COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON October 16, 2024
COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM
COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the October 16, 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. October 2, 2024, Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the October 2, 2024, Commission Session minutes as written. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Scheduled Business
a. 8:30 a.m. Executive Session per ORS 192.660(2)(a): To consider the employment of a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. The Commissioners will return Regular Session immediately following Executive Session for any decisions to be made.
b. Public Hearing:
Ordinance No. 2024-02: Amending Ordinances 84-1 and 2005-04: An ordinance amending goal 12 of the Baker County Comprehensive Plan to recognize the Northern Baker Transportation Improvement Plan (NBTIP) as a refinement to the Baker County Transportation System Plan.
Commissioner Alderson opened the public hearing. Holly Kerns, Planning Director, stated that no additional testimony had been received. Commissioner Alderson asked for testimony in favor or against. Having none, Commissioner Witham read the ordinance by title only.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve by title only Ordinance No. 2024-02: Amending Ordinances 84-1 and 2005-04: An ordinance amending goal 12 of the Baker County Comprehensive Plan to recognize the Northern Baker Transportation Improvement Plan 9NBTIP) as a refinement to the Baker County Transportation System Plan. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The ordinance will take effect 90 days following adoption on January 16, 2025.
c. Department Updates
1. Planning Department: Ms. Holly Kerns, Director, was present to provide an overview of the work being done in the Planning Department. She explained that the number of applications is slightly below where they were at this time last year and suspects this is due to higher interest rates. She noted highlights including receiving a grant on behalf of the City of Baker City to help implement their housing production strategy. She noted three areas were rezoned this year. Ms. Kerns explained that they also had three new gas stations in Baker County, two in Baker City, and one in Durkee that is in the construction process. She also noted that they also updated the Intergovernmental agreement with the City of Baker City, noting this is the first update since they combined services. Another highlight was that the Planning Department has been able to accept credit and debit cards. She noted that although there is a convenience fee, they have received positive feedback from customers since making this change.
d. Contract Review Board
1. TLTC: Tourism Related Facility Project Approval:
The TLT Committee met and recommends approval of the following:
a) The Eastern Oregon Museum, located in Haines, is requesting $15,000.00 for new specialty windows that will help protect the artifacts from UV light and excessive temperatures.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve funding $15,000.00 to the Eastern Oregon Museum from TLT funds. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b) Friends of Baker Heritage Museum is requesting $100,000 from TLT to improve security for the Museum, including security for the Armstrong nugget. The TLT recommends approval of $100,000 plus additional funding of $50,000 from the County. Commissioner Alderson noted that the TLT Committee is not able to make decisions for any funds outside of TLT dollars. Fred Warner, Jr. gave an overview of the project and answered questions.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the funding request for security of the Museum and the Armstrong nugget of $100,000.00 from TLT funds. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried
Discussion: Mr. Warner discussed the purchasing process with the Commissioners, and it was determined that depending on the value, it may trigger prevailing wages. Mr. Warner stated that he will bring it back to session on November 6, 2024.
c) Friends of the Pine Valley Fairgrounds is requesting $67,000 to establish a visitor services kiosk at the Fairgrounds and make various improvements to the facility, including shower rooms. The TLT recommends approval of $14,500, specifically for the shower rooms. Mr. Matthew Koppenhaver provided clarification of the project request. It was noted that in addition to fair and rodeo participants, Cycle Oregon riders also use the facility.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the funding request of $14,500.00 from TLT for the Friends of the Pine Valley Fairgrounds for shower rooms at their facility. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2. TLTC: Downtown Marketing Services Bid Approval:
Matthew Coppenhaver was present and provided some additional clarification on the matter. Commissioner Witham expressed concern that there is currently a disconnect between Baker City Downtown and other entities such as Travel Baker, The Baker County Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Development Center. She noted that in the past Baker City Downtown staff have not attended meetings with these organizations. Commissioner Witham noted that she would like to see this issue resolved so there is not redundancy and so they coordinate cohesively. Commissioner Alderson explained that those terms could be written into the contract.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the proposal from Baker City Downtown to conduct marketing services for the downtown Baker City area and proceed with creating a contract. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
3. Weed Department: Medical Springs. Noxious Weed and IAG Control Project Grant Application Approval
Ms. Gussie Cook, Director, was present to request approval to apply for a grant for the Medical Springs Noxious Weed and IAG Control Project. She reported that this grant mimics what has been done previously and will consist of 50% landowner cost-share for contract and fees only and the grant will supply the herbicide product. Ms. Cook also noted other funding sources.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve the grant application for the Medical Springs Noxious Weed and IAG Control Project for $260,512.00. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
4. Emergency Management Fire Division: Department of Interior Grant Award for Slip-In Tanks
Mr. Gary Timm was present to request approval of the grant award in the amount of $190,806.00 which will provide slip-in units for local fire agencies including Pine Valley, Eagle Valley, Baker Rural, Greater Bowen Valley, and Sumpter. Mr. Timm stated that he will return later with bid approval.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve the Department of Interior Grant Award for Slip-In Tanks in the amount of $190,806.00. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Baker County Law Enforcement MOU:
Commissioner Alderson noted that in 2023, Baker County approved a MOU with the Baker County Law Enforcement Association that provides additional compensation to those employees working alone in Corrections and Dispatch. This MOU expired on June 30, 2024. The Sheriff’s Office is still experiencing staffing shortages in these two departments and would like to extend the MOU through June 30, 2025.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the MOU with Baker County Law Enforcement Association beginning October 1,2024 through June 30, 2025. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
e. Assessor: Potential Refund Credit Update:
Kerry Savage, Assessor, was present to provide an update. He noted that Idaho Power and Pacific are still in the appeal process. He reported that this is a lengthy process, and it is unknow when the appeal would be resolved.
f. Executive Session:RS 192.660(2)(e): To conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions.
2. ORS 192.660(2)(f): To consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection.
3. ORS 192.660(2)(h): To consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed. The Commissioners will return Regular Session immediately following Executive Session for any decisions to be made.
The Commissioners returned from executive and made the following motion:
Commissioner Witham moved to appoint Commissioner Nichols to the position of Interim Public Health Director contingent on State approval and until a permanent replacement can be found. Commissioner Alderson seconded the motion. Motion carried.
6. Documents to be Signed
a. Order No. 2024-145: Appointing a Member to the Transient Lodging Tax Committee. Two applications were received. The TLTC recommends the appointment of Sheryl Brandt, from Sumpter, OR. Commissioner Witham expressed concerns that the other candidate couldn’t make the meeting due to a scheduling conflict.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve Order No. 2024-145 appointing Sheryl Brandt to the Transient Lodging Tax Committee for a term set to expire August 1, 2027. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. Order No. 2024-146: Appointing a member to the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District. There is a city representative vacancy on the board. Barry Murphy, Baker City Manager, has expressed interest in serving. The term expires December 31, 2027. Commissioner Witham questioned if it was common practice for a City Manager to sit on this board. Commissioner Nichols confirmed and noted that City Manager from La Grande is also a board member.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve Order No. 2024-146 appointing Barry Murphy to the NEOEDD for a term set to expire December 31, 2027. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
7. Ratification of Documents
a. Financial Reports: M26, C69, C65, C51, C68, C66 and the September Financial Report.
Commissioner Nichols moved to ratify the signatures on the above listed financial reports. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
8. Other Business
a. Commissioner Update:
Commissioner Witham reported that she is currently reviewing a draft copy of the Parks Board bylaws. It was discussed that there was previously a Parks Board, but there is not currently a board. The County would like to reestablish the Parks Board. Commissioner Witham noted that she has a meeting with DEQ and Ms. Doni Bruland regarding the TMDL ruling and the processes moving forward. Commissioner Witham explained that she met with the Juvenile Department, Mr. Bill Lee, and Mr. Dan McQuisten about the issues the Juvenile Department has been having with internet connection. The Juvenile Department currently leases office space across the street from the County, but they continue to have issues with internet connection. The Juvenile Department toured different County-owned sites to see if there is another location that could meet their needs. Ultimately, further research on the cost of internet service at their current location will be conducted. Commissioner Witham reported receiving a request from a constituent who would like to see the County offer free use of County Parks to veterans, or a pass similar to the recreation pass offered by the State to veterans. She reported that she would reach out to Rick Gloria, Veterans Service Officer, to see what options might be available. She explained that the Parks have very little funds as it is and is unsure of the outcome.
c. Comparison of Calendar:
Commissioner Alderson reviewed his calendar and noted that he attended the mayor’s meeting on October 9th. He reported speaking with management staff from Behlen Manufacturing and reported that they are having difficulty finding housing for their employees. He reported that he is a part of a joint transportation committee and noted that he may have schedule conflicts with some of their meetings as they also take place on certain Wednesdays. His upcoming meetings include a NEACT meeting, a meeting with Idaho Power, and a Specialty Court Task Force meeting.
Commissioner Witham reviewed her calendar and noted that she attended the AOC District One meeting as well as a Powder River Mining Objector meeting. She reported that there are about 20 mining permits that are waiting for approval. She explained that she attended an AOC natural resources and legislative meeting as well as an EDC meeting. Her upcoming meetings include a Tri County quarterly meeting, a Weed Board meeting, a Sage Grouse LIT meeting, a BIC meeting, as well as a DEQ meeting regarding the placer mining permits.
Commissioner Nichols reported that he attended the work session on October 9th as well as a Legislative Committee meeting. He noted he spoke with Lisa Dawson and Brian Tweit. His upcoming meetings include a meeting with New Directions Northwest, a Community Connections meeting, as well as a meeting in Halfway. Commissioner Nichols noted plans to attend the grand opening for the new cafeteria at Baker Middle School. Commissioner Nichols reported receiving a call from a member of the Baker County Democrats. He explained that several of their signs have been vandalized or taken. It was discussed that this kind of activity is illegal.
2. Adjournment
Commissioner Witham moved to adjourn the October 16, 2024, Commission Session. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Meranda Woolard
Program Coordinator
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