COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON
COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM
COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the February 1, 2023, Commission Session. Present were Commissioner Shane M. Alderson, Commissioner Christina Witham, and Commissioner Bruce A. Nichols.
1. Call to Order/Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Alderson called the meeting to order and led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.
2. Agenda Changes/Additions to the Agenda
a. Executive Session ORS 192.660 (2)(a): To consider the employment of a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. ORS 192.660 (2)(h): To consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed. Note: The Commissioners will return to Regular
Session immediately following Executive Session to make a decision as needed. (See Scheduled Business)
b. Sheriff ATV Law Enforcement Grant Letter of Support:
Sheriff Ash is requesting a letter that shows the Commissioners support his office applying for the ATV Law Enforcement Grant. The grant provides a part-time patrol position where they specifically address and enforce ATV operation on Virtue Flat, Sumpter, and Baker County ATV trails. They have been applying for this grant every two years since 2007.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve the ATV Law Enforcement Grant Letter of Support. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
3. Citizen’s Participation
a. Dean Guyer, City Councilor, was present to state that he is designated by the Council to serve as the liaison to the Board of Commissioners. He gave an update on the Veteran housing saying that there has been a delay by the builder but that it is starting to move forward again.
4. Review/Approval of Minutes
a. January 17, 2023, Special Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the January 17, 2023 Special Commission Session Minutes. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. January 18, 2023 Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the January 18, 2023 Commission Session Minutes. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Scheduled Business
a. Technology Department Update ~ Bill Lee, Technology Director
Mr. Lee gave an update for his department. He reviewed the work order system, which is used by the employees to report issues with their workstations.
Mr. Lee explained cyber security standard policies and processes for the technology department and the County. Certain policies and procedures, such as multifactor identification, are required for maintaining cyber insurance.
Recently the County’s email domain was switched from .org to .gov. Security centers and election security centers highly recommended the switch for security purposes.
Mr. Lee is working on a new workflow calendar application for public meetings and notices. The application will allow anyone from the public to locate meeting times, locations, and documents in one place.
Commissioner Nichols thanked Mr. Lee for his presentation, which was easy to understand and very informative.
b. District Attorney Staffing Discussion ~ Greg Baxter, District Attorney
Mr. Baxter was present to discuss the original request he made in January to increase the salary of both of his Victim Assistant positions.
Commissioner Witham would like to create a new job description at a range 9. Commissioner Nichols agreed. Stephanie Beard gave a personal testimony on her positive experience with the Baker County Victims Advocate Office; she expressed how critical the position is to the community. Dean Guyer agreed that the position is needed. Whitney Rilee, Victims Advocate, explained that two separate VOCA Grants fund the position. The grant has existed since 1994 and is funded by federal fines and penalties that federal offenders pay. Mr. Baxter agreed to rewrite the job description. The Commissioners agreed to hold a Special Commission Session next week to approve the new job description.
c. Contract Review Board
1. Corrections: Livescan Fingerprinting Machine Purchase: Lt. Ben Wray was present to request a second Livescan fingerprinting machine. The machine is more efficient and accurate than the hand-rolled ink method.
Commissioner Nichols moved to purchase the Biometrics4all fingerprinting machine printer, touchscreen monitor, software and foot pedal for $18,969.50. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2. Parks: Maintenance Agreement Extension
The County has held an agreement with Mr. John McCarrell to provide seasonal maintenance services at the Park for several years. This agreement is an extension that will allow Mr. McCarrell to start his work earlier than usual to allow him time to complete the construction of the interior of the new office and shop prior to the open season which begins March 1, 2023. Mr. McCarrell will be paid the same salary on a pro-rated basis. Ms. Doni Bruland reported that funds will come from the capital improvement fund.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve the amended agreement with Mr. McCarrell. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
3. Parks: Shop & Office Construction Agreement
This is an agreement with Bill Harvey Custom Builder Inc. to complete the exterior of the new office and shop at Hewitt Park. The agreement is for $4,706 to be paid out of capital expenses. Ms. Bruland will modify the agreement to include a completion date of April 1, 2023.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve the agreement with Bill Harvey Custom Builder Inc. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
4. Parks: Draft Waterline Letter of Agreement w/ the City of Richland.
Ms. Kim Mosier, County Counsel, reviewed a draft Letter of Agreement with the City of Richland to provide a basic understanding of the County’s desire to install potable water to the Hewitt/Holcomb Park. The draft letter will be presented to the City of Richland for consideration.
Commissioner Witham moved to send this draft letter of agreement to the city of Richland. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Commissioner: Project Manager/Consultant Agreement: The County received a grant to add an additional water tower for the City of Unity. Mr. Mark Bennett previously served as the City Manager for the City of Unity and was the grant administrator for this grant. This agreement will allow Mr. Bennett to continue in that role.
The County received federal and state funds and has identified several projects that will benefit the County. Mr. Bennett was instrumental in securing funds and is familiar with the requirements and restrictions related to these funds. He will serve as a liaison to help guide the County in moving these projects forward.
The Governor has identified housing as a priority. Mr. Bennett will assist the County in developing a plan to address this issue.
This agreement will also allow Mr. Bennett to assist with other projects as needed. Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the Project Manager/Consultant Agreement with Mark Bennett for $35.00 per hour not to exceed $1,000.00 per month. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Executive Session: ORS 192.660 (2)(a): To consider the employment of a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. ORS 192.660 (2)(h): To consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.
The Commissioners returned to regular Commission Session and discussed the following:
6. Commissioner: Amended County Counsel Agreement
Commissioner Witham moved to approve the Amended County Counsel Agreement with Kim Mosier Legal Services, LLC for $180.00 per hour. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
6. Documents to be Signed
a. Order No. 2023-108 Authorizing the Sale of County Foreclosure Property by Private Sale ~ Bare Lots located near the corner of Court St. & 15th St., Baker City, OR. Reference Numbers: 2441 and 2442.
This property was offered at a public auction with no bids received. Per ORS 275.220, the County can sell the property by private sale with a reduced amount up to 15%.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the Order No. 2023-108. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
7. Ratification of Documents
a. Financial Reports: C74, C75, C76, C78, C67, C68, and the December Revenue/ Expenditure Report.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the aforementioned financial reports. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. Amendment #4 to the 2022 IGA #173127 for the Financing of Community Mental Health, Addiction Treatment, Recovery & Prevention and Problem Gambling Services.
Commissioner Witham moved to ratify the signature of Commissioner Nichols for Amendment #4 to the 2022 IGA #173127. Commissioner Alderson seconded the motion. Motion carried.
8. Other Business:
a. Commissioner Update:
· Commissioner Alderson reported reaching out to the Mayor of Halfway after the tragic event this week to give his condolences to their community.
· Commissioner Witham reported attending a Thelopody meeting for the Haines Stampede via phone, there will be more information to come.
· Commissioner Nichols reported attending a Community Connections meeting. The board of the Senior Center had voted to dissolve the Senior Center and give the building, land, equipment, and cash to Community Connections, which has been operating the Center. Due to public testimony in opposition to the decision, there will be another meeting where all Senior Citizens can vote.
b. Comparison of Calendar:
The Commissioners will attend an Eastern Oregon Counties Association Meeting February 13, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. via zoom.
9. Adjournment
The February 1, 2023, Commission Session adjourned at 11:20 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erin Linan
Management Assistant
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