Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-08 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, JUNE 8, 2011 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Anthony DeBone and Alan Unger; Commissioner Baney was out of the office. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; and, for a portion of the meeting, Paul Blikstad and Kevin Harrison, Community Development; Mark Pilliod, County Counsel; and eight other citizens including media representative Hillary Borrud of The Bulletin. Vice Chair DeBone opened the meeting at 1:32 p.m. 1. Consideration of Economic Development Fund Forgivable Loan Application (Alchemy Solutions). Eric Stroebel, EDCO, explained the applicant and the request. David Deitz said that the management has a great record of success in this industry. The parent company is putting a lot of money into this business. Roger Lee stated that there is substantial capital investment taking place. They are relocating from Boulder, Colorado and will be hiring locally. Commissioner Unger explained that this is the best kind of investment that can be made for the area, and he wants to support small business and economic development locally. Commissioner DeBone agreed that this is worthwhile. UNGER: Move approval of the loan request. DEBONE: Second. VOTE: UNGER: Yes. DEBONE: Vice Chair votes yes. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 8, 2011 Page 1 of 3 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 8, 2011 Page 2 of 3 Pages 2. Discussion of Upcoming Latham Mine LUBA Remand Hearing. Paul Blikstad said the remand hearing is before the Board on Monday, June 13. He gave a brief overview of the item, referring to an oversized map of the area. The original decision dates back to 2008, and it has been in the courts in one fashion or another ever since. State law requires that the applicant ask for the remand process, which was done on April 13. A written decision from the County is due by July 29. The issues are very specific per LUBA. They upheld the County on several important issues, including the amount of material that can be mined. The scope of dust and noise issues was upheld on the County’s behalf as well. The remand had to do with parameters for mining on the site. The question is, does mining of the tuff require an amendment of the ESEE. This is a big deal for both the applicant and opponent. Mr. Blikstad said that he is the staff contact and the full record is available, and suggested that he will work with Commissioner DeBone so he can be quickly brought up to speed on this issue. Discussion then occurred on the assignments of error and remand issues, with reference made to a matrix (a copy of which is attached for reference). By far the biggest issues is how to deal with the headwall and whether, or the extent of, mining of the headwall was contemplated in the ESEE, and whether additional mining is appropriate or allowable. Restricting mining of tuff or the headwall could mean that the owner would not be able to access and mine pumice, which is allowed. Also discussed at length was dust control and what would be considered reasonable precautions to prevent dust issues. This is addressed somewhat under State law. Mr. Blikstad pointed out that dust has been the biggest issue for those living in the area, over concerns of noise and traffic. Clarification of the points that can receive testimony and the process to reach a decision will be provided before the hearing. There is a fairly tight time limit for a final decision to be made.