Pursuant to notice made to the newspaper of general circulation throughout Grant County, the radio station in Grant County, and to interested persons on the Grant County e-mail list, a regular meeting of the County Court was held at the County Courthouse in Canyon City OR.

9:05 am — Called to Order. Present were Judge Mark R. Webb and Commissioners Scott W. Myers and Boyd Britton, and Pastor David Hoeffner. The Court Secretary was excused for illness. The Pledge of Allegiance was given to the United States flag. An opening prayer was given by Pastor David Hoeffner.

CLAIMS. The court has reviewed and approved claims submitted by the Deputy Clerk-Bookkeeper.

PROGRAM. MSP: Webb/Myers — to accept the program with the addition of discussion on the Commission on Children & Families’ travel issues and the part time Personnel Manager position.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Myers said he hoped to set up an 8:00 am conference call on February 21, 2008 with Northeast Oregon Housing Authority of La Grande. Myers noted that the court planned to attend a meeting with Congressman Greg Walden at noon at Prairie City High School that day, and a conference call would take place at 4:00 pm between the Oregon Office of Emergency Management and Grant, Harney and Lake counties.

Britton planned to attend meetings in Harney County on February 22, 2008 associated with Congressman Walden’s visit there and a Collaborative Group discussion.

Myers reported that the county’s first Budget Committee meeting is February 26, 2008 at 10:00 am, and the first Board of Property Tax Appeals hearing is February 27, 2008 at 8:00 am.

Webb planned to attend a Dental Coalition meeting February 20, 2008 at 5:30 pm and a meeting of the Collaborative Group on February 21, 2008.

Webb reported on a meeting he attended last week with the Forest Service, some permittees, and National Riparian Team members Mike Lund and Laura Van Riper to discuss an organization that is attempting to facilitate collaboration between environmental organizations, permittees and governmental agencies.

Webb reported on a phone call that he received from Tom Engle of the Oregon Health Division about Crook County’s loss of their Public Health Nurse / Administrator. He also reported on the February 14, 2008 Technical Assistance Conference Call about the School Based Health Center.

Britton updated the court on some interest that has been expressed about possible scenarios concerning forward movement with development of the Dale Compound.

MINUTES. MSP: Webb/Myers — to approve the February 13, 2008 Minutes as amended.

CR 79 RIGHT OF WAY DEED. Based on the Roadmaster’s previous recommendation, court members reviewed and signed a ROW deed on County Road 79 / Harper Creek Road granted by Jim and Carrie Bellinger, Dennis and Mary Bradley and John and Doris Harper. Webb held a brief conference call with Roadmaster Mark Hensley who explained that the county was receiving property from the partnership and the single owner is purchasing the remainder from that Tax Lot.

Kathy Smith entered.

PERSONNEL MANAGER POSITION. Webb indicated, after discussions with the Personnel Manager, that for some time it has been apparent that the Personnel Manager position does not warrant a full 20 hours per week. The position is split with the Deputy Clerk position that is currently funded at .50 FTE. Webb said it was suggested that the position be reduced to .25 FTE. Webb’s proposal, for now, was to reduce the Personnel Manager position to .25 FTE and increase the Deputy Clerk position to .75 FTE until next fiscal year.

Lane Burton and Kathy McKinnon entered.

Britton updated Clerk Kathy McKinnon on the court’s proposal then asked McKinnon if she needed the Deputy position at .50 FTE or .75. FTE. McKinnon preferred to have a Deputy in the office full time. She said, because of the ongoing workload, some things aren’t getting done because there isn’t enough time. In response to Britton’s inquiry, McKinnon said there were lots of things they could be doing, but they don’t have the time or funds to do them.

Treasurer Kathy Smith provided background on funding for the Personnel Manager position when it was first established. She thought the county should continue to pay the position at 10 hours per week in order to retain our investment and experience to aid the County Court in personnel issues. Smith felt the Personnel Manager needs to be here most of the time so issues can be addressed when they develop. Myers felt, if there are issues, the court needs to have someone on board who is trained.

FIRE PATROL ASSESSMENT CONTRACT. Assessor Lane Burton met with the court about renewal of the annual Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Patrol Assessment Contract for maintenance and update of that computer program by the Assessor’s Office. This subject would be readdressed at a later date since Unit Forester Russ Lane could not attend today as planned.

EXECUTIVE SESSION. The court met in Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(b) to consider the dismissal or disciplining of or to hear complaints or charges against a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. Webb recited the State Attorney General’s Sample Script to Announce the Start of Executive Session. When court returned to General Session, no motions were made as a result of Executive Session discussion.

Bill Harrington and Kim Joslin entered.

BIENNIAL COUNTY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN. Center for Human Development Director Bill Harrington provided an overview of the Biennial County Implementation Plan for 2009-2011. Center for Human Development Advisory Board member Kim Joslin was also present. Harrington said that the plan was developed with Advisory Board assistance through goal setting and a community survey process. The plan defines how state funds will be expended during the biennium. Discussion took place about Webb’s and Britton’s concern with the way in which proposed development of a Hold Room at Blue Mountain Hospital was represented. Following some explanations and suggested clarifications to terminology the following motion was made. MSP: Myers/Britton — to approve Judge Webb’s signature pending the final draft as approved by Mr. Webb and / or Mr. Harrington. Myers pointed out that, as Commission Chair, he has been authorized by the Commission on Children & Families to sign the biennial plan. Joslin expressed concern about the need for adequate funding to meet the community’s mental health needs.

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. Center for Human Development Director Bill Harrington and Center for Human Development Advisory Board member Kim Joslin talked with the court about a proposal that is being developed to receive increased state funding to provide developmental disabilities services within Grant, Harney and Lake counties. A draft contract is currently under consideration by the counties.

DRUG COURT GRANT PROGRAM. Center for Human Development Director Bill Harrington requested approval for submission of an Oregon Criminal Justice Drug Court Grant Program application. Harrington indicated that the Circuit Court, District Attorney, law enforcement, Juvenile, Parole & Probation, and the public defender’s office have been meeting to discuss development of a Drug Court treatment program. He believed it would be beneficial for the county to apply and felt the Center could assume reporting and fiscal agent responsibilities. Harrington said, since funding is only for a 14 month period, it would be good for the team to look further into how the program could be supported into the future. Webb asked for further clarification on benefits to the mental health department. Harrington explained that the main issue has to do with addiction and the department would be treating these individuals anyway as mandated by the court. Harrington said the drug court has been very effective in other settings and has dramatically reduced the recidivism rate. He felt the primary reason for having the program was to provide better and more coordinated services to improve the outcome for these individuals, who are often repeat offenders.

Ryan Joslin entered.

District Attorney Ryan Joslin said that it looks like Drug Courts are eventually going to become mandatory with the next two or three years. It was explained that the program would improve and standardize services and offer accountability.

Webb stated that he did not want to see reimbursement coming in at less than what it actually costs the county to provide the service, because that will increase the stress level at mental health. He wanted to be confident that the monies would more than adequately cover the required services. Joslin and Harrington indicated that it was unclear how much would actually be awarded to operate program. MSP: Webb/Myers– to allow the Drug Court Team to apply for this grant, but that application does not commit the county to accepting the funds. Myers clarified that the County Court would be shown the final application. Treasurer Kathy Smith stated February 27th would be the last chance, before March 1st, for the court to review and approve the application. Joslin was not confident the application would be ready to send in on the 27th. However, it was pointed out that Judge Webb could be given the authority to sign the application after the 27th.

Kerryann Woomer and Dana Brooks entered.

TRAINING / TRAVEL. Prevention Specialist Kerryann Woomer requested approval to attend the Helping America’s Youth Conference held in Portland February 27th and 28th. Woomer said, through its Drug Free Communities Grant, Grant County was nominated and approved to send four people (two adults and two youth) to this conference. Best prices identified today are at the Holiday Inn Convention Center for $106 per night plus tax each for two rooms. MSP: Webb/Myers — to allow the Commission on Children & Families to take two non-county employees to this conference in Portland.

Glenn Palmer and Dave Rose entered.

PARKS & REC DEPT. ATV GRANT. Sheriff Glenn Palmer recommended submitting an Oregon Parks and Recreation Department ATV grant program application for funding in the amount of $70,955 for an OHV law enforcement program through the Sheriff’s Office. The program would provide a law enforcement presence associated with recreational use on public lands. The grant requires a 22.7% match in the amount of $20,846.44. Palmer explained that Ian Caldwell of Oregon Parks and Recreation department and the Morrow County Undersheriff had assisted him with the application process. Palmer felt the program application was reasonable, responsible and do-able. He said he had funding sources that could be considered for the match amount, but about $8,143 would be needed from his existing budget or Contingency to make this work. Palmer indicated that he would be asking for a seasonal employee (no benefits) to work no more than the grant allows. He anticipated assigning the employee to work alternate weekends at the Morrow County ATV Park, Little Canyon Mountain and on BLM and Forest Service lands. Webb was uncertain, and wanted clarification, that program funds could be utilized on and in route to other public lands. ATV park. Palmer provided an overview of the proposed program budget. He felt that the county would provide the seasonal employee with uniforms and duty gear. Discussion followed about the need to hire a trained police officer for this seasonal position. Palmer understood that the employee’s hours will need to be managed, because once 1,088 hours are reached grant revenue will be depleted. He intended that the seasonal employee would be responsible for reporting activities and would work with the Sheriff’s office on tracking and reporting of the grant. He indicated that travel time is excluded so the hours begin once the officer enters the park. Other discussion followed about management and storage of equipment on the site, trail routes and other aspects of Morrow County ATV park, and cooperative law enforcement efforts between Grant and Morrow counties.

Palmer stated that he had received three quotes for each of the purchases i.e. ATV’s, trailer and vehicle. He said he would provide the quotes when and if the grant is awarded. Palmer commented on his completion of the budget sheet. Treasurer Kathy Smith noted that she had not been consulted about the wages. She said that the $20 per hour wage rate would have to be approved by the court because it is outside the wage scale. Smith added that the rate does not include the required social security and employer tax / insurance, and PERS may also be a factor that needs to be considered. Therefore, another rate would need to be figured so payroll costs are covered. Smith inquired about the county-match amount which was identified as 22.3%. Palmer believed the match was described in the manual as 20%. He said that in-kind amounts such as personnel and equipment could be used as a match. He understood that, if awarded, all equipment would remain property of Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department. Palmer added that he has allocated funds for insurance coverage by the county. Smith said she would need to know whether the reimbursements were monthly or quarterly plus how funds would be received. Other discussion followed between Palmer and Smith about the employee’s anticipated schedule and the need to monitor overtime. Palmer said there wouldn’t be any overtime. MSP: Webb/Myers — to approve the ATV grant request from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for law enforcement-related activities. Britton recommended that Palmer work out payroll figures with the Treasurer and stay in touch with the Personnel Manager during the hiring process. It was noted that employees working less than full time, or for less than a full year, aren’t under the union contract. Palmer said that this grant would be used from July through October 2008 and then in May and June 2009. He reported that he expects to give a presentation to the granting authority in April.

Sally Bartlett and Lane Burton entered.

RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANT. Economic Development Coordinator Sally Bartlett asked for permission to submit a concept paper for a Rural Business Enterprise Grant opportunity through the USDA Rural Development Program. The project would allow Bartlett to complete market research to determine support for a coffee house in Canyon City and another cafÈ and bar in Prairie City, and an idea about horse and ATV rentals in the Granite area. Webb pointed out there was a match requirement. Bartlett said she was currently working on obtaining the match funds from Transient Room Tax and the Grant Resource Action Team. MSP: Webb/Myers — to allow Bartlett to move ahead with a Rural Business Enterprise concept paper.

VICTIM ASSISTANCE. Victim Assistance Director Karen Johnston previously submitted a written request to permit the DV Prevention grant employee to use the county car to attend a conference in Seattle WA March 3-7, 2008 with an allowed 40 mile round-trip to stay with family during the conference. Estimated costs were provided showing the request would save a total of $681 ($256 in mileage / versus personal vehicle and $425 in lodging expense). Webb pointed out that use of the county car automatically puts the employee on the payroll so that would be an additional cost. Otherwise, payroll begins upon arrival at the conference.

Assessor Lane Burton pointed out that the county has finally been able to purchase a nice car with General Fund dollars. And, the general fund also pays for insurance and upkeep. He wanted to see the court adopt a resolution allowing use of the car by general fund employees only. Burton added that all next week the car will be unavailable to general fund employees. He said he does not intend for the general fund dollars he turns back to be used in special funds. Myers asked Burton if he thought non-general fund employees could use the car at special fund expense. Burton felt that could be the court’s option.

Webb thought Burton’s point is well-taken. He also felt it was nice the employee was saving lodging costs, but noted that the employee was getting something in return at a cost to the county. Britton suggested possibly charging special funds for use of the car. Webb proposed taking the county car out of the picture by reimbursing actual mileage for use of a personal vehicle plus time to and from the family. Discussion followed about whether this arrangement would be allowed for other employees. Smith pointed out that another employee in the same department frequently attends meetings, takes their own vehicle, stays with family, and has never asked for reimbursement. Webb was inclined to pay for mileage to the conference and let the employee decide where they would like to stay i.e. at the motel or with family at their own cost. MSP: Myers/Webb — to decline use of the county car for the dates specified in the request and that we pay personal vehicle mileage only from Grant County to the Seattle conference and back.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary R. Ferrioli

County Court Secretary