COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON MAY 17, 2023
COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM
COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the May 17, 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. EDC: Quail Ridge Golf Course Irrigation Project (See Scheduled Business)
b. Order No. 2023-128 Appointing an Interim Treasurer/Tax Collector (See Documents to be Signed)
c. Remove: Executive Session per ORS 192.660(2)(a): To consider the employment of
a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent.
3. Citizen’s Participation
a. Ms. Wanda Ballard of Baker City discussed visiting Hewitt Park recently and requested an update on the waterline project. Commissioner Alderson explained that Richland and their legal counsel have been reviewing the agreement, and Richland's next city council meeting will be on May 26th. Commissioner Witham discussed that Richland decided to re-write the agreement as they refused the original on March 17th. She hopes to receive an update from Richland after their meeting on the 26th. Once Richland and the Board of Commissioners approve an agreement, they can begin the project.
4. Review/Approval of Minutes
a. May 3, 2023, Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the May 3, 2023, Commission Session Minutes. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Scheduled Business
a. Umatilla National Forest Program Update ~ Eric Watrud, Forest Supervisor, Aaron Gagnon, District Ranger, and Darcy Weseman, Public Affairs Officer
Eric Watrud, Forest Supervisor, Aaron Gagnon, District Ranger, and Darcy Weseman, Public Affairs Officer, were present to give an update on the Umatilla National Forest Program. Mr. Watrud explained that 41 acres of the Umatilla National Forest are located in Baker County. Although it is a small portion of the Umatilla Forest overall, many residents of Baker County use it for recreation, work, and livelihood, so accessibility and connection are important. They are in the process of filling the District Ranger position based out of Ukiah for the North Fork John Day Ranger District, which would be Baker County's main line of contact. Their philosophy for the Umatilla Forest is active management, such as removing hazardous fuels like small trees and turning them into an economic benefit. This provides a more resilient forest, maintains the central infrastructure needed to manage the forest, and makes them relevant to the community.
Commissioner Witham discussed the devastation of forest fires and the need for forest management. She inquired about their approach to active forest fires, whether it is an attack or a monitoring approach. Mr. Watrud explained that as a previous forest firefighter, he appreciates the importance of protecting property, managing forests, and recognizing that the best way to limit risk to people and property is to deal with fires as soon as possible.
Commissioner Witham asked Mr. Watrud if he had any feedback or an update on the East Side Screens Hearing. She felt as if the judge was somewhat biased, and the final decision is important as it affects the upcoming watershed project. Mr. Watrud discussed the East Side Screens, which was instituted in 1994, eliminated the harvest of trees over 21" and was intended to be temporary for 18 months. They are in the same position as the County, awaiting a decision. If the East Side Screens remain, it will not necessarily remove the ability to harvest larger trees, but when projects are planned, they would need to include specific plan amendments. He suggested considering including language in the upcoming forest plan revision to allow the ability to manage the entire forest and harvest larger trees.
Commissioner Witham discussed learning about the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) green dot road closures in a newspaper article this December or January. Many of the closures are in Baker County and other close counties. The Wallowa- Whitman Forest will not enforce the green dot road closures listed as new for this year. Mr. Watrud explained that the green dot closures were a surprise to him as well. There were no new green dot road closures in the Umatilla National Forest.
Commissioner Witham inquired about the Tollgate Ski Area. Mr. Watrud explained that they have two ski areas in the Umatilla National Forest, including Blue Wood Ski Area and Spout Springs Ski Area. Spout Springs Ski Area has not been in operation since 2016, and they are working hard to reopen it as the former operator no longer holds the permit. Commissioner Alderson added that Spout Springs was a Nordic training ground for the Olympic ski team in the 1940s. Commissioner Nichols included that it is a nice area he would like to see open again. Mr. Watrud discussed that they have worked on Project Tollgate to thin much of the area.
Discussion: Ms. Ballard inquired about the permit mentioned for Spout Springs Ski Area and what it entailed. Mr. Gagnon explained that it is National Forest Land, but a private entity owns the infrastructure. The owner would then apply for a permit from the Forest Service to operate the ski area. The permits typically last for about 30-40 years. Ms. Weseman added that there is a process for a public request for the permit bid. This summer, they requested public expression of interest to gauge the interest and capabilities of persons interested in operating the ski area. They received an overwhelming response which was very encouraging. The next step is to put out a prospectus that people can submit to be considered competitively for the permit. Then there is a financial review process through their budget center.
Ms. Weseman discussed the annual program of work, which is a snapshot of all the projects they are working on. The program of work includes information on their Forest-Wide Projects.
Commissioner Witham asked what feedback they have, knowing that Umatilla has its national travel management plan in place. Mr. Watrud explained that access is a key element of the multi-use aspect of the Umatilla. The travel management process was prescribed for every forest in the nation, and it adopted the rules on the Umatilla since the 1990s. Since it is not a change, they have received little feedback. However, they do receive interest in citizens having open access across the forest to ensure they can get to where they want to go.
Mr. Watrud explained that they work with 11 counties on the Umatilla, providing essential connections. He appreciates when the Commissioners see an opportunity for projects, hear citizens' concerns, and coordinate them to take action.
b. OSU Extension Update ~ Angela Robb, OSU Office Manger, Ashleigh Kautz, Administrative Program Assistant, Natalie Kinion, Eastern Oregon Regional Director, Darrin Walenta, Argonomist, Will Price, Assistant Professor of Practice, Jacob Putney, Forestry & Natural Resources, Assistant Professor of Practice, Katherine Hauser, 4-H Coordinator
Ms. Robb, Ms. Kinion, Mr. Putney, Ms. Hauser, and Mr. Price were present to give an update on the OSU Extension Office. Other staff members discussed that were not present include Ms. Ashleigh Kautz, Administrative Program Assistant, Mr. Darrin Walenta, Agronomist, Ms. Robin Maille, Family and Community Health/Snap-Ed Associate Professor of Practice, and Mr. John Rizza, Northeast Regional Fire Specialist.
The OSU Extension staff are involved in various projects and activities, including outreach, education, and community support. Highlighted projects include the Baker City Recycle Municipal Water for Agriculture Reuse Project and the Moisture Monitoring Plan. Outreach and education provided include the Northeast Oregon Private Pesticide Pre-examine Core Training, Nutrition Education, Cooking, Gardening, Mental Health and Community Resilience: Youth Mental Health First Aide Course, Tree School, Range Management, Weed Management, 4-H, and much more. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Pollinated Crop Isolation Program, Snap-Ed Program, Aging in Place, and the Baker Early Learning Center Food Pantry show some of the many community support activities they are involved in. They plan to continue to grow and expand the projects, activities, education, and community support they offer.
c. EDC: Quail Ridge Golf Course Irrigation Project: Commissioner Alderson reviewed a letter from Mr. Jerry Peacock, Economic Development Council (EDC) Chair, regarding the Baker County EDC's proposal that $150,000.00 from the EDC budget be used to support the Quail Ridge Golf Course Irrigation Project. The EDC approved a motion at their May 9th meeting to support the project, with six members voting in favor, one abstaining, and one in opposition. They recommend approving a $150,000.00 payment towards the Quail Ridge Golf Course Irrigation Project, with the funds being taken from the 2022-23 EDC budget to the City of Baker. He explained that during his time on Baker City Council, it was presented that the Golf Course needed repair. Due to budget constrictions, they originally planned to repair their irrigation system one step at a time. They are now seeking funds and proposing to complete the project all at once over about one and a half months.
Commissioner Nichols explained that the Golf Course's irrigation is the original system installed in the 1930s and has been an ongoing issue without improvement despite efforts of replacing sprinkler heads and fixing leaks. He believes this Irrigation Project is an economic development for Baker County. Having a Golf Course attracts travelers to stop and play golf, eat at restaurants, and stay at hotels. The utilization of the Golf Course could dramatically increase if a new irrigation system is installed and properly maintained, which would increase the economic development activity within the County. If they transfer the money to Baker City, he would like to see the conditions that it can only be used for a new irrigation system and completed within a specific timeframe. Commissioner Alderson agreed.
Commissioner Alderson requested that Dean Guyer, Baker City Councilor, give an update on Baker City's position on the Irrigation Project. Councilor Guyer explained that at a City Work Session, there had been a presentation by the Golf Course to install the irrigation system all at once, and they approached the City to be the caveat in funding the project out of a loan from Tony Silvers Tree Fund. The City agreed to a $720,000.00 contribution to the Quail Ridge Golf Course. They have paid the first installment of $120,000.00, and another installment should be paid this year once the City adopts the budget. He believes there will be a commitment to fulfill the obligation but with a similar discussion regarding concerns that the funds committed to the irrigation system come to fruition. He agrees that the Golf Course is an economic driver for the community, but currently, it is a cost to the City. He added to give the Commissioners an idea of the revenue being generated that there are 567 memberships at the Golf Course, and others that play sporadically throughout the year might make up another 200.
Commissioner Alderson asked Ms. Heidi Martin, Executive Assistant, for clarification on how they would request the money once it was time to do the project. Ms. Martin suggested that the Commissioners could make the motion to approve the EDC's recommendation contingent on the City putting together an RFP and submitting a detailed invoice once it is secured with the contractors and funding. However, it is up to the Commissioners to decide when they want to hand out the money upfront or until after they have done work, etc. Commissioner Nichols would like to allocate the money upfront, and Commissioner Alderson suggested allocating and setting aside until certain caveats are met. They both agree that they need to make a commitment to support the project.
Commissioner Witham disagrees with Commissioner Nichols and Commissioner Alderson. She believes the membership numbers need to be higher in relation to Baker City's population and is unsure if the golf course will pay for itself. However, since the EDC has made this recommendation and has the funds, she would like to go the route Ms. Martin had discussed, giving them the money once they have done an RFP, a detailed invoice, and a timeline. She would also like a full report once the project is completed to ensure all the funds are accounted for and that the money only goes towards the project and nothing else.
Ms. Martin added that the recommendation states that the funds will be taken out of the 2022-23 budget. If the Commissioners are approving the recommendation, they may need to reconsider it as the project is a way out and will put them into the 2023-24 or later budget. Commissioner Nichols suggested having Ms. Martin draft a letter to send to Baker City showing that they made a motion to support EDC's recommendation and attach EDC's letter to show what the recommendation is authorizing Commissioner Alderson to sign out of session. Commissioner Witham would rather see the letter written to include the caveats discussed, such as the RFP, invoicing, timeline, and complete project report, and brought back to session for review and approval. Commissioner Nichols and Commissioner Alderson agree with Commissioner Witham's request as long as the funds are committed.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the Economic Development Council's recommendation to allocate $150,000.00 out of the 2022-23 EDC Budget for the City of Baker Quail Ridge Golf Course Irrigation Project subject to the conditions Commissioner Witham previously stated. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
d. Public Hearing (to be continued to a later date)
1. Ordinance 2022-01 Amending Ordinances 84-1 and 2005-04 Northern Baker Transportation Improvement Plan: Ms. Holly Kerns, Planning Director, reported that there had been little movement on the plan in quite a while, so she verified with ODOT that it is still a project they would like to move forward with. ODOT has been discussing intersection improvements with landowners, Baker City, and Baker County. Until Baker City is ready to adopt, it does not make sense for the County to adopt a document that could end up being different. Ms. Kerns is requesting to continue the hearing to August 2, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
There was no public testimony in favor or opposition.
Commissioner Nichols moved to continue the hearing for Ordinance 2022-01 Amending Ordinances 84-1 and 2005-04 Northern Baker Transportation Improvement Plan to August 2, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
6. Documents to be Signed
a. Order No. 2023-128 Appointing Traci Robinson-Ferguson as Interim Treasurer/Tax Collector beginning July 1, 2023, until the vacancy is filled by election.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve Order No. 2023-128. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. Resolution No. 2023-1002 Authorizing Employees of New Directions Northwest to Direct a Peace Officer or Approved Secure Transport Provider to Take Allegedly Mentally Ill Persons into Custody.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve Resolution No. 2023-1002. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
c. Order No. 2023-127 Re-Appointing Kent Justus to the Baker County Weed District Board for a term set to expire April 1, 2026.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Order No. 2023-127. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
7. Ratification of Documents
a. Financial Reports: C03, C06, C07, C78, and the Treasurer’s Financial Report for April.
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 EDC Meeting on May 9th.
· Commissioner Witham reported listening in on the AOC Legislative Committee Meeting. She met with Kent Justus to go over the Taylor Grazing Committee. She also reported attending a Town Hall for Senator Findley and Representative Owens, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Open House, and Wolf Committee Meeting. She plans to attend the EOCA Meeting on May 22nd in John Day and a Field Tour with Northern Blues Forest Collaborative on May 25th. On May 27th Senator Merkley will be at Community Connections.
· Commissioner Nichols reported visiting Yosemite National Park. He attended a Legislative Meeting via Zoom on Monday, May 8th. He also attended the Caucus call Tuesday, May 16th. On May 22nd he plans to attend the Eastern Oregon Counties Association in John Day and the NEOEDD Budget Meeting on May 31st.
b. Comparison of Calendar: The Budget Meeting will be held on May 23rd and 24th. Commissioner Alderson and Commissioner Witham will attend County College May 18th through May 20th.
9. Adjournment
Commissioner Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The May 17, 2023, Commission Session adjourned at 11:10 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erin Linan
Management Assistant |