COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON MARCH 1, 2023
COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM
COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the March 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. Remove: Executive Session
b. Remove: Investigation Retention Agreement
c. Remove: Fair: Clerk of the Work
d. Remove: EM: EORMRC Chemical/Radiation Plans for HCC Regions 6&9 (This item was later added back onto the agenda. See Contract Review Board below.)
e. Remove: Road Department Update
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the agenda with changes. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
3. Citizen’s Participation
a. None
4. Review/Approval of Minutes
a. February 10, 2023, Special Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the February 10, 2023 Special Commission Session Minutes with changes. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. February 15, 2023 Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the February 15, 2023 Commission Session Minutes. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
c. February 17, 2023 Special Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the February 17, 2023 Special Commission Session Minutes. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Scheduled Business
a. Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) Update ~ Jeff Nelson, Baker Center Director
Jeff Nelson, BMCC Baker Center Director, and O'Keeya Brown, Office Specialist, were present to give an update on BMCC Baker Center and Small Business Development Center.
Ms. Brown discussed BMCC's Timber Wolf Card, hosted events, relationship improvements with the Baker 5j School District, and the dual-credit program. The Timber Wolf Card is free and supports local businesses by providing discounts to community members, and one can be obtained at the local BMCC Center. BMCC has hosted and participated in over 30 Community events. They hosted camps that Baker 5j School District sponsored over 60 students to attend. They plan to continue to host camps and eventually add more. BMCC offers a dual-credit program to high school students. They have been working to improve the program and have seen significant increases in registration, including an 8% increase in first-semester enrollments from 2021-2022 and a 77% increase from 2022-2023.
The Baker Center facilities are free for community members to use. Their facilities include computers, printers, and meeting rooms with a 30-person capacity or more using their modular building. They have added two road signs on Auburn and Campbell to make their facility easier to find and are working on adding more.
Mr. Nelson discussed the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC is a free and confidential service that assists new and existing businesses to start, run, and grow. The center serves Umatilla, Wallowa, and Baker Counties, with centers in Hermiston, Pendleton, Milton-Freewater, Enterprise, and Baker City.
Commissioner Nichols commended Mr. Nelson for how well he has done improving the BMCC Baker Center and helping businesses especially during the pandemic.
b. Contract Review Board
1. Clerk: Election Modernization Grant Amendment: At the May 4, 2022 Commission Session the previous Board of Commissioners approved a grant for the Clerk’s Office in the amount of $15,000.00 from the Secretary of State’s (SOS) Office for Election. The grant amendment replaces the current SOS Grant Manager and adds an additional $5,000.00 grant disbursement.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Amendment #1 to Agreement # PO-16500-00006435. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2. Facilities: Old Jail Cell Removal Contract Approval: Additional space is required to meet future and current requirements for the security of the Technology Department. With the vacation of the Watermasters from the Courthouse, extra space has become available. Part of the space includes four cells from when the jail was located in the Courthouse, which must be removed to meet the need for Technology’s additional space. In preparation for their removal, multiple layers of lead-based paint were detected. Remediation/abatement and demolition /removal contractors working on the project must work in tandem, be licensed, and complete work plans following protocols to meet OSHA's lead-based paint rules and abatement requirements. Only one abatement contractor, Alpine Abatement Associates, responded. Two demolition contractors, Gyllenberg Construction, Inc. and Farm and Industrial Service, responded, but only Gyllenberg Construction, Inc. has the required licenses, certifications, and training for this type of work. The Facilities Department is requesting approval to accept the proposal from Alpine Abatement Associates, and Gyllenberg Construction, Inc. Cyber security funds will cover the project costs. Ms. Wanda Ballard had questions relating to the removal of the old jail cell. Mr. McQuisten responded and an offer was made to give Ms. Ballard a tour of the area.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the proposal from Alpine Abatement Associates for $10,998.00. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the proposal from Gyllenberg Construction, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $28,260.00. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
3. State of Oregon Subdivision Agreement Regarding Distribution and use of Opioid Settlement Funds: The County has previously signed two opioid-related settlement agreements, the Janssen Settlement and Distributor Settlement, in 2021 and 2022. Portions of these funds have been used to purchase a vehicle to transport youth to treatment. Further plans for the use of these funds include training/education for school and law enforcement staff relating to accidental opioid overdoses and the purchase of a hand-held narcotics analyzer that tests for the presence of narcotics on suspicious mail and packages that may come into the Baker Co. Jail. Approving this agreement will make Baker County eligible for additional opioid settlement funds due to a proposed national settlement with Teva, Allergan, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. The settlement amount will be calculated once all forms are received on or before April 18th and only if the settlement moves forward.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve the State of Oregon Subdivision Agreement Regarding Distribution and Use of Settlement Funds. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
4. Tech: Conversion to Outlook Bid Approval: Baker County Technology Department is requesting approval of the bid from Manage Inc. to convert their current email system to Outlook with Multifactor Authentication to meet cyber insurance requirements for $23,112.50. Order No. 2022-135 was approved September 7, 2022, designating Manage Inc. a sole source provider.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the bid from Manage Inc. as sole source provider for the conversion to Outlook for $23,112.50. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. EM: EORMRC Chemical/Radiation Plans for HCC Regions 6 & 9: Emergency Management Director Jason Yencopal was present to discuss Region 6 & 9 Healthcare Coalitions (HCC) receiving a grant from Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to write the region's Chemical and Radiation Emergency Plans. The plans will establish policy and guidance to ensure the essential business functions of the Region 6 & 9 HCC are continued in a chemical or radiological emergency that disrupts or threatens to disrupt normal business operations. Each plan will incorporate specific criteria, requirements, and guidelines. Eastern Oregon Regional Medical Reserve Corp (EORMRC) and members of the HCC advertised for a consultant to write the plans. The HCC, made up of members of Regions 6 & 9, has determined the best-qualified contractor that meets the qualifications necessary to create the plans when reviewing the bids received by the deadline specified for this project. The HCC has used the EORMRC to assist with other grants that benefit the region and would like to continue the partnership with this grant. The cost of this grant will not exceed $10,000.00 and will be paid through the grant received from OHA to Regions 6 & 9 HCC and run through EORMRC. Region 6 & 9 HCC is requesting approval of the Professional Services Agreement Region 6 & 9 Healthcare Coalition (HCC) Chemical Emergency Surge Annex (Plan) & Radiation Emergency Surge Annex (Plan) FROM March 1, 2022, TO May 31, 2022, with the Commission Chair signing out of Commission Session if there is only one applicant.
Commissioner Nichols moved to add previously removed Contract Review Board Agenda Item #5 EM: EORMRC Chemical/Radiation Plans for HCC Regions 6 & 9 back onto the agenda. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Discussion: Bill Harvey of Baker City discussed a previous EM plan and inquired about the chemical/radiation plans, if they involved the mustard gas that will expire, and if Baker County still possesses mustard gas. Mr. Yencopal explained that the plan Mr. Harvey is referring to is the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and is different from the chemical/radiation plans. The COOP was developed according to the list from the OHA's Emergency Operations Plan for the region. Baker County does not have mustard gas that has not been disposed.
The purpose of the chemical/radiation plans is to identify current threats, assess local risks, determine needed detection equipment, etc.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the Professional Services Agreement Region 6 & 9 Healthcare Coalition (HCC) Chemical Emergency Surge Annex (Plan) & Radiation Emergency Surge Annex (Plan) FROM March 1, 2022 TO March 31, 2022 with the Commissioner Chair signing out of session if there is only one applicant. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
c. EM: Extrication Equipment Discussion: Equipment With the recent changes in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers for the Baker and Huntington Ambulance Service Area (ASA), there has been a concern about the availability of extrication equipment at accident sites. The current EMS provider does not carry extrication equipment, and not all volunteer response agencies may be able to respond to ensure the tools are available if needed for the response. Emergency Management has been researching for a grant that would provide funds to purchase these types of tools. A grant from Union Pacific might be available in May or April of 2023. They would like to use this grant to update current Fire Departments tools with battery or hydraulic pump-powered tools. Winter involves additional motor vehicle accidents where these tools are needed. There are four main manufacturers, each with dealers serving various geographical areas. Primary tools used in our area consist of those manufactured by Hurst, Holmatro, and TNT. Each dealer was contacted to provide quotes on new and used tools, but the availability of used tools is limited. There was one dealer outside of the area able to provide a quote on demo equipment.
Training would be provided for all potential users, and a mutual aid agreement would be completed for the use of the tools.
Since this was not anticipated in the EM budget if funding is available, they are requesting consideration for approval to purchase used tool option two from Fire Rescue Equipment NW, LLC.
Commissioner Witham would like to explore available funding and suggested the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) recent Grant Funding Questionnaire for Global Grant Services as a great place to start. Commissioner Nichols and Commissioner Alderson agreed.
Discussion: Dan Garrick of Baker City inquired about where the equipment would be stored for the use of the other cities. Mr. Yencopal explained that he would like the equipment to be on a quick load so it can be quickly and easily transported to where it is needed, but it would be stored in Baker City.
d. Richland Waterline Discussion: Commissioner Witham discussed a Letter of Agreement sent to Richland regarding running the waterline from the City of Richland to the Parks. Mayor Lattin was invited but was unable to attend the discussion.
Commissioner Nichols reported a phone call from Mayor Lattin after he received the Letter of Agreement. Mayor Lattin told Commissioner Nichols that Richland City Council would not sign the agreement due to the way it was written and did not include all the details, such as who would be responsible for the waterline, when they would be responsible, and that there would not be any hookups down the road after the parks. Commissioner Nichols explained to Mayor Lattin that all the details could be put into a written contract agreement.
Previously the Commissioners had decided to get three bids for engineering and then move on to the RFPs. Although Commissioner Witham would like a signed Letter of Agreement from Richland, she would like to move forward and add the engineering to the RFP instead of the plan discussed previously. She believes it is important to do this because the Parks have come so far, and so much work and effort have gone into them that she feels it is worth it.
She has heard many testimonies from the public and business owners supporting the waterline despite what it will cost. The Parks provide great economic benefits to Baker City, Richland, Halfway, and Baker County overall. Commissioner Nichols agreed that the Parks provide significant economic benefits for all of Baker County.
Commissioner Witham continued explaining that Richland said they do not want the waterline splitting off on Sullivan Road. She believes it could be advantageous to the City of Richland to do that for later while it is being installed, but it is Richland's decision. She explained that the project could be completed in two phases. Phase one could include installing the waterline from Richland to the Parks, capping it off at Holcomb, bringing it to Hewitt, the restrooms, and the Park Employee's residence, and capping it off. Phase two could include bringing it to all the sites at Holcomb with new lines and plumbing from the two caps at Hewitt to the Park Employee's residence and the restrooms.
Commissioner Alderson explained that he would not want to go over the heads of Richland's City Council and would like to see what they would like to do beforehand.
Mr. Harvey worked on this project for three years as a Commissioner. He explained that the original intent was that the waterline would belong to the City of Richland after its installation.
Commissioner Nichols explained that the previous Commission Board discussed installing a pipeline from Richland to Holcomb and Hewitt Park. The most recent engineering report estimated the total project cost at $1.625 Million. Since then, there has been significant inflation, and the project could now cost upwards of $2 Million. He discussed previously stating that he is uncomfortable with the $1.625 Million project cost. If they go in the direction of sending out RFPs, he is okay with including the engineering. However, he suggested considering alternatives, such as searching for grant funding, purchasing a potable water truck, using cisterns or a water tower, and using a water filtration system. Richland is currently going through a water project, and they have a filtration system that cleanses their water which is being replaced by a new system. He would like to consider asking Richland if Baker County could acquire their filtration system for the Parks.
Mr. Harvey explained that they tried using alternatives, such as filtration systems and a cistern which all failed due to the iron and other sediments in the water. He believes the waterline is the only system that will provide a permanent solution. Commissioner Witham added that they have also directed Ms. Doni Bruland, Natural Resource/Parks Director, to search for matching grants to the $1 million that was set aside from the LACTF funds to complete this waterline project. She believes they need to follow through with the original plan and worries that alternatives will come with their own costs and issues.
Commissioner Nichols explained that he would like to confirm and explore any options to ensure that Mr. John McCarrell Park Employee and the Parks receive clean potable water long-term with the least possible economic impact on the County.
Commissioner Witham directed staff to coordinate a time to meet and discuss the topic with Richland's Mayor and City Council.
Mr. McCarrell shared his testimony on the water at his home and the Parks. He believes there is more than iron in the water based on his experiences. The sediment from the water turns into an orange gelatinous substance with a pudding-like consistency. He is concerned for the health and safety of the public at the parks and for his own family. He believes the waterline is the best solution and a necessity.
Commissioner Nichols stated that he shares Mr. McCarrell's concerns. The goal is to get clean potable water for Mr. McCarrell's residence and the Parks long term.
Mr. Garrick discussed hunting and fishing in Richland but will not take his RV to the parks in Richland due to the water. He believes that if they can get good water to the Parks, many more people will start visiting.
Commissioner Alderson discussed Baker County being responsible for eight municipalities and that funds need to be used to serve all of them best.
Mr. Tork Ballard explained that he fishes at the Parks but quit using the fish cleaning stations to clean his fish because the water is so bad. He believes that no matter the cost, they must spend the money to install the waterline to get good water to the Parks.
Ms. Wanda Ballard believes that they need to finish the project they have started and that $1 million to $2 million is worth it due to the problems it will solve and the benefits it will provide.
Mr. Harvey added that many people visit the Parks for recreation other than boating. Some will stay for two weeks to a month and have been for twenty years. Many of them are camping in tents and have no other options than to use the water available at the Parks. He believes it is a huge beautiful investment, and since Baker County owns the Parks, they have an obligation to take care of it to the best of their ability. He encourages them to follow the original plan to install the waterline.
e. Passenger Rail Discussion: The Pioneer Line serviced Baker County until 1997 and has been without passenger rail since. There is interest on the Federal level to revamp passenger rail and reinstate the Pioneer Line. Senate Bills (SB) 14 and 16 are sponsored by Oregon Senator Chris Gorsek. Essentially the Bills request a feasibility study by the Oregon Department of Transportation to reinstate the Pioneer Line service through Eastern Oregon from Portland to Ontario, OR, Boise, ID, and Salt Lake City, UT. Commissioner Alderson has written a letter supporting SB14 and SB16 and is requesting support and approval to submit the letter as testimony.
Commissioner Nichols has heard many testimonies in favor of the reinstatement of the Pioneer Line. He supports it as Baker County has an aging population who are limited in their ability to travel, especially during the winter.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve supporting SB14 and SB16 by signing and submitting the letter as testimony and moving forward with additional support as needed. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
6. Documents to be Signed
a. Order No. 2023-113 Re-Appointing Mitch Southwick to the Baker County Compensation Board for a term set to expire December 31, 2026.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Order No. 2023-113. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. Order No. 2023-114 Re-Appointing Robert Whitnah (Attorney) to the Local Public Safety and Coordinating Council (LPSCC) for a term set to expire November 1, 2025.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Order No. 2023-114. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
c. Order No. 2023-115 Appointing Shane Alderson (Commissioner), Joseph Mabonga (OYA Representative), and Andy Micka (Lay Citizen) to the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) for a term set to expire November 1, 2024.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Order No. 2023-115. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
d. Order No. 2023-116 Appointing Curtis Martin (Alternate Representative) to the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD) for a term set to expire December 31, 2023.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Order No. 2023-116. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
e. Order No. 2023-117 Re- Appointing Tyler Brown, Mike Ogan, and Jerry Peacock to the Economic Development Council (EDC) for a term set to expire March 1, 2026.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Order No. 2023-117. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
7. Ratification of Documents
a. Financial Reports: C80, C83, C70, and the Treasurer’s Financial Report for January.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the aforementioned financial reports. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
8. Other Business:
a. Commissioner Update:
· Commissioner Alderson reported meeting with Halfway Mayor Aspy, the fire chief, and a Pine Eagle Clinic employee to discuss the needs of Halfway and how they would like to see housing progress. He also reported that the EOCA voted to support the Pioneer Line.
· Commissioner Witham reported attending multiple meetings to stay updated on legislation with the 4,000 plus Senate Bills.
· Commissioner Nichols reported attending a meeting at New Directions. They are expanding their organization and looking at new software for counselors to take notes during sessions with clients.
b. Comparison of Calendar: March 13th, AOC is having a legislative meeting day, Commissioner Nichols will attend in person, and Commissioner Witham will attend the Natural Resource portion online. On March 21st, Baker County will host the BIC Committee meeting time and location TBD.
9. Adjournment
Commissioner Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The March 1, 2023, Commission Session adjourned at 11:30 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erin Linan
Management Assistant |