Commissioners choose Odell Advisory members

“We’re looking more for people,” Commissioner Arthur Babitz said, “to seek input [from the wider community] rather than giving it.” They discussed finding people to represent the diverse interests in the Odell community: the farmers, the Latino community, the businesses, and the long-time residents.

With that in mind, and after discussing the merits of all candidates and what populations they may each speak to, commissioners unanimously chose Juan Reyes, Liliana Lachino, Sara Duckwall and Ken Goe, with Commissioner Ed Weathers abstaining from voting on the final two because they’re his employees.

Commissioners noted that this decision doesn’t preclude anyone else from participating and giving their input, saying that they hoped all who applied as well as other community members would continue to participate in the process.

Dog River diversion

Commissioners weighed in on the ongoing discussion about The Dalles water basin expansion, bringing up potential concerns about effects on the Hood River Valley water supplies by the absence of a full National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process which is currently the avenue through which other stakeholders in the water supply get to voice their needs, and what it might look like if the additional water was taken from winter versus summer water when the river flow is significantly different.

They decided to reach out to Sen. Ron Wyden, irrigation districts in the area, and the city of The Dalles to get a better understanding of the potential impacts. They also made provisions for an extra meeting to discuss this if necessary before their regular March meeting.

“All irrigation districts in our area want to increase storage,” Babitz said noting that especially with the plan encompassing 40 years, it aligned with The Dalles best interests to make the most of their water rights as they stand.

Other business

Commissioners instructed staff to create an application process for use of Construction Excise Tax (CET) funds which can only be used to support affordable housing projects. County Counsel is still reviewing a request by Mid-Columbia Community Action Council to use CET funds for the warming shelter and will provide more information at the March meeting.

Commissioner Leticia Moretti said in her commissioners report the Association of Oregon Counties committees, Hood River County staff presence there with County Administrator Allison Williams and Public Works Director Cori Wiessner who have been “making our faces well known [in Salem]” said Williams, but commissioners agreed that it would be beneficial for them to participate in the different committees more actively going forward.