Alex Barnett

Key discussion topics included the special collection for Cycle Plus scheduled for this week and next, and follow-up on its progression. The committee is collaborating with consultants on a rate analysis, Resacol Plus data, and annual expense reports, including cost analysis on Saturday. Updates were provided on the new reduced rate program, which began at the start of the year, with contracts finalized in late 2022 and initial applicants already approved. Information regarding the new website detailing reduced rates was shared. A significant portion of the meeting focused on monitoring legislative activity, specifically the O&PS bill concept concerning recycling rejection issues from the previous year and the Right to Repair bill (Senate Bill 542). Other legislative items discussed included Senate Bill 2871 regarding labeling non-recyclable products, Senate Bill 543 addressing materials like clutches, Spiderphones, and polyfluoride products, Senate Bill 544 aiming to reduce single-use packaging, and Senate Bill 545 concerning reusable containers in restaurants. Updates on local legislative representation included Senator Jenny Solman chairing the energy committee. The committee is commencing review of food waste management in the unincorporated area of Washington County's Organic Ecology System. Furthermore, they are working on the recycling warning law, including anticipated changes to curbside collection lists such as the removal of waste paper, aerosol cans, and aluminum, while considering adding clear plastic cups and Pringles cans. Discussions also covered glass collection from sidewalks and managing various deposit items. Finally, the need for a recycling needs assessment next month to ensure compliance with new laws was noted, along with ongoing recruitment for an open committee position.

Key discussion topics included updates from the garbage recycling division and the upcoming relaunch of a paused program for separate garbage collection for businesses, scheduled to start on March 31st. Discussions also covered a cost adjustment for food waste collection in the incorporated part of Washington County, transitioning to an à la carte model for trash services with potentially lower costs for businesses starting April 1st. Staff provided an update on the CV network report for city incorporation, streamlining reporting with metro and DIC. Furthermore, a significant portion of the discussion addressed ongoing legal matters, including a lawsuit against Washington County regarding an exception for harder-to-recycle materials, and subsequent requests for public records which involve monitoring communications made on personal devices as they are subject to discovery. Finally, there were reminders regarding committee member conduct, discussions about filling a vacant Vice President position, and scheduling a working session for April 5th.

The meeting commenced with administrative announcements regarding agenda item removals from the consent agenda and public hearings. Key discussions included the unanimous approval of the consent agenda items, which comprised 21 items across various county departments including Clean Water Services, land use, transportation, and health services. The board adopted a proclamation recognizing Adult and Juvenile Community Supervision Week, with staff from Community Corrections and Juvenile Justice presenting on their challenging yet rewarding work, including efforts related to disproportionate minority contact, new early intervention programs, and continuing services during the pandemic. A public hearing was held and subsequently closed for the approval of the Clean Water Services pay plan for fiscal year 2021-2022, which included a two percent increase to market points. Another public hearing addressed a resolution and order concerning the transfer of jurisdiction for portions of Northeast 69th Avenue and Northeast Katama Road to the City of Hillsboro.

The Housing Authority Board of Directors meeting focused on several key agenda items. The first major item was a public hearing regarding the Forest Grove Permanent Supportive Housing project, where staff presented a proposal to exempt the project from the traditional competitive bid process and instead utilize a competitive Construction Management General Contractor (CMGC) RFP process. This approach was advocated for early collaboration, cost transparency, risk management, and schedule acceleration. The board unanimously approved the public hearing findings, the exemption, and the use of the alternative contracting method. The second agenda item involved the adoption of a proposed Bad Debt Expense and Write-Off Policy for federal programs administered by the Housing Authority, including Housing Choice Vouchers and the public housing portfolio. The policy formalizes collection efforts, establishes delegation authority to the Executive Director for write-offs below $5,000 per account or $25,000 semi-annually, and institutes annual reporting requirements to enhance internal controls and audit readiness. Discussion clarified that collection efforts prioritize working with participants on payment plans before considering write-offs, and that external debt collection agencies are generally not utilized.

The board meeting, held by the Board of Directors for the Housing Authority, included discussions regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the Housing Choice Voucher Program funding projections. Staff presented that increased requests for rental assistance due to job/income loss have driven up the per-unit cost, causing the Authority to enter a state of "shortfall" where subsidy payments outpace HUD funding. The Authority is actively applying for federal CARES Act shortfall funding to address the projected negative reserves. The board also discussed the potential need for political advocacy if federal funding allocation is further delayed, which could lead to cash flow crises related to existing project-based voucher commitments.