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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-12-03 Work Session Minutes Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, December 3, 2012 Page 1 of 8 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 MINUTES OF WORK SESSION DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2012 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Anthony DeBone, Alan Unger and Tammy Baney. Also present were Tom Anderson, Interim County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; and, for a portion of the meeting, Timm Schimke, Solid Waste; David Givans, Internal Auditor; and one other person. Chair DeBone opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. ___________________________ 1. Consideration of the Dissolution of the Agreement with the La Pine Industrial Group (LIGI). Mr. Anderson said that it might be advantageous for LIGI to terminate earlier than the thirty days for tax purposes; it is up to LIGI to decide. Chair DeBone said that he would like to change the last sentence to include wording regarding a partnership over the years. As the funds come back, he would like them to go back into a specific line item fund, #125, that will be labeled LIGI; although the money cannot be segregated for a specific area. Mr. Kropp said that the title does not determine how it can be spent. Commissioner Unger supports this idea for the past but not for the future. He does not want an expectation that future sales of land would go to one community. Commissioner Baney is concerned about setting up expectations. It should go into a capital projects fund as would any other transaction. Mr. Anderson stated that each fund has a description that details the source of funds and how they can be used. Mr. Kropp said if it goes into a capital fund, it can’t be used for other things. It could go into a simple industrial fund where this and similar sales would be tracked. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, December 3, 2012 Page 2 of 8 UNGER: Move approval of the letter to LIGI. BANEY: Second. VOTE: UNGER: Yes. BANEY: Yes. DEBONE: Chair votes yes. ___________________________ Chair DeBone said he is looking for a way to get funds for start-up businesses and economic development in the La Pine area, working with EDCO. He feels the County should grant $15,000 for this purpose. Commissioner Unger stated that they are trying to get cities to match funding as well. All cities have to be a part of this. Economic development funds are critical to all communities. Mr. Kropp said that $112,000 goes to EDCO every year to promote economic development throughout the County. Mr. Anderson stated that Jefferson and Crook counties contribute also, but their funds are specifically for Madras and Prineville. There is increasing pressure from cities here. Perhaps there could be more direct support to certain areas for specific programs. He would like to avoid a direct contribution to the cities from the County, so maybe EDCO can restructure some of what they do. Commissioner Baney noted that some cities may not rely that much on EDCO, or might want a representative of their own. Commissioner Unger feels that they should not marginalize what EDCO does, but there is always a conflict between business interests. He feels this is more of a Chamber issue , but the Chambers seem to dwell more on the present and not the future. The transient room tax should be more focused on overall economic development. In regard to lottery funds, a summary is being drafted for discussion. The Board might want to modify how these funds are used. Mr. Kropp said that the County sees a high demand from nonprofits as well, and you can only use a dollar once. Commissioner Unger stated that the business development fund was put into place for the purpose of economic development as well. This was utilizing one- time revenue and is not suitable for those organizations that want the same funding every year. Mr. Kropp said the business loan program was seeded by one-time funds, followed by general fund later. He proposed that they spend that money down, as it is not being replenished by general fund. There are a lot of demands for this money, such as the Juvenile Detention facility and the Bethlehem Inn. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, December 3, 2012 Page 3 of 8 Commissioner Baney asked about the community grants. Mr. Kropp said there are three programs, and they need to know how each is impacted. The Board asked to review the current applications in the near future. Chair DeBone said the La Pine folks are hoping to get some funding by the first of the year. Commissioner Baney is not in favor of a five-year commitment to any group like this. Mr. Kropp said there are just a couple of meetings remaining to do any allocations before the end of the year, so the Board should review existing economic development lottery grant applications soon. 2. Discussion of Recycling Depots. Timm Schimke stated that the Sisters recycling depot issue would be a topic at the next joint meeting. State law requires the opportunity to recycle, for cities with over 4,000 people, or at any disposal site. People outside of those areas started to request collection of recyclables. It did not make sense to the franchise collectors at that time, since only about 60% of the population was using franchise services. A decision was made for the County to participate, with the city or entity covering the cost of the containers and the site. The City of Sisters invested in a nice recycling depot, but unmanned depots are problematic and they need staff there. The County offered to provide a small building for a person and staff it for a period of time. High Country Disposal came on board after that time, and added curbside collection. After this time, the economy slowed, as did demand. He is having a hard time justifying support of one depot. He has changed his stance on some of this. Flow has increased over the past year, so it is not nearly the financial concern it was a year or two ago. He thinks they need to be supported, but it should be tied to flow. Commissioner Unger wants to be sure the County hits its recycling goals with the State as well. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, December 3, 2012 Page 4 of 8 The situation has changed, and the County cannot make sure there is a person at the depot. It is being monitored somewhat but not all the time. As time goes on, if they don’t have a person there, problems will creep back up. If the County has to assist at one, they should be prepared to help them all. The County could cover $50,000 a year to assist the depots, although this is less than what is being provided now. He thinks the new Sisters City Council might be more open to raising rates at this point. ___________________________ The Board and Mr. Schimke talked about the future of biomass and using landfill gas for power production. Some people are not going to be happy whatever is done, but the bottom line is diversion from the landfill. Commissioner Unger stated that one group wants a supply contract for biomass projects. The flows are not as great as some would like, but there may be an opportunity with others that may be less expensive. He is always talking with the Forest Service since they have so much biomass available and it is expensive to clean up the forests. Mr. Schimke stated that much is being sent to other parts of the state for energy production, but most do not like what is produced here as they consider it too ‘dirty’. Just 20,000 tons a year is marginal for a project. Some want 500 tons a day. Therefore, whatever they take in has to be ground up by the County first and then delivered. Waste Energy Group would not consider it as a stand-alone project, but might consider it as an add-on to the landfill gas to energy project. There is potential for more to go there from different sources. In regard to out of County waste, they can’t attract this at $55 per ton, but maybe if there was a lower fee they could add others. Klamath County is coming to the end of its contract, which was handled by rail and was not being handled well. They may come to Deschutes County to see if it is feasible. Crook and Jefferson counties would have a minimal impact on County operations, so it could have a good financial impact even if discounted. Commissioner Unger stated that the landfill has a limited life, and he would like to know what is planned for the future. He does not want to short-change what Deschutes County might be able to do later. There might be totally different models in twenty years, with other uses for the waste. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, December 3, 2012 Page 5 of 8 Mr. Schimke said that the model is already changing. The landfill has lasted much longer than previously anticipated. There are various conversion technologies being developed to handle the waste stream and to avoid shipping waste out. He would like to start investigating what is possible now and work towards these types of changes. 3. Other Items. Mr. Anderson said that Jessica Jacks of the Commission on Families and Children has a request for signature of a letter regarding marijuana use. Ms. Jacks indicated there are a lot of misconceptions to correct and work to be done , as it is a highly abused substance. The letter gives factual information. It would be signed by various entities, including the Board. Commissioner Baney suggested that they indicate this was part of a statewide summit and not just a local issue. ___________________________ Commissioner Unger said he attended Coalition for Forest Restoration meetings last week for several days There are twelve such groups in the east side of Oregon. This work is continuing. ___________________________ Commissioner Baney stated she talked with several individuals involved in the resort and tourist industries regarding the transient lodging tax and whether it should be increased. Most agreed it should be increased by 2% over the next couple of years, but the Fair & Expo wants it all. They talked about the economy and capital improvements that are needed there. Most understand the need for this and see value in the Fair & Expo Center. The question was who directly benefits. The lodging providers in Bend and north would. There is no percentage now going back to the Fair & Expo Center, however, even though their events directly generate lodging in that part of the County. The next step is to discuss with the Mayors of Bend and Redmond and significant lodging providers how to generate revenue for this purpose, and considering the Fair & Expo Center. There might be significant obstacles if something goes on the ballot without this discussion. It has to go before the Board and there needs to be a unified voice. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, December 3, 2012 Page 6 of 8 The Fair & Expo group has felt left out because they have not been able to receive support for what they do. General fund dollars are limited, but they need to keep their facilities in good condition. A request would go on the May ballot. Commissioner Unger said that the cities don’t receive much for what they provide to the Fair & Expo. Commissioner Baney stated the County doesn’t put money into a general fund from this, and the cities directly benefit from the bed nights and what retailers get from visitors. Mr. Kropp said the Fair & Expo bond expires in the near future as well. Commissioner Baney said there has been a discussion regarding an operating levy. Mr. Kropp stated that they might want to go back to the voters to get a new levy for repairs and maintenance of the facilities, like schools do. ___________________________ Chair DeBone went to a crime-free conference to find out more how to handle those areas where crime is an issue. Police need to work with management more closely, and this might help in some places in south County. This has been successful in many places around the country. ___________________________ Chair DeBone stated that last week there was a public meeting with the DEQ regarding Ponderosa Pines Property Owners Association and their desire for a change in the rules. They don’t appreciate the ATT systems having to be in their subdivision. The lots are one acre or larger, and they feel these systems are not necessary in that area. Commissioner Baney thought that this is to be a determination between the DEQ and County and property owner. Mr. Anderson said that the DEQ indicated this is not because of the wells in Ponderosa Pines, but because of the flow of the water that goes towards La Pine, from untreated Ponderosa Pines systems. It may not be the entire subdivision. The group is focusing on a Goal 11 exception. There are no specifics yet. Mr. Anderson stated that the DEQ is trying to help them get their final list of recommendations together. One of the biggest ones is a Goal exception for the basin. CDD has done a lot of advance work on this, and it may be possible to get there if the appropriate resources can be found. This may have to be a parallel process with Klamath County. They may be able to form a sanitary district to continue the oversight role. I Chair DeB one stated he went to a public hearing hosted by the DEQ, and some of the attendees wanted more public outreach, so a second meeting is planned. Commissioner Baney thought that the citizen group was to work with the DEQ on solutions. Commissioner Unger said that anything they do will cost something, and no one wants to pay. It is in their hands now. Rob Roy is working on the new low-cost housing facility in La Pine, the Little Deschutes Lodge II, but it is getting a lot of scrutiny from the new City Manager of La Pine. Mr. Anderson said that they are negotiating a new contract to work with La Pine and this could end up being an awkward situation, especially in view of land use decisions. Commissioner Baney asked if there needs to be some kind of memorandum of understanding in regard to how and why the County makes decision, and where the County or City signs off so that it is clear. Mr. Anderson stated that the County administers the Code there, at least for now. Chair DeBone stated that perhaps there should be a joint meeting so everyone is clear on who does what, and what the City and County are to provide. This is in his backyard and he is not sure how things will go with the new people. Mr. Anderson said the County is just the hired hand and the City signs decisions. The County will propose doing this on an hourly basis to avoid becoming an intermediary between the City and applicants. It may be more expensive for the City than they are used to, but less than what a private consultant might charge. , Commissioner Unger said that the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is holding a meeting tomorrow at 6 p.m. on basin planning, to include the Deschutes and Little Deschutes, which hopes to address some concerns of the people who were affected by high water this year. Commissioner Unger will be at the freight advisory committee meeting on Wednesday. It is an important issue but truckers do not attend. There is not a lot of money available to manage freight concerns. Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Monday, December 3, 2012 Page 70f8 Mr. Anderson said a formal motion for Board Chair signature of an application is needed for a grant to the Sheriff s Office, for a brownfields grant previously discussed. UNGER: Move Chair signature. BANEY: Second. VOTE: UNGER: Yes. BANEY: Yes. DEBONE: Chair votes yes. Mr. Anderson said that the Sisters Chamber sent a ballot indicating the Board needs to vote for three directors; there are five candidates. A brief discussion occurred and a decision on three candidates was made. The Board discussed the proposed Internal Auditor Ordinance amendments. Chair DeB one does not support this and does not want to change his opinion. Commissioners Baney and Unger are supportive, so an Ordinance will be prepared to consider at the next business meeting, at which a hearing would be conducted. Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m. DATED this r1~ Dayof :~2012 for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Anthony DeBone, Chair Alan Unger, Vice Chair ATTEST: Ta~SSioner ~~ Recording Secretary Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Monday, December 3,2012 Page 8 of8 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., MONDAY, DECEMBER 3,2012 1. Consideration of the Dissolution of the Agreement with the La Pine Industrial Group (LIGI) Tom Anderson 2. Discussion of Recycling Depots -Timm Schimke 3. Other Items PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating 10 ORS 192.660(2) (e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h), litigation; ORS 192.660(2)(d), labor negotiations; or ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues. Meeting dates, times and discussion items are subjeClto change. All meetings are conducted in the Board ojCommissioners' meeting rooms at 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, unless otherwise indicated. Ifyou 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 lTV. Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information. ----Work Session _ (Please Print) =-L --~-~ ~ame __ Age ~ Maili!!.~ddress _~.!!y_ Jesslo..-~(}"t..k--S. ~-2... tl Zo ~UJ ~~<:j __11/VI I'!:! >c /lJ,M k f It/ {IT. )oL0 w [(_ _ __ __ Monday. December 3. 2012 Phone # e-mail address1 c"H~~loO~<D~,-~~~CA-~ __ _ ~C;c:.h~- ,­ ---~---t -J------. I +­ 1_ _ _.__ =-1­I -­--= r­ -. ­ - 1 . -=-J1 1-~-I -J, ~ of ( --r r--­ Pa~es **DRAFT** CERTIFIED MAIL -RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED December 3, 2012 Vic Russell, Chairman La Pine Industrial Group, Inc. PO Box 1440 La Pine, OR 97739 Re: Agreement -Deschutes County/La Pine Industrial Group, Inc. By agreement dated January 31, 1996, Deschutes County contracted with La Pine Industrial Group, Inc. (LlGI) for the management of county-owned industrial land in La Pine. Deschutes County would like to recognize and thank LlGI and highlight the successful partnership with the County. Since 1996, LlGI has played a critical role in the establishment and development of the La Pine Industrial Park. Starting with acres of bare land, through the work of LlGI, the La Pine Industrial Park now has streets, sidewalks, sewer, water, electrical service, and other infrastructure necessary to develop and sell land. Further, your efforts have greatly enhanced the overall economic health of Southern Deschutes County and provided much needed jobs for area residents. With the establishment of the City of La Pine and its emerging leadership to promote economic development, Deschutes County would like to change direction as it moves forward with the La Pine Industrial Park. This is notice that Deschutes County is terminating the agreement no later than January 7, 2013. The existing agreement requires at least 30 days written notification to terminate the agreement. However, should LlGI wish to terminate the agreement before January 7,2013. the County is agreeable to an earlier termination date selected by LlG!. In accordance with paragraph 21 of the agreement, please return all funds on hand to Deschutes County. The check should be made out to Deschutes County Treasurer and mailed to: Deschutes County Treasurer, Finance Department, 1300 NW Wall Street, Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701. I Additionally, as stated in the agreement, upon receipt of this notice, LlGI may not encumber or expend funds or enter into new contracts except upon the specific authorization of Deschutes County. Thank you for your service to Deschutes County over the past several years. We look forward to working with the City of La Pine on continued economic development. Sincerely, Board of County Commissioners Deschutes County Anthony DeBone Chair Alan Unger Vice Chair Tammy Baney Commissioner November 27, 2012 Community prevention coalitions, leaders and experts would like your help to share accurate information about marijuana. With the recent marijuana related ballot initiatives in Oregon, Washington, and Colorado, we have been keenly aware of the amount of misinformation circulating on this subject. It is our job as Prevention Specialists to provide the facts about alcohol and drugs to our citizens so they can make informed health-related decisions based on credible data. With limited budgets, we rely heavily on community partners and key leaders such as yourself to amplify the message. On October 18 2012 a Statewide Summit focused on marijuana was held in Madras, Oregon. The Summit brought together local, state and national presenters from a wide variety of fields to educate hundreds of citizens throughout the state of Oregon. One outcome of the Summit was the development of the enclosed Marijuana Fact Summary handout. We invite you to review the handout, make copies, and share it widely. It was developed by Certified Prevention Specialists at BestCare Treatment Services in Madras to highlight several important facts that are often misperceived or mistranslated by the mainstream media and culture. Our hope is that you will rely upon this factual and source-cited document as a common starting place for decision-making related to marijuana. We care about the health, safety, and well-being of our residents. We believe it is imperative to educate the public about marijuana and are requesting your help in communicating these facts to the public. Sincerely, ;I1Mr/; Paeiett J"~,flca Vaeif 8fCe~ CO{l(I;'; Mandi Puckett, CPS Jessica Jacks, CPS Brenda Comini BestCare Prevention Office Deschutes County CFC Crook County CCF 125 SW C Street 1130 NW Harriman Suite A 203 NE Court Street Madras, OR 97741 Bend, OR 97701 Prineville, OR 97754 541-410-0606 541-330-4632 541-447-3260 Serving Jefferson County Serving Deschutes County Serving Crook County Crook/ Count:Y Communit::J CoalitionbUH U't llfllSCft1l" ~ WILDRDC f, fAHIU£S ( ' 14 M t lSI •• ~ _wt:IIIISIllIT..s