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, Secretary Mary Ferrioli, and Pastor Sharon Miller. The Pledge of Allegiance was given to the United States flag. An opening prayer was given by Pastor Sharon Miller.

CLAIMS. Extension & 4H Service District Warrant Nos. 111 through 125 were signed.

PROGRAM. MSP: Webb/Myers — to add a motion concerning last week’s discussion with the Mental Health Director and an Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(d) regarding labor contract negotiations and ORS 192.660(2)(e) regarding a vacant parcel of land adjacent to Clyde Holliday State Park.

9:05 am – Kathy Smith and Shannon Springer entered

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Myers said that he and Judge Webb were to meet with the Blue Mountain Hospital Board at 6 pm on May 15th to discuss future services at the Grant County Health Department. Britton said he had previously committed to attending the Humbolt School Open House during that time.

Webb reported on a meeting held at the federal building on Thursday May 8th dealing with appellants on the Thorn and Egley salvage sales. It was expected that resolution would occur later today.

Britton and Myers planned to attend an appellants hearing on May 16th at the federal Courthouse in Portland relative to ongoing grazing litigation.

Myers planned to attend the public hearing at 5:00 pm today in Circuit Court where Building Codes Division and Mid Columbia Building Codes Services would discuss a proposed change in service providers for issuance of Grant County structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and manufactured home placement permits. Assistant Planner Shannon Springer and the court talked about the upcoming public hearing and current building codes matters. Some concerns were expressed about enforcement issues and a mechanism to pursue enforcement.

MENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR. Based on discussion that took place in Executive Session on May 7, 2008 the following motion was made. MSP: Webb/Myers – based on the fact that Bill Harrington’s state waiver expires July 11th — that we terminate his employment effective June 30, 2008 and advertise to fill the Mental Health Directer position. It was noted that, while Harrington had improved the county’s mental health services (from what they had been) the court felt that, in order to move ahead and become better prepared for future challenges, it needed to fill the position with someone having all of the required education and credentials. The court planned to talk with Harrington about the motion when he is scheduled to appear later today. Additionally, Webb would visit with Mental Health staff at tomorrow’s 8:00 am staff meeting and would contact a member of the Advisory Council.

MINUTES. MSP: Webb/Myers– to approve the May 7, 2008 Minutes as amended.

COMMITEES. Court members acknowledged the resignations submitted by three committee volunteers. MSP: Myers/Webb– to accept Sondra Lino’s resignation from the Transient Room Tax Review Committee. MSP: Myers/Webb– to accept Bonnie Britton’s resignation from the Library Board. MSP: Webb/Myers — to accept Wanda McHatton’s resignation from the Commission on Children and Families.

TITLE III. The court acknowledged that no comments were received during the 45-day comment period for the Title III proposed project, “Forest Service Crew Leader / Liaison for OYCC Work Projects.” Title III Coordinator Sue Newstetter previously provided a project award letter to the Malheur NF Blue Mountain Ranger District. MSP: Webb/Britton — to authorize Judge Webb to sign the letter to the Forest Services Blue Mountain District Ranger approving the “Forest Service Crew Leader / Liaison for OYCC Work Projects” Title III proposed project.

9:30 am – Nancy Moffitt entered.

HENDRIX TRANSFER STATION. Hendrix Transfer Station operator Nancy Moffitt requested approval to increase the disposal rate to $80 per ton (or $0.04 per lb) effective June 1, 2008

due to the increasing cost of fuel. The current rate of $70 per ton was established by the court in August 2000. Moffitt also proposed that the minimum rate be increased from $9 to $10 for covered or tied down loads of 250 lbs or less and no fee for metal. She explained that the rate for white goods w/motor is $5, cars without tires or fluids is $25, and used motor oil is $1 per gallon. Moffitt reported that the only comparable transfer station in eastern Oregon is located in Burns. The Burns site charges $10 minimum for a 250 lb load based on $80 per ton or $0.04 per lb; they don’t give a discount for metal and the appliance rate is $10 each. It was noted that hauling from Burns to Mt. Home ID is roughly the same distance as to Boardman from the Hendrix site.

Webb asked Moffitt to provide the court with a report on costs related to income in order to justify this proposed rate increase. He wanted to maintain what the independent auditor’s had felt was a fair ratio between expenses and profit for the 2000 rate increase. Myers agreed with that recommendation. Moffitt planned to provide a report on income and expenses for the Transfer Station, separated from the Clark’s Disposal business.

ALPINE ALARM SERVICE CONTRACT. Court members reviewed and approved an Alpine Alarm Communications & Construction LLC Services Agreement to provide monitoring and service for the Courthouse fire alarm system at a rate of $31 per month. MSP: Myers/Webb — to authorize Judge Webb to sign the Alpine Alarm Communications Services Agreement.

530 E. MAIN STREET. The court considered a letter from local business operator David Paddock requesting to lease commercial office space at 530 E. Main Street in John Day to house a new business venture called “Hobo Camp.” The business would manufacture a line of camping supplies using many resources available in Grant County. Specifically, the office space would be utilized for the sewing of wall tents. Webb planned to contact the Dental Clinic Advisory Committee about removing the used dental equipment that is currently stored in that space. MSP: Britton/Myers – to authorize Judge Webb to negotiate a short term lease with David Paddock, including first & last month’s rent and cleaning deposit.

EXECUTIVE SESSION. At 9:40 am the court met in Executive Session under 192.660(2)(d) to conduct deliberations with persons designations by the governing body to carry on labor negotiations and 192.660(2)(e) to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions . Webb recited the State Attorney General’s Sample Script to Announce the Start of Executive Session. At 10:00 am the court returned to General Session. No motions were made.

10:00 am – Brenda Percy and Dana Brooks entered

ADMIN ASST / CIVIL DEPUTY. Personnel Manager Brenda Percy presented Local Government Personnel Institute’s recommended wage scale placement for the revised Administrative Assistant / Civil Deputy job description. The Sheriff’s Administrative Assistant/Civil Deputy job description had been revised to clarify actual responsibilities. Although supervision was previously included in the description, supervision is actually not a responsibility of this position. Due to that particular change, wage placement moved from Category L to Category M. Treasurer Kathy Smith explained that the change has already been reviewed and accepted by the Grant County Police Officer’s Association (union). Smith noted that both the county and the union agreed to hold the employee harmless in the future until the scale catches up to their wage. MSP: Britton/Myers – to accept the Category M placement by LGPI for the Admin Asst / Civil Deputy position.

DD SERVICES COORDINATOR SUPRV. Personnel Manager Brenda Percy presented Local Government Personnel Institute’s recommended wage scale placement for the new DD Services Coordinator Supervisor job description. This new position is associated with the county assuming responsibility for DD services within Harney and Lake Counties. LGPI had placed this Supervisor job description at Category J on the wage scale, which was expected. MSP: Britton/Myers – to accept the Category J placement by LGPI for the new DD Services Coordinator Supervisor position.

PERSONNEL MANAGER SALARY. Personnel Manager Brenda Percy discussed with court members her proposed salary adjustment for FY 2008-2009. Webb provided history on previous discussions with Percy regarding her 50-50 wage split for Personnel Manager (PM) and Deputy Clerk-Bookkeeper (DCB) duties. He had previously asked if Percy was spending 50% of her time on PM duties and she had replied, no. So, a reduction to 25% for PM time had been proposed, but needed clarification.

Percy said she previously identified a figure that she could be paid to act as the PM which would be set as 50% of her position. But, she didn’t recall that those duties would actually take 50% of her time. She understood the amount of money she requested was assigned to the PM half of her position. Today, Percy said she would like to know the court’s decision since it impacts her finances. Webb felt the county would split the position 25% PM and 75% DCB, with the employee being held harmless, but realized things are not entirely clear. He felt there was some justification for doing that (a retainer) since Percy was almost always available for PM issues.

Smith explained how the job was originally set up when David Cary assumed the position. At that time, it was 50% PM and 50% Bioterrorism, creating a full time position so the employee would be available for personnel issues when necessary. Smith added that, in Cary’s case, wages for both positions were at the same level.

Britton remembered that the intent in the beginning was to have Percy spend 50% of her time with training and other personnel issues. He favored holding the wages harmless at this time. Webb agreed, but needed justification for paying 50% at the PM rate because in other departments we are making sure that people are satisfying their job descriptions and that wage placements are accurate. Britton planned to develop the requested justification in written form.

Percy clarified that the amount she agreed on before ($500/mo) is not the $1,900 that appears on paper. She noted that she’s still doing the Deputy Clerk-Bookkeeper job and some things the former Deputy Clerk-Recorder had done.

Myers suggested that one rate be attached to both positions since Percy is available for either position at all times. Smith explained that the positions are placed separately, plus one is exempt and one non-exempt. Dana Brooks pointed out that if Percy were to leave in the future, PM duties may not stay with the DCB position.

Webb indicated that the budget was never changed to the 75-25 split, so the position has been retained next year with a 50-50 split.

10:30 am – Wayne Baron, Courtney Nolta, Sally Bartlett, News Reporter Scotta Callister and John Day City Manager Peggy Carey.

4R RECYCLE CENTER. 4R Recycle Center owner Wayne Baron, of Hines, expressed interest in starting a recycle center in Grant County. He described how 4R Recycle Center, established July 2007, handles various components of the recycling and shipping process and talked about the wide range of recyclable materials being handled. Baron wanted to know what kind of support the county had for recycling services here and if a lease option might be available for use of the former Road Department as a recycling site. He said he is working with volunteers at the Prairie City Recycling Center; and Blue Mountain Hospital and School District No. 3 have inquired about recycling services. Baron reported that Harney County received a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) grant for a new baler which is being leased to the 4R Recycle Center in Hines. Additionally, 4R is dismantling electronics and DEQ plans to make 4R a regional collection and dismantling site for E-waste such as televisions, computers and other electronics.

10:35 am – Canyon City Manager Tammy Bremner entered

Baron provided information on electronic dismantling and sorting and said that electronic, plastic, and paper products would be transported to Hines for baling, etc. about every other week. He said that 48 ft vans would be used for transfer to Hines. On-site wooden bins would be used for the storage of recyclables.

Webb asked City Manager Tammy Bremner about the likelihood of Canyon City allowing a Conditional Use Permit for a recycling center. She said she wouldn’t know until notice is sent to adjacent landowners within 250 feet. But, she anticipated that the facility would be well received. Bremner added that neighbors were contacted when Canyon City was thinking of relocating their shop to the former Road Department; no concern was expressed at that time.

With regard to protecting other interests, Webb asked about impacts to the garbage collector in Hines resulting from expanded recycling services. Baron replied that recycling 80 tons of material out of the system cannot be done without effecting garbage service. Bremner asked, isn’t that the point of recycling? Baron indicated that he has visited with Nancy Moffitt about the Hendrix Transfer Station and she offered to provide a container for receiving plastics, but that was all.

In response to Britton’s inquiry, Baron said he anticipated the E-waste receiving and sorting process could create 6 to 8 local jobs. He said the facility would be staffed by at least two people all of the time and the lead worker would probably be brought in from the Hines. Business operations would be Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Webb said the county planned to place that county property on the market for sale. Baron said he would be willing to enter into a lease / purchase option agreement. He felt that could help to get the facility started and would provide an opportunity to determine if the site is right for the community. Webb inquired about low population and impact on sustainability for the business. Baron said the service has been growing and more and more recyclers are responding to increased recycling opportunities. Britton asked about providing services to outlaying areas. Baron commented on current outreach activity to some small communities in Harney County.

School District No. 3 Librarian Courtney Nolta stated that 4R Recycle Center has significantly increased recycling activity at the Prairie City Recycling Center. Nolta felt the 4R Recycle Center could provide an opportunity to serve leadership students at Grant Union High School. She said other interest in serving the federal building and Blue Mountain Hospital also exists.

Baron asked the county to consider a lease / purchase option for the former Road Department. But, he planned to investigate other possible locations in the area as well. Baron said his business currently pays $500 per month for the building and grounds and an additional $125 per month for taxes. Myers addressed noise issues associated with shredding, baling and truck traffic. Baron indicated that a shredder would not be very noisy because it would be inside. In the future, Baron said he may like to process wood products with a grinder, but only during business hours.

Bremner planned to bring the matter up for attention at the next Canyon City Council meeting on May 28. She felt the idea would receive a positive response. John Day City Manager Peggy Gray thought the business was good for the community and would be well-received.

Britton said he was personally willing to accept a $500 per month lease rate for a while, but acknowledged that amount was a very low rate for the space. Baron planned to follow up with a written proposal about various aspects of having a recycling facility operating at the former Road Department location.

Treasurer Kathy Smith asked about a time line for the business’s request, since a lot of county property is being stored at the old Road Department. Baron said, the sooner the better; this summer would be ideal for starting local recycling operations.

11:10 am – Brenda Percy and Dena Bush entered

BATES STATE PARK. Court members responded to a letter requesting that Bates community funds, contributed to support development and operation of the Bates Park, be transferred to The Friends of the Bates State Park EXHIBIT A. On April 30th the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department acquired the 131 acre Bates property from Grant County and the Old West Federal Credit Union loan was paid in full. Simultaneously, the Bates Park & Museum Foundation, Inc. was dissolved and in its place The Friends of the Bates State Park (nonprofit) was created. Treasurer Kathy Smith asked if the county was confident about what the Bates donors might want done with the money. Webb felt that most people would probably think the Friends group had a good sense of what is appropriate for the money. He added that he would like to see the balance of funds transferred from the county. MSP: Britton/Webb – that we transfer the balance of donors’ contributions for Bates Park to The Friends of the Bates State Park. Webb stated that he would like to have used the money the county should have had from the sale to refurbish the Courthouse Annex building.

PETS IN THE WORKPLACE. Court members considered the Safety Committee’s recommendation to develop policy to address dogs in the workplace. Webb reported on discussion at today’s 8:00 am Safety Committee meeting. Concern had been expressed because the number of dogs being brought to work by Courthouse employees has increased. The most notable reason for concern is that the county paid an insurance claim totaling about $80,000 because a public citizen tripped, fell and was injured due to an airport employee who brought their dog to work. Committee members felt it was inappropriate for pets (other than seeing-eye dogs) to be in public buildings and that policy should be written to address the situation. Discussion on ideas about management of dogs on county property followed. Questions arose about whether or not the policy would apply to the fairgrounds, library, and county parking lots. The court felt the subject might need to be opened up for further input at a future court meeting. Webb planned to contact the county’s insurance agent for a proposed policy recommendation.

11:45 am – Lunch Recess. The meeting reconvened at 1:00 pm. Present were all court members, the Court Secretary, District Attorney Ryan Joslin, Mental Health Director Bill Harrington, and Treasurer Kathy Smith.

DRUG COURT IMPLEMENTATION GRANT. District Attorney Ryan Joslin recommended signature on a Drug Court Implementation / Enhancement Grant Award in the total amount of $70,503 for the period May 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. Mental Health Director Bill Harrington was also present. The grant would create a Grant County Drug Court in which members of a Core Team and Resource Team meet weekly to discuss the needs and progress of program participants. Subsequently, participants would appear in court to account for their progress in the program and be given rewards or sanctions for behavior since their last court appearance.

It was noted that this is a quarterly reimbursement grant, so Mental Health would need to fund about $15,400 up front. Webb confirmed with Harrington that funds are available within the Mental Health budget for this purpose. Treasurer Kathy Smith added that Mental Health would be responsible for revenue and expenses going through their budget, quarterly reporting, and complying with the grant requirements.

Britton noted that Drug Courts were highly praised at the County College sessions that he attended last year. He felt it would streamline things for the legal system. Harrington said that the program was an outstanding way to assure that there’s cooperation and coordination between the service provider and legal system. According to Harrington, Circuit Court would handle some reporting and Mental Health would handle reimbursement requests. Joslin identified the Drug Court Team members, commented on database services, and explained and how various functions would work together throughout the process. Smith pointed out, since all revenue and expenses for this grant would go through the Mental Health budget, all team members need to know that claims only go through that department. MSP: Webb/Myers – to authorize Judge Webb to sign the Drug Court Implementation and Enhancement Grant Award document. Joslin said he spoke with Treasurer Smith earlier about $2,900 in drug seizure money received by the Drug Court Program. It would need to be determined how those monies can be spent before Smith knows where it should be receipted.

MENTAL HEALTH CAPITAL OUTLAY. Mental Health Director Bill Harrington recommended approval to purchase a 9686 Series Posturepedic Executive office chair from Quill for $199.99 plus shipping, for the comfort of an employee. Two other quotes were provided from Sit4Less.com @ $799 and Staples @ $199.99. Harrington also requested approval to purchase an IBM computer, costing about $650 through the Education Service District, to replace a failing Dell computer. Harrington reported some ongoing problems the department has had with their Dell computers. He explained differences in quality between Dell and IBM, according to the ESD. It was noted that a transfer from Contingency would be necessary to cover the cost of both requests. MSP: Britton/Myers – based on past history and the recommendation of ESD, to allow Harrington to purchase the IBM computer. MSP: Myers/Webb – to approve the acquisition of a chair from Quill for Mental Health staff, as recommended.

1:30 pm — Adjourned

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary R. Ferrioli

County Court Secretary