Board of Commission Meeting, February 2, 2000 Page 6
COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHAIR, BRIAN D. COLE
COUNTY COMMISSIONER HOWARD C. BRITTON
COUNTY COMMISSIONER PAUL YORK
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
February 2, 2000
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the February 2, 2000 Commission Session. Present were Commission Chair Brian D. Cole, Commissioner Howard Britton, and Commissioner Paul York.
Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Britton moved to approve the January 19, 2000 minutes. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Additions to Agenda:
B NACO Convention (March 3-7): It was decided that the Commissioners would not attend
B NuWave Communications
B Sub-Standard Parcels, Order #2000-104
B Owners Representative, Armory & CSB
National Forest Counties & Schools Coalition: Commissioner Cole stated that Baker County is a member, but has not paid any dues. The recommended dues are .0033 of the 1997 Forest Reserve receipts for Baker County, which would be approximately $1,700. Ken Helgerson, Roadmaster, stated that he felt this was important and would be willing to give some out of his budget toward the dues. Commissioner Britton moved to take $1,000 out of line 101-101-5-20-6120 and see what the Road Department can give also (it was stated that the $1700 is only a recommended amount). Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Notice Procedure: It was stated that legally, the Board of Commissioners need only put public notices in the paper of record (which is the Record Courier), although they are also published in the Baker City Herald and Hells Canyon Journal. Due to the numerous public notices this year, the budget line has been exceeded. Therefore, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to publish only in the Record Courier, but send notices Afor information only@ to the other two papers. Commissioner Cole stated that he would write a letter to the newspapers explaining our policy.
Friends of Brownlee: Mike Nelson, president of the Friends of Brownlee, came before the Commissioners to give an update on the process they have made toward raising the water levels on the Brownlee Reservoir. Mr. Nelson stated that since the meeting with the Commissioners and representatives of the Army Corp of Engineers, National Marine and Fisheries Service, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and Idaho Power, he has been in frequent contact with the all entities, including the Army Corp Tactical Management Team. Mr. Nelson stated that he wrote a letter to ODFW in December and is waiting for a response (he sent a second copy of the letter recently). Mr. Nelson stated that their numbers grow daily and Friends of Brownlee is setting up booths in the ensuing weeks in Idaho and Oregon to Aget the word out@ and acquire new members. Mr. Nelson stated that the Friends of Brownlee is very concerned with the weed issue in the Reservoir and would like to come before the Commissioners at a later date and discuss this issue.
Mosquito Levy: Sarah Johnston, County Counsel, stated the election would be to raise $140,000 per year for three years, on top of the permanent tax levy that will continue. This will be on the May 16, 2000 ballot. Gordon Colton, Vector Control Board, stated that the reason for the three year levy request is to see what results will occur if given these funds over a three year period. Kent Bailey and Tony Constantine were also present. Commissioner Cole moved to approve Order #2000-120, in the matter of referral of Vector Control Local Option Tax for three fiscal years: 2000-2001, 2001-2002, and 2002-2003 to the Baker County Vector Control District electorate, and to approve the ballot title as: Three-Year Local Option Tax for Vector Control General Operations, to be signed out of Commission Session. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Hewitt/Holcomb Park Contractor: Larry Taylor, Parks Director, stated that the Parks and Recreation Board reviewed the three bids for Hewitt/Holcomb Park Contractor and recommended the Commissioners select Mr. Brashler as the contractor. Mr. Brashler=s proposal indicated that he and his wife would be primarily in charge of maintenance of the park and have arranged with Virgil Radcliff to be the live-in host of the park. Jerry Dennis, a local resident of Richland, will be the primary maintenance man. It was stated that all would be CPR qualified. Commissioner York moved to accept Marvin Bud Brashler=s bid for $30,000 for the Management and Minor Maintenance of Hewitt and Holcomb Park, Richland, Oregon. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Commissioner York stated that he has received good reports regarding Mr. Brashler from people in the valley which included comments of his good working relationship with people in the community and a letter of support from the Mayor of Richland. Mr. Brashler has resided in Richland for four years. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bob Stanley, who also submitted a proposal and was present at the meeting, questioned, >If revenues or expectations aren=t up to expectations, will the park be put out to bid again next year?@ Sarah Johnston stated that the Commissioners will see how it goes, listen to the public, and make a determination after a period of time. Nancy Gover, Richland resident, stated that the City of Richland is trying to become involved and will be coming to the Parks Board with recommendations of their own. Mr. Stanley stated he would like to talk with Ms. Gover and also stated that he is looking forward to next year. Commissioner Cole thanked Mr. Stanley for his interest.
Announcement: Larry Taylor stated that he had received a letter of resignation from the Parks Board from Chair, Gary Hammond, and will be advertising for a new member. Mr. Taylor also stated that February 8 at 4:00 p.m. the Parks Board will be going through a re-organization process.
Addition to Agenda: Ruth Whitnah, CCF Director, introduced Joan Thompson, Health Educator with the School and Communities Health Program. Ms. Thompson stated her job is to make sure counties are using the money from Ballot Measure 44 appropriately for education in regard to tobacco. Ms. Thompson cited several cities in Oregon that are proposing a tobacco-free ordinance, stating that the Baker City Council will hear an ordinance in regard to this, and hopefully put on the ballot.
Hewitt/Holcomb Park, continued: Commissioner Cole moved to approve Order #2000-121, accepting Mr. Brashler=s proposal, to be signed this afternoon. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Technology Update: Patrick Smith and Bill Lee of Administrative Services came before the Commissioners to answer questions posed from the January 19 session as follows: 1) location of scanners will be: Assessor=s office, Clerk=s office, and Justice Court. 2)Staffing of digital imagers: All three departments stated that their plan was to use existing staff for digital imaging; however if they do retroactive archiving, they would need to think about additional staff. 3) Bid process: It was stated that Sarah Johnston is comfortable with the bid process and recommended to use informal bid process for digital imager. The total estimated cost for the 12-month technology plan is $63,870, which, stated Mr. Smith, fits within the available funding. Commissioner Britton recommended to proceed with the purchase of the AS400 and bring bids back on February 16 for the digital imager.
Juvenile Detention Center Update: Commissioner York stated that the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSSC) is close to 100% in favor of proceeding with the Juvenile Detention Center. The question is how will the center be funded once it is built? The next step, stated Commissioner York, would be to advertise for RFPs for design architect. Debbie Bennett, Juvenile Department Director, is researching the possibility of prison labor to help build. Commissioner Britton asked Commissioner York to bring information back to the Commissioners regarding location, operating costs, and moving the Juvenile Department to the Detention Center, once built.
Budget Transfers in the Road Department: Ken Helgerson, Road Master, came before the Commissioners with the following requests: 1) that only $8,250 be transferred to Transportation Fund from Road Department ($10,000 budgeted to transfer); 2) that $25,000 not be transferred from the Road Department Fund to the Leave and Unemployment Fund; and 3) that $30,000 not be transferred from Road Department Fund to General Department Fund. Mr. Helgerson stated that he does not want any transfers to be made from his fund. Tabled until later in session (later, this was rescheduled to the February 16 Commission meeting).
New Directions Northwest: Bart Murray, Director of NDN, requested Baker County be the Afiscal agent@ for a grant for new monies that are being made available from the state for alcohol and drug treatment. Mr. Murray stated that there is a short time line to submit the application. Total funding is $3 million for treatment enhancement. Mr. Murray stated NDN=s request is for treatment enhancement and rent assistance. Mr. Murray stated that he did not know how much of the $3 million could go to Baker County, but that 40% of the grant is based on collaboration and NDN has Partnership II in support. Mr. Murray stated that NDN is writing the request now and will have draft ready for review. Mr. Murray stated he would need a letter from the County stating that the County has not tried to stop anyone from submitting a proposal, since the funds will come through the County. Mr. Murray will bring draft Monday morning for Sarah Johnston=s review. Commissioner Cole directed Mr. Murray to proceed as planned.
Pine Valley Grange Hall Request: Ralph Smead and Mr. Davis of Halfway, came before the Commissioners and presented a request for video poker dollars to help toward the completion of the Pine Valley Grange Hall. Mr. Smead stated that the kitchen has donations of equipment as matching in-kind items. The total cost of items to reach completion is $10,412. Commissioner Cole stated that in the future, the Baker/Morrow Regional Partnership will be a source of potential revenue. Commissioner York moved to fund $2,500 from video poker for the Pine Valley Grange. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Fairground/Armory Proposal: One proposal was received from E.D. Hovee & Company for $20,000 for the Fairgrounds and Armory/Conference Center business plans, which stated he could complete the project by February 29, 2000. Commissioner Cole stated that the intent would be to have the business analysis done by that date also. Commissioner Cole moved to accept the offer from E.D. Hovee and Company for $20,000 as per Order #99-2019. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Commissioner Britton stated that, as a member of the Fairgrounds and Sizing Task Force, he has met Mr. Hovee and that he was very impressive and seemed easy to work with. The proposal was the only one received and had excellent references. Mr. Hovee has done work in Baker County before to the County=s satisfaction. Motion carried.
Order #2000-121, in the matter of accepting a proposal to provide management services at Hewitt and Holcomb Parks in Baker County, Oregon. Order signed.
Order #2000-120, In the matter of referral of Vector Control Local Option Tax for three fiscal years: 2000-2001, 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 to the Baker County Vector Control District electorate. Order signed.
Thunder Mountain Motor Speedway (TMMS) Public Hearing: Commissioner Cole read the rules for the public hearing and stated that this is the day for those opposed to the application to give their testimony.
Bill Searles, Planning Department, stated that there are four issues that will be responded to from the last hearing: 1) elk habitat; 2) wildfire; 3) road; and 4) BLM lands. Mr. Searles stated that testimony regarding DEQ regulations for noise also will be taken. Mr. Searles stated, in answer to a question regarding the EIS, that TMMS submitted information regarding the EIS in the original application packet and copies are available in Planning.
Commissioner Cole stated that the deadline for submitting any other written documents is Wednesday, February 9 at 5:00 p.m.
Public Testimony:
Alice Sanders: read her written letter that stated that she wanted to address the wildlife issue and the wildfires. 1) wildlife: Alice stated that because there are no accurate maps, she does not feel there is enough information to assume the area is not a wildlife area and that she has seen bald eagles, red tail hawks, and golden eagles nesting by or near the property, and she feels TMMS would disturb them. 2)wildfire: Ms. Sanders stated that it was stated that there would be a water tank available with trained volunteers. Ms. Sanders stated that with the 18,750 pounds of held water, the truck would be a "big fat dinosaur" that can go nowhere. Ms. Sanders stated she would also like to register an objection to the way DEQ regulations were passed through without being able to ask questions at the last session.
Dan Brassard: stated that on December 15 he submitted a letter outlining his concerns and one was the spread of wildfire. Mr. Brussard stated that TMMS only providing a water truck on site is very negligent -- so much so, stated Mr. Brassard, that "we are going to go through a real life exercise" to demonstrate. Mr. Brassard stated that he has been an incident commander, and operation section chief in numerous fires from Washington to Alaska, in the public and private sector, with over 30 years of experience. Mr. Brassard went on to give an example of a "Level 3 Day in July": The fuel model is grassland/shrub; the sideslopes are 0% to 30%; the winds are 10 mph. The fire ignites and the rate of spread/chains (=66 feet) per hour is 446, which would be 5.6 miles, which would be 6500 acres that would burn. The perimeter would be 1200 chains. Mr. Brassard stated that under this scenario, it would take fifteen 20 person crews to fight the fire. Mr. Brassard asked the Commissioners, "What does Baker County have to fight a fire like this?" He stated that the Commissioners need to know this and that a large fire could bankrupt the County. Mr. Brassard stated that, "There is a reason this land is not zoned to accommodate a race track, and in summary, if a fire results as direct or indirect result of TMMS, and that fire gets on my property, I will sue both TMMS and Baker County. How many neighbors would do the same?"
Candace Arledge: stated that she is speaking on behalf of Dave Freeman who has some issues he would like addresed to the elk and wildlife habitat and proceeded to read Mr. Freeman's letter which stated that from the middle of May to the middle of June antelope, deer and elk have babies and the wildlife would be effected and will move to other lands. Mr. Freeman's question was, AWhere do you draw the line? -- and stated, "Vote no to zoning change."
Chuck Pfeil: Sutton Creek Ranch, stated that elk come down several times a year and at times he contacts ODFW to help him in keeping elk out of his alfalfa. Mr. Pfeil stated that two neighbors raise pheasants, there are 10-15 head of deer -- and all drink out of Sutton Creek. In reference to wildfire, Mr. Pfeil stated that the heavy deisel truck wouldn't be able to get up to the fire if there was one (too heavy). Mr. Pfeil stated that fire fighting activities "was a joke." Mr. Pfeil stated that in regard to the road classification, he has found a lot of places that are narrower than what was stated from the Roadmaster report and stated that he would like to see the traffic count run again.
Ken Helgerson, Roadmaster, stated that his report is correct.
Larry Manning: stated that the 2500 gallon water tank is also supposed to be dust control, but that it will not work. Mr. Manning stated that in regard to the Highway 30 issue, "It is not 20 feet wide in a lot of places.@
Ken Helgerson stated that he recognizes that four miles from Encina down to Pleasant Valley the roads are not all 20 feet wide and stated that the average shoulder width is 3 feet wide. Mr. Manning stated that dust is also an issue.
Sig Siefkes: stated that he has a particular concern about wildfire and stated that last summer there was a drought that lasted for an extended period of time and the area was tinder dry and people were restricted from even burn barrels. Mr. Siefkes questioned if there would be prohibitions on the race track in that area during a dry season. Mr. Siefkes stated that he has seen numerous drag race facilities, but never one in the middle of the sageland. Mr. Siefkes stated that, AMotor sport activities by their very nature generate heat, fire, sparks and combustible things -- and that is the very nature and attraction of the sport.@
Mark Coomer: wildlife issue: Mr. Coomer stated that TMMS is unable to document whether or not this area is a wildlife overlay and stated that overlays are established to protect wildlife and questioned what two more critical things are there than birth and critical survival of wildlife? Mr. Coomer stated that May to June is birthing time; antelope are common in area and winter elk travel through. Mr. Coomer stated that any time of year you pick to race, some sort of wildlife will be disturbed. In regard to wildfire, Mr. Cooomer stated that this is a real concern and one careless match or heat generated by glass, can destroy the range. Mr. Coomer stated that what would burn in one hour would put him out of the cattle business and it mars the land. Higher insurance rates are paid because of lack of fire suppression. A truck with ten tons of water could not leave the track and annexation to a rural fire district cannot be unilaterally proposed by TMMS. Mr. Coomer asked, "Where is the detailed plan on how, what, who, where, what dollars, etc.?" Mr. Coomer also questioned whether or not the County has the funds to maintain the highway, stating that if funds are running low at the Road Department, will this road be a high priority in years down the road?
Ken Helgerson stated that he wanted to hear the concerns and that maintenance improvements that are in place will come about whether TMMS is in place on the site or not.
Candace Arledge stated that the shoulders are soft on the road and asked, "Would you want to pull off of shoulder today?" to which Ken Helgerson replied: "We have frost on our roads. Invariably you will have soft shoulders." Ms. Arledge stated, "If you are meeting a race care, you would have to pull off."
Mark Steele asked Sarah Johnston if there are rights to appeal if a person didn't attend the original meeting, to which Ms. Johnston replied that there seems to be some confusion: there are two separate issues, but for this particular issue, you can appeal if you were a part of these hearings.
Public Hearing Closed: Applicant stated that they do not need the February 16 Commission Meeting to respond, but will respond by written rebuttal. February 18 at 5:00 p.m. is the deadline for written rebuttal for the applicant.
Mark Steele urged the Commissioners: "Don't put anything in our neighborhood that you wouldn't want 100% in your neighborhood."
Commissioner Cole stated that written testimony received since the last hearing was: Kathy Steele: February 2; Dave Freeman, February 2; James and Alice Sanders; February 2; and Mark and Kathy Steele, February 2; Susan and Mark Grant and a Mr. Tipperman letter.
Sheriff's Office Personnel: Debbie Hoopes presented a staff report on the following items: 1) The Dispatcher position has been modified to better reflect the duties required since the consolidation of 9-1-1. There is no salary increase involved with this position description and the salary range will remain at a 9. 2) The Sheriff=s Captain position has been included in the current classification study and the range will be determined at the completion of that study B no salary impact at current time. 3) The Lead Dispatcher=s position will require a 5% increase above the current level for dispatchers. According to Mark Bennett, funds are available in the current 9-1-1 budget to cover this additional cost. Ms. Hoopes recommended approval of these recommendations. Commissioner Cole moved to accept staff=s recommendation and adopt the position descriptions and the 5% increase for the Lead Dispatcher position. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Declaration of Local Emergency: Commissioner York moved to approve Order #2000-122, declaring a local disaster within the City of Halfway and the Pine Creek Drainage, located in Baker County, Oregon and that the Joint Emergency Management Plan has been implemented. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Order signed.
Community College Advisory Committee: Commissioner Britton moved to appoint Cindy Waldo to the Community College Advisory Committee, Order #2000-117. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Order signed. It was stated that Constance Colvin, Linda Honeywell, and Melissa Davis also applied for the position.
Resolution #2000-1003: Commissioner Britton moved to approve Resolution #2000-1003, in the matter of Appropriation of Unanticipated Funds to be Expended in the Sheriff Department of the General Fund. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Resolution signed.
Resolution #2000-1005: Commissioner York moved to approve Resolution #2000-1005, in the matter of Appropriations Transfers within the Non-Departmental Department of the Commission on Children and Families Fund. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Commissioner Britton declared a conflict of interest. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Britton abstaining. Resolution signed.
Budget Officer: Commissioner Britton moved to appoint Brian Cole as Budget Officer for the 2000-2001 fiscal year, Order #2000-118. Commissioner York seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Order Signed.
Announcement:
B There will be a BLM Tour on February 9 for the Commissioners.
NEOEDD Board: There was some question regarding appointment to this board. Commissioner Cole will call Lisa Lang of NEOEDD and discuss the situation.
Announcement:
B February 24, 2000 there will be a meeting with the Board of Commissioners and the Planning Commission at 5:30 p.m. at the Courthouse.
NuWave Communications: Commissioner Cole stated that he had received a letter from NuWave Communications providers asking the Commissioners to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with them in regard to telecommunications services. The Commissioners were in agreement not to sign. Commissioner Cole will write a letter to NuWave communicating the decison.
Owner=s Representative for Armory, and possibly the Community Services Building: The Commissioners acknowledged that this would be a good idea and will be discussed at the next Commission meeting.
Community Services Building: There was a meeting on Tuesday night with the Department of Human Services and Baker County where the goal of coordinating services and creating a team was discussed. Discussion also involved county vs. private-owned building.
Sub-Standard Parcels: Commissioner York moved to accept Order #2000-104, in the matter of an Order Authorizing the Sale of Certain Real Property held by Baker County and Establishing a Minimum Price. Parcel A, Tax Lot 700 (2.7 acres) is set at $7,500 and Parcel B, Tax Lot 300 (0.11 acres) is set at $10.00. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Owner=s Representative for Armory, continued: Sarah Johnston stated that she has a meeting scheduled with Jim Van Duyn to discuss this and Ms. Johnston will give a report on the February 16 session.
Meeting Adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Van Artsdalen
Executive Assistant to Board of Commissioners