Deschutes County OJ2025-23 Steve Dennison, County Clerk Commissioners' ,journal 01 /24/2025 10:26:06 AM _����°�2, Illlllllllllllil llllll ll 111 1140 2025-23 FOR RECORDING STAMP ONLY BOCC MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY January 8, 2025 Barnes Sawyer Rooms Live Streamed Video Present were Commissioners Anthony DeBone, Patti Adair, and Phil Chang. Also present were Nick Lelack, County Administrator; Kim Riley, Senior Assistant County Counsel; and Brenda Fritsvold, BOCC Executive Assistant. This meeting was audio and video recorded and can be accessed at the Deschutes County Meeting Portal website www.deschutes.org/meetings, CALL TO ORDER: 2024 Chair Adair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Referring to the current wildfires burning in southern California, she shared that she is praying for all of her friends and others who are affected. 1. Selection of Chair and Vice Chair for 2025 Stating his willingness to serve as Chair if the Board will return to its historical tradition of rotating the Chair position amongst the Commissioners, Commissioner Chang nominated himself for Chair in 2025. There was no second to the motion. Commissioner Adair said in all of 2024, there were very few times when Commissioner Chang accepted something she had said without responding. Commissioner Chang said as policy -makers, all of the Commissioners have the choice to speak their opinion. BOCC MEETING JANUARY 8, 2025 PAGE 1 OF 8 In response to Commissioner Adair, Senior Assistant Legal Counsel Kim Riley said if the Board does not decide a Chair and/or Vice Chair amongst itself, by default the Commissioner with the longest -serving tenure will be Chair and the one with the second -longest tenure will be Vice Chair. Riley added that no vote by the Board would be necessary if the Chair and Vice Chair are selected by default according to the Code. Commissioner Adair nominated Commissioner Chang to be Vice Chair. Commissioner Chang refused the nomination, which he viewed as meaningless as it would not result in his being selected as Chair. Commissioner Adair looked forward to having five Commissioners in 2027 when the voter -approved expansion of the Board takes effect. The positions of Chair and Vice Chair for 2025 having been selected by default according to County Code, Commissioner DeBone acknowledged his default selection as Chair. Saying it was a shame that the Board is in this situation, he said it feels like a sideswipe attack at the leadership and culture of the County. He listed several values which he supports, including private property rights, establishment of defensible space against wildfires, opportunity for sewers in rural areas, groundwater protection, and fiscal responsibility. Commissioner Chang said the Chair of the Board serves to facilitate the business of the Board, not to serve one particular political agenda or another. Commissioner DeBone explained he lacked confidence that Commissioner Chang would not use the position of Chair to pursue certain agendas as has occurred behind closed doors over the last few years. Commissioner Chang said because there is no room on the Board's dais for different policy perspectives, he instead engages with others off -dais. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CITIZEN INPUT: Ron Boozell said his personal New Year's resolutions pertain to respect, integrity, character and honor. He hoped that everyone will try to step up to these values. Daniel Jones shared concerns about the manner in which the positions of the Forest View Special Road District Board are selected and said it does not appear that upcoming vacancies are advertised to the community. BOCC MEETING JANUARY 8, 2025 PAGE 2 OF 8 Commissioner DeBone offered to discuss this matter in person with Mr. Jones. Commissioner Chang noted that each of the County's special road districts has bylaws which govern it. Further discussion ensued regarding how many special road districts are in the County and available legal recourses to this kind of concern. Greg Bryant requested that the County develop a community plan for Deschutes River Woods as has been done for both Tumalo and Terrebonne. Bryant noted that DRW has 5600 residents and as such is the third -largest community in Deschutes County. Commissioner Chang said both Tumalo and Terrebonne are designated as unincorporated communities. CONSENT AGENDA: Before the Board was Consideration of the Consent Agenda. 2. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-060, adopting a supplemental budget and increasing appropriations in the Health Services Fund 3. Approval of Resolution No. 2025-001 adopting a supplemental budget and reducing FTE within the 2024-25 Deschutes County budget 4. Approval of an amendment to a grant agreement with the Oregon Health Authority OHA 180009-15 Approval of Document No. 2024-006 accepting a 2023 Shared Savings Investment Grant from the Central Oregon Health Council, and approval of Board Order No. 2025-001 designing signing authority to Jessica Jacks 6. Consideration of Board Signature on letter appointing Matt Latimer for service on the Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority (dba Housing Works) Board 7. Consideration of Board Signature on letter thanking Dr. Peter Boehm for service on the Public Health Advisory Board 8. Consideration of Board Signature on letters thanking Lorelei Kryzanek, Christina Lee and Roger Olsen, and reappointing Dr. Peter Boehm and Jill Adams, for service on the Public Health Advisory Board 9. Consideration of Board Signature on various letters of thanks, appointment and reappointment, to various Special Road Districts BOCC MEETING JANUARY 8, 2025 PAGE 3 OF 8 10. Approval of the minutes of the December 10, 2024 Mid -Year Budget Update meeting 11. Approval of the minutes of the November 18 and December 2 and 4, 2024 BOCC meetings Commissioner DeBone noted a correction to page 10 of the December 4tn minutes to accurately reflect the name of Lisa Clarke, Field Manager of the Bureau of Land Management's Deschutes Field Office. ADAIR: Move Board approval of Consent Agenda with the correction to the December 4t' minutes as stated CHANG: Second VOTE: ADAIR: Yes CHANG: Yes DEBONE: Chair votes yes. Motion Carried ACTION ITEMS: 12. Public Hearing and consideration of Board Order No. 2024-052 approving the Ponderosa Pine Estates annexation into the Bend Park & Recreation District Dave Doyle, County Counsel, said Ponderosa Pine Estates LLC submitted a petition to annex property into the Bend Park & Recreation District. The Assessor's Office, County Clerk and the District have approved the annexation. The public hearing was opened at 9:27 am. There being no one who wished to speak, the public hearing was closed at 9:27 am. In response to Commissioner Chang, Doyle confirmed that the property is within the Urban Growth Boundary. A member of the audience having indicated he wished to provide testimony, the public hearing was re -opened at 9:28 am. Greg Bryant asked to know how this area is proposed to be annexed into the Bend Park & Recreation District. BOCC MEETING JANUARY 8, 2025 PAGE 4 OF 8 Commissioner DeBone explained that the owner of the property asked that it be annexed into the district. Doyle added that all property owners in the annexed area will pay to be part of the district. There being no one else who wished to speak, the public hearing was re -closed at 9:29 am. CHANG: Move approval of Board Order No. 2024-052 approving the Ponderosa Pine Estates annexation into the Bend Park & Recreation District ADAIR: Second VOTE: ADAIR: Yes CHANG: Yes DEBONE: Chair votes yes. Motion carried 13. Consideration of second reading of Ordinance No. 2024-012 - Destiny Court Properties, LLC Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zone Change Anthony Raguine, Principal Planner, said no changes were made to the ordinance since the Board approved first reading on December 181" ADAIR: Move approval of second reading of Ordinance No. 2024-012 by title only DEBONE: Second VOTE: ADAI R: Yes CHANG: No DEBONE: Chair votes yes. Motion Carried 2 - 1 Chair DeBone read the title of the ordinance into the record. ADAIR: Move adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-012 amending Deschutes County Code Title 23, the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan, to change the Comprehensive Plan Map Designation for certain property from Agriculture to Rural Residential Exception Area, and amending Deschutes County Code Title 18, the Deschutes County Zoning Map, to change the Zone Designation for certain property from Exclusive Farm Use to Multiple Use Agricultural DEBONE: Second VOTE: ADAIR: Yes CHANG: No BOCC MEETING JANUARY 8, 2025 PAGE 5 OF 8 DEBONE: Chair votes yes. Motion Carried 2 - 1 Raguine said the ordinance will take effect on April 8, 2025. 14. Presentation: Deschutes County Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness josh Burgess, director of Deschutes County Civic Action project, presented information on the process by which a diverse group of residents convened to develop recommendations on how to address the challenge of youth homelessness in Central Oregon. Burgess said the resultant 22 recommendations envision a partnership of local governments, higher education institutions, businesses and foundations, and implementing the recommendations would involve engaging and educating the community. Kathy Rusling described actions that could be taken to help students stay in and be successful at school, saying that education can help break the cycle of homelessness. Adding that youth homelessness is a humanitarian matter, not a political one, Alex Lehman spoke to some of the recommendations of the assembly. Burgess sought feedback from the Board on the recommendations and what actions the County will take. Commissioner Adair said many grandparents who are raising their grandchildren need support. She added that Oregon has one of the worst graduation rates in the nation and was further concerned that 15% of kids tracked by CASA do not have an assigned representative to advocate for them. Expressing his appreciation for those who participated in this process, Commissioner Chang said the County could partner with others on some of these, including establishing a regional youth psychiatric facility. With regard to the recommendation for a central hub for teens, he said the County offers a program called 'The Drop" in Bend and Redmond but only some days of the week in the afternoon hours. He shared his willingness to help advocate for and support the Academy's recommendations and suggested that the Board review the list and issue a letter to the Academy stating what it supports. Commissioner DeBone encouraged working to build trust and advance the recommendations, agreeing that the Board can review these and take action as appropriate. Noting that the County does not have resources for all desired programs and projects, he stated his support for a premier public transportation system for locals and visitors alike. BOCC MEETING JANUARY 8, 2025 PAGE 6 OF 8 County Administrator Lelack reported that an article published by The New Yorker on December 31 St about citizen's assemblies and what they can do for communities quoted Deschutes County Deputy Administrator Erik Kropp. Burgess added that the group has published a seven -minute mini -documentary on YouTube. OTHER ITEMS: Nick Lelack, County Administrator, provided updates in advance of tomorrow's meeting regarding a possible collaboration with the City of Redmond on a managed camp, saying he met with City Manager Keith Witcosky and Mayor Ed Fitch last week. Noting that the extension of 215t Street is now expected to be completed in August or September, Lelack shared that the City has authorized a $250,000 contribution towards developing a managed camp and asks that the County contribute $800,000. Commissioner Chang noted that the only costs discussed thus far are for capital/construction and the $800,000 requested would not include funds for operating a managed camp. He was concerned that there are no plans yet on how to operate the camp or how to pay for those operations. He preferred to consider a comprehensive package of capital and operating plans and costs before the County commits a large proportion of its remaining APRA funds to this initiative. In response to Commissioner Adair, Lelack said after accounting for the $400,000 allocation for the Juniper Ridge camp and the re -allocation of $250,000 to the Coordinated Houseless Response Office, the County has just under $1.4 million in ARPA funds remaining. Commissioner Adair said she wants to partner with the City of Redmond on a managed camp, but not at the requested financial level. Commissioner DeBone advised establishing a long-term visitor area where people could stay at a low cost and where persons who are displaced from unauthorized encampments could be offered to relocate to. He agreed with the idea of adding a gravel access from the north. • Lelack reminded that the Board will hold its annual retreat on Monday, January 27`" at the Road Department. • Lelack shared that he and Commissioner Adair will attend Visit Central Oregon's annual strategic retreat next Wednesday. BOCC MEETING JANUARY 8, 2025 PAGE 7 OF 8 • Commissioner DeBone said he will attend the Eastern Oregon Counties Association meeting on Friday)anuary 17cn • Commissioner Adair reminded that the Fair Association's annual dinner is this Sunday. • Commissioner DeBone shared that he will be in Salem next Monday for Oregon Emergency Management and AOC meetings. • Commissioner Chang reported on an after -action review conducted by the University of Oregon on last year's prescribed fire smoke management program. Saying that Deschutes County Public Health played an important role in these efforts, he shared a copy of the report. Noting that air quality during prescribed burns can be very bad, Commissioner Adair suggested targeted logging and utilizing goat herds to reduce vegetation. Commissioner Chang said some prescribed burning is necessary to reduce the spread and intensity of wildfires. Commissioner Adair said the prevalence of heavy smoke days negatively affects Central Oregon's tourism industry. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None ADJOURN: Being no further items to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m. DATED this Day of J�I 2025 for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. ATTEST: RECORDING SECRET ARY ANTHONY DERONE, CHAIR L, PAT I ADAIR, VICE CHAIR PHIL CHANG, COMMISSIONER BOCC MEETING JANUARY 8, 2025 PAGE 8 OF 8 L\X\)I ES coG 2� BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING 9:00 AM, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2025 Barnes Sawyer Rooms - Deschutes Services Building - 1300 NW Wall Street - Bend (541) 388-6570 1 www.deschutes.org 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 one. 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 Board selection of Chair and Vice Chair for 2025 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 2. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-060, adopting a supplemental budget and increasing appropriations in the Health Services Fund 3. Approval of Resolution No. 2025-001 adopting a supplemental budget and reducing FTE within the 2024-25 Deschutes County budget 4. Approval of an amendment to a grant agreement with the Oregon Health Authority OHA 180009-15 5. Approval of Document No. 2024-006 accepting a 2023 Shared Savings Investment Grant from the Central Oregon Health Council, and approval of Board Order No. 2025-001 designing signing authority to Jessica Jacks 6. Consideration of Board Signature on letter appointing Matt Latimer for service on the Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority (dba Housing Works) Board 7. Consideration of Board Signature on letter thanking Dr. Peter Boehm for service on the Public Health Advisory Board 8. Consideration of Board Signature on letters thanking Lorelei Kryzanek, Christina Lee and Roger Olsen, and reappointing Dr. Peter Boehm and Jill Adams, for service on the Public Health Advisory Board 9. Consideration of Board Signature on various letters of thanks, appointment and reappointment, to various Special Road Districts 10. Approval of the minutes of the December 10, 2024 Mid -Year Budget Update meeting 11. Approval of the minutes of the November 18 and December 2 and 4. 2024 BOCC meetings January 8, 2025 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING Page 2 of 3 ACTION ITEMS 12. 9:10 AM Public Hearing and consideration of Board Order No. 2024-052 approving the Ponderosa Pine Estates annexation into the Bend Park & Recreation District 13. 9:15 AM Consideration of second reading of Ordinance No. 2024-012 - Destiny Court Properties, LLC Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zone Change 14. 9:20 AM Presentation: Deschutes County Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness 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. 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 January 8, 2025 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING Page 3 of 3 ww-ces c�`Z w BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MEETING o { REOUEST TO SPEAK Citizen Input or Testimony j Subj ect: Date: Name Address Phone #s g r. E-mail address g r i In Favor Neutral/Undecided Opposed Submitting written documents as part of testimony? Yes El No If so, please give a copy to the Recording Secretary for the record. 4AD C SUBMIT COMPLETED REQUEST TO RECORDING SECRETARY BEFORE MEETING BEGINS 10 0 1/5/2025 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners, I am bringing this subject to your attention as a concerned resident of The Forest View Special District. I am concerned because this district has not held an election for its board positions in the 8 years I have lived at my current residence within the district. They have never asked the district members for input on who is to hold these positions.- Instead the board itself elects the next members and also over- extends its terms. Larry LaRue has been in office two terms as of today and plans to stay through another term. When confronted about this at the district's last board meeting, Mr. LaRue claimed that nobody is willing to take his position. He did not notify the district of the coming seat vacancy and subsequently will. hold his position yet another term. He has now held his chair position for six years and is planning on holding it for an additional three. I have been told that both Tim Whitehall and Craig McCue have both been placed on the board recently and yet nobody in the district was informed of these positions being filled or available. I provided a copy of a letter I received dated 1.2/27/2024 from Forest View Special Road District. It was in response to a grievance I served on them 12/17/2024. My grievance was in regards to term limits of board positions expiring, no circulation of positions opening and no district input regarding positions being appointed as I just shared with you. This response correspondence from the Board of the district sites that Tony DeBone was contacted and that I am incorrect regarding the context of my grievance. I have been informed that the only authority of the commissioners regarding this, is to appoint the board members. I believe there is an oversight as the members of the district are to have input when appointing these positions. , I would like to conclude with some rhetorical questions for the Commissioners: How do the Commissioners determine if the placement is the best fit for our district? Do the Commissioners confirm with the district members that this is their desire, or does it not matter what the residents that live in the district and pay the taxes want? Was there a letter of recommendation given to the Commissioners prior to appointing these board. members? Do all the Commissioners confirm these appointments? I am sure that you would agree it would be against election laws if the Commissioners retained their seats beyond term limit, while excluding the tax payers their right to vote/elect. This would violate what our Democratic Electoral. system has been founded on. I believe the Commissioners should revisit the outdated and dysfunctional appointment process that has been adopted by the county. I can only assume this process was adopted due to convenience of the county. Resorting back to Chapter 371 on elections through the Secretary of State would relieve almost all of these types of issues. To assume that once these districts were formed the need for ongoing governance can dissipate does not seem wise. Daniel Jones Forest View Special Road District Response to Daniel Jones letter hand delivered 12/17/2024 at Scheduled meeting. Mr Jones, After reviewing your concerns, the directors contacted Deschutes County Commissioner Tony Debone and reviewed the By Laws. You are correct that a term is defined as three years. However there is not limit on how many terms a person can serve on the board. The General Provisions that are referred to in your letter, are to establish a new Special Road District. Please refer to the By Laws provided on the Forest View Special Road District for additional information. Secretary Tim Whitehall 12/27/2024 J-�es o BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MEETING o, { REQUEST TO SPEAK Citizen Input or Testimony !Alp Subject:'= 1)/�/ 6)1nj11&1U'1 Date: Name�- Address 01 � 171-0 Phone #s��� E-mail addressrz 61 In Favor Neutral/Undecided Opposed Submitting written documents as part of testimony? ❑ Yes 7K] No If so, please give a copy to the Recording Secretary for the record. SUBMIT COMPLETED REQUEST To RECORDING SECRETARY BEFORE MEETING BEGINS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING DATE: January 8, 2025 SUBJECT: Presentation: Deschutes County Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness RECOMMENDED MOTION: None —presentation only. BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: This past June, the Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Healthy Democracy to convene a citizens/civic assembly ("Assembly") for the purpose of developing recommendations on how to address youth homelessness in Central Oregon. The Assembly, comprised of 30 Deschutes County residents who were selected by a civic lottery, worked to find common ground and form recommendations on policies and programs which could be implemented to address youth homelessness. BUDGET IMPACTS: None ATTENDANCE: Josh Burgess, Central Oregon Civic Action Project Director Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator �. P I Your seat*1 1 at the table. =kO DemolcracyNell The Laboratory for The American Conversation Deschutes Assembly on Youth Homelessness Modeling a pragmatic, concrete way to bridge divides in Deschutes County Quick Facts Citizens/Civic Assemblies are a democratic innovation taking root around the world to solve tough policy problems amidst political division. The proposed Assembly in Deschutes County will be a unique democratic exercise that engages a representative sample of everyday residents to tackle the complex issue of youth houselessness. • 3o Assembly Members, selected by democratic lottery (sortition), to form a cross- section of the community (based on gender, age, race/ethnicity, and other factors) 5 days of in-depth deliberation in September and October 2024, • Robust accessibility measures, including substantial stipends and expense reimbursements, to make sure all Assembly Members can meaningfully participate. • In-depth learning phase. Members hear from all sides of the issue - via written background materials, stories collected from the broader community, and diverse stakeholder and expert presenters. • Broad community connections. Collaboration with a standing Youth Action Board, made up of young people with lived experience, and integration of a tech platform that will enable hundreds more community members to join the conversation. • New model for collaborative decision making. With meticulous deliberative process design and specifically trained small group moderation, Members are empowered with the tools to unlock collaboration and identify common ground solutions. • Regional policy impact. The Assembly will present its recommendations to the Deschutes County Commission and local city councils - all of whom will publicly discuss and consider implementation of the Assembly's recommendations. • National media strategy that proves a different kind of democracy is possible amidst a polarized election. Context Deschutes County sits at a socio-political crossroads. In many ways it is a microcosm of our country's cultural divides, with its growing tech and recreation industries contrasting with its agricultural and logging roots. Bend is also one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, with a population that has more than doubled since 2000 - and is forecast to do so again in the next 30 years. Accompanying this is the fourth highest cost of living growth rate in the country, and a level of income inequality in the top 12% among all cities nationally in 2022. Central Oregon ranks in the top five rural places nationwide for its rate of families and unaccompanied youth experiencing houselessness. Paired with a major grant from HUD on the same topic, the Assembly will be well -positioned to implement creative solutions to a wicked Local challenge. Partners This project is a partnership between the Central Oregon Civic Action Project, Democracy Next, Healthy Democracy, and OSU-Cascades. MAtiple officials f rom COIC, Deschutes County, and the City of Bend have also pledged t heir support f or t he project. *For more information, visit http://cocap.us/homelessness/#FAQ Deschutes Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness Key Recommendations October 14, 2024 The following Recommendations Were created and prioritized by the Delegates of the 2o24 Deschutes Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness. The Assembly addressed the following question., What should our priorities be for building community solutions to prevent and end youth homelessness? The Recommendations below were written by the Assembly after more than 3o hours of in -person information gathering and deliberation between Sept. 14 and Oct. 6. Recommendations that achieved supermajority (75%+) support from among all voting Delegates are included in this report. Recommendations with lower levels of support will be included in the project's later comprehensive report. In addition to their primary text, some Recommendations also include additional Rationales and Implementation Notes. With the exception of this explanatory text in italics, this report is composed exclusively of the words of Delegates themselves, with no additions, deletions, or edits by staff Official recipients of these Recommendations include the Central Oregon Youth Action Board, Deschutes County, the City of Bend, and the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council. Representatives of these entities have committed to receiving the results, thoroughly considering them, and issuing a public response. Additional governmental and nongovernmental bodies are expected to receive and consider the Assembly's Recommendations on an unofficial basis. This project was a partnership between the Central Oregon Youth Action Board, the Central Oregon Civic Action Project, the Laboratory for the American Conversation at OSU-Cascades, Healthy Democracy, DemocracyNext, and MIT's Center for Constructive Communication, It was funded by contributions from dozens of local individual donors and foundations - including the Ford Family Foundation, the Roundhouse Foundation, the Wade Family Foundation, and Brooks Resources - as well as by national foundations, including the Rockefeller Foundation, Omidyar Network, and Quadrivium. Delegates were randomly selected from across Deschutes County, reflecting a microcosm of the county in terms of age, gender, race%thnicity, geographic location of residence, political party, housing status, and educational attainment. A preliminary demographic profile of the Assembly has previously been released. Healthy Democracy will release a subsequent comprehensive report, which will include a final demographic profile of the Assembly, notes related to Delegate selection, in -room process details, and the rest of the Assembly's work; a prioritized list of Guiding Principles and all Proposed Recommendations that did not receive supermajority support, This comprehensive report, as well as all further communication related to the Assembly, will be posted at cocap.us. Recommendations in this report were ordered first by their total score, based on: 2 points for "Strongly Agree" 1 point for "Somewhat Agree" o points for "Neutral / Don't Know" -1 point for "Disagree" In the case of ties, Recommendations were then ordered by their level of agreement ("Strongly Agree" + "Somewhat Agree'), and then by the number of Delegates who marked "Strongly Agree." Note: Recommendation 22 did not achieve 75% agreement from the Assembly, despite receiving a higher total score than Recommendation 23; hence, Recommendation 22 is not included in this report. Recommendation 1 95% Agree Strongly Agree SomewhatAgree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16 5 1 0 37 Develop programs to help 18-year-olds transition out of the foster care system. Teach life skills, inform of available resources, assist with finding housing, incorporate Work/trade options. Rationale: Reduces likeliness of being homeless for 18+ age bracket. Implementation Notes: Recommendation 2 95% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 6 1 0 36 A central hub that Would have the following; -A recreation center that would be run by Bend Parks and Recreation. -A safe space for at -risk teens. -Designated space for programs and non -governmental organizations that would allow teens to access benefits at one central location. Would increase availablity of resources and foster awareness and involvement With the community. Bend Parks and Recreation has an extensive volunteer core that would be a valuable resource to tap into. Rationale: Implementation Notes: Recommendation 3 gi% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 4 2 0 36 Improve foster care system. The foster care system needs to provide more resources for those exiting the foster care system to access housing, jobs training, and education. Rationale: -Youth literally run away from the system. -There is not help with transitioning out of the system as they age out. -There is currently no access to life skills training within the system. Implementation Notes: The lawsuit settlement from Wyatt B. vs, Kotek in Federal District Court is intended to improve the system. 2 Recommendation 4 gi%Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disaaree Total Score ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 5 2 0 35 Schools to follow up on students intentionally who are protected under the McKinney-Vento Act if student is not present in school for io days. Follow-up should be on a case -by -case basis. Rationale: A school district policy that automatically drops McKinney-Vento students after to days of unexcused absence, with no regard for the causes of the absences, the impact of homelessness, or interventions to support attendance, is a serious violation of the McKinney-Vento Act, Implementation Notes: Recommendation 5 86% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score ........................................-............................................................. ....................................................................................................................... ............................................................................ ............................................................................................. 16 3 3 0 35 Childcare support for families with young children to help break the cycle of poverty. Creating a Co -Op and utilizing COCC, RPA, and high school students who are studying Early Childhood Education. Rationale: Parents can't go to work if they can't Leave their small children somewhere safe. Implementation Notes: Engage community and community assets, contacting school Early Childhood Education Directors, churches, and city officials. Recommendation 6 86%Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score .............................................................................-......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 5 2 0 33 Allow overrule to the so -day -drop rule. Allow school staff to overrule the so -day -drop rule on a case -by -case basis. Rationale: Implementation Notes: 3 Recommendation 7 86% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree I1.ieutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 5 2 1 32 Use social media advertisements and posters in public spaces to increase public awareness of available services and indicate Who to contact for more information. Rationale: Public awareness is lacking, Implementation Notes: Recommendation 8 86/ Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 6 2 0 32 Expand public transit in Deschutes County Rationale: Public transportation services help homeless youth, Implementation Notes: Recommendation 9 82% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 3 3 1 32 Provide permanent and dedicated funding to J Bar J. The goal is to provide youth homeless services and prevention, including administrative, staff, and marketing funding. Rationale: J Bar J is a successful umbrella organization in our area. Implementation Notes: 4 Recommendation 10 86% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 8 3 0 30 Allow Family Access Network advocates to give hotspots and/or internet access to families with students, and to provide funding for this, Students can use the internet to do their homework and access services available through the internet. Rationale: Students Will have equal access and be more likely to stay in school. Implementation Notes: Collaborate With internet providers. Recommendation 11 82% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 5 4 1 30 Redefine the Oregon Department of Human Services objective of reunification of families with the goal of incorporating the voice of the youth affected. Youth should be allowed to have input about their futures and that input should be prioritized. Rationale: Family reunification is not always in the best interest of the child. Implementation Notes: Recommendation 12 82% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree TotaL Score .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 7 3 0 29 Create another civic assembly in the future, dedicated to the housing affordability crisis. The housing affordability crisis is the core of not only youth homelessness, but a host of other issues in the community, and if not addressed, can render all other efforts moot. Rationale: Implementation Notes: 5 Recommendation 13 82%Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 7 3 0 29 Vocational schools and/or programs Currently there are very few, and they are hard to get into or they are designated specifically for adjudicated youth. Rationale: Many kids, especially if they are homeless, are not college bound. They need job skills that can transfer to strong wages to help them transition out of homelessness and maintain it. Implementation Notes: Recommendation 14 86% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 9 2 1 28 Provide education on homelessness and human trafficking, starting as early in the education process as school districts deem appropriate and feasible throughout Deschutes County. Rationale: Implementation Notes: Recommendation 15 82% Agree iy Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 7 3 1 28 Provide specified training for adults Who interact With unhoused youth to help With identification of youth in need. This training would be focused on parents, school faculty, officers, Oregon Department of Human Services staff, and others. Rationale: This trains those who are most in contact with unhoused youth. This is a good way to educate the public. Implementation Notes: A Recommendation 16 86% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 9 1 2 27 Prioritize funding for inpatient psychiatric care for minors, Deschutes County to prioritize funding and seek healthcare partners, such as St. Charles and Mosaic Medical, to provide local access to inpatient psychiatric care for minors, Rationale: There is a lack of inpatient psychiatric care for minors in Central Oregon. Implementation Notes: Recommendation 17 82% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10 8 3 1 27 Education requirements in school districts to include mandatory financial Literacy and critical thinking education courses. Options to partner in senior year with finance sector for credit options? Rationale: "Prepare the child for the road; not the road for the child:" Lowering standards (Senate Bill 744) doesn't improve overall community health in short or long term. This is the preventative measure that helps support what we kept hearing from those who came through the foster care system. Young adults are not prepared and do not have the necessary life skills, especially if they are lacking the family support to provide these transitional buffers. Implementation Notes: Recommendation 18 77% Agree StronglyAgree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 7 4 1 26 Social media marketing reaching caregivers, letting them know they can access resources without jeopardizing their families. Rationale: Implementation Notes: 7 Recommendation ig 77% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score .... . . . . . ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ............................. . .................. . ......................................................... . . .................... . ................................... ..... . . . . . . .. ...................................................... . .................................................... 10 7 2 2 25 Give non -governmental organizations the ability to be flexible With hove they spend their funds. Flexibility in areas not directly related to housing, including personnel, nonpersonnel, and administration, with increased transparency. Rationale: Reducing restrictions on funding will allow organizations the freedom to spend funds as they deem to be effective, Implementation Notes: Recommendation 20 77% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 8 3 2 24 Reform local housing policy to serve local community members and foster sustainable growth for all. Examples; taxes on second or additional properties, tax on non -owner -occupied properties, allow for the creation of tenants' unions, promote rent -to -own programs, restructure incentives to serve residents over developers. Rationale: Implementation Notes: Recommendation 21 77% Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 9 4 1 24 Direct Deschutes County and the Coordinated Homeless Response Office to dedicate funding to partner with J Bar J and other non -governmental organizations to educate the general public about youth homelessness and prevention. Rationale: Community awareness leads to more resources. Implementation Notes: 0 Recommendation 23 77% Agree Strongly Agree Sornewhat Agree Neutral / Don't Know Disagree Total Score ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 9 3 2 23 Create a government mechanism/process/service that would allow the homeless to quickly get government identification, and/or birth certificate, and/or social security card. Rationale: Access to identification and/or documentation has been cited as a major barrier to access government services and participate in society, especially for homeless youth. 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