2025-96-Minutes for Meeting March 05,2025 Recorded 4/8/2025ES COG2<
BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
1300 NW Wall Street, Bend, Oregon
(541) 388-6570
11:00 AM
Recorded in Deschutes County OJ2025-96
Steve Dennison, County Clerk
Commissioners' Journal 04/08/2025 3:00:41 PM
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2025-96
BOCC MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY March 5, 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 Legal Counsel; and
Angie Powers, BOCC Administrative 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:
Chair DeBone called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. He reported the commissioners
just returned from attending the National Association of Counties (NACo) conference in
Washington, D.C.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CITIZEN INPUT:
• Connie Lane of Bend spoke about her concerns over the dissolution of the DEIA
committee and referenced Janice Garceau's letter submitted to the Board. She
suggested a problem -solving approach to collaboration and urged the Board to
reconsider their dismantling of the committee. She expressed her gratitude to the
DEIA committee for their work.
CONSENT AGENDA: Before the Board was Consideration of the Consent Agenda.
BOCC MEETING MARCH 5, 2025 PAGE 1 OF 8
1. Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Bend regarding the
jurisdictional transfer of a segment of Yeoman Road
2. Approval of a Termination of Development Contract with Vic & Vicki Russell and
Sagebrush Development LLC associated with the Newberry Neighborhoods, La Pine
3. Approval of Board Order No. 2025-006 reopening the record for an application to
authorize commercial activity in conjunction with a Farm Use (Winery) in the
Multiple Use Agricultural Zone - Lava Terrace Cellars, 20520 Bowery Lane
4. Consideration of Board Signature on letters reappointing Joseph Mauti, Sarah
Canham, Jake Derksen and Elizabeth Johnson, for service on the Noxious Weed
Advisory Board
5. Consideration of Board Signature on letters appointing Phil Henderson, Dan
Ladesma and Bruce Barton for service on the Facility Project Review Committee
6. Consideration of Board Signature on letter appointing Linda Nolte, for service on the
Behavioral Health Advisory Board
7. Approval of the Minutes of the February 21, 2025 Legislative Update Meeting
8. Approval of the Minutes of the February 21, 2025 Legislative Delegation Update
Meeting
Item 3 was pulled for discussion.
ADAIR: Move Board approval of the Consent Agenda as presented, minus item 3
CHANG: Second
VOTE: ADAIR: Yes
CHANG: Yes
DEBONE: Chair votes yes. Motion Carried 3 - 0
Item 3. Commissioner Chang recused himself from the deliberations and vote.
ADAIR: Move Board approval of Item 3
DEBONE: Second
VOTE: ADAIR: Yes
DEBONE: Chair votes yes. Motion carried 2 - 0
BOCC MEETING MARCH 5, 2025 PAGE 2 OF 8
ACTION ITEMS:
9. Request Addition of 1.00 FTE Building Safety Inspector III for A -Level Plumbing
Peter Gutowsky, Community Development Department (CDD) Director and Sherri
Pinner, CDD Senior Management Analyst presented this item. Their department is
being proactive and planning for upcoming FMLA leave in the department and
succession planning. The proposed budget amendment would add a highly
specialized building inspector position for plumbing inspections. It is difficult to find
qualified commercial -level inspectors. Gutowsky directed the Board to the agenda
materials for details on financial impacts.
Pinner wouldn't expect this position to be filled until June at the earliest, noting that
the funding for this position and the corresponding vehicle purchase is in their
department's FY 26 budget.
The Community Development Department provides commercial level inspections
for the cities of La Pine and Sisters and has experienced a heightened demand for
these inspections.
Gutowksy coordinates with the Central Oregon Builders Association on recruitments
such as this one. He shared that CDD is currently onboarding someone with B-level
electrical certifications, from the City of Hillsboro. The plumbing community is
tightknit, and Gutowsky is confident the right individuals will learn of this
opportunity.
Responding to Commissioner Adair, Pinner stated they do plan to purchase a new
vehicle for $30,000 but can work with Randy McCulley at the Road Department for
any potential used vehicle opportunities.
CHANG: Move approval of Resolution No. 2025-006 increasing FTE within the
Community Development Fund 295 and the 2024-25 Deschutes
County Budget
ADAIR: Second
VOTE: CHANG: Yes
ADAIR: Yes
DEBONE: Chair votes yes. Motion Carried 3 - 0
10. Notice of Intent to Award 2025 Qualified Pool of Fuels Reduction Contractors
Kevin Moriarty, County Forester, indicated that this is an annual process. Each year,
the County issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a pool of fuels reduction
contractors interested in bidding on fuels reductions projects throughout the year.
He received 20 applicants this year, as compared to 17 last year. He recommends all
BOCC MEETING MARCH 5, 2025 PAGE 3 OF 8
20 applicants be included in the qualified pool. Some of the new applicants may
have resulted from their notice in the Daily Journal of Commerce. Some contractors
from last year dropped off, and this may be attributed to them not having been
awarded any contracts last year. Chair DeBone spoke to the seasonal nature of this
work.
Responding to Commissioner Adair, Moriarty was unsure of the contractor who
completed the Eagle Crest fuels reduction work two years ago, but he will get back
to Commissioner Adair as they did a good job.
Responding to Commissioner Chang, Moriarty noted they are unable to limit the list
to local contractors only and they do try to work with as many local contractors as
possible. If local contractors lack capacity, then they will look at contractors outside
of the local area. Commissioner Chang asked Moriarity for data on how many
contracts last year, and the dollar amounts of each, went to local contractors and
how many went to contractors outside the area. Moriarty agreed to look back three
years and provide the Board with this information, adding that of 7 contracts this
year, 5 went to locals.
Commissioner Adair requested that Moriarty work on a press release for the
qualified pool to get the word out.
ADAIR: Move approval of Document No. 2025-012, a Notice of Intent to
Award the 2025 Qualified Pool of Fuel Reduction Contractors
CHANG: Second
VOTE: ADAIR: Yes
CHANG: Yes
DEBONE: Chair votes yes. Motion carried 3 - 0
11. Update from Oregon Living with Fire
Jodie Barram and Dr. Jen Fenton, Oregon Living with Fire (OLWF), provided an
update on annual accomplishments. As stated in their 2024 Annual Report, OLWF is
part of the National Cohesive Strategy. She summarized OLWF's annual
accomplishments. OLWF brings together a diverse range of stakeholders and adds
capacity.
Dr. Fenton summarized some of their grant funding. Last year, they applied for the
Building Resilient Infrastructure Communities (BRIC) for a project for wildfire
protection for the High Desert Museum and the Museum at Warm Springs. They
were not awarded the grant last year due to a funding constraint, so they
strengthened their application and reapplied this year. Their application is currently
under review by the Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) department.
BOCC MEETING MARCH 5, 2025 PAGE 4 OF 8
Dr. Fenton is working with the Alfalfa Fire District, who is having difficulties securing
funding. Funding freezes at the federal level have made funds scarce.
Responding to Commissioner Adair, they received $500,000 from the Oregon State
Fire Marshall for sweat equity projects, which helped fund Fire Free. OLWF has two
reimbursable grants, USFS and NRCS. The NRCS grant has been frozen, and they are
processing their reimbursable USFS grant and are hopeful the funds will be
released. Barram said they have enough in their accounts to fund their work for the
upcoming year even without federal funding, and credited Joe Stutler's foresight.
Barram further described OLWF's accomplishments. As they head into 2025, they
are adding to their Program of Work and noted some changes. April will be a busy
month for Wildfire Preparedness fairs.
Barram thanked Chair DeBone for serving on the OLWF Steering Committee and
welcomed Commissioner Adair to the committee. Commissioner Adair reported
that Commissioner DeBone's term ends December 31, 2025 so they will coordinate.
Chair DeBone said the meetings take place on the second Thursday of each month
from 10-11:30 a.m. in the DeArmond room, October through June only.
Responding to Commissioner Chang, Barram said that OLWF works with the Heart
of Oregon Conservation Service workforce. Barram reported that Inflation
Reduction Act federal funding has been frozen. Commissioner Chang suggested it
would be helpful to prepare communications regarding the impacts of federal
funding freezes on this important work. Chair DeBone was supportive of some form
of communication. Dr. Fenton reported on the economic impacts of wildfires, noting
that Oregon's tourism industry lost $52 million in Oregon and $460 billion
nationwide. Commissioner Adair asked Dr. Fenton about these economic impacts
since 2017.
Commissioner Adair met with Congressman Cliff Bentz and Congressman Bruce
Westerman while she was in Washington, D.C. She advocated for increasing logging
operations. Barram said the Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project is currently
working on some language as they are feeling the impacts of federal funding
freezes. Responding to Barram, Commissioner Adair thinks it is important to take a
regional approach, and to include Jefferson County noting a case study of their
missed grant funding opportunity due to the portal going away and layoffs
occurring. Chair DeBone advocated for a more local approach to expedite the
communication, and Commissioner Adair said that having more names on a letter
will have greater impact.
BOCC MEETING MARCH 5, 2025 PAGE 5 OF 8
Barram and Dr. Fenton will draft a letter, to get to the Board before next
Wednesday.
OTHER ITEMS:
Chair DeBone reported the commissioners returned late last night from the
NACo conference in Washington, D.C. While there, he partnered with
Neighborlmpact and the Latino Community Association. These organizations
are in a similar spot with funding freezes. He also had the opportunity to sit
down with Senator Wyden.
• Commissioner Adair visited the Holocaust Museum during her visit and
cautioned that history can repeat itself, noting the spread of antisemitism
across the country.
• Nick Lelack introduced Jen Patterson, Strategic Initiatives Manager, and
Community Justice Director Deevy Holcomb joined via Zoom. Economic
Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) has requested adding the
Deschutes County logo onto a letter of support for workforce re-entry bills,
HB 2972 and HB 3669. These bills support the re-entry of justice -involved
individuals into the workforce. This item will be revisited at the Friday
morning Legislative Update meeting.
• Patterson also requested to add the County logo onto Association of Oregon
County's (AOC's) letter supporting fully funded community corrections.
Holcomb elaborated on the letter, which reads that a 2024 study indicates
that $18.18 perjustice involved individual is required each day to be
adequately funded. The Board was supportive of adding the County's logo to
this letter.
• Erik Kropp spoke about the draft letter to the Citizen's Assembly on Youth
Homelessness, following last week's discussion on the assembly's
recommendations. Discussion ensued as to whether the letter should be
addressed to the Deschutes Civic Assembly or the citizens of Deschutes
County, and a press release be initiated.
Commissioner Adair spoke about The Drop's website, which lists their
limited hours of operation. She'd like the website to reflect the
operating hours if they have been expanded, and to accurately reflect
the purpose of the services provided.
The Board went through each bullet point of the letter and engaged in
productive discussion on making some minor edits to the letter. Chair
DeBone noted that publishing the letter and doing a related press
release will increase the community's awareness of important services
being provided by the County, such as The Drop and the School -Based
Health Centers.
BOCC MEETING MARCH 5, 2025 PAGE 6 OF 8
• The Board made the decision to rernove the bullet statement on
recommendation 12 from the letter. This recommendation relates to
creating another civic assembly on the housing affordability crisis.
• Commissioner Chang wished to focus recommendation 14 on the fact
that the County provides services which reduce factors that contribute
to homelessness.
Related to recommendation 16, Commissioner Adair spoke about the
16-bed rule. She learned that a youth psychiatric care facility could
have two 16-bed facilities with a shared physical firewall but separate
entrances. Commissioner Chang reported that a 15-bed facility is
currently planned for Redmond. More research is needed.
Related to recommendation 21, Commissioner Chang wished to add
that the County is contributing financially to J Bar J Youth Services as a
service partner.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS:
At 12:34 p.m., the Board entered executive session under ORS 192.660 (2)(h) Litigation, ORS
192.660 (2)(e) Real Property Negotiations and ORS 192.660 (2)(d) Labor Negotiations.
At 1:48 p.m., the executive session concluded, and the public was invited to return to the
room. The Board then directed staff to proceed as discussed during the executive session.
OTHER ITEMS (continued):
• For the Board's consideration, Nicole Mardell presented Board Order no. 2025-
004, an order to reconsider Ordinance No. 2024-007. It would direct County
Legal to withdraw the decision from LUBA for reconsideration. This is due prior
to filing the respondent's brief and would allow the Board to hold a subsequent
public hearing limited de novo to clarify the specific changes that were made to
the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. They are also requesting the Board direct staff to
request a time extension to 180 days, from 90 days.
ADAIR: Moved adoption of Order No. 2025-004
CHANG: Second
VOTES: ADAIR: Yes
CHANG: Yes
VOTES: All yes. Motion passed 3 - 0
Chair DeBone noted that the Friday, March 7t" Legislative Update will begin an
hour earlier than usual, at 7:00 a.m.
ADJOURN:
Being no further items to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 1:52 p.m.
BOCC MEETING MARCH 5, 2025 PAGE 7 OF 8
DATED this Day of 2025 for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners.
ATTEST:
.. "We I.. , T"AlFib S E C R E T A R Y
PATTI ADAIR, VICE CHAIR
PHIL CHANG, corAMISSIONER
BOCC MEETING MARCH 5, 2025 PAGE 8 OF 8
E S Co
{ BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING
11:00 AM, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 05, 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 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
The Board of Commissioners provides time during its public meetings for citizen input. This is an
opportunity for citizens to communicate to the Commissioners on matters that are not otherwise
on the agenda. Time is limited to 3 minutes.
The Citizen Input platform is not available for and may not be utilized to communicate obscene or
defamatory material.
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 an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Bend regarding the
jurisdictional transfer of a segment of Yeoman Road
2. Approval of a Termination of Development Contract with Vic & Vicki Russell and
Sagebrush Development LLC associated with the Newberry Neighborhoods, La Pine
3. Approval of Board Order No. 2025-006 reopening the record for an application to
authorize commercial activity in conjunction with a Farm Use (Winery) in the Multiple
Use Agricultural Zone - Lava Terrace Cellars, 20520 Bowery Lane
4. Consideration of Board Signature on letters reappointing Joseph Mauti, Sarah Canham,
Jake Derksen and Elizabeth Johnson, for service on the Noxious Weed Advisory Board
Consideration of Board Signature on letters appointing Phil Henderson, Dan Ladesma
and Bruce Barton for service on the Facility Project Review Committee
6. Consideration of Board Signature on letter appointing Linda Nolte, for service on the
Behavioral Health Advisory Board
7. Approval of the Minutes of the February 21, 2025 Legislative Update Meeting
8. Approval of the Minutes of the February 21, 2025 Legislative Delegation Update Meeting
ACTION ITEMS
March 05, 2025 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING Page 2 of 3
9. 11:10AMRequest Addition of 1.00 FTE Building Safety Inspector III for A -Level Plumbing
10. 11:25AMNotice of Intent to Award 2025 Qualified Pool of Fuels Reduction Contractors
11. 11:35AMUpdate from Oregon Living With Fire
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.
12. Executive Session under ORS 192.660 (2) (h) Litigation
13. Executive Session under ORS 192.660 (2) (e) Real Property Negotiations
14. Executive Session under ORS 192.660 (2) (d) Labor Negotiations
ADJOURN
March 05, 2025 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING Page 3 of 3
J-ces c
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MEETING
REQUEST TO SPEAK
Citizen Input or Testimony
Subject:Date: .
r
Name6
Address { 1 cof
nA
Phone #s
E-mail address
In Favor Neutral/Undecided a Opposed
Submitting written documents as part of testimony, Yes No movin
Ef
If so, please give a copy to the Recording Secretary for the record.
SUBMIT COMPLETED REQUEST TO
RECORDING SECRETARY BEFORE MEETING BEGINS
E S COG2.a
O -G
MEETING DATE: March 5, 2025
SUBJECT: Update from Oregon Living With Fire
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
N/A - information only.
BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
Oregon Living With Fire is a partnership among the following agencies: Crook County,
Deschutes County, Klamath County, Jefferson County, United States Forest Service, Bureau
of Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, National Resources Conservation
Service, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, OSU Extension, Oregon State Fire Marshall,
and Walker Range Fire Patrol.
Staff will update the Board of County Commissioners on the Oregon Living With Fire 2024
Annual Report and the Oregon Living With Fire 2025 Statement of Work.
BUDGET IMPACTS:
None
ATTENDANCE:
Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator
Jodie Baram, Oregon Living With Fire
Dr. Jen Fenton, Oregon Living With Fire
OREGON LIVIN
MISSION STATEMENT: Guided by the National Cohesive Wildland Fire
Management Strategy's framework and vision: To safely and effectively extinguish
fire when needed; use fire where allowable; manage our natural resources; and
collectively learn to live with wildland fire.
There are three primary goals that are necessary to achieving the vision.
1. Resilient landscapes: Landscapes, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries,
are resilient to fire, insect, disease, invasive species and climate change
disturbances, in accordance with management objectives.
2. Fire -adapted communities: Human populations and infrastructure are as
prepared as possible to receive, respond to and recover from wildland fire (that
impacts communities).
3. Safe and effective risk -based wildfire response: All jurisdictions,
responding in all land types, participate in making and implementing safe, effective
and efficient risk -based wildfire management decisions.
Oregon Living With Fire 2024 Annual Report 01
West Region
ast Region
Nested under the Wildland Fire
Leadership Council Western
Region, Oregon Living With Fire
covers Crook, Deschutes,
Jefferson, and the northern
part of Klamath Counties. It is
the local level facilitator
helping to implement and track
the Cohesive Strategy.
Oregon Living With Fire 2024 Annual Report 02
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Oregon Living With Fire 2024 Annual Report 03
Oregon Living With Fire meets the national goals through a Program of Work,
approved by its Steering Committee, engaging in objectives like strengthening
partnerships, expanding communications, attending conferences and giving
presentations. In 2024, we:
• Added capacity to the Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project, Ochoco Forest
Restoration Collaborative, and Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative.
• Partnered with The Nature Conservancy, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
Department of Forestry and others to host the 2024 Central Oregon TREX program
at Rock Springs Ranch. This two week prescribed fire training exchange was
instrumental in treating acres locally in a peer -to -peer learning environment.
• Assisted with updating Community Wildfire Protection Plans in Crook and Deschutes
Counties.
• Researched and explored funding opportunities.
• Collaborated on and participated at Wildfire Preparedness Fairs in Sisters, Bend,
Prineville, Madras and La Pine.
• Presented at the 2024 Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Conference in Reno, Nevada,
using the 10 & 18 framework to engage participants in thinking about how to
effectively coordinate with individuals, stakeholders and agencies in their areas to
meet the Cohesive Strategy goals.
• Helped facilitate a prescribed fire tour with the Deschutes National Forest.
• Hosted the annual Central Oregon Fire Year Briefing for partners to prepare for
wildfire activity.
• Continued building partnerships to advance green debris disposal in Central
Oregon.
• Created regular newsletter and blog content relevant to the Cohesive Strategy to
share with stakeholders.
• Participated in meetings to learn about the latest science and collaborate on best
practices that can be applied in the Central Oregon region.
Oregon Living With Fire 2024 Annual Report 04
Wildfires are a persistent risk to Oregon's communities and resources. For example,
The High Desert Museum and The Museum at Warm Springs house thousands of
years of cultural artifacts and, in the case of the High Desert Museum, live animals.
These institutions play a critical role in preserving the region's heritage, but their
unique needs make evacuation plans complex and challenging.
To address these risks, Oregon Living With Fire submitted a grant application under
FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program for the
installation of the Wildfire Infrastructure Resilience and Emergency Suppression
(WIRES) system. This system would allow the museums to shelter in place during
wildfires and may provide a safe evacuation option for local residents when other
facilities are unavailable.
Although the application met or exceeded expectations, it was not selected for
award due to limited funding. Oregon Living With Fire is exploring additional funding
opportunities, including the potential to resubmit the application in a future BRIC
funding cycle.
Additional Grant Opportunities
Oregon Living With Fire also connects communities with other resources to help
reduce wildfire risks and improve preparedness. Here are several programs
currently available:
• Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG): Provides funding for the creation
or updating of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and
implementation of projects that reduce wildfire risks.
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): Supports long-term risk reduction
projects following major disaster declarations.
• Pre -Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program: Focuses on proactive hazard planning
and projects to lessen disaster impacts before they occur.
• Rural Fire Capacity (RFC) Grant Program: Offers financial assistance to rural
fire departments for training, equipment purchases, and fire prevention
initiatives.
Oregon Living With Fire 2024 Annual Report 05
Oregon Living With Fire 2024 Annual Report 06
US
1 1 A Natural _L_
Resources f �—�
i Conservation
service I`'a;;
AltloPl�JEFFERSON
COUNTY
A& OREGON
Steering Committee
Tim Deboodt, Crook County Natural Resources
Tony DeBone, Deschutes County Commissioner
Mark Wunsch, Jefferson County Commissioner
Ian Thigpen, Klamath County Emergency Manager
HollyJewkes, Deschutes Nat'l Forest Supervisor
Shane Jeffries, Ochoco Nat'l Forest Supervisor
Amanda Roberts, BLM District Manager
Rob Pentzer, ODF District Forester
Damon Brosnan, MRCS Team Leader
Bobby Brunoe, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
®�®® Ariel Cowan, OSU Extension Regional Fire Specialist
-DES
Heather Miller, OSFM Fire Risk Reduction Specialist
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF
04 2 Echo Murray, Walker Range EPA Dispatch Coordinator
SPRINGS Staff
WARM
Jodie Barrarn, Co -Coordinator
Oregon StateUniversity Dr. Jennifer Fenton, Co -Coordinator
Extension Service Erik Kropp, Contract Administrator
Fire Program
® www.oregonIivingwithfire. org_
coordinator@oregonIivingwithfire.org
https://www.facebook.com/OregonLivingwithFire
® https://x.com/OregonLWFire
OREGON LIVING WITH FIRE - 2025 Program of Work
MISSION STATEMENT. Guided by the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management
Strategy's framework and vision: To safely and effectively extinguish fire when needed;
use fire where allowable; manage our natural resources; and collectively learn to live
with wildland fire.
There are three primary goals that are necessary to achieving the vision.
1. Restore and maintain resilient landscapes
2. Create and maintain fire adapted communities
3. Safe and effective wildfire response
Objective CS Goal Activity
When Outcomes/Notes
Create regular Newsletter (quarterly) &
Blog posts (monthly) to share news with
stakeholders.
https://www.oregonlivin
gwithfire.org/olwf-bloc/
• Provide outreach and public
information on the outcomes of
Ideas: COFPC
infrastructure funding, SB762,
partnerships, Jen's
Joint Chief's and CLFR funding.
grant successes,
All Goals
Highlight how our relationships in
Dec. 2025
TREX, Watch Duty
Central Oregon allow us to
explanation, prepare for
successful in competing for
fire season, Who is
funding and making a difference
Who and Who does
on the landscape. Sharing
What, past year's
success stories.
accomplishments
Smoke and Public Health
Cabin Butte Project
(SAPH) messaging.
Communication
• Wildfire Crisis Strategy
messaging
Capitalize on teachable moments
Began regular
All Goals
through media partnerships.
Dec. 2025
interviews on KSJJ
102.9FM in January.
All Goals
Develop and distribute a progress report
Jan./June
Jodie/Jen
bi-annually.
2025
Distribute an annual report for OLWF
httas://drive.google.com
/file/d/1 LIZ8wJZz1 Dn119
activities in communication, coordination,
Jan
XTi2yl1 UjfOSoN6zs1/vi
All Goals
convening, and as a clearinghouse — ie.
2025
ew?usp=sharing
earned media, social media, how
deliverables were met, etc.
Capitalize on teachable moments
All Goals
through presentations. Partner with
Dec. 2025
other NGOs and non -profits.
Resilient
Landscape
Plan and implement at least one live
& Fire
prescribed fire tour for public and elected
May 2025
Conferences &
Adapted
officials.
Presentations
Comm
Participate at and report out on the
Have SC member
All Goals
National Cohesive Wildland Fire
2025
attend if Jen and Jodie
Management Strategy Workshop.
can't.
Response &
Fire
Participate at and report out on the
March
Adapted
Wildland Urban Interface Conference.
2025
Comm
All Goals
Attend the Western Region Cohesive
Strategic Planning Face to Face.
Forest Collaboratives:
Maintain and enhance partnerships with
local Collaborative groups by attending
regular meetings and participating as
appropriate in local related field activities
with the
KLFHP - Ariel is
• Deschutes Collaborative Forest
chairing their outreach
Resilient
Project
subcommittee. THey
Landscape &
• Ochoco Forest Restoration
Ongoing
may be having an
Fire Adapted
Collaborative
online option going
Comm
• Klamath Lake Forest Health
forward.
Project
Northern Klamath
• Central Oregon Shared
County / Walker Range
Stewardship Foundation
and add capacity to these all hands, all
Coordinate
lands groups committed to working across
boundaries & look for tie in with shared
stewardship.
Local Groups:
Maintain relationships with
• Central Oregon Fire Chiefs
Association (COFCA)
• Central Oregon Fire Prevention
Co -Op (COFPC)
All Goals
• Walker Range
Ongoing
. La Pine Basin All -Lands
Partnership
• Project Wildfire
• Smoke and Public Health
• Rangeland Fire Protection
Associations
• other groups
Fire Networks:
Maintain relationships with the
Resilient
• Fire Adapted Communities
Landscape &
Learning Network FACNet
Ongoing
Participate regularly on
Fire Adapted
• Fire Learning Networks Ft LN)
the Mighty Network.
Comm
• TREX
• Indigenous Peoples Burning
Network IPBN
National Cohesive Strategy:
• Expand partnerships by actively
participating in the Western
Region Strategy Committee.
• Strengthen relationship with the
Report out to Steering
All Goals
International Association of Fire
Ongoing
Committee monthly.
Chiefs (IAFC) Wildland Fire Policy
Committee (WFPC).
• Develop new relationships with
other stakeholders across/for the
benefit of the OLWF landscape.
Green Debris Disposal:
Resilient
Encourage using a variety of methods for
Ongoing
Landscape
reducing fuels (air curtain burners,
compost sales, FireFree, biomass, etc.).
Resilient
CWPPs:
Landscape &
Work with NRCS during CWPP updates to
Fire Adapted
cultivate relationships with stakeholders
Dec. 2025
Comm
within the CWPP boundaries to facilitate
implementation of projects on private land.
GRANTS:
• Research & explore funding
and/or co-sponsorship
All Goals
opportunities for activities that
Dec. 2025
further the Cohesive Strategy.
• Assist partners with writing,
reviewing, editing, and/or
submitting rants.
All goals
Steering Committee:
Hold regular Steering Committee
meetings. Discuss and coordinate
activities/treatments.'
Ongoing
Meeting the 2nd
Thursday of :every
month Oct. -June.
Central Oregon Fire Year Briefing:
. report out fuels reduction work
and accomplishments instead of
fire response.
• Gather geospatial data where
treatments happened if available
Convene
and totals from entities who work
with private landowners.
Response
• Discuss fuel breaks, POD
May 2025
boundaries, work with entities like'
road districts.
• Create localized scenario(s).
Maybe move around year-to-year
(Prineville, Madras, La Pine...).
Invite partners, media, elected
officials, key community
members/leaders (maybe some
public), Fires? ise site
coordinators? — ,-----
Maintain an active online presence via the
OLWF website and social media.
Resilient
Develop a "Complete Story" that shows
Landscape &
the connection with industry, agencies,
Track statistics here.
Fire Adapted
private and public stakeholders illustrating
Ongoing
Comms
how the CS is being implemented in the
OLWF landscape through collaboration,
common round and risk sharing.
Websites S
Resilient
Other Items
Landscape &
Centraloregonfire.org website
Fire Adapted
administration and stakeholder
Ongoing
Comms
coordination.
Print materials: Cohesive Strategy update
All goals
materials, local clearinghouse type
materials.
7AIIgoals
Everbridge support for non -emergency
Ongoing
texts related to prescribed fire.
BOARD OF COUNTY w. ;I I
**DRAFT**
February 28, 2025
Deschutes Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness
c/o Healthy Democracy
P.O. Box 18104
Portland, OR 97218
Dear Deschutes Civic Assembly:
Thank you for your time and work studying the issue of youth homelessness. We appreciate the civil
discussions and thoughtful deliberations that led to the twenty-two recommendations. Listed below are
recommendations Deschutes County's commitment to the recommendations relating to County services
and/or advocacy:
Recommendation 2 - A central hub with a recreation center run by Bend Parks and
Recreation; a safe place for at -risk teens; designated space for programs and non-
governmental organizations that would allow teens to access benefits at one central location.
o Deschutes County role: Health Services operates The Drop, a center that serves youth and
young adults ages 14 - 27. Located in Redmond and Bend, The Drop is meant to be a safe and
supportive place where people make connections that could have a positive impact on their
life. If Bend Parks and Recreation decides to open a teen recreation center, County staff will
be available to provide advice and input based on experience operating The Drop.
Recommendation 3 - Improve foster care system.
o Deschutes County role: advocacy; continue to provide funding to CASA (Court Appointed
Special Advocates); continue to provide funding to J Bar J and promoting J Bar J's annual
fundraising event.
• Recommendation 5 - Childcare support for families with young children to help break the
cycle of poverty.
o Deschutes County role: advocacy; continue to invest in non -profits such as Mountain Star
Nursery; advocate for Neigh borlmpact's Head Start program; and continue to support child
care services and projects like the Neighborlmpact's Food Warehouse (the County allocated
millions of ARPA dollars in support of these efforts).
1300 NW Wall Street Bend, Oregon 97703
Qi (541) 388-6572 board@deschutes.org @www.deschutes.org
Recommendation 7 - Use social media advertisements and posters in public spaces to
increase public awareness of available services and indicate who to contact for more
information.
o Deschutes County role: advocacy; continue to increase social, mental, emotional, and physical
health supports in schools participating in the Healthy Schools Program; and continue to
provide mental health services to youth at Deschutes County School -Based Health Centers.
Recommendation 8 - Expand public transit in Deschutes County.
o Deschutes County role: the County is not a transit provider but does approve the Deschutes
County Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) Plan. Deschutes County will
continue to evaluate how best to meet the transportation needs of the community as it
reviews and approves STIF Plans. The County will also advocate for improved transit.
• Recommendation 12 - Create another civic assembly in the future, dedicated to the housing
affordability crisis.
o Deschutes County role: advocacy.
[Note for BOCC discussion: The Civic Assembly has requested that the County to dedicate
funds for this in next year's County budget]
Recommendation 14 - Provide education on homelessness and human trafficking, starting as
early in the education process as school districts deem appropriate and feasible throughout
Deschutes County.
o Deschutes County role: advocacy; continue to increase social, mental, emotional, and physical
health supports in schools participating in the Healthy Schools Program; and continue to
provide mental health services to youth at Deschutes County School -Based Health Centers.
Recommendation 16 - Prioritize funding for inpatient psychiatric care for minors.
o Deschutes County role: this recommendation has been a long-standing goal for the Board
and the Health Services Department and is a Deschutes County priority for the 2025
Legislative Session. We will continue to advocate and lead the effort for inpatient psychiatric
care for minors.
Recommendation 21 - 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.
o Deschutes County role: TBD (CHRO oversight is transitioning to COIC. The CHRO budget
remains a County fund).
Thank you again for your time serving on the Civic Assembly and the recommendations for addressing youth
homelessness in our community.
Board of County Commissioners,
Anthony DeBone, Chair Patti Adair, Vice Chair Phil Chang, Commissioner
Afic
XIMP
ASSOCIATION OF
OREGON COUNTIES
Fully Fund Community Corrections
Since SB 1145 (1995), Counties have operated the Community Corrections system, funded
by state grant in aid dollars through the Dept. of Corrections (DOC) budget. DOC is
required to conduct an Actual Cost Study every 6 years to identify the costs to counties for
providing this service. The state has not fully funded community corrections to actual costs
since 2006.
The 2024 study shows that the rate is $18.18 per person, per day. The base DOC budget
funds counties at $15.09 per person, per day. Full funding requires an additional $68
million, as requested in DOC POP 102. Community supervision is 10% of the cost of a DOC
bed.
Probation, Parole, and Post -prison supervision keep individuals in their communities,
where they are connected to family and services, able to be employed, and still be held
accountable for crimes they committed, with the goal of transitioning them off supervision
and desisting from crime. There are currently 22,000 people under community supervision,
45% are considered medium or high risk to reoffend. 15.3% were convicted of sex crimes or
homicide. An additional 29.2%were convicted of person crimes. Probation Officers can
have 50-60 people under supervision at one time, juggling high risk and high need cases.
Caseloads have become increasingly complex, with many individuals facing significant
behavioral challenges, substance use disorders, and housing issues. Treatment and
housing are proven techniques to reduce recidivism and improve community safety. Fully
funded community corrections enables more individuals to access them.
• �< . . �.
4`
• Reduced Probation Officer caseloads to better supervise offenders, ensure
accountability, and improve community safety
• Expanded access to treatment, housing, and services like drug courts
• Better ability to support crime victims
• An opportunity for counties to reestablish programs that have been cut due to a lack
of funding, such as work release centers, specialty courts, and restoring PO
positions that were eliminated in prior years
