Minutes
Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
March 2, 2006
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
The Dalles, OR  97058

Commissioners Present: Bill Gregory, Chair; Nik Blosser, Vice-Chair; Sharon Rudi; Sue Musser; Jim Brown; and Jim Parr
Staff Present: Tim Wood, Director; Kyleen Stone, Assistant Director, Recreation Programs and Planning; Dave Wright, Assistant Director, Operations; James Hamrick, Assistant Director, Special Heritage Programs; Cliff Houck, Manager, Resource Management and Planning; Ken Goforth, Financial Services Manager; Roger Roper, Assistant Director, Heritage Programs; Chris Havel, Communications Coordinator; Wayne Rawlins, Grants Manager; Ron Price, ATV Program Coordinator; Jean Thompson, Public Services Manager; Steve Shipsey, Assistant Attorney General; and Pamela Berger, Commission Assistant
Visitors Present: Andy Duyck, Washington County Commissioner; Tom Harris, Oregon Recreation Consortium; Pat Harris, ATV Account Allocation Committee; Bill Pattison, Historical Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee; Jeanette Kloos, ODOT; Wayne Stewart, Historical Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee; and Chuck Williams, Columbia Gorge Coalition

The meeting began at 9:00 AM

1. Approval of Agenda 
Sharon Rudi moved to approve the agenda, moving Item 13 to follow Item 6.  Jim Brown seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

2. Public Comment
Chuck Williams, Columbia Gorge Coalition, told the commission that Oregon has fewer national parks than the states of Washington or California.  He noted his concerns for preserving wilderness areas, proposed and existing casinos, and Oregon’s land-use regulations.  He would like to see Oregon establish more parkland.

3. Approval of minutes from January 18, 2006 Commission Meeting
Sharon Rudi moved to approve the minutes.  Nik Blosser seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 

4.  Director’s Update (Tim Wood)
•	In a recent meeting with Senator Ted Ferrioli, OPRD received his support for the Kam Wah Chung Master Plan and to acquire additional property for the development.  Prior to public meetings scheduled in May, Mr. Wood will be meeting with officials from the John Day area to keep them updated on our proposals.
•	OPRD is working on a concept with Jackson County to develop a recreation corridor that would incorporate portions of the Rogue River.  It could include broadening the Rogue Valley Greenway and consist of recreational trails, acquisition of park properties, and water trails.  A series of public meetings are scheduled in April in the Medford area to gather public input.
•	OPRD will soon enter into an agreement to partner with Josephine County to provide reservation services for Josephine County parks through our reservation system.  Because it is a fee for service, we will recover all of our costs.  Other counties may also be interested in similar partnerships.
•	Over the next two weeks, several Oregon State Fair vision meetings have been scheduled; assisted by the Oregon Business Council.  Invited participants include business and community leaders, who will brainstorm what the state fair should look like in the future.  A report will be presented to the commission in April.
•	Dave Eshbaugh will begin serving as the new Oregon State Parks Trust (OSPT) Administrator on March 14, 2006.  OSPT is in the process of relocating from Bend to the David Evans Building in Portland.  They will be hiring an office administrative assistant and a development director.  The departing administrator, Sharon Leighty, will remain on contract to complete the Kam Wah Chung project.
No Commission action was requested.

5. Selection of Commission Vice-Chair 
Sue Musser nominated Nik Blosser as Vice-Chair.  Jim Brown seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 

6. Approval of Delegated Authority Reports
a: Contracts (Ken Goforth)
Ken Goforth, Financial Services Manager, asked the commission to accept the “Report of Actions Taken under Delegated Authority for Contracts and Procurement” from January 1, 2006 through January 31, 2006 of contractual instruments signed by the Director per authority delegated by the Commission.
Sharon Rudi moved to approve the contracts.  Nik Blosser seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

b. Natural Resources (Cliff Houck)
Staff requested approval of the following scenic waterways notification requests:
•	From the American Hellenic Education Center to construct a new nurse’s station and replace their maintenance building on the Sandy River Scenic Waterway in Multnomah County.
•	From Josephine County Parks to construct an addition to the present boat ramp at Hog Creek on the Rogue River Scenic River in Josephine County.
•	From the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to perform log salvage operations within the Deschutes Scenic Waterway, in Deschutes County.
Staff also requested approval of an ocean shore alternation decision to issue an emergency permit to Oregon Department of Transportation to remove native fill material from the Rocky Creek cut and place it on the ocean shore in order to repair a culvert on Highway 101, located in Curry County.
Sue Musser moved to accept the delegated authority report.  Nik Blosser seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

13 Real Estate (Cliff Houck)
a: Banks – Vernonia Trail Acquisition of the Tolke Property
Andy Duyck, Washington County Commissioner, explained that Washington County held several meetings addressing different alignments, but came to no solution. He indicated that he has worked for four years to develop a purchase plan for the property. Completion of this trail is central for the economic plans of the local communities.  He advocated OPRD purchasing and protecting the farmland, which is currently being used for grass-seed production.

Mr. Houck, Manager, Resource Management and Planning explained that the Banks - Vernonia State Trail is a 22-mile rails-to-trails corridor between the towns of Banks and Vernonia.  It is an old railroad right-of-way converted into a recreational trail.  In one section, trail users are currently forced to leave the trail and travel more than a mile along a gravel county road to get to the rest of the trail. 

Staff requested that commission approve $365,000 to purchase 50 acres from a private landowner.  After designing and building the trail, OPRD plans to return the remaining land to agricultural production either by lease or sale.  Additionally, this will improve trail safety, the recreation experience, and parking.

In response to Sharon Rudi, Mr. Duyck said that there is no current irrigation system in place for the grass seed farmland.  Mr. Houck, in response to Nik Blosser, said that there is a Banks - Vernonia Trail Master Plan and the department has a policy addressing surplus sales.  Mr. Blosser noted concerns about the compatibility of adjacent farmland and the use of chemicals.  

Nik Blosser moved to approve the purchase of the Tolke Property.  Sue Musser seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

b. Tryon Creek State Park (Cliff Houck)
The Friends of Tryon Creek State Park purchased a 3.56-acre parcel adjoining Tryon Creek State Park at the NW corner.  The Friends would like to donate the purchased parcel to the Department. The property is in natural habitat and is a buffer to a small creek running in to Tryon Creek.
Jim Parr asked how we recognize those who make donations.  Mr. Wood said that  it would be appropriate to write a letter of recognition.  Sue Musser suggested having commission members sign the letter. 
Sue Musser moved to accept the donation from The Friends of Tryon Creek State Park.  Sharon Rudi seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

7. Financial Update (Ken Goforth)
a. 2003-05 final report
Mr. Goforth explained that at year-end 2005, Lottery revenues increased, park user fees decreased (attributed to poor weather), and that  RV reservation fees also decreased. 

b. Updated 10-year plan
Mr. Goforth said that the 10 –year plan has been updated with the final 2003-05 figures, updated projections for the 2005-07 and 2007-09 budgets, which include proposed policy option packages.  Lottery revenues have been updated to include figures from the December 2005 forecast.  
In response to Jim Brown, Mr. Goforth said the legislature has given OPRD a limitation to obtain grants and donations as part of its 2005-07 budget.

c. 2005-07 Status
Mr. Goforth announced that the March forecast was made public yesterday, showing a 2.4 million increase for OPRD from December 2005.  The 2005-07 biennium is projected to be close to budgeted amounts with a few exceptions.  The December 2005 Lottery forecast projects revenues will exceed budgeted amounts by $3.3 million.  Park user fees continue to be projected slightly lower than budgeted.  We are assuming park attendance will continue at levels experienced in 2005, which was down from previous years. We are projecting that expenditures for the State Fair will exceed revenues by $4.5 million.  While we anticipate significant turnaround in the financial solvency of the State Fair, we also anticipate investments will be required to reinvent the fair.  
No commission action was requested.

8. 2007-09 Budget Request and Legislative Concepts (Kyleen Stone)
Ms. Stone, Assistant Director, Recreation Programs and Planning, reviewed budget request packages that reflect new property development and acquisitions.  Package options have been prepared that increase the acquisition budget to $10 million, reduce some of the proposed park development, and increase the services and supplies budget for the bicycle coordinator.  She presented original and alternate package proposals.  The 2007-09 budget option packages will also be presented for approval at the April meeting.

Ms. Stone said the proposed Legislative Concepts are for the State Fair reinvention, ATV-related proposals, and fees relating to the Oregon Historic Cemeteries Program.  

James Hamrick discussed the Oregon Historic Cemeteries Program proposed legislative concept.  He explained that during the last biennium there was a $50.00 increase in the business registration fee, which is a large amount for small, non-profit cemetery organizations. Last session, the Secretary of State’s office requested an amendment to waive the fee, however, the bill did not pass out of committee.  It was then decided to have OPRD submit legislation that, for each historic cemetery nonprofit corporation (listed with the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries), allows the Secretary of State to waive any fee for documents delivered for filing as part of Secretary of State’s business registry. 

Sue Musser moved to approve the proposed Legislative Concepts.  Jim Brown seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

9. ATV Grant Approvals (Wayne Rawlins)
Mr. Rawlins, Grants Division Manager, noted that the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Account Allocation Committee reviews grant applications three times each year, each time with a specific area of focus. In January, the primary focus was on operations and maintenance grant proposals. In April 2006, law enforcement grant applications will be reviewed.  Planning, development, acquisition and safety education grant proposals may be considered at every meeting.  The committee reviewed 17 grant applications at its January meeting. A spreadsheet provided to commission members lists the grants that the committee has recommended for approval. These grants will be effective from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  Staff requests the commission’s approval of grant applications reviewed by the ATV Account Allocation Committee.

Pat Harris, ATV Account Allocation Committee, discussed the importance of receiving a grant to study the areas most  suitable for Class II vehicle use.  She invited members to the April 21, 2006 ATV commission meeting in LaGrande.

Jim Brown moved to approval of grant applications. Sharon Rudi seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

10. Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan Adoption (Jeanette Kloos)
Bill Pattison, Historical Columbia River Advisory Committee, noted past and future successes of this project.
Jeanette Kloos, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), explained that the legislature created the Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH) Advisory Committee in 1987, giving the Committee the authority to make recommendations to ODOT and OPRD on the treatment of historic resources and parks within the HCRH historic district.  They requested that the Commission approve the Master Plan, with amendments, that were first discussed at the January Commission meeting, and which were forwarded to the Commission by separate cover.  Key proposals include:
1) Continue development of the HCRH State Trail to reconnect the highway into a continuous facility.  
2) Continue restoration of historic features of the historic district, including bridges, rubble masonry parapet walls, rock retaining walls, guardrail, mileposts, etc.  
3) Continue enhancements to recreational facilities within the historic district,
4) Enhance the scenic views, as seen from the highway. 
The amended plan has been approved by the Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee (1/24) and Oregon Tourism Commission (2/28). Once approved by the OPRD Commission, the Oregon Transportation Commission adopted the Master Plan as a Facility Plan on March 14, 2006.

Wayne Stewart, Historical Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee noted the goal to reconnect the missing pieces of the HCRH State Trail by year 2016, the trail’s 100th anniversary.  He expressed his appreciation of OPRD’s continued efforts toward completing the trail and asked that the completion be of high priority for the Department.

Jim Brown moved to adopt the amended Master Plan. Sue Musser seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

11. Report to the Governor on Tribal Activities
James Hamrick, Assistant Director, Heritage Conservation, noted that OPRD routinely involves tribes in all facets of the agency’s operations including interpretive planning and projects, and in monitoring archaeological projects or issues in the parks.  Two policy statements that are important in guiding and educating OPRD employees are: 
1) Relationship of OPRD with Indian Tribes consistent with ORS 182.162 -182.168, and
2) Cultural Resources Policy.  
These policies have resulted in improved communication and cooperation with the tribes and a higher degree of knowledge and accountability among OPRD managers and staff.  In 2005, OPRD introduced legislation to award recreational grants to tribes, and to clarify archaeological permits statutes. Neither bill passed.  OPRD held a joint Cultural Resources Management training with the Department of Forestry, and are planning a similar training for OPRD Field Staff in 2006. 
No Commission action was requested.

12. Acquisition Program 2005-07 Update (Cliff Houck)
Mr. Houck submitted an acquisition report for the 2005-07 biennium that included approved transactions, properties under consideration, and properties under consideration that are not shown with the acquisition expenditures.  He noted that the Banks - Vernonia Trail should be moved to the “properties under consideration” list.
No Commission action was requested.

14. April 2006 Emergency Board (Ken Goforth)
Mr. Goforth reported that, as required, OPRD will present the progress on the State Fair rebalancing plan to the Emergency Board.  All State Fair positions have been extended through the end of the biennium.  Also, OPRD will request approval for a limited duration bicycle recreation coordinator position and funding for components of the bicycle recreation program. (Note:  This request has been delayed at the request of the DAS and LFO analysts.  The request will be made at the June 2006 Emergency Board.)
Nik Blosser moved to approve the above stated items to the April 6, 2006 Emergency Board.  Sue Musser seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

15. Request for Rulemaking – ATV Rule Changes as Required by SB 68 (Wayne Rawlins)
Mr. Rawlins, Grants Division Manager, briefed the commission on three administrative rule change requests:
1) SB 68 prohibits operating Class 1 All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) on the ocean shore unless issued a permit from OPRD. The bill states that permits may be issued, without charge, for individuals with disabilities, emergency aid workers, biologists, wildlife monitors or other natural resources workers.  Administrative rules are needed to codify procedures to implement SB 68.
2) The ATV Account Allocation Committee recommends an administrative rule change to allow ATV grants to finance 100% of the cost of real property acquisition projects for ATV riding areas.  Current rules provide for grant awards of 80% of the project costs, leaving a 20% funding requirement for grantees to cover.  With property values continuing to increase, current match requirements have deterred potential applicants, unable to generate large amounts of cash and in-kind contributions.  As a result, opportunities to acquire new ATV riding areas have been lost.  
3) Current OPRD rules that relate to the ATV Program (Chapter 736, Division 4) are in need of changes to be more comprehensible.
An advisory committee will be appointed and public hearings will be held in order to develop and draft administrative rules that will implement our desired changes.  The rules, as drafted through this process, will be submitted for Commission approval at the August 2006 meeting.  
There was commission discussion recommending that OPRD only allow 100% grant awards for acquisitions on an exception basis.  Staff will develop guidelines to incorporate this recommendation into the rule.
Sharon Rudi moved to allow OPRD to go to rulemaking to amend Oregon Administrative Rules in Chapter 736, Division 4.  Jim Parr seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

16.  Facilities Investment Program Report (Dave Wright)
The Facility Investment Program (FIP) began in 1997-99 when the Legislature approved the sale of $15 million in Lottery-backed bonds to make needed repairs and improvements to park facilities.  With the passage of Ballot Measure 66, the department continued the FIP program in subsequent biennia and it is budgeted at approximately $28.5 million for the current biennium.   Mr. Wright submitted a project schedule for completion this biennium.  Although the payments are lower than the benchmark, contract obligations are ahead of projections.
No commission action was requested.

17. Garrison Lake Project Update (Dave Wright)
Mr. Wright explained that in May 2003, the department acquired 36.5 acres of land lying between the ocean and Garrison Lake at Port Orford, which later was named Tseriadun State Recreation Site.  The acquisition of this site received broad legislative and local government support primarily due to an ongoing problem with flooding at Garrison Lake, a freshwater lake behind the dune.  Ocean conditions created sand buildup closing the outlet that allowed Garrison Lake to drain, causing flooding which affected neighboring homes and city infrastructure.

The former owner of the property was reluctant to allow the City of Port Orford to re-establish the outlet on his property and the local governments believed that ownership by OPRD would be a step in developing a solution to the problem.

OPRD hired SHN Consulting Engineers with a contract to complete the design by the end of 2005. The estimated total construction cost and archeological mitigation costs for the full implementation of this design are from $1.5 million to $2 million dollars.  The finished design called for a 6x12-foot box culvert to be installed from the south end of Garrison Lake in the direction of a small body of water south of the Tseriadun State Recreation Site out to the ocean.

Tim Wood stated that OPRD has entered into an agreement with Curry County and the City of Port Orford to arrive at a permanent solution.
No commission action was requested.

18. Reservations Northwest Report (Marilyn Borgelt)
Ms. Borgelt, Reservation Program Manager, told the commission that Reservations Northwest (RNW) was established 1996.  Originally, it provided reservation services to OPRD, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (WSPRC) and 3 Bureau of Land Management properties through an 800-service call center environment.  Currently, RNW provides reservation services for OPRD parks and one county system.  Customers are charged $6 per reservation booked through RNW.  She noted program milestones that included the implementation of campsite registration services, Internet Reservation Services, reorganization and staff and expenditure reductions, and the 2002 BLM move from OPRD to Federal Reservation Service contract.  She told of the current program structure and services. 
No commission action was requested.

19. Marketing Status Report
Kyleen Stone and Jean Thompson, Public Services Manager, presented various methods used by OPRD to promote programs and services.  Early efforts to aid public use of facilities, which are still in use today, include publications of park maps, camping loop maps, and brochures.  When camping reservations became computerized, OPRD opened a call center where the public could call a 1-800 line, not only to book a camping reservation, but also to secure information about outdoor recreation throughout the state.  In addition, OPRD has produced and widely-distributed a park directory, currently known as “The Parks and Heritage Guide.”  

Past marketing efforts have been aimed at increasing utilization of camping and day use facilities, promoting use of facilities throughout the calendar year, and simplifying the state park experience for users.  Since 1997, when the first Lottery-backed bonds began to strengthen OPRD’s revenue outlook, the agency has invested an increasing amount of time and money into marketing, advertising and public relations, made possible from Lottery funding resulting from Ballot Measure 66.  
In response to Sue Musser, Ms. Stone stated that we often use contractors to develop brochures.
No commission action was requested.

20. Commission Planning Calendar 
Director Tim Wood noted that the next meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2006 in Prineville.  The tentative agenda is to tour various parks on April 12th.  As we did with this meeting, we will invite local officials to join us for dinner and to the meeting.
No commission action was requested.

21. Commission Discussion
There was no commission discussion.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 AM

Respectfully submitted by,

Pamela Berger
Commission Assistant