COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON August 2, 2023
COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM
COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the August 2, 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.
3. Citizen’s Participation
a. Mr. Curtis Martin of North Powder was present to express support for Commissioner Witham's position on the BIC Forest Revision Plan. He criticized the limited public interaction and participation in the BIC meetings. Mr. Martin urged Commissioner Nichols and Commissioner Alderson to back Commissioner Witham's representation of grassroots sentiments. Additionally, He inquired about the possibility of discussing the food sovereignty ordinance after Mr. Arthur Sappington's presentation.
Commissioner Alderson asked about submitting written testimony to the BIC Committee. Commissioner Witham explained that it's not possible yet, but anyone can submit to the plan-writing team at Wallowa-Whitman Headquarters or via BIC leads. She will announce when public comments are being accepted.
4. Review/Approval of Minutes
a. July 19, 2023, Commission Session Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the July 19, 2023, Commission Session Minutes. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Scheduled Business
a. 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: Commissioner Alderson opened the public hearing. Ms. Holly Kerns, Planning Director, gave a quick overview, stating that the County wanted to ensure Baker City was on the same page as they have not yet made a decision. She is requesting to continue the hearing to November 1, 2023, at 9 A.M.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve continuing the public hearing to November 1, 2023, at 9 A.M. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. Food Sovereignty Ordinance Proposal ~ Arthur Sappington:
Mr. Arthur Sappington presented a County Food Sovereignty Ordinance proposal supported and sponsored by the Snake River Music Gardens. The Snake River Music Gardens is a non-partisan, non-political, and non-profit 501C3. The ordinance recognizes the unalienable rights for the production and consumption of locally grown foods. Thereby supporting the local food knowledge, the value of family structure, and the local County farms, ranches, and gardens for their production.
Mr. Sappington addressed issues discussed at the community night out on August 1st, including USDA inspections, bed and breakfast regulations, and the relationship between county and city ordinances. The ordinance does not affect producers trying to become USDA-certified to sell online or outside Baker County. The ordinance aims to address the burdens of regulations, the interference with agricultural production, and the local ability for the farmer to lawfully eat his own food. Mr. Sappington welcomed questions from County Commissioners.
Commissioner Alderson inquired about Section 2 of the Food Sovereignty Ordinance, asking if it includes bed and breakfasts and restaurants. Mr. Sappington confirmed that it does, along with butcher shops. The ordinance covers the processing and sale of food within Baker County, but restaurant inspections remain under State and Federal commerce clause, unaffected by the ordinance. The ordinance's implementation will require approval from the county and the municipalities, marking this as the initial stage of the process.
Commissioner Nichols inquired about restaurant inspections and potential lawsuits. Mr. Sappington clarified that the ordinance does not impact restaurant inspections, as inspections are only for food handling and the cleanliness of the facility. Commissioner Nichols then voiced concerns about chemical contamination and food safety, to which Mr. Sappington emphasized the availability of existing legal remedies for such issues. While Commissioner Nichols acknowledged the need for reduced regulations, he expressed reluctance to support the current form of the ordinance. Mr. Sappington reiterated that the ordinance doesn't create new laws but highlights concern about the State's jurisdiction over rural food production, emphasizing its role in safeguarding community food sources during crises.
Commissioner Alderson inquired about who covers the cost of displaying the Baker County farm-to-table logo and marking menu items. Mr. Sappington clarified that restaurant owners are responsible for these expenses if they choose to participate.
Commissioner Witham asked about food inspections at local farmers' markets. Mr. Sappington discussed the lack of inspectors and how the ordinance indirectly supports the State by promoting localized food production. Commissioner Witham acknowledged the potential benefits for local stores and restaurants that choose to participate. She expressed appreciation for the thoroughness of the ordinance and planned to discuss it further with County Counsel.
Public Comment:
An unknown citizen expressed concerns about chemical treatments in government-regulated food, citing issues like bleach-washed chicken and mRNA shots for livestock. Commissioner Nichols agreed and added that he supports locally sourced food from farmers markets and ranches.
Curtis Martin of North Powder strongly supported and recommended that the Commissioners scrutinize the proposed food sovereignty ordinance, emphasizing its potential benefits for local food production and the beef industry. He stressed that existing food safety concerns already exist, and that the ordinance would not hinder the USDA, Oregon Meat Inspection Program, or other institutions of food safety inspection. Mr. Martin highlighted the ordinance's potential to boost the local economy, promote transparency in the food chain, and provide economic opportunities for ranchers and consumers.
Danika Sinram highlighted that the proposed food sovereignty ordinance draws from established practices in several Maine counties and Wyoming, emphasizing it's not a radical concept. She also raised concerns about chemicals in supermarket food. Commissioner Nichols acknowledged food safety issues in supermarkets but expressed reservations about certain aspects of the ordinance. Ms. Sinram clarified that the ordinance doesn't force anyone to buy local food, it only offers the option. Commissioner Nichols acknowledged ongoing efforts to address the issues and commended Mr. Sappington's work.
Juliet Hughes of Baker City highlighted section 2 in the ordinance related to the farm-to-table foods definition, emphasizing the importance of producing food without toxic chemicals and genetic alteration. She advocated for returning to sustainable practices, discussing permaculture as a symbiotic system and the significance of soil as the earth's immune system. Ms. Hughes stressed the need to break free from USDA and FDA regulations to restore a more natural state of food production.
Liz Thompson of Baker City expressed confusion about the concerns surrounding local food, pointing out that the United States allows chemicals in food that other countries ban.
Lindianne Sappington of Baker City voiced her belief that the proposed food sovereignty ordinance would create an economic boom for Baker County by attracting tourists with fresh, high-quality local food. She emphasized the ordinance's potential positive impact on tourism, envisioning it putting Baker County on the map in a beneficial way while encouraging freedom for local producers and processors to operate naturally for the benefit of both tourism and local food sustainability.
Commissioner Alderson discussed forwarding the ordinance to County Counsel for review before bringing it back to session.
c. Contract Review Board
1. Road: Vehicle Purchase Approval ~ Ryan Davilla, Shop Foreman
Mr. Davilla was present to request the purchase of three vehicles for a combined cost of $161,130.00 from Baker City Auto Ranch. Including a 2024 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4x4 for $52,629.00, a 2024 2500 Tradesman Reg Cab 4x4 for $49,888.00, and a 2024 2500 Tradesman Reg Cab 4x4 for $58,613.00. Bids were also requested from Dave Smith Motors and Baker City Chevrolet. Dave Smith Motors submitted a bid for $194,492.00.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve the Road Department’s vehicle purchase with Baker City Auto Ranch for a combined cost for three pickups of $161,130.00. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2. Baker County Law Enforcement Collective Bargaining Agreement & MOU: Rich Kirby was present to discuss the Baker County Law Enforcement Collective Bargaining Agreement and MOU. He reported that they are still understaffed in Dispatch and Corrections and that efforts have been made to address the staffing shortages.
Ms. Heidi Martin, Executive Assistant, explained that the agreement is for July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025, and will be retroactive for current employees within the bargaining unit. She highlighted changes to the agreement, including a cost-of-living increase of 8%, 5%, and 3%, respectively, an increase to longevity, and some housekeeping changes.
She explained that the MOU is a temporary agreement through June 30, 2024, that provides an additional $2.00 per hour to any employee required to work as the sole employee on the Corrections floor or as the sole Dispatcher.
Discussion: Curtis Martin expressed support for law enforcement and their work and supports more public recognition of the Sheriff’s Office and their work.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the 2022-25 BCLEA Collective Bargaining Agreement and the 2023-24 MOU. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
6. Documents to be Signed
a. Order No. 2023-139: Designating a Newspaper for Publication of the Annual Foreclosure of the Tax Liens as shown by the Baker County Foreclosure List. The Order designates the Baker City Herald as the Paper of Record for notice of the annual foreclosure of tax liens.
Commissioner Witham moved to approve Order No. 2023-139. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion. Motion carried.
b. Order No. 2023-140: Appointing Chris Stocks to the Baker County Fair Board for a term set to expire May 1, 2025. There were three applicants to fill the single vacancy on the Fair Board. The Fair Board recommends the appointment of Chris Stocks to the Fair Board. The two who were not selected were recommended for appointment to the Fair Advisory Board, which will be taken under consideration at the next meeting.
Commissioner Nichols moved to Order No. 2023-140. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
7. Ratification of Documents
a. Financial Reports: C32, C31 C35, C94, C95 and the June, 2023 Treasurer’s Financial 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 Blue Mountain Forest Plan Revision has gone into the Federal Register. She also discussed an announcement from Senator Jeff Merkley's office mentioning $1.365 million for the City of Sumpter to install a new water transmission mainline and install modern water meters at every connection. Sumpter's Current transmission line from the 1970s is made of asbestos cement, and it's failing with frequent leaks; without upgrades, a major break in the transmission main is likely. She also plans to attend the Power Eastern Oregon Summit on September 20th and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest open house on August 10th at 5:00 p.m. at Halfway Lions Club. At the end of August, there will be a Wolf Committee meeting to review range riding applications. Commissioner Witham also reported attending the Baker Sage-Grouse LIT Quarterly meeting yesterday.
Discussion: Curtis Martin discussed the LIT carcass disposal program and expressed disapproval of Baker Sanitary charging a fee and suggested further negotiation with them.
· Commissioner Alderson reported dedicating his time to finding solutions to the Saint Alphonsus Birth Center Closure. The County is seeking six nurses from Health and Human Services in order to temporarily continue services at the Birth Center. He has not heard if the request has been approved. The County is also waiting to hear if the hospital will accept the nurses.
· Commissioner Nichols reported he attended a broadband meeting with a representative from the State Broadband office. He discussed the possibility of hiring someone to help navigate the process and potentially help apply for funds that are due in September. The Commissioners expressed support for the idea. They will initially use LATCF funds but might be able to be reimbursed through the grant.
b. Comparison of Calendar: August 15th at 5:00 p.m. Oregon DEQ will be meeting at OTEC to discuss water TMDLs.
Discussion: Curtis Martin expressed appreciation for Commissioner Witham and Doni Bruland, Natural Resource Director efforts in getting the DEQ to come to Baker County.
9. Adjournment
Commissioner Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The August 2, 2023, Commission Session adjourned at 10:45 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erin Linan
Management Assistant |