Fleenor Community Dialogue No. 162

Mar 23rd, 2010
by Shawn Penrod Siuslaw News

Commissioner talks with residents about city comprehensive plan and a dysfunctional federal government.

It might be his last year in office, but West Lane County Commissioner Bill Fleenor does not think he fits the role of a “lame duck,” although he admits to sharing some of the same qualities.

“Lame ducks have the unique ability to speak their minds,” said Fleenor. “Then again, I’ve always done that.”

Fleenor spoke casually during his 162nd community dialogue March 22 at the Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue’s conference room, and topics among the small gathering ranged from his trip to Washington, D.C., to the Board of County Commissioners decision to reject the co-adoption of Florence’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan.

According to Fleenor, the board has been revising the Lane County Land Use Code. A new task force was formed, and Fleenor said they hope to be ready to hand off revisions to the county Planning Commission by May 30.

“We’re doing a complete revision of Land Use Codes, driven by consensus not majority,” he said.

The revisions are long overdue, Fleenor said, describing the current code as “hodge-podge.”

“There are numerous language issues and inconsistencies,” he said. “We’re going to make it internally consistent.”

Revisions to the Lane County charter will be on the ballot in May.

“As a result of port rulings, our charter is no longer compliant with the Oregon Constitution,” said Fleenor.

Also in the works is the formation of an Executive Team. Fleenor said the team will be made of five members, including the board of commissioner’s chairman and vice-chairman, that will look at the “big, global picture.”

“They are going to be looking at the county’s issues from 60,000 feet elevation,” he said. “Lane County has been on autopilot.