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 In this issue:
 Commissioner Janet Carlson was recently appointed
to represent Oregon on the National Association of Counties (NACo) Justice and
Public Safety Policy Steering Committee. The committee makes policy
recommendations and advocates on issues pertaining to criminal justice and
public safety on behalf of counties across the United States.
Commissioner Carlson is a past president of the Association of Oregon
Counties and currently serves on the NACo Board of Directors. As a
commissioner, she focuses on public safety and health care, serving as chair of
both the Marion County Public Safety Coordinating Council and Willamette Valley
Community Health Board of Directors. She was instrumental in launching the
Marion County Reentry Initiative which received a NACo Achievement Award in
2015.
“Marion County has been recognized as a leader for our collaborative
and innovative public safety programs that aim to comprehensively and
holistically address public safety needs,” said Commissioner Carlson. “While
accountability remains a foundation of public safety, we also need to consider
factors like poverty, addiction, and mental health issues that influence
successful rehabilitation and reintegration into our communities. I’m looking
forward to learning from commissioners across the country who have faced
similar issues, as well as share successful programs Marion County has created.”
Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with
a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership
skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public's
understanding of county government, and exercise leadership in public service.
NACo represents America’s 3,069 county governments.
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Public hearing on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) set
 Small
cottage, tiny house, and basement or garage apartments are all commonly used
terms to describe an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU. ADUs are small secondary
dwellings on the same property as, or attached to, a single-family residence
and are often used as housing for family members or caretakers. As Marion
County continues to find additional ways to support families with affordable
housing options, the commissioners are considering amendments to the Urban Zone
Code to permit ADUs within urban growth boundaries outside of city limits.
The Board
of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at
9:30 a.m. to receive input from the public on the proposal. The hearing is set
as part of the commissioners’ regular Board Session agenda and will be held in
the Senator Hearing Room at Courthouse Square located at 555 Court Street NE in
Salem. The Marion County Planning Commission also held a public hearing in
August and presented their findings to the board at a recent work session.
READ MORE
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 Marion
County secured an $83,103 health transformation grant from Willamette Valley
Community Health to launch Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, or LEAD.
Developed in Seattle, LEAD combines law enforcement, health care, and social
services for people with multiple arrests, primarily for drug possession and
other minor “livability,” but not “victim-related,” crimes.
People
benefitting from LEAD typically exhibit high-risk, addiction-based behaviors
and have multiple needs, such as homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse,
and mental health issues. LEAD’s target population is unlikely to engage in treatment services without
intense intervention.
As
a “harm reduction model,” LEAD literally meets clients “where they are” and
wraps services around them. As developed locally, LEAD will focus on the top
100 utilizers of jail and emergency room services, focusing on people in
downtown Salem and along the Lancaster Drive corridor in East Salem.
Once
indentified by specially trained local law enforcement officers as a potential
LEAD client, a Health Department navigator will assist with immediately
connecting those in need with treatment, housing and health services in lieu of
jail. Deputy District Attorney Paige
Clarkson said, “The District Attorney’s Office is expanding the tools we use to
increase public safety. Diversion programs like LEAD can have a significant impact
on changing people’s lives by connecting them to the services they really need,
thus making the entire community safer and stronger.”
For
more information, contact Paige Clarkson at pclarkson@co.marion.or.us.
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 Several seasonal Marion County parks will close to the public on Wednesday, November 1, 2017.
Parks that are closing include Aumsville Ponds, Bonesteele Park, Spong's Landing, and Minto, Niagara, North Fork, and Salmon Falls parks, which are all in the North Santiam River Basin.
Two other county parks have already closed for the season: St. Louis Fish Ponds west of Gervais and Bear Creek Park and Campground on North Fork Road near Mehama.
The Marion County parks that remain open year-round are Auburn, Denny, Eola Bend, Joryville, Labish Village, and Parkdale in the Salem area; Rogers Wayside near Silverton; and Packsaddle along the North Santiam River.
For more information these county parks, including descriptions and locations, visit the Marion County Parks website or call (503) 588-5036.
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 Victim Assistance
The District Attorney's Office Victim
Assistance Division is currently seeking applicants for sexual assault response
advocates. Must be at least 18 years of age, have reliable transportation, a
valid driver's license, and a caring, compassionate demeanor with a
non-judgmental attitude.
The
application process includes a criminal background check, and driving history
check. If accepted, volunteers are required to commit at least one 24-hour pager
shift per month.
The
next training class is scheduled for February, 2018. For an application or
questions about the program contact Kathie Beach at 503-588-3571 or kbeach@co.marion.or.us.
Public Health Workgroup
The Marion County Public Health Workgroup is looking for new members who are interested in improving our community’s health.
We are currently recruiting for:
- Persons currently working in all parts of Marion County in the fields of education,
healthcare, land use planning, parks and recreation, social services,
public safety, and business, or other fields;
- Have
insight into the public health concerns of various groups, including Latino, Russian and/or
other cultural communities; and
- Have an interest in improving the health of our
community
The Public Health Workgroup provides input and recommendations for county health policy and the Community Health Improvement Plan
(CHIP). Workgroup members
promote and review progress toward achieving important outcomes in the community.
This workgroup
meets every other month (Feb/Apr/Jun/Oct/Dec) on the first Tuesday from 11:30 am -1:00 pm in Salem.
Lunch is provided, transportation assistance may be available.
For
more information, contact Pam Hutchinson at 503-588-5612 or phutchinson@co.marion.or.us.
For more information about these and other Marion County volunteer opportunities, contact Volunteer Services Coordinator Lisa Miller at volunteer@co.marion.or.us or call (503) 588-7990.
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