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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-11 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, FEBRUARY 11, 2009 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Dennis R. Luke and Alan Unger; Commissioner Tammy Baney was out of the office except for a brief conference call. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; David Inbody, Deputy County Administrator; Anna Johnson, Communications; Joe Stutler, Forester; and seven other citizens. Commissioner Unger opened the meeting at 1:35 p.m. 1. Update on Tumalo Irrigation District Plans. Sharon Smith, representing Tumalo Irrigation District, and Elmer McDaniels, District Manager, gave an overview of the status of the 2005 agreement with the County regarding the dedication of a road to provide access to various properties. (She referred to an oversized aerial photograph of the area.) The intention of the agreement was to provide access to all parcels so that they could be developed as appropriate. Land use applications were pursued and ultimately just one went through the process. (See attached letter from Ms. Smith dated February 3, 2009.) A total of nine parcels could be possible, plus two for the County, under EFU zoning. At this time, the County’s parcel is landlocked. Laurie Craghead said that one appeal on the land use application challenged the fact that the County has an interest in this. She added that the Board is the only decision-making body to handle this, so will have to act as the hearings body if there is a further appeal. The decision can be appealed to LUBA afterwards, however. They will keep the Commissioners informed of future activities. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, February 11, 2009 Page 1 of 4 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, February 11, 2009 Page 2 of 4 Pages 2. Oregon Historical Society Report on Oregon 150 Plans. Kelly Cannon-Miller and Karen Green explained the work that has been done and is being done at the Des Chutes Historical Museum. They then did a PowerPoint presentation on plans for the upcoming Sesquicentennial Celebration (150 years of statehood) for Oregon. The Commissioners discussed funding that might be available to help with this event. It was decided that a maximum of $20,000 would be appropriate, as it is not only an opportunity to increase tourism but can also involve a lot of children. 3. Forester Update. Joe Stutler provided an update on the projects handled in 2008 and what to expect for 2009. (See attached copy of his report.) About $2 million in grants is still available for wildfire reduction education and work. Other grants have been requested. He is working with local counties and other agencies to cooperate on these projects. Tom Andrade gave an overview of the status of projects and the responses they have received from the public. Senate Bill 360 addresses reclassification efforts and the need for a Classification Committee. The Committee needs to be reestablished; three need to be appointed by the Board of Commissioners. One of these people must live in the affected area. Ken Lane and George Chesley have been recommended, along with Joe Stutler. The Board agreed to these appointments. Kevin Benton of the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife said that the remainder of FY 2009 revenue would show a shortfall of nearly 4%. The State agency was previously solid, but a shortfall is expected of about 25% since it will be near the end of the biennium. The Governor’s recommended budget shows a 10% reduction, which will impact protection programs. Mr. Benton explained how his agency handles wildfire events. 4. Economic Development Grant Requests. ƒ Latino Community Association – Intercultural Festival – Commissioners Unger and Baney each granted $500. ƒ Saving Grace – Divorce Video – no funds were granted. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, February 11, 2009 Page 3 of 4 Pages Dave Kanner said that discretionary lottery revenue is steadily going down, another result of the depressed economy, and there will not be much available the rest of the year. David Inbody added that he already projected future amounts, but the situation will probably be worse than expected. (A copy of his report is attached.) Requests for grants keep coming in and Mr. Inbody said he needs direction on how to handle them. Commissioner Luke suggested that they suspend granting these funds for a quarter. The next payment from the State is expected in May, and in the meantime, there should be some idea of how the next fiscal year will look. 5. Update of Commissioners’ Meetings and Schedules. At this time, Commissioner Baney joined the meeting via conference call. In regard to an upcoming meeting with Sisters. LCDC sent out a list of some suggested questions for people who are attending the meeting. (A copy of information regarding the meeting is attached.) Commissioner Baney is adamantly against doing something to change policy in this manner. Commissioner Unger stated that all counties should protest this because it bypasses the process, and it greatly affects Central Oregon. And there are potential impacts to the Steelhead Recovery Act. Commissioner Baney added that the State might say it will address all of these concerns but it would bypass the public process. The greatest impact of these resorts will be not in Jefferson County, but Sisters. Sisters will have no way to address resultant problems, nor will Deschutes County. Commissioner Unger indicated he would attend the meeting. 6. Other Items. None were offered.