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2001-825-Minutes for Meeting October 11,2001 Recorded 10/31/2001DESCHUTES COUNTY OFFICIAL RECORDS :� E S CO MARY SUE PENHOLLOW , COUNTY CLERK COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL 1d�31�Z4d1 �8;11�4� QM Board of Commissioners 0 1130 N.W. Harriman St., Bend, Oregon 97701-1947 (541) 388-6570 • Fax (541) 388-4752 www.deschutes.org Tom De Wolf MINUTES Dennis R. Luke Mike Daly JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND THE CITY OF BEND COUNCIL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2001 Present were County Commissioners Tom De Wolf, Dennis R. Luke and Michael M. Daly. Also present were Mike Maier, County Administrator, George Read, County Community Development; and Rick Isham, County Legal Counsel. Representing the City of Bend were Councilors John Schubert, Oren Teater, Kyla Merwin and Kathy Eckman; also Bill Friedman, Mayor; Mike Elmore, City of Bend Public Works Director; Interim Bend City Manager Ron Garzini; and Recording Secretary Patty Stell. Also in attendance were Jan Griffin, Humane Society of Central Oregon; Todd Griffith, representing Swalley Irrigation District,- and istrict;and media representative Barney Lerten of bendnet. com. The meeting began at approximately 12:00 noon. 1. Discussion of Swalley Irrigation District Petition Ron Garzini gave an overview of the situation, which has been an issue for many years. Using existing law, and working together, would probably solve a number of problems, including providing a long-term supply of water for the City of Bend and leaving more water in the middle portion of the Deschutes River. This would also allow Swalley Irrigation District to make more careful use of water that they acquire. Minutes of Meeting Page 1 of 5 Pages Board of County CommissionerQ fjit�c be&1"944V�P formed with Pride Thursday, October 11, 2001 The City committed $100,000 to begin the engineering of pressurizing or lining the Swalley system. He explained that under Oregon Revised Statute, cities have to leave all saved water in the Deschutes River. At the same time, the City would acquire some water rights for future needs. He said some negative feedback was expected, so a couple of public relations campaigns have been done regarding river issues. This process seems to be the most logical way to acquire the water rights that are needed, yet will leave more water in the Deschutes. Commissioner Luke asked how much of the Swalley system is outside the urban growth boundary; Todd Griffith replied that he thinks it's approximately one-half to two-thirds. Commissioner Luke said there has always been a problem with people who are not entitled to the water taking it from the canal. Having an open canal also leaves the system open to pollution, and there are some safety issues, since children could easily fall into the canal. Commissioner DeWolf asked if this is going to be a land use issue. Kathy Eckman replied that some people say there is historical value that needs to be considered. Todd Griffith said they hoped that they have been able to answer the petitioners' questions sufficiently. They have discussed meeting with the petitioners, who raised over $50,000 to file a declaratory judgment. He stated he hopes they can reach a consensus. The petitioners are driven by their property values and a concern that if the water is piped, trails open to the public will be put in. Ron Garzini explained that all of the water saved goes into the river, and it is the right thing for the environment. They need to pick a plan and stick with it. There are cheaper ways, but this is the best way to handle it. No solution is going to be entirely perfect. Commissioner DeWolf stated that this is within the City's rights. John Schubert asked whom this affects; Todd Griffith replied the entire urban growth boundary, which includes the first five miles of the main canal. He further explained that most of the petitioners are not directly affected. There were 265 petitioners, but only 30 of the actual users signed the petition. There are less than 100 living on the canal, and some of those are not even in the irrigation district. Minutes of Meeting Page 2 of 5 Pages Board of County Commissioners and City of Bend Council Thursday, October 11, 2001 He also explained that this water impacts the quality of the river. There are some threatened fish in the Deschutes, and the canals are considered waters of the state. The DEQ and EPA could monitor the canals as they would a river. The idea is to be proactive, to avoid an issue like the one that occurred this summer in Klamath Falls. Bill Friedman said that trails are a good idea, but there has to be consensus; John Schubert said there is an urban trail plan. Commissioner DeWolf stated that trails could already be put into place next to the ditches; Ron Garzini explained that some adjacent property owners are not yet convinced that trails are an asset. 2. Update on the Bend Welcome Center Property Commissioner Luke said that ODOT is waiting for an opinion on its bonds, and an agreement has been worked out with the visitors' center. Mike Maier said that trading stock has also been identified, and that the process seems to be going well. (A general discussion of ODOT-owned properties occurred at this time.) Bill Friedman asked if the County is able to print out maps showing types of properties through its GIS system. George Read said it can be done, and could be broken down according to who owns it - the cities, county, parks and so on. Mr. Friedman said this could help in many ways, including identifying potential affordable housing areas. 3. Discussion of Bend Municipal Golf Course Mike Maier went over some literature on the potential Bend golf course. He said Larry Langston met with the Commissioners, and requested that Deschutes County help with the planning process. Deschutes County would get funds from the state's parks acquisition fund, which is derived from RV fees. The Commissioners could access these funds and partner with the City. He further stated that if this becomes a reality there would be reduced greens fees for County residents, benefiting those who normally cannot afford to play golf. Minutes of Meeting Page 3 of 5 Pages Board of County Commissioners and City of Bend Council Thursday, October 11, 2001 Bill Friedman explained that the City supports this. The effluent from the sewage treatment plant needs to go somewhere, and using it in this manner could result in a great savings. Ron Garzini said that one major problem is the level 4 effluent; it is his hope that at least 2 million of the 5 million gallons of water could be sold to Huntington Ranch Resort, and some could be provided to the Bend Pine Nursery land and to the golf complex. He said he checked out Alameda Public Golf Course in the Bay Area, and it was full of kids and seniors in an area where most would not be able to afford to play golf. He was told it is very profitable; once the fixed costs are in, it became a moneymaker. He said the original plan f'or the Bend course was brought down from $6 million to $4 million. He further emphasized that already many people in Central Oregon can't afford to play golf here. Mike Elmore stated that they will have to find a place for all that effluent level 4 water. Mr. Garzini replied that they have to be careful with the placement of ponds, as these can result in bird problems for the nearby Bend Airport. Kyla Merwin said that it might be possible to make it an Audubon sanctioned course, which means certain environmental standards have been followed. Commissioner DeWolf stated that he'd like to see this project go forward. Bill Friedman said they aren't asking for the city or county to build it at this time; just to do a financial pro forma plan. If it makes sense, both entities will probably go forward with it. Mr. Garzini explained that they can't forget about calculating the avoided costs of dealing with the sewage; something has to be done with all that water. Mike Maier said it would be a joint effort just in the planning process. It could be a year-round course, and initial figures show that it will work and be profitable. Commissioner DeWolf stated that communications need to remain open on this issue; and the effluent problem will need to be dealt with eventually. 4. Follow-up on Tour of Knott Landfill John Schubert said that the presentation was a good one. Commissioner DeWolf stated that a closure strategy is in place, and things are moving forward as planned. Minutes of Meeting Page 4 of 5 Pages Board of County Commissioners and City of Bend Council Thursday, October 11, 2001 5. Additions to the Agenda Jan Griffin of the Humane Society of Central Oregon explained that the Society is doing well, but that a new shelter is really needed. She gave an overview of the feral cat clinic, when feral cats are altered; there were 80 cats handled at the last one. Commissioner DeWolf brought up Heritage Square, a favorite project of Barry Slaughter (who recently passed away), and indicated he would like to see some progress made in that regard. John Schubert said that most of this project went into the hands of the Bend Development Board. Being no further items brought to the table for discussion, the meeting adjourned at 1:1 S p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bonnie Baker Recording Secretary Minutes of Meeting Page 5 of 5 Pages Board of County Commissioners and City of Bend Council Thursday, October 11, 2001