COMMISSION SESSION
MINUTES


Session Date: 08/15/2001

Status: Archived

Minutes:
Board of Commission Meeting, 08/15/2001
COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHAIR BRIAN D. COLE
COUNTY COMMISSIONER HOWARD C. BRITTON

COUNTY COMMISSIONER TIM L. KERNS

August 15, 2001 Commission Session

The Baker County Commissioners met for the August 15, 2001 Commission Session. Present were Commission Chair Brian D. Cole, Commissioner Howard C. Britton, Commissioner Tim L. Kerns and Administrative Officer Patrick Smith.

Approval of the minutes were tabled until after citizen’s participation.

Citizen’s Participation:
Cal Foster and Dale Curtis voiced concerns regarding the development of the Greater Bowen Valley Fire Protection District. Mr. Foster and Mr. Curtis both felt that they had been misled on many things. There is also the issue of the Stices Gulch Fire Protection District. This district is still active but needs to be dissolved before the Greater Bowen Valley Fire Protection District can be formed.

Mark Bennett stated that the process has been explained, by the County Clerk, County Counsel and by himself, to the people involved with the Stices Gulch Fire Protection District and confusion still remains. Mr. Bennett suggested forming an association that would be recognized while they wait for the election. Mark explained that Stices Gulch has created two different districts, a wildlife district and a fire protection district.

Tami Green, County Clerk, stated that a lot of these problems could have been resolved had there been better communication. She had spoken with Greg Anderson regarding the petition filed, however, he had yet to return her calls.

Commissioner Cole suggested getting everyone together and working it out. Dale Curtis stated that he is currently working on reissuing a revised map, and as they are pressed for time, he would like to meet this week.

Mary Jane Rose, the Mayor of Haines, went before the court representing the Baker County Mayors and city representatives. Their issue was that of county-wide economic development.

Mary Jane Rose read a letter outlying their concerns and possible solutions. She stated that all of the outlying communities are facing serious economic challenges and it is time to dismiss the notion that economic development occurs only in Baker City. We are all proud to represent our residents. We cannot afford to show anything but a unified approach. Their major concern is the Baker City airport. This is the one link to bring the outside business community to our county.

Nancy Shark, Mayor of Baker City, stated that one issue that she strongly supports is the airport. The airport is struggling right now without a fixed based operator. Although there are some prospects that are encouraging, it is hard to make money in that profession. Without a good airport, a working airport, we will have a hard time getting businesses to relocate in our area. Mrs. Shark felt strongly that we cannot neglect this.
Nancy Gover, Councilwoman for the City of Richland. Ms. Gover is looking at economic development as county-wide not city-wide. Baker County has a lot of people out there that have needs and the cities on the outskirts want to be involved–they want their voices heard. She knows of many concerns about School District personnel being out of the district for too many days, as many of the meetings are on the westside. If we had an active airport in Baker City with regular flights, they would only be out of the district for a couple of days. Improving the airport and having it operational would help the whole county and the people that are already here. This group is here today to become more active and would like the commissioners to know that they want to be a part of economic development.

Glynn Murphy, Councilman for the City of Unity. Mr. Murphy stated that on a personal note, his company would like to locate their corporate offices in Baker County. They cannot do it unless there is a viable airport. They have a window of about a year, otherwise they will locate their corporate office in Boise. This is something that could motivate kicking this idea off– to get the airport going. In regards to the selection of the economic developer, he was concerned that the amount of salary that the county could offer would not attract someone of the calibar that is needed. Mr. Murphy suggested starting the process, but not to hurry it along.

Marv Burgraff, Mayor of Halfway, stated that the airport is very viable and it needs to be done right away. Mr. Burgraff also supports a united front of all the mayors working on this.

Tony Sowers, representing the City of Halfway. Mr. Sowers stated that they have just been through the formation of a community development group in Halfway. The intent was to move fast, however, they had several people ask to wait, and they were pleased that they did so. They would like to see that same approach expanded to the county level.

Joe Pamprien, representing the City of Huntington. Ms. Pamperien is also in favor of the airport. A lot of business people would like to commute from their city jobs to a rural home. She would also like to have a voice in who the economic developer will be. Currently, Huntington is in dire need of economic development. They are losing battles right and left. Ms. Pamperien feels strongly that something should also be done about the river. If something isn’t done there aren’t going to be any fish there.

Ms. Rose added that she has had a very positive experience working with the group that has presented today. They are unified and are representing a large group of people. There has been positive interaction and she wants this energy to be used towards economic development.

Commissioner Cole stated that he had never been to a commission session where there was a representative from every city working together with the same message (with the exception of Greenhorn). This county wants to have an excellent relationship with all of its cities. Commissioner Cole stated that the County is listening and wants to be very responsive. The County is prepared to advertise and consider hiring and economic development specialist. They would like to proceed in order to meet the needs of the County, however, he is hearing that this group would like to slow down, do not advertise, and that there is something on the horizon.

Ms. Rose believes that they are on the verge of a very large participation and consolidation of ideas. They want someone with the experience they need. Money could talk to get someone with some real calibar with economic development.

Nancy Shark questioned that a group that Mary Jane is speaking of, whether or not it could get together within 30 days and be prepared to hire someone.

Ms. Rose replied that there are too many things for people to think about. They were considering a four month time line in order to get everything organized. Mary Jane inquired if there were businesses currently knocking on the County’s door.

Commissioner Cole responded that there are businesses currently looking at Baker County. They are working on it as best as they can. Currently the County is in the financial situation where they can advertise for an economic developer, however, the County is definitely limited to what it can offer county employees.

Nancy Gover requested that time be allowed for them to get organized and come back to the commissioners. They have come before the board to let them know that they want to be a part of the decision of economic development and Baker County. They support each other and the commissioners. Ms. Gover also stated that she feels that each city should support this position–financially.

Glynn Murphy stated that they don't want an economic developer, they want a developer. A united front on tourism and economic development. In order to make this work, this has to have the backing of the County Commission.

Commissioner Kerns agreed with the group and felt their ideas were wonderful. Commissioner Kerns stated that a governing body should be established for this group/committee.

Commissioner Britton believed that the timing was right. Having the mayors and representatives’ input would be of great value.

Tony Sowers suggested that if the Commissioners would wait, that their group would present progress reports to them and if it doesn’t happen fast enough then the commisioners should move forward.

Commissioner Cole agreed, however, he has heard from people that they need to get on with it. We need to be responsive to that voice as well. The next commision meeting is scheduled for September 5th and he would like to have the groups first progress report by then. Commissioner Cole suggested that the group invite other develoment organizatons, such as the toursim, chamber, etc. and have a meeting with them and hear from their response.

Scheduled Business:
Surplus Property
County Counsel commented on the Warnock/Defrees Lease in Sumpter. She did not foresee a problem but advised that the commissioners wait to make a decision until the Parks Tour on September 6, 2001.

In regards to the property that Wayne Troy is interested in, Sarah has spoken with Ken and he would like to keep it.

Sarah Hilderbrand, County Counsel, stated that she would be unavailable for the public hearing on the County Empowerment Ordinance. It was stated that the commissioners would have the choice of reading by title only or the entire ordinance. She also suggested having two public hearings.

Surplus Property continued:
Wayne Troy:
His understanding is that the rock does not meet the specifications where the road department can use it anymore. He has spoken with the Roadmaster and was told that they do not plan to use it anymore.

Commissioner Britton stated that he would like to check with the Roadmaster first. State statute depicts what the County does in regards to surplus property and they will start that process immediately. Commissioner Britton stated that they will need to determine the value, and once they determine it is surplus property than they can go through with the rest of the steps.

Mr. Troy stated that if the property is more than $5,000, then he would not be interested in it. He inquired on whether the process would take very long.

Commissioner Britton believes that it could be resolved by possibly the September 19th Commission Session.

ODOT Meeting:
Nancy Gover stated that Baker County was very well represented at the stakeholders meeting in Pendleton. There is some concern that ODOT is going to take Hwy 86 and turn it over to the County. It would no longer be considered a state highway. She is concerned about the maintenance. There are 8_10 people that work for ODOT out there– would they lose their jobs? She has talked with Marvin Burgraff and her council and they asked that she speak with the commissioners. She will be getting more information on this, but wanted to bring it to their attention. The eastern part of the county does not want this to happen and she wants support on this.

Mark Bennet responded that the proposal to turn Hwy 86 into a county road came up in the TSP plan. It is only a concept at this point and suggested that Nancy get a hold of Mary Martini at ODOT’s LaGrande office. This concept would require ODOT giving money to the county to maintain the roads. The only road that they were seriously thinking about was the Dooley Mountain road.

Nancy's other concern was that Region 5 is the only region in the state does not have an ACTS Priority List. She has spoken with Tom Schuft and Mary Martini on why Baker County does not have one. They said that Umatilla and Union County expressed some opposition and she was told that Gordon Zimmerman was not in favor. Mary Martini suggested that the Baker Morrow could advance the ACTS Priority List. Until Baker County has this, we will not have a real voice in how the monies are allocated. She asked for the commisioners support on this. She will also be presenting this to the Baker Morrow Regional Partnership.

Commissioner Cole stated that in regards to the ACT, several months ago they met about this, but it never went any further. His personal view is that this is something we should look into.
Commissioner Kerns felt that Nancy made a good point, that if we are not in it, we will be left out.

Approval of the Minutes: Commissioner Britton moved to approve the July 30, 2001 and August 1, 2001 minutes. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Commissioner Cole requested that the August 1, 2001 minutes state that the location of the antenna be on the west side of the courthouse, not the left side. Motion carried unanimously.

Additions to the Agenda
Transportation Commission Meeting:
Commissioner Kerns reported that everything went well at the Transportation Commission meeting in Pendleton. The Commission voted in favor of the $500,000 Immediate Opportunity Fund grant for Baker County. This grant will allow the County to improve ‘D’ street. The scope of this project is still being defined. Commissioner Cole stated that there is a required match in order to receive this grant. The match does not have to be entirely all cash and we have at least one year to come up with it.

Fairboard Resignation:
Commissioner Cole read the resignation letter from Fred Cockram. Mr. Cockram recommended appointing Howard Britton or Dean Defrees as his replacement for the Fairboard.

Commissioner Britton stated that he believes Fred did not come by this lightly. He has done a wonderful job with the Fairboard and has been very instrumental.

Commissioner Cole stated that now the board will need to give some thought on how they want to pursue with this vacancy. Commissioner Britton stated that he has spoken with County Counsel and feels that the County should follow what has been done in the past and advertise. An announcement will be sent to the media and a member will be appointed at the September 5, 2001 Commission Session.

Warnock Lease:
It was agreed upon that the lease agreement would be tabled until a site visit could be made.

Surplus Real Property-Huntington:
Commissioner Britton stated that he has not seen the property, but believes that it is a pretty small lot and does not have a lot of value. The commissioners agreed to wait to make a decision until Commissioner Britton has had the opportunity to visit the property.

Documents to be Signed
Order No. 2001_159: Appointment of Pro_Tem Justice of the Peace for the District of Huntington. Commissioner Britton moved to approve Order No. 2001-159 appointing Sharon Palmer as the Pro-Tem Justice of the Peace for the Huntington District. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Order No. 2001_160: Appointment of a member to the Baker County Museum Commission. Commissioner Cole moved to appoint Richard Taie to the Museum Commission. Commissioner Britton requested that the position be advertised as there could be more interested parties. Motion failed.

Order No. 2001_161: Appointment of a member to the Northeast Oregon Housing Authority Board. Commissioner Britton moved to appoint Mary Jane Rose, Mayor of the City of Haines to the NEOHA board. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Commissioner Britton stated that the position was not advertised due to its limited scope. The position requires the member to be someone who is elected to a governing body. Motion carried unanimously.

Order No. 2001_162, 163 and 164: Appointing members to the Local Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee. The state has advised that Baker County should allow for people that are not affiliated with NDN to be on the advisory committee. Commissioner Britton moved to appoint Tim Mahoney, Mike Durgan and Jarri McClarin to the Local Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Commissioner Cole stated that the County will continue to advertise for this committee as additional members are needed. Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution 2001_1043: Appropriation of unanticipated funds to be expended in the non-departmental department of the Commission on Children/Families fund. Additional revenue in the amount of $35,000, has been received for a skate board park grant. Commissioner Britton moved to approve Resolution 2001-1043. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried uanimously.

Personal Services Agreement: CCF and Elizabeth Estabrooks. Standard amendment to pay contractor $39,000 for her services. Patrick Smith stated that with our onset of the Juvenile Detention Facility, we will need Liz to step up for more additional grant writing for more space. She has been very instrumental in finding that money.

Commissioner Kerns questioned if this was covered in the budget and Patrick answered yes.

Commissioner Britton questioned if this needed to go out to bid. He has spoken with Sarah Hildebrand and it was explained that normally with any contract over $25,000 they would go out to bid, however, in this case, she is the sole source for this type of work. The competitive process for her position was done the year before. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the amendment to the Personal Services Agreement with Liz Estabrooks and CCF. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Personal Services Agreement: Community Health Improvement Program (CHIP): Denise Ransom. This is a one year position for $25,000. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the agreement between Baker County and Denise Ransom. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Commissioner Kerns asked if this was reflected in the budget. Commissioner Britton stated that monies will be coming in from various sources. The County will only act as the fiduciary. Motion carried unanimously.

Personal Services Agreement: Commissioner on Children and Families and Anita Keltz, Grant Writer, in the amount of 30 hours per month at $25 per hour, not to exceed $3,000. Commissioner Britton stated that he has some concerns regarding the last grant that Ms. Keltz worked on and that the county ended up not being eligible for it. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Personal Services Agreement with Anita Keltz. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Professional Services Agreement: Baker County and Community Connections. Commissioner Cole stated that this is for funding that we have already approved and is technically pass thru funds. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Professional Services agreement with Community Connections for $23,000. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Commissioner Kerns requested additional background on this agreement. Commissioner Cole explained that an advisory board recommends how the funds will be spent. The advisory board has already made their recommendations and during a previous commission session, the commissioners approved them. Motion carried unanimously.

Professional Services Agreement: Baker County and Step Forward. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Step Forward for $15,000. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Reimbursable Agreements #1 and #2: Anthony Lakes Road Project. Amendment #1 is for an additional $60,000 to install 6 additional culverts. Amendment #2 is for an additional $25,000 for the development of a management plan for area that contains Howell’s Spectacular Thelypody. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Reimbursable Agreements #1 and #2. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

ORMAP Agreement: Oregon Department of Revenue and the Baker County Assessors Office. This will allow the assessors to advance in technology regarding the mapping of the state. Commissioner Kerns moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Certificaton of Appropriation of Funds : Jay Carr of the OSU Extension Office has requested that a certificate be signed stating that Baker County will be allocating $79,838 to the OSU Extension Office for the 2001-2002 fiscal year. Commissioner Cole read the certificate. Commissioner Kerns moved to sign the certificate. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion Topics
Unicom Telephone Contract:
Patrick Smith and Bill Lee presented a new contract with an Oregon-based business, Unicom. Bill Lee has been working diligently to find new and better phone service. Bill Lee said that we had some service issues when it comes to phone service. With Unicom’s contract he made sure to put in a clause that the County can get out of the contract if we are not happy with the service. Unicom guarantees a central bill and better customer service.

Commissioner Cole questioned if the county would still have access to long distance calling codes and if the transition would happen quickly.

Commissioner Britton said that he was hopeful that Unicom would be a better company. He would hate to have to go through this again as Shared Communications promised us the same thing.

Commissioner Kerns moved to approve contract with Unicom. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

US Forest Service Request on Proposed Roadless Area Rule:
A fax was received from the National School Forest Coalition. Commissioner Cole stated that he is inclined to support this. Commissioner Kerns moved to send a letter in support to Chief Bosely. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Contract with Steve Kernes:
Patrick delivered a draft of the contract. Mr. Smith stated that he has some concerns as to who the point of contact will be. He has learned that Steve has a very close working relationship with Minot, and that we really we need his services. Patrick asked the commissioners to review the contract. Once they have done so, he will send it to Steve to sign and then he will have the commissioners sign it at the September 5th commission session.

Commissioner Cole stated that he will be requesting funds from the Baker Morrow Regional Partnership to pay for Steve’s services until the federal appropriation comes through. Commissioner Cole would like to have the authorization to sign, but does not want to sign it today.

Patrick stated that we are purchasing his services for four months for the first phase. It should be fairly easy as Minot has dealt with sites like ours before.

Commissioner Britton asked to clarify that once the $200,000 comes through than it will be reimbursed. Commissioner Britton knows that Steve comes highly recommended and would feel better if the Baker Morrow Partnership agreed to back it up.

Commissioner Britton would like to have the option to have the three of them see what he has accomplished in the four months. Commissioner Britton moved to give Commissioner Cole the authority to approve the contract contingent upon receiving the Baker Morrow Regional Partnership grant. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Commission Session was recessed at 12:15 p.m.

Public Hearing: County Empowerment Ordinance
Present were: Mark Bennett, Jay Carr, Cal Foster, Dale Curtis, Jerry Franke, Tami Green, Bev Duby,
Bonnie Colton, Connie Colton, Andi Sexton, Barbara Lewis, Wes Morgan, Glynn Murphy, George Risdal, Donald E. Coombes, Jack Gyllenberg, Walt Jury, Fred Warner, Jr., Ken Benson, Ralph Morgan, James A. Moorin, Lynn Shumway, Jasper Coombes, Segundo Arriola, Harriet Crum, Kent Nelson, Darryl Hawes, Dan Sullivan, Dan Arritola, Denzil Robbins, Gerald Colton, and Jim Michel.

Commissioner Cole thanked those in attendance for coming as this was one of the most important items that this County has taken up. It is rare that the County puts new laws on the books.

Jay Carr, and Mark Bennett, co-chairs of the County Empowerment Ordinance, stated that the draft ordinance was completed within three meetings. Jay has seen little opposition in regards to this ordinance. From a personal standpoint, he has been pushing this for several years. Baker County really did not have a mechanism. Mr. Carr clarified that this ordinance does not supercede state or federal laws, it does, however, put the County at the planning table when these things come up. This draft ordinance was patterned around Wallowa County. If this is passed, it will go out to all of the agencies. They are hoping to have a committee of 10_12 representing natural resources industries and business groups. This would be the core committee that would act as advisors to the Baker County Board of Commissioners. Specialists would be brought in as needed. Mr. Carr wanted to clarify that none of this is written in stone and that he would like any thoughts and/or suggestions.

Public hearing was opened at 1:50 p.m.

Ken Benson: Stated that the advantage, other than giving a seat at the table, is that it allows us to hold their feet to the fire by having them prove themselves. In the ordinance they are required to let us in to the initial planning phase. This way we should have input on the first part of it. That is the advantage and he does not see any downside to it.

Jasper Coombes: The question, do we like, yes! It's obvious that I like it. The origin is in NEPA and all of the major laws. They require the federal agencies to consider the local land use plans. Before, these agencies would look at our plans and not find anything to accommodate them. We had no guidance to give them. This moves us and them to a cooperation rather than a confrontation mode. He has been at meetings where the BLM and forest service were in support of doing this. The downside is that the county commission can not do it for us. We need to step in.

Lynn Shumway of Bridgeport: He became involved for several reasons: 1/3rd of our national forest is closed off from any ability to mine or log and that has taken that renewable resource away from the economy. Secondly, BOR caved in over in Klamath. They totally devastated the economy in that region. We should not think for a minute that it couldn't happen here. Mr. Shumway stated that had Klamath Falls had this ordinance in place this spring, those people would be okay and working through this process. He explained that back in 1991, ODFW filed instream water rights throughout the whole county. Burnt River organized a protest and are getting a protested case hearing. Had this ordinance been in place in 1991 the County could have sat down at the table with them and figured it out there. Mr. Shumway believes that the commissioners will look back on this and see that it is one of the most important decisions that they will have made.

Jack Gyllenburg stated that this was the best thing that he has ever heard of. If Jasper Coombes believes in it, it must be constitutional. It is a wonderful thing. This county is taking a hold of it now and it’s great.

Darryl Hawes, president of Baker Co. Farm Bureau: He has read the ordiance and agrees with everyone's points that have been brought out. He is sorry that it wasn't done 10 years ago, but stated that there is not time like the present.

Kent Nelson stated that he was in total support of this ordinance. It is a favorable thing that should be passed.

Walt Jury of Keating said that he would more than happy to offer his services as a committee member.

Harriet Crumm stated that she was very impressed that the committee chose to put in an enforcement section in the ordinance.

Jim Michel, of Michel Logging, stated that the ordinance was a good thing for us to move forward with.

Fred Warner, Jr. stated that it seems that we really need this to work. When we hit the ground with this, we need to make sure that there is a core committee to follow up. The committee needs to have a good focus.

Ken Benson responded that having a core committee was talked about quite a bit in the meetings. We want to a core committee. Then we would have a technical committee where we would try to gather specialists in that area. When we first get this thing off of the ground, we might have to be a little aggressive until they get used to meeting with us.

Jasper Coombes agreed that this thing just isn't going to happen. The next step is that the County will write letters to all agencies, giving our concerns and a point of contact. They will have specific instructions on where to send the information to. This will be focused, it won't just happen. The court is on our side.

Mark Bennett confirmed that all of the County's interest would be supported. County staff would support this committee. The Board of Commissioners will get info and they will designate where to send it from there. This core committee would be the advisory body. Some suggested disciplines were: keep it small, and have people that are willing to work together. The idea is that if there was a citizen that had concerns for their rights they could go to the board and request that action be taken.

Bev Duby, a Burnt River citizen, asked how this would work with citizens that have no involvement with committees. There are people out there that need to be reached. Mrs. Duby also questioned what type of timeline they are working with.

Mark Bennett stated that they have been working under a compressed timeline. Mr. Bennett stated that presuming that the Board of Commisioners move ahead at the commission session, there will be a final reading, the adoption of the ordinance, request for members, and letters sent by county counsel. This ordinance could be in place by mid October.

Lynn Shumway added that the important thing is that the county government is taking this on. We are not going to get the support from the state legislature, it is going to come from your local governments. Mr. Shumway also stated that Greg Smith said that he would do everything he could to be here at the second public hearing.

Commissioner Cole received an e-mail earlier from Mark Nelson. Mr. Nelson stated that he has cast his vote that this ordinance be passed and signed by all county commissioners.

Commissioner Cole asked for a show of hands for those in support of the County Empowerment Ordinance. The support was unanimous.

James Morris, citizen of the Baker County, stated that he welcomes and supports it and supports that the people know that they need to help. He added that we aren't going to win all of the time. This isn't a cure_all, but it will put us at the table.

Public hearing was closed at 2:20 p.m.

Commissioner Cole offered closing comments. The County has not been assertive in its role in what is going on. All of the laws were passed at one time for what we thought were the right reasons. We have gotten a lot of special interest groups that are using one law against another in a bureaucratic fashion. One thing that we can do is to change the laws. This would require a long-term commitment and support from our representatives. It is not a matter of passing the ordinance, but to include it in our comprehensive plan also. We need to proactively define our custom and culture in a sophiscated way and enter it into our comprehensive plan.

Commissioner Britton stated that during his commission, he has been notified of many different things, in regards to natural resources and he never had time to read all of them. With this ordinace in place, we can have others read it and give advice. The key to this whole thing is to have a good committee that will wade through the mass of papers. This committee must be prepared to work.

Commissioner Kerns thanked everyone for being there and stated that this ordinance will help us to hold these agencies’ feet to the fire. He was really gratifide to see everyone there.

Commissioner Kerns moved to read the ordinance by title only. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Ordinance 2001_1: In the Matter of: An ordinance establishing a process for Baker County input to State and Federal plans, programs and projects.

Commissioner Cole stated that a formal vote will be made at the next commission meeting.

Commissioner Britton announced that as everyone reads through this and finds changes that need to be made, to get that information to the Commissioners before their next meeting on September 5, 2001. The public hearing will be continued on September 5, 2001 at 1:30 p.m.

Comparison of Calendars
Aug 15: National Guard Armory Siting Task Force, 5pm
Aug 15: Baker City Planning Commission, 7pm
Aug 16: Baker Morrow Regional Partnership, all day
Aug 16: Mayors Council Meeting
Aug 21: Douglas Co. Commissioners/Sports Complex
Aug 21: Forest Co. Payments
Aug 21: NEOH Conference Center
Aug 22: Work Session, 9am_12pm
Aug 23: Oasis Surveyors in Baker City
Aug 24: Commissioner Britton will sign A/P and payroll checks
Aug 24_28th Hatfield Conference
Aug 29: City/County Meeting, 7_9pm
Aug 30: Step Forward Meeting, Howard
Sept.1, 2, 3: Halfway Fair

Commissioner Cole moved to move into executive session according ORS 192.660-1 to discuss real estate. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Kerns moved to close the executive session. Commissioner Britton seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Cole moved to go into executive session according to ORS 192.660-I to discuss possible litigation. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.


Commissioner Britton moved to close the executive session. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Ratification of Documents: None

Announcements: None

Meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

The Baker County Commissioners went back into session at 4:40 p.m. for the August 15, 2001 Commission Session.

Commissioner Cole stated that the County has been advised by Mark Bennett, Emergency Manager, that the County issue a ban on burning barrels. Commissioner Britton moved that the authrorty to do so be delegated to the Commission Chair. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Mark Bennett will contact Keith Schollenberger of the Oregon State Foresty as the County would like to follow the State’s lead. Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.


Respectfully submitted,



Robin Nudd, Executive Assistant
Baker County Board of Commissioners