COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON MARCH 15, 2023
COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM
COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the March 15, 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: Fair: Clerk of the Work
b. March 8, 2023, Special Commission Session Minutes (See Review/Approval of Minutes)
c. Weed: 2023/2024 Noxious Weed List (See Scheduled Business)
d. Road: Order No. 2023-120 Designating Albina Fuel as a Sole Source Provider (See Contract Review Board)
e. EM: EORMRC Chemical and Radiation Annex Plans for HCC Regions 6 & 9 (See Ratification of Documents)
3. Citizen’s Participation
a. Mr. Kim Lethlean of 1640 Valley Ave. Baker City commended the ambulance services. He believes they are doing an excellent job and providing excellent care.
b. Baker City Councilor Dean Guyer of 2925 Grandview Dr. Baker City. He reported a question discussed at the March 14, 2023, Baker City Council meeting regarding the Northeast Corner of Hughes Lane and Tenth Street. Due to ODOT's proposal to use eminent domain to section off part of private property to complete the intersection, he and other City Council Members are concerned. There are potential irrigation issues for the private landowner. Where the land has been developed over many years with trial and error to get appropriate water conditions, it could be financially devasting for the landowner to redevelop it. City Councilor Guyer asked the Commissioners for their position on the topic.
Commissioner Alderson explained that they have been waiting for the City to adopt their ordinance and approve the plan.
Commissioner Nichols reported attending a meeting at OTEC where there was no real discussion. There were people present to answer specific questions regarding the plan, but it seemed to be set. Other landowners are also displeased. Commissioner Nichols's complaint on the project is the tax implemented that was intended to provide a better result than is now anticipated due to inflation.
City Councilor Guyer believes most would agree that improvements in those areas are beneficial, but considering how that is achieved is essential. He believes there are better ways to make the improvements than creating potential problems for farmers, ranchers, or business owners by using their land.
Commissioner Witham suggested having a separate meeting to discuss the topic. City Councilor Guyer agreed. The final proposal has yet to be submitted, but he would like for all entities to be prepared and educated for when it is submitted.
4. Scheduled Business
a. Weed: 2023/2024 Noxious Weed List: The Baker County Weed District Board unanimously approved the 2023/2024 Noxious Weed List and is requesting that the Baker County Board of Commissioners also approve the list. The list contains three categories Early Detection/Rapid Response (EDRR) Weeds, 'A' Weeds, and 'B' Weeds. The EDRR includes weeds that are either not present in Baker County or have very few known sites. 'A' List Weeds are of known economic importance and occur in the state/county in small enough infestations to make eradication or containment possible or is not known to occur, but their presence in neighboring counties makes future occurrence in Baker County eminent. 'B' List Weeds are widespread and of concern, of economic importance which is regionally abundant but may have limited distribution in some areas. Two new weeds, Common Vipers Bugloss and Italian Bugloss were added to the EDRR. Horseweed (Mare's tail) (T), Dog Rose, and Sweetbriar rose were added to the 'B' List.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve the 2023/2024 Noxious Weed List. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. Contract Review Board
1. Parks: Oregon Marine Board Grant: Each biennium, the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) helps fund the maintenance of Hewitt and Holcomb Parks for boaters and provides federal funding for the floating restroom. The total grant amount is $17,650.00, and matching funds come from the supplies and maintenance time for the restrooms. Ms. Doni Bruland, Parks/Natural Resource Director, is requesting approval to submit the Parks MAG Grant application to the OSMB.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve the application to the OSMB for the Parks MAG Grant for $17,650.00. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2. Juvenile: Detention Agreement: Baker County has been utilizing NORCOR detention in the Dalles, OR for youth when they need to be detained. Due to frequent road closures during the winter hours, using a closer facility in Idaho during those times would be beneficial. Ms. Staci Erickson, Juvenile Director, is requesting review and approval of the Juvenile Detention MOA with Canyon County. The contract would only be utilized during certain times of the year or for short-term stays.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the Juvenile Detention MOA with Canyon County with the Commissioners signing out of session after County Counsel has reviewed and approved it. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
3. Sage-Grouse Local Implementation Team (LIT): VHF Collar Purchase Approval: The Baker Sage-grouse Local Implementation Team was approved for a grant by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) to purchase 11 VHF collars to track and monitor sage-grouse nest success within Baker County. This project will assess the potential benefits of raven mitigation strategies on sage-grouse survival, nest success, and habitat use. The VHF collars serve a dual purpose by providing a base for the GPS units to be attached to and facilitating technicians in locating sage-grouse nests in the field using hand-held telemetry. The contract review board previously approved the purchase of the GPS units that will be attached to the VHF collars. The Baker Sage-grouse LIT plans to partner with Oregon State University to get the VHF collar and GPS units placed on sage-grouse hens. They are requesting approval to purchase 11 VHF collars from Holohil for $3,141.00.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the purchase of 11 RI-2DM Transmitters from Holohil for $3,141.00. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
4. Road: Order No. 2023-120 Designating Albina Fuel as a Sole Source Provider: The Baker County Road Department has determined that Albina Fuel is the only provider of HFRSP1/HFE901S 50% dilute fog seal oil in Eastern Oregon. The Road Department plans to chip-seal various county roads during Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Idaho Asphalt has a new high float emulsion that we are currently testing on West Sutton Creek Road for durability that was applied in 2021. Evaluation is ongoing for repeated exposure to high and low temperatures to determine stability for the Idaho Asphalt CMS-3P product before being considered as a bidder to make an informed decision in the public's best interest. The Road Department is requesting approval of Order No. 2023-120 Designating a Sole Source Provider for Chip Seal Oil and Fog Seal Oil for the Baker County Road Department.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Order No. 2023-120. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Review/Approval of Minutes
a. March 1, 2023, Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the March 1, 2023, Commission Session Minutes with the change at the bottom of page 4. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. March 8, 2023, Special Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the March 8, 2023, Special Commission Session Minutes. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
6. Documents to be Signed
a. Order No. 2023-118 Foreclosure Sale Bourne Area Mining Claim: The County foreclosed on Reference #5808 Bourne Area Mining in Claim in 2020. There has been recent interest in the property, and the previous Board of Commissioners reviewed the property, but no decisions were made at that time.
Commissioner Nichols moved to table Order No. 2023-118 until there is more information and the property is assessed. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. Order No. 2023-119 Appointing Carolyn Kerbs (EMS Medical Director), Deb Duggan (Public), for a term set to expire March 1, 2024, David Blair (Fire Service)(EMT), Sean Lee (Fire Service) for a term set to expire March 1, 2025, Mandy Wirth (Dispatch Center), Travis Ash (Law Enforcement)(Search and Rescue), and Joe Johnson (Emergency Management) for a term set to expire March 1, 2026, to the Baker County Ambulance Service Area Advisory Committee.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Order No. 2023-119. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
7. Ratification of Documents
a. EM: EORMRC Chemical/Radiation Plans for HCC Regions 6 & 9: Mr. Jason Yencopal, Emergency Management Director, was present to give an update on the discussion from March 1, 2023, Commission Session regarding the Chemical/Radiation Plans for Health Care Coalition (HCC) Regions 6&9.
Due to the short timeline Oregon Health Authority (OHA) requested to separate the plans. The Radiation Plan beginning March 1, 2023 would be completed by June 30, 2023, and the Chemical Plan would begin July 1, 2023, and be completed by June 30, 2024. The total amount does not change but will be separated into two fiscal years for $5,000.00 each year.
As previously discussed, there was interest from the contractor that completed the COOP plan last year and two new contractors. Resumes were requested from the new contractors, and none were provided. The HCC was satisfied with the work completed by Integrated Emergency Response Solutions (IERS) for the COOP Plan and would like to continue working with them on the Radiation and Chemical plans.
Mr. Yencopal is requesting ratification of the Commissioners' signatures.
Commissioner Nichols moved to ratify the signatures of the Commissioners on the Professional Services Agreement Region 6&9 Health Care Coalition Radiation Emergency Surge Annex (Plan) from March 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023 and Chemical Emergency Surge Annex (Plan) from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. Financial Reports: V10, C82, C84, C85, C86, C71, C72, and the January Revenue/Expenditure Report.
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 attending an Economic Development Council meeting on March 14th. They discussed the next steps on the Ward property as the feasibility study is complete. He will attend a housing meeting with Nick Green on March 21st.
· Commissioner Witham reported attending the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Legislative Committee Meeting via zoom. She attended the biennium budget meeting for Baker Sage-grouse LIT.
· Commissioner Nichols reported attending the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Legislative Committee Meeting. The committee discusses various legislative bills, and he described some of the Natural Resource bills as contentious. Oregon Senator Mark Owens introduced a bill that included Oregon Water issues such as water rights. Commissioner Nichols and Commissioner Witham voted on the legislation differently. His vote in favor of the bill was to instigate engagement and change. He does not believe the bill will pass but will motivate others to participate and speak out on the issue.
Commissioner Witham explained that the issue with the bill was that it needed to be brought to the Commissioners to review in a timely manner, and many felt it needed to be amended or rewritten.
Commissioner Nichols discussed another bill that he and Commissioner Witham agreed on that involved keeping land use authority in counties.
Discussion: Councilor Guyer inquired about how the counties view land use regarding the bill discussed and if it would affect cities. He explained that there had been a discussion recently at the city council regarding whether to limit Airbnb or short-term rentals within city limits because it takes away from rental properties in the community. Commissioner Nichols explained that it could affect the cities and that he would not like to take land use regulation and decisions away from cities or counties. Commissioner Alderson explained that if this became state law, the state would regulate it for all. It would be better for the city to request land use regulation ordinances from the county if the alternative is to have the state control it all.
b. Comparison of Calendar: The Commissioners will attend a Mayors Council Meeting today March 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. and Richland City Council Meeting in Richland March 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Discussion: Councilor Discussion: Councilor Guyer discussed Commissioner Alderson previously serving on the Industrial Park Committee. He wanted to know if anyone from the County would like to serve on the committee. Baker City plans to appoint new members as Councilor Guyer is currently the only member. The purpose of the committee is to determine the best use of the Industrial Park. They would like to have a variety of individuals from the community serve as members to get different input and perspectives when determining the best use of the property.
Commissioner Nichols gave a brief explanation of the Industrial Park's history. He believes it should be used for economic development and that they are working on making that happen.
9. Adjournment
Commissioner Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The March 15, 2023, Commission Session adjourned at 10:35 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erin Linan
Management Assistant |