Wasco County Commissioners Hear Update on Houselessness Rates; Public Comments on Center for the Houseless
Meet the Wasco County Commissioners LEFT TO RIGHT: Steve Kramer, Scott Hege, Kathy Schwartz
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The Wasco County Commissioners Meeting held their regularly scheduled meeting at 9 a.m. on March 16th, 2022. Highlights from the meeting included a presentation by Mid-Columbia Community Action Council on rates of houselessness in Wasco County, and public comments on MCACC’s Navigation Center.
Watch the meeting: Watch here.
Read More: Agenda & Board Packet.
Submit public comments: Your County, Your Voice.
The Agenda Break Down
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council Point in Time Count
Video Time: 22:40
MCCAC Executive Director, Kenny LaPoint gave a presentation focusing on the 2022 Wasco County Point in Time Count which highlights the need for housing services in Wasco County. LaPoint is expected to report:
There are 194 individuals experiencing houselessness in Wasco County. Of which 138 individuals are unsheltered and 56 are sheltered.
A 74% increase in houselessness in Wasco County since 2019. With the largest increases in houselessness occurring amongst Native American and Latinx community members.
A 70% increase in sheltered houseless individuals since 2019 largely due to the increase of shelter beds in the region.
Large increases in those with behavioral health and substance use disorders.
Public Comments on the Navigation Center
Video Time: 1:03:55
Wasco County commissioners heard multiple public comments concerning the MCCAC Navigation Center.
The Navigation Center is a low-barrier emergency shelter that would be open 7 days per week and connect individuals and families with health services, permanent housing and public benefits. In addition to its 36-bed, non-congregate shelter, the MCCAC Navigation Center will house multiple service agencies, and be staffed by properly trained personnel, including licensed social workers and health care providers. The Navigation Center will also be more than just a houseless resource center. And will also be a place for low-income individuals and families to receive resources. This includes homeless prevention resources, case management, healthcare, behavioral health, utility payment assistance, home weatherization, culturally specific services (embedded Native and Latinx providers), agricultural worker services, employment resources, Veteran services and more.
Aaron Carter spoke in opposition of the County supporting Navigation Center, saying he felt it was not a County issue.
Marilyn Barker, who regularly volunteers with those experiencing houseless in The Dalles spoke in support of the County supporting the Navigation Center.
Max Janisik, the CEO of One Community Health, spoke in support of the County supporting the Navigation Center.
“We currently have 190 patients who identify as houseless,” said Janasik.
“We’ve been working with Kenny LaPoint and the team at MCCAC and I’ve been impressed,” said Janasik “And quite frankly, I think we need people like Kenny who are solutions oriented, compassionate, and bring the energy to change the trajectory of homelessness in our community so that we can avoid similar outcomes to Portland and other communities that have taken to long to take action and be proactive. So we are strongly in support of the Navigation Center at 2505 W 7th St.”
Gladys Rivera, Director of Preventative Health at One Community Health also spoke in support of the County supporting the Navigation Center.
“The Navigation Center will bring wraparound services and supports through multiple agencies to one location,” said Rivera “That’s going to provide the best environment for success and ease of access to these services. We’re excited to continue offering medical behavioral health and several other services at a variety of locations, including the Navigation Center.”
Shelly Anslinger, voiced concerns about the location of the Navigation Center, staffing practices, and the funding sustainability of the project. Specifically her concerns were that the Navigation Center might be staffed by untrained volunteers as opposed to trained staff. It is worth noting that at this time the Navigation Center plans include having fully trained paid staff operating the Navigation Center 24/7.
Jaime Reneccius, also voiced concerns about the location, staffing, and long-term effects of the County supporting the Navigation Center.
Several of the questions brought up in the public comments can be answered by reading through the MCCAC Navigation Center FAQ page.
Wasco County Owned Land Sales
Video Time: 1:43:32
Wasco County commissioners approved a proposal by The Department of Assessment & Tax to sell three tax-foreclosed properties at auction on May 24, 2022.
All property will be sold AS IS, without warranty as to title, value, zoning, suitability for any purpose, environmental condition, wetland designation, easements, or any other condition and will be conveyed by quitclaim deed. Further information on this sale can be found on the website or by calling (541) 506-2510.
The three properties are
348 Little Lake Rd, Maupin, OR. It is a .12 acre bare lot. The property is located in Maupin within the Rivercrest Subdivision. 2021
Market Value: $27,840
Minimum Bid:$20,880417 Little Lake Rd, Maupin, OR. It is .12 acre bare lot. The property is located in Maupin within the Rivercrest Subdivision.
Market Value: $27,840
Minimum Bid:$20,8806615 Reservoir Rd, The Dalles OR is a 0.29 acre parcel located off of Mill Creek Road at Reservoir Road in a rural setting with the sounds of the creek. The property has a manufactured structure on it that is a teardown.
Market Value: $117,170
Minimum Bid: $48,650
Wasco County Office Printer Fleet
Video Time: 1:46:17
Wasco County approved moving forward on pursuing a 5-year lease agreement with Solutions to upgrade the existing Rico 16 multi-function printer fleet based on the following:
Potential cost savings
End user feedback between Ricoh and SolutionsYes Machines
Reduction of technical issues experienced by the Information Services (IS) department
All costs are currently budgeted in the IS, Equipment - Copiers budget. This work represents a potentially small savings in total costs between hardware and copy jobs and is more about a quality-of-life improvement for departments in their printing capabilities and customer support from an IS and end user perspective.
Gorge Commission Update
Video Time: 1:05
The Gorge Commision updated Wasco County Commissioners on their Climate Change Action Plan and the approval of revisions to the National Scenic Area Land Use Ordinance.
Mid-Columbia Economic Development District State Parks Grant Application and Strategic Plan
Video Time: 36:53
Wasco County Commissioners will be asked to approved a resolution authorizing Wasco County to apply for a local government grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for acquisition and to delegate authority to the County Administrative Officer to sign the application. Commissioners will also reviewed MCEDD’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan update.
State Homeland Security Grant Applications
Video Time: 55:20
Wasco County Commissioners reviewed two County’s State Homeland Security Program project and grant applications.
The first grant application is seeking $29,003.67 to ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security, situational awareness, and operations by any and all means available, among and between affected communities in the impact area and all response forces.
The second grant application is seeking $50,370 to provide lifesaving medical treatment via Emergency Medical Services and related operations and avoid additional disease and injury by providing targeted public health, medical, and behavioral health support, and products to all affected
Department of Land Conservation & Development Grant
Video Time: 1:40:19
Wasco County commissioners will be asked to approve the $8,000 Department of Land Conservation & Development 2021-2023 Technical Assistance Grant Agreement to develop a County Comprehensive Plan Guidebook.
Maupin Civic Center Facility Use Memorandum of Understanding
Video Time: 1:41:59
Wasco County commissioners approved the Memorandum of Understanding regarding licensed (no charge) use of the facility at Maupin Civic Center by Wasco County Planning Department Personnel.
Planning Commission Appeal
Video Time: 0:00
Wasco County commissioners voted to close the public record and continue the hearing during the April 6th, 2022 board session. The appeal is in regards to David Wilson’s Land Use Board of Appeals Remand and Request for tax lot 2N 12E 22 4400.
Watch Part 2 of the Meeting Here.
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