COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON                  May 15, 2024             

COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM

COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS

BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the May 15, 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.       Kathy Todhunter from the Sumpter area, was present as a representative for about 33 residents along Rhody Rd. She is requesting the opportunity to purchase rock at a reduced or free rate from the County’s rock pit to help maintain a portion of the road consisting of 1.1 miles.  The rock pit is in the Sumpter area, which would be cheaper than having it hauled from Baker.  She estimates they will need up to 1,500 yards, although the Road master thinks it may be closer to 2,000 yards of gravel. She also noted that Ed Staub would be willing to come in and put down oil after it is rocked to help with compaction.   

Commissioner Alderson stated that he would discuss the issue with the Road master, but he expressed concerns about competing with private industry.  Commissioner Witham and Commissioner Nichols agreed that it would create a conflict.       

4.       Review/Approval of Minutes

a.       March 6, 2024 Commission Session Minutes

Commissioner Witham moved to accept the March 6, 2024 Commission Session minutes as presented.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

5.       Scheduled Business

a.       Baker Co. Health Assessment Study: Valentine Health Advisers ~ Steven Valentine and Guy Masters

Mr. Valentine reported that his firm was hired to identify the hospital needs and possible solutions to enable a hospital to be successful in Baker County.  Their firm met with a diverse population of interested citizens and stakeholders which also included hospital members and the County’s appointed steering committee.  Mr. Valentine reviewed the findings that were revealed during their research. He noted that based on a study conducted by a third party on behalf of St. Alphonsus, nearly half of Baker County’s population leaves the county for healthcare. He also noted that reimbursement rate for services falls short from Medicaid or Oregon Health Plan. He noted that Medicare reimbursement is slightly higher and the reimbursement rate from private insurance is the highest.  He noted that due to the low population, there are several services that would not be supported. He explained that there is a strong preference to restore the obstetrics services and maintain emergency services. He reviewed their suggestions. He also noted that Trinity Health owns the hospital and whatever decision is made, Trinity would have to agree. He also explained that Trinity has also be underwriting the losses that have occurred with the hospital. They also absorbed a significant amount of debt when they took over the hospital from St. Elizabeth.  



Mr. Valentine summarized three options, including continuing with Trinity Health to optimize the relationship, find another operator, such as Grande Ronde Hospital, or form a Health District. Mr. Valentine explained that the option that most aligned with the publics thinking was to form a Health district. He noted that this process typically takes about 2 years. He explained that based on the feedback they received during the interview process, it did not sound like St. Luke’s Health System would be interested in taking on the hospital, nor did it sound likely that OHSU would either. He noted that Grande Ronde Hospital was interested in having conversations about the topic.  He noted that the health district would require an estimated 7-10 million dollar investment up front and it would also require tax levy voter approval, but would provide local control.  He explained their recommendation is to work closely with Trinity to develop a closer working relationship to revisit re-opening obstetric services if they could use a less costly staffing model, which Trinity has not been supportive of to date. He also encouraged reinvigorating the foundation to engage community support. He noted forming a health district would cost money and require time, but if things do not go well working with Trinity, they may need to go a different route. He explained that should a new operator take over, the operator would need to fund some capital improvements and underwrite losses, which may be difficult. He recommended engaging some elected leaders to support this effort.



He also noted next steps could include: forming a small team to approach Trinity to discuss the future vision of Baker’s hospital and determine their interest in transferring the facility, calculate the potential revenue from a Baker County levy, and form a small team to evaluate the Health District option. He also suggested dedicating resources to potentially form the district should efforts with Trinity fall short, as well as engaging the community in a survey to gage support. Mr. Valentine noted that there are a couple of options, but they require support from Trinity Health. The Commissioners thanked Valentine Associates for their assistance. Ms. Meghan Chancey asked for clarification from Valentine Associates on who they would suggest forming the group to approach Trinity Health. Mr. Valentine suggested 3 non-elected community leaders. Ms. Heidi Martin requested additional information regarding the rural emergency hospital designation. He noted that rural emergency hospitals do not provide overnight care, but the designation provides support for emergency and outpatient services. He explained that it does not seem to meet the needs of what Baker is looking for as a hospital. He also noted that a waiver is required from the federal government.

b.      OSU Extension  Update ~ Angela Robb, Natalie Kinion, Will Price, Devon Colton, Jacob Putney, Katie Hauser, Robin Maille

Ms. Robb gave an overview of the services provided.  She explained that their office is working to be more involved and visible in the community by attending several community events. She also reviewed some key points from the Master Gardeners program noting that the Master Gardeners program plans to attend several farmers markets and events throughout the county and their collaboration with other programs. Ms. Natalie Kinion noted that there was also a great turnout for the OSU appreciation night in February.

Mr. Will Price reported on key projects on behalf of, Darrin Walenta, the Field and Crops Agent. Mr. Price also summarized his cattle and rangeland projects, noting collaboration with the Field and Crops Agent and Extension Forester. It was noted that the North East Oregon Calving School and pesticide application pre-exam trainings were well attended.

Mr. Putney provided a summary on forestry related projects throughout the last year. He explained in 2023, they hosted Tree School East for the first time since 2018. He noted their Fire, Fuels, and Density Management webinar, plans to tour a research forest, prescribed fire training for NRCS, and a local pub talk as part of the Northern Blues Restoration Collaborative.

Ms. Hauser presented 4H program highlights. She noted that there are currently 14 clubs with a total of 230 members. She noted they also have 39 active volunteers. Ms. Hauser noted they had a lot of interest in their Cloverbud club which is for kids age 5-8. She also reported on aspects of the 4H program and expressed excitement regarding program attendance and upcoming events.

Ms. Maille discussed programs around family and community health and noted her involvement in the Local Community Health Partnership. She also noted researching and identifying programming needs to support aging communities. She also reported that she would be assisting with a mental health first aid training as well as an upcoming cooking class. Ms. Maille also provided a brief summary on a few conferences she attended.



Extension Office staff also reported that they are pleased to have Ms. Devon Colton back as their Administrative Program Assistant.

c.       Contract Review Board

1.       Fair: Rodeo Arena Improvements Bid Approval—Rock Removal/Additional Dirt & Sand

Mr. Mark Johnson was present to discuss the Fair Board’s request to screen the rock out of the rodeo arena and purchase material to help replace the volume that is lost.  Mr. Johnson went out to bid with only one bidder, Triple C, who was able to meet the requirements of the request.  The Fair Board met and recommends hiring Triple C for an amount not to exceed $38,300.   Commissioner Witham questioned if the Fair’s grant funds were being used to fund this project and it was confirmed.

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the bid from Triple C in the amount of $32,600 to $38,300.  Commissioner Witham seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

2.       Museum: Artifact Insurance Coverage Approval:

Commissioner Nichols reported that the Museum is seeking approval to purchase specialty insurance coverage for the artifacts in the Museum.  The County’s general insurance provider does not cover the artifacts.  They are recommending approval to purchase the coverage from Huntington T Block for all risk collection coverage for Baker Heritage Museum at a cost of $5,184 per year. 

Commissioner Witham moved to accept the museum artifact insurance coverage from Huntington T Block in the amount of $5,184 annually.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

3.       Commissioner: CIG Grant GPS Ear Tag Purchase:

Executive Assistant, Heidi Martin, reported that earlier this year, Baker County signed an agreement with Western Land Owners Alliance. She explained that part of these grant funds can be used for electronic devices and it was suggested to purchase electronic ear tags. She reported that the ear tag costs approximately $150.00-$180.00 each and last for approximately 3 years. Union and Wallowa counties are looking at purchasing 100 ear tags. Commissioner Witham and Ms. Martin suggested purchasing about 50 ear tags.  She noted interest in using the tags from individuals in the Keating and Sumpter. Ms. Martin reported a recommendation of purchasing the ear tags from Lonestar as their signals are transmitted via satellite rather than cellular coverage.

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the purchase of GPS ear tags in the amount up to $10,000 for 50 ear tags. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.

4.       Commissioner: Amendment #1 to the Oregon Dept. of Ag Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Grant Agreement #ODA-4519-GR

Commissioner Witham reported that this agreement was signed in the last Commission Session. This amendment reflects language that needed to be corrected. 

Commissioner Witham moved to adopt Amendment #1 to the Oregon Dept. of Ag Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Grant Agreement #ODA-4519-GR.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.  

d.      Executive Session per ORS 192.660(2)(e): 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.

The Commissioners returned to Regular Session and made the following motion relating to the purchase of the Marble Creek property:

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the Assignment and Assumption of Purchase and Sale Agreement and allow Commission Chair Alderson to sign the agreement.  Commissioner Witham seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

6.       Documents to be Signed

a.       Museum Commission Bylaws

Commissioner Nichols reviewed the adjustments to the bylaws.

Commissioner Witham moved to approve the Museum Commission Bylaws.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried. 

b.      Order No. 2024-126: Suspending Implementation of the Baker County Policy for Disposition of Tax Foreclosed Real Property.

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Order No. 2024-126 Suspending Implementation of the Baker County Policy for Disposition of Tax Foreclosed Real Property.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried. 

7.       Ratification of Documents

a.       Financial Reports

Commissioner Nichols moved to ratify the signature of the following financial reports: M21, C16, M20, V32, C19, C35, C34, C17 and the April Treasurer’s Report.  Commissioner Witham seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

8.       Other Business

a.       Commissioner Update and Calendar Review:

                          I.            Commissioner Nichols reviewed his calendar. He noted that he will be out of town and plans to attend the State Track Meet in Eugene as well as the Crane graduation ceremony.  He also reported plans to attend AOC membership committee meeting and budget hearings. He reported attending the health steering committee meeting and a broadband meeting.

                        II.            Commissioner Alderson reviewed his calendar and gave a brief update on meetings he plans to attend, including an upcoming Department Head meeting, HHS summit online, Tech meeting, and EDC, and Huntington City Council meeting. He also noted plans to attend a meeting with the Juvenile department, TLT workshop, as well as upcoming budget hearings. Commissioner Alderson reported that the Commissioners were invited to attend the BMCC graduation ceremony in Pendleton.

                     III.            Commissioner Witham reviewed her calendar. She made note of a grasshopper meeting, WWNF general review, BIC meeting in Enterprise. She plans to be at the park on May 22 as Idaho Power will be there as part of their bank stabilization project. There is a grasshopper land owner meeting on May 23 at 6pm. On June 4, she reported plans to attend a field trip with ODF to Fizz Springs.  

9.       Adjournment

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

The May 15, 2024, Commission Session adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Meranda Woolard

Program Coordinator