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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-03 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 3, 2008 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Dennis R. Luke, Michael M. Daly and Tammy Baney. Also present were Commissioner-elect Al Unger; Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Sheriff Larry Blanton; Timm Schimke and Chad Centola, Solid Waste Department; Scott Johnson, Mental Health; and approximately twenty other citizens, including media representative Hillary Borrud of The Bulletin. Chair Luke opened the meeting at 1:35 p.m. 1. Briefing and Discussion of Oregon Psychiatric Security Review Board. Clare Buckley, Director of the Oregon Psychiatric Security Review Board, and Tony Guillen, Coordinator, gave an overview of how cases are handled through the judicial system. A judge makes the initial decision, at which time the case goes to the Review Board. The District Attorney, the judge and parties to the case are kept informed. The Board decides what kind of living situations are appropriate under a conditional release and the responsibilities of the Board and others involved in a case. This program is highly structured and monitored. There are about 750 people in Oregon under the Review Board’s jurisdiction, with about eighty of those in Deschutes County. Commissioner Baney clarified that the Sheriff’s Office receives information on the individuals to be released, and if contact occurs, the Sheriff’s Office will report in. It is a statewide system. Scott Johnson added that if the person is in a local city, that police entity is also advised of a release. Commissioner Luke said that some people feel the Review Board is not effective enough and people are released when they should not be. Ms. Buckley replied that public safety is the first priority even if the State Hospital is overcrowded. There appears to be support from all entities. Scott Johnson stated that the move has to be justified, and it is a cooperative effort. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Page 1 of 5 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Page 2 of 5 Pages Sheriff Blanton stated that the Oregon State Sheriffs Association has had issues with some dialogue and terminology used by the Review Board. For instance, a secure facility to him is a jail. Based on pickup orders from PSRB, they will be transferred by the State Police. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for court orders but this is not the same, and there is no reason for forcibly taking someone to the valley. He asked if the County would be afforded some beds for other mental health uses. A property on Pole Sholes Road will be the site of the new facility. It is in the design stage at this point. Ms. Buckley explained how the program receives its funding and the costs of treatment. They are working on organizing more residential facilities throughout the State. There are a lot of considerations and interests to balance, including ADA laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other legislation. They have been meeting with various agencies to try to keep everyone informed. 2. EDCO Semi-annual Briefing. Roger gave a PowerPoint presentation and prepared information. The County funds $110,000 annually. A quarterly update is provide to the Commissioners. He talked about trends and the impact of continued population growth. Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties are the fastest growing of the 36 counties. The numbers for 2007 show an employment figure of 101,712 in Central Oregon. Changes in employment indicate that Deschutes County remained on the positive side for job growth, at least for 2007. This year will be different. Crook and Jefferson counties showed a negative figure for 2007, and this figure will be worse for 2008. Per its strategic plan, EDCO hopes to add 1,500 new jobs within three years, along with $75 million in capital investment. 2009 has some big projects planned. One new business that was recruited was Altrec/Great Outdoors, which is an on-line retailer; they built 35,000 square feet of administrative and distribution space. They now employ 60 people and hope to double this and their facilities within the next few years. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Page 3 of 5 Pages Another business that was recruited was PV Powered, which is the largest U.S. manufacturer of grid-tied solar power inverters. They are expanding rapidly and are remodeling and moving into a vacated facility now. Breedlove Guitars also has expanded into its new production facility and is adding to its product lines and work force. Work is continuing in efforts to expand commercial air service, industrial and business park development readiness, to address transportation issues and to expand and enhance higher education. EDCO is involved in a ten-year effort to bring in high technology business, medical and alternative energy. They are launching their new website in early 2009. Commissioner Baney asked if any of the population growth includes moving their work with them. Mr. Smith said that in general about 15% of employees come with a company that is relocating. 3. Solid Waste Update. Robert Brickner of Gershman, Brickner and Bratton, solid waste management consultants, gave a presentation of the work being done by his company and other team members relating to the Demolition Landfill project. The study at this point is two large volumes totaling perhaps 200 pages of work. The presentation went over the key points of the study. Discussion took place regarding an aerial view of the property, showing roads, surrounding development, etc. A sketch of three separate areas showed what can be expected in each as far as the type of waste and how much work it may take to address each site. Lengthy discussion took place regarding what is buried in various locations in the landfill area and how testing was done to determine the types and amount of waste material. Also addressed were any potential environmental impacts; possible uses or potential disposal of any excavated landfill materials; the location of fencing and fill material; the potential of State funding in the form of a tax credit. The credit could be used for the purchase of specialized equipment. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Page 4 of 5 Pages Timm Schimke stated that the value of some items, in particular scrap metal, varies with market demand. He would like to see the value of whatever comes from the location to cover the cost of whatever ends up at Knott Landfill. Recommendations include soliciting for a DEI (Developer’s Expression of Interest). This could involve a public-private partnership, using the site for commercial uses. If there is no interest at this time, the County can decide not to do anything until conditions are right. Mr. Brickner pointed out that DEQ laws and other requirements can change over time and it may not be prudent to wait too long to take action. 4. Economic Development Grant Requests. None were offered. These will be held until the first week of January after Commissioner-elect Unger takes office, as Commissioner Daly has no further grant funds available to him. 5. Update of Commissioners’ Meetings and Schedules. None were discussed. 6. Other Items. None were discussed. 7. Executive Session, called under ORS 192.660(2)(h), litigation. The Commissioners went into executive session at 4:00 p.m. No action was taken, and the executive session adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.