COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON April 10, 2024
COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM
COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the April 10, 2024, Special 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. Marble Creek Purchase and Sale Agreement:
Commissioner Alderson reported attempting to reach out to City Manager, Barry Murphy but was not able to reach him. He then explained that he spoke with Baker City Mayor, Randy Daugherty who reported that the agreement had been approved by City Council. Commissioner Nichols explained that he would like to confirm the details with Baker City Manager, Barry Murphy prior to signing. Commissioner Witham agreed.
Commissioner Witham moved to authorize Commissioner Alderson to sign the Marble Creek Purchase and Sale Agreement with Blue Mountain Lime Company out of session upon approval from Baker City Manager, Barry Murphy. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Discussion: Commissioner Witham noted that upon signing the agreement, Commissioner Alderson would need to get the agreement to Mr. Drew Martin.
b. Broadband Solicitation of Services:
Commissioner Alderson reported that this solicitation to hire a consultant to assist with broadband project to work with Northeast Oregon Economic Development District, specifically for broadband needs in Baker County. Commissioner Nichols reported being contacted by Jonathan Cannon from Rally Network regarding a letter of recommendation. He discussed that this may interfere with Inland or Windwave, and he explained that the award to Windwave had not been announced, but it will be in May. He noted that Windwave would just be doing a study and noted that Rally Network is interested in the broadband deployment aspect. Commissioner Nichols reported supporting both companies in the effort.
Commissioner Nichols moved to sign the request for proposal for rural broadband consultant services for North East Oregon Economic Development District. Motion died.
Discussion: Commissioner Alderson and Witham clarified the details of the RFP, as there was confusion around the involvement of North East Oregon Economic Development District.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the Request for Proposal for rural broadband consultant services with the assistance of North East Oregon Economic Development District for Baker County. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
c. DRAFT TLT Ordinance Discussion:
Commissioner Alderson reported that he has not gotten an official request, but has heard from the City of Baker City that they might want to change some of the language in the TLT ordinance. Commissioner Witham reported that she reviewed the draft and the initial questions that she had, were answered. She did not see anything of concern at this point and would like to move forward. Commissioner Nichols reviewed his concerns and suggestions were made regarding those concerns.
d. Hewitt/Holcomb Park Waterline Project:
Ms. Doni Bruland was present to provide an update on the waterline project. She noted issues with the polly pipe that was initially laid out and explained that it is being replace with pvc piping. She also noted that they currently have a leak in the well house that is also being addressed. At this point in the project, Ms. Bruland explained that she would need to start drafting a request for proposal for an engineer, in which she would like to see a site visit required. She explained that she would work closely with Ms. Mosier, County Counsel on this process. Commissioner Nichols explained that he would like Mr. Goss of Oregon Health Authority to come out as well. Ms. Bruland reported that he is scheduled to come out in July and she would connect with him. Ms. Bruland also noted that Idaho Power would be starting their bank stabilization project in mid-August to September and noted that several trees would be removed along the riverbank, but noted that Idaho Power would be providing funds to the County to replace the trees.
6. Documents to be Signed
a. None
7. Ratification of Documents
a. None
8. Other Business
a. Commissioner Update: Commissioner Witham informed the Commissioners that there was a slide on the backside of Dooley Mountain. She reported that ODOT had been watching the area and noted that they were able to clear the slide and will continue to monitor the area, but at this time, it appears to be stable. She reported hearing concerns from Mr. Davey Peterson regarding the steering committee he is on and she requested that Commissioner Nichols reach out to him, as he is the Commissioner on that committee. She briefly noted feedback she had received indicating that the County had not invoked coordination with the Forest Service relating to the Blue Mountain Forest Plan revision. It was her understanding that the County had invoked coordination years ago and cited the County’s current involvement including revisions to the assessment and comments on the mapping. Following discussion, she noted her intent to draft an additional document to invoke coordination with the Forest Service regarding the Blue Mountain Forest Plan Revision.
b. Comparison of Calendar:
9. Adjournment
Commissioner Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The April 10, 2024, Special Commission Session adjourned at 10:07 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Meranda Woolard
Program Coordinator |