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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-10 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, JUNE 10, 2009 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Tammy Baney, Dennis R. Luke and Alan Unger. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; Joe Stutler, Forester; Judith Ure, Administration; Tom Blust, Road Department; Susan Ross, Property & Facilities; Tom Anderson, Community Development; David Inbody, Assistant to the Administrator; media representative Hillary Borrud of the Bulletin, and about twenty other citizens. Chair Baney opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 1. COCC Forestry Program Capstone Presentation. Members of the forestry program class, including Caleb Brown, Isaiah Cook, Justin Dundon, Kasy Kliewer and Ryan McCrone, gave a presentation on the Fremont Canyon property they have been managing as a part of their class. The property has been part of a project started in 2005; this is Phase III. (A summary of the project is attached for reference.) In regard to mechanical shrub treatment or burns for weeds, Commissioner Luke asked how they can keep the burn out of the shrubs. He was advised that fire is an option but it tends to spread cheat grass. Herbicide is used to kill some of the weeds before mowing, in early spring before the seeds are formed. Commissioner Luke had a number of questions regarding the project, wildlife and equipment used for forest management. Commissioner Baney asked how they create wildlife habitat without increased risk of fire, and what level of fire is acceptable. Commissioner Unger asked if the management plan can be used in other locations. He was advised that components can be used, but each property is unique. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 10, 2009 Page 1 of 5 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 10, 2009 Page 2 of 5 Pages 2. Discussion of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program Application. Erik Kropp explained the grant; cities and counties have been designated a certain amount, and no matching funds are required. An energy conservation strategy must be submitted. HVAC upgrades and some energy retrofit could be included, including electrical upgrades at the Historical Center. There are some opportunities to work with the City of Bend on some of these projects. Several other options were discussed. (See the attached handout.) In regard to having staff oversee energy efficiency projects, Tom Anderson said that Code requires some of this, but an objective would be energy efficiency on a broader basis, with interaction with the public. Training would be part of it. He said it would include, from the State, software upgrades to include a permit system. This requires the entire system be converted. This conversion needs to happen in any case, so using some of the grant funds will help offset the overall cost. Jeff Munson of Commute Options talked about the need for park and ride lots. Most of those groups involved in transportation options have discussed this issue. A study has been done and recommendations made. His top recommendation would be at Wickiup Junction, at a cost of about $20,000 to upgrade the lot. Capacity is about 20 vehicles so there are often problems with overflow. Judith Ure said that there may be funding from the stimulus package for energy efficiencies, but it is not yet clear what specific projects might be covered by it. She said hiring a consultant to help develop the plan is covered by the grant. Commissioner Luke said that decisions have to be made what to do, and there is not a lot of time to define this. Commissioner Baney suggested having a consultant help develop a plan, and use the remainder for the park and ride. 3. Presentation and Discussion: Deschutes Water Alliance. Todd Meisler of the Deschutes River Coalition made a PowerPoint presentation on water use in the Deschutes Basin. He gave an overview of the history of the Alliance, formed in 2004, with members from a variety of groups who have an interest in the future of water in the area. A water summit was held in 2006. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 10, 2009 Page 3 of 5 Pages A different political forum is now required to address how to move water around and what uses need to be addressed, as well as obtaining a higher level of funding. Steve Johnson of Central Oregon Irrigation District spoke about the irrigation districts and agricultural land in the Basin. He explained the demand, distribution, conservation and mitigation needed to handle the wide variety of needs and uses for water. Commissioner Baney asked how they measure losses from the canals or rivers. Mr. Johnson said that there are ways to measure the flow, and these numbers can actually be found on an ongoing basis on line. David Inbody said that much of this discussion started as a result of issues with steelhead protection. Many of the other counties and areas are not up to speed yet on how to address water issues. Mr. Johnson said that it might be possible in the future for irrigation districts to let park and recreation districts use the rights of way for recreational purposes, such as trails. Liability is an issue, and much depends on how private property owners feel about this use. 4. Update of Commissioners’ Meetings and Schedules. Commissioner Unger has, as part of a group, been in discussions regarding various transportation improvements in the area. A study will cost nearly $1 million, as there are many impacts to be considered. ______________________________ Commissioner Luke met with a forestry group today and took part in a field exercise in the National Forest. ______________________________ Commissioner Unger said that the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council met on Monday, and environmental groups have brought up questions about what is being supported. A letter to the legislature was proposed regarding areas of critical concern, but no consensus was reached. ______________________________ Commissioner Baney stated that she does not know what Klamath County wants or is expecting regarding south County groundwater issues. The DEQ would need to be involved. It was felt that a workshop would make more sense at this point, without public testimony. Commissioner Baney suggested going to La Pine for this meeting. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 10, 2009 Page 4 of 5 Pages Mr. Kanner stated that he will be out of the office one week in July, but feels that he does not need to attend. ______________________________ Regarding a meeting with Ray Napp and Janet Brown, Commissioner Baney talked with them about DEQ and some local concerns. Another issue is the food vendor and farmers’ markets inspection fee increase. ______________________________ In regard to the closure of Wimp Way, Commissioner Luke said the work is going to contract this month. Mr. Kanner pointed out that the closure of this road is a land use issue, and he believes that testimony received after the hearing process cannot be considered. Commissioner Baney wants to respond to a letter received from Jefferson County officials, and asked Mr. Kanner to draft the appropriate verbiage. ______________________________ Commissioner Luke had discussion with Brad Chalfant regarding Skyline Forest. Some transfer development credits will be used to build homes in that area so that the proposed project will pencil. ______________________________ In regard to the Bend Airport, Commissioner Luke said that the Bend City Council has been critical of the County. In particular, they are looking at annexing the area and the County is being blamed for problems in making process through the joint management agreement since the County did not approve the urban renewal district. There also seems to be community resistance to putting in a tower. Only Cessna pushed for a tower, and they have since closed their plant. The airport property is not within the urban growth boundary, and a master plan is necessary first, per the County. ______________________________ Commissioner Luke stated that the City of La Pine wants to meet with the County again soon to discuss common issues. ______________________________ There is a work session scheduled on July 1 regarding event venues. He asked if an evening meeting is necessary for the public hearing. Commissioner Unger asked if there is a way to narrow the scope, as so much of it is redundant. Commissioner Baney said that they could be asked not to reiterate and to limit the time for testimony.