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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-06 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, DECEMBER 6, 2010 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Dennis R. Luke and Tammy Baney; and, by conference call, Commissioner Alan Unger; Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; Dave Inbody, Assistant to the Administrator; and, for a portion of the meeting, Scott Johnson, Health Services; Tom Anderson, Community Development; Hillary Saraceno, Children & Families’ Commission; Scot Langton, Assessor; Ken Hales, Corrections; Tiffany Telfer of Senator Chris Telfer’s Office; Representative-elect Jason Conger, District 54; Hillary Borrud of The Bulletin; and, via conference call, Erica Hagendorn and Mark Nelson from Public Affairs Counsel and a representative of Representative Gene Whisnant’s office. Chair Luke opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 1. Conference Call with Public Affairs Counsel on Legislative Priorities. Mark Nelson gave an update on changes in the legislature regarding the Speaker, party leaders and various committees. Indications are that because of the party alignments, many issues might reach a stalemate or may be difficult to resolve. There are efforts underway to try to mitigate these divisions so that something can be accomplished. Dave Kanner asked if the IAD would be eliminated or adjusted. He would like to see the ability to bargain the contribution of the 6% and not see it eliminated outright due to the potential negative ramifications of such an action. Representative-elect Jason Conger stated that he would like input on the concerns of the County and what issues might need his attention. Tiffany Telfer agreed. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, December 6, 2010 Page 1 of 5 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, December 6, 2010 Page 2 of 5 Pages Mr. Kanner stated that based on the previously established priority list of the Board, the number one item is the regional health authority. There is no legislative concept yet, but work is already taking place. It is hoped that any legislative action will help to make things easier. Mark said that this appears to be non-partisan and he does not foresee any problems with it so far. Scott Johnson said the Oregon Health Policy Board and Dr. Goldberg are supposed to be working on a legislative concept. A 190 has already been formed. He does not know if this project will be viewed favorably by all, but a lot of regional language is being inserted, so it seems as though the support is there. Mr. Nelson asked if information on the things the Board does not want to see could be listed. Commissioner Luke suggested that they should probably wait until the information is available and then make recommendations. Having the State involved allows them to monitor the program and treat it as a pilot program if appropriate. Concerning destination resorts, Mr. Kanner stated that there are many uncertainties as far as the State is concerned. Commissioner Luke spoke about the transportation planning rule, and whether there will be reports to the Transportation Committee, and the legislature in the next six months. Tom Anderson stated that in regard to destination resorts, there is discussion regarding smaller, low-impact resorts. It is unknown how this issue will be addressed Regarding uses on EFU land, this may be an opportunity to get before the legislature to learn what affects the County. There was consensus regarding special service districts, not so much the principle of consolidation, but some kind of certainly that the revenue paid by Deschutes County will not be sent to other places. Mr. Kanner said that discussion has occurred regarding contracting out the law libraries. Commissioner Luke noted that so much information is now available on line. Temporary restaurant licensing issues still need review. There is a statewide work group dealing with this. This is on the watch list. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, December 6, 2010 Page 3 of 5 Pages A rumor is circulating that someone is pursuing a Goal 11 exception for south County for sewers. Commissioner Luke said that there might be other areas that are looking for this kind of ‘fix’, like Jackson County. Therefore, it could end up being quite controversial. Mr. Kanner stated that Skyline Forest program needs support. There has been a modification of the transfer development program. Mr. Kanner said he would like to remove the rule about having to publish a budget summary in the newspaper, but the Newspaper Publishers Association does not want to see that change. Tom Anderson said he heard that power companies in the State want a bill requiring local jurisdictions to hold up building permits for structures located near power lines. They have approached the County in previous years regarding this issue. They are likely concerned about power lines falling and associated liability issues. The Building Officials Association is tracking this. The group decided that they would meet via conference call with the delegation every two weeks, on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, at 7:30 a.m., for about a half-hour. The Public Affairs Counsel representatives then left the meeting. Ken Hales introduced himself and advised what issues are important to his department. Erik Kropp and Dave Inbody explained their duties in relation to the legislature. Scot Langton advised how he is involved in the AOC and his involvement in legislative matters. Hillary Saraceno and Tom Anderson gave a brief explanation of how legislative actions (or inaction) affect their departments. Scott Johnson spoke about the issues affecting his department and regional health care. Mr. Kanner said that it is understood that further budget cuts are forthcoming. He would like to see modifications to the mandates given at the same time. It is impossible to provide the mandated services if the funding is drastically cut. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, December 6, 2010 Page 4 of 5 Pages 2. Economic Development Grant Requests & Update on Distribution. ƒ Oregon State University/Extension – “Living on a Few Acres” Conference – Commissioner Unger granted $500. ƒ Family Access Network Foundation – Fundraiser – Commissioner Unger granted $500; Commissioner Baney granted the remainder of her funds, $575. Commissioner Luke has no funds remaining. Mr. Kanner said that the Board could choose to increase the fund by a small amount. Dave Inbody stated that there would be more coming in this year. This will be discussed at a future date. Commissioner Unger left the meeting at this point. 3. Other Items. Commissioner Baney was recently elected First Vice President of AOC. Discussion occurred on the upcoming legislative agenda. Scot Langton said that there are some items regarding tax assessments, but most are housekeeping measures. Another issue is records suppression, those that are exempt from disclosure. AOC is taking the lead on this. Law enforcement and the District Attorneys want an exemption. There need to be some rules that can be applied to all. Hillary Saraceno provided a handout regarding proposed human services legislative priorities. Some affect the Children & Families’ Commission, but many affect other departments. Commissioner Luke said the questions are, what can be eliminated and things still function adequately? Can some items be cut, but still work? There have to be cuts in human services, schools, law enforcement or they will not be able to reduce the budget. The Board was asked and agreed to sign a support letter regarding Mosaic Medical’s grant application for a Redmond facility.