HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-08 Work Session MinutesDeschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 -Fax (541) 385-3202 -www.deschutes.org
MINUTES OF WORK SESSION
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8,2012
Present were Commissioners Anthony DeBone, Alan Unger and Tammy Baney.
Also present were Erik Kropp, Interim County Administrator; and, for a portion of
the meeting, Chris Doty and George Kolb, Road Department; David Givans,
Internal Auditor; Teresa Rozic, Property & Facilities; and two other citizens,
including media representative Holly Pablo of The Bulletin.
Chair DeBone opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
1. Update of Skyliners Road Improvement Project.
George Ko1b reviewed his staff memo and went over the process followed in
this project. He indicated some residents in the subdivision are concerned about
various things and he has tried to address them. Their biggest concern of the
residents is vehicle speed through the area. Some want bike paths of various
widths, and some want none. Some want calming devices or traffic circles.
Most of this is not practical, and there are funding limitations based on what the
Federal government is providing.
He said Road can provide basic islands; however, they cannot provide a raised
island with landscaping, due to the cost and maintenance, and potential hazards in
the winter. The bike lanes will remain at six feet but the width of the road will
lessen by about a foot in the subdivision area. Signage will be provided as
appropriate, including flashing lights. There is no way to satisfy the needs of all.
A traffic study might be warranted at some point due to the reduction of speed.
Current parking on the road creates sight distance issues, so it will change from
diagonal to parallel. An area will be extended to allow for a tum-around at the
snow-park location. A public notification will go to the residents with the
overall plan. There has been plenty of public notice and interaction. However,
many residents consider Skyliners their personal driveway so the County has
taken and continues to take some extra steps.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Page 1 of4
Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Page 2 of 4
Commissioner Baney commended Mr. Kolb on the good job he has done with
this situation. This will satisfy the needs of the residents and the community.
Mr. Kolb said the Forest Highway funding is concluding the end of September.
It may eventually end up being a match program. Chris Doty stated that he
would hope this project could be grandfathered in. They are at about a 90%
design level right now. The City has had a pre-bid meeting on the water line
project that happens during the same time frame in 2013.
The contractor for the federal government will grind up the existing road, use it
for a base and put new pavement over all. The County will maintain it after
that. No event permits will be issued for June or July 2013 to allow this work
to be accomplished. If it is delayed to 2014, the funds may not be available, so
it needs to be pushed along.
2. Update regarding Park Designation of County-owned Lands.
Susan Ross said this is a follow-up discussion after the Board previously talked
about it a couple of weeks ago. It relates to County-owned properties in the La
Pine area that are adjacent or close to the river or are within the flood plain.
(See attached map for reference.)
There is only one parcel in the area that still needs to be designated, that fits
into the clumps of properties. Many are designated wetlands or are within a
flood plain. Some are already owned by La Pine Park & Recreation District.
Staff was directed to draft an Order for Board approval of transferring certain
properties to the District.
Ms. Ross stated that there are two lots that are not in the wetlands area and are
separate, and they may have some future value. Those and a few other County-
owned lots will be withheld from the transfer at this time.
3. Other Items.
Tom Anderson has been on the Audit Committee for over seven years as the
Department Head member and wishes to step down. Two people responded
regarding filling this position: Dan Despotopulos and Chris Doty. Mr. Kropp
recommends a two-year rotation in the future, so potentially all Department
Heads can be involved at some point.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Page 3 of 4
Discussion took place regarding this issue. Both individuals have different
levels of experience and knowledge of the County.
David Givans said Scot Langton has been on for seven years as an elected
official. David Givans stated that Mr. Despotopulos has been interested in this
for a long time. Commissioner Baney feels that Mr. Despotopulos would be
most appropriate at this time. The other Commissioners agreed, but would like
Mr. Doty to cycle in after the two-year appointment period.
___________________________
Mr. Kropp said that some individuals have complained that they are
experiencing flooding on their properties in south County. Chair DeBone said
they already know their homes are in low-lying areas. Commissioner Baney
asked how it comes about that they are allowed to build in these areas in the
first place.
Mr. Kropp stated that the decision-makers in this case are not the County, and
people need to be aware of this. It has to do with the State and a well -
established 100-year flood plain. The Bureau of Reclamation also is involved.
Commissioner Unger said the Deschutes Basin Board of Control is a part of this
as well and should be able to provide some guidance.
___________________________
Chair DeBone said he has heard from some individuals who are not supportive
of a bond to expand the jail. He feels they are assuming that they think the cost
would be the same as the previous ballot measure for a new jail, when it has
been greatly downsized.
___________________________
Chair DeBone asked about including a discussion of the Sunriver area boat
launch issue at a future work session. He realizes, however, there is not much
the County can do because of land use laws. Commissioner Baney stated that
this basically involves a private property owner looking out for his own self-
interests. If he has a strong land use case, he should move forward with that on
his own through the proper process.
Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
DATED this Z?-~ Dayof ~-t 2012 for the
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners:
-=:::::.
Anthony DeBone, Chair
Alan Unger, Vice Chair
ATTEST: Tam ~Sioner ~~
Recording Secretary
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Page 4 of4
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 -www.deschutes.org
WORK SESSION AGENDA
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
1:30 P.M., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2012
1. Update of Skyliners Road Improvement Project -George Kolb
2. Update regarding Park Designation of County-owned Lands -Susan Ross
3. Other Items
PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this 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 I 92.66O(2)(d), labor negotiations; or ORS 192.660(2) (b). personnel issues.
Meeting dates, times and discussion items alf! subject to change. All meetings are conducted in the Board ofCommissioners ' meeting rooms at
1300 NW Wall St.. Bend, unless otherwise indicated. lfyou have questions regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572.
Deschutes County meeting locations are wheelchair accessible.
Deschutes County provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
for deaf, hearing impaired or speech disabled, dial 7-1-1 to access the state transfer relay service for TTY.
Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information.
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Road rtment
61150 SE 27th St.• Bend, Oregon 97702
(541) 388-6581 • FAX (541) 388-2719
MEMORANDUM
TO: BOr\RD 0 1' CO l 'NTY CO MMISSIONI]~S
FROM: GEORGE KOLB, COUN1Y ENe INH~R ~
SUBJECT: SKYLINERS RO ,\D -FHWt\ RESP ONSE TO SUBDIVISION COMMENTS
DATE: 8/ 1/2012
cc: I.'RIK KROPP, INTERIM COUNTY A Df\JINI S'I'RXrOR
The purpose of this memo is to summarize the issues that have been raised by the homeowners within the
Skyliners Subdivision concerning the reconstruction of Skyliners Road. I have attached the letter from
the Federal Highway Association (FHW A) summarizing there decisions concerning these issues along
with the comments from the residents . The following is a short summary of the issues:
J. The biggest concern is how to control speed through the subdivision. The following are
ideas from the residents:
a. Install traffic slowing islands at three locations along Sky liners Road. One would
be at the start of the private property approximately 1 mile east of the subdivision,
and then one each at the east and west boundary of the subdivision. One resident
wanted these to be landscaped islands. The FHWA has agreed to install two
islands that would be developed lIsing pavement markings with delineator posts
that can be removedfor winter maintenance . The purpose ofthe islands will be to
slow traffic down as they enter the subdivision.
b. Reduce the width of the road through the subdivision. Comments ranged from
having no bike lane to a five foot bike land and six foot bike lane. They also
wanted the travel lane width reduced to 10 feet versus 11 feet. The FHWA has
agreed to reduce the width ofthe travel lane down to 10 feet but will keep the bike
lanes at six feetfor the entire project including through the subdivision.
2. Retaining off street parking for residents in the winter. This parking will remain as is but
will be parallel versus head in parking. This is to accommodate the bike lanes and also
avoid the intersection sight distance issue that occurs from cars parking " head-in" at the
intersection
Quality Services Performed with Pride
Western Federal Lands Highway Division
u.s. Department 610 E. Fifth Street
of Transportation Vancouver, WA 98661
Federal Highway
Administration
Phone 360-619-7700
Fax 360-619-7846
July 25,2012
Sent Via Electronic Mail
In Reply Refer To: HFL-17
Mr. George Kolb
Deschutes County Engineer
Deschutes County Road Department
61150 SE 27th Street
Bend, OR 97702
Re: Skyliners Road Project
OR PFH 247(1)
Dear Mr. Kolb:
The Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) of the Federal Highway
Administration (FHW A) has received several e-mails from individuals who attended, or were
responding to a summary of, the June 25, 2012 meeting of the homeowners along Skyliners
Road. Attached is a summary of the comments received. In response to these comments, I offer
the following:
• FHWA and Deschutes County have determined that, due to the high number of bicyclists
using the road, the project will include designated bike lanes from the beginning of the
project at the entrance into the private youth camp to the end ofthe project at the city
limits. The limits of this designation are based on current bike use which occurs
throughout the project limits. FHWA has no data indicating bike use drops off at the
eastern boundary of the subdivision and would not support ending the bike lanes and
mixing bikes with traffic in this area which has numerous driveways.
• FHW A does not consider Skyliners Road to be a residential street but rather a rural
collector road that serves multiple users, including public traffic accessing the Deschutes
National Forest. One of the stated purposes of the project is to improve safety for the
road users by reducing conflicts between bicyclists and motorists. We acknowledge that
the speed reduction through the subdivision is an important goal for the project and have
modified the typical section to narrow the travel lane width to 10-foot where the
designated speed limit is 25 mph. However, regardless of reduced speeds, FHWA
recommends the 6-foot bike lane be retained through the subdivision, due to the potential
conflicts between bicyclists, motorists, and traffic entering and exiting the numerous
driveways.
July 25,2012
Skyliners Road Project, OR PFH 247(1)
Page Two
• FHW A acknowledges that current traffic speeds through the residential area often exceed
the posted speed limit. While the most effective means of addressing this problem is
increasing enforcement, roadway design can incorporate elements that encourage slower
speeds. Deschutes County and FHW A have agreed to incorporate traffic islands into the
project These islands would be located at the boundaries of the residential area within
the designed 25 mph speed zone. The islands would be developed using pavement
marking and channelizing posts. The channelizing posts would be mounted for easy
removal during winter to facilitate snowplowing. In addition to these islands,
appropriate signing will be incorporated into the project to inform drivers of the need to
reduce speeds in through the residential area.
• An island to the east of the residential area, near the Morrison property (MP 8), would not
be included in the project. This island is within a rural area with higher travel speeds.
Motorists would not expect to encounter this type of traffic control device and high speed
maneuvers would be required. FHW A considers this an unsafe condition.
• The existing road currently has widened shoulders for parking from the western boundary
of the residential area to the snow-park turnaround. Near the junction with River Road
this shoulder is used by residents for parking. The proposed project will retain these
widened shoulders and the residential parking that currently exists. However, due to the
addition of the bike lane, head-in parking will be discouraged through the use of
pavement markings indicating the need to park paralleL Off-street parking is not
included in the project.
Please let me know if you have any concerns with how FHW A has addressed these issues. If
you have any questions, or need additional information, I can be contacted at 360-619-7568.
Sincerely yours,
Michael W. Odom
Project Manager
MWO/mcb
Attachment
cc: File
Summary of Comments
Homeowner's Meeting
June 25, 2012
Tad Hodgert:
1: The 'neighborhood' begins at the Eastern and Western edges of the private
property ... not at Boulder Road.
2: Do a staged speed reduction. Drop to at least 45 near mile post 8, then 25 (max)
before Boulder Road through the sub-division, all non-passing.
3: Narrow the road maximally, but maintain the bike lane at 6', through the
subdivision (central to west islands) only.
4: Three traffic slowing islands: West Island -needs to be west of Marci's 'last driveway'
and west of the resident's parking; South (East Bound) lane bulges south into NFS
property around (treed?) island. Yes, we assume the waterline will stay straight rather
than stay under the bike lane. Central Island -needs to be East of Boulder Rd with North
(west bound) lane bulging around (treed?) island into NFS lands removing no large
trees. This Island should have a (solar?) amber flashing light. East Island: MP8 to
Morrison property with the North (west bound) lane bulging around (low impact
vegetated) island into NFS lands.
NOTE: Design the (West bound slowing) East and Central Islands to safely
accommodate human powered traffic rounding Islands' west radius turning around to
head back to town.
5: Recreation parking shall remain west of current snow park. (Not discussed: this
writer strongly prefers all head in parking on the south side, with nothing on the north
side, as compared to parking both sides parallel.)
6: Place lots of signage slowing traffic coming into village, signage keeping bike lane
clear for human powered traffic and out of the road, and, did I mention, slowing traffic
through the subdivision.
Bob Crane
I want to hear more about the off street parking planned for the Skyliners subdivision. If
what I heard last night off street parking will be required and built as part of the road
project due to the bike lanes? Tell me more. My largest concern is winter parking for
residents. Every few years we get huge snow storms and the side roads, River Road,
Skyline Dr., Mill Road, are closed to traffic. These roads are public roads and not
county roads and are there for not plowed by the County. In 1992-93 and 1998-99 we
had to park on Skyliners and snowshoe to our home on River Road for 5 months. During
these events 4 families from Bearwallow road, 13 familys from River Road, several
familys form Skyline Dr. all are forced to park on Skyliner Road until the snow melts or
the side roads can be cleared.
Summary of Comments
Homeowner's Meeting
June 25,2012
Page Two
Kelly Esterbrook
I'll speak for my husband and I living on the front road... we would like the road to be
as narrow thru the neighborhood as possible. We do not support 6' bike lane thru the
neighborhood; we would like to advocate a 5 ' bike lane.
My husband and I would like to also advocate for a change from II' travel lane to 10'
lane. We feel every little bit will help to keep a neighborhood environment slowing the
traffic where kids and pets may have a chance to be seen by cars traveling at 25 mph
rather than 45 -65 as they travel now thru the neighborhood.
Doug Treadwell
As a long time resident of Skyliners, I decline to be included as one of those who
advocate 6' bike lanes through the neighborhood. My perception of what residents would
like to see in the road design for our subdivision would trend toward a bottleneck to slow
traffic. If narrowing the travel lane to 10' and the bike lane to 5' will help accomplish
this, I urge you to implement it in the plans and specifications. With 32 kids living up
here, it is imperative that creative consideration be given to make cars have to slow
down.
Dan Walker
My concern with this project is to slow the traffic though our community and to the West.
The huge bike lane that is proposed will only increase speeds.
The current precedent for bike lanes in Bend Oregon is that 35 mph roads like Mt.
Washington get bike lanes but 25mph residential streets don't have bike lanes. Northwest
Crossing is the closest community to the Skyliner Subdivision and all their residential
streets are without bike lanes. Not even the roads that lead to Summit High School or
Miller Elementary School have bike lanes. So a theme, or standard, has already been put
out to the drivers of Bend ........roads with bike lanes are 35+ mph ........narrow
residential roads without bike lanes are 25 mph. Mixed messages will be sent to drivers
if there is a wide bike lane in the Skyliner community and the speed limit is 25 .......this
would not be consistent with the current standard in Bend. If cars are slowed to 25mph
we do NOT need a bike lane though the Skyliner community.
Bike races up Skyliners are not a reason for a bike lane through the community. Historically
ALL the bike races that have come up Skyliners have stopped or turned around before the
residential community. A bike lane though the residential area does not serve the bike racers,
Summary of Comments
Homeowner's Meeting
June 25, 2012
Page Three
it would only serve the lone riders that finish the last mile of paved road. They can ride
with the traffic like all other residential bike riders do in Bend.
It is less than a mile from Boulder Road to the concrete bridge .......for the betterment of
our community the bike lane can certainly be terminated for the last 0.8 mile. A bike
lane though the residential subdivision would be unique, unprecedented, and a detriment
to those that live here.
Please slow the cars though our community, no signs, rumble strips, flashing lights,
NOTHING will make up for the hazards created by a wide, straight and smooth road.
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County Parks -Existing & Proposed
Board Work Session August 8,2012
Legend
County Land
• County Park
~Local Wetland Inventory Map
L..i...---t Proposed for Park Designation
~
Deschutes County
Property & Facilities Department
August 8 , 2012