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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-31-12 La Pine NotesCommunity Meeting Notes - La Pine July 31, 2012 South County1 Policies Note: The following goals and policies complement those cited in the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan. They are specifically tailored to address South County’s issues and perspectives. Community Involvement and Partnerships Goal 1 Involve and engage the South County community in land use planning. Policy 1.1 Conduct an annual meeting in South County with the Board of County Commissioners and Deschutes County Planning Commission. Policy 1.2 Through a public process, reassess the South County Plan every three to five years, or as needed, and analyze, at a minimum: a. Population growth; b. Effectiveness of plan implementation; and c. New issues or emerging opportunities. Policy 1.3 Maximize public participation on locally significant issues by establishing, where appropriate, technical or citizen advisory committees. Policy 1.4 Share information and communication with residents, community organizations and absentee landowners through: a. Hosting town hall meetings with all South County partners; b. Utilizing internet and social media; c. Distributing, through a variety of avenues, outreach and education materials that provide information on locally-led efforts promoting social, economic and environmental programs; d. Encouraging community organizers and leaders to write articles for local newspapers. Goal 2 Support public, private and non-profit partnerships. Policy 2.1 Foster a sense of shared identity and pride in South County through community- projects. Policy 2.2 Support a self-reliant community with Deschutes County taking the role as partner and facilitator. Policy 2.3 Encourage homeowner associations, road districts, community groups, government agencies, and non-profits to collectively address land use and natural resource issues. Policy 2.4 Encourage organizations like La Pine and Sunriver Chambers of Commerce, and Central Oregon Visitors Association to maintain and enhance webpages highlighting South County’s amenities and community resources. 1 South County refers to Sunriver south, excluding Sunriver and La Pine Comment [PG1]: Received one red (discussion) dot. Participants and staff discussed the South County Plan as a distinct chapter in the Comprehensive Plan. Comment [PG2]: Received three green (supporting) dots Comment [PG3]: Received one green (supporting) dot. Comment [PG4]: Received two green (supporting) dots. Comment [PG5]: Received three red (discussion) dots. Participants asked to remove facilitator as a role for Deschutes County, citing previous experiences (financial advisory committee, high groundwater work programs) that were not well received by the public. Comment [PG6]: Received one (supporting) green dot. South County Plan Policies: revised 7-27-12 -2- Policy 2.5 Partner with real estate professionals and homeowner associations to provide education materials for new residents about rural lifestyles, including: a. Non-urban levels of public services (e.g. unpaved roads); b. Fire prevention; c. Noxious weeds; d. River and groundwater management. Policy 2.6 Collaborate2 with Lake and Klamath counties on issues that affect Central and Southeastern Oregon, such as groundwater quality, economic development, social services or transportation. Land Use Goal 3 Provide County assistance to address existing and emerging land use issues and opportunities. Policy 3.1 Collaborate with the City of La Pine and community organizations to address: a. Business expansion and recruitment, including adding another grocery store and a movie theater; b. A 24-hour health care facility; c. Community greenhouses; d. Affordable senior housing and/or aging in place programs; e. Trail development; f. Farmer’s markets; g. Public transportation; h. La Pine Neighborhood Planning Area (the area bounded by Burgess Road, US 97, 1st Street and Huntington Road); i. Post-high school education, employment retraining, adult learning, and vocational programs; and j. Designating a meeting area that can be used for Skyping k. Other projects as identified. Policy 3.2 Participate with homeowner associations, property owners and residents to address rural issues important to the community, including code enforcement. Policy 3.3 Initiate code changes to address demographic trends, such as the need for accessory housing units to assist senior residents, when allowed by state law. Goal 4 Manage County-owned lands to meet community objectives. Policy 4.1 Evaluate and manage existing and newly acquired County-owned lands as follows: a. Properties meeting the County criteria for park lands as cited in Comprehensive Plan Policy 1.3.14, may be designated by the Board of County Commissioners as such so they can be retained in public ownership; b. Properties recognized in a park district master plan may be considered by the Board of County Commissioners for a park designation so they can be retained in public ownership; 2 Collaborate, as used in this Plan, refers to partnerships, cooperation and working together, no taxation is implied. Comment [PG7]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG8]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG9]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG10]: Both received red (discussion) and green (supporting) dots. Participants discussed the importance of health care facilities and community greenhouses in La Pine Comment [PG11]: Received four (supporting) green dots. Comment [PG12]: Received two (supporting) green dots. Comment [PG13]: Suggested policy addition. Comment [PG14]: Received two (supporting) green dots. Comment [PG15]: Received two (supporting) green dots. South County Plan Policies: revised 7-27-12 -3- c. If a property does not meet the criteria for park lands, consider including it in the next County auction to place it back on the tax rolls. d. If a property does not meet criteria for park lands but is within a wildlife overlay zone, consider maintaining the land as open space. Policy 4.2 Coordinate with local park and recreation districts or other qualified organizations to transfer County designated park lands into their ownership for park and recreation purposes, as allowed by State Statue, ORS 275.330. Policy 4.3 Consider County-owned lands for other community uses, such as affordable housing or centralized sewer collection. Policy 4.4 Continue to use all the proceeds derived from the La Pine Neighborhood Planning Area to protect the groundwater in South Deschutes County. Policy 4.5 In conjunction with the City of La Pine, evaluate the Transfer of Development Credit and Pollution Reduction Credit programs and reform as needed by considering, at a minimum, the following: a. Reconvene the Transfer of Development Credit Advisory Committee; b. Analyze the results of the program; c. Understand existing market trends and land development constraints in the rural area and La Pine Neighborhood Planning Area; and d. Explore, if necessary, different alternatives for developing the La Pine Neighborhood Planning Area that maximize revenues from the sale of property to fund groundwater protection efforts. Goal 5 Address high groundwater lots and zoning and surveying issues. Policy 5.1 Develop a work plan to determine the future development and conservation potential of approximately 1,500 high groundwater lots. The work plan will need to incorporate the possibility that an unknown number of lots may be served by centralized sewer or other methods of collection in the future (See Goal 9), which would open up lots for development opportunities where that possibility may not currently exist today. The work plan should, at minimum analyze: a. Impact of the newly permitted development on roads, riparian areas, wildlife habitat, and wetlands; and b. Acquisition options such as purchasing the lots, land transfers or other ideas. Policy 5.2 Develop a work plan, in coordination with property owners, to update the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning designations to reflect the land use and development pattern in Section 36, Haner Park or other applicable areas with long-standing issues, while protecting ecologically significant natural areas or resources. Policy 5.3 Develop strategies to address surveying errors including those in the Lechner Estates area. Economic Development Goal 6 Foster a healthy economic and employment base in South County, while retaining rural character. Comment [PG16]: Received one red (discussion) dot. Participants discussed Deschutes County’s high groundwater lots. Comment [PG17]: Participant suggested an additional policy. Comment [PG18]: Received one red (discussion) dot. Participants discussed Deschutes County’s transferable development credit program. Comment [PG19]: Received three (supporting) green dots. Comment [PG20]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG21]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG22]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG23]: Received one (supporting) green dot. South County Plan Policies: revised 7-27-12 -4- Policy 6.1 Promote La Pine as a regional commercial and employment center, through concepts such as: a. Maintain and support La Pine’s representation on Economic Development for Central Oregon’s (EDCO) Board; b. Coordinate as needed with EDCO, La Pine and Sunriver Chambers of Commerce, Sunriver, the City of La Pine, and others to promote economic development opportunities; and c. Collaborate with Klamath County, Gilchrest and Crescent. Policy 6.2 Facilitate South County tourism by: a. Supporting organizations like Travel Oregon, Central Oregon Visitors Association, and La Pine and Sunriver Chambers of Commerce’s efforts to promote the area as a tourist destination; b. Promoting the Upper Deschutes, Little Deschutes, and Fall rivers that highlight low-impact activities such as fishing or canoeing; c. Supporting marketing that identifies Cascade Lakes Highway as a defining South County asset and gateway; and d. Exploring a marketing campaign for the area north of State Recreation Road as “Three RiversSouth County,” and for the area south of it as the “Heart of Newberry Country.” Goal 7 Grow a vibrant rural economy while respecting the rural environment. Policy 7.1 Adopt zoning for small destination resorts, as defined in ORS 197.445. Policy 7.2 Encourage the development of high-speed internet access to support home- based employment opportunities. Policy 7.3 Audit and amend if necessary, Deschutes County Code to encourage and support economic development, such as reviewing height limitations. Policy 7.4 Explore potential opportunities for local-serving commercial development. Policy 7.5 Support rural development initiatives such as forest product businesses, extractive industries and energy facilities. Public Facilities Goal 8 Ensure public facilities and services are appropriate to South County’s unique development pattern and natural amenities. Policy 8.1 Maintain and improve public safety on public and private lands by supporting federal, state and local law enforcement and fire protection agencies. Policy 8.2 Support the agencies and organizations like the Deschutes Public Library, Bend- La Pine School District, Little Deschutes Grange Hall and La Pine Park and Recreation District’s missions and funding to provide: a. Services and programs for the community; and b. Meeting spaces and educational resources. Comment [PG24]: Received two red (discussion) dots. Participants discussed the importance of small, locally owned businesses. Comment [PG25]: Received red (discussion) and green (supporting) dots. Participants discussed La Pine being a hub for South County and South Eastern Oregon. Comment [PG26]: Received one red (discussion) dot. See comment below. Comment [PG27]: Received 3 red (discussion) and one green (supporting) dot. Participants supported a unified area called “South County.” Many felt that individual labels create community division. Comment [PG28]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG29]: Received two (supporting) green dots. Comment [PG30]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG31]: Received one red (discussion) dot. Participants felt removing height restrictions could lead to impacts on the viewshed. Comment [PG32]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG33]: Received three red (discussion) dots. Participants discussed concerns about bio-mass and eminent domain. South County Plan Policies: revised 7-27-12 -5- Goal 9 Support Partner with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to protect groundwater and public health. Policy 9.1 Explore opportunities for Goal 11 exceptions and the full range of advance wastewater treatment opportunities, including but not limited to, the use of onsite alternative treatment technology, centralized sewer systems and cluster systems. Policy 9.2 Support the DEQ’s efforts to evaluate the costs and benefits of wastewater alternatives such as centralized wastewater systems and sewer district formation, and consider pilot projects or potential case studies to demonstrate cost and benefit examples. Transportation Goal 10 Expand transportation alternatives. Policy 10.1 Support the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council and community organizations to: a. Expand regional public transit options for residents living in Sunriver, La Pine and outlying rural neighborhoods; b. Expand park and ride lots where there is an identified need; c. Explore commute options such as private ride share or shuttles; d. Expand mobility options for persons with disabilities; e. Involve user groups such as students, elderly or disabled residents in public transit discussions; f. Provide information to the community about existing transit opportunities; and g. Explore the long-term potential for passenger rail. Policy 10.2 Create a regional trail plan in coordination with affected stakeholders including the City of La Pine, the Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, La Pine Park and Recreation District, U.S. Forest Service, special road districts, and homeowner associations, considering at minimum: a. Adequate rights of way; b. Appropriate locations and designs to provide connectivity; c. Public safety; d. Access to schools, parks, employment and other popular destinations; and e. Funding sources, including bicycle licenses. Goal 11 Maintain and improve the public road system. Policy 11.1 Support the voluntary formation of special road districts. Policy 11.2 Partner with special road districts, the County Road Department and neighborhood associations to determine how best to maintain roads that provide primary thoroughfares or emergency egress. Policy 11.3 Explore partnerships and funding options for road maintenance. Policy 11.4 Post a clear explanation of which roads are maintained and why on the Road Department website. Comment [PG34]: Received four red (discussion) and two green (supporting) dots. Participants wanted to change “support” for “partner.” There’s concern about DEQ’s determination of neighborhoods requiring ATT systems. Comment [PG35]: Received one red (discussion) dot. Participants discussed DEQ’s current efforts evaluating neighborhoods on a case-by-case basis to determine if advanced wastewater treatment (ATTs) are required for new development and remodels. Comment [PG36]: Received one red (discussion) and two green (support) dots. See comments above. Comment [PG37]: Received three (supporting) green dots. Comment [PG38]: Received two (supporting) green dots. Comment [PG39]: Received one red (discussion) and one green (supporting) dos. Participants noted that Policy 11.1-11.3 are redundant. Comment [PG40]: Received one red (discussion) and one green (supporting) dot. Comment [PG41]: Received one red (discussion) dot. See comment above. Comment [PG42]: Received one (supporting) green dot. South County Plan Policies: revised 7-27-12 -6- Goal 12 Partner with Oregon Department of Transportation, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Sunriver and La Pine to address regional transportation issues Policy 12.1 Support U.S. Forest Service efforts to improve non-motorized connections that either use or parallel USFS # 41 Road from Spring River Road just west of Sunriver to Cascade Lakes Highway by the Inn of the 7th Mountain. Policy 12.2 Coordinate pedestrian and vehicle crossing solutions for Highway 97. Policy 12.3 Evaluate a north-south alternative to Highway 97 on the western edge of South County, extending from Burgess Road to Spring River Road. Policy 12.4 Coordinate with Oregon Department of Transportation and the City of La Pine on the La Pine Transportation System Plan. Policy 12.5 Work with the U.S. Forest Service to address maintenance of Forest Service roads that provide access to rural subdivisions, such as USFS # 44. Natural Hazards Goal 13 Minimize the threat of wildfire in the Wildland Urban Interface. Policy 13.1 Assist fire districts and community organizations in fire prevention activities, such as: a. FireFree spring and fall events; b. Debris clearing and/or drop off and pick up sites; c. Ladder fuel reductions; and d. Updating Community Wildfire Protection Plans. Policy 13.2 Encourage neighbors and residents to become Firewise, a national recognition for fire-adapted communities. Policy 13.3 Keep property owners, including absentee landowners, informed of fire prevention requirements and efforts. Policy 13.4 Amend County Code to require absentee landowners to maintain defensible space. Policy 13.5 Work with homeowners, the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Oregon Department of Forestry to ensure all subdivisions have adequate evacuation routes and signage. Policy 13.6 Encourage the formation of an organization within the Greater La Pine Community Wildfire Protection Plan area with a fire fighting and river corridor protection focus similar to the Upper Deschutes River Coalition. Policy 13.7 Support the productive use of materials removed during fuel reduction efforts. Goal 14 Address non-fire related natural hazard issues Policy 14.1 Provide information on noxious weed regulations. Goal 15 Promote individual self-sufficiency while recognizing community inter- dependence. Comment [PG43]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG44]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG45]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG46]: Received one (supporting) green dot. South County Plan Policies: revised 7-27-12 -7- Policy 15.1 Promote personal responsibility in preparing for natural or man-made disasters. Policy 15.2 Encourage families to become self-sufficient for the first three days after a major disaster by taking the following steps: a. Make a plan; b. Build a three-day emergency supplies kit; c. Get trained in CPR and first aid. Policy 15.3 Support projects that increase the local food supply. Natural Resources Goal 16 Protect the natural environment. Policy 16.1 Coordinate with non-profit organizations that have technical expertise and an active presence in South County such as Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District, Deschutes River Conservancy, Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, and Trout Unlimited. Policy 16.2 Work with government agencies to assist the community to understand regional issues that have the potential to impact the natural environment, such as pesticide/herbicide use or geothermal energy development. Policy 16.3 Support an accessible web-based directory of local organizations that work on environmental issues so citizens can easily identify a local source of specialized information for their specific environmental concern. Policy 16.4 As South County grows, evaluate the air quality impacts from unpaved dirt roads. Policy 16.5 Support agencies and organizations like the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council that provide environmental education and outreach. Policy 16.6 Encourage partnerships on alternative energy initiatives that recognize South County’s energy potential. Policy 16.7 Maintain a South County representative on the Deschutes County Weed Control District Board. Policy 16.8 Support efforts to expand recycling opportunities, including woody debris. Policy 16.9 Encourage local garbage companies to engage residents to determine if curbside recycling is feasible. Policy 16.10 Assess the feasibility of forming a South County wetlands mitigation bank. Policy 16.11 Coordinate, as appropriate, with homeowner efforts to address concerns with stagnant water. Policy 16.12 Coordinate with federal and state agencies on significant natural resources such as wetlands or fish and wildlife habitat. Policy 16.13 Coordinate with applicable agencies and stakeholders on threatened or endangered species. Comment [PG47]: Received two (supporting) green dots. Comment [PG48]: Received two (supporting) green dots. Comment [PG49]: Received one (supporting) green dot. Comment [PG50]: Received three red (discussion) and two green (supporting) dots. Participants noted that Policy 16.1 and 16.5 are redundant. There were also concerns about having a policy that supports outright environmental education and outreach materials from environmental NGOs without knowing the issues before hand. It may make sense to cite the environmental NGOs in the Plan’s appendix. Comment [PG51]: Received three red (discussion) and two green (supporting) dots. Participants discuss the financial challenges of expanding recycling opportunities in South County. Comment [PG52]: Received three red (discussion) and two green (supporting) dots. See comment above South County Plan Policies: revised 7-27-12 -8- Policy 16.14 Support efforts to protect river corridors and restore flows in the upper Deschutes River as described in the goals and policies in the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan Section 2.5 Water Resources. Policy 16.15 Support the Deschutes River Conservancy efforts to work with all partners in the upper Deschutes Basin on a comprehensive water management plan that achieves instream flow improvements while meeting the needs of out of stream uses. Recreation Goal 17 Encourage a variety of parks, trails and recreation options for South County residents. Policy 17.1 Support parks and recreation programs throughout South County either through the expansion of the La Pine Parks and Recreation District or through other methods. Policy 17.2 Consider developing a parks master plan for underserved areas. Policy 17.3 Consider the feasibility of expanding existing park district boundaries, creating a new park district or establishing County parks system for underserved areas. Policy 17.4 Collaborate with the La Pine Park and Recreation District, community organizations, Sunriver and La Pine to provide safe and convenient river access, including: a. Improving existing sites including those at or near Harper Bridge and Maxwell Veterans Memorial Bridge; and b. Assessing options for new private or public river access locations. c. Make public park lands along rivers a priority for public access. Policy 17.5 Promote and coordinate with federal agencies regarding access to federal lands, including road, trail and river access. Policy 17.6 Promote and coordinate with federal agencies regarding activities on federal lands, including hunting, fishing and off road opportunities. Policy 17.7 Support the expansion of outdoor amenities, such as public or private campgrounds. Policy 17.8 Support agencies, schools and organizations such as the La Pine Park and Recreation District, that provide a variety of youth facilities and programs. Policy 17.9 Support multi-use and specialized recreational trails, considering emerging opportunities that include: a. Partnerships with other public trail planning processes and trail development groups with technical experience; b. River corridor or river trails such as those promoted by the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance; and c. A regional trail connecting La Pine through Sunriver to Bend. Comment [PG53]: Received two red (discussion) dots. Concern over supporting an effort that is not well understood. Comment [PG54]: Received five (supporting) green dots. Comment [PG55]: Received two red (discussion) dots. Participants underscored the importance of establishing public access points. Comment [PG56]: Received two (supporting) green dots. Comment [PG57]: Received one red (discussion) dot. Participants underscored the need for more your programs. Comment [PG58]: Received four (supporting) green dots.