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Home My WebLink About2010-01-04 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 MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2010 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Dennis R. Luke, Alan Unger and Tammy Baney. Also present were Erik Kropp, County Administrator; and, for portions of the meeting, Sheriff Larry Blanton and Sergeant Ruth Jenkin; Susan Ross and Teresa Rozic, Property & Facilities; Anna Johnson, Communications; David Givans, Internal Auditor; Will Groves, Community Development; Hillary Borrud of The Bulletin; and one other citizen. Chair Luke opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 1. Property Management Update. Teresa Rozic talked about the Heart of Oregon Corps’ proposed low-income home building project. They are seeking a residential lot to be donated by the County. She said there are very few residential lots in the County’s inventory. There is a 1/3 acre lot in Redmond with access issues. The home would go to a low-income family, but Ms. Rozic is not sure of the details or restrictions of any future sale. The County would have to perfect the access, including paving the street to the property. Commissioner Baney stated that she would prefer that this group partner with Redmond Habitat for Humanity rather than duplicating services. Chair Luke stated that the Habitat crew is not authorized to use certain tools, etc., and that might be the difference. Ms. Rozic said that there is a stipend or salary paid to the Heart of Oregon group, and Habitat is all-volunteer. Chair Luke stated that if the lot is worth $95,000, it is questionable as to whether it should be given away. Ms. Rozic replied that this property has been out to bid twice and never sold at that price. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, January 4, 2010 Page 1 of 5 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, January 4, 2010 Page 3 of 5 Pages Commissioner Baney asked if there are other uses that are limited and needed in this area. Ms. Ross stated that there appears to be no urgent need for other types of property. Commissioner Unger said that he supports the MOA to keep the conversation moving forward. 3. Other Items. Sheriff Blanton discussed support for the jail expansion project. He plans to schedule meetings with all Deschutes County governmental entities, as well as other organizations and homeowners associations. He will also plan town hall meetings to educate the public. He said that he would appreciate the Commissioners’ participation as often as possible. Part of the jail expansion would include a courtroom addition that could also allow for video arraignment purposes, which helps the courts. Ruth Jenkin added that the courtroom area would be located close to the front entrance. Commissioner Baney stated that having video arraignment would save the County funds in regard to transport of prisoners. Susan Ross stated that the area would be shared, to save expenses for both the Courts and the Jail. Chair Luke said that the federal court system is interested in having a location in this area, and would possibly lease a portion of the property. Ms. Ross stated that it is designed as a fully functional courtroom to accommodate staff, a judge, records retention and so on, but that the Courts, at least at this point, would not be able to utilize it due to funding issues. Commissioner Baney asked what it would cost to have the plan reevaluated to accommodate more video arraignment and less courtroom space. Sheriff Blanton said that the project was greatly scaled down from the original plan. He feels that everything that is now included is needed. However, he is concerned that if the area was established as a shell and not finished, it would be detrimental because of its location. Dave Kanner said that even if the area is unfinished, it still requires utilities and maintenance. Commissioner Unger asked what the difference would be to do the same work later. Ms. Ross stated that it always costs more later, and there would be complications. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, January 4, 2010 Page 4 of 5 Pages Sheriff Blanton stated that his work would be to educate the public and make sure they understand what is needed. Commissioner Baney stated that she understands that it is a lot less money to have video arraignment instead of courtroom space at this time. Sheriff Blanton proposed that Ms. Jenkin and Ms. Ross scale down the courts addition, which could be used as courtroom/video arraignment space without room for the full-time staff. Commissioner Baney asked when the Board would evaluate which properties that could ultimately be sold to help with the funding. Dave Kanner said that a resolution is needed to establish the fund, and then the properties could be identified. It could be called the Jail Debt Service Fund. Chair Luke stated that property might be sold to pay off current bonds to retire them earlier, so perhaps the title should be less specific. Sheriff Blanton wanted to know when the Board would officially put this on the May ballot. Sue Brewster is working on the ballot title at this time. _________________________________________ Executive Session, under ORS 192.660(2)(e), real property negotiations. The Board went into executive session at 2:30, adjourning at 2:50 p.m. _________________________________________ Mr. Kanner asked about setting a date for the annual goal setting retreat. The previous goals would be addressed and priorities and accomplishments established going forward. Tentatively the mornings of January 27 and 28 were set aside for this purpose. _________________________________________ Commissioner Unger brought back the idea of a facility to be shared with the Red Cross and other entities. He thought that perhaps there might be federal funding available for such a project. Chair Luke said that there were cities and counties, the Sheriff’s Office, the hospital and others involved. He suggested Commissioner Unger speak with Don Weber of Emergency Services. Being no further items addressed, the meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.