Minutes: Board of Commission Meeting, 06/09/2004 COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHAIR FRED WARNER, JR
COUNTY COMMISSIONER TIM L. KERNS COUNTY COMMISSIONER DR. CARL STIFF
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the June 9, 2004 Commission Session. Present were Commission Chair Fred Warner, Jr., Commissioner Tim L. Kerns, and Commissioner Carl E. Stiff.
Citizen's Participation:
Terry Drever Gee, Salmon Creek Road, Baker City, OR. Ms. Drever Gee, a member of the Forest Service Resource Advisory Council (RAC) gave a brief report on Baker County’s Title II monies. Ms. Drever Gee stated that the County had $84,118. The RAC would be meeting in April of 2005 to approve projects for the last round of funding—unless it was reauthorized. Ms. Drever Gee urged the Commissioners to become involved in the reauthorization process. Ms. Drever Gee added that the RAC members were up for reappointment and requested that the Commission write a letter on her behalf.
Review/Approval of Minutes:Commissioner Stiff moved to approve the May 19, 2004 minutes as presented. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Additions to the Agenda:
*Foreclosure Property
*Jail Physician
*Wingville Cemetery
*Contracts with AOC
Documents to be Signed: Easement with Oregon Trail Electric Coop: Commissioner Warner stated that the easement was requested so that OTEC could put in a line extension off of Deer Creek/Tamarack Road. Commissioner Stiff moved to grant the easement. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Addition to the Agenda: Wingville Cemetery: Commissioner Warner stated that the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries had awarded a grant in the amount of $1,250.00 for improvements to Wingville Cemetery. Commissioner Warner stated that some of the improvements would be fencing, gates, and education on repairing tombstones. The estimated cost of the total project was $5,000. Commissioner Kerns moved to accept the Grant Agreement CG 04-34. Commissioner Stiff seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Documents to be Signed: Resolution 2004-1029:Transfer Per 2003-04 Budget Document: Commissioner Warner stated that the transfer was a quarterly transfer from CCF to the Health Department in the amount of $23,643. Commissioner Stiff moved to approve Resolution 2004-1029. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Agreement with Marshall Lockwood for Wastewater Treatment: A staff report had been received from Ms. Lorrie Harvey, stating that the County had been contracting with Mr. Lockwood since 1996 for inspections at the lagoon in Sumpter. The Agreement would pay Mr. Lockwood $40/inspection and $.31/mile. Commissioner Stiff moved to accept the Agreement as presented with Mr. Lockwood. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Order No. 2004-150: Appointing a Member to the Local Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee (LADPC): Commissioner Warner stated that there were still several vacancies on the LADPC. An application had been received from Ms. Lori McNeil of New Directions NW. Ms. McNeil was serving as the prevention coordinator. Commissioner Kerns moved to approve Order No. 2004-150, appointing Ms. McNeil to the LADPC. Commissioner Stiff seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Addition to the Agenda: Jail Physician: Dr. Stiff stated that he had spoken with Bryan Braun, Physician Assistant to Dr. Charles Hofmann, and Mr. Braun was interested in filling the Jail Physician position. Commissioner Stiff stated that he had the training, liability insurance and backup coverage from Dr. Hofmann. Commissioner Warner questioned if Mr. Braun was qualified to go to the jail, perform the necessary services as a PA working under Dr. Hofmann. Commissioner Stiff stated that he could. Commissioner Kerns questioned if the County would need to go out to bid for the contract. Executive Assistant Robin Nudd stated that it was not necessary for the amount of the contract, however would double check.
Scheduled Business: Public Hearing on Naming of Roads: Sparta Recreation Lands.
Staff Report:
Evan McKenzie, Planner, was present before the Board of Commissioners. Mr. McKenzie stated that it was customary that once there were more than three homes on a road, that it needed to be named. The County had contracted those duties out, however in this case the private company had not done it. The Planning Department had mailed letters out to the property owners on the roads that had been identified in the Sparta Recreation Lands. Mr. McKenzie stated that the Planning Commission had no jurisdiction on this matter and it would be up to the Board of Commissioners to name the roads. Mr. McKenzie added that there would no cost to the landowners for the signs as the private company that should have handled it, had not.
Mr. McKenzie continued, stating that there were three roads in question. Road 1 had received the following suggestions: Ledge Creek and Ward Road. (Ledge Creek had received the most votes.) Road 2 had received the following suggestions: Surprise Spring Road, Kelly Lane and Fiocchi Ridge Road. Road 3 received the following suggestions: Weems Crossing, Berry Road, Ward Road and Kelly Lane.
Commissioner Warner opened the public hearing for the naming of roads on the Sparta Recreation Lands at 9:45 a.m.
Ms. Deb Boucher , resident of the Sparta Recreation Lands was present and stated that she preferred Ledge Creek, Surprise Springs, and Kelly Lane.
There was no additional public comments offered.
Commissioner Warner questioned if Ms. Boucher could foresee any problems with the three names. Ms. Boucher did not.
Commissioner Warner closed the public hearing on the Sparta Recreation Lands at 9:48 a.m.
Commissioner Stiff moved to name Road 1 Ledge Creek Road, Road 2 Surprise Spring Road, and Road 3 Kelly Road. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing on Naming of Black Mtn. and Skyline Acres:
Staff Report:
Mr. McKenzie stated that it was a similar situation—addresses were supposed to have been assigned and never were. In this case, there were a lot more roads and a lot more homeowners. Mr. McKenzie stated that there were a total of five roads that needed to be named.
Mr. McKenzie stated that there had been some misunderstandings on the Planning Department’s part in a letter that was sent requesting input on the names to all homeowners, not just the ones that actually lived on the road. Mr. McKenzie apologized that people thought they could name all of the roads. Mr. McKenzie stated that they had received between 15-20 suggested road names.
The following suggestions were made from people who owned property on the road. Road 1: Skyline Private Lane and Old Tressel Lane/Road. Road 2: China Camp Road. Road 3: Cougar Hollow Road. Road 4: Fossil Road. Road 5: Railway Road/Lane, Railroad Road/Lane, Coyote Creek Lane and Old Mill Road.
Commissioner Warner opened the public hearing on the naming of roads on Black Mtn. and Skyline Acres at 10:05 a.m.
Kip Carter, Rozanne Shanks, Robert Shanks and Bill Ellis stated that they were with a group of six that had met and collected suggestions for road names before they found out they could not name them all.
A brief discussion was held on what the residents had historically been calling the roads and the need for a sign on Forest Service Road 020 letting people know the names of roads further down.
Mr. Carter stated that he preferred Road 5 to be named Railway Road as it ran more north and south rather than east and west.
Commissioner Kerns questioned if there were other roads within the County with names similar to these suggestions. The Planning Office stated that they would double check before a decision was made.
Ms. Shanks questioned if a decision had been made on whether or not a sign would be put on Forest Service Road 020. Consensus was reached to look into the matter and talk to the Road Department.
Ms. Shanks added that much of the property in the area was gated and locked. How would the emergency responders be able to get to those people? Commissioner Warner advised either leaving the gates open, or making arrangements with the emergency/fire agencies.
Mr. Berry from the Planning/Assessor’s Office reported that there were no conflicting names to the ones suggested.
There was no additional public comments offered.
Commissioner Warner closed the public hearing at 10:20 a.m.
Commissioner Stiff moved to name Road 1 Old Tressel Lane, Road 2 China Camp Road, Road 3 Cougar Hollow Road, Road 4 Fossil Road and Road 5 Railway Road. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing: High Country Estates Subdivision.
Staff Report:
Shawn Berry, Planner, was present before the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Berry stated that the public hearing was being held to consider the matter of the High Country Estates subdivision, located on the west side of Brown Road, between Hunt Mtn. and Pine Creek. The applicant was Wayne Overton. The land in question was a 64.7 parcel zoned RR5. Mr. Overton was proposing to break it up into 13 five-acre parcels. Mr. Berry stated that the matter was coming before the Board of Commissioners because it was a subdivision and that a road into it needed to be named. The applicant had requested that the name of the road be High Country Lane. Commissioner Warner questioned if the road was wide enough for vehicles to turn around in. Mr. Berry stated that the size of the road had been approved by the Planning Commission and the Roadmaster. Mr. Berry proceeded by covering the conditions of approval.
Commissioner Stiff questioned if the Conditions of Approval were similar to other subdivisions. Mr. Berry stated that it was with the exception of the applicants CC&R’s.
Commissioner Kerns questioned what water right conditions would need to be met. Mr. Berry stated that the Watermaster would need to sign off on the conditions prior to the final plat being approved. Commissioner Kerns questioned what the Watermaster would be signing off on.
Mr. Overton stated that the Watermaster would be asking him to either delete the water rights from the land, have them go back instream, sell them, or add them to each property. Mr. Overton stated that he planned on having the water rights remain on each piece of property and would be providing the Watermaster with a complete rotation plan for the water.
Commissioner Warner opened the public hearing at 10:45 a.m.
Mike Ferguson questioned the fact that 13 five-acre parcels did not equal 64.7 acres. Mr. Berry stated that that was correct. The acreage was taken from Assessor’s maps. Those maps did not take into account roads. The final acreage amount would be determined on the final plat.
No additional public comment was offered.
Commissioner Warner closed the public hearing at 10:48 p.m.
Commissioner Stiff moved to accept the High Country Estates subdivision plat and the name of the sole road into the subdivision as High Country Lane. Commissioner Warner seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Berry concluded by reading the applicants his standard area rights per ORS.
Addition to the Agenda: Contracts with Association of Oregon Counties(AOC): Mr. Bob Cantine, Executive Director of AOC was present before the Board. Mr. Cantine announced that AOC was working hard to get facts into Congress regarding Title III funds. In the process of gathering information, AOC created a web-based system that could be aggregated at a federal, state and county level. One of the keys to the renewal of the safety net legislation was the healthy forest restoration act/community wildfire protection plan. Mr. Cantine stated that AOC was now asking that each county contribute to cover the cost of maintaining the software and staff. Mr. Cantine distributed a web service agreement listing the amount at $1,160.00. Mr. Cantine stated that counties could pay for this through their Title III funds. The next handout was on the community wildfire assessment software. Mr. Cantine stated that the software would do the planning for you. It would allow for better communication and lets homeowners see what areas they are in (high, med., low) and how to better protect their homes. Mr. Cantine distributed an additional agreement for a fire plan at the cost of $2,600.00. This would assist in the creation of a countywide fire plan and one community. Each additional community would cost $380.00. Commissioner Warner thanked Mr. Cantine and stated that he would be visiting with Baker County’s Hazard Mitigation Coordinator on the fire plans.
Scheduled Business: Housing Update: Margaret Davidson, Maggie LaMont and Mary Jo Carpenter were present before the Board. Ms. Davidson handed out information that had been gathered at their housing forum that was held in mid April 2004. Ms. Davidson stated that they had around 30 people from local government, realties, social service, renters, etc. Data that had been collected from the 2000 census was used and it showed that 50% of the homes in Baker were pre 1960. Sixty-eight percent of those were owned and 32% were rented. Ms. Davidson also reported that half of the renters were exceeding acceptable standards of rent and 24% of homeowners were exceeding acceptable standards for house payments.
Ms. LaMont stated that the group at the forum had come up with very useful suggestions. Ms. La Mont went over problems that they had identified and suggestions for solving them. Ms. La Mont felt that the forum was very successful.
Ms. Davidson stated that the forum had been lacking representation from landowners, bankers and employers and welcomed suggestions on who could be contacted to serve in these roles. One of the steps identified was to have a housing resource center or regional housing center. Ms. Davidson stated that Community Connections was interested in applying to become one. Essentially Community Connections, should it become a regional housing center, would serve as the focal point for housing information. Ms. Davidson stated that it was a federal program similar to the housing rehabilitation program. Ms. Carpenter announced that Community Connections of Baker County was already receiving calls on housing and being a regional center would make it more efficient. Ms. Davidson stated that the regional housing center would be four-county wide with one designated person probably in the central office.
Commissioner Warner agreed that the four counties were in need of a housing center. Commissioner Stiff stated that the big issue would be getting the information out to people. Commissioner Kerns questioned if the designated person could be housed in Baker City rather than in the central office in La Grande. Ms. Davidson stated that the location of the designated person could be reconsidered.
Ms. Davidson stated that because the regional housing center would be funded by a Community Development Block Grant, it was required that a government agency be the applicant. Ms. Davidson questioned if Baker County would be willing to serve in that capacity. Consensus was reached that Baker County would be the applicant for the Regional Housing Center.
Public Hearing: Housing Rehabilitation Grant.
Commissioner Warner opened the public hearing at 11:35 a.m.
Commissioner Warner announced that the public hearing was being held to receive input on the housing rehabilitation needs in Baker, Grant and Wallowa County.
Ms. Margaret Davidson, Executive Director of Community Connections of Northeast Oregon, gave a brief background on the housing rehabilitation program. Ms. Davidson stated that the three counties had been seeing quite a need for housing rehabilitation over the past years. Community Connections was in the process of applying for a $500,000 grant on behalf of Baker County. The grant would provide loans to low or moderate income homeowners in Baker, Wallowa and Grant County, primarily to make safety repairs. The loans would be repaid when the property exchanged hands. Once repaid, the funds would be loaned again. Ms. Davidson added that in preparation for the application, the County and Community Connections sent a letter to every homeowner in Baker County. They received 200 in return and saw this as an excellent sign. Outreach was still being done in Grant County and around 80 responses had been received from Wallowa County.
Ms. Davidson stated that she had received a letter from Bill and Colleen DeGraf out of Wallowa County. They could not attend but wanted their comments in the record. Ms. Davidson read the letter: In response to your mailing regarding public hearing on June 9th in Baker City my husband and I would like to take this opportunity to encourage and endorse the need for the housing rehab program. We have had a solar energy hot water unit for 22 years and it is now worn out and needs replacing. In line with energy conservation needs on senior citizens income we are very much interested in this program.
Commissioner Warner read three additional letters into the record from citizens that could not attend. They are as follows:
1)Susan McPherson, 470 4th Street, Baker City, OR: I think there is a great need for housing rehabilitation in Baker County. It not only helps people in our county, but also beautifies our cities and the tourist trade will notice. People in my situation would gladly fix their places up if they had the means. Since I don’t have the means this would help tremendously.
2)K. Monpas: I am in support of this program. Thank you.
3)J. Elbert Fisher, P.O. Box 6, Haines, OR: Yes, we are very interested in a housing rehabilitation program in Baker, Grant and Wallowa Counties. Regretfully a hearing loss, and the resulting comprehension would make it difficult to attend the meeting, so I am using this method to express an opinion. Elderly people who are on a fixed income have to watch their homes deteriorate without the ability or the funds to paint or put on siding or have a new roof installed. This program would be a godsend for us.
Ms. Victoria Carnahan, South Baker: Ms. Carnahan stated that she was interested in the program also. She was on a fixed income and did not have the physical ability to do the things needed to her home and couldn’t afford to hire someone on her own.
Ms. Amy Mitcka, representing daughter at 2641 11th street, Baker City, Oregon: Ms. Mitchka stated that her daughter was a first time homeowner and it would be a good opportunity for young people also.
Ms. Linda Robbins, 2450 3rd Street, Baker City, Oregon. Ms. Robbins stated that her husband had been ill and was disabled. Their house was in need of a handicap shower and access to the house. With a fixed income it was impossible for them to do these things and fix a roof that was on the verge of leaking.
Ms. Mary Jo Carpenter, Community Connections: Ms. Carpenter stated that even though there may be other similar programs out there such as rural development, they were not meeting the needs. Some people could not qualify for the programs and might be able to under this other grant. Ms. Carpenter gave examples of calls they had recently received on roofs, chimneys, foundations, ramps, etc. Many could not afford to fix them.
Commissioner Warner closed the public hearing at 11:45 a.m.
Addition to the Agendas: Foreclosure Property:Commissioner Warner stated that the sale was scheduled for the Friday, June 11, 2004 at 10a.m. County Counsel Kim Mosier was present and stated that she had heard concerns regarding the road through the Lime Plant and if it would remain public access. At this time there was no condition on the property that would ensure public access on the road should it be purchased. Commissioner Warner stated Roadmaster Helgerson was looking into the matter of whether or not it was a public road. Commissioner Warner stated that the Commissioners had two options: amend the order to pull the Lime Plant from the sale, or continue with the sale as is. Commissioner Warner stated that he believed the road had historically been a private road and any business would not want people going through it anyway. Commissioner Kerns added that he hated to put any additional restrictions on the road and that whoever bought it would need to work with anyone wanting access through the property.
Scheduled Business Special Transportation Fund Applications: Administrative Services Director Christena Cook was present before the Board. Ms. Cook stated that once a year the County advertised for applications for Special Transportation Funds. The County would be receiving $40,000—the same as the previous year. Two applications had been received from Community Connections and Step Forward. The Transportation/Traffic Safety Commission reviewed the applications and had recommended awarding the following: $23,750 to Community Connections, and $14,250 to Step Forward Activities. Commissioner Kerns moved to accept the Transportation/Traffic Safety Commission’s recommendation and to award $23,750 and $14,250 of Special Transportation Funds to Community Connections and Step Forward respectively. Commissioner Stiff seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussion Topics: Comparison of Calendars:
June 10th: ODFW Tour, ODFW Open House
June 11th: ODFW Commission, Eastern Oregon Rural Alliance
June 14th: EDC Meeting
June 16th: EO/DH Meeting, PERS, Needs and Issues
June 18th: ODOT Exit 306 Dedication
June 19th: Judge Cole Reception
June 22nd: Dept. of Energy Meeting
June 23rd: Commission Session
Scheduled Business: Adoption of the Solid Waste Management Plan: Commissioner Warner announced that due to public input given at the May 19, 2004 session, Section 3.5.3: Other Alternatives Not Listed, was added as well as Table 15 with monthly rates for weekly roll cart service.
Randy Joseph was present and delivered an updated version of Table 15. Mr. Joseph’s version also included verbiage describing Table 15 and a disclaimer from Baker Sanitary Service.
Commissioner Stiff moved to adopt the revised Baker County Solid Waste Management Plan. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Cultural Plan: Bob Evans, Secretary of the Cultural Planning Committee was present before the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Evans stated that the Planning Committee had began meeting in 2002 to develop an assessment an of Baker County’s culture. The Planning Committee had been charged with writing a plan that set priorities, measuring tools and benchmarks. Mr. Evans stated that there were two parts to the Cultural Trust. One was the grant funding available through the local Cultural Trust Committee and the other was a statewide grant. The statewide grants would require a significant in-kind match. Mr. Evans stated that the Planning Committee had developed a survey and distributed it throughout the county, on the library website and held an event at the St. Frances Church. Although they had a great response from Baker City residents, aged 45+, they lacked responses from the outlying areas and students. The Committee went in search for further input from the outlying areas by sending emails and a copy of the draft plan—only three more responses were received. Mr. Evans stated that the plan could be changed and that they had to start somewhere. Mr. Evan stated that of the $3,383.00 that the committee was awarded the first year, $1,407 remained. This could be carried forward or used for other cultural purposes. Once the County appointed members to the Baker County Cultural Trust Committee, and notified the state, the state would issue additional funds. Mr. Evan stated that the Cultural Plan called for representation from throughout the County including the Panhandle, Unity/Hereford, Haines, Huntington and Sumpter. Mr. Evans added that there were some of the Planning Committee members that were interested in applying to serve on Baker County’s Cultural Trust Committee.
Commissioner Warner questioned if the priority of developing an indoor theatre fit in with the Carnegie Library. Mr. Evans stated that an area within the library was being dedicated for theatric performances, however it could be anywhere—it didn’t have to be at Carnegie.
Commissioner Warner stated that he had read through the Plan’s priorities and strategies and they looked good. Commissioner Warner added that he was pleased to see that the Plan included working with the economic development people and advised finding a liaison. Commissioner Stiff added that the committee had done a great job and put in a lot of hours. Consensus was reached that the County would begin advertising for the members immediately.
Addition to the Agenda Foreclosure Property continued: Roadmaster Helgerson was present and stated that his office had been looking at historic maps and they had found nothing supporting public access on the road over the old Huntington Lime Plant. Roadmaster Helgerson stated that there had been an old homestead behind the plant and that some people had been using the road to get to their antennas on Morgan Mountain. Roadmaster Helgerson added that Lookout Road served as an alternative route to reaching the antennas.
Scheduled Business: Purchase of Backhoe: Roadmaster Helgerson was present before the Board. Accompanying the Roadmaster were Asst. Roadmaster Rick Holden and Nolan “Noodle” Perkins. Roadmaster Helgerson stated that “Noodle” had been doing a great job with the salesmen while in the process of purchasing the backhoe. Roadmaster Helgerson stated that the new backhoe would be four wheel drive. Roadmaster Helgerson stated that because the amount for the backhoe was under $75,000, state law did not require them to go through an official bid process. They collected three quotes on comparable machines from CAT, JCB and CASE. John Deere was contacted however they did not want to participate. JCB and CASE came in higher than CAT and JCB took it upon themselves to bid differently than what was asked. CASE had a included a 5 year, 5,000 hour warranty at a cost, whereas CAT had offered the same at no additional cost. Roadmaster Helgerson stated that they had ran all three machines and felt very comfortable with the 420-d CAT. CAT’s bid was for $69,966.00.
Commissioner Kerns questioned if he had considered an extend-a-hoe. Roadmaster Helgerson stated that they had, but were concerned about the brass/copper parts being weak and wearing out.
Commissioner Kerns moved to approve the purchase of a 2004 430-d CAT integrated tool carrier backhoe loader, at a bid price of $69,966.00. Commissioner Warner seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
STP Exchange Agreement: Roadmaster Helgerson stated that the agreement was for the 2004 year. Roadmaster Helgerson stated that he believed that the STP Exchange was one of the best programs that the state put forward. For every federal dollar exchanged, the Road Department would receive $0.94 of state funds. Those state funds would turn around and be used for the purchase of materials, rock, oil, etc. Roadmaster Helgerson added that the STP Exchange program was being questioned and next year’s money would be affected. Commissioner Stiff moved to accept the 2004 STP Exchange Agreement. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Economic Development Council Model: Commissioner Warner announced that the City of Baker City had adopted the model on May 25, 2004. The Commissioners had taken the matter up at their May 19th session and were readdressing it.
Jim VanDuyn, 14545 Angel Lane, Baker City, OR. Mr. VanDuyn stated that he had been before the Board two weeks prior with a large group of people and had asked the Commission to table their decision on the model. Mr. VanDuyn thanked the Commissioners for doing so. The group had went to the Baker City Council to ask them to reconsider expanding the EDC committee to include lodging representation. Mr. VanDuyn stated that apparently their testimonies fell on deaf ears, as the City Council voted to adopt Model 7—the original. Mr. VanDuyn stated that that option did not even make reference to BCU, it only showed tourism and marketing under TRT. Mr. VanDuyn stated that it was his understanding that BCU would be providing the tourism/marketing function for a period of time—subject to review. Mr. VanDuyn added that it was fine if the Commissioners were comfortable with the plan and that BCU would remain involved.
Commissioner Warner stated that the County backed BCU and the job that they had done. As a fairly new entity, BCU had challenges and would need to prove themselves on an on-going basis. The TRT Committee would work with BCU.
Commissioner Stiff moved to accept the draft proposal for the Baker County and Baker City EDC. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Discussion: Commissioner Kerns questioned the timeframe for reexamining the model. Commissioner Warner stated that the Board of Commissioners had the ultimate authority and controlled the economic development money. It could be changed down the road, however first the EDC and TRT needed to meet and then the TRT and BCU. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Stiff questioned what involvement BCU had with retail. Mr. VanDuyn stated that when the new board took over, it had been criticized that the TRT funds were not being spent correctly. BCU had since met with the TRT Committee and reported that they were taking internal steps to make changes. TRT funds were to be spent to increase TRT revenues (heads in beds)—state law required it. Commissioner Stiff questioned the good that it did to advertise for people to come to stay in Baker County when there were no businesses open for them to shop in. Mr. VanDuyn stated that HBC and BCU had been trying to educate retailers on the importance of keeping their doors open later and on weekends. Mr. VanDuyn added that BCU was in the process of setting up scholarships for 12 merchants to attend a retail boot camp.
Commissioner Kerns questioned what role the Eastern Oregon Visitor’s Association (EOVA) played. Mr. VanDuyn stated that BCU had been paying a fee and up to $25,000 a year for coop advertising. This year BCU decided that it could only support about $14,000 and believed that the rest of the money should be spent in the Boise area. Mr. VanDuyn added that there were other counties on EOVA’s website that paid no membership and were getting free advertising. BCU did not want to subsidize this activity, but agreed that EOVA would still receive 1% of the TRT funds.
Commission Session was adjourned: 3:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Nudd, Executive Assistant
Baker County Board of Commissioners