IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON

IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF GRANT

FEBRUARY 13, 2013

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

9:00 am — Call to Order. Present were Judge Scott W. Myers, Commissioners Boyd Britton and Chris Labhart, Secretary Mary Ferrioli, Rob Stewart, Byron Haberly, Prairie City HS Student Tucker Billman and Dave Fronapel. A Pledge of Allegiance was given to the US flag. The invocation was given by Dave Fronapel.

AGENDA. MSP: Myers/Britton — to accept the agenda as presented.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Britton reported on the Monument Rural Fire Districts first board meeting held Monday night in Monument. This Saturday Britton will act as MC at the Fair Queen Coronation Dinner. Britton said he plans to introduce a Freedom to Farm Ordinance in the future to protect our agricultural community.

Labhart had attended the Library Board meeting Thursday and Fair Appreciation Dinner Friday night. Yesterday he traveled to the Monument Senior Center with the Senior Programs Manager and will be attending County College this week in Salem.

Myers reported on the Heritage Foundations Sale Barn fundraising meeting that he attended last week and again February 11. He also attended the Safety Committee meeting yesterday at the Road Department and will attend a Mental Health Advisory Board meeting Friday at 11:30 am.

MINUTES. MSP: Myers/Labhart — to approve the February 6 minutes as amended.

9:20 am — Jason Kehrberg, Matt Wenick, and Kathy Smith entered

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS. The court acknowledged Gary Adams letter expressing interest in filling a vacancy on the Extension & 4H Service District Advisory Council. MSP: Myers/Labhart– to appoint Gary Adams to a vacancy on the Extension & 4H Service District Advisory Council scheduled to expire December 31, 2015. The court considered Hal Smiths letter requesting appointment to the vacant position on the Mental Health Advisory Board. Smiths appointment was recommended by Community Counseling Solutions, Inc. MSP: Myers/Labhart — to appoint Hal Smith to the Mental Health Advisory Board vacancy expiring December 31, 2013.

9:30 am Zach Williams, King Williams, and Lane Burton entered

ROAD DEPARTMENT. Treasurer Kathy Smith reported that Roadmaster Mark Hensley was unable to attend the meeting today because he needed to inspect a Rock Pit. Hensley was scheduled to meet with the court to discuss expectations for 2013-2014 budgeting, adding an Equipment Operator position, involvement with other departments, general operations and maintenance, and the use of legal services.

Grant Soil & Water Conservation District Director Jason Kehrberg and Weed Specialist Matt Wenick were in attendance. Britton pointed out that the Road Fund has budgeted $50,000 per year in the past for the GSWCD. He said Hensley has expressed a desire to have the Road Department take back weed spraying responsibility for rock pits, culverts and road shoulders.

Britton asked the district to bring up some of their concerns. GSWCD Director Jason Kehrberg and Weed Specialist Matt Wenick explained the Road Funds have been used by the district to leverage funding needed to operate a county-wide weed control program. It was noted that the Road Department could not provide technical assistance to landowners, herbicide training, and fulfill the actions required by the statutes. Wenick provided details about what the district was able to do this year for the greater benefit of the county. Kehrberg talked about chemical costs and the number of acres treated last year which exceeded $50,000 for chemicals alone. He said Hensley and the district have been working together to keep costs down. Information was provided about weed infestations over the past several years, as well as ODOTs weed spraying program.

Labhart inquired about Hensleys reason for suggesting the county end its longstanding contract with the district for weed control. Britton understood Hensley felt he could do what needs to be done for the county at a lower cost. He added that this debate has gone on for several years. Labhart asked for and received clarification about the countys budget planning for the Road Department.

9:45 am News Reporter Scotta Callister, Ken Holliday and Bob Phillips entered

King Williams provided background on weed spraying that began 50 years ago, and the countys decision to cooperate with the GSWCD to provide a more cost-effective and consistent service for the county and private landowners. He thought wed be taking a step back, if the county takes over those services.

Britton suggested that Hensley may not have wanted to come to court today because he feels a lack of respect. Myers said it would be in everyones best interest to have a more complete discussion on this subject when Hensley can be here. Britton asked for a statement from Judge Myers and Commissioner Labhart about their support of Hensley as our Roadmaster. Britton said that he feels Hensley is doing a great job.

Myers said he understands how Hensley may feel about the courts supervisory role. He stated that he has supported the Roadmaster in the past and supports him now. Myers didnt know why Hensleys feelings may have changed. Myers commented on his new role on the court and his long standing desire to patch things up with employees and management at the Road Department.

Discussion followed about public perception about the courts support of the Roadmasters work for the county. Road Advisory Board member Ken Holliday commented on the publics understanding about the courts micro-management in the past, and lack of support for the Roadmaster. He also felt difficulties exist with ongoing management of the Road Departments fiscal year budget due to seasonal work requirements, projects, and equipment maintenance.

Road Advisory Board member Byron Haberly said he has had many conversations with Hensley over the years. He believed Hensley could not please three bosses who dont listen and provide guidance. Haberly felt the court should either back Hensley or correct him. Some discussion followed about the publics perceived contentiousness within the county at the management level. He suggested these management issues should come to the surface and be addressed. Haberly wanted to see the court work closer with Hensley to alleviate problems at the Road Department.

Labhart recommended having a Work Session with the Roadmaster. He and others also urged the court to submit comments on the 10-Year Forest Stewardship Contract

LETTER OF SUPPORT. The court considered a letter of support to the Malheur National Forest Supervisor proposed by Bill Richardson, Oregon and Washington Lands Program Manager for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Comments were in support of the Headwaters of the John Day River Project, a sale of land with the Malheur NF, and the courts continuing interest in active forest management that ensures forest health and a healthy economy for Grant County.

Myers explained the issues described in the RME Foundations proposed letter of support. He said the checkerboard land sale involves DR Johnson property at the headwaters of the John Day River, and a possibility of retaining Lake Creek Camp for the citizens. Assessor Lane Burton expressed concern about loss of about 10,000 acres of taxable property which means about $30,000 in annual taxes. He noted that tax-exempt property in Grant County is now nearly 65%. Burton was interested in knowing if the trade would be for comparable taxable property. He believed a resolution was passed in the 1990s stating that net taxes from private ownership would not be lost in any land exchange. Burton recommended the court move forward with a response as soon as possible before it is too late to assure a benefit to Grant County.

Britton agreed with the Assessor, but didnt know what to do because he feels a private property owner should be able to do what they want with their land. He was pleased that county ownership of Lake Creek Camp might be a possibility. It was agreed that a lot of variables are involved with these issues. Labhart asked to table the issue for two weeks so it can be addressed when the Forest Service is present. Myers said he had met with the Forest Supervisor and Bill Richardson about this in the past, and also spoke with timber industry representative Dan Bishop who supports the sale. Britton agreed more discussion was needed which might include Mr. Richardson. The court was encouraged to come up with an alternative win-win proposal.

10:50 am — Bob Muenchausen and Dean Hoodenpyl entered

VETERAN SERVICES. Veteran Services Officer Bob Muenchausen requested approval to transfer ISP services from the ESD network to Centurylink. He said some information he needs to obtain to process veterans claims is being withheld by ESDs filter protection system. Muenchausen wanted to be able to submit applications and claim forms on line, but that is being blocked by the current system. He would like to have complete access to information provided through the existing Centurylink infrastructure within the Courthouse and Sheriffs office. Muenchausen realized this would be an additional expense within his budget. Centurylink Business Internet Service costs $29.95 per month during the introductory period, but the price would increase in the future to about $59.95 per month. Myers suggested checking into the DSL services provided by Oregon Telephone Corp.

11:00 am Lane Burton entered

Treasurer Kathy Smith pointed out that the cost could be charged to the Vets Expansion line. MSP: Labhart/Britton — to allow the Veteran Services Officer to hook into DSL through either Ortelco or Centurytel, as he feels is best.

LIBRARY ASSISTANT. Treasurer Kathy Smith, on behalf of Librarian Vicki Waters, spoke with the court about hiring a part time Department Assistant to help with checking books in and out, bar coding, entering library card data, assisting patrons, and back up during staff absences. Last week the court talked about adding a position at 4 hrs per week; however, 9 hrs per week was proposed at the most recent Library Board meeting. Smith had calculated annual costs for wages and benefits at $3,892 for 4 hrs a week and $8,757 for 9 hrs a week.

Myers believed additional assistance was needed at the Library. He recommended following policy by advertising the position for one week in-county in case other part time positions are interested in working more hours. It was understood that other part time employees may be interested in applying for additional work at the Library.

Labhart had attended the Library Board meeting and said he didnt realize the amount of work the two employees are doing. He expressed concern about a need to shut down the library in the case of vacation or illness. Smith informed Labhart many offices have two employees i.e. Justice Court, the Treasurer, the Clerk, Children & Families, Planning, Watermaster, and Fair. She added that volunteers normally provide assistance at the Library, but adding 4 hours a week would bring the library back to its previous level of staff hours.

Britton suggested there may be additional hours for the Custodian at the Road Department after their current contract expires. Britton also said the Road Department may be seeking to fill a part time position to provide back up for the Office Manager. Myers pointed out the courts decision today is to decide about budgeting additional hours for an Assistant at the Library.

Library Board member Scotta Callister understood the budget implication. She pointed out increasing costs for the automated system. She said the board is considering charging a modest fee for interlibrary loans to help cover costs the library is charged to provide those services.

Labhart suggested adding $8,757 (not-to-exceed) to the new budget for an Assistant at the Library or Road Department. MSP: Myers/Britton to create an additional part time position at the Library from 4 hrs to 9 hrs per week beginning July 1, 2013 and advertise the opening in-county.

COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS. Community Corrections Director Dean Hoodenpyl requested permission to purchase and install a new light with an exhaust fan in his office restroom at 200 S. Humbolt Street. It was noted that the bathroom has no ventilation of any kind. Hoodenpyl wanted to replace the current ceiling light with a light / exhaust fan to resolve the issue. Cost estimates were provided from True Value Hardware @ $69.99 and Ace Hardware @ $89.99. He suggested the expense be paid come from his HB 2712 account used for facility enhancement. MSP: Britton /Myers to allow Mr. Hoodenpyl to purchase the light / exhaust fan as requested. Treasurer Kathy Smith said Nick Miller has Courthouse maintenance hours budgeted to install the fan.

Hoodenpyl asked to have a designated parking space for his department at the back entrance. He explained it would also be well-suited for transporting clients. He reported that a car had recently been left in that space for over one week. Britton pointed out that space may need to be vacated on occasion during loading and unloading of equipment stored in the train car. County policy allows elected officials and department heads to have a designated parking space upon request. MSP: Myers/Labhart– to designate a reserved parking space for Community Corrections as requested. Myers said that he appreciates Hoodenpyl citing policy in the Employee Handbook. Some other discussion followed about the idea of reserving two other spaces next to the building. However, it was generally felt that its best to retain those additional spaces for public use.

11:40 am — Ashley McClay entered

VICTIM ASSISTANCE. Victim Assistance Program Director Ashley Mc Clay requested approval to send nine individuals to the Child Abuse & Family Violence Summit in Portland April 23 26. Attendees would be Ashley McClay and Andrea Officer (VAP), DDA Jeremy Dietrich, Sheri Webb (CASA), Shelly Whale-Murphy (Heart of Grant County), Katrina Randleas and Katy Nelson (Families First), Todd McKinley (Undersheriff), and Andrew Mc Clay (OSP). Estimated costs of $10,404 would cover the groups registration, lodging, mileage, and meals. McClay reported that CAMI funds will account for about $9,088 and Unitary Assessment funds will account for about $1,316.

She asked to allow attendees to stay at the Oxford Suites rather than the Red Lion conference site because its located a short walking distance from the conference, charges the same rate, and provides a free breakfast. She commented on billing problems she has experienced during a previous stay at the Red Lion. Mc Clay said this team training is part of the federal grant and included in the law. She added there would be car pooling among team members to save costs. Labhart was pleased the plan is in place and the training was included in the budget. He was informed about the provision of services during the time team members are at the training. MSP: Labhart/Myers to allow the team to attend training in Portland April 23 to 26 as requested.

FAIR CONTRACT. Court members reviewed and signed Professional Services Contracts with Lazy HK Bar Rodeo Company to provide stock contractor services costing $13,250 each year for the 2013, 2014, and 2015 County Fairs and Ronald Hart Keene Magician and Mentalist to provide entertainment during the 2013 County Fair for a total cost of $3,000. MSP: Labhart/Myers to sign the Professional Services Contract with Lazy HK Bar Rodeo Company for the 2013, 2014, and 2015 County Fairs. MSP: Labhart/Myers to sign the Professional Services Contract with Ronald Hart Keene for the 2013 County Fair.

AWOS SERVICE. The court reviewed and approved an Aviation Support and Maintenance Services Agreement with Vaisala to maintain AWOS equipment and provide AviMet Data Link services for one year beginning March 1, 2013. The total cost of the contract was $5,120. MSP: Labhart/Myers — to authorize Judge Myers to sign the Aviation Support and Maintenance Services Agreement with Vaisala as recommended by Patrick Bentz.

REDS ELECTRIC CONTRACT. Court members signed a Contract for Good & Services Less than $5,000 with Reds Electric to provide electric service for the new DA office remodel. The contract was awarded to Reds during last weeks meeting.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE. The Fair Board recently proposed that the county set aside $20,000 a year in a Reserve Account for fairgrounds building renovations and repairs. Court members considered the idea of developing a County Properties Maintenance Plan to address the Courthouse & Annex, Criminal Justice Facility, Former Road Facility, Airport Facility, Library, Fairgrounds & RV Park, Health Services Building, L-Building Complex, Road Facility, and Depot Park. It was the consensus of the court to have that discussion next week.

12:10 pm — Adjourned

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary R. Ferrioli

County Court Secretary