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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-21 Work Session Minutes Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, November 21, 2011 Page 1 of 6 Pages 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, NOVEMBER 21, 2011 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Tammy Baney, Alan Unger and Anthony DeBone. Also present were Erik Kropp, Interim County Administrator; Dave Inbody, Assistant to the Administrator; Ronda Connor, Personnel; Therese Madrigal, Health Department; Joe Stutler, County Forester; Katie Whitehall, Project Wildfire; Judith Ure, Administration; and four other citizens. Chair Baney opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 1. Discussion of U.S. Postal Service Proposal to Close Sunriver Post Office. Wayne Kenney of Senator Wyden’s Office provided handouts regarding the proposed closure of the Sunriver Post Office. (Copies are attached for reference.) Two Bills have been proposed that prohibit closure of a post office if there is no other within ten miles. He has met with people in Brothers and Sunriver about their situation. Almost everyone in Brothers attended the meeting, and hundreds from Sunriver attended that meeting. There were 41 locations proposed for closure, and 39 community meetings were held. Towards the end of November, the public comment period will be closed. The letters need to go to the Post Office. Once the comment period has closed, the postal service will decide which are to be closed. There would then be thirty days for an appeal through the Postal Regulatory Service, which can take 120 days. They cannot reverse the Postal Service’s decision, but can remand. Nick Strader of Congressman Walden’s Office said that Sunriver is unique because, unlike most other rural locations, it actually generates revenue for the Postal Service. It does not make sense to close this location especially, and they wonder why it is even on the list. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, November 21, 2011 Page 2 of 6 Pages The list was developed because of proximity to Bend or other larger cities. These criteria helped to create the list. They are taking another look at what is being generated by certain locations. Sunriver is probably the only one listed that does bring in funds. Chair Baney asked what the Board could do in this regard. There are travel distances, weather conditions and other factors that show a need for a local postal service. She asked if there is talk about a kiosk or anything similar. Mr. Strader said they downsized some locations last year. Ashwood was one of them. They got a letter from every patron there. There are alternatives that are not being made clear to the citizens. Alternatives are rural route delivery from which some services can be purchased, such as stamps. Mr. Kenney said that typically, the carrier will stay at the post office location for an hour to meet and help people, but obviously, this does not work for everyone. Mr. Strader stated that Senator Walden will let the process play out and see what the results are, and see what the real needs are. Communication to the citizens has been poor. Chair Baney said that the County might be able to help disseminate information and educate the citizens depending on what happens. Obviously not all locations will stay open. Commissioner Unger added that the Postal Service is not profitable and needs to change, but those changes need to be appropriate. Mr. Kenney said there are 3,700 closure locations on the list. Eliminating all of them will not bring the Post Office to profitability. There are other, much larger problems that are not being addressed. Chair Baney said she does not like them getting attention on the backs of rural citizens. There has to be another way. She would like to put out a call to action for these communities to respond. Mr. Strader has been asked if it is going to matter to the Post Office what the public thinks. He has been told by the Postal Service that they are looking at each situation individually and will be respectful of the process. He added that the County could encourage more input in this regard, and to appeal if necessary. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, November 21, 2011 Page 3 of 6 Pages Commissioner DeBone said that the Postal Service should go to a 40-hour week to be more efficient. He wonders why this is not on the table. Mr. Kelley indicated this is all being discussed. Mr. Strader said that it seems that it is always the rural locations that are hit first. He believes they may also look at some of the city locations where there are a lot of locations. Commissioner Unger said that there are other elements provided by having a post office in these rural locations. Mr. Kropp will draft letters detailing some of the Board’s comments; one for Sunriver because it is a different situation; and one for the other rural communities at risk. Mr. Strader said that Pendleton and Bend have regional processing facilities. These facilities are now under the same review for closure. His office has not been able to get a definitive explanation about this. In 2006, there were 2.6 billion pieces of mail delivered, and last year it was 1.6 billion. They have to look at more efficiencies. It is possible all will come out of Portland, which would mean a loss of jobs to this area. He believes they will have meetings about this issue also. Mr. Kelley added that County Clerks are worried about the “vote by mail” process as well, should this happen. Chair Baney said that government has to be flexible, but it seems more and more that rural citizens are impacted by these kinds of decisions. Mr. Strader and Mr. Kelley will keep the Board informed. UNGER: Move approval of drafting letters supporting the Bills introduced or supported by Senator Wyden and Congressman Walden to not close the local post office locations. DEBONE: Second. VOTE: UNGER: Yes. DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Chair votes yes. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, November 21, 2011 Page 4 of 6 Pages 2. Discussion of Proposed Wellness Program. Ronda Connor gave a brief overview of the program, per her recent memo. Therese Madrigal discussed a community health initiative, handled out of the Health Services Department, including fitness challenges. They have talked about being strategic with the ten hours per week she will be working on the wellness program. They will analyze the claims data and the recent survey regarding the DOC (Deschutes Onsite Clinic), as well as health risk assessments and more. They will use this information to form and push forward a wellness program. She said that some organizations allow for a waiver of the monthly employee health cost if they cooperate with the health risk assessment and actions related to that. They hope to link some of this information with the DOC to be able to refer employees to programs that are available to them. Once the pharmacy comes in, this will be another way to reach employees. She can be the point person to coordinate all of this over time. Dave Inbody added that there seems to be an incentive needed to get more involvement, especially with the health needs assessment. Programs can be developed and targeted with this information in place. Erik Kropp would like to draft a Board Order to lay out the particulars. Ronda Connor said as an incentive, the $65 co-pay could be waived for the month the employee takes the wellness assessment. Chair Baney asked if the Friday Update could showcase some of the benefits the County offers of which some employees may not be aware. Commissioner Unger noted that the County needs to get control of the plan and make it work. Mr. Kropp stated they hope to use part of the building where the DOC is located for a location for training and classes. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, November 21, 2011 Page 5 of 6 Pages 3. Other Items. Dave Inbody said the Spay and Neuter Grant Program funds have been used to provide grants to local organizations for those types of animal services. In the past, the Board has given matching funds as well; however, the lottery revenue amount has been reduced recently. The funds through donations from the public total about $3,000. He would like to add $10,000 to this. Last year it was $12,400. He added that the need has increased with the poor economy. Chair Baney asked if this would be considered proactive. Mr. Inbody said that it is either spent now, or much more spent later. UNGER: Move that $10,047.71 be added to the fund amount. DEBONE: Second. VOTE: UNGER: Yes. DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Chair votes yes. ______________________________ 4. Executive Session, under ORS 192.660(2)(h), Pending or Potential Litigation. Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m., at which time the Board went into executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(h), pending or threatened litigation. ______________________________ Commissioner Unger left the meeting after executive session to attend another meeting. ______________________________ DEBONE: Move approval of a letter responding to requests for a Harper Bridge Boat Launch Facility Study. UNGER: Second. VOTE: DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Chair votes yes. Erik Kropp updated the Board regarding credit union legislation (relating to SB 509), but is waiting for EDCO representatives to provide more information on their position. The regular work session adjourned at 3:50 p.m. DATED this a~.J!J Day of ~2011 for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners.~ Tammy Baney, Chai Anthony DeBone, Vice Chair ATTEST: Alan Unger, Commissioner ~~ Recording Secretary Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Monday, November 21 , 2011 Page 6 of 6 Pages 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, NOVEMBER 21,2011 1. Discussion of U.S. Postal Service Proposal to Close Sunriver Post Office -Erik Kropp 2. Executive Session, under ORS 192.660(2)(h), Pending or Potential Litigation 3. Discussion of Proposed Wellness Program -Ronda Connor, Dave Inbody 4. 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) (b). litigation; ORS 192.66O(2Xd). labor negotiations; or ORS 192.660(2) (b). personnel issues. Meetillg dates. times and discussion items are subject to change. All meetings are conducted in the Board ofCommissioners ' meeting rooms at 1300 NW Wall St.• Bend, unless otherwise indicated. Ifyou have questions regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572. Descbutes County meeting locations are wbeelchair accessible. Descbutes County provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. For deaf. bearing impaired or speech disabled. dial 7-1-1 to access the state transfer relay service for 1TY. Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information. ·-N '­~ E ~-05ZN >. ~ I: o :E ..... o TO: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, ERIK KROPP FROM: RONDA CONNOR, DAVE INBODY SUBJECT: WELLNESS PROGRAM DATE: 1111612011 ATTACHMENT: FIVE ELEMENTS OF A COMPREHENSIVE WORKSITE WELLNESS PROGRAM On November 1, 2011, Therese Madrigal began working ten hours a week as the Deschutes County Wellness Coordinator. Therese is also currently working 24 hours a week in the Health Services Department as the Healthy Communities Coordinator. The Wellness Coordinator position is critical to the health of those enrolled in the Health Benefit Plan. Therese will serve as a resource and guide for those interested in receiving direction in their area of interest in health improvement. Therese will also assess the needs of our general population, develop programs and additional resources tailored to our needs, and encourage use of the Deschutes Onsite Clinic and pharmacy. Please see attached document titled "Five Elements of a Comprehensive Worksite Wellness Program" for a framework of the wellness program. Coinciding with the opening of our onsite pharmacy, Therese will have an office and resource area located adjacent to the DOC and the onsite pharmacy. Therese will keep regular hours in that location. A critical component of improving the health of our popUlation is the annual Health Risk Appraisals (HRA). HRAs were performed in January of 2011 with approximately 400 of our 2800 health benefit enrollees taking the assessment. EBAC voted unanimously to recommend to the BOCC that a health benefits premium holiday be provided as an incentive for employees participating in the HRA to be conducted in 2012. The $65 incentive is expected to increase participation in the HRA. In addition to the opening of the onsite pharmacy in the spring of 2012, approximately 400 sq. ft. of space has been carved out to create a work-out room with changing areas and a shower for use by employees and dependents. An intergovernmental agreement is being pursued with Bend Parks and Recreation to provide qualified instructors for classes in that space. Currently, $100,000 has been budgeted in FY 2012 for wellness. In FY 2010 and FY 2011, $100,000 was budgeted each year for wellness however a combined $5,394 was actually spent. Therese is ready to take serious steps forward in addressing the County's wellness needs. Wellness is a critical component in addressing the long-term financial health of the County's health benefit plan. The ongoing development of well ness opportunities for health plan enrollees can address this critical need. Htalth AlwPDtntl and SqMn'na Health Risk Assessments (HAAs) Claims analysis -by diapsls and ftX ($, II) Five elements of a comprehensive workslte wellness prOlram Chan,e In behavior/level of knowled,e (outcome) ROI/Chan,eln healthcare costs (outcome) DOC survey -Fall, 2011 (DOC, Pharmacy, Wellness) Supporth" SqdtI.nd """'AI Work Enylronmtot H_1th CduqtIqn and Sldll bulldln. Tobacco cessation Healthy eatin. (farm to work, vending machines, meetinl,uidelines, food preparation) Nutritional couns.lin. Uvln. Well with Chronic Conditions Ivai_'on 'MK'" and gytguna1 , of prosram partidpants (process) Participant satisfaction (process) Pro.ram attrition rate/popularity (process) Change In tar.et population's physical health (biometrics) (outcome) Policies, pro,rams, benefits, environment EAP Walkin, trails Healthy vendln. machines On-site exercise/class facilities Walk/bike to work pro.rams lotMElt. and Un_ Wellness Task Force DOC + Pharmacy + health benefits +Wellness pro.ram Leverl,'n,lnternal and external resources Consistent communication Plans: January kick off event TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FROM: DAVE INBODY SUBJECT: FY 2011 SPRAY AND NEUTER GRANTS DATE: 11/2112011 CC: DAVE KANNER, ERIK KROPP Background Beginning in November 2007, the Deschutes County Dog License and Pet ID Application provided for licensees to contribute additional funds to spay and neuter programs in Deschutes County. These funds are offered in the form of grants to non-profit organizations in Deschutes County offering spay and neuter services. In November 2008, the first spay and neuter grants were awarded to the Bend Spay and Neuter Project and the Humane Society of Redmond totaling $4,000. These grants were funded by $2,000 from licensee contributions and a $2,000 match from the Board of Commissioners through the Video Lottery Fund. Applications were reviewed by two members of the Dog Board, Judith Parker and Laurel Pierson, and Dave Inbody, Assistant to the County Administrator. Spay and Neuter Grant Funding Sources Spay and Neuter Grant Recipients IFunding Objectives This grant has the following three primary objectives: I. Expand spay and neuter services in Deschutes County in an effort to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats in the county 2. Provide promotion or education associated with spay and neutering services 3. Outreach to provide services for those who would not otherwise undertake the procedures due to fmancial constraints or physical limitations. Eligibility for Grants Requirements for applicants to the community grant program: • The applicant must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. • The organization must be located in Deschutes County. • The proceeds from the grant must be utilized in support of Deschutes County residents. • All proceeds must be used for expenses associated with direct spay and neuter services or spay and neuter education or promotion. FY 2012 Grants This year contributions from dog licensees and pet ID applicants totaled $2,952.29. It is requested, similar to last year, that the Board of Commissioners authorize $10,047.71 in additional funding in support of this grant, which would create a total amount for spay and neuter grants of $13,000. The criteria for selection will be the following: 1. Stability and solvency of the organization 2. Ability of funds to provide leverage for receipt of additional funding 3. Program connection to grant funding objectives A press release will be distributed soliciting grant applications. This release will also appear on the website. Additionally, letters of notification will be sent to last year's recipients, as well as the Humane Society of Central Oregon and all known veterinarian clinics and hospitals in Deschutes County. 2 _________________________________ __ FY 2012 Deschutes County Spay and Neuter Grant Application Complete this application form and return it, along with a letter from the IRS granting your organization 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt status, to the following address: Dave Inbody Deschutes County Department of Administrative Services 1300 NW Wall Street, Suite 200 Bend, Oregon 97701 Applications may also be sent via e-mail to davidi@deschutes.org. All documentation must be received by December 2, 2011. Any applications that have not completed all requested documentation will not be considered. No information or materials in addition to that specifically requested in this application will be considered. Contact Information Organization Name ____________________________ Add~ss City _______________ Zip Code _______ Phone Number _________ Alternate Phone Number ________ Fax Number ________ E-Mail Address ____________ Website ______________ I certify that the all information provided to Deschutes County is correct and that I am authorized by the governing board of this organization to submit this grant application. Further, I certify that this organization is in good standing with the IRS and retains its official 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt status. Additionally, I certify that this organization is located in Deschutes County and any proceed from this grant will be used in support of Deschutes County residents. Print Name __________________________ Signature ___________________ Title ____________________________ Date ___________ Organizational Information In order to be considered for this Spay and Neuter Grant please provide the following pieces of information: 1. Briefly describe the history of your organization (max 150 words): 2. Provide the Mission of your organization 3. Describe the leadership and structure of your organization. If there is a board, include the names of its members (max 100 words) 4. Briefly describe the primary activities conducted by your organization (max 150 words 5. Provide total expenditures for the most recent 12-month period (the most recent full fiscal year may be substituted) 6. Provide total financial support received during the most recent 12-month period (the most recent full fiscal year may be substituted) 7. Describe the specific program or project that this grant will support (max 150 words) 8. Describe how this program or project will positively impact the goal of promoting or expanding spay and neuter services (max 100 words) 9. Explain the anticipated outcomes of this project or program and describe how success will be measured (max 100 words) Date: November 15,2011 To: Board of County Commissioners From: Erik Kropp, Interim County Administrator ~ Re: Proposal to Close Sunriver Post Office The Board asked me to schedule a work session to discuss the proposal to close the Sunriver Post Office. This item is scheduled for the November 21, 2011 work session. As background, the United State Postal Service (USPS) has proposed closing the Sunriver Post Office Branch. The USPS held a meeting on October 3,2011 at Three Rivers Elementary School to answer questions and provide information to customers about the proposal. USPS has invited written comments on the proposal during a 60-day period from September 26, 2011 -November 27, 2011. Attached is the USPS proposal which includes the estimated cost savings, advantages, disadvantages, and other information. Representatives from the USPS were invited to the work session but declined the invitation to attend and encouraged the County to provide comments through the existing process set up by the USPS. c: Susanna Julber, Central Oregon Representative for US Senator Jeff Merkley Wayne Kinney, Central Oregon Representative for US Senator Ron Wyden Nick Strader, Central Oregon Representative for US Congressman Greg Walden - Dockot: 1439988 -97707 Itom Nbr; 16 Pago Nbr: 1 Date of Posting: 09/2612011 ---_.-----­ Date of Removal: 1112712011 UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE INVITATION FOR COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSAL TO CLOSE THE SUNRIVER, OR BRANCH AND ESTABLISH SERVICE BY CONTRACT POSTAL UNIT To the customers of the Sunriver Branch: The Postal Service is considering the closure of the Sunriver Branch for reasons stated in the accompanying proposal. During the 60-day posting period from 09/26/2011 through 11/27/2011 you are invited to provide written comments. Comments will be most helpful if they offer specific opinions and information favorable or unfavorable regarding the potential effect of the proposed change on postal services and on the community. Your comments will be carefully considered and will be incorporated into the official record, which will be made public if the proposal is finalized. Copies of the proposal and optional comment forms are available upon request at the Sunriver Branch and Bend Post Office. If you choose to use the optional comment form and need additional space, please attach additional sheets of paper. Please return the comment ·form to: STEPHANNIE WOOD PO BOX 3609 PORTLAND, OR 97208-3609 For more information, you may call STEPHANNIE WOOD at (503) 294-2338 or write to the above address. Thank you for your assistance. LISA EBNER PO BOX 3609 PORTLAND, OR 97208-3609 Date of Posting: 09126/2011 Date of Removal: 11/2712011 PROPOSAL TO CLOSE THE SUNRIVER. OR BRANCH AND ESTABLISH SERVICE BY CONTRACT POSTAL UNIT DOCKET NUMBER 1439988 -97707 I. RESPONSIVENESS TO COMMUNITY POSTAL NEEDS The Postal Service is proposing to close the Sunriver, OR Branch and provide delivery and retail services by contract postal unit under the administrative responsibility of the Bend Post Office, located 18.0 miles away. The office is being studied for possible closing or consolidation due 10 the following reasons; There are a number of altemate sites within a short radius of this office that can provide the sale of stamps and the mailing of most package items. The Sunriver Branch provides retail service from 1000 to 1700 Monday through Friday and closed on Saturday. Over the past several years there has been a decline in the amount of walk in revenue generated. The revenue trend is as follows: FY 07 $ 458,384, FY 08 $ 502,865, FY 09 $ 467,819 and FY 10 $ 468,259. On October 03, 2011, representatives from the Postal Service will be available at 3 Rivers School 56900 Enterprise Drive Sunriver OR 97707 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to answer questions and provide information to customers. On or about September 18, 2011, questionnaires were distributed to customers of the Sunriver Branch. Questionnaires were also available over the counter for retail customers at the Sunriver Branch. If this proposal is implemented, delivery and retail services will be provided by the Bend Post Office, an EAS·24 level office. Window service hours at the Bend Post Office are from 830 to 1730, Monday through Friday, and 1000 to 1300 on Saturday. Some advantages of the proposal are: 1. The loss of a retail outlet. 2. Customers opting for carrier service will have 24-hour access to their mail. 3. Savings for the Postal Service contribute in the long run to stable postage rates and savings for customers. 4. CBUs can offer the security of individually locked mail compartments. Parcel lockers provide convenient parcel delivery for customers. 5. Customers opting for carrier service will not have to pay post office box fees. 6. Saves time and energy for customers who drive to the post office to pick up mail. Some disadvantages of the proposal are: 1. The loss of a retail outlet and a manager position in the community. Retail services may be provided by the rural or contract delivery carrier. 2. Potential of some to have to travel additional distance. 3. A change in the mailing address. The community name will continue to be used in the new address. A carrier route address wiD be assigned. Taking all available information into conSideration, the Postal Service concludes this proposal will provide a maximum degree of effective and regular postal services to the community. II. EFfECT ON COMMUNITY Sunriver is an unincorporated community located in Deschutes County. The community is administered politically by Deschutes County. Police protection is provided by the Deschutes County Sheriff. Fire protection is provided by the Deschutes County Fire. The community is comprised of Sunriver is a planned residential and resort community consisting of Single family homes, condominiums, cabins and cottages, a retail and commercial village, and a wortd class vacation destination resort with three 18-hole golf courses. There are approximately 4,200 residences and lodging units in Sunriver and about 1,500 residents call Sunriver home on a full-time basis. During the peak summer season, Sunriver's population can swell to nearly 20,000 vacationers and visitors on any given weekend. and those who commute to work at nearby communities and may work in local businesses. Businesses and organizations include: Sunriver Vacation Rentals, Bank of the Cascades, Sunriver Fly Shop, Sunriver Grocery Store, Sunriver Marketplace, Village Bike and Ski. The community has also numerous businesses that service the tourist industry., American Cancer Society, Commute Options for Central Oregon, Rotary Club of Sunriver, Score of Central Oregon, Sunriver Women's Club, Upper Deschutes River Coalition, Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce. Residents may travel to nearby communities for other supplies and services. Nonpostal services provided at the Sunriver Branch will be available at the Bend Post Office. Govemment forms normally provided by the Post Office will also be available at the Bend Post Office or by contacting yoar local government agency. This Sunriver Branct1 is not listed as a historic landmark. The community name wiD be maintained for customer addressing, and the Zip Code is not expected to change. Based on the information obtained in the course of this discontinuance study. the Postal Service concludes this proposal will not adversely affect the community and every ~w.iIWMI maQe.1O maintain the identity. Ill. EFFEC1 ON EMPLOYEES AdditiQllally there are 1 craft employees assigned to ~is unit. These employees will be relocated per the National Labor Agreements. IV. ECONOMIC SAVINGS The Postal Service estimates a ten year savings of $ 1,146,177 with a breakdown as follows: Building Maintenance $0 Utilities $71,764 Transportation $ -7.522 EAS Craft & Labor $1.645.799 Contracts $ 138,465 Rent $ -322.102 Relocation One-Time Cost $0 Total Ten Year Savings $ 1,146.177 V. OTHER FACTORS The Postal Service has identified no other factors for consideration. VI. SUMMARY The Postal Service is proposing to dose the Sunriver, OR Branch and provide delivery and retail services by contract postal unit under the administrative responsibility ofthe Bend Post Office, located 18.0 miles away. The Sunriver Branch provided delivery and retail service to 1.228 PO Box or general delivery customers and 2.030 delivety route customers. The Postal Service will save an estimated $ 1.146,177 over the next ten years. A disadvantage to some may be in meeting the JUral or contract delivery carrier to transact business. However. it is not necessary to be present to conduct most Postal Service transactions with JUral or contract delivery carrier. Taking all available information into consideration, the Postal Service has determined that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and this proposal is warranted. 09126/2011 Date LISA EBNER Postmaster Docket: 1439988 -97101 Item Nbr: 18 Page Nbr: Optional Comment Form Following are comments I wish to make concerning the proposed discontinuance of the SUNRIVER Post Office. 1. Effect on Your Postal Services. Describe any favorable or unfavorable effects you believe the proposal would have on the regularity or effectiveness of your postal services. 2. Effect on Your Community. Please describe any favorable or unfavorable effects that you believe the proposal would have on your community. 3. Other Comments. Please provide any other views or information that you believe the Postal Service should consider in deciding whether to adopt the proposal. Name of Postal Customer Signature of Postal Customer Mailing Address City, State, and ZIP Code Date FACILITY SPACE SURVEY Note· Everv item below must have a resoonse'I enter a "0" where aoolicable o Inspector survey comments entered into Property Notes SECTION I , GENERAL INFORMAliON .'. c.,, ::, .': ,'.: .' c<.: . " 1 Facility Name: BEND -SUNRIVER BRANCH 2 Facility 10 (Enter FMS Facility 10): 400736 -014 3 I 7.100 1 Net Interior Square Footage Measure from the normal finishes of interior walls, rounding to the nearest whole number (do not deduct for columns, shafts. ducts, and risers whether separately enclosed or not). Value should include ~ems 6, 12, 13, 14, IS, 16, 19 & 21 38. 4,402 Conditioned Square Footage This calculation is the sum of ~ems 6.12,13.14,15,16,19,21 and 23 when A (Heat Only) or B (Fully Conditioned) has been selected. 4 7,100 Building Gross Square Footage This calculation is sum of ~ems 3, 23, 24, 270 & 260 5 I 70,5671 Site Square Footage The entire area of lhe site including the building pad. Original Site SF: 70,567 5a. 0 Possible expansion opportunity (YIN) 5b·1 1 Estimated site SF available for expansion 6 1 01 Facility Non-Usable Basement Square Feet 7 I 01 Total # of Passenger Elevators? B I 1 1 Total floorslstories above grade? 9 1 01 Total Number of Freight Elevators? 10 1 01 Total Trailers or Modulars on site? 11 1 01 Total Number of Boilers? SECTIONII·· ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 12 1 01 Total Administrative Office Area in Square Feet (Include restrooms, aisles, and janitors' closets that are iocated w~hin administrative areas) 13 I 01 Interior VMF in Square Footage 14 I 01 Total Interior GSAlTenantlVacant SF (Include vacant space not included in other sections) SECTION III LOBBY. WORKROOMS. AND SUPPORT SPACES . .: Note 1: When calculating the square-foot area of lobby. workrooms, and support space, measure from the nonnal finishes of interior walls. rounding to the nearest whole SF (deduct for columns, shafts, ducts, and risers that are greater than 4 SF) 15 I 852 1 Total Customer Service and Post Office Lobby Area in Square Feet Include vestibule, customer, and screen line/counter areas Include the workroom side area fIVe feet behind counlers, screen line, vending. and service lobby mail slots Include the area actually occupied by the PO Boxes and within four feet of PO Boxes on workroom side Include security container(s) and vauMs 16 1 01 How Many FloorslStories Made To Accommodate Delivery Operations Workroom? 17 1 01 How Many FloorslStories Made To Accommodate Other Workroom? (Le. BMEU, Mail Processing Ops, Not Delivery) 18 I 3,550 1 Delivery Workroom Area in Square Feet include the area occupied by carrier cases, throwback case, camer key cage, registry cage, carrier supervisors desks. parcel post distribution area. CASTRs, and aisles as indicated on the SSBD 100 FSS as Delivery Workroom 19 1 01 Other Workroom Area in Square Feet All workroom area nof included in the lObby and delivery workroom measurements (I.e. BMEU. Mail ProceSSing. Usable basement. etc.) 20 1 I Machine-Occupied Space 21 1 01 Support Area in Square Feet An other interior area not included in the admin offices, lObby. workroom. and platform measurements (all floors/stories) 22 1 01 Total Number of Toilets and Urinals (do not count sinks) SECTION IV PLATFORM SPACE (Dock) 23 I 01 Total Enclosed Platform (Dock) Area in Square Feet (area must be totally enclosed by walls & ceiling, and be accessible throl~:toor.) A. 0 Heat Only B. D Fully Conditioned C. x Unconditioned 24 1 01 Total Open Platform (Dock) Area in Square Feet (a platform not meeting the deflO_1On of an "enclosed platform" is an 'open platform") 25 1 01 Total Number of Dock Positions 26 1 01 Number of Dock Positions, Included in #22 Above, With a Platform 48" or More Above Grade SECTION. V ~ PARKING SPACES 27 Postal Vehicle & Employee Parking Spaces (leased or postal owned) A.I 1 Interior Spaces B·I 01 Exterior Spaces c.1 I Total Spaces D·I 1 IrMriorii'tIfWnD Net Sf E.I I lIIumillllled Parking SF 28 Customer Parking Spaces (leased or postal owned) A·f I In_.Spaces B'E::3 Exterior Spaces c.1 I TOCaI_ D.! ,. r Interior Parking Net Sf E. Illuminated Parking SF. 29 I I On-site or off·site Joint-Use Parking Spaces (i.e. Strip Man, Free Municipal) Off-Site Exclusive Use Parking Spaces (leased or poSlal owned) I # of Spaces I FMS Facili!X 10 1# of Spaces I FMS Facili!X 10 30A 30BI I 31 A 31 BI I32A 32B 33A 33 B SECnONVI OPTIMIZAnON INFORMA nON 34A Evaluated Useable Excess Square Footage I,.,,, I 34 B Name of Analyst 34 C Date of Analysis 34 0 Potential Useable Excess Workroom Square Footage SECnONVII SURVEY DATA COLLECTOR and FMS DATA ENTRY· Field Surve~ com~leted by' 35 1 1 36 1 1 371 1381 Name nle Phone # Dale Surveyed Last updated b~ 39 1 1 40 1 1 411 1421 Name T~1e Phone # Dale OCheck this box if data input has been derived from a complete field survey. If only partial data is being entered, DO NOT check this box. (You must check this box, enter the Name of the Individual Collecting This Data and the Date Surveyed (MoiDaylYr» Comments Section -Inspector survey comments must be entered in eFMS Property Notes. SalIn and &n'W'~ INs fotm to lhe Manager, Facility Reqvire"","ts Of P"nnang T.fIrIll,-*, upon comPetion 01 FMS data emry. I I ~ (This is from the National Association of Postmasters of the United States) Federal law regarding the post office closure process The following are some of the more important aspects of the laws governing the closing or consolidation of post offices: 1. A decision to discontinue or suspend services of a post office must address each of the following matters: (a) responsiveness to community postal needs; (b) effect on the community; (c) effect on employees; (d) an analysis of the econonlic savings to the Postal Service; (e) other factors; and (f) a summary that explains why the proposed action is necessary. 2. The time frame calls for a 60-day period for public comments after the release of the proposal to close. After comments are received and the Postal Service decides to proceed, the proposal is sent through channels to Postal Headquarters. If the closing or suspension is approved at Headquarters, the district nlanager will post such fmal notice in the affected post office. No office can be closed sooner than 60 days after this posting. The law then provides a very important 30 days for appeals by the customers to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The PRC then has 120 days for review. (This is from the Congressional Research Service) Federal law relating to rural post offices While Congress designed the USPS to be a self-supporting entity, the nation's legislature also requires the USPS to serve the public as a whole. This "public service obligation," as it often is tenned, is located in the PRA's chapters on ''postal policy" (39 U.S.C. 101) and the USPS's "general authority" (39 U.S.C. 403): * "The United States Postal Service shall be operated as a basic and fundamental service provided to the people by the Government of the United States, authorized by the Constitution, created by [an] Act of Congress, and supported by the people. The Postal Service shall have as its basic function the obligation to provide postal services to bind the Nation together through the personal, educational, literary, and business correspondence of the people. It shall provide prompt, reliable, and efficient services to patrons in all areas and shall render postal services to all communities" (39 U.S.C. 101(a»); and *''The Postal Service shall provide a maximum degree of effective and regular postal services to rural areas, communities, and small towns where post offices are not self-sustaining. No small post office shall be closed solely for operating at a deficit, it being the specific intent of the Congress that effective postal services be insured to residents of both urban and rural communities" (39 U.S.C. 101(b)). Congress also assigned the USPS the general duties to * "receive, transmit, and deliver throughout the United States, its territories and possessions ... written and printed matter, parcels, and like materials and provide such other services incidental thereto as it finds appropriate to its functions and in the public interest.. (39 U.S.C. 403(a»"; and * "establish and maintain postal facilities of such character and in such locations, that postal patrons throughout the Nation will, consistent with reasonable economies of postal operations, have ready access to essential postal services" (39 U.S.C. 403(b)). Additionally, Congress has underscored the USPS's duty to serve less densely populated areas by including a provision in annual appropriation laws that reads, "none of the funds provided in this Act shall be used to consolidate or close small rural and other small post offices in [this] fiscal year." • ~1I: BilI Summary & Status http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquerylD?dl12:1:.Itemp/-bdbL9f:@@@... ..Bill Summary & Status ~ra~ S.1668 Search Results > S.1668 > AU Modify Search I New Search I Save SearchlAlert !:kin. I Contact Us S.1668 [112th] Print Subscribe Email/Save II Share from THOMAS Latest Title: Protecting Rural Post Offices Act of2011 Sponsor: Sen Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (introduced 10/612011) Cosponsors: ~ Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Related Bills: H.R.3370 Latest Major Action: 10/6/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Jump to: Titles, Major Actions, Status, Committees, Related Bill Details, Cosponsors, Summary, Subjects TITLE(S): (italics indicate a title for a portion ofa bill) • SHORT TIlLE(S) AS INTRODUCED: Protecting Rural Post Offices Act of2011 • OFFICIAL TIllE AS INTRODUCED: A bill to provide that the Postal Service may not close any post office which results in more than 10 miles distance (as measured on roads with year-round access) between any 2 post offices. MAJOR ACTIONS: [SELECTED] (dates in italics indicate Senate actions) For more details, see: Bill Status Display. ***NONE*** STATUS: (dates in italics indicate Senate actions) See also: CQ Custom BillTrack Report 101612011: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. COMMITTEE(S): Committee/Subcommittee: Activity: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Referral, In Committee Related Bills Identified by CRS, House, and Senate Staff: [Help] Bill: Relationship: lof2 11/21/20119:19 AM All: Bill Stnnmary & Status http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/D?dl12:1:.Itemp/-bdbL9f:@@@.f. H.R.3370 Related bill identified by CRS COSPONSORS, ALPHABETICAL [* = original cosponsor]: (Change sort: by date, by party) Cosponsor Statistics: 8 current (includes 5 original) Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [D-Ill] -10/1112011 Sen Begich, Mark [D-AK] -10/6/2011 * Sen Boozman, John [R-AR] -1111/2011 Sen Johnson, Tim [D-SD] -10/20/2011 Sen Moran, Jerry [R-KS] -10/6/2011 * Sen Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK] -10/6/2011 * Sen Tester, Jon [D-MT] -10/6/2011 * Sen Wyden, Ron [D-OR] -10/6/2011 * SUMMARY AS OF: 10/6/2011--Introduced. Protecting Rural Post Offices Act of 20 11 -ProhIbits the United States Postal Service (USPS) from closing any post office which results in more than 10 miles distance (as measured on roads with year-round access) between any 2 post offices. SUBJECT(S): • CRS INDEX TERMS: Government operations and politics Postal service Rural conditions and development U.S. Postal Service Search Results > S.1668 > All ModilY Search I New Search I Save Search/Alert Help I Contact Us 20f2 11/21/2011 9:19 AM •juu'Sill Text bttp://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/z?c 112:S.1668: ..Full Bill Text/or the 112th Congress ~U8~ S.1668 (Introduced in Senate -IS) lofl Search Results > S.1668 (Introduced in Senate -IS) New Search lkm. I Contact Us This Bill: Bill SlIIIlIl!lUY & Status Printer Friendly: HTML I PDF I XML Print Subscribe Email/Save IIShare from THOMAS S.1668 Protecting Rural Post Offices Act of2011 (Introduced in Senate -IS) S 1668 IS 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S.1668 To provide that the Postal Service may not close any post office which results in more than 10 miles distance (as measured on roads with year-round access) between any 2 post offices. IN mE SENATE OF mE UNITED STATES October 6,2011 Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Mr. MORAN, Mr. TESTER, Mr. BEGICH, Mr. WYDEN, and Ms. MURKOWSKI) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To provide that the Postal Service may not close any post office which results in more than 10 miles distance (as measured on roads with year-round access) between any 2 post offices. Be it enacted by the Senate and House 0/Representatives 0/the United States ofAmerica in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the 'Protecting Rural Post Offices Act of2011 t. SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON CLOSING OF POST OFFICES. Section 404(d) of title 39, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 10f2 11/2112011 9:19 AM Full Bill Text http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/querylz?cl12:S.1668: '(7) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, in making any determination under subsection (a)(3) as to the necessity for the closing or consolidation of any post office, the Postal Service may not close any post office which results in more than 10 miles distance (as measured on roads with year-round access) between any 2 post offices.'. 111?11?()11 0·10 AM All: Bm Summary & Status http://congress.gov!cgi-lislbdquerylD?dl12:1:.Iternpl-bdnRMa:@@... ..Bill Summary & Status ~US"" S.1853 Search Resuhs > S.1853 > All Modify Search I New Search I Save Search!Alert Help I Contact Us S.1853 [112th] Print Subscribe Email/Save .Share from THOMAS Latest Title: Postal Service Protection Act of 20 11 Sponsor: Sen Sanders, Bernard [I-VT] (introduced 11110/2011) Cosponsors:,1 Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Latest Major Action: 11110/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Jump to: Titles, Major Actions, Status, Committees, Related Bill Details, Cosponsors, Summary, Subjects TITLE(S): (italics indicate a title for a portion ofa bill) • SHORT TITLE(S) AS IN1RODUCED: Postal Service Protection Act of 20 11 • OFFICIAL TITLE AS IN1RODUCED: A bill to recalculate and restore retirement annuity obligations of the United States Postal Service, eliminate the requirement that the United States Postal Service pre-fund the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, place restrictions on the closure of postal facilities, create incentives for innovation for the United States Postal Service, to maintain levels of postal service, and for other purposes. MAJOR ACTIONS: [SELECTED] (dates in italics indicate Senate actions) For more details, see: Bill Status Display. ***NONE*** STATUS: (dates in italics indicate Senate actions) See also: CQ Custom BillTrack Report 1111012011: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. COMMfITEE(S): Committee/Subcommittee: Activity: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Referral, In Committee Related Bills Identified by CRS, House, and Senate Staff: ~ lof2 All: Bill Summary & Status http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/D?dI12: 1 :.ltemp/-bdnRMa:@@ ... ***NONE*** COSPONSORS, ALPHABETICAL [* = original cosponsor]: (Change sort: by date, by party) Cosponsor Statistics: 4 current (includes 3 original) Sen Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY] -11110/2011 * Sen Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] -11110/2011 * Sen Udall, Tom [D-NM] -1111612011 Sen Wyden, Ron [D-OR] -11110/2011 * SUMMARY: ***NONE*** SUBJECT(S): ***NONE*** Search Results > S.1853 > All Modifr Search I New Search I Save Search/Alert Help I Contact Us ") of2 1112112011 9:19 AM http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/z?cI12:8.1853:f Full BiD Text 1I ..Full Bill Textforthe 112th Congress ~a.H' S.1853 (Introduced in Senate -IS) 10f1 Search Results > S.1853 (Introduced in Senate -IS) New Search Help I Contact Us This Bill: Contents I Bill Summary & Status Printer Friendly: HTML I PDF I XML Print Subscribe Email/Save aShare from THOMAS S.1853 Postal Service Protection Act of 2011 (Introduced in Senate -IS) S 1853 IS 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S.1853 To recalculate and restore retirement annuity obligations of the United States Postal Service, eliminate the requirement that the United States Postal Service pre-fund the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, place restrictions on the closure of postal facilities, create incentives for innovation for the United States Postal Service, to maintain levels of postal service, and for other purposes. IN mE SENATE OF mE UNITED STATES November 10, 2011 Mr. SANDERS (for himself, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. LEAHY, and Mr. WYDEN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To recalculate and restore retirement annuity obligations of the United States Postal Service, eliminate the requirement that the United States Postal Service pre-fund the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, place restrictions on the closure of postal facilities, create incentives for innovation for the United States Postal Service, to maintain levels of postal service, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House ofRepresentatives of the United States ofAmerica in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the 'Postal Service Protection Act of2011'. lofl7 11/2112011 9:19 AM Full Bill Text http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/querylz?cI12':8.l853: TITLE I··RETIREMENT ANNUITY OBLIGATION RECALCULATION AND RESTORATION SEC. 101. MODIFIED METHODOLOGY. (a) In General-Section 8348(h) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: '(4)(A) To the extent that a determination under paragraph (1), relating to benefits attributable to civilian employment with the United States Postal Service, is based on a provision of law described in subparagraph (C), the determination shall be made in accordance with that provision and any otherwise applicable provisions of law, subject to the following: '(i) The 'average pay' used in the case of any individual shall be a single amount, determined in accordance with section 8331(4), taking into account the rates of basic pay in effect for the individual during the periods of creditable service performed by the individual. Nothing in this subsection shall be considered to permit or require-­ '(I) 1 determination of average pay with respect to service performed with the United States Postal Service; and '(II) a separate determination of average pay with respect to service performed with its predecessor entity in function. 'eli) In determining the portion of an annuity attributable to civilian employment with the United States Postal Service, with respect to any period of employment with the United States Postal Service that follows any other period of employment creditable under section 8332 (without regard to whether the employment was with an entity referred to in clause (i)(lI)), the total service of an employee for purposes of any provision of law described in subparagraph (C) shall be the sum of-­ '(I) any period of employment with the United States Postal Service; and '(II) any period of employment creditable under section 8332 that precedes the period described in subclause (I). '(B)(i) Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Office shall determine (or, if applicable, redetermine) the amount of the Postal surplus or supplemental liability as of the close of the fiscal year most recently ending before that date of enactment, in conformance with the methodology required under subparagraph (A). '(li)(I) If the result of the determination or redetermination under clause (i) is a surplus, the Office may transfer the amount of the surplus, or any portion of the amount of the surplus, at the request of the United States Postal Service, to-­ '(aa) the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund established under section 8909a; and 'ebb) the Postal Service Fund established under section 2003 of title 39. '(II) If a determination or redetermination under clause (i) for a fiscal year is made before a determination under paragraph (2)(B) is made with respect to the fiscal year, the Office may not make a determination under paragraph (2)(B) with respect to the fiscal year. 20fl7 1112 I/20 1 I 9: 19 AM Fuji BHI Text http://congress.gov/cgi-lislquery/z?cI12:S.1853: '(C) The provisions oflaw described in this subparagraph are-­ '(i) the fIrst sentence of section 8339(a); and '(ii) section 8339( d)(1 ).'. (b) Coordination Provisions­ (1 ) DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT PAY ABLE-Section 8909a of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: '(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Office shall determine the amount payable by the Postal Service under subsection (d) in any fiscal year ending on or before September 30, 2013, without regard to the requirements under section 8348(h)(4).'. (2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION-Nothing in this Act shall affect the amount of any benefits otherwise payable from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund to any individual. (c) Technical and Conforming Amendment-The heading for section 8909a of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking' Benefit' and inserting' Benefits'. SEC. 102. RELATING TO A POSTAL SURPLUS. Section 8348(h)(2)(C) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-­ (1) by inserting '2021,' after '2015,'; and (2) by striking 'if the result is' and all that follows through 'terminated.' and inserting the following: 'if the result is a surplus-­ '(i) that amount, or any portion of that amount, may be transferred at the request of the United States Postal Service to-­ '(I) the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund; and '(II) the Postal Service Fund established under section 2003 of title 39; and '(ii) any prior amortization schedule for payments shall be terminated.'. SEC. 103. TREA1MENT OF CERTAIN SURPLUS RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS. Section 8423(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-­ (1) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: '(5) If, for fiscal year 2010, the amount computed under paragraph (1)(B) is less than zero (in this section referred to as 'surplus postal contributions'), the amount of the surplus postal contributions, 30fl7 1112112011 9: 19 AM Full Bill Text http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/z?cI12:8.1853: or any portion of the amount, may be transferred at the request of the United States Postal Service to-­ '(A) the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund established under section 8909a; '(B) the Postal Service Fund established under section 2003 of title 39; '(C) the Employees' Compensation Fund established under section 8147; and '(D) the United States Postal Service for the repayment of any obligation issued under section 2005 of title 39.'. SEC. 104. ELIMINATION OF REQUIREMENT TO PRE-FUND THE POSTAL SERVICE RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS FUND. (a) In General-Section 8909a of title 5, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is amended-­ (1) in subsection (d)-­ (A) by striking paragraph (3); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6) as paragraphs (3) through (5), respectively; and (2) by adding at the end the following: '(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Postal Service to pay any amount into the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund established under section 8909a.'. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendment-Section 803(b)(1)(A) of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (5 U.S.C. 8909a note) is amended by striking '8909a(d)(5)' and inserting '8909a( d)( 4)'. SEC. lOS. EFFECTIVE DATE; RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. (a) In General-This title and the amendments made by this title shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act. (b) Intent of Congress-It is the intent of Congress that this title apply with respect to the allocation of past, present, and future benefit liabilities between the United States Postal Service and the Treasury of the United States. (c) Rule of Construction-Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to prohibit the Postal Service from paying any amount of surplus contributions to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund and the Federal Employees' Retirement System into-­ (1) the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund established under section 8909a of title 5, United States Code; and (2) the Postal Service Fund established under section 2003 of title 39, United States Code. 40f17 1l/21/20119:19 AM http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/z?cI12:8.1853: TIlLE D--RESTRICTIONS ON POSTAL FACILITY CLOSURES SEC. 201. MODIFIED PROCEDURES. (a) In General-Section 404(d) of title 39, United States Code, is amended by striking '(d)(l)' and all that follows through paragraph (4) and inserting the following: '(d)(l) Before making a determination under subsection (a)(3) to close or consolidate a postal facility, the Postal Service shall-­ '(A) conduct an investigation to assess the need for the proposed closure or consolidation; and '(B) ensure that each person served by the postal facility has an opportunity to present views by providing appropriate notice-­ '(i) to each person by mail; and '(ii) by pUblication in a newspaper of general circulation in the area in which each person resides. '(2) In conducting an investigation under paragraph (l)(A) and determining whether to close or consolidate a postal facility under subsection (a)(3), the Postal Service-­ '(A) shall consider-­ '(i) the effect the closing or consolidation would have on the community served by the postal facility; '(ii) the effect the closing or consolidation would have on employees of the Postal Service employed at the postal facility; and '(iii) whether the closing or consolidation would be consistent with the policy ofthe Government under section 101 (b), that the Postal Service shall provide a maximum degree of effective and regular postal services to rural areas, communities, and small towns where postal facilities are not self-sustaining; and '(B) may not consider compliance with any provision of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.). '(3)(A) Upon completion of an investigation under paragraph (1), the Postal Service shall make a decision, in writing, whether to proceed with the proposal to close or consolidate a postal facility, which shall include the fmdings of the Postal Service with respect to each factor specified in paragraph (2)(A). '(B) Not later than 90 days before the Postal Service makes a fmal determination under this subsection, the Postal Service shall-­ '(i) post notice of the decision and fmdings under subparagraph (A) in a prominent place in each postal facility that would be affected by the closing or consolidation; and ofl7 1112112011 9:19 AM Full Bill Text http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/z?clli:s.1853: '(ii) send notice of each posting under clause (i) by mail to each person served by the postal facility in which the notice is posted. '(C) Notice under subparagraph (B) shall include-­ '(i) a statement as follows: 'This is notice of a proposal to XXXXX this postal facility. A fmal determination will not be made before the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date on which this notice is fIrst posted.', with the blank space being fIlled in with 'close' or , consolidate' (whichever is appropriate), and with instructions for how any interested person may submit comments; '(ii) a brief summary of the fmdings of the Postal Service with respect to the factors specifIed in paragraph (2)(A); and '(iii) the amount of cost savings the Postal Service estimates the Postal Service will realize from the closing or consolidation, in the fIrst year following the date of the closing or consolidation, together with an explanation of the assumptions and methodologies used in making the estimate. '(4) The Postal Service shall make a fmal determination to close or consolidate a postal facility in writing after taking into consideration any comments received during the 90-day period described under paragraph (3). The Postal Service shall take no action to close or consolidate a postal facility before the date that is 60 days after the date on which the Postal Service-­ '(A) posts a copy of the fmal determination in a prominent location in each affected postal facility; and '(B) sends to each person served by the postal facility-­ '(i) a notice of the determination; and '(ii) notice of any appeal rights available with respect to the determination.'. (b) De Novo Review-Section 404(d)(5) of title 39, United States Code, is amended-­ (1) by striking 'post office' and inserting 'postal facility'; and (2) by striking 'The Commission shall set aside' and all that follows through '[mal disposition of the appeal.' and inserting the following: 'The Commission shall review de novo the determination of the Postal Service. In conducting a review de novo, the Commission shall consider the factors described in paragraph (2)(A). If the Commission fmds fault with a determination of the Postal Service, the Commission shall suspend the effectiveness of the determination of the Postal Service.'. (c) Exception; Calculation of Actual Cost Savings-Section 404(d) of title 39, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: '(7)(A) Paragraphs (1) through (6) shall not apply in the case of a closing or consolidation which occurs by reason of an emergency suspension, as described in section 241.3 of title 39, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto. 60f17 11/2112011 9: 19 AM http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/z?cI12:8.1853: '(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the tenn 'emergency suspension' does not, in the case of a leased facility, include the tennination or cancellation of the lease by a party other than the Postal Service. '(8)(A) Not later than 2 years after the date of the closing or consolidation of any postal facility occurring after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Inspector General shall detennine the amount of the cost savings realized by the Postal Service from the closing or consolidation for the fIrst year following the closing or consolidation. '(B) The Inspector General shall submit to the Postmaster General and to Congress-­ '(i) a report for each postal facility for which the Inspector made a detennination of cost savings under subparagraph (A) during the preceding year that includes-­ '(I) the amount of the cost savings detennined to be realized with respect to each closing or consolidation of a postal facility, together with an explanation of the assumptions and methodologies used in making the detennination; '(II) a comparison of-­ '(aa) the cost savings detennined by the Inspector General; and '(bb) the estimates provided by the Postal Service under paragraph (3XC)(iii); and '(III) an explanation of the reasons for any differences between the detennination of the Inspector General and the estimates of the Postal Service, together with recommendations for any legislation or administrative action that the Inspector General considers appropriate to provide for more accurate estimates; and '(ll) an annual report with respect to all the postal facilities for which the Inspector made a detennination of cost savings under subparagraph (A) that includes the information required under clause (i).'. SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS. Section 404( d) of title 39, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following: '(9) In this subsection-­ '(A) the tenn 'postal facility' includes an offIce, branch, station, or other facility which-­ '(i) is operated by the Postal Service; and '(ii) provides services to persons described in subparagraph (B); and '(B) any reference to the persons served by a postal facility shall include a postal customer receiving mail delivery service from the postal facility, a resident of a ZIP code served by the postal facility, a postal customer having a post offIce box at the postal facility, and any relevant local government offIcial as defmed by the Postal Service by rule.'. 70f17 11121120119:19 AM Full Bill Text http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/z?c112:8.1853: TITLE InN-INCENTIVES FOR INNOVATION SEC. 301. AUTHORITY TO OFFER NONPOSTAL SERVICES AND PRODUCTS. (a) Specific Power-Section 404(a) of title 39, United States Code, is amended-­ (I) in paragraph (7), by striking' and' at the end; (2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period and inserting'; and'; and (3) by adding at the end the following: '(9) to provide nonpostal services and products in accordance with subsection (e).'. (b) Nonpostal Services and Products-Section 404( e) is amended to read as follows: '(e)(I) The Postal Service may provide any nonpostal service or product in a manner consistent with the public interest. '(2) Not later than 90 days before providing a nonpostal service or product that the Postal Service did not provide before the date of enactment of this subsection, the Postal Service shall request an advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission that evaluates the extent to which the provision of that nonpostal service or product-­ '(A) would use the processing, transportation, delivery, retail network, technology, or other resources of the Postal Service; and '(8) would be consistent with the public interest. '(3) Not ,later than 45 days after the date on which the Postal Regulatory Commission receives a request under paragraph (2), the Postal Regulatory Commission shall-­ '(A) issue an advisory opinion to the Postal Service concerning the request; and '(8) transmit a copy of the advisory opinion, together with the original request, to-­ '(i) the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives; and '(ii) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate. '(4) In this title, the term 'nonpostal service or product' means any service or product other than a postal service, including-­ '(A) check-cashing services; '(8) technology and media services; '(C) warehousing and logistics; 80f17 11/2112011 9:19 AM Full Bill Text bttp://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/Z?clI2:S.1S53: '(D) facility leasing; '(E) public Internet access services; '(F) driver licensing; '(0) vehicle registration; '(H) hunting and fishing licensing; '(I) notary services; and '(J) voter registration. '(5) The Postal Service may enter into a contract with a State or local agency to provide a nonpostal service or product authorized under this subsection.'. SEC. 302. WINE AND BEER SHIPPING. (a) Mailability­ (1) NONMAILABLE ARTICLES-Section 1716(f) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking 'mails' and inserting 'mails, except to the extent that the mailing is allowable under section 3001(P) of title 39'. (2) INTOXICANTS-Section I I 54(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended, by inserting' or, with respect to the mailing of wine or malt beverages, to the extent allowed under section 3001(P) of title 39' after 'mechanical purposes'. (b) Regulations-Section 3001 of title 39, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: '(P)(I) Wine or malt beverages shall be considered mailable ifmailed-­ '(A) by a licensed winery or brewery, in accordance with applicable regulations under paragraph (2); and '(B) in accordance with the law of the State, territory, or district of the United States where the addressee or duly authorized agent takes delivery. '(2) The Postal Service shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this subsection, including regulations providing that-­ '(A) the mailing shall be by a means established by the Postal Service to ensure direct delivery to the addressee or a duly authorized agent at a postal facility; '(B) the addressee (and any duly authorized agent) shall be an individual at least 21 years of age, and shall present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of delivery; '(C) the wine or malt beverages may not be for resale or other commercial purpose; and '(D) the winery or brewery involved shall-­ 90f17 1112112011 9: 19 AM Full Bill Text http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/z?cl12:~.1853: '(i) certify in writing to the satisfaction of the Postal Service, through a registration process administered by the Postal Service, that the mailing is not in violation of any provision of this subsection or regulation prescribed under this subsection; and '(ii) provide any other infonnation or affmnation that the Postal Service may require, including with respect to the prepayment of State alcohol beverage taxes. '(3) For purposes ofthis subsection-­ '(A) a winery shall be considered to be licensed ifthat winery holds an appropriate basic permit issued-­ '(i) under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (27 U.S.C. 201 et seq.); and '(ii) under the law of the State in which the winery is located; and '(B) a brewery shall be considered to be licensed ifthat brewery-­ '(i) possesses a notice of registration and bond approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau of the Department of the Treasury; and '(ii) is licensed to manufacture and sell beer in the State in which the brewery is located.'. (c) Effective Date-The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the earlier of-­ (1) the date on which the Postal Service issues regulations under section 3001(P) of title 39, United States Code, as amended by this section; or (2) 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act. SEC. 303. INNOVATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY. (a) In General-Chapter 2 of title 39, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 'Sec. 209. Innovation and accountability '(a) ChiefInnovation Officer-There shall be in the Postal Service a ChiefInnovation Officer appointed by the Postmaster General who shall have proven expertise and a record of success in-­ '(1) the postal and shipping industry; '(2) innovative product research and development; '(3) marketing brand strategy; '(4) emerging communications technology; or '(5) business process management. 100f17 11/2112011 9:19 AM Full BilI Text http://congress.gov/cgi-lislquery/z?cI12:8.1853: '(b) Duties-The Chief Innovation Officer shall-­ '(1) lead the development of innovative nonpostalproducts and services that maximize the revenue of the Postal Service; '(2) develop innovative postal products and services, particularly products and services that use emerging information technologies, to maximize the revenue of the Postal Service; '(3) supervise the implementation of products and services described in paragraphs (1) and (2); and '(4) monitor the performance of products and services described in paragraphs (1) and (2) and modify the products and services as needed to address changing market trends. '(c) Considerations-The Chief Innovation Office shall take into consideration comments or advisory opinions, if applicable, issued by the Postal Regulatory Committee before the initial sale of innovative postal or nonpostal products and services. '(d) Designation­ '(1) DEADLINE-As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this section, and not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Postmaster General shall appoint a Chief Innovation Officer. '(2) CONDITION-The ChiefInnovation Officer may not, while serving as ChiefInnovation Officer, hold any other office or position in the Postal Service. '(3) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION-Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an individual who holds another office or position in the Postal Service at the time the individual is appointed Chief Innovation Officer from serving as the Chief Innovation Officer under this section. '(e) Advisory Commission­ '(1) ESTABLISHMENT-There is established the Postal Innovation Advisory Commission (hereinafter the 'Commission'). '(2) MEMBERSHIP­ '(A) IN GENERAL-The Commission shall be composed of-­ '(i) the Chief Innovation Officer established under subsection (a), who shall serve as Chairperson of the Commission; and '(li) 5 other members as the Postal Regulatory Commission shall appoint, of whom-­ '(I) 1 member shall have expertise in labor; '(II) 1 member shall have expertise in small business issues; '(III) 1 member shall have expertise in consumer protection; 11 of 17 1112112011 9: 19 AM Full Bill Text 12ofl7 http://congress.gov/cgi-lis!query/z?cl12:S.1853.: '(IV) 1 member shall have expertise in small periodicals and newspapers; and '(V) 1 member shall have expertise in the postal industry. '(B) PERIOD OF APPOINlMENT-Members shall be appointed for 5-year terms. '(C) VACANCIES-Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the powers of the Commission, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. '(D) MEETINGS-The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson. '(E) QUORUM-A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings. '(3) DUTIES OF 1HE COMMISSION­ '(A) STUDY-The Commission shall study-­ '(i) additional postal and nonpostal services that the Postal Service may offer to raise revenue; and '(ii) services that postal services in foreign countries have offered to respond to the increasing demand for high-tech services, including-­ '(I) banking and insurance services; '(II) communication services; '(III) physical delivery of e-mail correspondence to individuals who do not have Internet access; '(IV) scanning physical mail and delivering that mail through e-mail; and '(V) communication through secure servers. '(B) RECOMMENDATIONS-The Commission shall generate recommendations for additional services that the Postal Service should provide based on the study conducted under subparagraph (A). '(C) REPORT-Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and each year thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the Postmaster General a report that contains each recommendation described under subparagraph (B) that the Commission approves by a majority vote. '(4) POWERS OF TIlE COMMISSION­ '(A) HEARINGS-The Commission may hold such hearings, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as is necessary to carry out this subsection. '(B) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES-The Commission may secure directly from any Federal department o[agency such information as the Commission 1112112011 9: 19 AM Full Bm Text http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/z?cI12:S.1853: considers necessary to carry out this subsection. Upon request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission. '(C) POSTAL SERVICES-The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government. '(D) GIFTS-The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. '(5) COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS­ '(A) COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS-Each member of the Commission who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government (including the Postal Service) shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 oftitle 5 for each day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Commission. All members of the Commission who are officers or employees of the United States, including the Postal Service, shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services as officers or employees of the United States. '(B) TRAVEL EXPENSES-The members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5 while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission. '(C) STAFF­ '(i) IN GENERAL-The Chairperson of the Commission may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties. The employment of an executive director shall be subject to confIrmation by the Commission. '(ii) COMPENSATION-The Chairperson of the Commission may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5 relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5. '(D) DETAIL OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES-Any Federal Government employee, including an employee of the Postal Service, may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or priVilege. '(E) PROCUREMENT OF TEMPORARY AND INTERMITTENT SERVICES-The Chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 31 09(b) of title 5 at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily 130fl7 11/2112011 9:19 AM Full Bill Text http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/z?cl12:S.1853: equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5. '(6) PERMANENT ADVISORY COMMISSION-Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Commission. '(7) AUTIIORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS­ '(A) IN GENERAL-There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to the Commission to carry out this Act. '(B) AV AILABILITY-Any sums appropriated under the authorization contained in this section shall remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until expended. '(t) Innovation Strategy­ '(1) IN GENERAL-Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Postmaster General shall submit, at the same time the President submits the annual budget request under section 1105 of title 31 for that year, and together with the report on performance under subsection (g), a comprehensive strategy for maximizing the revenue of the Postal Service through innovative postal and nonpostal products and services to-­ '(A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; '(B) the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives; and '(C) the Postal Regulatory Commission. '(2) MATIERS TO BE ADDRESSED-At a minim~the strategy required by this subsection shall address-­ '(A) the specific innovative postal and nonpostal products and services to be developed and offered by the Postal Service, including the nature of the market demand to be satisfied by each product and service and the estimated date by which each product and service will be introduced; '(B) the cost of developing and offering each product or service; '(C) the anticipated sales volume for each product and service; '(D) the anticipated revenues and profits expected to be generated by each product and service; '(E) the likelihood of success of each product and service and the risks associated with the development and sale of each product and service; '(F) the trends anticipated in market conditions that may affect the success of each product and service during the 5-year period following the submission of the report; and '(G) the metrics that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the innovation 14 of 17 1112112011 9:19 AM Full BMI Text 1 J. http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/z?cl12:S.1853: strategy. ,(3) STRATEGY UPDATES-The Postmaster General shall-­ '(A) update the strategy required under this subsection every 2 years; and '(B) submit the updated strategy, at the same time the President submits the annual budget request under section 1105 of title 31 for that year, and together with the report on performance under subsection (g), to-­ '(i) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; '(ii) the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives; and '(iii) the Postal Regulatory Commission. '(g) Report on Performance­ '(1) IN GENERAL-The Postmaster General shall submit an annual report that describes the progress of the Postal Service in implementing the strategy under this section, at the same time the President submits the annual budget request under section 1105 of title 31, to-­ '(A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs ofthe Senate; '(B) the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives; and '(C) the Postal Regulatory Commission. '(2) MA1TERS TO BE ADDRESSED-At a minimum, a report under this subsection shall include-­ '(A) the revenue generated by each product and service developed through the strategy under this section and the costs of developing and offering each product or service for the preceding year; '(B) the total sales volume and revenue generated by each product and service on a monthly basis for the preceding year; '(C) trends in each market in which a product or service is intended to satisfy a demand; '(D) products and services identified in the strategy under this section that are to be discontinued, the date on which the discontinuance will occur, and the reasons for the discontinuance; '(E) alterations in products and services identified in the strategy under this section that will be made to address changing market conditions, and an explanation of how the alterations will ensure the success of the products and services; and 11/2112011 9:19 AM Full Bill Text http://congress.gov/cgi-lis/query/Z?c112:S.1.g~3: '(F) the performance of the strategy under this section according to the metrics identified under subsection (e)(2)(G). '(h) Study and Report by Comptroller General­ '(1) STUDY­ '(A) IN GENERAL-The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the implementation of the strategy under this section that assesses the effectiveness of the Postal Service in identifying, developing, and selling innovative postal and nonpostal products and services. '(B) CONTENTS-The study under subparagraph (A) shall include-­ '(i) an audit of the costs of developing each innovative postal and nonpostal product and service developed or offered by the Postal Service; '(ii) the sales volume of each product and service; '(iii) the revenues and profits generated by each product and service; and '(iv) the likelihood of continued success of each product and service. '(2) REPORT-Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall submit a report concerning the study under paragraph (1) to-­ '(A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and '(B) the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives.'. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendment-The table of sections for chapter 2 of title 39, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: '209. Innovation and accountability.'. TITLE IV--MAINTAINING LEVELS OF SERVICE SEC. 401. SIX-DAY DELIVERY. Section 404a(a) of title 39, United States Code, is amended-­ (1) in paragraph (2), by striking' or' at the end; (2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and inserting'; or'; and (3) by adding at the end the following: '(4) reduce the frequency of the delivery of mail to fewer than 6 days each week'. 160f17 11121120 11 9: 19 AM Full Bm Text http://congress.gov/cgi~lislquery/z?c 112:8.1853: SEC. 402. SERVICE STANDARDS FOR MARKET-DOMINANT PRODUCTS. Section 3691 of title 39, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: '(e) Restriction on Authority-Notwithstanding subsections (a), (b), and (c), the Postal Service may not increase the expected delivery time for market-dominant products required under part 121 of title 39, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on March 2,2010,', This Bill: Contents I Bill Summruy & Status Printer Friendly: HTML I PDF I XML Print Subscribe Email/Save II Share from THOMAS Search Results > S.1853 (Introduced in Senate -IS) New Search Help I Contact Us 10fl 17oft7 11121/2011 9:19 AM