June 10, 1998
REGULAR MEETING-BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
10:30 a.m. Harris Hall Main Floor
Commissioner Steve Cornacchia presided with Commissioners Ellie Dumdi,
Bobby Green, Sr., and Peter Sorenson present. Commissioner Cindy Weeldreyer arrived at
10:50 a.m. County Administrator Bill Van Vactor, County Counsel Teresa Wilson and
Recording Secretary Melissa Zimmer were also present.
1. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Cornacchia announced that there would be an Executive Session at 11:15 a.m. (Time Certain)
and that there would be an item for emergency business.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ryan Collay, 85281 Garvis Berry Lane, Eugene, 97405, said that the item he came to
speak about was not on the agenda today but was extremely important; the potential changes
to F1 zoning requirements or land use planning. He said his big concern is that the County
is getting lost in an argument. He reiterated said the argument that is currently being
proposed is how to redesign F1 land for housing. He stated he couldn't come up with an
argument for changing the land use planning, but he could come up with arguments against,
such as environmental issues, statewide goals, environmental public policies, the
governor's plan, County resources, roads, fires and other issues. He contended that the
enabling legislation was an attempt to give counties control over F1 designation with the
hope of ultimately changing how productive forest land is looked upon.
Collay stated he understood arguments for the designation; to allow housing in F1 land. He
said there is local control and individual control. He reasoned the argument against is
collective land use planning. He said that those two threads made sense to him and he
hopes that the Board will focus on that.
John Biancho, 82741 Clayton Rd., Creswell, said that he was concerned because the
Board of Commissioners would be voting later this month on whether or not the proposed
dwellings on F1 land shall be required to be in existing fire districts. He understood
that there wasn't going to be public comment before the decision and he requested that a
public hearing be held where comment is allowed before the vote is taken. He stated that
fire danger and fire safety is a big issue to rural residents, indicating that he is a
forest landowner and that fire could destroy his investments and the productivity of his
forest. He said that additional structures in the forest will divert fire fighting
resources away from protecting his existing forest land. He requested an analysis as to
the cause of recent fires. He reported that the County is allowing more development before
the analysis is completed. He said that this was improper and creates an unfunded mandate
asking existing residences to subsidize the new residences, schools, new fire protection
and police deputies.
Cornacchia responded to Mr. Biancho's claim regarding "no public comment." He
said the claim was inaccurate and before a decision is made for an ordinance change to the
Lane County Code, there will be opportunities for public hearings.
Nina Lovinger, 40093 Little Fall Creek Road, Fall Creek, spoke regarding last
winter's work session concerning opening up Lane County's prime F1 forest land to
residential development in which fire marshals from rural fire protection districts and
officials from the Department of Forestry participated in the session, and that the fire
marshal indicated that residences in forest land would put the forest and the people who
lived there at considerable risk. She quoted one marshal: "To be real truthful, the
only way to avoid the problem is not to have the houses out there," and said
attention should be paid to them. She said that the majority of Lane County residences
don't support the opening of F1 lands to residential construction nor subsiding
infrastructure costs. She questioned who would keep the fire breaks maintained, and urged
the Board to calculate the cost related to extending and maintaining infrastructure and
expanding fire districts to cope with the increased fire hazard. She said that tax payers
should be informed of the burden they will incur.
Pam Guthrie, 1865 E. 28th Ave., Eugene, stated support for the other speakers
and wanted to call to the Board's attention the recent fires in Florida in which fire
marshals had discussed fire problems in previous meetings and that the safety zones around
the homes had not been maintained.
Lisa Davis, 82741 Clayton Rd., Creswell, reiterated what the others had said and
urged the Board to vote against opening the development on F1 lands, especially areas
outside of the fire districts for the safety of the people that already live in the
forest.
Ann Krenek, 29475 Fox Hollow, Eugene, stated she has been a Volunteer Fire
Fighter for Lane County District 1 for ten years. She said that periodic reviews of the
homes are done to evaluate the likelihood of being saved in the event of a fire and
indicated access and egress concerns as well as maintenance of fire breaks and
turn-arounds. She added that it was very difficult for volunteers to join the department.
She believed the department could meet the present need but the increase of houses on F1
land is going to have a dramatic effect on the ability to provide fire and EMS services to
the community in that area. She said that it was irresponsible to allow for housing on F1
land in non-protected areas.
3. COMMISSIONERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS
Green attended the AOC Conference and he reported that the Human Service Subcommittee
of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Task force was able to add to the AOC priorities. He said
that with the support of the majority of members of AOC it is now a sixth priority but
more work needs to be done. Green thanked the commissioners that were in attendance for
their support in moving this forward.
Dumdi reported she also attended the AOC conference and served on a committee for
economic development and regional strategies, and also attended a meeting of Lane County's
economic committee. She said that ideas were presented to Keith Leavitt from Salem on a
proposal for possible pilot designation. She stated only three to five projects will be
funded and because Lane County was more diverse, that there was a good chance that Lane
County would be chosen. She also added that she was invited to attend a 35th Anniversary
Celebration of the Equal Wage, Equal Pay Legislation in the Rose Garden at the White House
but had declined.
Sorenson reported that he spoke at the Northwest Household Hazardous Waste Conference.,
with project assistance from Mr. Goodson, Mr. Sandusky and Larry Gibbs, and was impressed
with the attitude of outreach to the business community, reporting 100 businesses
participating. He indicated that he will attend the Lane Transit District's Bus Rapid
Transit Steering Committee meeting today and will also be attending the Northwest
Steelheaders meeting in Eugene at Marist High School on Saturday, as well as an event at
LCC with Commissioner Weeldreyer.
Weeldreyer thanked the members locally for the input given in putting together a
statewide
information technology vision for all Oregon counties. She added that she put on an all
day conference the first day of the AOC on Legislative Communications Training and was
well received. She reported that she is taking a working vacation next week in Eastern
Oregon and will make a presentation on the Smart Oregon Project with Jeff Ritter. She said
that she will tour the Lakeview Cyber outpost and go to Klamath Falls to visit their
televillage. She announced that Saturday, June 20 is the McKenzie Watershed Council's 20th
birthday party at the Old McKenzie Hatchery in Leaburg and it is being promoted as a
environmentally friendly activity for families. She stated Lane County will have a booth
there and will do clean-up projects at the site. She said that Lane Community College
today is honoring its founding president, Dale Parnell, and there is a concrete wall
outside of the cafeteria that is being dedicated to honorees that have served the college
in the past.
4. COMMISSIONERS' BUSINESS
a. ORDER 98-6-10-1/In the Matter of Ratifying the FY 98-99 Budget as Approved by
the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission.
Cornacchia announced that Susie Smith could not be present but Peter Ruffier will be
available to report in her place.
Green stated that he was the designated representative and board liaison to MWMC, and
explained that it was a portion of the process where the County needs to act as the County
Service District in ratifying the budget. He stated in Susie's absence that it was a fine
example of intergovernmental cooperation between the City of Eugene and Springfield with
regard to the Metropolitan Wastewater treatment plant.
Peter Ruffier, Director, City of Eugene, Wastewater Division stated that he was
responsible for operation and maintenance of the regional treatment facilities. Ruffier
passed out a budget and explained that they will be able to address all of the operational
maintenance expenses and capital projects out of user rates and reserves for fiscal year
1999. He stated there were no significant changes in levels or types of services proposed,
the regional staffing remains stable, and that the budget does consider a transfer of the
remaining money from the County service district funds to support the capital projects
proposed for fiscal year 1999. He said that rates will remain stable for the users of the
system for fiscal year 1999.
Ruffier responded to Sorenson's question of increased rates by stating that he and
Susie have given a commitment to the commission to undertake an aggressive competitiveness
program and hold rates stable for a period of five years. He added that a change in rates
may come from a new facility to dewater biosolids.
MOTION: to approve Order 98-6-10-1.
Green MOVED, Dumdi SECONDED.
VOTE: 5-0.
b. RESOLUTION AND ORDER 98-6-10-2/In the Matter of Adopting the 1998-1999
Overall Economic Development Program (OEDP) for Submission to the Cascades West Economic
Development District (CWEDD) and Transmittal to the Federal Economic Development
Administration (EDA).
Jim Zelenka, Economic Development Coordinator, presented the draft document of the Overall
Economic Development Program. He said that it was a community-based grass roots effort to
identify problems and their solutions. He said projects are reviewed by the economic
communities. He clarified that the document highlights activities of the past year
including the lending activities through the regional public lending programs as well as
strategies for the upcoming year. He stated the message that is heard locally for years is
better jobs in rural communities. He said that the resolution is to approve this as a
draft document and requested its adoption so it can be forwarded to the Cascade West
Economic Development District Board.
MOTION: to accept approval of Resolution and Order 98-6-10-2.
Dumdi MOVED, Weeldreyer SECONDED.
VOTE: 5-0
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION as per ORS 192.660
Executive Session will take place at 11:15 a.m.
6. COUNTY ADMINISTRATION
a. Announcements
Van Vactor updated the Board on the assignment about the Chief Executive Officers and
Superintendent of School District 19, received from the Joint Elected Official Meeting. He
said that since Ballot Measure 53 did not pass, they would be recommending a November
election and a Voter's Pamphlet committee appointed by July 27.
7. PUBLIC WORKS
a. FIRST READING AND SETTING SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING/Ordinance PA 1116/In
the Matter of Amending the Rural Comprehensive Plan to Redesignate Land From
"Agriculture" to "Natural Resource: Mineral" and Rezoning that Land
From "E-30/Exclusive Farm Use" to "SG/Sand, Gravel & Rock
Products", and Adopting Savings and Severability Clauses (file PA 2191-97; Egge)
(Second Reading & Public Hearing: June 24, 1998, 1:30 p.m., Harris Hall Main Floor).
MOTION: to approve the First Reading and Setting Second Reading and Public
Hearing for June 24, 1998, 1:30 p.m., Harris Hall.
Dumdi MOVED, Green SECONDED.
VOTE: 5-0.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of Minutes: None.
B. Assessment and Taxation
1) ORDER 98-6-10-15/In the Matter of Granting Property Tax Exempt Status
Pursuant to ORS 307.475.
2) ORDER 98-6-10-3/In the Matter of Refunds to Peacehealth; Cascade Manor, Inc.;
Willamette Industries, Inc.; and Panolam Industries.
C. Children and Family Services
1) ORDER 98-6-10-4/In the Matter of Awarding a One-Year Contract to Parent
Partnership for Healthy Start Assessment and Home Visitation Services in South Lane County
and Delegating Authority to the County Administrative Officer to Execute the Contract.
2) ORDER 98-6-10-5/In the Matter of Awarding a One-Year Contract to Central
Latino-americano for Spanish Language Healthy Start Services in the Eugene/Springfield and
the Surrounding Area of Lane County; to Catholic Community Services for High Risk Teen
Healthy Start Services in the Eugene/Springfield and the Surrounding Area of Lane County;
to Catholic Community Services for High Risk Teen Healthy Start Services in the
Eugene/Springfield and the Surrounding Area of Lane County; and to the Relief Nursery for
High Risk Healthy Start Services in the Eugene/Springfield and the Surrounding Area of
Lane County and Delegating Authority to the County Administrative Officer to Execute the
Contracts.
3) ORDER 98-6-10-6/In the Matter of Awarding a One-Year Contract to Birth to
Three for Healthy Start Universal Visit Services Throughout Lane County and Delegating
Authority to the County Administrative Officer to Execute the Contracts.
4) ORDER 98-6-10-7/In the Matter of Awarding a One-Year Contract to Birth to
Three for Moderate Risk Healthy Start Services in Eugene/Springfield and the Surrounding
Area of Lane County and Delegating Authority to the County Administrative Officer to
Execute the Contracts.
D. Management Services
1) ORDER 98-6-10-8/In the Matter of Awarding a Three-Year Contract to Direction
for Employee Assistance and Integrated Behavioral Health in an Amount Not to Exceed $5.25
per Employee per Month to Provide Employee Assistance and Integrated Behavioral Health
Services to Lane County and Delegating Authority to the County Administrator to Sign a
Contract.
2) ORDER 98-6-10-9/In the Matter of Award of Bid LCP 97/98-18 for Two Electric
Powered Stair Wheel Chair Lifts.
3) ORDER 98-6-10-10/In the Matter of Authorizing the County Administrator to
Execute an Option to Purchase Agreement with Dennis James Delaney for the Sale of County
Owned Real Property Identified as Map No. 17-06-12-00-02901 (90049 Demming Road, Elmira).
E. Public Works
1) ORDER 98-6-10-11/In the Matter of Releasing, Dedicating and Accepting a
Portion of Parcel "A" in the J.R. Stults Plat, Book 39, Page 29, as a County
Road (17-04-24-31) (River Road).
2) ORDER 98-6-10-12/In the Matter of Releasing, Dedicating and Accepting a
Portion of One-Foot Reserve Strip Conveyed to Lane County on Reel 152-D, Recorder's
Reception No. 98179, as a County Road (17-04-13-33) (River Road).
3) ORDER 98-6-10-13/In the Matter of Awarding a Contract to Brown Contracting
for Sidewalk, Driveway, Asphalt Path, Landscaping, and Street Lighting - Woodleaf Village,
Contract No. 97/98-21.
MOTION: to approve the Consent Calendar.
Dumdi MOVED, Green SECONDED.
VOTE: 5-0.
Commissioner Cornacchia recessed the meeting to Executive Session at 11:15 a.m.
9. RIS
1) ORDER 98-6-10-14/In the Matter of Award of Contracts for Mainframe Equipment,
Software, and Services and Delegating Authority to County Administrator to Execute
Contracts.
Paul White, Acting Regional Information System Director, asked for replacement of the
mainframe because of a cost reduction and Year 2000 support needed. He said that it
provides some hardware upgrades that would otherwise have to be applied to the existing
mainframe.
Cornacchia asked if this meant the County needed to spend an additional $305,000 from
the General Fund.
White stated that this would replace money that has already been projected for the
future. He further stated that this money which was earmarked, will actually save the
County money, and has support from the CEOs and CIOs of the RIS partner agent fee as well
as Sheriff Jan Clements.
In response to Cornacchia's question of alternative financing, Van Vactor said that he
was under the assumption that the recommendation was to finance the amount due to the
competitive rates being offered. He said that the departments that use the mainframe would
pay for it in proportion to their use instead of using funds from the General Fund.
MOTION: to approve Order 98-6-10-14.
Weeldreyer MOVED, Green SECONDED.
VOTE: 5-0.
10. EMERGENCY BUSINESS
ORDER 98-6-10-16/ In the Matter of Appropriating $1,086 in Revenue and Expense
In Fund 24 for Fiscal Year 1997-1998 and Adding .04 FTE in the District Attorney's Office.
Doug Harcleroad, District Attorney, stated that the Attorney General's Office through
its victim compensation and services has $16,000 for the District Attorney's Office for
the Thurston shooting. He said that this will take care of the person coming on board for
the rest of this fiscal year and then the rest of next year, as these cases wind their way
through the courts. He said that there is no cost for Lane County. He said an experienced
victim advocate is already lined up to do the job.
MOTION: to approve Order 98-6-10-16.
Dumdi MOVED, Green SECONDED.
VOTE: 5-0.
There being no further business, Commissioner Cornacchia adjourned that meeting at
11:59 a.m.
Melissa Zimmer
Recording Secretary
