Minutes: Board of Commission Meeting, 01/16/2002 COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHAIR BRIAN D. COLE
COUNTY COMMISSIONER HOWARD C. BRITTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER TIM L. KERNS
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the January 16, 2002 Commission Session. Present were Commission Chair Brian D. Cole, Commissioner Howard C. Britton, and Administrative Officer Patrick Smith.
Citizen's Participation:
Randy Joseph brought his concern regarding the decommissioning of the Rock Creek Plant by Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC). Mr. Joseph has served as a member of the Power Generation Task Force. While researching potential sites for power generation, Mr. Joseph had made a visit out to Rock Creek. Mr. Joseph was very disappointed to see the lack of maintenance that has been done by OTEC. Mr. Joseph has contacted OTEC to see what their plans are. They told him they did not know and were going to try to have it decommissioned from FERC. FERC's announcement stated that OTEC would change the site by removing and dismantling portions of the plant. FERC and the Oregon Historical State of Preservation have both objected to OTEC's proposal. FERC has sent notice asking the County to comment on those findings. Commissioner Cole asked if Interim Parks Director Larry Taylor would bring it before the Parks Board on January 24. Mr. Taylor stated that he would and invited Mr. Joseph to attend the meeting.
Commissioner Cole stated that he would like to schedule a road trip out to the plant in the spring, however, a comment to FERC would be made before then. Commissioner Cole also recommended that Mr. Joseph speak with Peggi Timm. Mr. Joseph said that he would work on getting a volunteer group together to get something going and possibly do some maintenance. Mr. Joseph requested that the Board of Commissioners send a letter to FERC concurring with their findings. Commissioner Cole moved to send a letter to FERC with a copy sent to the State Historical Society. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Lonnie Shurtleff questioned if it was the County’s policy to preserve all historical sites and where the line is drawn. Commissioner Cole stated that the County does not have a formal policy on this. The County values preserving its history and they are taken on a case by case basis. Mr. Joseph, who also serves on the Baker County Planning Commission, stated that the Rock Creek Plant has been listed as an historical site in the Baker County Comprehensive Plan since 1985. Commissioner Britton added that should there be any additional sites, they would be brought before the Planning Commission.
Documents to be Signed Resolution: 2002-1008: Appropriation of Unanticipated Revenue to be expended in the Parks Department. This resolution would add $3,350.00 the Park’s maintenance line. Interim Parks Director Larry Taylor stated that the state has a formula that they use to figure the amount and this year there was an increase. These funds will be used for maintenance at the boating areas. Commissioner Cole moved to approve Resolution 2002-1008. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Review/Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Britton moved to approve the January 2, 2002 Commission Session minutes. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Additions to the Agenda
*Eastern Oregon Rural Forum: Summary of Issues
*Northeast Oregon Forests RAC
*Memorandum of Understanding: Grove Street Property
Announcements Tax Refund Resolution 98-01: Treasurer Durflinger has authorized tax refunds in the amount of $28,190.73. The most significant refund was that of Ash Grove Cement. Commissioner Cole stated that currently the state does not involve the counties in the evaluation process for appeals. Counties rely on the state’s assessments and when they are wrong, the counties end up paying for it. Commissioner Cole stated that this topic had come up at the Eastern Oregon Rural Issues Forum. Commissioner Britton agreed adding that the only accounts the state assesses are the large utility accounts. Administrative Officer Patrick Smith stated that there are other issues at stake, including interest that becomes due on the appeal, the length of time before the appeal is granted, etc. Commissioner Cole stated that Grant County is currently motivated to see counties have a greater influence in the appeal process.
Documents to be Signed Order No. 2002-2: Appointment to the County Empowerment Committee. Currently one vacancy remains. The Board of Commissioners was interested in having a representative from Ash Grove, as they are one of the largest employers in the natural resource industry. An application had been received from Don Guyer at Ash Grove. Commissioner Cole moved to approve Order No. 2002-2 appointing Don Guyer to serve on the County Empowerment Committee. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Order No. 2002-3 through 2002-5: Appointing members to the Transportation/Traffic Safety Committee. Applications were received from Mr. Brad Van Gaasbeck, Ms. Mary Jo Carpenter, and Mr. Jon Croghan. Commissioner Britton moved to approve Order No. 2002-3 through 2002-5. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Discussion: Mr. Van Gaasbeck will replace Tim O Sullivan from Step Forward. Motion carried unanimously.
Order No. 2002-6: Appointing a member to the Baker Vector Control Committee. Application was received from Mr. Buzz Harper from Keating. Commissioner Britton questioned if a reply was received from Mr. Mike Hutton. Executive Assistant Robin Nudd stated that a notice to renew had been sent out, but had had no reply. Commissioner Britton moved to approve Order No. 2002-6 appointing Mr. Buzz Harper to the Baker Vector Control Committee. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Order No. 2002-7 through 2002-13: Appointing members to the Powder Basin Watershed Council. Commissioner Britton stated that there are no set limits on the number of members required to serve on the Powder Basin Watershed Council. The County has only denied one application due to the fact that the volunteers’ employer would not let him do it. The council should represent all residents. The following applicants requested to continue to serve: Arvid Andersen, Gordon Summers, Lyle Umpleby and Bruce Lindley. The following applicants were new volunteers requesting to serve: Daniel Thee and Arnie Grammon. Commissioner Britton moved to approve Order No. 2002-7 through 2002-13 appointing the previously mentioned six applicants to serve on the Powder Basin Watershed Council. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Order No. 2002-14: Appointing a member to the Local Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee. Application was received by Mr. Donald Roy Goss. Ruth Whitnah, Director of Commission on Children and Families had been contacted and gave full support in appointing Mr. Goss. Commissioner Cole moved to approve Order No. 2002-14 appointing Mr. Donald Roy Goss to the Local Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution: 2002-1005: Transfer within the District Attorney’s Department of the General Fund. This resolution would move $12.,000 from the D.A’s personnel services line to its contract line. Commissioner Cole moved to approve Resolution 2002-1005. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution: 2002-1006: Contingency Transfer from the Non-departmental Department of the Museum Fund to the OTRM Department of the Museum Fund. Resolution would move $7,000 to capital improvement line for unexpected opportunity to improve lighting. Commissioner Britton moved to approve Resolution 2002-1006. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Discussion: Commissioner Britton stated that it is important to remember that this was unexpected and that is why it is being transferred from the contingency fund. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 2002-1009: Appropriation of Unanticipated Revenue to be Expended in the Non-departmental Department of the Weed Control Fund. This resolution would account for additional revenue being received by the Bureau of Land Management. Commissioner Cole moved to approve Resolution 2002-1009. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 2002-1007: Appropriation of Unanticipated Revenue to be Expended in the Sheriff’s Department of the General Fund. This resolution would increase the Sheriff’s Office personnel line by $30,000 in order to fulfill their contract with the City of Huntington. Commissioner Cole moved to approve Resolution 2002-1007. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 2002-1010: Appropriation of Unanticipated Revenue to be Expended in the Non-departmental Department of the County School Funds. Administrative Officer Patrick Smith stated that the County has received Federal Forest Receipts. Mr. Smith stated that these were just pass-thru funds to be transferred to the County School Fund in the amount of $192,708.00. Commissioner Cole moved to approve Resolution 2002-1010. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Discussion: Commissioner Cole requested that Mr. Smith check to see if there would be any further Federal Forest Receipts received. Motion carried unanimously.
Commission on Children and Families: Amendment to Contract with Anita Keltz. This amendment would extend the length of the original agreement with Ms. Keltz. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Amendment. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Commission on Children and Families: Contract with Darla Derrick for the Burnt River Preschool Latchkey Program. This contract will be for this current school year and is funded through two grants. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the contract with Ms. Derrick. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Commission on Children and Families: Contract with Sharol Chandler for the Teen Adventure and Discovery Camp. This contract is funded by a grant received through the Oregon Commission on Children and Families. Commissioner Cole moved to approve the contract with Ms. Chandler. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Ratification of documents DEQ Access Agreement. This agreement will allow the DEQ access to property located on 10th Street where abandoned underground storage tanks still remain. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the DEQ Access Agreement. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Announcements:
Commissioner Cole announced his intent to run for Commission Chair this year.
Additions to the Agenda Eastern Oregon Rural Forum. Commissioner Cole stated that Union County Commissioner John Howard puts this function together. This year a total of 70-100 people attended in John Day, most of which were elected officials. This forum allows rural counties to get up to speed on issues and identify issues important to rural counties. Currently, most of the issues revolve around budget issues and natural resources. At the meeting, Bonnie Wood, Forest Supervisor with the Malheur Forest, was present to list the members of the RAC. Commissioner Cole stated that it was good news as Ms. Terry Drever Gee was chosen to represent Energy and Mineral interests and Mr. Glynn Murphy was chosen to represent Timber interests. The RAC will oversee the selection of projects for funds resulting from SB1608. Baker County is well represented.
Memorandum of Understanding: Grove Street Property. Mr. Alan Schmeits, attorney for the Muncy Estate, has requested that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be signed for the purchase of property located at 2617 Grove Street. Commissioner Britton stated that the total cost of the purchase will be $61,027.63. Commissioner Britton stated that the agreement is that the Fair Board will fund half and the County will fund the other half. This property is included in the conditional use permit for the Armory. Commissioner Britton stated that this would be a great opportunity to do an exchange. The exchange would consist of the following: the Forsea’s would purchase the Grove Street property and the County would exchange timber rights on Lookout Mountain, which currently are on Forsea’s land, for the Grove Street property. A public hearing will need to be held before any action would be taken. The MOU states that the County agrees to purchase the property no matter what but will not do so until after the public hearing. The MOU states that interest of 9% since November 26, 2001 will be paid until time of purchase. Commissioner Britton has spoken with County Counsel Sarah Hilderbrand and she has approved the MOU. Commissioner Britton stated that this exchange would really be in the best interest of the County, however, they will consider any legitimate reason not to do it at the public hearing. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Muncy Estate. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Comparison of Calendars:
January 22nd –24th & 28th: Commissioner Cole will have Courthouse Vacation
January 24th: Commissioner Britton has a Step Forward Meeting
January 24th: Commissioner Cole has a presentation with the Lion's Club
January 30th: Work Session: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
January 30th: Commissioner Cole will meet with the Economic Development Steering Committee
Commission Session adjourned at 10:40 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Nudd, Executive Assistant
Baker County Board of Commissioners