Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Multnomah CountyCitizen Involvement Committee (CIC)
handbooksign up to volunteer online @ www.citizenweb.orgcall @ 503-988-3450stop by @ room 192, 501 SE Hawthorneemail @ [email protected] @ office of citizen involvement
3rd edition
citizenweb.org
volunteer information & referral
overview of multnomah county
community engagement structure
citizen involvement committee (cic)
cic programs
-citizen budget advisory committees (cbacs)
-dedicated fund review
-neighborhood recognition
-department review program
-diversity/outreach training program
-multnomah county volunteer awards ceremony
-sy award and annual dinner
board of county commissioners
tips on testifying
elected officials: auditor, district attorney & sheriff
commissions and advisory boards
youth involvement
public information
parliamentary procedures at a glance
contact elections division
involvement checklist
other government community engagement programs/contacts
_contents_
Multnomah County’s mission is to plan, finance and deliver services toall citizens and properties in the county. These services must be effi-ciently delivered and distributed in a fair manner that promotes publicconfidence in government.
Multnomah County’s Mission
1
2
3-4
5-6
7-16
7-10
10
11
12
13
14-15
16
17-18
19
20
21
22
23-24
25
26
26
27
“I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powersof society but the people themselves...”
Thomas Jefferson (1821)
Office of Citizen Involvement
Staff for the Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC)
sign up to volunteer online @ www.citizenweb.org
call @ 503-988-3450
stop by @ room 192, 501 SE Hawthorne
email @ [email protected]
facebook @ office of citizen involvement
“We are privileged to live in a county that
has a meaningful framework for citizen
involvement. The Citizen Involvement
Committee (CIC) has provided a place for
everyone in the community to contribute
to the vitality of county services for over
twenty years.”
Brad McLean
_volunteer information & referral_
Gladys McCoy
“Local government is a trust, and public
employees are its trustees. The existence
of the Citizen Involvement Committee
reminds us that both the trust and the
trustee are created for the benefit of the
people.”
CIC HANDBOOK 1
Former County Chair Chair, Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC)
Attendees at the 2010 Multnomah County Health and Human Services Budget Forum.
Contact the Office of Citizen Involvment for more information about volunteerprograms and opportunities in Multnomah County government
Multnomah County is Oregon’s smallest and largestcounty – smallest in size (467 square miles) and larg-
est in population (726,855 in 2009). Mostly urban,over 50 percent of the population live in the state’slargest city, Portland, the county seat. The countyincludes Oregon’s fourth largest city, Gresham, thecities of Troutdale, Fairview, Maywood Park andWood Village, and rural land, from Sauvie Islandfarms to the rugged Columbia River Gorge, andMt. Hood.
Lewis and Clark recorded the Indian village ofMultnomah on Sauvie Island in 1805 and appliedthe name to all local Indians. “Multnomah” is de-rived from “nemathlonamaq,” probably meaning“down river.” In 1854, when early Portland citizensfound it inconvenient to travel to Hillsboro (an all-day trip) to conduct county business, Multnomah
County was created by the Territorial Legislature - five years before Congress createdthe state - from parts of Washington and Clackamas Counties.
As the second largest unit of local government in the state, the county provides manyservices to citizens with an adopted budget in fiscal year 2011 of $1.46 billion. Servicesrange from maintaining several hundred miles of county arterial roads and bridges to pro-viding a safety net for the county’s most vulnerable residents.
Multnomah County government exists to provide certain needed services to its citizens. Theseservices can best be provided when citizens participate in the County’s decision-making.Citizen involvement produces better informed decisions and better informed citizens. Countyservices are divided into eight sections: Community Justice; Health; Human Services; Library;County Management & Community Services; Sheriff’s Office; District Attorney; and Non-Departmental (includes elected officers, commissions and independent agencies).
The Board of County Commissioners (The Board, or BCC) appoints citizen volunteers toserve on unpaid advisory committees and policy boards and task forces which help exercisehome rule authority. Multnomah is a home rule county, operating under a revised charterapproved by the voters in 1998. Four commissioners are elected by district on a non-partisanbasis. The non-partisan Chairperson is elected at-large, county-wide. The Board of CountyCommissioners establishes policy and adopts ordinances with the force of law. The Chairpersonis president of the Board and administrative officer of the county departments. The Chairpersonappoints the department heads who are responsible to the Chairperson for delivering services.
_overview of multnomah county_
CIC HANDBOOK 2
• Provide equity and fairness in the delivery of county-wide services• Provide cost effective, responsive services• Assure continuity of vital public services• Achieve equity and stability in taxation• Improve the general health and welfare of county citizens• Achieve broad citizen support for county services• Provide equality in employment opportunities• Improve efficiency, productivity and satisfaction• Promote excellence
Multnomah County’s Guiding Principles (adopted 1992)
On November 10, 1995, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution95-245. The resolution declares citizen involvement to be a top priority for the county, andsuggests nine principles to guide relations with citizens.
• Citizen Involvement is essential to the health of our county.• Active relationships with neighborhoods, community groups and other citizen participa-
tion organizations promote on-going dialogue with citizens.• Understandable county communications and processes respect and encourage citizen
participation.• Outreach efforts reflect the county’s rich diversity.• Citizens should be involved early in planning projects and policy development.• The county and its departments and divisions should respond in a timely manner to
citizen input and should respect all perspectives and insights.• Coordinated county outreach and involvement activities make the best use of citizens’
time and efforts.• Evaluation and report on the effectiveness of county outreach efforts achieves the quality
of county/citizen cooperation critical to good government.• On-going education in community organizing, networking and cooperation for citizens in
neighborhood and community groups, and county officials and staff is promoted.
Multnomah County’s Citizen Involvement Principles (adopted 1995)
Citizen Involvement in the Multnomah County Home Rule Charter (adopted 1984)
• The office of citizen involvement is hereby established. The office of citizen involve-ment shall develop and maintain citizen involvement programs and proceduresdesigned for the purpose of facilitating direct communication between the citizensand the board of county commissioners.
• A citizens’ committee and the structure of the citizen involvement process shall beestablished by ordinance.
• The board of county commissioners shall appropriate sufficient funds for the op-eration of the office and the committee.
• The citizens’ committee shall have the authority to hire and fire its staff.
_community engagement structure_
CIC HANDBOOK 3
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT COMMITTEE (CIC)
OFFICE OF CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
CIC PROGRAMS
Citizen Budget AdvisoryCommittees (CBACs)
Central Citizen Budget Advisory Com-mittee (CCBAC)
Dedicated Fund ReviewDepartment Review ProgramDiversity Outreach TrainingPublic Forums and EventsSy Award and Annual DinnerMultnomah County Volunteer AwardsVolunteer Information and ReferralVolunteer Recruitment(Additional programs at therequest of the CIC)
COUNTY CHAIR COUNTY BOARD
COUNTY DEPARTMENTS & AGENCIES
Community Justice
Community Services
County Management
Health
Human Services
Library
Non-Departmental
Sheriff
SHERIFF
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STAFF
Community Engagement Stafffor Elected Officials
Citizen Boards & Commissions StaffCommunity Engagement Staff
for DepartmentsVolunteer Programs
Animal ServicesCommunity Justice
District Attorney’s OfficeHealth Department
Human ServicesLibrary
Sheriff’s Office
AUDITOR
CIC representatives serve onthe following committees
Affordable Housing Review CommitteeAudit CommitteeMetro Committee for Citizen InvolvementMetro Technical Advisory Committee
City of Portland and Multnomah CountyINFORMATION AND REFERRAL
503-823-4000
_community engagement structure_
CIC HANDBOOK 4
_citizen involvement committee (cic)_
CIC HANDBOOK 5
[Amendment proposed by Ord. 427 §2 (1984) (ballot measure 25), adopted by people Nov. 6, 1984]
CIC Chair Brad McLean (right) and member Alex Ben-Israel (left).
The Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC) of Multnomah County, Oregon was created bya vote of the people in 1984.The passage of the Charter Review Committee’s recommendations amended the countycharter to establish the Office of Citizen Involvement as an independent agency charged withproviding staff support for the CIC. Its mission is to involve, inform, and integrate the people ofMultnomah County into policy and decisionmaking within county government. The CIC iscomposed of fifteen citizen volunteers. Twelve are nominated by neighborhood associationsand community groups; three represent other non-profit civic boards and commissions at-large.
The CIC does not involve itself in the merits of issues, but rather with the merit of the processesthat shape the issues. We inform citizens, connect them with decisionmakers, and help themcontribute to final outcomes. The CIC works to improve connections between citizens andgovernment, and to increase citizen participation.
CIC Meetingsstop by @ third Thursday each month, 6:30 pm,501 SE Hawthorne, Portland OR 97214call @ 503-988-3450email @ [email protected]
CIC MembersDistrict 1: Amy Anderson, Treasurer District 3: Teresa WaltonDistrict 1: Milena Hermansky District 4: Sue O’HalloranDistrict 1: Steve Schmunk District 4: Pat HansonDistrict 2: BJ Finleybranch, Vice Chair At-Large: Todd Barnhart, SecretaryDistrict 2: Shalonda Menefee At-Large: Gary MarschkeDistrict 2: Steven Pascal-Joiner At-Large: Alexander Ben-IsraelDistrict 3: Brad McLean, Chair
CIC Representatives:JC Kizak, Metro Committee for Citizen Involvement
Office of Citizen Involvement (CIC Staff):Kathleen Todd, Executive DirectorRobb Wolfson, Citizen Involvement Coordinator
Principles:• Citizens must share in decisionmaking and problem solving.• There are key benefits to empowered citizens in leadership roles.• Community creates support for self-governance and government.• Democracy is based on an informed and active citizenry.
Objectives:• Build processes that help citizens and officials work together.• Encourage diversity--strengthen and nurture the broadest participation.• Support new relationships between citizens and government.• Help community groups work together and with government.• Inform and help citizens to become effective agents of change.• Encourage citizens to join the CIC, a Citizen Budget Advisory Committee, or to
explore volunteer opportunities throughout the county.
Opportunities for citizen participation and volunteerismin Multnomah County government come in a variety offorms: the Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC);specific advisory boards and commissions; budgetadvisory committees; local neighborhood associationsor community groups; public and private non-profitprograms; work with county departments; and directtestimony before the Board of County Commissioners(BCC). We are all citizen volunteers on the CitizenInvolvement Committee. We deal with citizen participa-tion process and create opportunities for involvement.We need volunteers for the CIC and subcommittees.
Approximately 300 citizens sit on county citizen advisory boards, commissions andcommittees. These advisory groups review budgets and policies. Citizen advisory commit-tees advise all county department directors and the BCC. Your involvement on one of theseadvisory committees allows your voice and the voice of your community to be heard.
_citizen involvement committee (cic)_
CIC HANDBOOK 6
CIC member Todd Barnhartnotes citizen suggestions at the 2010Public Safety Budget Forum.
6
_cic programs_
CIC HANDBOOK 7
Citizen Budget Advisory Committees (CBACs)Over the past 20 years the CBAC Program has linked citizen advice to eachof Multnomah County’s departments and organizations. The Citizen In-volvement Committee developed these independent citizen advisory com-mittees to review department operations and budgets and to provide tes-
timony and written recommendations to all county departments and electedofficials on services, operations, policies, planning, and how tax dollars are to be spent.
Each year about 70 residents of MultnomahCounty serve on nine CBACs, one for eachCounty Department - Community Justice,Sheriff, District Attorney, County Managementand Community Services, Human Services,Health, Library, and Non-Departmental whichoversees elected offices, independent organi-zations, and funds that are not directly con-nected to a particular department.
The Central Citizen Budget AdvisoryCommittee (CCBAC) directs, coordinates andprovides oversight of the CBAC process andis made up of one member from each CitizenBudget Advisory Committee. Brad McLean,Chair of the Central CBAC, says
“participation in this public service provides CBAC members with a greaterunderstanding of local government and the satisfaction of being involved and of makinga difference.”
Recommendations from the CBACs have ranged from stressing the need for targeted ser-vices for special needs populations that cannot advocate for themselves to requesting suffi-cient maintenance and capital improvement funding so that county properties retain theirprogram and financial value. The county committed funding for special needs populations
Teresa Walton, CIC Member, was a facilitator at the2009 Health and Human Service Budget Forum.
through the Wellness Program adopted in 1996,and a Facility Fund has been developed. Com-mittee members have also supported the locationor co-location of County services in the commu-nity, as well as pushing for wider partnerships bothwithin County Departents and with other partnersthroughout the County’s service area. Not all rec-ommendations make it into the Adopted Budgetevery year, but committee members feel that theirconcerns, advice, and effort provide good resultsin deciding the best use of county revenue andbetter county service delivery to residents.
There are only a few requirements for membershipon one of the CBACs. These include:• residence in Multnomah County,• interest in county programs and budget processes,• availability to attend meetings and participate in deliberations.
All prospective members need to do is fill out aninterest form and participate in an interview regard-ing their interests and availability. Most committeesmeet monthly with additional meetings during bud-get season. Every effort is made to ensure that theCBAC Program reflects the county’s diversity, in-
cluding geographic distribution. Appointments to the various CBACs are for three years. Amember can serve for six consecutive years.
CBAC members visit Wapato Jail.
_cic programs_
CIC HANDBOOK 8
Citizen Budget Advisory Committees (CBACs)
CBAC members tour county animal shelter
There are six phases in the county budget process. Citi-zens can comment on and influence budget decisions ineach phase. Each phase brings the budget closer tocompletion. Therefore, it is essential for citizens to be-come involved early in the process to be most effective.
General timelines and phases for the county budgetare:1. September-April Citizen Budget Advisory Com-
mittees (CBACs). You may apply to be on a CBACand actively participate in budget development deci-sions or you may relay your ideas to the budget advi-sory committees. CBACs recruit members in July andAugust, but openings are often available throughoutthe year.
2. October-February Department Budget Preparation. During this period, each depart-ment prepares the budget it will present for review and discussion before the CountyChair. Generally, program offers are due to the Budget Office mid-February. For input,contact the department manager, your commissioner, or the department CBAC. Call 503-988-3450 for contacts.
3. November-March Executive Budget Preparation. The department directors presenttheir budget proposals to the County Chair, Board of County Commissioners and CBACmembers for discussion and decisions. Executive Budget decisions are generally recordedby the third week of March. For input, contact the County Chair, your commissioner, or thedepartment CBAC.
4. April-May Public Hearing Phase Begins. The County Chair presents the PROPOSEDbudget to the County Commission for discussion, public hearings and final approval. Bythis time, it is difficult, although not impossible, to get a budget changed. For input, testifyat the hearings and talk with your commissioner.
5. May-June Tax Supervising and Conservation Commission (TSCC) & Work Ses-sions. After the Proposed Budget is APPROVED by the Board of County Commissioners,it is reviewed by the TSCC--a citizen review board created to oversee budgets of thepublic institutions in Multnomah County. Additionally, county departments along with CBACspresent budget, program information, and recommendations to the Board during worksessions. The Board formulates amendments to the Approved Budget for consideration.
6. June The Board of County Commissioners adopts the Budget. Public comment isavailable for record only. The ADOPTED budget is the county’s financial and opera-tional plan for the upcoming fiscal year (July 1-June 30). During the year, however,activities may occur which could require the plan to be changed.
Bob Pung and Leroy Patton, CBACMembers
Budget Process Information for CBACs
_cic programs_
CIC HANDBOOK 9
State law gives the Board of County Commissioners limited latitude to change the budgetduring the year. Generally, the county departments request changes on forms calledBUDMODS. During a normal year there are between 100 and 150 such requests. Usingthese resolutions, the Board has authority to:
• Alter appropriations to reflect changed priorities (with some limitations).• Change approved staffing levels.• Transfer appropriations from contingency accounts.
BUDMODS are requested on nearly every weekly County Board agenda. The Board canreduce appropriations to deal with decreases in estimated revenues using BUDMODresolutions. However, if the county receives additional revenues not anticipated in the budget,the Board cannot simply appropriate them. Unless these revenues are “grants, gifts, bequests,or devices transferred, in trust for specific purposes” (ORS 294.326), the county must gothrough an entire budget process and produce a supplemental budget to spend the money.
The supplemental budget process requires the Board to sit as the Budget Committee, ap-prove a budget, send the supplemental budget to the TSCC, attend a TSCC hearing, andfinally adopt the supplemental budget. Such a process is time consuming and is reserved formajor changes in revenues.
Budget Process Information for CBACs
_cic programs_
CIC HANDBOOK 10
Dedicated Fund ReviewThe Central Citizen Budget Advisory Committee (CCBAC) has a sub-committee of CCBACvolunteers and interested citizens who review dedicated funds administered by countydepartments. The Dedicated Fund Review Sub-Committee meets with county staff, reviewsapplicable ordinances and regulations before submitting formal recommendations to theCounty Chair and other elected officials as well as departments. The most recent reviewsinclude:
• Department of County Management and Community Services, Part 1 • Department of County Management and Community Services, Part 2 • Public Safety Dedicated Fund Review
Neighborhood Recognition for Associations in Unincorporated Multnomah County
_cic programs_
CIC HANDBOOK 11
Birdshill Community Planning Organization (CPO) (2005)Charles B. Ormsby (Skip), ChairPO Box 1072, Lake Oswego, OR [email protected]
Englewood Neighborhood Association (1989)Robert Leeb, [email protected]
Northeast Multnomah County CommunityOrganization (NEMCCA) (1993)
Kay Finney, SecretaryNEMMCA, PO Box 32, Corbett, OR [email protected]
Riverdale Neighborhood Association (2006)Leslie [email protected]
Sauvie Island Community Association (2002)Lora Creswick, Preident15203 NW Burlington Ct., Portland, Oregon [email protected]
Skyline Ridge Neighbors, Inc. (2005)Miles Merwin, President16238 NW McNamee Rd., Portland, OR [email protected]
The view from the newly constructed Sauvie Island Bridge seen by attendees at the grand opening celebration.
Department Review Program
_cic programs_
CIC HANDBOOK 12
The main goal of the Departmental Review Program is to provide volunteers with the op-portunity to enhance citizen participation in county decision-making while learning moreabout the services the countyprovides. Designated seniormanagement staff from countydepartments and offices discussthe policy decisions and activitiesmade over the past year and howthe opportunities citizens had tohelp shape those discussions anddecisions. Department staff alsoreport on their plans for citizenparticipation for the upcomingyear and into the future. Thesereviews are intended as collabo-rative discussions to improvecitizen involvement in countypolicy decisions. Recommenda-tions are made in the form ofsuggestions to the Director of theparticular department or officeunder review at the time.
Multnomah County citizensposess a huge reservoir of exper-tise, information and experience.The Department Review Programutilizes citizen input both to pro-vide ideas about ways for thecounty to strengthen and improveservices in the current economic climate and also to enhance the public’s understanding ofcounty services. By connecting citizen resources to the appropriate officials, countydecisionmaking is strengthened and citizens are assured that their input is being seriouslyconsidered. The following Department Reviews have been completed since the programbegan in 2005:
• Department of Community Services• Sheriff’s Office• Department of Library Services• District Attorney’s Office• Health Department• Office of Emergency Management
Diversity Outreach Trainings
_cic programs_
CIC HANDBOOK 13
What are they? Quarterly 90-minute “brown bag” workshops sponsored by the CIC sinceApril 2009 that feature outreach staff from a variety of local and regional community organi-zations and programs.
Purpose: To provide a forum to learn about the toolsand best practices of creative and groundbreaking out-reach programs developed and administered by variouslocal and regional community and government organiza-tions. Covered topics have included outreach tools thatcan be adapted to assist organizations achieve theirgoals as well as successful case histories. The work-shops have particularly focused on outreach to diverseand underreprested communities.
Typical attendees: Anyone who’s involved with outreach activities-including countyemployees, and staff from other government and community organitizations.
Specific Outcomes: Greater and more accessible knowledge about:• Tools and best practices to increase the public’s capacity to participate in the programs of various organizations, including the county’s budget process. These have particularly focused on outreach to diverse communities.• Evaluating the effectiveness of outreach efforts by local and regional community and government organizations.• Creating greater public trust in public engagement processes through the discovery and adoption of new outreach strategies.• Additionally, the workshops have created an environment for workshop participants
to make connections among each other for the future as well as to communicate about their successes and lessons learned.
Location: Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne, Portland, OR 97214 and the AnnualNorthwest Diversity Conference
When: 2-4 times per year during lunch time (approximately 12-2pm)
Program presenters have included: • Vision Into Action • Multnomah Youth Commission • Urban League • Our United Villages • Sisters Of The Road • Community Energy Project • Outside In • Community Reinvestment Initiatives, Inc. (PCRI) • Elders In Action • New Portlander Programs, Portland Office of Human Relations
Gary Marschke, CIC Member, at the2009 Public Safety Budget Forum.
Animal ServicesContact: Ann Potter, Volunteer Coordinator503-988-6254 or [email protected]
District Attorney’s OfficeContact: Jamila Harris, Human Resources Analyst503-988-5706 or [email protected]
Department of Community JusticeContact: Autumn Ray, Volunteer Program Coordinator503-988-5634 or [email protected]
Sheriff’s Office Contact: Vivian Feldman, Volunteer Program Coordinator 503-988-3390 or [email protected]
Library Contact: June Bass, Volunteer Services Manager 503-988-5443 or [email protected]
Department of HealthContact: Kate Lee, Program Supervisor503-988-3674 x26113 or [email protected]
Department of Human ServicesContact: Jodi Shaw, Volunteer Coordinator503-988-4472 or [email protected]
Multnomah County Volunteer Awards Ceremony
_cic programs_
CIC HANDBOOK 14
Each year the CIC honors persons who have volunteered their time, energy and ideas toMultnomah County’s programs in an outstanding way. Volunteers are nominated for theaward by department directors and program managers.
Department volunteer programs that recognize volunteers at the CIC Multnomah CountyVolunteer Awards Ceremony:
Gloria Wigginswas selected as
the 2010recipient of theGladys McCoy
Award.
Gladys McCoy Award
Gladys McCoy,former County Chair
The Gladys McCoy Award is presented annually at theCIC Multnomah County Volunteer Awards Ceremony toan individual who has contributed outstanding volunteerservice to his/her community in a manner exemplifyingthe life of the late Gladys McCoy Chair of theMultnomah County Board of Commissioners.
This individual has made a major change or contribu-tions to civil rights, human rights, affirmative action,children and youth, family issues, community, neighbor-hood, local political party, local government, environmen-tal issues, and/or education.
_cic programs_
CIC HANDBOOK 15
MultnomahCounty
VolunteerAwards
Ceremony
Over 75 volunteers were recognized at the CIC’s recent Multnomah County Volunteer Awards Celebration.
CIC Annual DinnerThe CIC holds an annual celebration dinner to honorcommunity members and county employees who havededicated their time and energy as members of the CICand Citizen Budget Advisory Committees, as well asthose who have extensively supported the efforts of thesecommittees. Additionally, the CIC presents the Sy Awardto recognize the trememndous accomplishments of adeserving community member.
11
The Sy Award
Sy Kornbrodt,former CIC Member
_cic programs_
CIC HANDBOOK 16
Carol Ford, Director, Departmentof County Management and
Robert Phillips, AA/EEO Officer.
Sy Kornbrodt’s passion and voice on behalf ofunderserved and underrepresented groupsinspired the CIC to create the award in hishonor. His willingness to say what he thoughtand to get things done became legendary. Hewas a board member for the Multnomah Educa-tion Service District (MESD), Sullivan’s GulchNeighborhood Association, and the MultnomahCounty Citizen Involvement Committee. Syspent his life helping the less fortunate through hiswork with numerous initiatives and organizations thatcame to value his input. Sy is remembered and re-spected by many who had the opportunity to workwith him.
The Sy Award is presented annually at the CIC An-nual Dinner to an individual who has demonstrated alifelong commitment to justice, equality, and obtainingaccess to the halls of power. The nomination andselection process is open to all personnel, commit-tees, agencies, and departments within County gov-ernment as well as the community at large.
The CIC honoredThach Nguyen, who
received the 3rdAnnual Sy Award
based on his servicefor more than 25 years
working on socialjustice issues, advo-
cating for equitythroughout Multnomah
County, and buildingcommunity capacity.
Attendees having fun honoringaward winners.
2009 Sy Award winner KathleenTodd with CIC member GaryMarschke and Public ServiceAward winner Andrew Olsen.
Jeff Cogen, County Chair503-988-3308 | [email protected]: David Austin, Communications Director
Deborah Kafoury, District 1 Commissioner503-988-5220 | [email protected]: Aaron Ridings, Policy and Constituent Relations
Loretta Smith, District 2 Commissioner503-988-5219 | [email protected]: Bryan Hockaday
Judy Shiprack, District 3 Commissioner503-988-5217 | [email protected]: Allyson Spencer, Community Liaison
Diane McKeel, District 4 Commissioner503-988-5213 | [email protected]: Andrew Olsen, Policy Analyst
County ChairRole: As Chief Executive andPersonnel Officer,administers all countyprograms (excluding CountyCommissioners, Sheriff,Auditor, District Attorney, andindependent agencies);prepares annual budget;develops policy and overseesdepartment programs. AsLegislator, presides at BCCmeetings, conducts county’slegislative business asprovided by state law and theHome Rule Charter.Duties: Signs documents,bonds, contracts, etc.;prepares agenda for BCCmeetings; appointsrepresentatives to countyboards, committees andcommissions; appoints eachcommissioner to a liaison rolewith the administrations ofmajor county departments.
CommissionersRole: Serve on the county’slegislative board.Function: Pass ordinances(legislative power is vested inBCC); set functions of eachcounty department; establish,abolish, combine, or separatedepartments; create advisoryboards and commissions asnecessary. Commissionersoften individually championspecific issue developmentpertinent to children andfamilies, libraries, publicsafety, etc.
Board meetings are broadcast LIVE at 9:30am onChannel 30 or at http://www2.co.multnomah.or.us/cc/live_broadcast.shtml
_board of county commissioners (bcc)_
CIC HANDBOOK 17
“The hallmark of a thriving community is the involvement ofits citizens. It does not take much to get involved. If you
have a willing spirit, a little time, and a community interest –you’re ready and the Office of Citizen Involvement is a great
place to start!
Loretta SmithCommissioner, District 2
“Volunteers are the cornerstone of communities. I’m happythere is an office that connects people to projects that
benefit the greater good of Multnomah County.”
Jeff CogenMultnomah County Chair
“Multnomah County is a special place due in large part to themany citizens who give back to the community through theirpublic service. These volunteers realize the satisfaction thatcomes from being a part of something larger than yourself.”
Deborah KafouryCommissioner, District 1
“I truly appreciate all of the volunteers for their time,expertise and willingness to serve the community. Thankyou for making Multnomah County a better place to live,
work and play.”
Diane McKeelCommissioner, District 4
“The power of a passionate volunteer is immeasurable. Itstrengthens you as an individual and benefits the whole
community. I suport volunteerism and encourage involve-ment with the many volunteer opportunities Multnomah
County has to offer.”
Judy ShiprackCommissioner, District 3
_board of county commissioners (bcc)_
CIC HANDBOOK 18
Things toremember
1. Prepare your testimony in advance. In order to give those wishing to be
heard equal time, the BCC tries to limit testimony to about three minutes.
2. Stick to your own personal, first-hand observations about events, not
hearsay, rumor, or unsupported speculation.
3. Be honest and accurate regarding time frames in which events took place
or in which people were involved.
4. Be sure where to testify. Is the issue inside Multnomah County’s jurisdiction
to resolve or within a different jurisdiction (e.g., cities of Portland, Gresham,
Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village, Maywood Park, a water or fire district,
etc.)? There are 40 separate government units in the county; be sure you’re
speaking to the right one.
5. Find out if the issue can be resolved administratively by one of the
county departments to ensure the best use of your tax dollars, before you
bring it to the Board.
6. Be sure the issue can be resolved and have a recommended solution
ready (how would you deal with it if you were a commissioner of the county?).
7. Don’t repeat testimony, unless absolutely necessary. If a number of people
testify on the same event or issue it may actually create irritation unless
their testimony brings out something new and different. The commissioners
are only human. Nobody wants to listen to the same thing repeatedly.
8. Avoid “orchestrated” or “staged” testimony. A group organized to
give duplicate or repetitive testimony or to demonstrate at a hearing
(cheering, booing, etc.) often actually negates the impact of their testi-
mony. One good clear spokesperson can give an impressive and compre-
hensive presentation.
9. Individual written letters often have greater impact than a petition
signed by many. Governing boards generally tend to be suspicious about
how signatures are gathered and whether or not the petition is easily
understood.
10. In Summary
√ √ √ √ √ Do your homework – research the facts, be sure of the jurisdiction;
√ √ √ √ √ Have a recommendation ready to resolve the issue;
√ √ √ √ √ Use individual testimony, in person or in writing, to present the best
case.
AdditionalQuestions?
Contact theBoard Clerk
503-988-3277
Board MeetingsMeetings are held
on Thursdaysbeginning at
approximately9:30 am and endat approximately12:00 pm. Board
meetings are heldin the boardroom,
MultnomahBuilding, 501 SE
HawthornePortland, OR
97214.
Visitwww.multco.us
for boardmeeting agendas
_tips on testifying_
CIC HANDBOOK 19
Dan Staton
Elected at-large countywide. Term of 4 years. The Auditor conducts inde-pendent analysis of Multnomah County government operations andfinancial affairs to promote effective and prudent use of public assets.The Auditor measures, evaluates and reports on the efficiency and effec-tiveness of county programs, increasing government accountability andproviding management assistance to public officials.
Elected at-large countywide. Term of 4 years. By Oregon law, the DistrictAttorney prosecutes felony and misdemeanor, as well as traffic offensesand ordinance violations that occur within the county. The District Attorneyrepresents the state in cases on behalf of dependent and delinquent juve-niles and enforces financial support orders for children. The Victim’s Assis-tance Program provides victims of crime with crisis intervention, informationand referral, monitors cases, investigates and recommends court-orderedrestitution.
Elected at-large county wide. Term of 4 years. Chief law enforcementofficial in the county. Serves civil papers and warrants of the court; pro-vides patrol and traffic enforcement in unincorporated areas; performscriminal, drug and property crime investigation; responds to hazardousmaterials and truck enforcement; patrols all waterways. The office alsomanages all jails and detention facilities, booking, pre-trial and sentenceddetention and provides civil process, tax title and alarm programs.
Michael Schrunk
Internship Opportunities @ 503-988-3320
Volunteer @ 503-988-3390
Volunteer @ 503-988-5706
_elected officials: auditor, district attorney & sheriff_
CIC HANDBOOK 20
Auditor
District Attorney
Sheriff
Steve March
• Advisory Committee on Sustainability & Innovation• Affordable Housing Review Committee• Agricultural Review Board• Audit Committee• Bicycle and Pedestrian Citizen Advisory Committee• Board of Property Tax Appeals• Citizen Involvement Committee & Citizen Budget Advisory Committees• Columbia River Gorge Commission• Commission on Children, Families and Community• Community Health Council• Emergency Medical Services Contract Compliance and Rate Regulation Committee• Elders In Action Commission• Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board• Food Service Advisory Board• Greenspaces and County Digs Review Committee• Housing and Community Development Commission• Investment Advisory Board• Library Advisory Board• Merit System Civil Service Council• Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission• Multnomah Youth Commission• Oregon Historical Society Oversight Committee• Planning Commission• Regional Arts and Culture Council• Vector and Nuisance Advisory Committee
_commissions and advisory boards_
CIC HANDBOOK 21
Citizen Involvement Committee meets to elect new officers for 2010-11.
County Standing Committees or Regional Committees with County Seat(s)
For more information contact either: -Office of Citizen Involvement @ 503-988-3450 or [email protected] -Barbara Guthrie, Executive Assistant to Chair Jeff Cogen @ 503-988-3953 or [email protected]
“The only thing you ownin life are your actions,
if you don’t act then youare giving up the only
thing that truly belongsto you.”
“We need to learn andpractice how to under-
stand issues, hold politi-cal discussions, andmake decisions with
others.”
“Students care aboutthe world, but to ignite
their interest in politics,they must believe that
the political process canin fact create change.”
Staff: Marc Fernandescontact @ 503-988-5839
Providing a voice for theMultnomah County and City ofPortland’s youth for the pastdecade, the Multnomah YouthCommission (MYC) is sup-ported and funded by the Com-mission on Children, Families,and Community of Multnomah County (CCFC) and theCity of Portland. Its membership consists of a diversegroup of youth (ages 13-21) who must either live,work, attend school, or participate in an out-of schoolprogram, in Multnomah County. MYC members pro-vide advice about the decisions community groupsand municipal governments make that affect youngpeople. They also strive to create and advocate for ayouth agenda of positive policy changes.
Youth Commissioners participate as non-paid volun-teers working with city and county officials, communityleaders, the CCFC, and other youth to create positivechange for the youth of our community. Decisions aremade every day that affect the lives of young people,many times with little or no input from those the deci-sion affects. The purpose of the MYC is to involveyouth in all levels of decisionmaking. The MYC worksto ensure youth are at the table when decisions aremade and call people to the table to create changesimportant to youth.
_youth involvement_
CIC HANDBOOK 22
Multnomah Youth Commission
A “public body” is defined as every state and local government body, officer, agency,bureau, department, appointed board, division, etc. A public body must have two or moremembers.
To whom does the law apply?Any meeting of a quorum (minimum number of persons in a group required to be presentto legally conduct business) of a state or local government board or commission, or anycitizen board, commission or committee asked to advise a public body.
What is a “public meeting?”A public meeting occurs when a quorum assembles to receive information, to make adecision, or to discuss a possible decision on any matter. All public meetings are open tothe general public.
What is an Executive Session?An Executive Session is a meeting of a board, commission, committee from which thepublic is excluded. Press representatives may attend, but may not publish informationgathered in the meeting.
When can an Executive Session be held?A public body or an appointed board may meet in Executive Session when discussing:employment, dismissal or discipline of a member or staff; matters pertaining to function ofmedical staff of a public hospital; labor negotiations; seeking legal counsel with regard tolitigation involving the public body; conducting officer or employee evaluations; and dis-cussing public investment negotiations. No Executive Session may be held for the pur-pose of making any final decision(s).
An Executive Session may be held during a regular meeting but it must be identified on themeeting AGENDA. Before going into Executive Session, the Chair of the Committee mustannounce the Executive Session and the statutory authority for the session. A meeting thatwill be only an Executive Session must provide public notice like any other meeting andmust also identify the statutory authority for the Executive Session.
_public information_
CIC HANDBOOK 23
Current Records & Meeting Law Information, State of Oregon Department ofJustice, Attorney General John Krogerwebsite @ www.doj.state.or.us
Multnomah County Public Records and Research Roomcall @ 503-988-3034stop by @ Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd in Suite 125 on the 1st floor.Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Public informationEvery person may inspect or obtain at cost any written records of a public or appointedbody that have to do with its business.
Some specific records are exempt from the public records law and are identified inOregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 192.501 & 192.502.
_public information_
CIC HANDBOOK 24
When does public notification apply?The Oregon Public Meetings Lawrequires that any public body or ap-pointed board of a public body providenotification of meetings to members,interested persons, and the news mediawhich have requested notice of the time, place and subjects anticipated to be discussed atthe meeting.
What about minutes?Minutes must be taken at all meetings, but do not have to include everything that was said,but must include the following:
• Members present; • Motions, proposals, resolutions discussed and what happened; • Results of all votes and the vote of each member by name; and; • A summary of the discussions at the meeting.
Minutes must be available to the public within a reasonable period of time after the meet-ing. Minutes cannot be withheld from the public after they are prepared and prior to beingapproved at the next meeting.
Public Affairs Office (PAO)Services = county press releases, publicfacilities siting eventscall @ 503-988-6800email @ [email protected]
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Majority
Majority
No Vote
Majority
2/3 Vote
Majority
Majority
Majority
Majority
Chair Decides
No Vote
No Vote
2/3 Vote
Majority
Majority
2/3 Vote
Majority
May You Interrupt
SecondNeeded
Debatable Vote RequiredTo Do This You Say This
(Family Community Leadership (FCL): Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington)
“I move that we adjourn”
“I move that we recessthe meeting”
“Point of privilege”
“I move that we table it”
“I move the previousquestion ...”
“I move we postponethis matter until ..”
“I move we refer this toa committee”
“I move to amend thismotion”
“I move that...”
“Point of order”
“Point of information”
“I call for a division ofthe house”
“ I object to consider-ation of this”
“I move to take from thetable...”
“I move we consideraction on....”
“I move we suspend therules and...”
“I appeal the Chair’sdecision”
Adjourn the meeting
Recess the meeting
Complain about noise, etc.
*Suspend further consideration
End debate
Postpone consideration
Study something further
Amend a motion
Introduce business(a Primary Motion)
Object to procedure/personal affront
*Request information
*Ask for a vote count/verify a voice vote
Object to consideringsome matter
*Take up a matter previouslytabled
*Reconsider matteralready disposed of
*Consider matter out of order
*Vote on a ruling by the Chair
_parliamentary procedures at a glance_
CIC HANDBOOK 25
Develop a checklist of activities you will undertake at some point during thenext six months to become more involved with public affairs. Be realistic.Mark ONLY those things that you CAN and WILL do. Here’s a starter list:
1. Vote in every election.
2. Write to press, TV or radio editor on an issue.
3. Join or form a group to work on an issue.
4. Contribute money in support of an issue.
5. Telephone to persuade others to act on an issue.
6. Attend political meetings.
7. Canvas door-to-door in support of an issue.
8. Arrange a public meeting on an issue.
9. Phone, write or visit a public official on an issue.
10.Attend hearings on an issue.
11. Testify at hearings on an issue.
12.Schedule a visit to your legislator on an issue.
13.Contribute information for writing government regulations.
14.Volunteer for appointment to a commission or ad hoc group studying an issue.
15.Run as candidate for political position.
16.Others: YOU DECIDE.
call @ 503-988-3720stop by @1040 SE Morrison St., Portland, OR 97214email @ [email protected] @ multnomah county electionsservices = register to vote, see official results change youraddress, elections calendar, drop sites, vote by mail informa-tion, assistance to voters with disabilities, language assistance
“The state of citizenship seems like an abstract idea when boiled down to a statisticlike voter turnout; it becomes more real when we see how it affects the issues that
affect our lives”Matt Leighninger, The Next Form of Democracy (2006)
_contact elections & involvement checklist_
CIC HANDBOOK 26
Metro Regional Government Committee for Citizen Involvement (MCCI)Cheryl Grantcall @ 503-797-1536|email @ [email protected]
County GovernmentClackamas County Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI)Barbara Smolak, Citizen Involvement Specialistcall @ 503-655-8552|email @ [email protected]
Washington County Committee for Citizen InvolvementLinda Gray or Margot Barnett, OSU Extension Service Coordinatorsmail @ 18640 NW Walker Road, Suite 1400 | Beaverton, OR 97066-8927-call Linda @ 503-821-1123|email @ [email protected] Margot @ 503-821-1114|email @ [email protected]
City GovernmentCity of Fairview Committee InformationFairview City Councilmail @ 1300 NE Village Street, Fairview, OR 97024call @ 503-674-6224
City of Gresham Volunteer InformationTeresa Hall, City Council Coordinator Supportcall @ 503-618-2871| email @ [email protected] Harrington, Community Services Managercall @ 503-618-2482 | email @ [email protected]
City of Maywood Parkmail @ 10100 NE Prescott St., Suite 147, Portland, OR 97220call @ 503-225-9805
City of Portland Public Involvement Advisory CouncilAfifa Ahmed-Shafi, Public Involvement Best Practices CoordinatorOffice of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI)mail @ 1221 SW 4th Ave., Room 110, Portland, OR 97219call @ 503-823-5202 | email @ [email protected]
City of Troutdale Volunteer Committee OpportunitiesDebbie Stickney, City Recordermail @ 104 SE Kibling Avenue, Troutdale, OR 97060call @ 503-674-7237| email @ [email protected]
City of Wood Village Boards and CommissionsWood Village City Councilcall @ 503-667-6211email @ [email protected]
_neighboring local government community engagement programs/contacts_
CIC HANDBOOK 27
Regional Government
