Board of Commissioners Meeting, June 7, 2000 9
COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHAIR, BRIAN D. COLE
COUNTY COMMISSIONER HOWARD C. BRITTON
COUNTY COMMISSIONER PAUL YORK
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
June 7, 2000
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the June 7, 2000 Commission Session. Present were Commission Chair Brian D. Cole, Commissioner Howard Britton, and Commissioner Paul York.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes for the May 17, 2000 Session and the May 24, 2000 Special Session (conducted during the City of Haines Town Hall) were available. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the minutes from both sessions. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Addition to Agenda:
- Regional Partnership Contract
- Memo from Realtor Board
Parole & Probation: Mr. Van Artsdalen first provided general information to the Commissioners. He stated that on July 19 and 20, 2000, the Oregon Association of Community Corrections Directors will meet in Baker City. Department of Corrections (DOC) has a new Assistant Director in charge of Community Corrections. His name is Frank Thompson. Thom Van Artsdalen stated that Frank Thompson would like to meet with the Commissioners.
Mr. Van Artsdalen referred to a prior memo sent to the Commissioners. DOC is implementing a new budget process. Funding for the Department of Parole and Probation will be based on a per head basis. There will be two tracts: people who are on post-prison supervision or parole and people who are on probation. For Baker County, the amount will be $8.11 per day, per person on average. Projected for 2001-2003 biennium, it will be a $40,000 increase over what Parole & Probation is receiving right now. The $40,000 amount is based on 1999 figures. Amount should go up slightly when based on 2000 figures.
Thom Van Artsdalen pointed out to the Commissioners that Community Corrections Funds, fund only felony cases. There is not funding for misdemeanor cases. Mr. Van Artsdalen stated that the County currently has 35 individuals with misdemeanor cases. Association of Oregon Counties has put misdemeanor funding on their AA@ list.
In the last year Parole & Probation has changed the way their revenue was reported. Money received from loans for sex offender treatment and evaluation, housing subsidy and food subsidy would be put into a miscellaneous revenue line, then back into the individual line. Thom was advised by Patrick Smith and Mona Goldbar to leave the revenue in the revenue line. Miscellaneous revenue proposed for next year is $2,000. It is under budget and should be increased by $5,000.
Thom Van Artsdalen indicated that the collection of DUII and supervision fees have been changing. In 1997, Parole & Probation collected $23,000. In 1998, $25,000 was collected. $22,000 was collected in 1999, and as of June 2 of this year, $26, 671 has been collected. Mr. Van Artsdalen indicated the process of collection is bringing in more dollars. DUII fees are required by the State. There are ore revenues coming in, than what was projected.
Mr. Van Artsdalen stated he would prefer to reduce service and supplies (used to pay for treatment for offenders). He believes that a tax-paying citizen is more important than the person receiving the treatment that they pay for anyway. Mr. Van Artsdalen would rather use the money for his staff. The offender needs to be more able to find their own money to pay fees. A&D treatment is $2,500. Previously, beds were purchased at Baker House for the offenders. The Oregon health Plan (OHP) now allows medical cards to be used for treatment. Mr. Van Artsdalen would like the line reduced to $500 since the medical card can now be used to pay for beds.
Mental Health is used, primarily for sex offender treatment. Parole & Probation has been loaning the money to the offender, then allow them to pay it back. Need to reduce that amount and put more responsibility on the offender.
Mr. Van Artsdalen explained to the Commissioners what is required of his staff member. Her day is spent in front of the computer, loading information regarding the offenders. DOC pays for part of the computer time. The Office Manager also does things for the County that Parole & Probation does not receive funding. She assists CASA with criminal history checks. Parole & Probation has the only system in the County that is capable of criminal history checks. She also assists the DA with criminal history checks. The Office Manager also generates agendas and mailing for LPSCC. Mr. Van Artsdalen stated that if staff is cut to 2 time, Parole & Probation will need to cut the assistance for CASA, DA and LPSCC. Wand Brady also assists Child Support Enforcement and Juvenile.
Commissioner Cole thanked Mr. Van Artsdalen for the information he provided. Commissioner Cole stated he had one question for Mr. Van Artsdalen. He wanted to know how much of a caseload Mr. Van Artsdalen carries and how busy he is.
Thom Van Artsdalen stated his hours are 45+ per week. He is working full-time attempting to manage the program. He currently handles 20 cases.
Commissioner York stated he believed Mr. Van Artsdalen had done a good job in finding the funds to keep the position.
Juvenile: Debbie Bennett provided documents to the Commissioners showing caseloads compared to other counties the size of Baker. The documents show that Baker County has the highest juvenile arrest rate in the State. Arrest rates are 1000 juveniles per year, based on a five year average.
Mrs. Bennett stated that the Juvenile Department is completely dependent on General Fund money. The department does not receive assistance from the State. She stated she couldn=t adjust money, there isn=t iany room in the budget.
Debbie Bennett indicated what the reduction in staff would effect. The Juvenile Department receives $9,600 for the youth investment services through Commission on Children and Families. They will not be able to manage the contract and will lose the $9,600.
Mrs. Bennett indicated that her caseload is fairly high at this time. Baker County Juvenile Department carries about the same caseload as Union County. Baker County has one less counselor.
Mrs. Bennett stated the department has been working well with the schools but they will be unable to continue. She advised that the department could use one more employee. With the loss of the half-time position there will be a huge decrease in what can be done.
Debbie Bennett stated that with the decrease, the department could lose the credibility they have developed. At this time, the youth of the County can anticipate someone will be after them. The counselors won=t be able to track juveniles with the decrease in staff. She is also concerned that the department won=t be able to get the pending cases to court on time.
Commissioner York asked if there was any possibility of revenue increasing. He asked if the supervision fees should be increased.
Mrs. Bennett stated any increase would be up to the County Court. It could be changed. Some counties charge monthly fees.
Debbie Bennett stated that kids are more difficult than they used to be. She stated we need to keep them out of trouble and get the crime rate down. Especially down from the highest in the State.
Julia Woods asked to speak to the Commissioners. She stated she had heard that instead of layoffs, the various positions would not be filled after a job quit or retirement. Mr.s Woods asked about the Office Specialist position in the Commissioners office.
Commissioner Cole stated that the Office Specialist position no longer exists. There will be an Economic Development Assistant position, funded by the City.
Julia Woods stated that the Commissioners should consider restricting the Elected Officials to a 2.5% increase in pay. The increase would be the same as the Department Heads.
Commissioner Cole pointed out that there is a system in place that sets the salaries. He respects that system. For union employees, it is through the union negotiation process. The Commissioners respect that contract. The Compensation Board studies what other Elected Officials make and set salaries accordingly.
Public Hearing - Comprehensive Plan: commissioner Cole opened the Public Hearing. He asked for input from the audience.
Dean Brickey asked if there were any substantial changes made to the Plan.
Bill Searles stated that all that is being accomplished at this time is to codify and reformat the Plan. It will be easier to understand and use in the future. He stated that he had met with Commissioner Britton and addressed his concerns. Commissioner Britton was concerned with Goal 8 and the destination resort information in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Searles stated it is in the Plan, but can=t be implemented due to appeal. It can be taken out and then adopted later.
Commissioner Cole asked about Goal 9. He stated that some of the information is 15 to 20 years old. He asked if there will be other hurdles if the Plan is adopted now.
Bill Searles stated that it would be easier. Can gather factual information and put it in later.
Commissioner Cole asked for further testimony. He closed the hearing when no further testimony was received.
Commissioner Britton moved to adopt the reformatted Comprehensive Plan without the Destination Resort part of Goal 8. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Searles stated he will plan to have the Ordinance available for the Commissioners at the first session in July.
Proposal of Intergovernmental Agreement: Dave Clemens stated the proposal is to enter into an agreement with Union county for part-time Weed Supervisor services. Looking at ways to cut costs with the budget cuts. County counsel created the agreement. The cost would be about $8,000 to cover the cost. The position would be for up to 16 hours per week for four months. The position would begin as soon as both Counties have signed. Mr. Clemens stated he is asking for the Commissioners approval.
Commissioner Cole moved to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement between Baker and Union County for Vegetation Management. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Documents to be signed:
Resolution 2000-1038: Alice Durflinger stated a new Resolution requires the Commissioners signatures due to a change in the grant amount. Commissioner Cole read the Resolution. Commissioner York moved to approve the Resolution. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Amendment #2 to Mineral Exploration Lease: commissioner Britton moved to approve Amendment #2 to Minerl Exploration Lease between Baker County and Boise Cascade. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Contract Boating Safety and Law Enforcement Services: commissioner Cole stated the contract is between the State Marine board and Baker County Sheriff=s Office. Commissioner York moved to approve the Contract. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing - Building Fee Increases: Larry Rockenbrant and don Palmer represented the Baker City Building Department. Mr. Rockenbrant stated the proposal of fee increases came about when developing the budget. The Building Department has been lagging in revenues for several years. Mr. Rockenbrant stated they started looking at all their programs they administer. The fee increase would be for mechanical programs and manufactured home programs. The increase would be 100% for the City and 200% for the County.
Larry Rockenbrant stated that inspections for manufactured homes are a minimum of three. Generally the problem is consumer complaints. Anything from the interior trim not right from factory, to se-up installer not doing their job. Complaints for manufactured homes are 20 to 1 versus site built homes.
Mr. Rockenbrant stated the mechanical permits are where the Building Department fairs the worst. He stated that a $6 permit for a resident in Unity doesn=t cover the cost of gas to drive there.
Commissioner Britton asked if the City doesn=t perform the inspections, would the State do them?
Larry Rockenbrant confirmed that the State would inspect if the City doesn=t. Instead of weeks, the delay in inspections could be months.
Sarah Johnston stated that the Commissioners should consider the amendment to the IGA first. The amendment allows the City and the County to agree on a fee increase. They have to come to an agreement on the increase.
Amendment #1 to IGA for Building Inspection Duties: Commissioner Cole moved to approve Amendment #1 to the Intergovernmental Agreement between Baker City and Baker County. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Rockenbrant advised that the increases were published in the newspaper. He has not received negative comments. He stated the increases have been discussed with contractors in the area, and have not received negative comments from them either. Contractors recognize the need for the increase.
Jasper Coombes, 43579 Old Foothill Road, Richland: Mr. Coobes strongly opposes the fee increase. He stated he is currently setting-up a manufactured home on his property. Mr. Coombes suggested that a serious look be taken at the whole system. He is critical of the system, not the people in it. He believes the fees need to be lowered or even deleted.
Mr. Coombes addressed Mr. Rockenbrant=s comment about no negative comments from the contractors. Mr. Coombes stated the contractors don=t care. They will still receive their money.
Mr. Coombes stated that in putting a manufactured home on his land, he has had to visit the Planning Office eight times, DEQ six times, and the Road Department once. He stated six permits have been approved and he has four more to go.
Mr. Coombes believes the inspections should be only those that are necessary. He stated if the house falls down, that=s his business. Mr. Coombes stated that they need to look at public needs not wants. Recognize property rights.
Mr. Coombes stated, if there are fee increases they should be the same for the City and the County. Mr. Coombes thanked the Commissioners for their time.
Charlotte Coombes, 43579 Old Foothill Road, Richland: Mr. Coombes stated she appreciates the information on the fee schedules. She pointed out to the Commissioners that she has already paid out many hundreds of dollars in permits, and she still doesn=t have her house.
Ms. Coombes asked that the majority not be taxed for the problems of a few. She stated that the County needs to look at the planning and efficiency before raising the fees. Ms. Coombes thanked the Commissioners for their time.
Don Palmer thanked Jasper and Charlotte Coombes for their comments regarding being critical of the system and not the people. He stated the taxpayers should not have to pay for the fees. The inspections are a public safety issue should the home be sold.
Charlotte Coombes asked that a public hearing be held in the evening. She knows of three other people that would have attended, however they had to work.
Larry Rockenbrant stated that a public hearing will be held in the evening of June 13 and June 27 at the Baker city Hall. The meetings will start at 7:30 p.m.
Commissioner Cole stated that the County will hold any decision until after the public hearings and a response from the City. He would like to have an explanation as to why the rates are being split. Will table until the June 21, 2000 session.
Commissioner Cole closed the public hearing.
Hells Canyon National Recreational Area Comprehensive Management Plan: Elaine Kohrman provided briefing packets to the Commissioners. She stated the comment period for the draft ends June 20, 2000. The Plan just needs to be amended. Ms. Kohrman stated there are seventeen sections in the Act, section seven is the most important. One through six are primarily conservation maintenance and protection objectives. Section seven is the utilization and management of timber harvest and grazing.
Ms. Kohrtman stated there have been eight meetings so far. She has yet to meet with Wallowa County and the Nez Perce tribe.
The Commissioners agreed they like the Plan. Commissioner cole stated the Commissioners will draft a letter stating their support prior to the deadline.
Documents to be signed:
Professional Services Agreement for School Based Health Care Officer: an agreement between Baker County and Carl Stiff, M.D. Commissioner York moved to approve the Agreement for School Based Health Care Officer. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Professional Services Agreement for Health Department Supervisor: An agreement between Baker County and Dr. Carl Stiff. Commissioner York moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Professional Services Agreement for Baker County Health Officer: An agreement between Baker County and Carl Stiff, M.D. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Professional Services Agreement for Certified Waste Water Treatment Operator: An agreement between Baker County and Marshall Lockwood. Commissioner Cole moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Professional Services Agreement for Public Defender: An agreement between Baker county and Kathleen Bergland. She asked for a 2.5% COLA increase. Commissioner York moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Professional Services Agreement for Domestic Relations Mediators: To be signed out of court. Sarah Johnston stated the contractor has not signed yet. Was advertised for a year ago. Lynn Johnson from Mountain View Therapy Center applied. Ms. Johnson has a Masters Degree in social work, has the subject knowledge requirements and two years of counseling experience. She needs to complete the basic mediation curriculum, the domestic relation mediation curriculum, and six domestic relation mediations. Sarah Johnston stated the information was given to Circuit Court. Judge Pope approved the application. The County would include a provision requiring her to complete the missing elements within the next year. Commissioner York moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Canvass Votes for Sparta Fire District and Vector Control: Julia Woods asked the Commissioners to review the votes for accuracy.
Commissioner Britton moved to approve the results of the Vector Control District. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Cole stated the Sparta Fire District passed 10 to 9.
Documents to be signed:
Order 2000-154, Creating the Sparta Rural fire Protection District: commissioner York moved to approve the Order. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Cancellation of Water Right: Commissioner Britton stated the water right is under a road that was deeded to the County. Commissioner Britton moved to approve.
Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Fund Exchange Agreement: Sarah Johnston stated all the language is fine. Commissioner Cole moved to approve the agreement between Baker County and the State of Oregon. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Order 2000-148: Appointing a Member to the Self Directed individual Family Advisory Board. This appointment will be for Sheri Koeff. Commissioner Cole moved to approve the Order. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Order 2000-149: Appointing a Member to the Self directed individual Family Advisory Board. This appointment will be for Mary Jo Carpenter. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Order. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Order 2000-151: Appointing a Member to the Fair board advisory Committee. This appointment will be for Robert Borgen. Commissioner Cole moved to approve the Order. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Order 2000-152: Appointing a Member to the Baker county Weed Control Committee. This appointment will be for Craig Ward. Commissioner York moved to approve the Order. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Sheriff=s Office: Sheriff terry Speelman explained the programs the Deputy=s are in charge of. He stated Deputy Swiger is assigned to the Narcotics Enforcement Team. He is also responsible for serious complex crimes in the child abuse investigations. Deputy fisher is assigned to the D.A.R.E program, community policing, neighborhood watch programs and he is evidence and property room officer. Deputy Weir is an outpost position in the panhandle area. Sheriff Speelman stated that leaves Deputy Gorrell, Deputy Bass, deputy Bryant and Deputy Kirby to serve civil papers, answer calls for service, and patrol those problem areas as needed.
Sheriff Speelman stated the elimination of Deputy Kirby will reduce the Sheriff=s Office ability to provide patrol servies by approximately 25%.
Sheriff Speelman stated that more people are purchasing property outside the City. The Sheriff=s Office needs to give the residents of the County the perception of a safe and secure environment.
Commissioner Cole stated that throughout his campaign for Commissioner chair, he did not receive any complaints regarding the Sheriff=s Office. He believes the Sheriff=s Office is committed to the citizens of Baker County.
Lt. Reg Madsen, OSP: Lt. Madsen stated that with a reduction in deputies, it would have a direct impact on transportation safety services. He stated there is already too much road for nine troopers. With a reduction in Sheriff=s Office services, OSP would have to respond. Lt. Madsen stated OSP is already devoting 600 hours a year in responding to calls for the Sheriff=s Office. He is concerned with back-up response. It is bad now and would get worse.
Lt. Warren Thompson read a letter, which he submitted to the Commissioners. Lt. Thompson has asked other jails about re-structuring. He stated other counties are using technicians in the control rooms. Lt Thompson stated the State inspector recommended fifteen officer, to have enough staff on hand to take care of emergency situations. Lt. Thompson stated the type of inmate is changing. Today the inmates refuse to follow the rules and it takes more to get them to follow the rules.
Commissioner Cole stated that on a number of occasions he has heard great compliments about Lt. Thompson=s managerial skills. He advised that the Commissioners have a tough decision to make. He asked that Lt. Thompson not take any cuts personally.
Sheriff Speelman pointed out the Lt. Thompson has been active in writing State jail procedures. He feels it is important that a small jail in Eastern Oregon is involved in writing standards for the State.
Document to be signed:
Order 2000-153: Appointing a Member to the Baker County Fair Board. Commissioner cole stated two people (Gina Perkins and Fred Cockram) have submitted requests for appointment.
Commissioner Britton stated he would support re-appointing Fred Cockram to the Fair Board. It could cause some problems replacing him. Commissioner Britton stated the Commissioner might consider increasing the size of the Fair Board.
Commissioner York stated Fred Cockram is the one for the job, especially in the transition period. Possibly talk to the Fair Board members about expanding. Commissioner York moved to approve the appointment of Fred cockram to the Fair Board. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion.
Commissioner Cole stated his vote is for Gina Perkins.
Motion carried 2 aye and 1 nay for Fred Cockram.
Tussock Moth Questions: Dave Schmidt appeared before the Commissioners to answer any questions they might have regarding the tussock Moth Spraying. He stated the forest Service had started cocoon sampling on May 8, 2000. The sampling is completed. Mr. Schmidt displayed a map showing the various zones that will be sprayed. He stated that the TM bio-control will be used until critical, then Btk will be used to finish the job. Mr. Schmidt was able to show the various stages of the Tussock Moth to the Commissioners. He stated they expect to start spraying June 13, 2000. Mr. Schmidt stated a complaint had been filed, and the Forst Service has 60 days to respond.
Document to be signed:
Order 2000-155: Substandard Parcel Sale. Commissioner Britton stated there are two parcels. Both parcels have a value of less than $5,000. One is 6/10 of an acre with a market value of $10. The other parcel is 18.4 acres near Love Reservoir. It has a market value of $1,470. Commissioner Britton suggested the County set the low bid at $10 for the first parcel, and $1,500 for the second parcel. Commissioner Britton moved to approve Order 2000-155. Commissioner cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Deadline for bids will be July 31, 2000.
Addition to Agenda:
Regional Partnership Contract: commissioner Cole stated that in Haines the Commissioners authorized Commissioner Cole to sign an agreement putting Baker/Morrow County Partnership together. He stated there are two agreements that needed to be approved in advance of the State sending the region $25,000. The second agreement has to do with the State knowing who is the fiscal agent. Commissioner Cole stated that Morrow county would serve as fiscal agent. He stated the State will not be able to move fast enough. Sheila Scheinberg has not been paid for her services. Commissioner cole stated the Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corporation has said they will cover the cost. GEODC has asked to be the fiscal agent to move it forward. Commissioner Cole stated he approved the agreement between Morrow County, Baker County, and the GEODC. Commissioner Britton moved to ratify the agreement. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
District Attorney: Matt Shirtcliff represented the district Attorney=s Office. Mr. Shirtcliff stated that he would like to take office with two Deputy DA=s. He stated that James Monsebroten gave notice today. The Deputy DA is an entry-level position. The Deputy DA would come in at approximately $30,000. Mr. Shirtcliff may not be able to fill the position until fall. He can=t confirm that the DA=s Office will continue with the same level of success with fewer people.
Mr. Shirtcliff suggested a second tier system. Start a Deputy DA at tier one, then move up after a couple of years. He stated they are training Deputy DA=s that are then leaving. He stated they leave because they top out on the pay scale.
Mr. Shirtcliff reminded the Commissioners of Greg Baxter=s proposal. They would still like to see County Counsel located in the District Attorney=s Office. He stated there would be big savings in the proposal. He stated, by bringing Sarah Johnston in the DA=s Office, they would be getting everything they want. Mr. Shirtcliff would like the Commissioners to think about the proposal.
Telecommunications Services Agreement: Bill Lee approached the Commissioners with information on the Intergovernmental Services Agreement. He stated there would be a cost savings of $71 per month. The T1 line would be used instead of the phone line. The Courthouse would have high-speed internet access. T1 is over a megabyte per second. Mr. Lee stated that the State is looking at putting a fiber optics line in the Courthouse in the future. He stated the County has 45 days to exit the agreement.
Documents to be signed:
Intergovernmental Agreement for Telecommunications Services: Commissioner Cole moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Professional Services Agreement for Domestic Violence and General Investigative Services: An agreement between Baker County and David Pollentier. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Map Maintenance Agreement: An agreement between the Oregon Department of Revenue and Baker County. Commissioner Cole moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussion topics:
Scheduling conflicts with Collaborative Team Process: Commissioner Cole stated the impression he is getting is the County needs to participate in the Collaborative Team meetings. He feels he needs to be there. Three of the meetings are on Commission Meeting days. He asked the Commissioners if the sessions could be moved forward or back a day. Commissioners Britton and York agreed.
The September 6, 2000 session will be moved to September 5, 2000 along with the Elected Official and Department Head meeting.
The October 18, 2000 session will be moved to October 19, 2000.
The December 6, 2000 session will be moved to December 5, 2000 along with the Elected Official and Department Head meeting.
Economic Development Funding for Relationship-based Business Recruitment Initiative: Commissioner Cole stated a commitment has been received from Morrow County and the Port of Morrow for their match. Commissioner York stated it seems worthwhile to him. Commissioner Britton agreed. Commissioner Britton moved to allocate $2,500 to Relationship-based business Recruitment Initiative. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
DLCD Grant for TMMSA Mediation: Sarah Johnston stated Bill Searles wrote the letter to apply for the grant. It has been sent. She stated they have not received word yet. Commissioner Britton asked if there has been any remand on the Site Plan. Sarah Johnston stated it is on hold until after the mediation.
Letter from the President of the Baker County Board of Realtors: Sarah Johnston stated if the public has any concerns regarding the planning Department, the concerns should be addressed to the Board of Commissioners. She stated it is the Commissioners job to be the buffer between the departments and the public. Mr. Johnston stated it would not be very productive to have Realtors on a committee for Planning. She stated the Realtors are not trained in Planning. Commissioner Britton stated he will talk to the Board of Realtors. He will suggest they create a committee among themselves and then meet with him.
911 Contract: Commissioner York asked about the 911 contract. Sarah Johnston stated she has not heard back from the City since Commissioner Cole wrote the letter. She stated the payments are in question. They need to be discussed.
Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Dunn
Executive Assistant for the Board of Commissioners