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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-16 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 16, 2009 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Tammy Baney, Dennis R. Luke and Alan Unger. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; and, for various parts of the meeting, Susan Ross and Theresa Rozic, Property and Faculties; visitors Jan Eggleston and Kim McNamer of the Deschutes Children’s Foundation; and Dennis Smeage and Dwane Krumme, Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce. Chair Baney opened the meeting at 2:33 p.m. 1. Deschutes Children’s Foundation Update. Jan Eggleston announced she is retiring from the Foundation. She said the need is greater than ever and these are difficult times for nonprofits. However, they are seeing more clients than ever and were able to complete their capital campaign to increase the size of the facility and services offered; and in the meantime, the knowledge of their services and needs were made known to more people. She added that this area is unique in that many nonprofits work together to benefit the public. Often they combine efforts on fundraising events and share ideas and resources. They are working on fundraising events and trying to maintain the same level of services, while planning for the future. Commissioner Baney indicated that the County remains committed to helping all it can to make sure adequate services are provided to the public through partnerships with groups such as the Children’s Foundation. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Page 1 of 6 Pages Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Page 2 of 6 Pages Commissioner Unger asked about the Becky Johnson Center and its relationship with the County, nonprofits and clients. He wants to address the different needs of each entity. Chair Baney asked if there are agencies in the Redmond area that need space; Ms. Eggleston indicated that some need office space, but not classroom space, which is what is currently available. The Board thanked Ms. Eggleston for her service to the community, and welcomed Ms. McNamer. 2. Sunriver Chamber of Commerce Mid-Year Update. Dennis Smeage said they are feeling more optimistic about the future. They had a golf tournament in conjunction with a music festival, which worked well. It is hoped that the Pac Am will be moving to the weekend before the Labor Day weekend. Mr. Smeage stated that the funding package of about $60,000 allowed them to raise new money locally. The Resort and Chamber have worked hard on ideas and programs that enhance both entities. Going forward, they feel they will be able to provide adequate services without requesting a loan to operate. They tried, in conjunction with The Village, a satellite information center near the Country Store. Approximately 900 people stopped by during a six-week period. The Chamber office and Visitors’ Center has been moved to an area with greater visibility within The Village. As a rule, visitors are looking for information on recreational activities, in particular bicycling of all types. They are receiving more inquiries from people who have never been to Sunriver. They have a new marketing committee working on a variety of programs and outreach. In tracking activities, there has been a significant increase over the previous year. Commissioner Unger observed that Sunriver is a different place, with seasons of strength and hibernation. Cities have things going on all year long. He said that the focus in Sunriver is different Chair Baney suggested that if there is space available, they are welcome to attend County classes. They are working with the other Chambers of Commerce now, trying to sell the experience of Central Oregon. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Page 3 of 6 Pages They hope to maintain relationships and keep bringing things in and developing events that benefit everyone. In the future, the reality is that they may ask for some consideration in terms of tax dollars, but not at the level in the past. There is a trade-off. It was critical for them to have assistance at one point. There are three new Board members who are very interested, including one who is with the SROA (Sunriver Owners Association). The group has turned over to operations and property management some ideas on a five-year planning horizon. They will have to wait to see how they and other agencies and groups interact over time. Mr. Krumme said they are working with Scott Pence of COVA in January and will be developing a more definitive work plan. They do not want to ask for the Board to help them at this point unless it is known that help is needed. 3. Update of Commissioners’ Meetings and Schedules. Commissioner Luke said KBND radio would like to interview a County Commissioner on a regular basis the third Wednesday of each month, between 8:15 and 9:00 a.m., starting in January. ___________________________________ Mr. Kanner will be out of the office on December 23. There are no agenda items for the morning Board meeting of December 21 or the work session of December 23, so those meetings will be canceled. There are agenda items for the December 21 work session, but no Board meeting is scheduled for that day. If there are no agenda items submitted next week for the December 28 Board meeting or work session, they will also be canceled. There are already agenda items for the December 30 Board meeting and work session, so those meetings will take place. ___________________________________ Mr. Kanner stated that at the 911 Executive Board meeting, the County was asked to help draft an employment agreement with Andy Jordan for him to oversee 911 temporarily. The E-Board asked if the County would waive the legal fees for doing so. At some point, 911 needs to have its own legal counsel. At this point, they use Bruce Bischoff’s services for union issues when necessary. Mr. Kanner indicated that 911 has adequate funds to cover the cost of legal counsel. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Page 4 of 6 Pages ___________________________________ Commissioner Unger gave an overview of COIC and discussions regarding a regional transportation system, in cooperation with Bend Area Transportation. They are also analyzing the possibilities of a community economic investment plan. 4. Other Items. The Board discussed what properties might fit into the fund to be established to help finance improvements to the Jail. Not every County-owned property is suitable for this purpose. Commissioner Luke said that this would help offset the amount of money that would be requested from the public. He feels it is not a good time to sell property. Commissioner Unger added that he feels within three years, it will be a different, more stable market once again. A general discussion about establishing a fund occurred. In the mid to late 1990’s, a similar process took place, and properties were marketed for that purpose. One project was the Health & Human Services building, along with others. The earnings from those sales paid the debt service. When the market began to slow, properties were sold at what Ms. Ross felt was not an ideal price. It was decided at that time to hold back until the properties needed to be sold. Most of the properties have an issue of some kind that make selling them more challenging. Passing a resolution in this regard shows citizens that the County is supportive of the jail project. Chair Baney asked how this promise would be handled, not knowing what the future might be and the potential use of the assets. She asked if just the jail should be supported, when there are other needs in the County. Commissioner Luke stated that he does not want to cover costs one year and charge the taxpayers the next. It needs to be kept even as much as possible. Dave Kanner stated that there might be a way to lower the rate on existing bonds. There is $1 million in Fund 140 now; this money could be applied toward two existing public safety bonds. It would be more symbolic than anything, but would lower the tax rate some until they are retired. This would make the process more palatable to the public. Over time, this amount could be applied towards the debt service. He feels this is a more prudent strategy. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Page 5 of 6 Pages However, Sheriff Blanton wants to show there is a serious commitment and wants specific properties identified for this purpose. Commissioner Luke said that any property sold now is distressed. The assets are too big and selling them now would not serve constituents well. Mr. Kanner noted that they could show a commitment without showing specific properties as ‘for sale’. Ms. Ross stated that the list is a projection of the properties, but nothing is set in stone. Some properties will definitely be sold, while others are more difficult to sell or the timing has to be right. There is no iron-clad guarantee. Some of the properties listed are foreclosure properties, and there is a question as to whether the sale of these properties can be used for this purpose. Most will have to be auctioned. Some properties need to be rezoned to realize their maximum potential. Commissioner Unger indicated that some properties can be shown as for sale, but the price kept up. Commissioner Luke said that he supports a resolution and a list of properties to go on the list for eventual sale, when the time is right. Chair Baney does not want to earmark the sale of properties for just the jail expansion. Commissioner Luke said that this would make it harder for the Sheriff to sell the project. Mr. Kanner said the bonds would be sold when the measure is approved. The first debt service could come due a year from then. At about that time, the other bonds will retire (2012 and 2014). He added that there would be a payoff provision at ten years in the event the County wanted and was able to retire the bond early. Chair Baney asked about the future, when the County has little or no land to sell. Commissioner Luke stated that the County has many assets that will remain in place for years. Chair Baney does not want to bring a ‘for sale’ sign to tomorrow’s meeting with the Sheriff. She is in favor of a resolution and establishing a fund for this purpose. Commissioner Luke indicated that a lot more discussion has to occur as to what properties to consider for this purpose and when they should be offered for sale.