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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-07-16 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, JULY 16, 2008 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Dennis R. Luke and Tammy Melton; Commissioner Michael M. Daly was out of the office. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; David Givans, Internal Auditor; Dave Inbody, Assistant to the Administrator; Tom Anderson, Community Development Department; Ken Grantham, Surveyor’s Office; Mark Pilliod, Legal Counsel; Susan Ross, Property and Facilities; John Russell, City of Bend; Hillary Borrud, The Bulletin; Tom Fay, Fire Protection District; and two other citizens. Chair Luke opened the meeting at 1:35 p.m. 1. Discussion of Bend Airport Urban Renewal Plan. John Russell gave a Powerpoint overview of the history and importance of the Bend Airport, and the need for an urban renewal plan to help with infrastructure requirements. He said they did an analysis on selling the airport to a private entity, and found it is incredibly complicated due to the number of agencies involved. One important point is that all of the FAA funds contributed over the years would have to be repaid, and that amounts to over $30 million. Mr. Russell explained the acreage involved and the specific projects that are underway and proposed. A fire substation will be constructed, but it will be in essence an emergency services facility. Mark Pilliod advised that public input at this point would be ex parte. Commissioner Luke said that the City of Bend representatives are not staff, either, so their presentation would also be ex parte. Tom Faye said that a fire station would be too much to handle, but an emergency services facility would serve a number of needs based on growth assumptions. Minutes of Administrative Work Session Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Page 1 of 4 Pages Minutes of Administrative Work Session Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Page 2 of 4 Pages He gave an overview of the revenue picture. Property will gain value and revenue will be obtained, base on projections twenty or more years form now. Commissioner Melton asked about the County’s bond rating if the projects do not come to fruition. Mr. Russell stated that any projects that are not included now could possibly be added in the future. The Murphy Crossing Urban Renewal Plan was then presented. Dave Kanner stated that there is more to it, and a memorandum of understanding with the City should cover some issues, such as the use of staff during the land use process. The County has paid for 26% of railroad crossing, which is significant, and a major contribution to it. The maximum indebtedness is $52,600,000 over 25 years. The amount required to service the debt is $59,091,853. Commissioner Luke said that access to Highway 97 is already being blocked from cross traffic to due ODOT barriers. The impact on other taxing districts is significant, with the greater burden on the City of Bend. Commissioner Melton said that the public safety aspects are huge and is she is concerned about providing this as well as jobs and economic benefits. Commissioner Luke stated that the roads already present hazards. Commissioner Luke asked who provides staff support when the Board serves as the urban Renewal Agency. Mr. Pilliod plans to discuss this in general terms with the City. The agency can appoint Legal Counsel and typically, the City will do so. The Commissioners need to decide whether to move forward and hold public hearings. Mr. Kanner said the Commissioner could order Mr. Kanner to oversee the workings of the Urban Renewal Plan. 2. Discussion of Lot Line Adjustment Fee Waiver Request. Ken Gratham presented Fred Ast of Sisters, and discussed the problem they have had with establishing a corner point of a section of land. One adjacent parcel is owned by the County. Tom Anderson suggested that there are eight parcels, and the cost of handling them would be about $350 for staff work. Commissioner Luke said the $350 could be granted through economic development funds. It was pointed out that the Clerk’s recording fees are also significant. Minutes of Administrative Work Session Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Page 3 of 4 Pages Dave Kanner indicated on a map a sliver of land is owned by the County. He advised that he is investigating how to avoid going through the regular process to dispose of the property. It has to be of low value and not usable. Mr. Anderson stated that properties to the south are already using it, which complicated the issue. Commissioner Luke said that it is in the public good to solve this problem. Susan Ross stated that it usually has to be for the public good and Legal Counsel is reluctant to call this situation that. Mr. Kanner suggested that if the property went to another entity, they could handle sorting out the issue. However, the County property has to be part of the solution. Mark Pilliod observed that an appraisal could be obtained to show that solving the problems involved exceed the value of the property. Commissioner Luke pointed out that if the property were no longer owned by the County, it would then be producing income. Ms. Ross stated that it is unlikely that, if the property were put up to bid, anyone else would be interested. Mr. Kanner said that they have asked that the County do a mailing to all of the property owners. He has been reluctant because it is a problem that was not created by the County; the County is not obligated to solve it. However, property owners would be encouraged to cooperate with each other. The problem now is that someone who wants to sell their property is unable to do so at this time. He does not feel that anyone is trying to financially profit from this issue. Mr. Pilliod indicated that 100% cooperation would be necessary and there would be an extensive number of surveys to identify the parcels, and the costs could be significant since there could be 40 properties involved. 3. Report on Public Meeting on Public Safety Complex and Jail Expansion Project. Ms. Ross said that perhaps a dozen citizens came to the meeting; a few people expressed concerns about being next to a government building and others were worried about individuals wandering around in their neighborhood from the mental health facility. It was explained that the individuals staying in the facility would not be released into the community. Most of the housing in the area came into being long after the County established the Jail and other facilities there.