Commissioners vote 2-1 after more debate to move forward with managed homeless camp in east Redmond

(Update: Details on vote, issues up for debate)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County commissioners wrestled and split once again Monday afternoon, but in the end decided 2-1 to move ahead with efforts to create a managed homeless camp on county-owned land along Highway 126 on Redmond's east side, to get dozens of people off a parcel they've been trying to swap with the state for nearly 20 years.

The three proposed options for a managed camp, as outlined by Deputy County Administrator Erik Kropp (see below), would have different levels of services, from basic hygiene and room for service providers to basic camp sites and a camp host, and finally a fully managed camp staffed by a nonprofit.

"We haven't seen any of these successful anywhere," said Commissioner DeBone in regard to managed homeless camps.

"We have - the Veterans Village have been phenomenal, and the Oasis Village is working," colleague Patti Adair rebutted.

DeBone replied, "We have wildfires starting all around us, we have unsanctioned camping happening all around us," pointing to how the homeless issues in Central Oregon have worsened.

Currently, there are homeless living in the blue shaded areas (see below), they must be relocated due to a long-pending land swap between the county and Department of State Lands, which has said homeless people and debris must be removed for the exchange to take place. Shaded in green (see below) is the 45 acres of county property where they intend to provide a place for those willing to relocated to.

The county has been trying to swap for other, state land, for a fairgrounds expansion and economic development. The parcel is in east Redmond, just north of the current Oasis Village. County commissioners are trying to come to consensus what type of services to provide there. 

Kropp spelled out three levels of services to provide for relocated individuals. One option was to provide basic services and have individuals be dispersed throughout the 45 acres. The other two options included either creating a basic campsite with some services or a full managed camp.

But Kropp also made clear it could be a challenge to find a partner to manage the camp, as such efforts have been fruitless due to those involved in the issue being at capacity. He said if they can't find someone able to run a fully managed camp, they could fall back to the basic services Concept 1 as a "plan B."

Redmond City Manager Keith Witcosky and City Councilor Cat Zwicker also were on hand to discuss the path ahead. Witcosky said the council is in favor of a camp that is more structured, with gravel pads and fencing, “not using the whole 45 acres, moving more toward Concept 2 than Concept 1.”

Adair said that was “good to hear” and could improve safety for the Redmond Airport and other neighbors, “not have to divert flights.”

Issues up for discussion included bringing available power to the site – which could be a draw for those who might go elsewhere, and could prompt more to follow the rule, so they can stay – and the benefits of fencing, for the safety of those at the camp. Also discussed was whether to concentrate the relocated homeless in a few areas or allow more dispersed campsites across much of the 45 acres.

“We’re not talking a KOA campground,” Chang said. “Have some space, but a clear line of sight” to those who are overseeing the site.

Adair said after weeks of debate, “our fire danger is way too high, and it’s time we finally do something.”

Commissioner Phil Chang said while he knows it will cost more, the added services of a more managed and staffed camp are needed.

"If we want people to be moving out of homelessness to reintegrate into society, how about have a code of conduct that they're following, to have some kind of communal experience with other people, I think we need invest a little bit more in the development," he said.

Adair said, "We don't need to have them go to (the) 45 (acres) and have a free for all. I think we should start at Concept 2,"

In the end, Chang and Adair both voted to move toward the more managed Concept 2, while DeBone voted against it. He indicate he wants a more comprehensive, effective solution

"We should have started with Concept 1, and work toward 2," he said. "I think it just got way too complicated. We're going to spend way too much money. We should start with a very simple plan. Asking people to move, getting somebody to move from one location to another is a huge, monumental task in itself." 

"I think we just stepped into the quicksand, and it's going to cost us time and money," DeBone added.

The motion by Chang, backed by Adair, directed county staff to draft a request for proposal for development and operations of a supportive or managed camp. It also asks staff to work with the city of Redmond and service providers, to gain a better understanding of what services could be offered.

From Kropp's memorandum:

In Spring 2023, DSL informed the County that in order for the land exchange to move forward, the
County’s 137 acres would need to be clear of people living on the property and free of debris.
County staff began planning for a notification and removal of people living on the 137 acres.
However, this effort was paused for the following reasons:

• The need for County staff to address code enforcement violations on County-owned property in Juniper Ridge.
• Not having an alternative location for people to relocate to; and
• To allow for projects funded by the Governor’s Executive Order 23-02 Declaring a State of Emergency Due to Homelessness to come online and add beds to the housing continuum