Minutes: COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHAIR, BRIAN D. COLE COUNTY COMMISIIONER, HOWARD C. BRITTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PAUL YORK
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
September 5, 2000
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the September 5, 2000 Commission Session. Present were Commission Chair Brian D. Cole, Commissioner Howard Britton, Commissioner Paul York, and Administrative Officer Patrick Smith.
Citizens Participation:
None
Approval of Minutes: Minutes for the August 16, 2000 Session were available. Commissioner Cole had several typing corrections. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Additions to the Agenda:
- Classification Study
- Hells Canyon Dam Re-licensing Process
Classification Study: Debbie Hoopes presented an e-mail from the Union to the Commissioners. OPEU has accepted the Classification Study for the union represented employees. She stated that action is needed by the Commissioners at the current Session. The action will be retroactive to July 1, 2000. Mrs. Hoopes stated Administrative Services knew this was coming and it was already included in the budget.
Commissioner Cole stated the Commissioners had previously taken action for the non-represented employees.
Commissioner Cole moved to approve the Baker County Classification Study. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Commissioner York stressed that the results would be retroactive. Motion passed unanimously.
Note: Commissioner Cole stated that under Discussion Topics for Planning Commission vacancies, the deadline is 10:00 am. The Commissioners may appoint all or none on this date. He emphasized the short notice given to the public.
Documents to be signed: Resolution 2000-1044: Appropriation of Unanticipated Funds to be Expended in the District Attorney Department of the General Fund. Commissioner York moved to approve the Resolution. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 2000-1045: Appropriation of Unanticipated Funds to be Expended in the Non-departmental Department of the Commission on Children and Families Fund. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Resolution. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Contract: A contract between BCHD and Dr. David Richards for prenatal care. Commissioner Cole asked for clarification from Patrick Smith.
Mr. Smith stated that this is work contracted out through the Health Department. He stated that there are three or four contracts out. Will not affect the budget.
Board of Commissioners Session, September 5, 2000 5 Commissioner Cole moved to approve the Contract. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Professional Services Agreement: An agreement between Baker County and Rex Wilson, M.D. for Jail Physician service. Commissioner York moved to approve the Agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Contract: A contract between Baker County CCF and CASA. Commissioner York moved to approve the Contract. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Contract: A contract between Baker County CCF and Saundra Otheim of the Burnt River Latchkey Preschool. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Contract. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Order 2000-178: An Order Exempting a Public Contract from Competitive Bid Requirements. This is regarding emergency work that was needed for the Hewitt Park septic system in June of 2000. Commissioner York moved to approve the Order. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Liquor Renewal Application for Hells Canyon Inn and Bella: The Executive Assistant stated she talked with the Under Sheriff regarding both applications. The Under Sheriff stated the applications are good to go. There are two for the Hells Canyon Inn. Commissioner York moved to approve both applications for the Hells Canyon Inn. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. The application for Bella was returned to the applicant. Bella is located within the Baker City limits.
Comparing Calendars:
September 6 Powder Basin Watershed Council
Fair Board
September 8 Telecommunications Task Force
September 13 National Guard Armory Siting Committee
Commissioner Work Session 9:00 to noon
September 14 Resource Management Group, Idaho Power
NEOHA in Wallowa
AOC Conference:
The next AOC Conference is in Eugene. It is November 13 B 17. Commissioner Cole will attend. Commissioner York may attend.
Public Hearing for Weed Control Levy: Commissioner Cole opened the public hearing.
Dave Clemens appeared before the Commissioners. He explained the proposed Levy. If approved, the Levy will appear on the November ballot. He stated the Levy would be for three years at $70,000 a year. Mr. Clemens said that Wallowa County is also talking about a potential Levy.
Commissioner York asked for clarification as to how the funds would be used.
Dave Clemens explained that the money would be used to supplement the Road Department weed control, grant writing, and full-time Weed Supervisor. It would also be used to increase the cost share program. There would be some enforcement also. Mr. Clemens stated they want to encourage people to move along with control. If Baker County doesn=t have a problem, other counties do, and Baker soon will.
Commissioner Britton stated the cost to the tax payer would be $.09 per thousand.
Mr. Clemens emphasized that the County needs to build a good foundation for the program. The previous Weed Levy has been $35,000. That amount doesn=t go far. With the proposed Levy and weed control, values in Baker County would increase. There is a financial benefit to stay on top of this.
Julia Woods suggested that publicity should be generated. Need to let the public know that what was voted on in March is not the same thing that would be on the November ballot.
Dave Clemens stated it will be promoted. The Weed Board will be involved. Mr. Clemens stated that if the Levy doesn=t pass, weed control will not come to an end. However, they will lose ground.
Ken Helgerson stated the Road Department is already seeing marked improvement with Broadleaf. They are seeing more Pepperweed and Puncturevine. He asked what the private owners will think if the County doesn=t control their weeds. Weed control is becoming a year round thing. Mr. Helgerson stated he is looking at Idaho Power to help with the Snake River corridor.
Commissioner Cole is convinced that the Levy should go to the voters. It is a good investment for property owners. It would also be good partnering practice with the surrounding counties.
Commissioner Cole asked for further public testimony. When none was received, Commissioner Cole closed the public hearing.
Resolution 2000-1046: Referral of Weed Control Levy for Three Fiscal years 2001-2002, 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 to the Baker County Weed District Electorate. Commissioner Cole read the Resolution. Commissioner York moved to approve the Resolution. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Referral to the Electorate: Commissioner Cole read the referral. Commissioner York moved to approve the referral. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Commissioner Cole read the Summary for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussion Topic: Planning Commission Vacancies:
Commissioner Cole stated that six applications were received by the 10:00 am deadline. The applicants included:
Patrick Morrissey
Eugene Stackle
Jim Grove
William Harvey
Steve Brooks
Kim Lethlean
Commissioner Cole expressed thanks to the previous members of the Planning Commission for their service to Baker County. He stated he contacted each of the resigning members. None of the six expressed a want to stay on the Commission. Commissioner Cole stated the Commission has two items to discuss at the September 28 meeting. Need to have a Planning Commission functioning for the two items of business. He suggested they possibly appoint three members at the current session and three at the September 20 session. Commissioner Cole stated that this will possibly be the biggest decision the Commissioners will make. He has nine things he is looking for in prospective applicants. They are:
2. Experience
3. No special interests (no axe to grind)
4. View the situation as an opportunity to create a new team
5. View the Land Use System as an asset to planning future
6. Tie land use into broader planning and direction
7. Strategic thinkers
8. Balance land use and land conservation
9. Proactive people
10. Geographic balance
Commissioner Cole stated the vacancies were advertised and legal obligations have been met. He stressed that the time line was very short. He asked the Commissioners to think about his ideas.
Serious, Chronic and Violent Offender Project: Debbie Bennett appeared before the Commissioners. The project was funded through a Byrne Grant which began the Community Resource Teams. It was established to provide kids coming out of home placement or secure facilities with a plan prior to their returning to the community. The project was pretty successful, just need to keep it going. Two grant applications will be submitted. The term of the grants are for two years. Mrs. Bennett wanted the Commissioners to be aware of the situation prior to sending off the applications.
Blue Mountain Humane Association: Director David Kerley appeared before the Commissioners. Mr. Kerley stated the mission of the Humane Association is education and operation of the animal shelter. He explained the land the shelter is located on was donated by a local rancher. Union County owns the buildings. The facility was opened in 1996. It was financed by the County until 1998. They have a contract with Union County for dog impoundment. The shelter has 12 kennels and two rooms for cats. The dog kennels are designed with inside and outside access. The facility has 6.5 acres that includes a dog walking area and enough land to pick-up impounded horses and mules. People are not charged for leaving animals with the shelter. The shelter is equipped with the only crematorium this side of Walla Walla. Mr. Kerley stated they are unable to retain staff. Cannot pay more than minimum wage. Last year, the shelter hired and lost 11 people. Last year, the shelter received 72 dogs and 109 cats from Baker County. These were private drop-offs. The total cost was $9,556. Funding of $2,500 would offset the cost. Mr. Kerley stated the adoption rate is approximately 50%.
Julie Phillips stated her reason for writing the initial letter notifying the Commissioners of the situation was to bring it to their attention. She would like to see a facility in Baker County. If the County is unable to maintain a facility, she would like the County to make an effort to assist the Blue Mountain Humane Association.
Commissioner Cole agreed that Baker County is getting a good deal right now. He stated the Commissioners will need to give some thought to what can be done. Need to take a holistic look at dog licensing.
Commissioner Britton stated that discussion will be had with the Sheriff=s Department.
Commissioner Cole thanked Mr. Kerley for appearing.
Foreclosed Property Sale: Sarah Johnston stated it has been a while since the last property sale. She stated the Commissioners need to decide on the properties, price, terms, and conditions. Once the decision is made, she will forward the information to the Sheriff. The Sheriff=s Office will make notification and conduct the auction.
Commissioner Britton stated that all properties listed should be sold. His fellow Commissioners agreed.
Order 2000-179: An Order Directing the Baker county Sheriff to Make Sale of County Property; Fixing the Minimum Price and Providing a Portion of the Conditions and Terms of Sale. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Order. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Sarah Johnston asked the Commissioners for the terms, conditions, and minimum bid.
The terms and conditions were explained by Sarah Johnston and Alice Durflinger. They are listed in Section D.3 of the Order. Commissioner Britton moved to accept the terms and conditions as set by County Counsel and the County Treasurer. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
The minimum bid will be as follows:
Ref No. 10962 $15,000
Ref No. 9485 $10,070
Ref No. 2453 & 15131 $ 6,700 (combined)
Ref No. 6227 $ 1,470
Ref No. 10789 $32,000
Ref No. 9171 $22,120
Ref No. 12248 & 12249 $ 3,210 (combined)
Planning Commission Vacancies:
Commissioner Cole stated an additional application was received after 10:00 am. It was received from John Howlett. Commissioner Cole and York stated there are others that have expressed interest. The Commissioners reviewed the current term expiration dates.
Sarah Johnston stated that the terms need to be staggered so terms don=t expire all at once.
Commissioner Britton suggested that they appoint three and leave three in the pool for selection on the 20th. He recommended appointing Eugene Stackle, Kim Lethlean, and Steve Brooks.
Commissioner York stated he wouldn=t mind appointing all six, but three will do. He understands that there may still be others out there, but didn=t have the time to apply.
Commissioner Cole stated the decision to advertise was made the previous week. With the short notice and the Labor Day Holiday, he doesn=t feel that enough time was given.
Commissioner Cole moved to appoint Eugene Stackle, Kim Lethlean, and Steve Brooks. The terms will be set as follows: Stackle exp. 09-01-04 Brooks exp. 09-01-04 Lethlean exp. 09-01-03 The Orders will be signed out of court. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. The remainder of the members will be appointed at the September 20, 2000 Session. The Commissioners directed the Executive Assistant to advertise the vacancies again. Motion carried unanimously.
Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Dunn
Executive Assistant to the Board of Commissioners