APPROVED ON JUNE 27, 2012
BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AT THE WEEKLY BUSINESS SESSION
WEEKLY BUSINESS SESSION May 30, 2012, 9: 00 a. m.
Anne G. Basker Auditorium
604 N.W. Sixth Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526
Present: Simon Hare, Chair; Don Reedy, Vice-Chair; Harold Haugen, Commissioner; Kim Kashuba, Recorder
These are meeting minutes only. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker' s exact words. For complete contents
of the proceeding, please refer to the audio recording.
Pursuant to notice through the media and in conformance with the Public Meeting Law, Simon Hare, Chair called the
meeting to order at 9: 09 a.m. Items discussed were as follows:
1.
REQUESTS/ COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS:
Dale Matthews, Grants Pass, discussed his attendance at County meetings and questioned the Board' s decision of spending
600, 000 on computer software instead of animals.
Cherryl Walker, Grants Pass, submitted and read Exhibit B, encouraging the Board to consider privatizing the Animal Shelter
to Rogue Valley Humane Society( RVHS). She stated she had spoken with someone from RVHS who stated they were willing
to undertake the endeavor.
Rycke Brown, Grants Pass, submitted Exhibit C and spoke about the amount of allowed public comment at County meetings.
Jodie Raines, Selma, stated she was a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and said pet licensing was important for wildlife protection
because it required a rabies vaccination.
Fred Friedman, Rogue Valley Humane Society, stated RVHS was not aware of Cherryl Walker' s proposal, however would be
willing to work with the Animal Shelter. But as more time would be needed, he urged the Board not to approve the
recommendation of the Public Health Director( Agenda Item 2( c)).
Mark Seligman, Selma, spoke in opposition to Agenda Item 2( c), stating the County Charter required the services of an Animal
Shelter and that approval of the recommendation to close it would violate the Charter.
Brad Tally, Jones Creek, former Animal Shelter Supervisor, suggested forming a task force to privatize the Animal Shelter,
leaving animal control officers under government authority.
Margaret Farner, Shelter Manager for Rogue Valley Humane Society, stated that RVHS was more than willing to work with
Animal Control but that it would take time, and requested the Board delay its decision on Agenda Item 2( c) by three months.
Gail Parker, Grants Pass, Volunteer Coordinator for the Animal Shelter, discussed statistics at the shelter and questioned
whether the RVHS would be able to handle the number of animals the Shelter takes in annually. She suggested that the
ultimate cost to the community of closing the Shelter would be more expensive than keeping it open and urged the Board not to
approve Agenda Item 2( c).
Wesley Howard, Grants Pass, asked what Animal Control' s license revenue was, how the money was collected and questioned
the two different revenue numbers provided by the Public Health Director.
Lyle Smith, Grants Pass, stated he was an Animal Shelter volunteer and spoke in opposition to Agenda Item 2( c), suggesting
that there would be enough volunteers to keep allowing adoptions.
Roy Service, Williams, thanked all Josephine County volunteers and suggested that it was possible to interchange dedicated
monies.
Kenda Boac, Grants Pass, stated she was representing the" PAWSitive Changes Program" who was willing to assist the Animal
Shelter with the care, fostering and placement of animals. She asked whether some of the kennels at the Animal Shelter could
be utilized as part of any agreement between them and the County.
Lonnie Gibbs, Grants Pass, veterinary technician and board member of the Oregon Homeless Pet Project, urged the Board not
to approve Agenda Item 2( c) and suggested licensing cats as a way for the Department to generate funds. He also suggested
having a promotional campaign to better inform the public about the requirement and benefits of pet licensing, and a sliding fee
scale
for
licensing
fees.
Weekly Business Session May 30, 2012 Page 2
Felicia Satin, Grants Pass, stated she was willing to sit on any advisory boards or perform fund raising for the Animal Shelter,
and asked whether money from the Fair could be allocated to the Shelter.
Malcom Drake, Josephine County, pledged half the amount of additional tax he would have paid had the Criminal Justice
System Levy passed to the Animal Shelter.
Michelle Real, Grants Pass, offered her services as a fund raiser and stated her opinion that the public had been blindsided by
the recommendation to close the Animal Shelter. She urged the Board to postpone approving the recommendation for at least
two months to allow an alternate solution to be found.
Jim Diefendurfer, Cave Junction, commended the many good alternatives to closing the Animal Shelter that had been offered
by the public, but stated that the root problem was pet overpopulation and suggested having better spay and neuter programs.
Jerry Sisson, Cave Junction, contended that County Government was spending too much money on administrative costs and
urged further cuts.
Judy Reynolds, Grants Pass, stated she was a volunteer at the Animal Shelter and a board member of the Josephine County
Spay and Neuter Fund. She thanked the audience for all their suggestions and discussed the positive changes she' d seen at the
Shelter.
Bodeving, Grants Pass, manager for Pacific Veterinary Clinic, spoke in opposition to Agenda Item 2( c). She suggested
the Board consider having someone from the veterinary industry on any task force formed, and stated that Animal Control
needed to clarify what vets can and cannot do regarding animal assistance. She also suggested that veterinary receptionists be
educated to talk to the public about the importance of licensing their pets.
Dani
John Thiel, Cave Junction, stated he was volunteer and donor to the Animal Shelter and advocated the privatization of the
Animal Shelter.
Judy Burger, Grants Pass, offered her services as a volunteer grant writer and advised that there were many county animal
shelters across the country that were no- kill, and discussed the possible ways by which Josephine County could be one.
Cris Usher, Josephine County, spoke in support of the privatization of the Animal Shelter and asked the Board to allow at least
three months for an alternate solution to be found. She also suggested as a source of revenue using a" Round- Up Program"
offered at checkout counters.
Sally Mason, Grants Pass, stated she had been the owner of several rescue organizations under the name Silver Wings over the
years and had never received any outside funding. She described what she had been able to do to with small amounts of
money, suggesting that every person could donate at least a little bit of time, and urged the Board not to approve Agenda Item
2( c).
Alex Giel, Josephine County Animal Control Supervisor, stated she was leaving employment with Josephine County to pilot a
health care program for Curry County. As an alternative to closing the Department, she suggested that it be changed to a
501( c)( 3) corporation and engage in product sponsoring to generate revenue.
Diane Mead, Grants Pass, suggested the County offer citizens who couldn' t afford to license their pets the opportunity to
volunteer at the Animal Shelter to earn one.
Arielis Reya, Ashland, suggested placing more emphasis on the micro-chipping of animals and requiring that unlicensed pets
become licensed prior to the Shelter' s release of them to their owners.
Charlotte Willard, Grants Pass, submitted Exhibit D, a letter she wrote to the Courier Newspaper, and spoke in opposition to
the Board' s approval of Agenda Item 2( c).
Rolly Smith, Grants Pass, introduced" Tripod," a 3- legged golden lab who she said represented a successful adoption from the
Animal Shelter.
Elaine Wood, Selma, encouraged the Board to use this situation as an opportunity to put aside political differences and come
together as animal lovers.
Larry Ford, Grants Pass, suggested a partnership be formed between Animal Control and the Humane Society. He also
commented that several prisoners had been released in Josephine County this morning in response to the lack of Public Safety
funding.
Weekly Business Session May 30, 2012 Page 3
Pam Hackett, Grants Pass, stated that some of the actions of the Commissioners have been vicious since the failure of the levy,
suggesting they were attempts to punish the citizens for not passing the levy.
Hal Anthony, Grants Pass, thanked the Board for allowing all the public comment at this meeting and asked if the audio
recording of the meeting could be posted sooner than usual so a list of suggestions for alternatives to closing the Shelter could
be compiled.
Audry Albert, Grants Pass, praised the ideas offered by the public and urged the Board to allow a minimum of three months for
some of the ideas to be explored and a solution implemented.
Kurt Ramee, Grants Pass, admonished the Board for waiting until the last minute to address the Shelter issue and encouraged
the Board to delay their decision on the recommendation.
2.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS IN CONSIDERATION OF :
Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between Josephine County Sheriffs Association, Josephine
County and the Josephine County Sheriff—Classification Seniority for Layoff and Recall
Sara Moye, Human Resource Director, explained that the purpose of the Memorandum was to help facilitate the transition
of layoffs and recalls in the Sheriff' s Office as a result of that Department' s lack of funding.
a.
Board Discussion&
Action:
Commissioner Haugen made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Josephine County Sheriff's
Association, Josephine County and the Josephine County Sheriff—Classification Seniority for Layoff and Recall, seconded by
Commissioner Reedy. Upon
Commissioner Hare— yes
b.
roll call vote, motion passed
3- 0; Commissioner Haugen — yes, Commissioner Reedy—
yes, and
Two original Memorandums signed; 1 retained for recording, 1 returned to Sara Moye.
Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between Josephine County Sheriffs Association and the Josephine
County Sheriff, Article 14. 4 Lay Off
Sara Moye, Human Resource Director, explained that the Memorandum provided the option for union employees in
Departments experiencing layoffs to volunteer to be laid off without sacrificing unemployment benefits.
Board Discussion&
Action:
Commissioner Haugen made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Josephine County Sheriff's
Association and the Josephine County Sheriff Article 14. 4 Lay Off seconded by Commissioner Reedy. Upon roll call vote,
motion passed
3- 0; Commissioner Haugen—
yes,
Commissioner Reedy— yes,
and
Commissioner Hare— yes
Two original Memorandums signed; 1 retained for recording, 1 returned to Sara Moye.
c.
Approval of Recommendation for the Animal Shelter
Diane Hoover, Public Health Director, submitted and read Exhibit A, a statement explaining the current status of the
Animal Shelter Department and the rationale for her recommendation regarding its reduced function. She issued a plea to the
Citizens of Josephine County to get involved to save the Shelter from closing.
Board Discussion&
Action:
Commissioner Haugen stated that when the County' s Home Rule Charter was written, its authors wanted mandated animal
care/ control; however they failed to clarify the minimum level of care and control. He advocated privatizing the Department
and stated that the opportunity exists for the public and government to come together and find a solution, suggesting 1- 2
months to do so, and proposed tabling the matter indefinitely. Commissioner Reedy agreed, stating that a solution had to be
found quickly and suggesting the public help advocate for pet licensing. Commissioner Hare agreed with the statements of the
rest of the Board and said that despite hard choices, he thought the County still provided good services with the money
available. He stated he was encouraged by the statements made by the public and was in favor of tabling the matter.
Commissioner Haugen made a motion to table indefinitely the Recommendation for the Animal Shelter, seconded by
Commissioner Reedy. Upon
Commissioner Hare— yes
roll call vote, motion passed
3- 0; Commissioner Haugen — yes, Commissioner Reedy — yes,
and
d.
Approval of Temporary Construction Easement between the City of Grants Pass and Josephine County
Commissioner Hare explained that the Easement would allow the City of Grants Pass to construct a bus shelter in front of
the Anne Basker Auditorium, which would remove one parking spot in front of the auditorium. He advised that the County' s
Transit Program Supervisor, Scott
Chancey
had
examined
the proposed site
and stated
it
was acceptable.
Weekly Business Session May 30, 2012 Page 4
Action:
Board Discussion&
Commissioner Haugen stated he would not vote for the Easement as he did not support the bus shelter' s location and as liaison
to the Transit Department he attempted to contact Scott Chancey to discuss it and Scott did not respond. Commissioner Hare
advised that he had spoken with Scott Chancey, who advised that he would work on the additional parking spot and change bus
schedules to reduce congestion in the area.
Commissioner Reedy made a motion to approve a Temporary Construction Easement between the City of Grants Pass and
Josephine County,
seconded
Commissioner Reedy—
by Commissioner Hare. Upon
yes, and
roll
call
vote,
motion passed
2- 1;
Commissioner Haugen —
no,
Commissioner Hare— yes
2 original Easements signed; 1 retained for recording, 1 returned to Chet Bolen.
3.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
a.
Approval of Amendment# 1 to Task Order# 3, Grants Pass Airport, Runway 12/ 30 Rehabilitation
1 original Amendment signed and retained for recording.
b.
Approval of Revised Amendment# 5 to Task Order# 4, Illinois Valley Airport, Perimeter Fencing Project
1 original Amendment signed and retained for recording.
c.
Approval of Task Order# 8, Illinois Valley Airport, Perimeter Fencing Project
I original Task Order signed and retained for recording.
d.
Approval of Grant Agreement# 28405 between Oregon Department of Transportation, Public Transit Division
and Josephine County for General Public Transportation Operations.
1 original Grant Agreement signed and returned to Scott Chancey to obtain State Signatures.
County and Murphy Company,$
3 original Contracts signed; 1 retained for recording, 2 returned to Vic Harris.
Timber Sale Jack Nail 2012T- 1 between Josephine
145, 125. 00
e.
Approval
f.
Approval of Timber Sale Louse Creek Complex 2012T- 4 between Josephine County and Murphy Company,
of
303, 070
3 original Contracts signed; 1 retained for recording, 2 returned to Vic Harris.
g.
Approval of Timber Sale Little Elder Creek 2012T- 5 between Josephine County and Murphy Company,
142, 560
3 original Contracts signed; 1 retained for recording, 2 returned to Vic Harris.
Board Discussion&
Action:
Commissioner Hare advised that because the listed timber sales occurred in 2012, some of the funds received from them would
carry over$ 150, 000 to the General Fund for Public Safety. He stated that the contracts were all on a three-year basis, so money
was received in percentages over that three years.
Commissioner Reedy made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items 3( a) through ( g) as listed, seconded by
Commissioner Haugen. Upon
roll call vote, motion passed
and
Commissioner Hare— yes
4.
OTHER: ( ORS. 192. 640( 1) ". . .
3- 0; Commissioner Haugen—
yes,
Commissioner Reedy—
yes,
notice shall include a list of the principal subjects anticipated to be considered at the
meeting, but this requirement shall not limit the ability of a governing body to consider additional subjects.")
None reported.
5.
MATTERS FROM COMMISSIONERS:
Commissioner Hare commented that the Board of Commissioners learned of the release of prisoners through the media and
thought the Board should have been notified before the Sheriff acted. He suggested that communication between the Board and
the Sheriffs Office be improved and encouraged the Sheriff to make stronger efforts to do so.
Weekly Business Session was adjourned at 11: 46 a.m.
l
L
ca. ti., ---
vl
4l.J
a, Recorder
Kim Kash tab
Entered into record:
Exhibit A, Statement by Diane Hoover, Public Health Director
Exhibit B, Statementlproposal by Cherry) Walker
Exhibit C, Statement by Rycke Brown
Exhibit D, Statement by Charlotte Willard
ar.
A.
E--)(
605 s
Josephine County Animal Shelter Stats
7- 1- 11 to 5- 29- 12)
ADOPTED
Cat: 130
Dog: 248
EUTHANIZED
Cat: 531
Dog:
196
TRANSFERRED 9
Cat: 169
Dog: 67
The JOCO Animal Shelter
subtitled: Now that I have your attention)
This is
a
time in our
poverty. 65%
County
where unemployment
is high. 31%
of our children are being raised in
of pregnant women rely on the public health department for food vouchers for their
families. And the voice of County citizens has been ringing loud and clear that they expect County
government to make hard choices and tighten its belt to live within its means just like they have during
this recession. These things are a matter of public record.
The financial problems of the Josephine County Public Health Department and the cuts that I have made
to reduce fixed expenses are a matter of public record. Revenues from licensing are significantly down
and I took action to try to bring more money in. It is a matter of public record that I reminded the
Commissioners and the Budget Committee of the County Charter and the direction of the people to fully
fund an animal shelter that provides adoption services. Unfortunately, there is no more money. I have
to balance priorities, manage the department with the money it receives and strive to live within the
letter of the law.
Commissioners. It was with a heavy heart that I made the recommendations that are before you today.
I did this because County residents have made it clear that they want a smaller government that lives
within its means.
I have personally benefitted from an animal shelter that offers adoptions. This is a picture of my dog
Zoe. When I adopted her from a shelter she was all skin and bones. You could count every vertebrae
and rib in her small body. She had fly strike on her ears and face. She obviously does not have those
particular problems anymore but she is very food aggressive and very mistrusting of strangers. Can you
really blame her? Zoe is a sweetheart and an important member of our family.
So since the County can no longer afford to have an animal shelter that does adoptions, as a fellow
resident, I am pleading with the people in this room to demonstrate the same honor, courage and
commitment that I did while serving in the armed forces. Don' t waste energy finger-pointing and
Monday morning quarterbacking. Instead, accept responsibility as citizens of this great nation to avoid
tragedy. Please either get financial support of the County Animal Shelter on a ballet in the next
elections, or embrace the amazing talents and energy in this room to work together and establishing
another non- profit dedicated to the care and shelter of animals. Do your part to do what your County
government can no longer do. Ensure a place where dogs found running at large are not faced with a
certain death. Ensure a place where dogs abandoned like my Zoe and other animals can have a chance
at finding a home and a family of their own.
Thank you Commissioners for considering my recommendations and thank you to the Citizens who
came
today
to show that you care and to give a voice to those that can' t speak for themselves.
don' t let them down.
Please
dihiomilh.
4..:
Ammo
1c,...? 7.,`
,•-',
t...** 0
0”
IA",
0311411
1.
V
I
I
?",
V.,
14., "
Atit0 ,
t
,
i..
N
I
k,-..."-..
4
la
'
,,,i-,*...;'
fio-----
-..,:--, -
1.,
1I,
d
sh.......
4.•,.....
11
4
1111W,
0)
1111iimmi
live .
Uhilit
4I,
a.
14.
v.
pf
•
,,,,
AV'
r
I
1.
1/4
A,
4.
l
e
k
1......
1/4
4.
11
I
I
i
a
4
0i
I
a
46.
1,.
1,e'"•"-,:,
t
I
4
;,,,
it
41411111110e*
i101
CaPtaIrl
U nite d
St ates
Navy
11111111
s t*
11 $
V.
f
i$
ti) 3 s
z
Presentation to Josephine County Board of Commissioners:
Simon Hare; Don Reedy; and, Harold Haugen
By: Cherryl Walker
May 30. 2012
Subject: Animal Shelter
I am here this morning to ask the board to consider an alternative plan to provide shelter
services for the abandoned and stray animals in Josephine County.
Two weeks ago I toured the Rogue Valley Humane Society( RVHS) here in Josephine County. It is
a clean, modern facility on 12 acres at the north end of Grants Pass. It is currently licensed for about 90
cats and 20 dogs. The animals are clean, well- cared for and socialized.
What I propose to you today is that you consider privatizing the Josephine County Animal
Shelter by negotiating an agreement for services to be provided by the Rogue Valley Humane Society. I
am aware they are a " no kill" shelter, but I think this is not an insurmountable obstacle to an agreement
in handling animals that are not suitable for adoption due to illness or injury.
I have talked to Ms. Varner, the manager of the Humane Society and she is willing to negotiate
with the county to come to an agreement to handle shelter services. However, I want to make it clear
that I am not representing the Rogue Valley Humane Society or Ms. Varner, nor have they or their Board
of Directors approved any proposal or suggestions I make today. What I am offering today are some
ideas for consideration by the Board of County Commissioners.
1.
Since Josephine County can no longer provide animal control services I recommend
privatizing the animal shelter and all services provided for animal control. e. g. animal
2.
licensing; rabies control.
Lease the current animal shelter, equipment and perhaps vehicles, to the RVHS for a
nominal annual fee.
3.
Increase the number of animals that can be held at the RVHS facility.
4.
Negotiate fees for service to Josephine County when called in on cases such as animal
hoarding, auto accidents, and animal attacks, as these are outside the current level of
service for RVHS and typically involve law enforcement.
I understand from the proposal before you today that the County will provide only the services
required by state law: Protecting the public against health and safety risks posed by dangerous dogs and
keeping
impounded dogs in "
an adequate and
sanitary
pound."
The proposal also says Animal
Protection Officers will still investigate potential rabies cases, dangerous dogs, bites, allegations of abuse
and neglect, and dogs chasing and attacking livestock.
I further understand from the proposal that the County will no longer take cats, will only keep
dogs for three to five days depending on whether or not they had tags, and will no longer handle
adoptions by closing the shelter to the public.
My analysis of these provisions of the proposal is that the labor costs are not going to be
significantly reduced as no county employee positions are being eliminated. Currently I believe that the
shelter
only has 1. 5
employees.
Much
of
the labor is provided
by
volunteers -
care of
the animals,
socializing and adoptions. If the shelter is still sheltering animals, even for only a few days, it appears
the savings will be in not having to provide food for cats or for dogs for more than 3 to 5 days, and
paying for veterinary services. I suggest to you, that if you approve this proposal before you today that
you will have to again revisit the issue of lack of funds for the animal shelter. The problem will not go
away just by closing the shelter to the public and euthanizing dogs in 3 to 5 days.
It is important at this time, while Josephine County is adjusting to a loss of revenue, that the
Board of County Commissioners and we as citizens of the county, do everything possible to make
thoughtful decisions about how we are going to provide services. If we do not have funds to support a
necessary and mandated service to provide shelter for animals, our best option is to privatize that
service. We must not under any circumstance, make a quick decision just to rid ourselves of a problem,
nor should we take the path that requires the least effort.
I ask you today, to take the time to negotiate an agreement to privatize the animal shelter. It is
the right thing to do for the people of Josephine County and the animals that have the misfortune of not
having
a
home
and
being
put
in the
animal shelter.
x
C
tiizs
Seek Uninterested Comment
Commissioner Haugen complained at this week's meeting (5/ 23/ 12) about lack ofcomment on agenda
items in the meeting and outside ofthem. Talk to the Board about this problem, please. They can be
reached at [email protected], or at 541- 474- 5221.
This
was a
Speech to the Josephine
County Commissioners, 3/
7/ 12.
Video is at" Televised meetings" on
the Commissioners' page on the County's web page.
Honorable Commissioners:
Last week, directly after I asked you to let us comment on all agenda items as well as
making requests on non-agenda items, a gentleman got up to tell you that he is perfectly happy
with his single chance to speak to you. It was not surprising, as he is one of the many who come
before you only when there is something specific on the agenda in which he has an interest. In
this case, he and a lot of other people were here to talk about a letter the Board is considering
regarding a proposal to lock up more of our land in wilderness.
You will always hear from people who have a strong interest in a matter before you. Any
controversial issue before the Board is bound to draw out a meeting; this matter created an hour
of comment from people who really cared.
You should really seek out comment, however, from people who don' t have a strong
interest, and therefore have a more objective point of view. And you should seek comment on
items that do not draw much interest at all.
Just because an item doesn' t immediately catch the public' s attention doesn' t mean that
it' s
a good
idea
or a
bad idea,
or
that it' s
safe
to pass it.
You never know what might come back
and bite you years later, like the City' s bus shelter project, a vague idea that took 5 years and
over $ 80,000 for a bridge
building company to flesh out into a real project. Or it can bite you
within a year, like the county' s Canola scandal.
City meetings have historically been so long and boring that few people have been willing
to sit and
listen to the
whole
meeting every time.
They are actually happy to hear uninterested
comment from the public most of the time.
County business sessions have usually been shorter, and therefore attract more spectators.
The Canola
grant was
decided in
an
Admin
session, over
the
objections of a
Commissioner. If it
had been brought to the Weekly Business Session, I could have warned the Board, speaking as a
professional gardener, that the proponents' plans wouldn' t work. But by the time that we heard
it, it
already done
they got to waste
instead of fall, and their crops and project failed.
about
was
and
over $
40,000 trying to plant canola in spring
With a single chance to talk to you each meeting, I have to stick to matters in which I have
a strong interest. You lose my uninterested, objective comments.
Published at Yahoo Voices. To follow Rycke's writing, send her an e- mail.
Rycke Brown, Natural Gardener
541- 955- 9040
rycke @gardener.com
Commissioners: Let Us Inform You
Speech to the Josephine
County Commissioners, 2/
22/ 12.
Video is at" Televised meetings" on the
Commissioners' page on the County's web page.
Honorable Commissioners:
You have lately been trying out different ways to structure your meetings, greatly
restricting
public comment.
You said at the time that you started this that it can always be
changed.
You changed it in the first place because the previous Chair greatly expanded public
comment, making the meetings too long and contentious for you. But does that justify
restricting our speech way beyond what we did before she expanded it?
In the city meetings, we hear presentations on agenda items before we comment on them,
and we also get
3
in
minute comment
speak
to
agenda
minutes
a
to talk
about non- agenda
meeting, before
items
or
to
our own
agenda
items
items.
You now allow us only one three-
are presented.
We have to choose whether to
issues. If we want to speak to the current business of the
county, we have to have watched another meeting first to know what we would be talking about.
That last only works if the technology works: if live- streaming works; if the video is
correctly
posted so we can watch
it beforehand.
Last week' s Admin meeting was not posted
properly; we couldn' t watch it even this morning.
There is a reason that we have public meetings and seek public comment; so you can use
the
knowledge
of
the public
in making
your
decisions. If you make that too difficult, you won' t
get our knowledge before you make decisions, though you' re likely to hear about your mistakes
for
years afterwards, as
the
last Board did
over
the ill-fated
canola grant.
We aren' t paid to come
to these meetings and talk to you, as my mother keeps reminding me.
There is a reason that local government meetings have a particular structure: it works, for
the
boards
and the public.
Presentations matter, and they change depending on the audience.
One can comment best directly after hearing them, not 6 days after the Admin meeting
presentation.
The public at home can best follow the action if the comments come after the
presentation.
Staff gives different presentations depending on who they are speaking to, and
whether or not
the public may comment.
Things come up in presentations that call for comment,
but you won' t allow us to speak at that point.
Conservatism is sticking
profoundly
unconservative
with
things that have
in greatly expanding
long worked. Our last Chair was
comment at
the meetings. Your reaction,
however, is just as unconservative, discarding most opportunity for comment altogether,
throwing
out
the
baby
with
the bathwater.
It does not work for you, for the public, nor for good
governance.
Published at Yahoo Voices. To follow Rycke's writing, send her an e- mail.
Rycke Brown, Natural Gardener
541- 955- 9040
rycke@gardener. com
was
c
LETTER
OF
APPEAL
Closure
to
the
Closure
us
we
read
in
we (
for
breathe .
lack
of
funds ,
how
to
do
get
death ,
We
can '
t
to
afford
to
continue
make
The
Daily
409
SE
Grants
the
7th
St .
struggle
think
just
any
of
us
imperative
can
" free
we
help"/
jobs
done .
work ,
of
we
must
stories
Again ,
can '
as
please
t
that
people
financial
help
SO
for
as
trouble
of
Out
the
reconsider
-
even
up
our
own
with
the
try
harder ,
care
only
we
turn
answers
become
with .
sad
you
care
land ,
-
with
teachers ,
afford
volunteering
As
come
go
more
to
and
forces
the
rescues ,
help
read) ,
to
is
the
,
personally
days? ! !
the
try
more
people
pets ,
the
pets ! !
Sincerely ,
Char' lotteJ .
Williard
OR
Editor
97526
224
Grants
1383
creatures
As
Charlotte
541 - 476-
the
and
this?
have
you
that
DOMINION ,
world
we
of
many
garbage !
than
Courier
to
Pass ,
sure
waiting
that
Ms . )
m
our
Three
the
and
I '
given
of
better
stand ,
lack
with
treatment .
Letters
been
pets
Most
cc :
care
deserve
to
get
choices
abandoned ,
mis-
take
safety ,
to
more
and
desperate
to
is
Our
DO
We
heartless !
these
For
PLEASE ! !
to
of
them ,
for that they love
possibly translate to being
it 's
this" ,
lack
that
don ' t
I
for
to
friends !
care
creatures
our
four- footed
can
book ( that
great
a
we
air
these
due
have ,
will
our
and
humanity ) have
responsibly ,
more
Dept .
How
garbage?
feel
this
for
fate
love
to
us
like
dumped ,
the
Health
PREVENTION
needs
impact
the
all
miserable
a
NEED
Don ' t
I
Public
and
Shelter/ Merlin
Animal
of
unconditionally .
that
County
PROTECTION
public/ public
and
is
funds
pets
Josephine
Commissioners
Attn :
Re :
to
ANIMAL
Division :
J .
Williard
Chestnut
Pass ,
OR
Ln .
97526
5/
29/
2012