COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON                       September 4, 2024                

COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM

COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS

BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the September 4, 2024, Commission Session. Present were Commissioner Shane 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.        

3.      Citizen’s Participation

a.        None

4.      Review/Approval of Minutes

a.       August 15, 2024 Special Commission Session Minutes

Commissioner Witham moved to approve the August 15, 2024 Special Commission Session minutes as amended. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

b.      August 21, 2024 Commission Session Minutes

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the August 21, 2024 Commission Session minutes as amended.  Commissioner Witham seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

5.      Scheduled Business

a.       Ordinance Enforcement Discussion

Sheriff Ash and Deputy Maldonado were present to discuss ordinance enforcement for the County.  For the past two years, Deputy Maldonado has been performing nuisance ordinance enforcement as the Community Service Deputy.  With the implementation of the Deflection Program, and Deputy Maldonado taking a lead position in that program, he no longer has time to dedicate to ordinance enforcement.  Discussion took place about funding to hire someone to fill the vacancy and if the cities would be willing to help fund the position should the position enforce ordinances within each city and the county.  It was discussed that the Commissioners would like Sheriff Ash to attend the next Mayor’s Meeting on October 9, 2024 to discuss the matter with the other cities in the County.

b.      Museum Department Update ~ Lynn Weems, Director

Ms. Weems was present to give an update on the Museum.  She reported that due to the fires in our area, tourism has decreased significantly, which has impacted their attendance.  Ms. Weems was very appreciative and supportive of Ms. Shandra Lee and her son, Taylor Lee, who have helped with the summer kids’ camp and other programs.  Ms. Weems was very appreciative of all volunteers who are working to develop programs at the Museum including a new volunteer group, Team Museum Guild.  They are continuing their work on developing the Armstrong Nugget display.   

c.       Contract Review Board

1.      Health: MOA w/ Harney and Grant Counties for a Disease Investigative Specialist.

Ms. Meghan Chancey, Public Health Director, reported that PE 51 funds are used to fund a position in conjunction with Harney and Grant counties to conduct disease case investigations.  Total funding is $35,848.00 with Baker County’s contribution in the amount of $15,414.64. Ms. Chancey also noted that the agreement is reviewed annually.

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the MOA with Grant and Harney counties for a Disease Investigation Specialist.  Commissioner Witham seconded the motion.  Motion carried.    

2.      Fair:  Notice of Request for Proposals for Rodeo Grounds Perimeter Fence

Mr. Mark Johnson was present to discuss the RFP that is soliciting bids for the replacement of the rodeo grounds perimeter fence.  The project is estimated to cost up to $250,000.  Mr. Johnson reported a potential conflict of interest if his former employer, Sid Johnson & Co., submits a bid for the job. 

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the Notice of Request for Proposal for the replacement of the rodeo grounds perimeter fence.  Commissioner Witham seconded the motion.  Motion carried.  

d.      City of Baker City Funding Request from the Economic Development Council (EDC)

The City of Baker City has requested $150,000 from EDC for the purpose of supporting economic development activities.  The EDC, at their July 16, 2024 meeting, approved the request and will take into consideration additional funding requests on an annual basis dependent upon EDC recommendation to the Commissioners. 

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the EDC funding of $150,000 to the City of Baker City.  Discussion:  Commissioner Alderson stated he is willing to second the motion with the stipulation that this is reviewed every year.  He added that the City is seeking permanent funding from the EDC through a revised IGA with the County that will provide the City with 15% of the 20% that is currently allocated to the EDC.  Commissioner Nichols amended the motion to include the stipulation that additional requests will be reviewed on an annual basis dependent upon EDC recommendation to the Commissioners. Commissioner Alderson seconded the amended motion. Discussion:  Michelle Kaseberg, asked if this would impact the current RFP for the downtown Baker City marketing and how this request would affect the funds needed to support the Economic Development Director position.  The Commissioners clarified that it will not impact current RFP for downtown Baker City Marketing. Commissioner Witham opposed the motion.  Motion carried. 

e.       Public Hearing: Order No. 2024-140: Naming a new private road, “Pinerich Road”, located on TL 1302 in section 30D of Township 8S, Range 39E, W.M.

Ms. Madison Tomac, Planner, was present to review the request.  This is the first of two public hearings.  Commissioner Alderson asked for testimony in favor or against the proposed naming of the new private road. There was no testimony in favor or against the naming of the new private road.  The hearing was continued to September 18, 2024. 

f.        Executive Session per ORS 192.660(2)(d) To Conduct Deliberations with Persons

Designated by the Governing Body to Carry on Labor Negotiations.  ORS 192.550(2)(i) To Review and Evaluate the Employment-Related Performance of the Chief Executive Officer of any Public Body, a Public Officer, Employee or Staff Member who Does Not Request an Open Hearing.  The Commissioners will return to regular session immediately following executive to make a decision as needed.

The Board of Commissioners closed Executive Session and returned to regular session with no decision made.

6.      Documents to be Signed

a.       Order No. 2024-141: Appointing members to the Baker County Property Value Board (Formerly known as Board of Property Tax Appeals Board)

Commissioner Witham moved to approve Order No. 2024-141: Appointing members to the Baker County Property Value Board (Formerly known as Board of Property Tax Appeals Board). Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

7.      Ratification of Documents

a.       Financial Reports: C49, C50, C45, C53, and the July 2024 Treasurer’s Report. Commissioner Nichols moved to ratify the signatures on the following financial reports: C49, C50, C45, C53, and the July 2024 Treasurer’s Report Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.

b.      Wallowa Whitman National Forest Emergency Facilities and Land Use Agreement (Town Gulch Fire) Commissioner Witham clarified that Holcomb Park was utilized.



Commissioner Nichols moved to ratify Commissioner Alderson’s signature on the National Forest Emergency Facilities and Land Use Agreement with the Wallowa Whitman National Forest. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.

8.      Other Business

a.       Commissioner Update: Commissioner Alderson briefly noted that he attended the ODOT meeting and that Commissioner Nichols and Commissioner Witham attended the OTEC Summit.

b.      Comparison of Calendar: None

9.      Adjournment

Commissioner Witham moved to adjourn the September 4, 2024 Commission Session. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted,

Meranda Woolard

Program Coordinator