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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-27 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, AUGUST 27, 2008 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Dennis R. Luke, Michael M. Daly and Tammy Melton. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; Judith Ure, Administration; Tom Anderson, Community Development; a reporter from KOHD TV, and eight other citizens. Chair Luke opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 1. Presentation by Oregon Snowmobile Association. Ken Roadman gave an overview of the planned parking lot expansion, eight miles of new trails, and the new shelter. The shelter is under construction now, using local beetle-killed trees. The work is mostly done through grants and in- kind donations. As an aside, he noted that the beetle infestation of trees is becoming very severe and needs to be addressed. Much of it is in the watershed area, and the potential for wildfire is great. Peggy Spieger asked for the County’s support for improvements in the facilities, especially the parking areas, which are used for snowshoers, dog skiers and others. Traffic and use is greatly increasing. They are not asking for funding at this time; just signatures on their position paper. The Forest Service is causing some concerns regarding potential environmental impacts, and this issue needs to be clarified as soon as possible. The Board indicated a letter of support would be sent as soon as possible. 2. Update from Sunriver Sewer Utility regarding Feasibility Study. Dick Nichols, Katie Turner, Steve Runner, Tom Keith, and Terry Penhollow of Sunriver Utility District, came before the Board. Minutes of Administrative Work Session Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Page 1 of 5 Pages Minutes of Administrative Work Session Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Page 2 of 5 Pages Dick Nichols said this involves a competitive grant, which is required to be at the Department of Water Resources by September 2. They require a 50% match, which can be in kind or in cash. They asked the County to contribute funding for part of this. They put together a cost estimate for a feasibility study. Sunriver can contribute $60,000 and are asking the County for $62,500. The analysis will allow homeowners to compare what it would cost to put in a septic system against what it would cost to connect to a sewer. At a Deschutes River Recreation Homesites residents meeting, it was clear that property owners feel this is a permanent solution. These individuals voiced concern about potential future requirements of septic systems having to be upgraded or changed. Hooking into a sewer system may also free up some red lots. The County would benefit by good will and good water, and will keep nitrogen out of the ground. Sewage would be treated and the nitrogen will be turned into biomass and used on the golf courses. It is an efficient way to eliminate contamination, especially from drinking water sources, and reuses the effluent. Commissioner Luke asked when a decision on the processing plant needs to be made. Tom Keith said the plant will stay where it is unless DRRH is included. He referred to an oversized map showing the areas that would be affected. Mr. Nichols then discussed how the revenue bond process would work in this regard. He also said that the application emphasizes water savings and reuse. Commissioner Daly voiced concern about people not wanting to participate since they have a long time before they have to do anything. Mr. Kanner said that a sewer district can be formed without a vote of the people, although they would have to support the funding part. A sanitary authority could be formed and could force people to hook up. It could be referred to the voters, however. It will still have to go through the Goal 11 exception process. Commissioner Luke stated that this is the easiest area to serve. If it appears the cost is excessive, it will show people that other areas will cost a lot more to serve. Mr. Kanner indicated that the tax credit might be used for this. Tom Anderson said that the Financial Advisory Committee recommended that the County spend money on this as it helps to investigate the options. There is about $480,000 in financial assistance funding now. Most is restricted, but some could be used for this purpose. The consensus of the Commissioners was to commit funding and go forward with this study. Minutes of Administrative Work Session Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Page 3 of 5 Pages 3. Special Transportation Fund Advisory Board Recommendations. Judith Ure gave a brief overview of the recommendations of the Advisory Board regarding funding various providers. This involves formula money that has to be used to provide services to the elderly and handicapped, and can be used in part for operations. She recommended that Central Cascade Lines not receive funding at this time until it can be shown they are in compliance. The State requires that all recipients be in compliance before benefiting from these funds. Many of the required documents are not complete or have not yet been submitted. If ODOT does not find Central Cascades Lines in compliance after a review this week, the funding in the amount of $36,000 could be distributed to other groups. At this point it is important to make sure the other recipients receive their funding as soon as possible. Commissioner Daly said that this needs to be handled delicately so that people don’t think the County is trying to force them out of business. Ms. Ure stated that the best option is to hold the funding back until the State says they can receive it. MELTON: Move approval of staff’s recommendation. DALY: Second. VOTE: MELTON: Yes. DALY: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. 4. Other Items. Mr. Kanner stated that there are applications from several Planning Commission candidates for the South County position. He asked if the Board wants to interview them all. Commissioners Luke and Daly agreed. It will likely be set up at the Sunriver Police/Fire station. _________________________ In regard to vested rights applications, Tom Anderson stated that they typically fall into the 3-4 month time frame. This is basically new ground and takes time to work through. The refund process is the same for everyone and no one’s money is held up. Minutes of Administrative Work Session Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Page 4 of 5 Pages _________________________ The Board then reviewed an award letter from the State regarding a grant for the mental health housing program. MELTON: Move approval, subject to legal review. DALY: Second. VOTE: MELTON: Yes. DALY: Yes. LUKE: Chair votes yes. _________________________ Mr. Kanner asked if the Board would like to have a City Club of Central Oregon membership. This is a forum for public issues and debate. The membership would cover five people with voting privileges and they would pay half price for the lunches. The cost of membership is $850 per year, and they meet on the third Thursday plus occasional special meetings. Commissioner Luke said traditionally the Board has only been members of the Chambers, and asked about the benefit. Commissioner Melton said she sees it as an educational opportunity; and that it is different from Rotary or the Chambers. Mr. Kanner will talk with a representative about possible options. _________________________ Commissioner Melton said she was accepted into a program through the Luke Foundation, handled out of the University of Oregon; she has asked for a full scholarship. She will be gone October 4 through 11 to participate in a leadership training program. It costs $3,300 if there is no scholarship. She will pay for half of it and is asking for Deschutes County to pay for the rest. Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.