July 1, 2009 Commission Session Page 1 of 6
COMMISSION CHAIR FRED WARNER, JR.
COMMISSIONER TIM L. KERNS
COMMISSIONER CARL E. STIFF, M.D.
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the July 1, 2009 Commission
Session. Present were Commission Chair Fred Warner, Jr., Commissioner Carl
Stiff, and Commissioner Tim L. Kerns.
2. Citizen’s Participation:
· None
3. Review/Approval of Minutes:
Commissioner Stiff made a motion to approve the June 17, 2009 Commission
Session minutes as presented. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion
carried.
4. Additions to the Agenda:
1. Designating the Auburn Gulch Road as an RS2477 road. County Roadmaster, Ken
Helgerson, received a report that someone had cut the lock off of a gate
located on the Auburn Gulch Road, which travels through Herman Pitcher’s
property. An excavator, that had been reported as stolen, was now located
north of Mr. Pitcher’s property on Forest Service property. Auburn Gulch Road
had been closed for nearly twenty years and was currently under review as an
RS2477 road. Mr. Pitcher has had a gate locking access to the road for the
past six years. Mr. Helgerson requested the Commissioners make a decision
regarding the RS2477 status of the road so that action could be taken.
Commissioner Warner proposed the following motion:
Based on testimony received in open session and tours of the affected area, the
evidence is conclusive that:
1. Public access through and beyond Herman Pitchers property on Auburn Gulch
Road is restricted by naturally occurring events in the creek.
2. Auburn Gulch Road serves as access to no public or private property with the
exception of one (1) private claim based on the road condition today.
3. The historical route through the creek bottom can not be ascertained at this
time with the evidence prescribed.
Therefore, based on the testimony and evidence presented, the Baker County
Board of Commissioners does not assert Auburn Gulch Road as an RS2477 with the
stipulation that Herman Pitcher grant an easement on the Auburn Gulch Road for
access to the above mentioned claim. Furthermore, if additional testimony,
evidence or information becomes available, the Baker County Board of
Commissioners may revisit this situation in the future.
Commissioner Kerns made a motion to accept the motion as read. Commissioner
Warner seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2. MOU between the US Forest Service and Counties within the Blue Mountain
Forest Planning project area, which includes Baker County. The Forest Service
is in the process of revising its land and resource management plans for the
Blue Mountain Forests with an Environmental Impact Statement to follow. The
Forest Service, as lead agency, is requesting cooperation and assistance from
the Blue Mountain Forest Counties in areas of local land use plans, policies,
objectives of local governments, social and economic data and effects, and
other areas where the Counties have jurisdiction and expertise. Commissioner
Warner stated that by signing the MOU we don’t give up our rights to coordinate
with the Forest Service. Commissioner Kerns made a motion to sign the MOU with
the Forest Service concerning the Blue Mountain Forest Planning project.
Commissioner Stiff seconded the motion. Motion carried.
3. Hardman Dam Letter: The letter is written in support of funding the
construction of Hardman Dam located within the Burnt River Irrigation
District. Commissioner Kerns made a motion to approve the letter in support of
Hardman Dam. Commissioner Warner seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Scheduled Business
a. Amended Coordinated Transit Plan:
Mr. Brian Cole reported that Union County has approved the amended plan and it
is scheduled to go before the Wallowa County Commissioners next week. ODOT
requires adoption of the plan by every county in our region which includes
Union, Baker and Wallowa Counties. In September, 2007 a plan was drafted by
Betts Enterprises, LLC and approved. The Association of Oregon Counties has
since worked with ODOT and reviewed all of the plans within the state and
worked with those in economic development to amend the plan based on
information gathered from other counties. AOC contracted with Orbis Group to
amend the 2007 plan to meet state and federal requirements as well as to
address areas of deficiency and update the plan according to advancements made
in public transportation for our region. The deficiencies listed for our
region include lack of public awareness and public need. A survey was sent out
in the local papers and over 341 responses were received with Baker County
receiving the highest response. Of those surveyed, 34% would use public
transportation monthly, 31% indicated weekly use and 6% reported daily use.
Starting July 13, 2009, the Baker City Trolley will begin traveling on a fixed
route and will charge $1.00/ride. The hope is that the Trolley will provide
transportation to locals who need access to medical and shopping facilities and
will transport tourists from the hotels to the downtown district. The amended
plan will remain in place until there is a need to update. Commissioner Warner
made a motion to approve the Amended Coordinated Transit Plan. Commissioner
Stiff seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. Department Update: District Attorney
Mr. Matt Shirtcliff reported a decrease in crimes this year. This is in part
due to the presence of the Drug Task Force, which has been cracking down on
drug use, particularly meth use. The Drug Task Force is currently under review
for budget cuts. Mr. Shirtcliff gave a positive report on the adult and
juvenile drug court stating that it has been working well, but could also face
budget cuts. Mr. Shirtcliff gave an update on current legislation that is
under review by the Governor. The D.A.’s office has been working closely with
the community partners including the hospital, medical clinics and the County
Health Department in bringing awareness to co-sleeping deaths that occur when
an infant sleeps with a parent. Parents could face charges associated with the
death, depending on the circumstances.
c. Contract Review Board
1. Professional Services Agreement with Dr. Jon Schott for Baker County Health
Officer services. The contractor shall be paid $825.00/month for a term set to
expire June 30, 2010. Commissioner Stiff made a motion to approve the PSA with
Dr. Jon Schott. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2. Marine Board Facility Grant Cooperative Agreement #1401 for boating facility
improvements at Holcomb Park. The Marine Board shall provide $90,000 to Baker
County for boat ramp improvements at Holcomb Park. The project must be
completed by June 30, 2011. Commissioner Stiff made a motion to approve the
Marine Board Grant Agreement #1401. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
3. Marine Board Law Enforcement Services. The contract covers one year and
will expire June 30, 2010. The program totals $75,520 with the County matching
$17,437 of those funds. Commissioner Kerns made a motion to approve the
contract for law enforcement services with the Marine Board. Commissioner
Stiff seconded the motion. Motion carried.
4. Professional Services Agreement with Bryan Braun P.C. for Jail Medical
Provider services. The contractor shall be paid $850.00 per month for a term
set to expire June 30, 2010. Commissioner Kerns made a motion to approve the
PSA with Bryan Bruan. Commissioner Stiff seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Professional Services Agreement with Dr. Eric Lamb, RPH for Consultant
Pharmacist services at a rate of $75.00 per hour for a term set to expire June
30, 2010. Commissioner Stiff made a motion to approve the PSA with Dr. Lamb.
Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried.
6. Agreement with Mountain Valley Mental Health for services provided at the
Baker County Jail at a rate of $115.00 per hour for psychiatric time and $50.00
per hour for QMHP/QMHA time for a term set to expire June 30, 2010.
Commissioner Kerns made a motion to approve the contract with MVMH.
Commissioner Warner seconded the motion. Motion carried.
7. Medical Service Agreement between Baker County, Baker Clinic, LLP and Baker
School District 5J. Baker Clinic will provided medical services to the
School-based health clinic for a term set to expire July 1, 2010. Commissioner
Kerns made a motion to accept the agreement between Baker County, Baker Clinic,
LLP and Baker School District 5J. Commissioner Stiff seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
d. Mountain Valley Mental Health Update
Vicki Long, Kent Bailey and Milo Pope were present. Ms. Long began by
reviewing the items of discussion per the contract.
a. Contractor Goals: MVMH is able to keep children in therapeutic foster care
homes and has fewer kids in institutional settings than before. One problem
MVMH faces is funding for a holding room. They have increased access to
involuntary treatment programs and provide additional respite for reoccurring
symptoms of mental illness. One of the newest additions the past year is the
“warm line” that isn’t a crisis line, but it allows those who are receiving
treatment to contact others who are also being treated. The line is used
throughout the GOBHI region and reduces the need for crisis care.
MVMH still continues to search for a suitable provider for the outlying areas
within the County. They are currently working with Mary Jo of Community
Connections on trying to provide transportation from Halfway to Baker on
Fridays when the kids are out of school.
New employees include Valerie Willaims who will provide case management
services and Tammie Clausel who was hired as an additional child
provider.
b. Transparency: Dr. Stiff continues to attend the MVMH board meetings as well
as various representatives from the different agencies. Bob Heriza is a member
of the advisory committee and reports back to Ms. Long. They also make sure
their audit information is available to the public.
c. Evidence based services: Based on the last site review, MVMH is providing
adequate care and meeting the standards as required by the State.
d. Open communication with agencies: MVMH works with the various agencies
through Partnership II process where MVMH or the public agencies can identify
kids in trouble and they work together with the families in creating a plan
that would include “wrap-around” services to help the families. MVMH has
services for children down to age two if needed. They also work with drug
court and the jail by using Telemed to analyze and treat the patient as
needed. MVMH works with Veteran Services and LPSCC in providing treatment as
needed as well as New Directions NW and Elkhorn Adolescent. They are
considered the only dual diagnosis-treatment center in Oregon.
e. Barriers to services: MVMH is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they offer
after-hour counseling by appointment. They also offer the crisis line and warm
line as discussed above.
f. Conflict of interest: None
g. Services provided or planned: Ms. Long stated she would provide more
information, but she estimates that services are provided to approximately 200
people per month.
Financial Update: Kent Bailey reviewed the financials for MVMH citing a net
income of $155,086 as of May 31, 2009. Commissioner Warner raised some
concerns over the litigation between MVMH and a former employee and wondered if
insurance would cover the settlement costs. Mr. Bailey assured the
Commissioners that even if insurance did not cover the costs, they would be
financially secure. The employees of MVMH will not be a receiving a cost of
living increase this year due to the poor economy. The MVMH Board will be
losing three of its current members that include Barbara Warner, Brian Harvey,
and Kent Bailey. They are currently looking to replace those members.
a. 2009-2010 Services Agreement with Mountain Valley Mental Health:
Commissioner Warner discussed two additions to the contract this year that
include a financial update on their semi-annual review with Baker County and a
certificate of insurance listing Baker County as additionally insured. Mr.
Pope stated they would have to look into it and make sure that it wouldn’t cost
more to have Baker County added to their insurance. Commissioner Kerns made a
motion to approve the contract with MVMH contingent upon no additional costs to
MVMH for listing Baker County as additionally insured. Commissioner Stiff
seconded the motion. Motion carried.
6. Documents to be Signed:
1. Order No. 2009-154 Appointing Denine Schmitz to the Powder Basin Watershed
Council as a BLM representative. Commissioner Kerns made a motion to approve
Order No. 2009-154. Commissioner Stiff seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2. Order No. 2009-155 Appointing Aletha Bonebrake to the Baker County Cultural
Trust Coalition for a term set to expire June 30, 2012. Commissioner Kerns
made a motion to approve Order No. 2009-155. Commissioner Stiff seconded the
motion. Motion carried.
3. Order No. 2009-157: Designating a paper of record. Commissioner Kerns made
a motion to designate the Record Courier as the paper of record. Commissioner
Stiff seconded the motion. Motion carried.
4. Resolution No. 2009-1029: Transfers within the Health Department CAHS Flex
Fund. Commissioner Stiff made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2009-1029.
Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Resolution No. 2009-1032: Transfer within the Health Department Perinatal
Oregon Mother’s fund. Commissioner Stiff made a motion to approve Resolution
No. 2009-1032. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion carried.
6. Resolution No. 2009-1033: Transfer within the 2008-2009 CAHS and CAHS Title
V department of the Health fund. Commissioner Stiff made a motion to approve
Resolution No. 2009-1033. Commissioner Kerns seconded the motion. Motion
carried.
7. Ratification of Documents:
1. Amendment #40 and #41 to the 2007-09 IGA for the financing of mental health,
developmental disability and addiction services agreement #119921.
Commissioner Kerns made a motion to ratify Amendments #40 and #41.
Commissioner Stiff seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2. Amendment to OWSCI Grant Agreement #2008-2 through Oregon Water Resources
Department and WASH for $6,000. Commissioner Kerns made a motion to ratify the
Amendment to OWSCI Grant Agreement #2008-2. Commissioner Stiff seconded the
motion. Motion carried.
3. MOU between Baker County, ODF, BLM and USFS for County Fire Authority
services. Commissioner Kerns made a motion to ratify the MOU. Commissioner
Stiff seconded the motion. Motion carried.
8. Other Business
a. Comparison of Calendar:
07/03/09 Bruce Klunder Dedication
07/03/09 DH/EO Meeting
07/08/09 Marvin Wood Awards
07/09/09 Travel Management Q&A at Armory
07/15/09 Commission Session
9. Adjourn
The June 17, 2009 Commission Session was adjourned at 11:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Heidi Martin, Executive Assistant
Baker County Board of Commissioners