Wasco County Update: COVID Outbreak, Legislation, Wildfire Smoke Response, Grants Awarded and Community Enhancement Projects
Meet the Wasco County Commissioners LEFT TO RIGHT: Steve Kramer, Scott Hege, Kathy Schwartz
Welcome to Quick & Easy Wasco County Commission Update
Get the highlights of the recent Wasco County Commission Meeting without having to sit through a 3-hour meeting.
The Wasco County Commissioners Meeting held their regularly scheduled meeting at 9 a.m. on January 5th, 2022. It was Kathy Schwartz's first meeting as Chair of the Wasco County Board of Commissioners.
Watch the meeting: Watch Livestream here.
Read More: January 1st, 2022 Agenda & Board Packet.
Submit public comment: Your County, Your Voice.
The Agenda Break Down
Fee Schedule Hearing
Justice Reinvestment Grant Agreement
Oregon Office of Emergency Management Grant Agreement
Mid-Columbia Center for Living Information Services Agreement
5 Acre Bargain Sale & Deed to City of Dufur
Oregon Health Authority Comment Letter
Economic Development Commission Community Enhancement Projects Priority List and Quarterly Report
Coordinated Transit System Presentation by Kate Drennan
Wildfire Smoke Response, Featured Speaker: Lauren Kraemer
Legislative Concepts: Recreation Enhancement, Wildfire Resiliency, and Conservation for Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge County Letter of Response
Discussion Items
COVID UPDATE FROM North Central Public Health District (NCPHD)
Video Time: 2:04
Cases are up, hospitals are at capacity and there has been a COVID outbreak amongst local populations experiencing houselessness.
Dr. Miriam McDonell, Health Officer from NCPHD, updated the County commissioners on COVID in Wasco County.
COVID cases and hospitalizations appear to be increasing across the nation, the state of Oregon, and Wasco County in January.
“Our hospitals are essentially at capacity,” said McDonell.
Currently, nine out of ten intensive care unit (ICU) beds and forty-four out of forty-nine non-ICU hospital beds are occupied in Hood River and Wasco County. There are currently only six available hospital beds left in Hood River and Wasco County.
Pfizer booster is now approved for ages 12-15.
The Center for Disease Control has updated their length of isolation (five days) and length of quarantine (five days) guidelines for those exposed to COVID. The new guidelines apply to those who are up to date on their vaccines, have no fever, or are asymptomatic. The CDC also updated masking recommendations for those exposed to COVID, saying they should wear a mask at all times around others for at least ten days after exposure.
COVID Outbreak Amongst Those Experiencing Houslessness, NCPHD Asks for Aid in Emergency Tent Relocation
NCPHD is asking for the relocation of an emergency tent, which is currently servicing eight unsheltered homeless individuals who have tested positive for COVID, to a more centrally located area.
Outcome: Wasco County Commissioners agreed to direct County staff to assist NCPHD and the Oregon Department of Human Services and Office of Emergency Management in helping with the relocation of the emergency homeless shelter tent.
Background
A large COVID outbreak occurred at an Emergency Homeless Shelter Tent set up by the Oregon Department of Human Services and Office of Emergency Management at the request of the North Central Public Health District.
The tent’s purpose was to house eight unsheltered individuals who had tested positive for COVID and could not comply with hotel or warming shelter or The Dalles pallet shelter rules due to mental health and behavioral health issues.
Currently, the tent resides at The Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center, primarily due to the emergency response time frame and because they were the only local organization to agree to the tent being located on their property.
Multiple agencies coordinated tent staff and volunteers to refill generators every three hours, provide food services, and more to the tent over the holidays. City of The Dalles Mayor Rich Mays said he felt that “Saying those volunteers have gone above and beyond the call of duty is an understatement.”
NCPHD has asked to relocate the tent to County property on the NCPHD campus in the annex parking lot. They also discussed temporary relocation to Lewis and Clark Festival Park in The Dalles.
Shelly Campbell, Director of NCPHD, spoke to the challenges of trying to care for these incredibly vulnerable people in the region.
“We’ve had much discussion around the placement of our unsheltered homeless people that can’t comply with being in a hotel,” said Campbell.
“The challenges that we’re having are really around health and safety not only for the individuals that are housed in the tent but also for the staff and volunteers that are providing those services,” said Campbell.
Campbell said that mental and behavioral health issues, a lack of staff and volunteer training on how to handle said issues, and the tent's location so far away from City limits were the primary barriers to maintaining health and safety for guests, staff, and volunteers in the tent.
“That tent really needs to be moved closer,” said Campbell.
“We really are asking for our County leaders and our City leaders to support us in getting this tent into an area where our staff and the clients can be served in a safer manner,” said Campbell.
Scott Hege, Wasco County Commissioner, said, “I think that we and our staff just need to work through whatever those issues and challenges are and find a better location if that is what’s needed.”
Steve Kramer, Waco County Commissioner said, “This particular incident has opened the door for a need for a greater conversation. We have got to start dealing with mental and behavioral health at some point in the near future because I feel this particular incident has proven that this is our major issue, and we have got to at some point start talking about this and collectively put our head together and our resources to get after mental and behavioral health.”
Kathy Schwartz extended her thanks to Miriam McDonell and Shelly Campbell for their direct involvement in assisting with the tent to protect vulnerable unsheltered populations.
Fort Dalles Museum Commission Vacancy
Video Time: 1:21:20
The County appointed Dawn Rasmussen to the Fort Dalles Museum Commission.
National Opiod Settlements
Video Time: 1:22:40
The County approved signing on to national opioid settlement agreements between litigating and non-litigating parties and opioid distributors.
“What this means for us is that if this settlement is approved and if there is enough support from the non-litigating entities as well… We are in line for settlement proceeds from the national opioid litigation,” said Kristen Campbell, County Attorney “What that would mean for Wasco County at this point is between seven to eight hundred thousand dollars over a nine to eighteen year period, earmarked for opioid mitigation measures.”
“In addition to these funds, the state of Oregon will also have a fund set aside that would allow us to apply for some additional funds,” said Campbell.
Settlement funds would go towards addiction treatment and prevention.
Fee Schedule Ordinance Hearing
Video Time: 32:24
Kathy Clark gave an update on the Wasco County Fee Schedule which had to be updated with Building Code fees.
This is the first of two hearings to update the Fee Schedule with completed Building Codes Fees.
Justice Reinvestment Grant Agreement
Video Time: 52:00
Wasco County Commissioners approved a grant agreement from the Criminal Justice Commission Justice Reinvestment Grant Program.
The County has been awarded $570,343.49 under the 2021-23 Justice Reinvestment Grant Program (JRI). The grant will go towards maintaining various programs at Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility (NORCOR), transitional housing, specialty court efforts, and victims services support.
Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Grant Agreement
Video Time: 58:17
The County approved the OEM Emergency Management Performance Grant Agreement, which requires a 50% funds match from the County.
Wasco County has been awarded $66,825 from the Oregon Office of Emergency Management.
The County will match the amount of $66,825, bringing the total amount up to $133,650.
The grant will pay for Wasco County Emergency Manangement personnel services, general office supplies, other supplies, rent, utilities, training, and more.
Mid-Columbia Center for Living Information Services Agreement
Video Time: 1:01:06
The County approved a service agreement to provide information technology services and support to Mid-Columbia Center for Living (MCCFL).
Background:
MCCFL is in need of technical service coverage to maintain, administer, and develop information systems (IS) that ensure it can continue providing critical behavioral health services to the community.
At this time, it is projected that MCCFL will increase the total service request load currently on IS by 51% (i.e., on average 58 new monthly tickets).
5-acre Bargain Sale and Deed of Property to the City of Dufur
The deed transfer was removed from this meeting’s agenda due to a need for additional documents to accompany the deed transfer. The deed sale and transfer have been rescheduled for the January 19th meeting.
Background on the Deed: The County is being asked to approve the statutory bargain sale and deed conveying a 5-acre lot of property to the City of Dufur for $3,000. The County would retain County mining rights on the property.
Proposed Comment Letter From Wasco County to Oregon Health Authority
Video Time: 1:14:06
County Commissioners approved a letter to the Oregon Health Authority for the 2022-2027 Medicaid 1115 Waiver. The letter supports section 3.2 Improving Health Outcomes by Streamlining Life and Coverage Transitions and asks for the inclusion of the phrase “local juvenile detention facility” to ensure Medicaid access for eligible incarcerated youth is explicitly included within the proposed waiver.
Molly Rogers, Director of Youth Services, and Wasco County District Attorney Matt Ellis both made comments advocating for improving health care access for incarcerated youth and adults.
Background
Currently, many of those in the custody of NORCOR, including those who have not yet been charged, lose their health care as a result of being incarcerated. This results in the County having to pick up the cost of health care.
“We currently have a young person in our facility who needs glasses, who is on the Oregon Health Plan” said Rogers. “But while they’re in our facility, the only way that young person can get glasses is if the county of jurisdiction pays for those glasses. That’s something simple, but it is definitely a great example of the gap.”
Kathy Schwartz, who also sits on the NORCOR board, concurred, saying that she was very aware of the medical expenses incurred by the County due to incarcerated individuals being denied medical coverage while they are in custody.
“It’s an incredible burden on all counts,” said Schwartz.
The public comment letter seeks to advocate for Medicaid to be made available to incarcerated youth and adults to help alleviate this burden on the County.
The Letter:
“Wasco County appreciates the opportunity to provide written testimony during the public comment period for the 2022-2027 Medicaid 1115 Waiver. Wasco County has been involved with the Columbia Gorge Health Council as a founding member of the regional Coordinated Care Organization. Many of the strategies focused in the current application reflect our local priorities of improving the wellness of OHP members across their continuum of coverage.
Specifically, Wasco County has been active in working with local public safety system to ensure that both adults and youth have access to services during time of incarceration in the local jail and detention facilities. We support the focus throughout the application on equity and ensuring the most vulnerable populations are able to access the full continuum of care.
We strongly support Section 3.2 Improving Health Outcomes by Streamlining Life and Coverage Transitions. Through collaboration with our Local Public Safety Coordinating Council and the Columbia Gorge Health Council a study was completed that identified the overlap of the high levels of Emergency Department usage and reoccurring instances for short incarceration stints. One of the key findings was the disruption in coverage and lack of access to both medication and primary care.
Recommendation for inclusion the term “local juvenile detention facility” in this section under “a) Retain benefits and/or extend full OHP Plus Medicaid benefits to all youth otherwise eligible for Medicaid upon entering the juvenile correction system throughout the duration of their involvement in juvenile corrections”.
This simple change in language mirrors the reference to jails and local correction facilities. The section recommendation would be to add the reference in the section “d) Members (adults and youth) transitioning out (within/out) of the criminal justice system and juvenile justice system”.
Respectfully,
Wasco County Board of Commissioners”
Economic Development Commission Priorities List and Quarterly Report
Video Time: 1:31:16
The County approved The Wasco County Economic Development Commission's (EDC) prioritized list of 2022 Wasco County Priority Issues and Community Enhancement Projects.
More than thirty-five projects were submitted for consideration. The EDC then identified which ones it considered the County’s highest priority issues and priority projects for community vitality and economic development this year and presented them to County Commissioners for approval.
Approved Priority Issues for the County in 2022
Developable Land
As communities across the County continue to develop what land is available and ready for investment, there is a need to focus on ensuring that areas within urban growth boundaries, urban area boundaries, or appropriate rural centers are ready for development.
The City of The Dalles, Port, and EDC are collaborating on a Brownfield Assessment Program with funding from EPA to support property owners in understanding redevelopment challenges and opportunities.
Additionally, there is work being done in several communities focused on code and infrastructure updates that will allow for appropriate, additional development. Other next steps will be proactively explored with partners as development occurs and the inventory of vacant or underutilized land is reduced.
Columbia Gorge Childcare
There continues to be a shortage of qualified, affordable childcare in the Columbia Gorge region, particularly in The Dalles and Wasco County. Columbia Gorge Community College completed a feasibility study. It is the first step in this process to identify potential partners, the physical scope, regulatory requirements, operational costs, and capital construction sources for a child care center in The Dalles. Conversations will continue about how to support developing additional slots through this project and other efforts and are critical to ensuring workforce participation from families.
Housing
Housing prices have continued to quickly rise in Wasco County over the last several years for both home purchases and rental units. We have consistently heard from employers and real estate professionals state that the challenges in access and affordability for residents and potential employees seeking to come to Wasco County have hindered businesses’ ability to grow. Better understanding this need and opportunities to address it will impact access to a robust workforce moving forward.
Broadband
COVID-19 has further highlighted the gaps in the availability of broadband service for communities across Wasco County and puts focus on funding resources at the State and Federal level that will provide opportunities for shovel-ready projects in the next few years. Continuing to focus on creative strategies to address access needs will support diverse businesses, educational access, and many more key services to create vibrant communities.
2022 Wasco County Priority Community Enhancement Project List
City of The Dalles Dog River Pipeline
The Dog River Pipeline is a 3.5 mile long, 20-inch wood water supply line that has supplied the City for over 100 years. Currently, over 50% of the City's water supply goes through the Dog River line. This pipeline is experiencing significant leakage due to deterioration and damage from trees. The City is working through final engineering, and it anticipates a funding shortfall. They are actively seeking the final resources to support this project.
Deschutes Rim Health Clinic Expansion
The Deschutes Rim Clinic currently has a 2,400-square-foot modular building with two exam rooms and no extra space. The new facility will create increased and flexible office space for additional physical and mental health services. The estimated total costs for this project are $2.5 million. With funding from the State, local fundraising, and multiple foundations, there is still a need for $1 million, with $750,000 in grant resources identified for application.
Joint Use Facility for the City of Mosier
The City of Mosier and the Mosier Fire District are partnering to develop a joint-use facility that will include a City Hall, Fire Hall, and multi-purpose community space in downtown Mosier on the Northside of Highway 30. The building will house a fire station, city hall offices, and a community meeting center. In addition to these core functions, the approximately 10,000-square-foot building will include a kitchen, restrooms, public works garage, storage, outdoor plaza, and parking. The estimated total project cost is $6 million and is estimated to be completed by 2023.
Drinking-Water System Improvements for Dufur
The City of Dufur does not currently have enough water resources to support their community through existing infrastructure. The City will be reviewing their Water System Master Plan to establish the next steps and solutions. To acquire adequate drinking water for community members, the City will need to drill a new well, build sufficient water storage and construct a dedicated water line to connect these assets. In addition, the City will be assessing the state of the current freshwater well and addressing what usage options are available.
Q-life Cascades East Interconnection and Colocation Facility
In the Northwest, major colocation points are in areas threatened by the Cascadia Subduction. This would mean that the internet was largely inaccessible in the event of a subduction event. Q-life is developing an improved colocation facility in The Dalles where providers and emergency communications networks can meet and access scalable communication paths.
Columbia Gorge Childcare Center at Columbia Gorge Community College
CGCC completed a feasibility study as the first step in developing a public childcare center to help address the regional shortage and improve workforce training available to childcare providers. The feasibility study indicated that the facility would need ongoing support from local partners to create the spots necessary to help fill this gap in services. Additionally, the estimated cost to construct a childcare center at the Columbia Gorge Community College campus is $1.8 million. They have received $1 million in ARPA funds allocated by the State and anticipate seeking additional funds this year to match.
Deschutes Rim Athletic Complex in Maupin
Maupin is building a multi-purpose athletic facility at South Wasco County High School called the Deschutes River Athletic Complex to replace the original, egg-shaped track. The new, state-of-the-art complex will include track and field facilities with an 8-lane IAAF certified track, a football field, and related spectator facilities that will accommodate a wide range of uses with opportunities for significant local impacts. The total estimated cost for the Phase 1 work is $1.3 million, with $200,000 in funding still needed. The project still needs $400,000 in funding for phase 2 and will be looking for specific donors or sponsors for additional lighting and facility work moving forward.
Sorosis Park Redevelopment in The Dalles
After removing the mature pine trees at the park, NWCPRD is planning significant improvements to the space to meet current needs and plan for the future. The project has the potential to break ground for phase 1 within 2022 which includes $1 million in funding for hardscape, irrigation, and planting. They will then conduct additional fundraising for specific elements of the plan.
Q-life South Wasco County Fiber Expansion in Maupin
Q-Life is seeking to construct a middle mile fiber backbone that connects Maupin to Tygh Valley (including the Fairgrounds), Wamic, and Pine Hollow. A private ISP partner will finance the construction of last mile infrastructure to businesses, homes, and key community institutions. The estimated project cost is $5,894,827.00. Qlife has applied through the State of Oregon for NTIA funding and should receive notification of award or rejection sometime in November 2021. Qlife will continue to seek out other sources of funding to support the project should the NTIA elect not to award the project
Dufur Rural Innovation Hub
Wy’East Resource Conservation and Development Area Council has partnered with Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Forth, and Sustainable NW to establish the Dufur Rural Innovation (DRI) Hub. The DRI Hub will promote the use of electric farming equipment and vehicles in the area to support innovative agricultural practices. The Hub already has two electric tractors in use for testing and demonstration in Oregon. The next step for the DRI Hub is to acquire or lease space to allow the DRI Hub to interact with clients, manage its fleet, and provide educational experiences for local students. The estimated funding needed is $200,000- $500,000.
Coordinated Transit System Presentation
Video Time: 1:59:09
Kate Drennan, Deputy Director of Transportation at Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, presented information about the Gorge Pass and the Gorge TransLink system.
Highlights
Adults can get unlimited rides throughout the gorge and into Portland or Vancouver for as little as $40 a year, and youth can ride for as little as $20 a year with the Gorge Pass.
$1 from each Gorge Pass sold goes to the Gorge Equity Fund.
Trip ideas are available on the Gorge Pass website.
The transit system has the potential to bring more tourism dollars to communities throughout the gorge, especially in the Spring and Summer months.
Wildfire Smoke Response
Video Time: 2:19:00
Lauren Kraemer, associate professor of Practice at Oregon State University, spoke about wildfire smoke response.
“Wildfire smoke in the summer is a big problem and has significant health impacts,” said Kraemer. “We continue to have hotter and drier summers and the fire season has increased by 80 days over the last several years.”
Particulate matter can travel deep into the lungs and potentially bring other toxic compounds with it.
“We face smoke impacts year-round,” said Kraemer pointing out that Wasco County has smoke impacts year-round from wood fires in the winter to orchard waste burning and wildfires in the spring and summer and prescribed burns in the fall.
That makes our region particularly vulnerable to smoke and its health impacts,” said Kraemer.
Kraemer shared that the region currently only has two DEQ smoke monitors, one at Hood River and one at St. Mary’s Academy in The Dalles. To improve monitoring, Kraemer said that OSU Extension had applied for and received a $10,000 grant from the Oregon Health Sciences University and the Fight Cancer Foundation to purchase ten more monitors that will be installed across the gorge in Hood River and Wasco County.
Kraemer said that increased monitoring will eventually lead to a regional plan for communicating smoke forecasts and advisories to vulnerable populations.
Legislative Concepts: Recreation Enhancement, Wildfire Resiliency, and Conservation for Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge County Letter of Response
Video Time: 2:31:00
Commissioners reviewed a public comment response letter to the office of Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer about proposed legislative concepts. The proposed legislative concepts involve land stewardship, wildfire resiliency, tribal sovereignty, and treaty rights, public safety, and new land designations in the Columbia River Gorge.
Commissioners raised concerns about unfunded legal mandates in the proposed legislation that could negatively affect the County by requiring additional services or work without providing additional funding.
Enjoying our Quick and Easy Wasco County Commission Previews?
Please consider supporting us to keep the Wasco County public meeting previews coming!
