COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON                       February 26, 2024                

COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM

COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS

BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the February 26, 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.       None

3.       Citizen’s Participation

a.       None

4.       Review/Approval of Minutes

a.       None

5.       Scheduled Business

a.       Contract Review Board

1.      DA: Child Assessment Center Strategic Planner Bid Approval:

Ms. Whitney Rilee, Victim Assistance Officer, reported that she sent the RFP to three organizations. One organization refused, but she received bids from two organizations. Insight for Action submitted a bid of $24,510.00 and Capacity Building Partnerships submitted a bid of $15,300.00.  She recommends approval of the proposal from Insight for Action for $24,510.00 because they will provide on-site visits, which provide more value than the other proposal.  She reported this would be funded by the CACF grant.

Commissioner Witham moved to accept the DA strategic planner request for proposal from Insight for Action for$ 24,510.00 contingent upon receipt of the grant-funding contract. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

2.      DA: 2023-25 VOCA and CFA Non-Competitive Grant Agreement NO. VOCA/CFA-2023-BakerCo.DAVAP-00025.

Ms. Rilee also discussed that this grant helps fund the majority her salary and a portion of the Child Assessment Coordinator’s salary.  

Commissioner Witham moved to accept the 2023-25 VOCA and CFA Non-Competitive Grant Agreement NO. VOCA/CFA-2023-BakerCo.DAVAP-00025. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

b.      Weed Department Discussion:

Commissioner Witham reported her research on the cost of roadway spraying. The Board discussed different options and then provided consensus to cancel the RFP and to advertise for a seasonal weed spraying position and a full-time department head position. The board also discussed that the Weed Department building is being used to store items and vehicles from other organizations and County departments. Commissioner Witham recommended that the facilities department revisit the building and determine what needs to be addressed and designate what should be there and what should not.



The Commissioners also discussed possible options for spraying the County’s property on Hughes Lane that was previously owned by the Ward family. Noodle Perkins, Road Master, reported that he estimated that the cost for them to brush hog and spray the property would not exceed $2,000. It was also suggested the EDC should provide funds to upkeep the property. Commissioner Nichols also noted that he would reach out to the school district to request that they spray their property.

6.       Documents to be Signed

a.       Resolution No. 2024-1002: Transfer between the Non-Departmental Department of the Economic Development Fund and the Non-Departmental Department of the Economic Development Incentive Fund.  The resolution will transfer $80,000 from the 218 fund to the 318 fund.

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Resolution No. 2024-1002. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

7.       Ratification of Documents

a.       None

8.       Other Business

a.       Commissioner Update:

·         Commissioner Witham gave an update on damage that was done to a BLM vehicle that the Weed Dept. was using.  She anticipates repairs being made by Premier Auto Body.  She also discussed additional items at the Weed Department that need to be inventoried and organized.

·         The Commissioners discussed an email that was received addressing Measure 110. Elements of the measure were discussed and Commissioner Alderson noted that the proposed measure was intended to be a bi-partisan fix, but it does not seem to be supported by both parties. Commissioner Alderson reported that there is a hearing tonight at 5:00 pm on the matter that he plans to attend.

b.      Comparison of Calendar:

9.       Adjournment

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

The February 26, 2024, Commission Session adjourned at 2:50 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Meranda Woolard

Program Coordinator