Minutes
Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
March 10, 2005
North Mall Office Building, Conference Room 124
725 Summer ST NE, Suite C—Salem, OR  97301

Commissioners Present: John Blackwell, Chair; David Kottkamp, Vice-Chair; Nik Blosser; Sue Musser; Bill Gregory
Commissioner Absent: Bobbie Conner
Staff Present: Tim Wood, Director; Dave Wright, Assistant Director, Operations; Jana Tindall, Assistant Director, Administration; Jeff Farm, OPRD Area 3 Manager; Jean Thompson, Manager, Public Services Division; Richard Walkoski, Manager, Recreation Programs; Kyleen Stone, Manager, Financial Services; Wayne Rawlins, Manager, Grants & Procurement; Roger Roper, Manager, State Historic Preservation Office; Terry Bergerson, Planning Coordinator; Rocky Houston, ATV Program Coordinator; Ian Caldwell, ATV Program Field Representative; Mike Law, ATV Program Field Representative; Steve Shipsey, Assistant Attorney General; Jo Bell, Commission Assistant
Visitors Present: Jeff Powers, Douglas County Parks Department; Fran Recht, Oregon Shores Conservationn Coalition; Pat Harris, ATV Account Allocation Committee; Julie Barrell, ATV Account Allocation Committee; Tyrell Hart, ATV Account Allocation Committee; Larry Runk, ATV Account Allocation Committee; Ron Adams, Oregon Youth Conservation Corps; Tony Hess, Citizen; Arthur Pope, Northwest Youth Corps; Doug Daggett, Northwest Youth Corps; Lou Daily, Citizen; Brian Carroll, Linn County Parks Department; Markus Mead, Surfrider Foundation

The meeting began at 9:12 AM

1. Approval of Agenda
No action was taken on the first agenda item. The meeting proceeded directly to Public Comment following self-introductions.  

2. Public Comment
Ron Adams, Oregon Youth Conservation Corps (OYCC) Director, provided an overview of  OYCC programs and projects that connect youth work crews with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). “Youth River Stewards” combines Willamette River recreation with maintenance and restoration projects at parks, including Willamette Mission State Park. OYCC youth crews are also online to build campsites on Willamette River islands in cooperation with Willamette River Trail coordinators. Crews are currently working on Western Lily habitat restoration at Harris Beach State Park and, through the “Line in the Sand” program, OYCC crews are dedicated to stopping the spread of gorse northward along the Oregon coastline. Adams noted that OYCC crews will be present in every Oregon county in Summer 2005. State parks have already submitted their requests for crews for  summer work, and Adams will be returning for Commission approval of those proposals. 

Pat Harris, Chair of the All-Terrain Vehicle Account Allocation Committee, noted that the Commission will be holding its April 21, 2005 meeting in Heppner, and asked whether the Commission would be visiting the Morrow County OHV Park outside of Heppner. John Blackwell  confirmed the Commission’s plans to visit the park.
No Commission action was requested.

3. Approval of Minutes from the January 27, 2005 Commission Meeting 
Nik Blosser moved to approve the minutes; David Kottkamp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4. Director’s Update (Tim Wood)
Director Tim Wood reported on the progress of the agency budget hearings and legislation; award of grants to the Department; Commission appointments; and the resignation of the agency’s Trails Coordinator. 
Budget Hearings: The first round of OPRD budget hearings were held February 8 and 9, 2005; the second round is expected to be scheduled in late April. Wood noted that the actual dollar amounts of the agency’s budget, and its featured program packages, would be discussed during the second-round hearings.  
Agency Legislation: Of the six bills introduced by the Department in this session, two—Senate Bill 66 and Senate Bill 68—have passed out of the Senate and have been heard in the House. Senate Bill 66 authorizes the Department to include federally recognized Tribes in its grant programs, and Senate Bill 68 makes changes and corrections to Ocean Shore Statutes, including authorizing the issue of permits for emergency personnel and disabled users to ride ATVs on the beach. Three other agency bills, Senate Bill 64 (corrects archaeology statutes); Senate Bill 67 (changes museum grant program to a competitive process); and House Bill 2089 (establishes a minimum lodging tax payment) have been heard and are moving forward through their assigned committees. Senate Bill 69—which clarifies the ATV program—has been heard, but no additional hearings have been scheduled. Wood noted that OPRD staff is working with the ATV Account Allocation Committee to enable the progress of Senate Bill 69. 
Other Legislation: Other legislation of interest to the Department includes House Concurrent Resolution 10, which honors the contributions of and memorializes longtime state parks supporter L.L. “Stub” Stewart; Senate Bill 474, which would establish the State Capitol and its grounds as a State Park; Senate Bill 734, which directs OPRD to establish a system of marine parks; and House Bill 2425, which would provide a fee waiver for disabled veterans and active duty military personnel for use of state parks. Wood noted that the Department will seek an amendment to HB 2425 to limit the benefits for disabled veterans to those whose disabilities are service-related.   
Grants Accepted: Grants from both the National Park Service ($200,000) and the Meyer Memorial Trust ($200,000) will assist with the completion of the Fort-to-Sea Trail (replicating the route from Fort Clatsop to the Pacific traveled by the members of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery in 1805-1806), which should be completed in November 2005. Wood reported that the Department also anticipated the receipt of a grant ($7,500) from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for projects underway at Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum.
Commission Appointments: Wood reported that the nominations for Bill Gregory’s reappointment to the Commission, and the appointment of Sharon Rudi of Baker City and Jim Brown of Salem to the Commission had gone to the Senate; confirmation is expected by April 1, 2005. 
Trails Coordinator: Wood reluctantly announced the impending departure of Sean Loughran, the agency’s Trails Coordinator. Loughran has accepted a position with the City of Vancouver.  
No Commission action was requested. 

5. Northwest Youth Corps (NYC Representatives)
Art Pope, Executive Director, and Doug Daggett, longtime board member, of  Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), presented an overview of the organization to the Commission. Northwest Youth Corps was created in 1984 to offer teenagers an education-based work experience modeled after the historic Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930’s. The organization’s mission is to offer youth and young adults an education and job training experience designed to foster the growth of skills that will help them become productive members of society. Pope noted that more than 700 young people are served annually by NYC in 10 programs which emphasize job training, hands-on experience, and personal growth. The participants are assigned to supervised crews that tackle a wide-range of tasks, including habitat enhancement, timber management, fence construction, and trail construction and maintenance. Northwest Youth Corps works with federal, state and private organizations. Daggett deemed OPRD his “favorite” organization to partner with, and noted that NYC crews had helped complete the nature trail at Silver Falls State Park.  Daggett thanked the Commission for past opportunities to work with the Department and expressed the organization’s desire to “build upon a great working relationship.”
In response to questioning by David Kottkamp, Pope said NYC currently contracts for $100,000 in projects annually with the Department. In order to grow that amount, Pope said the RFP (Request for Proposal) process for contracting with state agencies would have to be streamlined. 

John Blackwell noted that NYC was a favorite project of L.L. “Stub” Stewart, and that it would be “poetry in symmetry” to have NYC involved with the development of L.L. “Stub” Stewart Memorial State Park which is scheduled to open in Spring 2007. 
No Commission action was requested.

6. Approval of Delegated Authority Reports  
a) Contracts (Kyleen Stone)
The Delegated Authority Report for Contracts summarizes all contracts signed by the Director since the January 27, 2005 Commission meeting. The contract instruments (each not to exceed $75,000) included Personal Service Contracts (10); Architectural and Engineering Contracts (2); Work Orders (under the Agreements to Agree for Architectural and Engineering Services) (6); Public Improvement Contracts (8); one Interagency Agreement; one Intergovernmental Agreement; one Interstate Agreement; one Agreement to Sponsor; two Service Agreements; and one Emergency Declaration. 
Bill Gregory moved to approve the Delegated Authority Report; Sue Musser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

b) Natural Resources (Dave Wright)
The Delegated Authority Report for Natural Resources summarizes all actions approved by the Director since the January 27, 2005 Commission meeting. These actions included six Scenic Waterways Notifications. No Ocean Shore Alteration Permits were issued during this period.
Sue Musser moved to approve the Delegated Authority Report; David Kottkamp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7. ATV Account Allocation Committee—Member Nomination (Kyleen Stone)
Staff requested that the Commission appoint a replacement for the Class III all-terrain user group representative on the ATV Account Allocation Committee (ATV-AAC).  Staff noted that the ATV-AAC recommended the appointment of Joe Barrell—the husband of incumbent Julie Barrell—to the vacant position. Mrs. Barrell, has served two full terms on the committee. Because another term would put her over the two-term limit set by the Commission, she was not considered for reappointment. Four applicants were interviewed for the vacancy, and scored according to Department guidelines. Joe Barrell received the highest score, 44. Other applicants, and their scores, were: Mark Tynan, 42; Barrett Brown; 35.4; and Ron Hallquist, 29.2. Mr. Barrell represents the Trailsmen Motorcycle Club. He is the current president of the Oregon Motorcycle Riders Association, and has been a motorcycle user and advocate for 35 years. He has provided dirt-bike safety training for several years, and has done on-the-ground trail building and maintenance throughout the state. 
During discussion, Commissioners voiced concerns about the propriety of the vacancy being filled by the incumbent’s spouse.

Nik Blosser queried Financial Services Manager Kyleen Stone as to whether Julie Barrell’s vote was counted in determining its recommendation. Stone confirmed that Mrs. Barrell’s vote was not counted. Tyrell Hart, added that Mrs. Barrell did not participate in the interviews of the applicants. After noting that the appointment of Joe Barrell to the vacancy would not result in financial gain for the Barrell’s, Blosser stated that he was comfortable with the recommendation.

David Kottkamp noted that the Commission itself is not exempt from the concept of “changing the mix,” and added that the recommended succession concerned him “as a general citizen.”

Bill Gregory also expressed his concerns about the succession of Joe Barrell into the position vacated by his spouse, and asked if information regarding the other applicants was available.

John Blackwell  added, “It’s inappropriate and it doesn’t look good.” After commenting that the committee’s leadership is increasing, he asked, “Isn’t it in your best interests to be concerned about appearances?” 
Nik Blosser  moved  to  approve the appointment of Joe Barrell; Bill Gregory seconded.
Both John Blackwell and David Kottkamp opposed the action, and the motion did not carry. Responding to Blackwell’s request for clarification, Assistant Attorney General Steve Shipsey explained that a majority of the full seven-member commission—not of the commissioners present—is required for motions to pass. 
In continued discussion, John Blackwell said, “It’s appearances (that concern me), and the opportunity for fresh leadership that appeals to me.”

David Kottkamp clarified that he was not questioning Joe Barrell’s qualifications, but was concerned about the direct succession. 

In response to questioning by John Blackwell, Tim Wood said that a final decision did not have to be made at this meeting, and Julie Barrell confirmed that she could continue to serve on the committee until a replacement was appointed.   
Bill Gregory moved to appoint Mark Tynan to the ATV-AAC committee; David Kottkamp seconded. In response to John Blackwell’s invitation for discussion, Nik Blosser said he felt the Commission was “meddling,” and overstepping its authority.
 John Blackwell clarified that the ATV-AAC is an advisory committee to the Commission, and reaffirmed the Commission’s role in the decision.  

At Sue Musser’s request, Tim Wood read excerpts from the application of candidate Mark Tynan.

Pat Harris, ATV-AAC Chair, said the committee had concerns about Mr. Tynan’s availability for committee work, given the demands for frequent travel in his position as a design engineer. 
John Blackwell called for the question on the motion to appoint Mark Tynan to the vacant ATV-AAC position. The motion did not carry.

Noting that the Commission still had not reached consensus, John Blackwell stepped forward to appoint Joe Barrell; Nik Blosser seconded. The motion passed unanimously. David Kottkamp commented that he still felt uncomfortable with the succession, and Blackwell agreed that he, too, had problems with the process. Tyrell Hart indicated that ATV-AAC members were making an effort to be present more often at Commission meetings, and added, “We need to work together.” 

8. Off-Highway Vehicle Program Draft White Paper (Kyleen Stone) 
In response to Commissioners’ concern about OPRD’s role with regard to the management of off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation, staff drafted a white paper which provides a conceptual outline and direction for the program, and defines the agency’s fiduciary and program responsibilities. The document, which is based on the 2002 Statewide Outdoor Comprehensive Recreation Plan and the 2004 Oregon Statewide Trails Plan; Target 2014; and Oregon Revised Statutes 390.550 through 390.590, is linked to the Department’s mission (providing and protecting outstanding recreational sites for present and future generations). The final draft of the OHV Program White Paper will be presented at the April 2005 Commission meeting for adoption.
Following the presentation, David Kottkamp remarked that “enlightened balance for usage” of our “limited resources” is at the core of discussion about planning for off-highway vehicle recreation. Kottkamp emphasized the need for “empathy” between OHV recreationists and non-OHV users.     
No Commission action was requested.

9. ATV Operations and Maintenance Grants (Kyleen Stone)
Staff requested Commission approval of 15 ATV grants recommended by the All-Terrain Vehicle Account Allocation Committee (ATV-AAC) at its January 14, 2005 meeting. The main theme of the January ATV-AAC grant proposals was Operations and Maintenance. Three development grant applications were also reviewed. One of those development proposals (Riley Ranch Phase 1) was tabled until an easement ensuring access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is secured by the applicants. 

Operations and maintenance grants included:   
•	Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area—Siuslaw National Forest, $211,799.20
•	Huckleberry Flats—Willamette National Forest, $40, 465.00 
•	Prospect and Elliott Ridge—Siskiyou National Forest, $70,000.00
•	North Fork John Day District—Umatilla National Forest, $87,924.00
•	North Fork John Day Distrct—Umatilla National Forest, $2,000.00
•	Central Oregon Combined OHV Operations—Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, and Prineville Bureau of Land Management (BLM), $235,442.00
•	Morrow County OHV Park—Morrow County, $124,489.00
•	Virtue Flats—BLM, $6,254.00
•	Christmas Valley Sand Dunes and North Lake—BLM, $31,200.00
•	LaGrand and Unity—Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, $79,183.00
•	Tillamook Forest—Oregon Department of Forestry, $61,714.70
•	Sand Lake—Siuslaw National Forest, $105,960.00
•	Shotgun—Siuslaw National Forest, $73,169.00

Development grants included
•	Jackson Hills—Motorcycle Riders Association, $128,380.00
•	Umpqua Lighthouse—Douglas County, $178,960.00

During discussion, Jacksonville resident Tony Hess spoke in opposition to the Jackson Hills—Motorcycle Riders Association Grant. Hess said, “The time is not now (for the development of an ATV staging area); the city will decide what to do with the property.” The property in question is an old watershed near Jacksonville that has become a favorite recreation area for ATV enthusiasts. 

Tyrell Hart of the ATV-AAC explained that the development proposal represents an effort to create a safe parking area for ATV users. Hart also noted that the property was purchased by the Motorcycle Riders Association for the express purpose of establishing a trail head and posting safety information for ATV users.  

In response to questioning by David Kottkamp, Kyleen Stone clarified that staff “basically” supports the proposal, noting that it moves parking away from the water. Stone also noted that eight letters in opposition to the proposal had been received by the Department. Stone added that timing of the proposal was an issue, with current funding expiring June 30, 2005. 
Bill Gregory moved to approve the grants; David Kottkamp seconded. All Commissioners except Nik Blosser voted in favor of the grants. Blosser voted in opposition, commenting that he will not support development grants until a strategic plan is in place. 

10. RV-Funded County Opportunity Grants (Kyleen Stone)
Staff requested approval of RV-funded County Opportunity Grants recommended by the County Parks Assistance Advisory Committee at its January 25-26, 2005 meeting. 

The County Opportunity Grant Program is part of a larger program established in 1983 to provide revenue from recreational vehicle (RV) registration fees to counties for park and recreation sites and programs. State law specifies that 30 percent of RV registration fees be set aside for “maintenance, care and use of county park and recreation sites,” with 10 percent of that (estimated) amount distributed each year through the County Opportunity Grant Program. The program provides funding on a project basis for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and planning of county park and recreation sites that provide camping facilities. Counties over 30,000 population are required to provide a 50 percent match; counties less than 30,000 population must provide 25 percent match. 

At its 2005 meeting—the County Parks Assistance Advisory Committee meets just once a year—the committee reviewed 21 applications for grant requests totaling $984,771. The funding available for distribution in 2005 is $462,979. Estimated revenues are sufficient to fully fund eight projects, and partially fund one project, with grants awarded as follows:
•	Metzler Park—Clackamas County, $40,000
•	River Bend County Park—Linn County, $100,000
•	Ten Mile RV Campground—Coos County, $55,000
•	Morrow County OHV Park—Morrow County, $135,000
•	Feyrer Park—Clackamas County, $30,000
•	Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan--$21,079
•	River Bend County Park—Linn County, $55,000
•	Moonshine Park—Lincoln County, $18,225
•	Baker Bay Playground—Lane County, $8,675
Nik Blosser moved to approve the recommended grants; Sue Musser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

11. Contracts Approval (Dave Wright)
a) Bridge Maintenance and Repair
There was one qualified bidder for the contract to perform bridge maintenance and repair at Silver Falls State Park, Saddle Mountain State Park, and Luckiamute Landing. Staff  recommended that Mocon Corporation of Portland be awarded the contract for $193,340.80.
Bill Gregory moved to approve the contract award; Sue Musser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

b) Vista House Inclined Walkway
There were three qualified bidders for the contract to install an inclined walkway at Vista House. Staff recommended award of the contract to the lowest qualifying bidder, Caribou Investments of Oregon City, with a bid of $95,000.00. 
Sue Musser moved to approve the contract award; Nik Blosser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

c) Vista House Accessible Lift 
No bids were received for the contract to install an accessible lift at Vista House.
The project will be re-advertised and, due to its requirement for urgent award, the Commission granted authority to the Director to approve the award of the contract to the lowest qualifying bidder upon consultation with the Chair.

d) Silver Falls Water Line Replacement
There were 13 qualifying bidders for the contract to replace a water line at Silver Falls State Park. Staff recommended award of the contract to the lowest qualifying bidder, Alpine Construction of Tillamook, with a bid of $310,301.00. 
David Kottkamp moved to approve the contract award; Nik Blosser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

e) Cape Blanco Campground Electrical Upgrade
There was one qualified bidder for the contract to perform a campground electrical upgrade at Cape Blanco State Park. Staff recommended award of the contract to Loy Clark Pipeline of Tualatin, with a bid of $434,122.98. 
Sue Musser moved to approve the award of the contract; Bill Gregory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

f) Wolf Creek Inn Water Tank Replacement
There was one qualified bidder for the contract to replace a water tank at Wolf Creek Inn. Staff recommended award of the contract to Copeland Paving, Sand & Gravel Inc. of Grants Pass, with a bid of $260,000.00. 
Bill Gregory moved to approve award of the contract; Nik Blosser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

g) Prineville Reservoir Water Tank Replacement
There was one qualified bidder for the contract to replace a water tank at Prineville Reservoir. Staff recommended award of the contract to Richard Bartels Construction of Powell Butte, with a bid of $183,300.00. 
Bill Gregory moved to approve the award of the contract; Nik Blosser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

h) Lake Owyhee Water System Replacement
There was one qualified bidder for the contract to replace a water system at Lake Owyhee State Park. Staff recommended award of the contract to Performance Systems International of Caldwell, Idaho, with a bid of $194,807.00. 
Sue Musser moved to approve award of the contract; Nik Blosser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
In response to questioning by David Kottkamp, Tim Wood clarified that in instances when there is only one bidder—and the bid is unacceptable—the agency will re-bid the project.

12. Real Estate (Dave Wright)
a) Oswald West State Park Easement
Staff requested Commission approval to grant permanent easements—for no consideration—to both Stimson Lumber Co. and Longview Fiber. The easement would close an existing gap in the access road (Short Sands Mainline Road) to 80 acres near Oswald West State Park which is being purchased by Stimson Lumber Co. from Weyerhaeuser Co. Longview Fiber has traditionally used Short Sands Mainline Road to access its timberland in the area. 
Bill Gregory moved to approve the easements; David Kottkamp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
During discussion, John Blackwell commented that Longview Fiber has been a great partner of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

b) ODOT Easement in Sisters
Staff requested Commission approval to grant a permanent easement to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for a highway improvement project along the McKenzie  Highway  in  Sisters. ODOT has  offered  $8,800 for the permanent easement, 
which would allow ODOT to upgrade the guardrail of a small bridge adjacent to OPRD’s property. 
David Kottkamp moved to approve the easement; Sue Musser seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 

c) Umpqua Lighthouse Lease Agreement
Staff recommended Commission approval of a lease addendum and authorization for the Director to transfer certain Umpqua Lighthouse State Park property to Douglas County after one year if the County meets the conditions outlined in the addendum. Staff also recommended approval to immediately transfer a 10.82 acre parcel for a parking area to Douglas County with restrictions that it be used for outdoor recreation purposes consistent with the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. 

In April 2004 the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission approved the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Master Plan. A component of that plan was a proposal to consolidate management of certain areas with a transfer of fee title to Douglas County for the open dune and deflation plain property as well as an area for parking adjoining the Coast Guard Historic area. The Department would retain development rights on all of the property except for those developments proposed in the master plan. OPRD would also retain ownership of the ocean shore lying westerly of the statutory zone line. Douglas County was a partner with OPRD in the development of the master plan and the transfer and development of related facilities by Douglas County. The area to be conveyed consists of 86.84 acres of open dune and deflation plain and 10.82 acres for the parking area near the historic area. The remaining State Park area would consist of 239.09 acres. 

At is January 27, 2005 meeting, the Commission decided to lease the land to Douglas County instead of completing the fee simple transfer. On February 15, 2005, Commission Chair John Blackwell and OPRD Director Tim Wood met with Douglas County in response to Douglas County’s concern over the change. At the meeting, a framework for resolving the issue was developed. The framework includes an extension of the current lease for one year, with a list of actions that the County would complete during the extension. If the County completes those actions, the land will be transferred in fee simple with restrictions. Douglas County also requested that the Department move ahead with the fee simple transfer of a parcel that would be used to provide parking near the historic area at the lighthouse. This transfer was also recommended in the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Master Plan. 
During discussion, several visitors spoke in opposition to the recommended proposal.

Markus Mead, Oregon Field Coordinator for Surfrider Foundation, which is represented on the Umpqua Lighthouse Advisory Committee, said his group’s opposition to the recommendation is “mainly about skepticism about Douglas County managing the land for multiple users.” Mead cited examples  which he felt illustrated that Douglas County had not followed through on its commitment to curtail certain ATV use in the area. Mead asked the question, “What is the benefit of the County owning the land if the State maintains development rights?” and speculated that the County might later leverage its ownership, and sell chunks of the land to neighboring owners.  Mead expressed concern about what he felt was inadequate provision for continued free access to the beach. Mead noted that Umpqua Lighthouse State Park provided the only beach access within 25 miles north and south of the area to what he described as “one of the best waves in the state.” Mead went on to explain that should development be allowed that would disturb the existing migratory dune, that excellent wave would be lost. 

Lou Daly, a Portland area resident, also spoke in opposition to the proposal. Daly described the amended lease agreement as “nothing less than an outright agreement to do a simple fee transfer.” She urged the Commission to “follow the example of (former Oregon) Governor Tom McCall,” and take steps to protect the “beautiful, natural area of the coastline.”

Fran Recht, Conservation Coordinator for Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, said that the Commission had “effectively reversed its January 27, 2005 decision, and told the Commission, “We can’t count on your decisions.” Recht said her group contends that it would be appropriate to monitor Douglas County’s management of the area (in the context of a lease agreement) for a ten-year period before deciding to complete a fee transfer.

Jeff Powers of the Douglas County Parks Department, told the Commission he has heard the comments (in opposition to the recommended proposal), and maintains a commitment to address everybody’s concerns. In response to questioning by Nik Blosser and Sue Musser, Powers said that the required signage would be in place right before Spring Break 2005. Powers added that the County is already planning for the 2005 Dune Fest in an effort to minimize misunderstandings. In response to concerns about inadequate enforcement, Powers noted that ATV users are authorized to ride along the shoulder of Salmon Harbor Drive; the master plan does not prohibit that activity.  Powers also offered to provide actual numbers of citations that have been issued to illustrate the County’s intent to properly enforce prohibited activities in the area.

Dave Wright, Assistant Director of Operations for OPRD, characterized the “outcry” of opposition that was sounded following the agency’s most recent decision as “distrust,” and he deemed it “unfortunate.” Wright continued, “This land will remain public land; it will remain so or it will come back to the state.” Wright further explained, “One reason we have Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is that Douglas County made a large gift of land to the State,” and added that when the Department completes the transfer of ownership, “we will continue to work with Douglas County.”  Wright clarified that it is not an unusual practice for the state to give property to a local government, and asserted, “We have safeguards in place.” 

In further discussion between Commission members, Jeff Powers and Assistant Attorney General Steve Shipsey, the parties noted that the exact wording of the lease addendum had not been finalized. Shipsey said item 3a of the lease addendum required more study to determine if the Commission could delegate authority to the OPRD Director to approve of development activities falling outside the parameters of the master plan. 

Bill Gregory asked that the “broad definition” in item 3a—i.e. “any development”—remain, and Shipsey confirmed that it would not be removed.

Commissioners asked for “methodical” reporting of Douglas County’s progress in completing the required actions during the lease extension period. 
David Kottkamp moved to approve the lease addendum and agreement to transfer ownership to Douglas County after one year and upon completion of required actions; Bill Gregory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

13. Rule Adoption: Cemetery Grants Rules (James Hamrick)
Staff requested approval of the final draft of Historic Cemetery Grants Rules, OAR 736 — Division 54. Staff had received Commission approval to begin the rulemaking for the Historic Cemetery Grants at the Commission’s September 2004 meeting, and the new rules were recommended for adoption by the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries in February 2005. 
Assistant Attorney General Steve Shipsey noted a required wording change (“and/or” in 736-054-0005(4) should read “or”). 
Nik Blosser moved to approve the new rules, as corrected; Sue Musser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

14. Revenue Package: 2005-2007 Budget (Kyleen Stone)
Staff recommended that the Commission adopt an investment strategy for the $11.6 million projected increase in Lottery funds for the 2005-2007 Budget. The recommended strategy had three key features:
•	$5.8 million for retirement of the Department’s 1998 Lottery-backed bond;
•	$2.5 million increase in the Facilities Investment Program for reduction of backlog; and
•	$3.0 million increase in the Facilities Investment Program for new park development
During her presentation, Financial Services Manager Kyleen Stone explained that the  current package of options  reflects both the work of the Commission’s Investment Strategy Subcommittee, and the Legislature’s directive—made  during the first round of legislative budget hearings in February—to  eliminate backlog as much as possible prior to 2014. As discussion turned to the possibility of suspension of park use fees, Stone emphasized that fee suspension would require a reassessment of other package options, and could change both defeasance of the bond and the backlog reduction.

John Blackwell commented that backlog reduction is important, adding, “That’s a promise we made to voters.”

Nik Blosser requested more time for the Investment Strategy Subcommittee to work on the revenue options package, and Bill Gregory confirmed that the subcommittee would meet in April.
No Commission action was taken on this agenda item. 

15. Commission Discussion
No discussion was held.

The meeting adjourned at 12:00 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jo Bell
Commission Assistant