COMMISSION CHAIR SHANE M. ALDERSON October 2, 2023
COMMISSIONER CHRISTINA WITHAM
COMMISSIONER BRUCE A. NICHOLS
BAKER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Baker County Board of Commissioners met for the October 2, 2023, Special 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 an invocation and the pledge of allegiance.
2. Agenda Changes
3. Scheduled Business
a. Baker City Council Appointment Process Discussion: Commissioner Alderson addressed the vacancies in the Baker City Council caused by the recent resignations of councilors. Ms. Kim Mosier, County Counsel, provided an overview of the legal process according to ORS 221.160, which mandates that in such cases, the county shall immediately appoint a quorum for city business. She added that the statute does not define a process for appointment, allowing the Commissioners to determine one.
Commissioner Nichols reported having many citizens inquire about the public safety fee and if the Commissioners had any authority to suspend it. Ms. Mosier highlighted that there is no authority for the County to make any decisions on behalf of the City except to appoint the councilors, who will then go on and conduct City business.
Ms. Mosier addressed interest in holding a special election. She clarified the election laws, stating that the county could call a special election in emergencies, following specific procedures. Emphasizing the legal obligation to make immediate appointments based on ORS 221.160, She reiterated the directive from the statute, which states that the county governing body shall immediately appoint when there are vacancies, and the city charter does not specify how to fill them.
The Commissioners discussed the application process, including the City's application, an additional supplemental questionnaire, and scoring criteria. Commissioner Witham added that applicants who previously held a council position must have completed their full term to be considered. Commissioner Nichols disagreed for specific reasons, such as unforeseen circumstances, moving outside city limits, etc. Commissioner Witham discussed having numbers instead of names for applicants to conduct a blind scoring process. Commissioner Alderson and Commissioner Nichols disagreed and expressed that they would prefer to have applicant names.
The Commissioners agreed on a detailed timeline for the application process, including the deadline for submitting applications on October 9th, scoring the candidates by October 12th, and inviting the top 8 candidates to speak for up to 3 minutes at the October 18th Commission Session. The public can submit written testimony to Ms. Erin Linan, Management Assistant, until October 17th at 12:00 P.M., which will be included in the record. Applications will be submitted through the City, who will forward them to Ms. Linan. The application, supplemental questionnaire, and appointment process/timeline will be posted on the City and County websites.
The Commissioners agreed with the outlined process and timeline by consensus.
4. Adjournment
Commissioner Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Witham seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The October 2, 2023, Special Commission Session adjourned at 9:45 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erin Linan
Management Assistant |