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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-20 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 MONDAY, JULY 20, 2009 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Tammy Baney, Dennis R. Luke and Alan Unger. Also present were Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; Ken Hales, Corrections; Nick Lelack, Todd Cleveland, Dennis Perks and George Read, Community Development; Laurie Craghead, Legal Counsel; media representative Hillary Borrud of The Bulletin; and five other citizens. Chair Baney opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 1. Discussion regarding Lobbyist Assistance with a HUB Zone Rider. Erik Kropp explained that he has obtained a cost estimate from the Ferguson Group, a federal lobbyist firm, on a particular issue, establishment of a HUB Zone. Commissioner Baney said that the Ferguson Group worked hard for the County while under contract some time ago, but it was felt that the arrangement with the local delegation was enough at the time. Commissioner Luke stated that Representative Walden’s district is bigger than most states, and his staff is limited. He felt that the Ferguson Group did a good job of representing the interests of the County in working both sides of the aisle. Much of what they did was interacting with the delegation staff. It was not his idea to hire them to start with, but he later felt they were an asset. He added that some of the primary players in the HUB Zone are the cities. He suggested that the Senators be involved. He will contact some of the federal staff to follow up on this issue. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, July 20, 2009 Page 1 of 5 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, July 20, 2009 Page 2 of 5 Pages 2. Discussion of Special Transportation Fund Formula Grant Allocations. Judith Ure gave a brief overview of the item. She said that for fiscal year 2009- 10, Deschutes County is scheduled to receive about $263,000, somewhat less than last year. There are three openings. The allocations are not geographical, but are based on transportation needs, diversity and other factors. Commissioner Luke said that Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council just got a big grant for transportation issues. Ms. Ure said that she believes it is for planning purposes, however. Ms. Ure said there is a timing issue, and hopes that this will not be challenged. The transportation package would be phased as well.. There is some question about discretionary funding programs and how those funds might be distributed. It is possible that eventually a new program will be developed. The Board can take the committee’s recommendation as it stands; do another process; or reallocate in some other way. There is a contingency amount of about $28,000 remaining. Commissioner Luke observed that it is hard to make decisions regarding funding, especially now that the economy is so difficult. The Commissioners felt the committee’s recommendations are appropriate. This is an item for the July 22 Board business meeting agenda. 3. Continued Discussion of July 22 Meeting with the DEQ. Todd Cleveland gave the background on groundwater protection efforts in south County, which began in the early 1980’s. Laurie Craghead cautioned that there is a pending lawsuit and care should be taken on what is expressed. There needs to be a lot of consideration given to the tremendous amount of work that has taken place to this point. The group then reviewed material. Chair Baney said she had a discussion with Ed Criss, a La Pine resident, on whether to include certain entities or members of the community. She asked that Mr. Criss act as facilitator. He said that one other person from the community can participate and he will act only as facilitator. It is unknown exactly who will be attending from the State agencies. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, July 20, 2009 Page 3 of 5 Pages Commissioner Luke asked about videotaping the meeting. Commissioner Baney felt that this might be too costly due to the length of the meeting, but it will be considered. Maps were discussed at this time. (The group referred to oversized maps that show where contamination might flow if it is present, and where the nitrate loading might occur.) The timing is hard to gauge. The Commissioners agreed on a couple of maps that show the river and other aspects. Commissioner Unger asked how everyone would be kept on track. The group discussed how the meeting would be structured. Citizen Mike Neary asked what specifically is going to be handed off to the DEQ. Chair Baney said it would be the groundwater protection program at this point. They have not discussed the implementation of the system program and some other issues. Commissioner Luke wanted to know not only when other meetings would happen, but more importantly, what should be discussed. Commissioner Baney said that the County will be a participant, but will not be making those decisions at that point. Mr. Cleveland stated that the loading capacity of the aquifer is already being exceeded, and the longer this process takes, the harder it will be to handle it. It will take longer and be much more expensive in the long run. Commissioner Baney said that DEQ put the study together and it will be up to DEQ to make decisions on how to proceed. 4. Update of Commissioners’ Meetings and Schedules. Commissioner Unger said that he spoke at the La Pine Chamber meeting recently. He found out that there is BLM property located in the middle of La Pine that might be considered for disposal. Commissioner Luke said that he has no problem with property going to the appropriate entity, but it has to go to a government entity. The Commissioners are not sure why the County would have to be involved, and that it could be a very simple transfer. This property is not yet earmarked for disposal, and the County does not want to bear an undue burden for handling this process. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, July 20, 2009 Page 4 of 5 Pages 5. Other Items. A request was received from the Sheriff’s Office and others about recognizing Code Enforcement Officers’ Week. Recommendations from the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee on the Three Sisters Bikeway were presented by Commissioner Baney. This is a State function and could be part of a future Oregon Bikeway. Commissioner Baney will be on vacation in late August, returning by September 1. Commissioner Unger will be on vacation in early September. 6. Executive Session, under ORS 192.660(2)(h), Pending or Threatened Litigation. The Board went into executive session at 2:50 p.m., and came out of session at 3:05 p.m. LUKE: Move to accept the recommendation that Amanda Wallace be allowed leave without pay up through July 31, 2009. UNGER: Second. VOTE: LUKE: Yes. UNGER: Yes. BANEY: Chair votes yes. Being no further items addressed, the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.