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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06-09 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 9, 2010 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Alan Unger and Tammy Baney; Commissioner Dennis R. Luke was out of the office. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; and, for a portion of the meeting, Laurie Craghead, County Counsel; Nick Lelack, Peter Russell, Peter Gutowsky, Community Development; Joe Stutler, County Forester; media representatives from KOHD TV and five other citizens. Commissioner Unger opened the meeting at 2:30 p.m. 1. Presentation: Proposed Deschutes National Forest Visitor Center. Shane Jeffries, District Ranger, gave an overview of the proposed Deschutes National Forest Visitor Center at the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, which is 66 miles. The Center would be located as close as the National Scenic Byway access point as possible. They compiled a lot of information that will be helpful to visitors. Recently they decided to request funds for the Center. Eventually the different locations where their offices are located will be relocated at a new facility at the Bend Pine Nursery site. The new Center will really enhance what is already there, and can connect travelers, hikers and cyclists to the benefits of the area. Mr. Jeffries said that that there are other potential sites and they were considered. A key element was making sure people have a sense of entering the national scenic area. The Board asked Mr. Jeffries to submit a draft letter for the Board to sign in support of the project. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 9, 2010 Page 1 of 5 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 9, 2010 Page 2 of 5 Pages 2. Forester Update. Commissioner Unger asked about using the dicolite (diatomaceous earth) mine site for the storage of forest debris. Joe Stutler said that there would be a fire hazard if there was too much there. If not enough, it would blow away. Enough biomass material mixed in would add organics. However, if it is done when the wind is blowing, it will cause a problem. He asked if the current landowner is open to this or if they will help add the organics. Commissioner Unger said that this is a long-time festering issue, and there are no plans for the property and no one wants to be responsible. The DEQ will not weigh in. Five different agencies were involved and none would stand up. Mr. Stutler said that they could lay wind rows. Biomass could be dropped where it should be dropped, but they would need some kind of waiver from the owner. Mr. Stutler gave an overview of current activities (copy attached). He stated that there is enough biomass material to keep energy producing facilities in work for a long time. Water is needed to help with the process, however. The Federal government is completely revamping how they handle wildland fire issues. As part of a webinar, comments were made about Central Oregon having a model program that it is working well here. There is an award ceremony for the wildland programs scheduled for July 7, starting at 6 PM. 3. Discussion of Proposed Closure of Deschutes-Pleasant Ridge Road at Highway 97. Tom Blust said that there have been conversations taking place for some time regarding safety on the Highway 97 corridor. There are long and short-term issues; one idea is this one. Gary Farnsworth referred to oversized maps and diagrams of the area. He said that the State Police originally suggested closure of this location due to safety issues. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 9, 2010 Page 3 of 5 Pages Joel McCarroll added that there are a lot of conflict points, which is where two vehicles might cross paths or come together. They work closely with the State Police and when the overpass Phase II was completed, it allowed for a safe way to access the whole area. Mr. Farnsworth added that all traffic there can be relocated to a safer way to access the highway. Commissioner Baney asked why they consider animal incidents and something falling off a truck; not exactly vehicle to vehicle. Mr. Farnsworth indicated they track all incidents. He said that some people wanted some access, perhaps right in, right out configuration or something similar. It is part of the north corridor project, and all of the intersections should operate well for twenty years or more. In comparison to the overall project, this change is minor. Commissioner Unger asked what a model intersection is, and how this fits in. He asked if there could be an acceleration lane or a center safety area. Mr. Farnsworth replied that there is no model intersection. On an expressway, it would be an interchange. They are vastly improving safety as they go. They did meet with affected property owners in the area, some with differing ideas. Discussion then took place regarding having a public meeting or hearing to get input from others who might be affected by this change. The idea of having it in conjunction with other land use hearings was not supported, because the land use component moves so slowly. It could be introduced to the public, followed by a hearing. Mr. Farnsworth said that they had not planned to do this, but they are open to the idea. Mr. Blust stated that this may already be part of the TSP document and would have been seen by the public. Mr. Farnsworth will provide a letter of request to the County, the first step, and they can go from there. 4. Update of Commissioners’ Meetings and Schedules. The Commissioners discussed a few upcoming meetings and the AOC Conference next week. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 9, 2010 Page 4 of 5 Pages 5. Other Items. In regard to Ordinances 2010-001 and 2010-002, which were adopted on June 7, Laurie Craghead said that because changes to wording in an exhibit was not read aloud at the meeting, the Board indicated they feel they should repeal these Ordinances and do the reading and adoption at a later date, with a different ordinance number. Ms. Craghead said that it is likely that the decision will be appealed someone in any case. Peter Gutowsky said he thought it would be cleaner to have a public hearing on the new language on one Ordinance, and both should be repealed. It is simpler and no one would have to try to differentiate between the two Ordinances. BANEY: Move first and second readings by title only of Ordinance No. 2010- 023, which repeals Ordinances No. 2010-001 and 2010-002. UNGER: Second. VOTE: BANEY: Yes. UNGER: Vice Chair votes yes. Commissioner Unger conducted the first and second readings of Ordinance No. 2010-023, by title only, declaring an emergency. BANEY: Move adoption. UNGER: Second. VOTE: BANEY: Yes. UNGER: Vice Chair votes yes. The new Ordinances will be drafted and brought before the Board in the near future. Being no further items addressed, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.