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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-22 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, JULY 22, 2009 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Tammy Baney, Dennis R. Luke and Alan Unger. Also present were Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; David Givans, Auditor; Susan Ross, Property & Facilities; media representative Hillary Borrud of The Bulletin; and three other citizens. Chair Baney opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 1. Update on the Status of the Historical Society Building. Kelly Cannon-Miller and Karen Green of the Historical Society gave an overview of the remodeling now in process at the building. Work dealing with asbestos and flooring has been completed, but electrical issues still need to be addressed. She presented some photos of the Oregon Sesquicentennial Celebration that just took place. Susan Ross said that the County, as property owner, covered payment for the work on the floors and the asbestos problem. The work was more extensive than anticipated, which is not unusual with old structures. She said that cost for the electrical work will likely have to go on the next fiscal year’s budget. It is hoped that grant dollars will be available to cover part of this expense. 2. COCC Foundation Scholarship Program Update. Commissioner Luke explained that the scholarship program began with Commissioner Tom DeWolf, who used part of his lottery fund allocation for this purpose. Andrea Gibson of the Central Oregon Community College Foundation gave an overview of the program. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, July 22, 2009 Page 1 of 4 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, July 22, 2009 Page 2 of 4 Pages Jim Weaver, Executive Director of the Foundation, said that the program encompasses the district, which is a 10,000 square mile area from Wasco south to the Lakeview area. He added that the endowment is managed so that it can maintain funding into the future. Commissioner Luke asked that any recipients for County funding be from Deschutes County. Commissioner Baney asked about the mix of those who are pursuing a two-year degree or a four-year agree. Mr. Weaver said that a person could go for a two-year degree or greater, as desired. As funds become available, they can have a huge impact on this program. Commissioner Baney suggested that they come back in a couple of months when the County knows how much lottery funding is available. 3. Discussion of Mental Health Utilization in Sisters and Similar Communities. Commissioner Unger asked if the County should try to put more services in Sisters. Finding available space seems to be the issue. It appears that serving youth is the greatest challenge. Scott Johnson said that the Oregon Health Plan will be expanded to serve more clients, which includes all parts of the County. A lot has been done with the newly federally qualified health clinic in La Pine, to serve that area. They have been asked to assist those in northern Klamath County as well. Clear Choice does the physical health work in that area already. Most of those residents come to La Pine for services. Commissioner Baney asked about indigent residents. Mr. Johnson said that some will be served anyway, particularly children. The legislature had to set some limitations. In regard to Redmond outreach, Mr. Johnson said that they are trying to expand hours. They are already in the schools and the Becky Johnson Center. They rented a small house on 7th Street downtown to help others. They will do all they can with what they have to use now. Redmond and Sisters schools have expressed an interest in expanding available health and mental health services there. Each school-based health center has to be subsidized, however. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, July 22, 2009 Page 3 of 4 Pages Space and internet access will be needed for both and the space needs to be accessible and allow for confidentiality. Commissioner Baney said that it would be good to have a city council member involved. Mr. Johnson stated that in the future it would be good to have adequate space that could be shared with other service providers in the communities. The budget is still being adjusted and his department is still on reduced hours, so there are some obstacles to overcome in that regard. He wants to be sure all of the areas can be served in an adequate fashion. Commissioner Unger suggested that perhaps a temporary solution would be to provide some access to transportation if needed so people can get to the proper facility. Commissioner Luke stated that care should be taken to make sure clients have a way to get back home. Mr. Johnson indicated that a community based service center is by far the easiest way to handle this situation. Commissioner Unger asked about performance measures and why Sisters seemed to be doing well but has since dropped. Commissioner Baney said that a staff member who lived in Sisters worked there, but has since moved. Mr. Johnson stated that one of his staff lives in La Pine and it has had a positive impact. 4. Other Items. Erik Kropp asked if the Commissioners would be back from the Annual Fair opening events in time for the 1:30 p.m. work session on Monday. It was decided that the meeting should begin at 2:00 p.m. instead. __________________________________ Mr. Kropp said that at the La Pine meeting tonight, the DEQ plans to put the questions from the audience on screen to answer them. County staff will use flip charts and easels as needed. __________________________________ Commissioner Baney stated that she has been approached by COBA (Central Oregon Builders Association) about recycling at the Annual Fair. She learned that not much effort is put forth to recycle there. Containers are not available for that purpose, but possibly sponsors are available to provide the containers. Perhaps Oregon Youth Challenge participants can be involved in this project.