LCOG Monthly Newsletter, November 1991
Volume XIV, November 1991, No. 11
$2 Million Appropriated to Buy West Eugene Wetlands
by Steve Gordon
On November 13, President George Bush signed the Department of Interior's appropriation bill which included $2 million for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to purchase wetlands in west Eugene. For the last two years, the Eugene City Council has lobbied for federal Land and Water Conservation Funds to assist in implementing the draft West Eugene Wetlands Plan. With assistance and support from U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio and Les AuCoin and Senator Mark Hatfield, Eugene's request gained final approval. Many people from the development and environmental communities supported this acquisition proposal. The draft Wetlands Plan provided the process which forged community consensus on a highly controversial issue. These funds will help implement a balanced approach to environmental protection and sound economic development in west Eugene.
The funds will be used to buy significant wetlands, wetlands to be enhanced, and disturbed agricultural wetlands where restoration can occur in conjunction with a regional wetlands mitigation bank. The BLM will work with willing sellers to buy land or conservation easements. The BLM program will require a fairly detailed acquisition plan which will be based on the draft West Eugene Wetlands Plan. Acquisitions and serious negotiations are not expected to begin until early in 1992 when funds become available.
The Eugene BLM Office has been cooperating with the staffs of the City of Eugene. Lane County, LCOG, and The Nature Conservancy since April in anticipation of federal funding. Now that the funding is certain, work activities related to the acquisition phase will be accelerated. The cooperative support for this project should be recognized. Without the community involvement in the draft Plan, the broad-based community support for the funding request, the sup port of the Eugene City Council, and the cooperation and coordi nation among Senator Hatfield and Representatives DeFazio and AuCoin, this land acquisition funding could not have happened. This funding program is an excellent example of regional cooperation.
Director's Desk Talented COG Staff is Regional Resource by George Kloeppel
As the Executive Director of this organization, my "visibility" among local officials-and to some extent the general public- is fairly high. L-COG's many accomplishments frequently become the source of compliments directed my way. While certainly good to hear, such flattering expressions are far more richly deserved by the less visible members of the agency's staff.
As in the past, this season of the year provides special reminders that the professional staff of this council of governments-viewed individually or collectively-represents an extraordinary resource to the regional community. The preparation of the agency's annual report, to be presented to the Board of Directors at the December 6 Appreciation Dinner, recalls to mind the truly remarkable achievements of individuals whose names are probably not familiar to Newsletter readers. Also, the staff's in-service training event, which has been conducted on Veterans' Day for the past two years, similarly served to demonstrate the diversity, dedication and skills of the 130 people who work for, and contribute to, the Lane Council of Governments.
It was against the backdrop of appreciation for the fine staff with which I am privileged to work that I had the enclosed staff roster prepared. It is offered for the information and use of Newsletter readers. In a staff of the size of L-COG's, personnel changes are happening continually, and of course, this roster will undoubtedly be out-of-date before it is distributed. Nevertheless, it may be useful as a cue to contact the most appropriate people for information or services. And, if only by name, it provides some visibility for those who, day in and day out, are doing the "real work" of this council of governments staff.
Public Policy Dispute Resolution
In August, with the addition of Peter Watt to the Local Government Services staff, L-COG became involved in the implementation of an exciting new state program that promotes and supports the use of mediation to resolve state and local public policy conflicts. Under contract to the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Peter has served as the coordinator of Oregon's Public Policy Dispute Resolution Program for the state's natural resources agencies. Prior to joining L-COG, as a member of the staff of the U of 0's Bureau of Governmental Research and Services, he had worked with Oregon's Dispute Resolution Commission and DLCD to implement the first phase of the program.
DLCD is the program coordinating agency for the group of eleven natural resources agencies and provides substantial funding support. In addition, the program is supported by a grant from the National Institute for Dispute Resolution in Washington, D.C. Over the next few years, Oregon's Dispute Resolution Commission, which has overall responsibility for implementation of the program, will guide its expansion into other areas of state and local government.
Peter's contractual activities over the past three months provide an indication of what the program entails. He developed and managed a two-day dispute resolution training program for DLCD staff; completed preparation of a "Roster of Mediators" for the department to use in referring mediators to state agencies and local governments; staffed a meeting of the program's advisory board which is chaired by Martha Pagel, the Governor's Senior Policy Advisor for Natural Resources; and advised the Dispute Resolution Commission on future development of the public policy program. He also worked with several state agencies and local jurisdictions to help them consider integration of mediation into their current dispute resolution systems. (Lane County Land Management Division is developing a proposal to use negotiation and mediation to resolve certain types of land use conflicts on a trial basis.)
The program also provides direct assistance to parties involved in land use disputes, including case assessment and funding for mediation services. For example, Peter functioned as a mediator in three cases during the three month period. One involved a petition for an LCDC enforcement order against a coastal city. Another case concerned a city county impasse over location of a sewage treatment system, and the third resulted from neighborhood opposition to completion of the last phase of an approved subdivision.
Resolving differences and solving problems through collaborative processes has been a major interest and important function for L-COG for many years. Involvement in the implementation of the state's new Public Policy Dispute Resolution Program is consistent with the agency's frequent role as a neutral party in solving regional planning conflicts. The state program and Peter's knowledge and experience with alternative dispute resolution processes will increase L-COG's ability to help member jurisdictions and other governmental agencies solve difficult and contentious land use and resource management problems.
Enhanced Service Offered with Delivery of New Van
by Terry Parker
L-COG, on behalf of the City of Oakridge, received a Special Transportation grant from the Oregon Public Transit Division to purchase a new wheelchair-accessible van. The new van has arrived and will replace a 1980 vehicle. County Commissioner Marie Frazier, Oakridge Mayor Richard Culbertson, City Manager Wes Hare and area seniors were on hand to dedicate the van last month. The City of Oakridge hopes to entice more area seniors and persons with disabilities to utilize the local van service.
In July 1990, the City of Oakridge retained responsibility for specialized transportation services in Oakridge through the receipt of a Special Transportation Fund operating grant of $14,500. The program is supervised by the manager of the Willamette Activity Center, Norm Coyer. He is responsible for ensuring that regular transportation is provided to the senior nutrition site, around Oakridge and to Eugene. There is one part-time driver.
Last year, 1,534 rides were provided covering 8,123 miles. In the first quarter of this year, 497 rides were provided to 35 individuals. It is hoped that ridership will increase with the introduction of the new, more comfortable vehicle. The challenge will be to improve services and provide more rides by utilizing the new vehicle to its full potential.
New Law Prescribes Improvements to Accessible Transportation
Services
by Terry Parker
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a new civil rights law for persons with disabilities. The ADA prohibits discrimination of persons with disabilities and specifically addresses areas of employment, public accommodation, public service, telecommunications and transportation.
Lane Transit District has always been a leader in the service it delivers to the disabled community and enjoys one of the highest per-capita wheelchair lift ridership rates in the nation. The new ADA requires that LTD enhance its 100 percent accessible bus service with "comparable" paratransit, or curb-to-curb, service for persons who cannot use the regular bus service.
L-COG, on behalf of LTD, administers a contract with Special Mobility Services to provide a curb-to-curb service called Dial-a-Ride. Federal, State and local funds are used to provide the service with LTD serving as the major contributor of local resources. Dial-a-Ride service will need to expand significantly to meet ADA requirements.
LTD and L-COG are in the process of preparing an ADA Paratransit Plan that will expand services to comply with new requirements. A draft plan will be ready for public comment in early December. The public is invited to learn more about the ADA Paratransit Plan at a public information forum. For your convenience, two sessions will be held at:
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Hilyard Community Center
2580 Hilyard Street, Eugene
Tuesday, December 10
Session 1: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Session 2: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
In addition, a public hearing on the draft ADA Paratransit Plan is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. also at the Hilyard Community Center.
For information or copies of the draft ADA Plan contact: Micki Kaplan or Angie Sifuentez at LTD, 741-6100, or Terry Parker at L-COG, 687-4380. TDD 687-5552 is available for the hearing impaired. A sign interpreter will be available at any of the three meetings with 48-hour notice to LTD. Information in large print and other formats will also be available on request. Dial-a-Ride users needing transportation to attend meetings can call Special Mobility Service at #687-5566 to schedule a ride.
Elderhealth Program Receives Special Grant
by Millie Baker
The Eugene Clinic's Elderhealth Program is a comprehensive assessment and counseling program for seniors who have a cognitive problem or are in need of short-term counseling. The program began in 1988 in direct response to the expressed need by seniors and those who serve them for increased mental health services. Assessment services are provided through a unique program which combines input from a multidisciplinary team. The team consists of a social worker, physician and nurse, with additional information and consultation available from a nurse practitioner, psychologist and psychiatrist.
The program initially received financial support from L-COG through Oregon Project Independence and Older Americans Act funds. A short time later, because of its unique assessment program and services, it was awarded a special grant from the State of Oregon as a pilot project to expand mental health services. With these and a combination of others funds, the Elderhealth program was able to offer assessment and counseling services to over 350 people. However, those special project funds were depleted on June 30, along with funds from OPI and OAA.
The Elderhealth program has provided assessment and counseling services for private pay patients since that time. However, expanded services to seniors resumed on November 15, with a new award from the State of Oregon. The current Senior Mental Health Project award was granted during the last legislative session to agencies who previously participated in the pilot project. The Eugene Clinic received $31,000 for use from now through June 30, 1993. In addition to the special funding, the L-COG Board has again funded the Elderhealth program through OPI and OAA funds, and the program anticipates serving around 100 persons during the next seven months. By combining the special funding with Medicare and other insurance payments, many of those 100 people will receive services at little or no cost.
LANE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Administrative Division
George Kloeppel, Executive Director: 687-4395 Bob Swank, Associate Director: 687-4435 Fiscal Services Marlene Siavitz, Supervisor: 687-4404 Barbara Buchanan: 687-4412 Lois Schibler: 687-4413 Personnel Services Laura Clark: 687-4403
Support Services Carol Hughes, Supervisor: 687-4416 JoAnn McCauley: 687-4362 Carol Casciato: 687-4016 Sue LaMarche: 687-3834 Julie Parshall: 687-4122 Linda Spencer: 687-4283
Graphics Colene Doll: 687-4398 Jeff Krueger: 687-4122INTERGOVERNMENTAL SERVICES
Telephone Consortium Dan Mulholland, Program Manager: 687-4422 Marie Hartman: 687-4409 George Ann Edwards: 687-4357 Metro Television Robert Lewis, Program Manager: 687-3799 Ken Warren: 687-4081 Barry Burleson: 687-4081LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES DIVISION
Jim Carlson, Assistant Director: 687-4436 Natural Resources & Boundary Commission Steve Gordon, Sr. Program Manager: 687-4426 Paula Taylor: 687-4425 Tim Bingham: 687-4410 Tracy Brown: 687-4363 Transportation & Public Infrastructure Tom Schwetz, Program Manager 687-4044 Paul Thompson 687-4405 JJ Bienn 687-3909 Lee Shoemaker 687-4355 Trish Cook 687-3985 Land Use & Hearings Official Gary Darnielle, Sr. Program Manager: 687-4431 Kathi Wiederhold: 687-4430 Carol Heinkel: 687-4107 Mike Shippey: 687-4283 Public SafetY & Economic Development Galen Howard, Program Manager: 687-4383 Jim Zelenka: 687-4095 Larry Ward: 6874283 Data ProcessIng Sharon Edwards, Program Manager: 687-4439 Kelly Griffin: 687-4394 Paul Hargraves: 687-4390 Geographic Data System Cress Bates, Program Manager: 687-4391 Chuck Jenkins: 687-4082 Virginia Jurasevich: 687-4393 Sue Sheppard: 687-4365 Connie Scolla: 687-3934 Tom Laird: 687-3966 Data Resource Center Clair Van Bloem: 687-4437 Chris Eaton: 687-4053 State Program Peter WattSENIOR SERVICES DIVISION
Ted Stevens, Assistant Director: 687-4432 Margaret Washburn, Sr. Program Manager: 687-3888 Terry Parker, Special Tran. Contracts Mgr: 687-4380 Millie Baker, Contracts Manager: 687-4460 Community Care/Florence Kris Brock, Supervisor: 687-4456 Community-Based Case Management Barbara Boslaugh: 687-4453 Ken Davis: 687-4470 Jan Dzankich: 687-4366 Karen Devereux: 687-4471 Judy Hart: 687-4472 Patti Little: 687-4493 Nancy Moen: 687-4414 Marie Nichols: 687-4459 Florence Office: 997-8251 Tommie Lord Carole BrownINTAKE/PAS/PROTECTIVE SERVICE/ACCESS
Debra Lail Weinman, Supervisor: 687-4455 Intake Services Kay Metzger: 687-3783 Bob Berman: 687-4478 Jane Doerfier: 687-4474 Judy t'Hooft: 687-4486 Judy Wolf: 687-4509 Protective Services Mary Sherriffs: 687-4461 Pre-Admission Screening Jane Aggers: 687-4441 Diana Cantwell: 687-4469 Access (Including Information & Referral Services) Cheryl Sutton: 687-4038 Peggy Thompson: 687-4038
LICENSING & MONITORING/NURSING
FACILITY/ABUSE INVESTIGATIONS Marjorie Cole, Supervisor: 687-4454 Nursisng Facility Case Management Karen Bowes: 687-4489 Gene Brown: 687-4505 Ray Lafollette: 687-4468 Barbara Stockwell: 687-4485 Sandy Lowry: 687-4324 Relocation Services Sue Maddron: 687-4475 Lesa Wheeler: 687-4445 Abuse Investigations Rebecca Elmore 687-3743 Licensing and Monitoring of Foster Homes Sheryl Bernheine: 687-4367 Edie Granger: 687-4496 Margaret Hogue: 687-4482OUTREACH
Laurie Cracraft, Supervisor: 687-4374 Outreach Services Carla Owens, Oakridge: 782-4726 Claire Colombe, Springfield: 726-4361 Suzanne Huebner, Cottage Grove: 942-5577 Pat Duval, Veneta: 935-2262 Karen Duran, Junction City: 998-8445 Mary Woulfe, Florence: 997-8217FINANCIAL/FOOD STAMP SERVICES
Ed Luczycki, Supervisor: 687-4487 Financial Workers Susan McPherson: 687-3895 Holly Mills: 687-3895 Bruce Steele: 687-3895 Candy Tergesen: 687-3895 Support Dawn Gottschling: 687-4387 Phil Parks: 687-4387 Gloria Ingles: 687-3895SUPPORT SERVICES
Anne McKinney, Supervisor: 687-4501 Judy Carranza: 687-3793 Marie Iverson: 687-4481 Doris Odell: 687-4498 Barbara Ray: 687-4219 Loan Reaves: 687-4235 Sharon Shaw: 687-4500 Pat Tupper: 687-4348 Phyllis Vanderslice: 687-4346 Juanell Wartena: 687-4364SENIOR EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Howard Deisner, Supervisor: 687-3650 Dottie Conlon: 687-3703 Judy Johnson: 687-4347 Carol Nelson: 687-4211 Al Saur: 687-3693SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM
Sandy Karsten, Supervisor: 687-4378
Rural Meals on Wheels Expands Service
Beginning in mid-November, Meals on Wheels clients in Creswell, Cottage Grove, Veneta, Junction City and Florence began receiving five meals per week, and Oakridge clients will receive four meals per week. Because rural Meals on Wheels have only been available on the days the Nutrition Sites were open, expanding rural Meals on Wheels service has been a high priority of the Senior Services Advisory Committee for several years. This year, additional OAA funding was allocated to this purpose. Hot meals are being delivered on the days the Nutrition Sites are in operation in each community. On two of those days, a second, cold meal is delivered, which can be reheated the next day. This represents approximately a 38 percent increase in meals delivered by the L-CCG Meals on Wheels program.
Introducing Fred McDaniel
School District 19 in Springfield recently rejoined L-COG after an absence of several years. Fred McDaniel, who is in his third year as a school board member, was named as its representative to the L-COG Board of Directors. Because of a need for both short term and long-term assistance with such topics as property availability, population trends, density of neighborhoods, family sizes and other data, it was felt that School District 19 would benefit from membership in L-COG. The district is in a desperate need for the construction of two or three additional schools in the next three to five years, and L-COG can offer assistance in this and other areas.
Fred has worked for the City of Eugene for the past 14 years. He is an accountant in the Finance Division. Previously, he served as an engineering technician in Cottage Grove for two and one-half years. Prior to his election to the school board, he served four years on the district's budget committee. He was also the West Slope coordinator for the Neighborhood Watch program when it first began several years ago.
A second generation Oregonian, Fred was born in Newberg and raised in the Fall Creek area. He graduated from Lowell High School in a class of 24 students.
He then attended Linfield College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Nine years later, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle University, with a major in accounting. He also served stateside in the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam conflict.
Fred is married to Norma, who is the office manager for Island Park Pediatrics in Springfield. They have two children--Staci, 15, a sophomore at Springfield High School and Erin, 12, who is a 7th grader at Hamlin Middle School. The McDaniels enjoy camping, especially in the Florence area. They are part owners of a three-acre campground, which is bordered by 50 acres of undeveloped federal land. Fred also likes to play basketball, which he does four times a week on his lunch hours. Reading also occupies a great deal of his spare time. He has been overwhelmed by the amount of reading material that comes his way as an elected official.
With all of the recent discussion of consolidation of services, Fred commented that he wished the general public was more aware of the cooperative efforts that had been established through the years at L-COG. He cited the shared database as an example of a service which had been provided through this agency for years. He foresees that the value of L-COG will be more recognized in the future as the need for sharing becomes even greater.
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