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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAg Lands Outreach Update DATE: May 27, 2014 TO: Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners FROM: Peter Gutowsky, Principal Planner Matthew Martin, Associate Planner Nick Lelack, CDD Director RE: Agricultural Lands Program Public Outreach Update / Joint Work Session Summary The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will hold a joint work session on June 26 at 5:30 p.m. with the Planning Commission to discuss the results of the agricultural lands program public outreach campaign. In addition, pursuant to Comprehensive Plan Policy 1.2.2(e), the Planning Commission, serving in the capacity of the County’s Committee for Community Involvement, aims to “meet with the Board of County Commissioners at least once a year to coordinate planning policies and activities.” The June 26 joint meeting provides an opportunity for the BOCC and Planning Commission to discuss other land use matters facing the county. The purpose of this work session is to set the agenda for the Joint BOCC-Planning Commission meeting on June 26. Background As part of the FY 2013-14 Community Development Department work plan, the (BOCC) originally directed staff to explore alternatives (Non-Resource Lands, Secondary Lands, Big Look/HB 2229, and/or Regional Resource Definitions) to determine the best option for reviewing and potentially changing farm and forest land designations in Deschutes County. The project initiated in the fall with a series of work sessions and panel discussions with the Planning Commission. As result, it was determined by both bodies that it was premature to contemplate agricultural land alternatives (i.e. Non-Resource Lands) when we do not know all the issues today. Outside of the Comprehensive Plan Update, completed in 2011, the last time staff engaged residents and stakeholders about the specific challenges and opportunities facing agricultural lands occurred in the early 1990s. As a result, the BOCC directed staff to first conduct a public outreach campaign to understand community, stakeholder, and landowner opinions about Deschutes County farm designations and land uses. In short, to find out “what’s working and what’s not?” During the month of May the planning division held six (6) community conversations in locations throughout the county that were well received and attended. Each meeting provided an -2- overview of the existing agricultural lands program with details focusing on the statewide and local land use planning history, structure, and policies. A variety of public engagement techniques were provided to generate comments including facilitated exercises, questionnaires, and an on-line survey. In addition, several stakeholder meetings were held independent of the community conversations with organizations such as Central Oregon Land Watch, Deschutes Basin Board of Control, Deschutes County Farm Bureau, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. These meetings provided an excellent opportunity to understand the unique and diverse perspectives of each group. Next Steps A joint work session with the BOCC and Planning Commission is scheduled for June 26, 2014, at 5:30 p.m., in the Deschutes Services Center Barnes and Sawyers Rooms. At this meeting, staff will present the results of the public outreach process and summarize the general themes heard from the public and stakeholders. A summary report will be also provided. Staff will provide options for next steps to modify the County’s Agricultural Lands program, if any, for the BOCC and Planning Commission’s consideration, and seek direction on June 26 or at a future meeting once the bodies have had time to review and evaluate the information presented.