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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-16 Work Session Minutes Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Page 2 of 11 Pages 2. Worksource Oregon: National Career Readiness Certificate. Richard Erikson, NCRC Market Analyst, gave a PowerPoint presentation (a copy of which is attached) on the NCRC (Oregon’s National Career Readiness Certificate), which he indicated is nationally recognized and used to determine employment readiness. Central Oregon was one of the pilot communities in its development several years ago. The NCRC documents the skills needed for about 17,000 jobs that were profiled; these are skills that are often necessary no matter what the job field. The benefits for the applicant are that the certification process is offered at no cost to the applicant, but there is a time commitment to complete the training. Employers feel that these applicants are better screened and have the skills that are needed for a given job. The benefits to the employer are numerous, including knowing that the applicants are qualified and have the necessary skills, and retention numbers are better. At this time, there is no cost to employers to use this service. A grant is funding this work through June 2011. Thirty-five states are now using NCRC. There are approximately thirty local businesses that now prefer using this program. Commissioner Unger said that he hears from employers who are frustrated by workers who are not qualified. This is a tool that helps to show that the person is ready. There are two testing facilities. The Bend office has a maximum of 45 sessions per week The NCRC documents address skills in three core areas: applied mathematics, reading for information and locating information, and an initial skills review module. Some modules can be done from home. Debbie Legg indicated that she would like to talk with Mr. Erikson in detail about the program. Erik Kropp stated that this could be easy enough to utilize, but is concerned about what happens when the grant funds run out. Mr. Erikson said that there still has to be that businesses’’ instinct to make sure they select the right people. Those potential employees holding the certificates do separate themselves from others seeking the same employment. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Page 3 of 11 Pages Commissioner Unger said he would like to see this endorsed now. Chair Baney said that she is concerned about endorsing it when the County has no practical experience using the services at this time. Mr. Erickson said there are no strings attached. Commissioner DeBone said that he has a problem with companies not nurturing their employees. Mr. Erikson state that this helps companies avoid hiring individuals who may think they have the necessary skills but in fact do not. Commissioner Unger thinks that this helps the individuals seeking work to learn more and to feel confident that they are prepared when they apply for a specific position. The Commissioners asked for a week or so to review the information before committing to the program. 3. Comprehensive Plan Review. Nick Lelack, Peter Gutowsky and Terri Payne came before the Board for the second Comprehensive Plan work session. The dates for the public hearings have been set for March 29 in Bend in the Barnes/Sawyer Rooms, March 31 in La Pine at the Senior Center, and April 1 in the Sisters City Council Chambers. There is an additional hearing schedule for the usual business meeting on April 5. It appears that 6:00 p.m. is an appropriate starting time for the off-site meetings. Ms. Payne pointed out that the majority of the agricultural land in the County is either farm or forest, with limited uses. The question is how to participate and work towards best utilizing the land within those allowed uses. The population estimates go to 2025, and the question is whether the area can support those numbers. Commissioner Unger stated that most lots that can be developed are in south County. Ms. Payne said that they took into account the ‘red’ lots that cannot be developed, but there are still about 5,000 lots available. These were platted before land use rules were established. Rural growth is restricted by State regulations. Most new development will be residential. The perception is that what can be done is very limited. However, non-farm dwellings are a possibility, as are destination resorts; and land subject to Goal exceptions. The trick is to analyze these properties, which are usually very site-specific. The bar is high, but creating new residential lots is a possibility. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Page 4 of 11 Pages Mr. Lelack said that Terrebonne and Tumalo can handle additional population increases; and some developments have been created but not yet developed and are not part of the numbers. They are not cities but unincorporated communities. It is easier to add density there than in most rural areas. Commissioner DeBone asked if there are areas where more lots are needed in the future. Ms. Payne said that most people now living in these areas do not want more density. Mr. Lelack stated that most of the growth would happen in the cities as they increase their urban growth boundaries. Commissioner DeBone asked if there are enough available lots for people to be able to buy and build if they want. Ms. Payne stated that the study looks at this. Resorts are a wild card. There is enough land available in rural areas for the population in the future. It is more practical to promote growth within the cities and protect the farm and forest lands. Commissioner Unger said that the challenge is capacity, and some day in the distant future, there will be a capacity issue. Ms. Payne said that it will be beyond the 2025 projected numbers. Much depends on whether population growth comes back and continues. And what happens with the destination resorts depends much on what the legislature does. Chair Baney asked if farmland is to remain based on soil type. There are a lot of lands in this area that do not meet the classification for farmland as set forth by the State. Dave Kanner asked if Section 3.3 still applies. Ms. Payne said that nothing was updated since 1979, so this mirrors the Statewide Goal. This is new language. Mr. Kanner said that he finds it difficult to see that this as a land use policy. It is more of a broad policy goal and aspiration. Ms. Payne stated that we have to either keep what we have, react and change, or change first. Mr. Kanner asked how this could be implemented through land use ordinances. Ms. Payne said that Goal 10 only applies to cities because it has to do with providing housing. In most planning, though, housing is a big issue. Work with the cities has to be coordinated, and unincorporated communities are a factor. The County plays a big role in supporting and coordinating. Mr. Lelack said that Goal 10 has more to do with the types of housing rather than determining where it will be. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Page 5 of 11 Pages Ms. Payne stated that the Planning Commissioner indicated support of this change. It is hard to have affordable housing if land has a ten-acre minimum. 3.3.5 includes some changes. Right now granny plots cannot be done, but they could provide a lot of affordable housing where it is needed. The State does not allow them at this time. There is also a desire to develop co-housing, where a small cluster of housing is developed for mutual support. This can protect the rural character of an area but support additional housing where needed. 3.3.3 (a) and (b) were felt to be too detailed. Much of this had to do with the number of livestock on a given parcel; Jefferson County has limits but Deschutes County does not have this limitation on MUA land. Laurie Craghead said that the Comprehensive Plan has to do with how to write zoning code. Ms. Payne stated that the Planning Commission feels this is an aspirational guide, reflecting what the community says matters to them. It is kind of a placeholder. Mr. Lelack added that the Association of Realtors also had ideas on how to move forward with some of the issues. Coordinating with affordable housing providers does not mean the County will provide the land, but can support their efforts. There is a lot of language relating to cities but not counties in regard to opportunities and challenges. Recreation and related services bring in a lot of revenue. Working with the Bend Airport master plan and associated businesses is included. There are home-based businesses that can function better with the rules relaxed to allow more of them, within reason. And regional coordination is important. There is a lot in the section on the rural economy relating to rural industrial uses. When Goal 14 was instituted, which relates to areas that are urban unincorporated, rural industrial, rural service center or similar use, some areas did not fit into any classification, so these site-specific properties have been retained. There are six policies of economic development that are fairly general. Commissioner Unger asked about the Redmond military facility, which he feels is more public than private. Ms. Payne said this recognizes past practices and allows continued use within reason. There are several properties that fit into this category. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Page 6 of 11 Pages Mr. Kanner asked about policies regarding on-site sewage disposal and community sewer systems. This seems to preclude any other solutions that the DEQ might come up with. Ms. Payne said the DLCD feels this has to have more constraints than a rural service center. There are just a few properties in this category and there does not seem to be a massive need for change. These could be reviewed in five years to see if that still makes sense. Mr. Kanner stated that there is a large area in south County where there are many parcels that cannot be developed as things are now. It seems that if someone wanted a convenience store, it would not be possible to place one. Ms. Payne stated that this has to do with nine specific sites, so would not apply to other areas. A part of Deschutes Junction is one of them, as are River Forest Acres and Spring River. Ms. Payne said that there is an informational map that shows the specific properties now being discussed. Chair Baney stated that it would be helpful to have the maps available during the hearings, for reference. In regard to Statewide Goal 7, there was a lot of agreement. There are two policies to be discussed. Section 3.5.1 talks about natural hazard mitigation planning. It has to be coordinated with where development might be allowed. There was a lot of input from the public, but this is the only one that is incorporated. Others are site-specific. Section 3.5.11 has to do with other things to keep in mind. Commissioner Unger asked how to address the surface mining site at Lower Bridge. Ms. Payne said this is not a natural hazard, but it is an issue when the use or need is no longer there. Commissioner Unger asked if this addresses reclamation. Ms. Payne stated that reclamation is handled is under DOGAMI rules, but this will be subject to discussion at next week’s work session. Chair Baney said that some of the area was pre-land use regulation so there is no reclamation or mitigation plan in place. It is frustrating because it seems like the County has no jurisdiction at all over the problem. The Planning Commission is interested in addressing the problems of these areas, like noxious weeds and blowing dust. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Page 7 of 11 Pages Section 3.6 has to do with public facilities and services. People expect this to be included in long-term planning. It says that in rural areas, services need to be appropriate and limited to rural needs. Goal 11 applies. This also takes into account expanding water systems or sewer systems. The focus is on coordination. The County can encourage or support development as appropriate. Section 3.6.12 is a staff recommendation, basically a placeholder. Commissioner DeBone asked if there is an easy way to learn more about this. Commissioner Unger said that it helps to get individual opinions and go from there. Commissioner Debone said he can listen to audio minutes and review the written minutes. The Planning Commissioner minutes can be obtained either way. Chair Baney said that the Planning Commission members are not shy about expressing their opinions, either as a group or individually. Regarding transportation and unmaintained rural roads, Commissioner DeBone said that it seems like there is no plan to improve the roads while people with wealth want to develop the land. Commissioner Unger stated there are arterials and collectors, which should be the County’s focus. Commissioner DeBone said there is no answer to give people who complain about their road not being maintained. There needs to be a plan or clarity. The Statewide Goal 8 has to do with rural recreation. There are no real requirements, but it is a huge quality of life issue for the community. Most recreational land is provided by public agencies. The focus is on coordination. One policy has to do with park and recreation districts. Some properties are just outside the city limits and it is hard for the districts to utilize the land. Section 3.8.3 has to do with the Millican area, which has a lot of BLM land. ATV users are doing damage to private lands there, and the BLM apparently is not overseeing those types of activities. The Planning Commission came up with definitions regarding wedding events. There was no agreement on private parks, so it was left out of the Comprehensive Plan update. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Page 8 of 11 Pages Commissioner Unger asked about the creation of a rural recreation opportunity and the accompanying amenities. Ms. Payne said there is a paintball park and shooting range that fit into this. Commissioner Unger asked about hang-gliding or paragliding. Ms. Payne stated that they have to take off and land somewhere. Most of the time it is not on an official location. Much might occur on BLM land. Destination resorts fall under Goal 8 and Statute. This sets the standard for resort mapping and development. Some were implemented by the County in 2010 and currently in litigation. There are three new policies, but they are addressing the whole section. Section 3.9.4 talks about mitigating impacts. The public stresses that resorts have impacts. However, it is not known how much impact. Some focus groups met and tried to identify the issues. Section 3.9.5 addresses small resorts with only overnight units and no permanent housing. The public and Planning Commission liked this model. Section 3.9.11 talks about how to track what the destination resorts are doing; what is being built and when. Things are approved individually and it is hard to know how many overnight units are being built, how much open space is available, etc. The industry is fluid, and it is hard to follow the master plan as they develop in phases. Mr. Lelack added that sometimes a certain part of a resort can end up under different ownership, or staff changes and the new staff person is not familiar with the resort history. There needs to be a plan to track these things. Section 3.10 addresses methods to identify certain areas that have specific issues. Commissioner DeBone is supportive of a vision on this issue. He will be very active in it and can do a lot of community outreach. Many residents came to the Terrebonne meetings. Except for large animal and transportation issues, there were not a lot of other things brought up. Commissioner Unger asked how counties can best work together on this kind of thing. Ms. Payne stated that the plan talks about coordinating with local jurisdictions, and Peter Russell attended a few meetings to answer these questions. Mr. Lelack asked about having a specific policy for some of these situations. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Page 9 of 11 Pages In regard to existing military sites, the military want an overlay zone for notification purposes. It is an educational process so that people will know more about the issue and locations. Commissioner Unger said that this also protects the viability of the use. 4. Update of Commissioners’ Meetings and Schedules. The Commissioners went over their individual meeting schedules at this time. 5. Other Items. Chair Baney said that Representative Whisnant is introducing a transportation bill. Representative Huffman is also introducing one. Rep. Whisnant was upset that his bill was not on the Commissioners’ ‘watch’ list. Commissioner Unger said he is not aware of which bills are being introduced. The legislators need to take some action to keep the County aware of the issues and which bills the legislators want supported. Mr. Kanner said the Public Affairs Counsel tracks hundreds of bills and tries to make the County aware of those that are important. Chair Baney asked for a list of the bills Rep. Whisnant has drafted and what is a priority. Things are happening fast and it is hard to keep track. Nick Lelack asked if there is a staff legislative team that might be able to learn more about these bills, and offer an opinion to the Board. Commissioner Unger stated that some bills will not even move forward and it is hard to know which ones. Mr. Kanner noted that it is not necessary for the County to take a position on every bill. In many cases, it may make sense to see what AOC feels about a bill. It might be easier to identify which bills the County does not agree with AOC on. Senate Bill 83 has huge implications for the County but AOC may not care one way or the other. More often than not, AOC will have the same position as the County. Commissioner Unger said that the League of Oregon Cities may disagree or might not want to take a position. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Page 10 of 11 Pages Chair Baney said that some of the legislators do not agree with each other on some issues. Bills 452 and 83 are important, and the Regional Health Authority is another; and 2390 is a committee bill that should include appropriate language. Chair Baney asked the other Commissioners to try to become informed and track bills that are within their areas of interest so the entire Board can be more informed on what is going on in Salem. _____________________________________ Rob Poirier of 911 has asked for support on a bill having to do with 911 issues relating to cellular phones. The Board stated the letter as presented is okay. _____________________________________ Chair Baney said that some letters the Board was asked to support might not be as harmless as she might have thought. This involves a chair of a County group backing something the Commissioners may not support. Mr. Kanner said that this person is doing this not as a private citizen but as a representative of a County-appointed committee. Chair Baney stated that this puts her in an awkward position. The County supports certain principles but not necessarily how things are being handled politically. _____________________________________ Commissioner DeBone said he would like to get rid of the “board.org” on the website. He is concerned about who should respond and how the others would know what the response is. Chair Baney suggested that any response be sent back to “respond all”. She said either she or Dave Kanner will respond as appropriate. Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.