COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON                       January 17, 2024                  

COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM

COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS

BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the January 17, 2024, Commission Session. Present were Commissioner Shane M. Alderson, Commissioner Christina Witham, and Commissioner Bruce A. Nichols.

1.      Call to Order/Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance

Commissioner Alderson called the meeting to order and led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.

2.       Agenda Changes/Additions to the Agenda

a.       Baker Sage Grouse LIT: OHV Wash Station NEPA Contract Addendum 3 Approval (See Contract Review Board)

3.       Citizen’s Participation

a.       Mr. Steve Culley shared his thoughts and experience on homelessness in Oregon.

4.       Review/Approval of Minutes

a.       None

5.       Scheduled Business

a.       Public Hearing: First Reading: Ordinance No. 2024-01 Chapter 760 of the Baker County Zoning Ordinance to Clarify Certain Requirements for Utility-Scale Solar Power Generation Facilities – Amending Ordinances 2014-01 and 2021-01: The proposed ordinance would remove the requirement that a utility-scale solar power generation facility applicant obtain an affidavit of consent from homeowners within 1,320 feet of a requested facility in the Commercial Industrial zone. It also states that if an airport or airstrip is registered with the FAA or the Oregon Department of Aviation, a utility-scale solar power generation facility is not allowed within 1 mile of the airport or airstrip unless the facility does not exceed the notice criteria of the two agencies or has received a Determination of No Hazard to Aviation from both agencies.

Ms. Tara Micka, Senior Planner, provided an overview of the ordinance.

Commissioner Witham read a portion of the Natural Resource Plan that addresses energy, “It is the intention if the Baker County Natural Resource Plan to direct the development of alternative energy sources. These policies are believed to be realistic and achievable in current circumstances but adaptable to meet changing circumstances and local public attitudes to environmental issues. The Baker County Natural Resource Plan will thus provide policies which are transparent to the community and federal land managers. She continued that under their energy source development policies it states “It is a policy of Baker County that there will be no development of any energy sources that do not directly benefit residents of the County. Further, proposed energy developments require an appropriate county and public review process”.

Ms. Holly Kerns, Planning Director, declared a potential conflict of interest. The Baker County Comprehensive Plan lists several airstrips, one of which is a property she owns. The property is not in the commercial industrial zone, and she sees no benefit or harm to herself through this, but she wanted to put it on the record. 

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve continuing the hearing until February 7, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.

b.      Veteran’s Department Update ~ Rick Gloria, Director

Mr. Rick Gloria, Baker County Veteran's Service Officer, was present to give a department update. He reported approximately 2,000 veterans in Baker County at any given time, with a potential of up to 2,500. He also noted that many National Guard soldiers who have deployed and returned home have benefits and will likely increase the veteran population. Mr. Gloria discussed veteran services, particularly medical services for veterans, eligibility for pensions, and the role of transportation services. Lastly, he discussed the veteran village project, expected to be completed by the first week of May, featuring a 24-apartment complex with half available for rent and half for sale.

c.       Contract Review Board

1.       Baker Sage Grouse LIT: OHV Wash Station NEPA Contract Addendum 3 Approval: Ms. Morgan Solomon, Baker Sage-Grouse LIT Coordinator,

Commissioner Witham moved to approve Commission Chair Alderson to sign out of Session the Sage-Grouse LIT Weed Wash NEPA Contract to June 1, 2024. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

2.       Planning: Memorandum of Agreement for Reconsideration and Revision of Intergovernmental Agreement for Planning Department Consolidation: Ms. Holly Kerns, Planning Director, was present to request approval of the Memorandum of Agreement for Reconsideration and Revision of Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for Planning Department Consolidation between Baker County and Baker City. Baker County has provided planning services to Baker City since July 1, 2012, through an IGA. There have been no revisions to the original agreement, and several changes have occurred for Baker City that need consideration for the future. Baker City is amenable to reconsidering and revising the IGA, and the Baker City Council unanimously approved the attached memorandum at the Baker City Council meeting on January 9, 2024. The memorandum is a commitment to reconsider and revise the IGA by July 1, 2024.

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the Memorandum of Agreement for Reconsideration and Revision of the Intergovernmental Agreement for Planning Department Consolidation with Baker City. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

3.       Jail: EOCCO Medication Assisted Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Jails Program Agreement: The EOCCO's Substance Use Disorder in Jails initiative aims to improve the ability of jails in the EOCCO's service area to provide medication for opioid use disorder to adults in custody. Grant funds provided through this agreement total $20,000.00. The program period is from February 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.

Commissioner Witham moved to approve the EOCCO Medication Assisted Opioid Use Disorder Treatment and Jails Program Agreement for a total of $20,000.00 and program period February 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

4.       Fair: Baker Co. Fairgrounds Bleacher Project: Mr. Mark Johnson, Executive Director, was present to request approval of the bleacher bid from Northwest School Equipment Inc. for an estimated $237.92 per seat for 2,252 seats. The estimated total is $535,795.84. The Fair Board received funds from the legislature, of which a portion will be used to purchase bleachers to add to the Rodeo Grounds. NOR-PAC Seating Co. Inc. and Allplay Systems LLC also submitted bids. The Fair Board has budgeted $600,000.00 for the project. 

Commissioner Witham moved to approve the Baker County Fair Grounds Bleacher Project with the purchase of bleachers from Northwest School Equipment Inc. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

5.       Visitor Service Proposal Review and Intent to Award a Contract: On December 11, 2023, the County released an RFP solicitation to receive proposals to provide the County with a visitor services center. One proposal was received from Baker County Unlimited.

On January 4, 2024, the Transient Lodging Tax Committee reviewed the proposal and recommended that the Commissioners accept Baker County Unlimited's proposal for visitor center services with the recommendation that the contract amount reflect a realistic cost of living wage increase per year and an anticipated new budget of round numbers.

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve that the County provide notice to Baker County Unlimited that it is our intent to enter into contract negotiations with them for visitor services. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

6.       EM: Emergency Management Performance Grant Approval Grant No. 23-500: Commissioner Alderson reported speaking with Emergency Management Director Jason Yencopal regarding the Emergency Management Performance Grant. This is a continuing grant that the County has received for several years.

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the Emergency Management Performance Grant 23-500 for $64,958.00. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

7.       EM: Order No. 2024-108 Designating DLX Enterprises, LLC as a Sole Source Provider: Mr. Joe Johnson, EORMRC Coordinator, was present to request approval to designate DLX Enterprises, LLC as a sole source provider for the response tents to benefit the capability of those in the Eastern Oregon Regional Medical Reserve Corp response area. Mr. Johnson explained that the state of Oregon uses DLX for most of their deployment tents. The sole source with DLX would allow for integration during a state emergency. Baker County Emergency Management has also used DLX previously, so it would also allow integration with their existing tents.

Commissioner Witham moved to approve Order No. 2024-108 Designating DLX Enterprises, LLC as a sole source provider for Emergency Management STTRONG Grant for the purchase of 4 ASAP-18 deployment tents and 4 X-24 deployment tents for a total of 8 to be split evenly into the 4 new trailers. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

8.       EM: DLX Tent Purchase Approval: Mr. Johnson requested approval to purchase four ASAP - 18 Deployment tents and four X-24 Deployment tents from DLX for $279,667.78.

Commissioner Witham moved to approve the DLX tent purchase for 8 tents at a total of $279,667.78. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

9.       EM: Trailer Purchase Approval: Mr. Johnson requested approval to purchase four trailers from Double R Trailer Mfg., Inc. for $149,198.00 using the STTRONG grant.

Commissioner Witham moved to approve the purchase of four trailers from Double R Trailer Mfg., Inc. for $37,299.50 each for a total of $149,198.00. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

d.      Museum Commission Bylaws Discussion:

Commissioner moved to approve. Commissioner seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

BREAK

e.       Executive Session per ORS 192.660(2)(a) and (2)(e): To consider the employment of a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. To conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions. Note: The Commissioners will return to Regular Session immediately following Executive Session to make a decision as needed.

Commissioners returned to regular session with no decisions made.

6.       Documents to be Signed

a.       Order No. 2024-107: Re-Appointing Curtis Martin (Alternate) and Lea Hoover (At-Large) to the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District for a term set to expire December 31, 2026.

Commissioner Witham moved to approve Order No. 2024-107. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

b.      Order No. 2024-109 Re-appointing Bill Mitchell, Camille Warner, and Chelsea Blatchford to the Baker County Museum Commission for a term set to expire January 1, 2027.

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Order No. 2024-109. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

c.       Order No. 2024-110 Appointing Randy Daugherty to the Transient Lodging Tax Committee   

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Order No. 2024-110. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

7.       Ratification of Documents

a.       Financial Reports: C76, C78, C79, C80, C81, V24, C77, C7, C16, October Revenue/Expenditure Report, November Revenue/Expenditure Report, Treasurer’s Financial Report for November.

Commissioner Nichols moved to ratify the aforementioned financial reports. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.

8.       Other Business

a.       Commissioner Update:

The Commissioners reviewed the meetings they have recently attending and gave a brief update on upcoming meetings. 

9.       Adjournment

Commissioner Witham moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.

The January 17, 2024, Commission Session adjourned at 12:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Erin Linan

Management Assistant