COMMISSION CHAIR WILLIAM HARVEY

COMMISSIONER MARK E. BENNETT

COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS

BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the June 29, 2022 Special Commission Session. Present were Commissioner Bill Harvey, Commissioner Mark E. Bennett, and Commissioner Bruce A. Nichols.

1.      Call to Order/Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance

Commissioner Harvey called the meeting to order and led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.

2.      Agenda Changes/Additions to the Agenda

a.       Resolution No. 2022-1013: Transfer Within the Technology Fund (See Documents to be Signed)

b.      Resolution No. 2022-1014: Declaring the Ad Valorem Property Tax and Categorizing the Property Tax Limitation for Baker Co. for 2022-23. (See Documents to be Signed)

c.       Adopting the 2022-23 Baker Co. Budget and Making Appropriations Thereof. (See Documents to be Signed)

d.      Emergency Management: Health Dept. POD Van Upfit Purchase and Installation Approval



Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the June 29, 2022 agenda with changes. Commissioner Bennett seconded the motion. Motion carried.

3.      Citizen’s Participation

a.       None

4.      Review/Approval of Minutes

a.       June 8, 2022 Special Commission Session Minutes

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the June 8, 2022 Special Commission Session Minutes as presented. Commissioner Bennett seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

b.      June 15, 2022 Commission Session Minutes

Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the June 15, 2022 Commission Session Minutes with changes.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

c.       June 21, 2022 Special Commission Session Minutes

Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the June 21, 2022 Special Commission Session Minutes as presented.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

5.      Scheduled Business

a.       Contract Review Board

1.      Facilities: Courthouse HVAC Emergency Purchase Approval:

Mr. Dan McQuisten, Facilities Director, reported that one of the electric motors with pump in the HVAC system at the Courthouse was having issues. They brought in technicians to repair the part, but the motor now seized. He reported that the system has two electric motors with pumps and can function with one. He reported that the system traditionally alternates the use of each motor with pump each month. He reported that this unit was installed in the 1950’s and appreciates the use they have gotten out of the unit. He noted that funds have been set aside previously to cover the cost of the repair. He explained that the bid before the Board of Commissioners is from Advance Plumbing Technologies as they are a licensed dealer. He reported that the motor with pump is custom to our unit and noted that they will start manufacturing the part when the order is received. He noted the cost is $15,589.67.  This price includes parts and labor. Mr. McQuisten noted that this is an emergency purchase approval because they need the part as soon as possible and noted that they are the only dealer in our area. It was noted that it takes 6-8 weeks to receive the part.



Commissioner Bennet moved to approve the quote from Advanced Plumbing Technologies for $15,589.6. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

2.      Facilities: Justice Center HVAC Purchase Approval:

Dan McQuisten, Facilities Director, stated that he is seeking to purchase another HVAC unit for the Justice Center. The unit is approximately 33 years old and he would like to purchase a new unit before it fails. He reported that he received two responses to his request for bid.  He recommends the low bid from Valley Metal and Heating for $9,874, which includes a $400 discount if the bid is approved today.  He noted that the other bid was from Baker County Heating and Cooling for $11,666.00. 

Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the bid from Valley Metal Heating and Cooling for $9,874.00 for the HVAC system for the Justice Center. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

3.      Emergency Management: Metro West Standby Agreement:

Jason Yencopal reported that the County had a standby agreement with AMR Ambulance Services and more recently selected Metro West to provide ambulance services going forward.  Metro West will provide these temporary services until a final agreement is in place.  The County will pay $1,000 a day with $500 back for each transport. It was noted that they currently have staffing for one ambulance. It was also noted that Baker City is the second and sometimes third back up provider. The agreement is set to expire July 31, 2022, but the Commissioners would like to extend the agreement to September 30, 2022. 



Commissioner Bennett moved to ratify and continue the agreement with Metro West until September 30, 2022. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

4.      Emergency Management: St. Alphonsus EMS Temporary Space License Agreement

Mr. Yencopal reported that he has been working to find a temporary space for Metro West.  He reported that they will be using space in the old Baker Clinic building for $1.00.



Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the EMS Temporary Space License Agreement with St. Alphonsus. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

5.      Emergency Management: Health Dept. POD Van Up fit Purchase and Installation Approval:

Vehicle purchase was approved at previous session for $54,420. Mr. Yencopal reviewed the items needed to upfit the van and the costs associated. It was noted that they are slightly over the grant amount.  The grant totaled $184,965.54 with total costs totaling $186,249.19. Up fit total cost is $32,766.19 which includes interior items and installation. 



Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the grant expenditures for $186,249.19.

Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.



 

b.      Baker County 2022-23 Budget Adoption

Ms. Cook, Finance Director, reported that there was a change in Museum that will go towards the concrete work.  It was requested that Mr. McQuisten try and coordinate, if possible, with the contractors that are doing the concrete work in our area as they will be doing various jobs throughout town and near the museum. Mr. McQuisten reported that he would look into what options are available and will report back to the Commissioners.



Commissioner Harvey gave an over view of the capital parks projects and suggested repairs for the old ODOT building. Commissioner Nichols questioned why $150,000 was needed for the Parks. Commissioner Harvey explained that they need to build two buildings, an ADA accessible office space, and a storage/workshop. Commissioner Nichols suggested using a storage container instead of a building or combining the buildings into one. Commissioner Harvey explained that would not be feasible. He offered to take Commissioner Nichols on a site visit to go over the projects.  Commissioner Bennett expressed concern of putting additional money and work into the ODOT building as it is primarily used as storage.

Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the Museum non-departmental fund to increase the beginning fund balance to a total of $72,500 and recognizing expenses to the Museum capital project concrete fund to a total of $42,500.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Mark moved to approve the change to non-departmental capital projects from $360,000 to $210,000, and approve the increase capital parks projects to $150,000 and approve capital projects ODOT building at $10,000. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Commissioner Harvey opposed. Motion carried.

6.      Documents to be Signed

                                                                 

a.       Resolution No. 2022-1009: Unanticipated Revenue in the Law Enforcement Fund

Commissioner Bennett moved to approve Resolution No. 2022-1009.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

b.      Resolution No. 2022-1010: Unanticipated Revenue in the Sheriff Fund

Commissioner Bennett moved to approve Resolution No. 2022-1010.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.



Discussion: Commissioner Harvey questioned the $3,000,000.00 in expenditures. Ms. Cook clarified that includes the American Rescue Plan funds and noted that $29,000 is to back fill for the Community Service Deputy position that was previously approved by the Commissioners.

c.       Resolution No. 2022-1011: Unanticipated Revenue in the emergency Management Fund

Commissioner Bennett moved to approve Resolution No. 2022-1011.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

d.      Resolution No. 2022-1012: Unanticipated Revenue in the Health Dept. Fund

Commissioner Bennett moved to approve Resolution No. 2022-1012.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

e.       Resolution No. 2022-1013: Transfer within the Technology Fund

Commissioner Bennett moved to approve Resolution No. 2022-1013.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

f.        Resolution No. 2022-1014: Declaring the Ad Valorem Property Tax and Categorizing the Property Tax Limitation for Baker Co. for 2022-23.

Commissioner Bennett moved to approve Resolution No. 2022-1014.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

g.      Resolution No. 2022-1015: Adopting the 2022-23 Baker Co. Budget and Making Appropriations Thereof.

Commissioner Bennett moved to approve Resolution No. 2022-1015 Adopting the 2022-23 Baker County Budget and making appropriations Thereof.  Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

7.      Ratification of Documents

a.       Financial Reports: None

b.      Comparison of Calendar

8.      Other Business:

a.       Commissioner Update:

·         Commisisoner Bennett reported that there would be a public meeting for landowners and Intermountain Law to discuss the B2H transmission line on July 13, 2022 at 7:00 pm. He reported that the Veterans Office is nearly complete and noted that it is a very nice facility. He also noted that he would be on a call tomorrow morning with Association of Oregon Counties and League of Oregon Cities regarding the State Wildfire Risk map. He noted that he was asked to testify regarding a disturbance that occurred in Sumpter in 2019.  He also noted that he would be in Salem next Thursday and Friday.

·         Commissioner Nichols reported that he attended the legislative Association of Oregon Counties meeting in Hermiston. He reported the need for all Commissioners to stay engaged. He reported he attended a New Directions and Community Connections meeting yesterday. He also noted he attended the mandatory harassment training.  He reported that there is a North East Oregon Economic Development meeting 1:30 pm tomorrow. He reported he will be in Northern Idaho for the weekend.

·         Commissioner Harvey reported that the BIC meetings have been cancelled for the summer.  He reported that he will be out at the parks on July 5, 2022 and Ms. Doni Bruland would be at the parks on July 4, 2022.  He reported he would be attending a meeting next Thursday with Idaho Power regarding the riverbank restoration project and an ODOT meeting via phone at 10:00.

b.      Comparison of Calendar: None

9.   Adjournment

The June 29, 2022 Commission Session adjourned at 11:40 a.m.     

Respectfully Submitted,

Meranda Woolard

Program Coordinator