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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-08 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, DECEMBER 8, 2010 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Dennis R. Luke, Alan Unger and Tammy Baney. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; and, for a portion of the meeting, Dan Despotopulos, Fair & Expo Center; Tom Anderson, Peter Gutowsky, Community Development; and Timm Schimke, Solid Waste Department. Others present were media representative Hillary Borrud of The Bulletin; and three other citizens, including Commissioner-elect Tony DeBone. Chair Luke opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 1. EDCO (Economic Development for Central Oregon) Update. Roger Lee gave a PowerPoint presentation, highlighting the venture catalyst program that involved meetings with about 130 smaller companies and entrepreneurs. Several companies are close to getting the necessary venture capital in place. Ways to develop more support are being sought, including space and a potential ‘angel’ fund. All of the region’s eight cities now have enterprise zones, and Crook and Jefferson Counties have Rural Renewable Energy Development Zones (RREDZ). Both Deschutes County and the City of Bend have a forgivable loan program to foster job creation. EDCO is advocating for new statewide incentive programs at the legislative level. The A2B (Adopt a Business) program has begun with four partner organizations. The Board wants to be supportive of anything that gets across the message that Central Oregon is open for business. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 8, 2010 Page 1 of 6 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 8, 2010 Page 2 of 6 Pages Alana Audette said that the work being done by EDCO reflects across all parts of the area and businesses such as COVA. Tourism organizations are on the front lines, and often are responsible for creating the first and most memorable contact for potential business relocations. Dan Despotopulos agreed, saying that some important contacts come through various Expo events. Pacific Pellet, Voicecurve, Risse Racing, McConnell Labs/Light Elegance), Rivolution and American ITC are some of the 2010 success stories. Others are Facebook and Oregon Mint & Snuff Company. Focus groups were formed to encourage business development in various industries, such as aviation/aerospace, bioscience, renewable/alternative energy and software/IT. Commissioner Luke said that the building permit process has been a problem for some businesses in the past, because it can take so long. Commissioner Unger pointed out that some businesses find that obtaining funds from banks and other entities has been a stumbling block for them. Other companies have been able to expand operations with the help of EDCO. At this point, there are at least 72 pending projects that could result in over 1,100 local jobs. Despite the recession, Deschutes County remains the fastest-growing county in the State, at 8% growth (the average is 5% overall); followed by Crook, Jefferson and Washington counties. 2. COVA (Central Oregon Visitors Association) Update. Alana Audette distributed a recent report of activity and programs (a copy of which is attached fore reference). She said they are in a strong financial situation, due to careful planning and the use of reserve funding. At this time, they are negotiating contracts, developing timelines and reviewing programs. They are concentrating on the peak visitor times but will work on the slower months as well. They are working closely with Mt. Bachelor, and also the Fair & Expo on a variety of events and programs. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 8, 2010 Page 3 of 6 Pages 3. Forester Update. Joe Stutler updated the Board on programs and projects. This has been the best year for fuels work in neighborhoods. Not only is the fuel that is a fire hazard being removed from neighborhoods, but also it is being used for compost and energy production purposes. The combination of sweat equity and grants has kept the costs down. Commissioner Unger asked about annual cleanup efforts. Mr. Stutler replied that all kinds of lots and properties are addressed, including vacant lots. In regard to FEMA grants, FEMA feels the County is overachieving due to the continuing nature of the work that must be done to maintain safety. This kind of work is not a one-time thing, and Mr. Stutler has to continually educate on the need of continuing the process. Dealing with the politics and the focus of the different agencies is a continual challenge. Mr. Stutler gave an overview on a visit by the National Fire Protection Association to see FireWise Communities in action. The group discussed the passing of Frank Pennock, and the work he did to help develop the emergency exit for Deschutes River Woods and other neighborhood improvement efforts there. Work has begun on the Qualified Pool for 2011; he is seeking input from contractors to help refine the process in the future. 4. Discussion of a DEQ Grant Opportunity regarding a Tumalo Area Local Wetland Inventory Proposal. Peter Gutowsky gave a brief overview of a grant opportunity for addressing the local wetland inventory program. (A copy of a sheet detailing the main points is attached for reference.) Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 8, 2010 Page 4 of 6 Pages It is recognized that the Tumalo area has an active floodplain, and this grant may be available to help with developing the inventory for that area. The grant deadline is quickly coming. It requires a 40% match, which can be in-kind. The grant could be as much as $46,000 including the in-kind amount, and other grant sources could be pursued to help with this. This grant would help develop a much better idea of wetlands areas, and it could provide a base for future opportunities to enhance and restore these areas. Tom Anderson said that there is a cost to pursuing and handling this project, but the work plan for the timeframe has not yet been established. The Tumalo wetlands project is a part of the overall Departmental plan, and Mr. Anderson feels that there is adequate staffing to handling this work. The Department will not recommend any new regulatory plans regarding development of properties within the area. Water quality and ecological values will be determined on a broader basis. The Board supports pursuing this grant opportunity. 5. Update of Commissioners’ Meetings and Schedules. Commissioner Baney will be in Salem on December 9. She is also there on December 13 and 14. Commissioner Unger will be at COACT on December 9. He will be in Salem on December 13. Commissioner Luke suggested that Commissioner Unger be the person appointed to COACT for 2011. 6. Other Items. Dave Kanner asked whether a framed print that was given to the County, entitled “Late Winter Gathering”, that has been hanging in the office of District Attorney Mike Dugan for many years, could be declared surplus property and awarded to Mr. Dugan in recognition of his years of service to the County. The Board was supportive of this action. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 8, 2010 Page 5 of 6 Pages BANEY: Move approval of the print being awarded to Mike Dugan in recognition of his professional achievements as the District Attorney of Deschutes County. UNGER: Second. VOTE: BANEY: Yes. UNGER: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. _______________________________________ Mr. Kanner explained that AFSME has requested arbitration on a grievance that does not exist because the grievance was not filed in a timely manner, and can only go to Step 2. They told Mr. Kropp that they wanted to skip Step 1 and go directly to Step 2, but he advised that the deadline had passed and no action could be taken. A Step 3 grievance was then sent to Mr. Kanner. The employee said she did not recognize that she needed to file the grievance during a specific timeframe. Mr. Kropp said that letting this go forward could set precedence. AFSME stated that she is being denied a property right as a result, even though the employee got a step increase and there was no negative financial impact. Mr. Kanner feels that the Employee Relations Board is the proper place for this issue to be pursued. He asked if the Chair could sign a letter indicating this opinion. _______________________________________ Commissioner Baney asked if a meeting with District Attorney-elect Patrick Flaherty would take place soon. Mr. Pilliod said Mr. Flaherty is not available to meet with the Board this week but may be able to next week. A date and time was suggested, just prior to the Board work session on December 15 at 2:30 p.m., but it is unknown if Mr. Flaherty will be able to attend. _______________________________________ An executive session – under ORS 192.660(2)(h), pending or threatened litigation, was called at this time, followed by an executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(i), a personnel issue. No formal action was taken.