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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-18 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, OCTOBER 18, 2010 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Dennis R. Luke, Alan Unger and Tammy Baney. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Susan Ross, Property & Facilities; Kim McNamer of Deschutes Children’s’ Foundation; and media representative Hillary Borrud of The Bulletin. Chair Luke opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 1. Continued Discussion of North County Campus. In regard to the proposal for a North County Campus, the County’s share of the cost would be about $3 million. $1.5 million could be paid for through a bond; repayment would come from rent charged to departments. The other $1.5 million could come from cash from Fund 142, which would still have funds remaining; or through a bond that would be repaid from Fund 142. Commissioner Luke asked how much the rent would be through an increase to departments. Mr. Kanner said there would have to be an increase at first, but by year 10, it would be a negative. The increase would be about $100,000 a year overall, unless there are partners that would offset that amount, depending on who the partners are. Commissioner Baney stated that this needs to be viewed on a long-term basis and might well be the time to make this kind of investment. Mr. Kanner suggested that this be handled through a normal design-build process. Of the five properties first selected, one has been sold and is no longer available. A lot of other property owners have contacted Mr. Kanner, and there could be some that would work. Susan Ross added that there are not a lot of options if the building will be downtown. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, October 18, 2010 Page 1 of 3 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, October 18, 2010 Page 2 of 3 Pages Commissioner Luke suggested using Fairgrounds property. Concerns were raised regarding transportation issues. Mr. Kanner said that the Redmond City Council strongly indicated that they would like to have the building located downtown, so perhaps the City can help offset some of the costs. There are a few potential partners that are not ready to commit, and one other that requires a lot of space. A structure downtown would have to go up, possibly three stories, and parking has to be considered. Mr. Kanner asked the Commissioners how they wish to proceed; identify a property and then go out to bid? Build new or remodel? Commissioner Baney said that the Fairgrounds is too far out. She does not feel that downtown is absolutely necessary. Other government services are in the southwest area. Commissioner Unger said that there might be opportunities to partner with the city as well. The County needs 15,000 to 17,000 square feet during the next ten years. Mr. Kanner said that an issue has been whether partners want to move, and how long these partners will actually need space. Some are working with other agencies through which they might have office space available. Whoever is interested will have to be given a deadline to make that decision. Kim McNamer of the Deschutes Children’s Foundation said that regarding the Becky Johnson Center, about 1/3 of the programs there are County run. She feels that if these providers move out of there, the partners would have more difficulty coordinating services. Ms. Ross stated that Health and Mental Health need more space already. Commissioner Luke asked about putting partners in where Parole & Probation and Juvenile services are provided. Ms. Ross said that they use a completely separate entrance. Commissioner Unger wants to keep the services whole and coordinated. And there needs to be enough space for growth. Commissioner Baney asked about moving all the residents of the Becky Johnson Center to a new building and use the Center building for something else. Commissioner Luke said he would not want to rule out having two buildings. Staff was instructed to pursue this track.