COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON July 19, 2023
COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM
COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the July 19, 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: Sage-grouse LIT: Carcass Disposal Station: OWEB Restoration Grant Agreement Grant No. 222-8206-22947
3. Citizen’s Participation
a. Arthur Sappington of Baker City was present on behalf of the Snake River Music Gardens to discuss an ordinance regarding Baker County Local Food and Community Self-Governance that he would like to present at the first Commission Session in August.
4. Review/Approval of Minutes
a. June 28, 2023, Special Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the June 28, 2023, Special Commission Session Minutes. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. July 5, 2023, Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the July 5, 2023, Commission Session Minutes. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Scheduled Business
a. Health Department Update ~ Meghan Chancey, Director
Ms. Meghan Chancey, Health Department Director, was present to give a department update. She expressed gratitude for the support received during the last couple of years and the pandemic and highlighted services provided, including immunizations and family planning.
The Health Department actively participates in outreach events and collaborates with various organizations. They have successfully obtained grants supporting breastfeeding connections, student sports physicals and immunization incentives, family planning improvements, and school-based health initiatives. Their future plans include wellness events, foot clinics, and improved communication with the community.
b. Clerk Update ~ Stefanie Kirby, Baker County Clerk
Ms. Stefanie Kirby, Baker County Clerk, was present to give a department update. She discussed office staffing and responsibilities, including record recording, conducting elections, notary services, and passport applications. Her office processed 215 new passport applications, 89 marriage licenses, and 1,190 recordings from January to June.
Ms. Kirby reported that there are 12,861 active registered voters in the County. The State has been working on a new centralized voter registration system. All Oregon counties, as well as Baker County, will transition to the new system. There was a Special District Election in May with a 17.85% participation rate. Currently, there are no elections scheduled for August or November. They will begin preparations for the May 2024 Primary Election soon. They plan to collaborate with the Library District for National Voter Registration Day on September 19th.
c. Contract Review Board
1. DA: Karly’s Law Medical Examiner Professional Services Agreement with Saint Alphonsus: This is a one-year contract with Saint Alphonsus for services provided by Zach Allen, PA, as the Designated Medical Provider (DMP) for Karly’s Law cases for $6,000.00 paid at the end of the fiscal year. The CAMI Grant fully funds the contract. A DMP is required per ORS 418.782(2).
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the grant agreement for the Karly’s Law cases in the amount of $6,000.00 for the current fiscal year. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2. Juvenile Crime Prevention Intergovernmental Agreement #15049: This is a biennium agreement with Oregon Youth Authority for $41,282.00 in Basic funding. The Board of Commissioners approved another Juvenile Crime Prevention agreement for prevention funding at the June 28, 2023, Special Commission Session. The funds go towards the Youth Accountability Officer position.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the grant agreement with the State of Oregon Intergovernmental Agreement Juvenile Crime Prevention Basic Services through Oregon Youth Authority in the amount of $41,282.00 for the biennium ending June 30, 2025. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Discussion: Ms. Staci Erickson, Juvenile Director, reported that the murder suspect was transferred from the Juvenile Facility to the Baker County Jail, which has decreased the cost of his detention.
3. Emergency Management Performance Grant Submission Approval: The Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) is a passthrough grant that supports local emergency management programs. The grant has a dollar-for-dollar match of $64,900.00, which has been budgeted for the current fiscal year. Jason Yencopal, Emergency Management Director, is seeking approval to apply for the grant. He discussed the grant requirements, which include training, outreach, and exercises.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve allowing Jason Yencopal, Emergency Management Director, to apply for the Emergency Management Performance Grant for the current fiscal year. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Discussion: Mr. Yencopal gave an update on the transit van. Prim Country, LLC was hired for the installation of equipment, including the AC/DC switches and radios. Safety concerns regarding the placement of the generator prompted the modification of the van's internal layout. They are considering different generator placement options, including installing a hinge kit for storage on the back of the van. Additionally, the utilization of a T-Track for enhanced flexibility is being explored.
4. Unity Water System Agreement with Realm, Inc: The Board of Commissioners approved Order No. 2023-133 designating Realm, Inc as a sole source provider for the Unity potable water system project at the June 21, 2023, Commission Session. Realm, Inc will provide emergency repairs required for the 120,000-gallon potable water storage facility in the City of Unity for an amount not to exceed $470,000.00, with work substantially completed by November 15, 2023. The project will be funded by a grant of $500,000.00 provided by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services. The grant funds are to be expended by June 30, 2024.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve the Unity Water System Agreement with Realm, Inc not to exceed $470,000.00. Grant funds are to be expended by June 30, 2024. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
d. OLCC Liquor License Renewal Approval: OLCC liquor licenses for A-Frame RV Park, Hells Canyon Inn, McEwen Country Store, and Scotty’s Hells Canyon Outdoor Supply need to be renewed. Baker County has until September 1, 2023, to make a recommendation on the renewals.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve a recommendation for renewing the liquor license for A-Frame RV Park, Hells Canyon Inn, McEwen Country Store, and Scotty’s Hells Canyon Outdoor Supply. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
e. Foreclosure Property Bourne Area Mining Claim Discussion: The County foreclosed on reference #5808 Bourne Area Mining Claim in 2020. The previous Board of Commissioners (BOC) reviewed the property, but no decisions were made at that time. At the March 15, 2023, Commission Session, the current BOC reviewed Order No. 2023-118 Foreclosure Sale Bourne Area Mining Claim and motioned to table it until they could visit the property to assess it.
The Commissioners reported that they still needed to assess the property.
Discussion: Commissioner Alderson requested Ms. Heidi Martin, Executive Assistant, to provide details on new legislation regarding foreclosure auctions. She reported that there was a Supreme Court ruling regarding foreclosure properties. Previously after covering any expenses incurred by the County, funds remaining from foreclosure property auctions would be distributed to the tax districts. The new ruling requires the remaining funds to be returned to the record owner of the property. County Counsel will research the ruling to provide guidance on future foreclosures.
The consensus was to table deciding until they assess the property and County Counsel provides guidance on the new legislation.
f. Public Hearing
1. Order No 2023-138 Baker County Fee Schedule for the Baker County Health Department: The Baker County Health Department follows the State of Oregon regulations regarding fee assessment and collection for immunization services and is to charge fees based on the State's fee schedule, updated twice per year. Additionally, sharps container purchases and recycling costs were assessed, and new rates were set for both. Public notice of the fee changes was posted at the Health Department, County Courthouse, and Library. Order No. 2023-138 will adopt the Health Department fee schedule changes effective August 1, 2023. All other department fee schedules will remain the same.
There was no public testimony in favor or opposition.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve Order No. 2023-138 in the matter of adopting a Baker County Fee Schedule for the Baker County Health Department effective August 1, 2023. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
6. Documents to be Signed
a. Park Springs Subdivision Phase 2 Plat Approval: The Park Springs Subdivision is on Baker Street inside Baker City limits. In 2018, the Baker City Planning Commission approved the subdivision. The plat for Phase 1 of the subdivision was recorded in 2022, and four townhomes have been built on the lots. The property owner and developer now seek approval to divide the remaining lots in the subdivision. The applicant has, or will, obtain all necessary approvals through Baker City prior to recording.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve the Park Springs Subdivision Phase 2 Plat. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. Baker Co. Mental Health Advisory Council/Local Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee Bylaws:
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the Baker Co. Mental Health Advisory Council/Local Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee Bylaws. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
7. Ratification of Documents
a. FY 2023 Forest Service SRS Payment Election: Each year, as a part of the Secure Rural Schools Act, the County decides to accept either the State's or the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payment. For FY 2023, the State's estimated payment is $136,300.00, and SRS estimated payment is $931,900.00. Historically, the County has accepted the SRS payment and allocated 85% to Title I schools and roads and 15% to Title II special projects on national forests and Title III County funds. Of the 15%, 8% is allocated to Title II, and 7% to Title III.
The County received one day of notice to make the elections and decided to make the same allocations as in previous years for the fiscal year 2023.
Commissioner Witham moved to ratify Commissioner Alderson’s signature on the FY 2023 Forest Service SRS Payment Election. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. Blues Intergovernmental Council (BIC) Blue Mountain Forest Plan Revision Objections Request:
Commissioner Witham moved to ratify the Commissioner’s signatures on the Blues Intergovernmental Council (BIC) Blue Mountain Forest Plan Revision Objections Request. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
c. Financial Reports: C25, C27, C28, C29, V15, C26, C30, C93, and the June 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 Witham reported that the DEQ TMDL Bacteria Study comment period is extended to August 30th, and a public hearing is scheduled for August 15th. She visited Ironside to tour Wilks Ranch and observe the gauging stations Carlos Ocho from OSU installed in the Willow Creek area. Mr. Ocho has been gauging, monitoring, and studying data collected from the gauging stations. As a courtesy, he agreed to review the DEQ TMDL study as a third party for Baker County and found that some data may be from a previous study conducted about ten years ago.
· Commissioner Alderson reported dedicating his time to finding solutions to the Saint Alphonsus Birth Center Closure.
· Commissioner Nichols reported he will be a speaker at the Crossroads Art Center for the discussion regarding the Pioneer Line on July 22nd.
Discussion: Adam Shlomi of Florida discussed his travels and inquired about Baker County. The Commissioners discussed various aspects of Baker County and the amenities it has to offer.
b. Comparison of Calendar: There will be a Joint Work Session with Baker City Council Monday July 24th at 5:00 p.m.
9. Adjournment
Commissioner Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The July 19, 2023, Commission Session adjourned at 11:10 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erin Linan
Management Assistant |