IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON

IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF GRANT

DECEMBER 4, 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 B. Labhart, Secretary Mary Ferrioli, Chamber of Commerce Director Sharon Mogg and Pastor Marcie Collins. A Pledge of Allegiance was given to the United States flag. The invocation was given by Pastor Collins.

AGENDA. Britton apologized for not having the Geographic Names Board draft letter ready this week. He suggested addressing that next week. Britton asked for the SRS discussion to be at 10:15 am because hes asked Malheur NF Acting Supervisor Steve Beverlin to attend at that time. Myers explained there is a resolution for signature resulting from the Oregon Building Codes contract that was signed last week.

9:05 am — Kathy Smith and George Meredith entered

How the resolution had been overlooked (not included in todays agenda) and whether or not it must be signed today was discussed. Treasurer Smith said we have the cash, but no budget authority to take it out to pay the state. She added there is an option to hold a Supplemental Budget Hearing. Labhart asked if it was time-sensitive and then said he had no problem adding it today as an emergency. MSP: Labhart/Myers — to add Resolution 13-50 to the agenda, declaring an emergency. Britton suggested we just put it off until next week and take our chances. Smith explained money can be taken in now — it just cant be paid out. Labhart said hed rather wait. MSP: Labhart /Myers to withdraw my motion. MSP: Myers/Labhart to accept the agenda as amended with removal of Brittons draft letter.

Myers asked if the court would like to add the just-completed minutes to todays agenda or review them next week. It was agreed to add the minutes to todays agenda when time allows.

PUBLIC COMMENT. The public was given an opportunity for comment. None was offered.

9:20 am Shannon Springer, Kathy Stinnett, Brenda Percy, Sue Newstetter and Jim Sproul entered

COURTHOUSE ENERGY UPGRADE. Myers explained his previous solicitation to three certified professional firms, previously obtained from the State of Oregon, to provide specifications for the Courthouse window and door replacement project. Specifications were presented for discussion as proposed by low bidder, R.J. Johnson Architecture. Architectural and estimating services would include as-built clarification measurements and documentation, auto-cad drafting, existing conditions assessment report, construction documents and specifications for permitting and bidding, and estimate of construction costs based on final documents. The estimated cost of the R.J. Johnson proposal is $8,260.00.

Labhart confirmed with Sue Newstetter (Eastern Oregon Professional Services) the estimated cost was within the public contracting small procurement category and, she noted, if the total project comes in over $50,000 prevailing wage will be required.

9:25 am Jason Kehrberg entered

Britton felt the cost was too high and recommended the county develop its own specifications so more funding is available for an elevator. Myers expressed concern about being able to provide accurate information and necessary scoping for this project. George Meredith pointed out the specification cost may be reasonable compared to the total cost of this project. Planning Secretary Shannon Springer added that professionals with experience would have important knowledge about state requirements and federal regulations. Kathy Stinnett thought a professional architect would also be qualified to look at other upgrades for the Courthouse. She also felt the cost could qualify for grant funding currently being researched by Circuit Court Administrator Tammy Wheeler. The topic would be readdressed next week.

ACTIVE SHOOTER RESPONSE TRAINING. The court discussed an announcement by Safety Committee Secretary Michelle McManama of Active Shooter Response (ASR) training by OSP Sergeant Tom Hutchison on December 10 at the airport from 8 am to 10 am. At this time approximately 45 county employees are planning to attend. Myers said a required MSDS training by SAIF rep Scott Brown will be added to the end of ASR training for those employees who need it.

Clerk Brenda Percy said shell be gone December 10 and would like her deputy to attend. She asked for and received permission to close her office during training hours. Myers thought it was a good idea to send notice about the possibility of some county offices being closed for training. Percy also suggested there be another opportunity to attend the training (for those who cannot). She asked about the previous CPR training and sought clarification about employees paying for that training, if its not a job requirement. Myers had ask CIS about that matter and offered to forward the CIS response to Ms. Percy. MSP: Myers/Britton to prepare a notice to the radio station and newspaper indicating that some county offices (including those mandated to be open) will be closed for training December 10 from 8 am to 10:30 am. Percy added that attendance for CPR training dropped once some employees learned they would have to pay the $30 fee. Myers pointed out training was provided during normal work hours and employees were paid for their time. Labhart asked Percy to write a letter to the court addressing her concerns.

DECEMBER 11 MEETING. The court discussed topics for next weeks meeting. Commissioner Labhart previously suggested that we hold an evening meeting to hear a presentation by New Hope for Eastern Oregon Animals representative Dick Haines, and to consider a letter of support to construct a new animal shelter facility in Baker City. Labhart suggested that Circuit Court be reserved because he felt a large number of people might attend. Britton suggested the meeting be held at the airport. A 6:00 pm start time was selected, and it was pointed out the court still needs to approve claims, Extension Warrants, and the minutes in the morning.

MINUTES. MSP: Britton/Myers to approve the November 27 minutes as corrected.

10:05 am — Steve Beverlin entered

SRS PAYMENTS. Myers explain this is a discussion the court has every year to decide on electing the countys share of estimated Secure Rural Schools (SRS) safety-net payments. The countys (Title 1, Title 2, Title 3) election letter must be received at the Governors office by December 13. Grant County has been asked to 1.) opt in or be paid based on a 7 year rolling average of timber harvests, 2.) select between 15% and 20% of the total payment for allocation to Title 2 and Title 3 projects, 3.) select a percentage split between Title 2 and Title 3, and 4.) select the Resource Advisory Committee(s) percentage for Title 2 projects. Malheur NF Acting Supervisor Steve Beverlin was present at the invitation of Commissioner Britton. Discussion followed about the countys past practice of taking 15% of Title 1 with an average of about 8% for Title 2 and 7% for Title 3. Myers remarked on past involvement with prioritizing projects for the NE Oregon RAC and the ongoing involvement by County Title 3 Coordinator Sue Newstetter.

Britton had a different proposal this year which is why he invited Mr. Beverlin to attend the meeting. Britton talked about additional funding adjustments for Title 2 projects that led to this accelerated restoration process. Beverlin explained budget restrictions for federal funding that prevents flexibility in the utilization of funds and the sequestration the forest was under last year. He hoped the county would continue to support Title 2 projects so the forest is able to hire additional expertise when needed. Britton recommended changing the allocation to 20% and, of that, 18% would go to Title 2 and 2% would go to Title 3. It was pointed matching funds that Title 2 qualifies for could be a tremendous boost for the stewardship project and other ongoing projects with partners, specifically GSWCD.

10:20 am King Williams entered

Labhart sought and was given information about past involvement in the Deschutes Ochoco RAC and the NE Oregon RAC prioritization process.

Myers asked Newstetter about the continuing need for Title 3 projects such as Firewise, Community Wildfire Planning, and Search & Rescue on federal lands. Newstetter explained whats needed is Firewise project work to address brush reduction around homes accomplished by utilizing youth crews and putting out contracts. Newstetter reported that $1.4 Million has already been obligated for Title 3 which is available for Firewise over the coming years. She felt Title 3 needs only a small amount this year so 2% would be adequate.

10:30 am News Reporter Scotta Callister entered

Jason Kehrberg talked about project work being done by the Grant Soil & Water Conservation District. He supports the countys 20% election for SRS funding.

Labhart asked about county road funds, schools and cities and felt the county should be aware of those needs. It was noted that the schools and cities funding is most appropriately addressed by the Budget Committee. Myers said the county retains major input to the Title 2 and Title 3 funding. Myers felt the percentage amount would be about $250,000 which would go a lot further (this way) at 20%. Britton didnt think the amount would significantly affect the schools formula. MSP: Britton/Myers — to elect a 20% allocation and (of that) 18% to Title 2 and 2% Title 3, with 100% available to the NE Oregon RAC. Myers recited the countys signed election letter addressed to Lisa Howard of the Oregon Governors office.

BIOMASS ENERGY. King Williams, of King Inc, presented information about the Energy Biomass meetings in which his group has been participating to prepare proposed legislation for the February session. Williams talked about recent conference calls the group has held to work out language to address state legislators important issues concerning power rates, etc. He said the legislation would actually make little impact on power rates. Williams talked about assistance provided by the Governors office and emphasized the importance of working out good language in this proposed legislation for the February 2014 Session. Williams said exact wording is very important and must address biomass issues on both the eastside forests and the westside forests. Utilizing existing capacity, wild land firefighting and forest health are the most important concepts driving this biomass energy legislation. During discussion, Williams had answered a variety of questions from court members and other individuals present.

11:10 am — Adjourned

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary R. Ferrioli

County Court Secretary

GRANT COUNTY COURT MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2013 APPROVED PAGE 1