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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05-25 Work Session Minutes 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 WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2011 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Anthony DeBone and Alan Unger; Commissioner Tammy Baney was out of the office. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; Dan Despotopulos, Fair & Expo; George Kolb, Road Department; Mary Goodwin of Health Services, and members of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (Cheryl Howard, Kevin Tanski, and Bend Police Officer Chris Carney). Vice Chair DeBone opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 1. Update from Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The group gave an update on the current road user campaign, which was created in part last year in response to an Ordinance that was proposed for Skyliners Road. They wanted to address the bigger issue, conflicts between cyclists and motorists. Kevin presented an action plan for the “share the road” project and explained it is definitely not a ‘one size fits all’ type of scenario. They are engaging more closely with bicycle shops and law enforcement, as well as event organizers. Commissioner Unger asked if the focus is on Skyliners Road. Ms. Howard said that is part of it, but they have asked the bicycle shop owners and others to try to encourage people to seek alternate routes other than Skyliners. There are other areas where there is potential for the same type of conflict, so the awareness and education efforts are more broad. Mr. Tanski said that a kiosk would provide additional information on Skyliners Road, which will be located about where the County/City line is. It has temporarily been delayed due to funding issues. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, May 25, 2011 Page 1 of 4 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, May 25, 2011 Page 2 of 4 Pages Discussions are occurring regarding the reconstruction of Skyliners Road, and it is hoped there will be six-foot shoulders on both sides that would help keep bicyclists off the main road, and perhaps can be designated as a bike lane. The City’s water main project schedule is not yet known, but that would be part of the overall road improvements. George Kolb stated that there needs to be some design changes to allow for the six-foot bike lanes, at least up to the housing development. He wants to keep the cost to the County down and the federal government has its limitations, but they think it could fall within design parameters. Commissioner Unger said that he wants it done right, as it is a multi-use road with many different functions. Chris Carney said if there is a designated bike lane, the bikes have to travel in them. If there is just a shoulder, cyclists can use the road. Officer Carney said that instances of bicycle/vehicle conflicts take a huge amount of time to investigate. He feels that this project will have a beneficial effect. Alfalfa Market Road is another area that is being monitored. Ms. Howard stated that cycling enforcement is important, but there are many other pieces to this program. Bicycle shop owners and other agencies, and an anonymous donor, are helping with the funding. Erik Kropp added that the additional fee for cycling events has helped with this as well. The media has also assisted with putting out the message to ‘share the road’. They are still seeking some funding for some materials, printing and kiosk improvements. Commissioner Unger asked if the County could work on this on a matching basis. Ms. Howard stated that they were able to match the $500 granted by the County previously. She said as a volunteer advisory group, the members have put in a tremendous amount of time. Community Development hosts the website, Bike Central Oregon, for the group, but this prohibits them from adding advertising that could generate revenue. The media and visitor sites have links to this as well. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, May 25, 2011 Page 3 of 4 Pages 2. Discussion of Plans for a Federal Emergency Medical Station at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. Dan Despotopulos and Mary Goodwin discussed this regional opportunity, which would benefit medical facilities and the community. Supplies would not be stored here, but equipment in terms of a 200+ bed emergency facility could be delivered to the site by the U.S. Department of Human Services. This would occur in severe emergency situations when the hospitals are overwhelmed. It can be set up in fifty-bed increments. All volunteers would be trained in preparedness – first aid, CPR and other training. These are not search & rescue or medical personnel. Probably this type of arrangement will never be needed, but preparedness is key for any disaster. Mr. Despotopulos stated that it would most likely be in the event center, but other buildings could be utilized as needed. This fly-in hospital could fit in the event center. Ms. Goodwin said there is a whole system in place regarding who can ask for help and the chain of command. Many of the support services, such as a kitchen, are already in place. Costs would be tracked and reimbursement would occur. She said that the National Guard may let the Armory be used if there is a need for just fifty beds. Mr. Despotopulos stated that the Fair Board supports this unanimously. The MOU is needed because it is unknown if and when this type of emergency might occur. 3. Update of Commissioners’ Meetings and Schedules. None were discussed. 4. Other Items. None were discussed. The meeting concluded at 4:05 p.m.