IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF GRANT – JUNE 18, 2014

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, Flora Cheadle, Billie Jo George, Jim Sproul, John and Lindy Bastian, Sheriff Glenn Palmer, Ken Olson, Wanda Ballard, Marlene Green, Tork Ballard, Gary Jacobson, Dennis Lynch, and Steve Kowing. A Pledge of Allegiance was given to the United States flag. The invocation was given by Flora Cheadle.

CLAIMS. The court had approved claims and Extension District Warrant Nos.172 to 176

AGENDA. MSP: Myers/Labhart — to approve the agenda with the deletion of Item D under General Orders.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Myers reported on his meeting last Thursday with Brenda Percy, Kathy Smith and Kim Hilton from Hermann Financial to discuss health benefit options for next year. Today at 2 pm he has an Early Learning Council meeting at Families First. Yesterday afternoon Myers drove the 18 Road to the Magone junction and observed a vehicle restriction sign, and another one at the turn off from the 18 Road to Magone Lake. He understands there are several more posted on that piece of forest. This afternoon (if time allows) he’ll visit the Forest Service compound to observe their alleged stockpile of signage. Myers will attend a White House Commission on Environmental Quality in Pendleton tomorrow.

Britton reported that former Road Department employee Larry Nodine passed away this morning. Britton talked about a Connect Oregon 5 transportation funding meeting that he and Wallow County Commissioner Mike Hayward attended Wednesday in Portland, and the outcome of funding secured for the eastern Oregon region.

9:10 am – News Reporter Scotta Callister entered and Myers left to participate in a brief employee termination meeting

Labhart attended Senior Citizens lunch Wednesday in Prairie City and this Monday in John Day. He drove the VA van to Boise and attended a Library Board meeting on Thursday. Yesterday Labhart attended Oregon Tourism Commission and Eastern Oregon Visitor Association meetings in John Day and talked about many of our local attractions. He taught a class for VA van drivers last evening. Tomorrow he will attend a Blue Mountain Hospital board meeting. Friday he’ll be at the Health Fair and attend an ODF Operators Breakfast in John Day. Next Monday Labhart will attend an EOCCO board meeting in Pendleton and visit the Chamber of Commerce while there. Tuesday he will attend an OTEC board meeting at the airport at noon.

Later after Myers returned, Britton expressed frustration with Title 2 funding decisions made at the RAC meeting where a number of members were absent. He contacted a representative of the Governor’s office about the substantial reductions made to important projects the county had prioritized. Britton was thinking about contacting Rocky McVay and intends to write a letter to the Forest Service (for court review) to find out how much money dedicated for Grant County remains. Labhart had attended the RAC meeting and suggested that Britton contact Senator Wyden’s aide Kathleen Cathey.

PUBLIC COMMENT. Britton passed around a photo of what the Canyon Meadows Dam used to look like. Billie Jo George of Austin expressed concern about “Highway Legal Vehicles Only” signs posted on forest roads; she understood the Forest Service had not contacted the county in advance. She said signs are posted on side rounds all around Magone Lake, not just at Vance Creek and Wickiup. Labhart explained the Forest Service has admitted the error, and accepted the county’s invitation to attend a court meeting at their first opportunity. But, we were told that could not be before July 9. Labhart advocates keeping these roads open. Jim Sproul said he expects the Forest Service to follow the law in Grant County, but it does not. He felt the county needs to send a letter stating federal government must follow the law established by Public Road Closure Ordinance 2013-01. John Bastian pointed out that neither procedures nor NEPA were followed before posting signs. He and others felt the signs should come down until the issue is resolved. Sheriff Palmer recited Malheur NF Order 2014-0604-MAL-01 in response to a 1999 Oregon law that effectively changed the use of Class 1 and Class 3 ATVs on single lane roads. He wanted to know, if this was really a safety issue, why is this only being enforced now? Britton felt the Sheriff brought up a good point; he wanted to know if a traffic engineer had been involved. He hoped to have all of the public’s questions answered by a knowledgeable Forest Service official during a future court meeting. Sheriff Palmer thought an Order could be issued by the County Court and delivered to the Sheriff for enforcement.

9:35 am – Myers returned to the meeting

Palmer reported he’s seen inconsistency in signs posted on forest roads. He said the Forest Supervisor has no authority over the LEO who’s directed by the Regional Office. Palmer said state law is being used for vehicle control, but federal law is being used for citations. Ken Olson wanted to know why the Forest Service is willing to defer to state law, but not to county law.

Myers said the Forest Service is looking at attending a court meeting in July. Those present didn’t want to wait until July to rectify this problem. Myers reiterated that he’d visit the federal compound (when time allows) to try and get them to remove the signs that are already posted. Jim Sproul suggested that Sheriff Palmer accompany Myers since he signed the Ordinance. Britton felt Myers could handle this on his own i.e. the Sheriff’s presence could be intimidating; however, if they refuse to remove the signs – then it will be interesting.

9:50 am — Kathy Smith and Tammy Wheeler entered

SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET HEARING. At 9:50 am the court opened a public hearing to consider a supplemental budget on the General Fund, Airport Reserve Fund, Airport Fund and Senior Citizens Fund to receive and appropriate cash loan repayment from FY 2012-2013. Budget Officer Kathy Smith said the auditor told her this was needed to correct the method used for repaying 2012-2013 cash loans in the current year. There will be similar cash loan transactions for this year at the next meeting. MSP: Myers/Labhart — to sign Resolution 14-21 Adopting Supplemental Budget for General Fund / $55,000.00; Airport Reserve Fund / $40,000.00; Airport Fund / $10,000.00; and Senior Citizens Fund / $5,000.00.

POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION. The court reviewed and signed the 2014-2017 Agreement with Grant County Police Officers Association that applies to Sheriff’s employees. Treasurer Kathy Smith clarified that the union did not agree to the additional language Britton had suggested. MSP: Labhart/Myers — to authorize Judge Myers to sign the 2014-2017 Agreement with Grant County Police Officers Association as presented. Britton voted no; he wanted to give the county more flexibility when the county has benefit challenges due to budget constraints. He said that Myers and Smith did a good job with negotiations.

BUDGET HEARING. At 10:00 am the court continued the June 4 public hearing on the proposed 2014-2015 County Budget. Budget Officer Kathy Smith reviewed additional proposed budget changes to the General Non-Departmental ($55,000.00), Fair ($25,000.00), Domestic Violence ($20,000.00) and Senior Citizens ($10,000.00) funds that reflect cash loan repayments from 2013-2014; and a ($4,600.00) grant from GOBHI to the County Court fund to support the Community Advisory Council. There was no objection to the proposed changes. MSP: Myers/ Labhart – to close the budget hearing. MSP: Myers/Labhart – to accept the changes and prepare the adoption resolution for signature next week.

SPANISH LANGUAGE INTERPRETER. The court reviewed and signed an Amendment to the Employment Agreement with Maria Thomas to provide Spanish Language Interpreter services through June 30, 2016. MSP: Labhart/Myers — to sign the Employment Agreement Amendment with Maria Thomas to provide Spanish Language Interpreter services.

DOMESTIC RELATIONS MEDIATION. The court reviewed and signed a Contract with Christy Rheu Waldner to provide professional services for the Domestic Relations Mediation Program through June 30, 2015. Circuit Court Administrator Tammy Wheeler reported the funding source for this service changed — money is no longer taken from fees — it will be a budget item within the ODJ budget. She added that the county is not expected to pick up this cost, if state funds are reduced or discontinued. Treasurer Smith noted that funds have been going down. Wheeler indicated that the county’s fund has been growing over the years and is currently healthy. MSP: Labhart/Myers — to authorize Judge Myers to sign the Contract with Christy Rheu Waldner for the Domestic Relations Mediation Program.

MEDICAL-DENTAL BENEFITS. The court reviewed and discussed the medical-dental insurance benefits proposed plan for 2014-2015, as provided by the county’s agent Kim Hilton of Hermann Financial. Last Thursday Myers, Treasurer Kathy Smith and Clerk Brenda Percy met with Hilton to go over the process used to solicit health insurance benefit rates. Myers said a 12% increase had been anticipated, but after negotiating with Moda Hilton was able lower it to 5.15% for the same coverage as last year. Labhart questioned the preventive health benefit pertaining to flu shots which he felt should be fully covered. Some discussion followed about COBRA and retiree participants. Britton suggested inviting our union representatives to attend next year’s health insurance meeting, so they’re aware of the fringe benefits employees receive. MSP: Myers/Britton – to approve the benefit package as presented, and thank Ms. Hilton for the savings she was able to negotiate for the county.

10:25 am – Mary Weaver entered

PAVILION. Fair Manager Mary Weaver previously presented bids from Don Moss Enterprises and S & C Electric (the Fair Board opened June 11) for a storage unit addition and new office space at the Pavilion. A Request for Bids had gone to 12 general contractors and 5 electricians; only one contractor and one electrician responded. The project would increase safety and allow for more efficient operations. Since then, the board decided only to ask for the new office space due to funding restrictions. Britton suggested that we pursue the storage unit too, since we have two talented maintenance employees who may be able to complete that work. Weaver felt doing this over the winter months, in-house to save labor costs, was a good idea. Myers agreed with the suggestion and proposed to meet with Nate Hughes and Mary Weaver on Friday. Weaver said she would be contacting Don Moss Enterprises and S & C Electric about the county’s decision on the bids. Britton suggested Weaver contact Suzie Snider at OTEC about LED lighting available now that’s less expensive to operate and offers a relatively quick investment return.

Labhart brought up the 2011 Commercial Inspection Reports by MK Inspections for Keerins Hall and the Pavilion. He wondered if those identified safety issues were being addressed. Treasurer Kathy Smith thought some safety concerns had been resolved, but non-safety related work has also been done at the fairgrounds.

New Office Remodel. The office at Keerins Hall is felt to be a potential safety hazard and not the most efficient location for managing activities at the fairgrounds. A new office remodel at the Pavilion would open up and extend the current office area on the south side, install a new window on the exterior wall, and relocate a window from the west side to the north side. Doors would be replaced / installed, and a toilet / sink with cabinet would be added to a 5’ x 9’ area at the NE corner. Interior ceiling and walls would receive sheetrock, texture and paint. All areas are to be insulated and the stairwell area enclosed. Don Moss Enterprises estimated the new office at $24,854.00. Electrical work would include four 4’ fluorescent lamp fixtures with 3-way switching, HVAC, 10 receptacles with 4 branch circuits, new circuit panel, and relocating Internet and sound equipment. S & C Electric bid $7,500.00 for the office remodel. A plumbing contractor was needed for the sink / toilet, but fair employees could provide and install flooring and paint for the exterior walls.

Storage Unit Addition. The addition would provide centralized storage for all of the tables, chairs, poles, drapes, podiums, speakers / sound system, and tableware needing to be arranged for individual events. A new 15’ x 30’ block storage unit on a cement pad would be attached to the west end of the Pavilion with a new double steel man door for access, an 8’ x 8’ garage door and cement ramp installed on the north side. Construction would include matching paint inside and out with a sloping metal roof. Don Moss Enterprises had estimated the storage unit at $46,295.00. Electrical work would include two 8’ fluorescent lamp fixtures with 3-way switching and 2 duplex receptacles inside. S & C Electric bid $2,200.00 for wiring the storage unit.

11:10 am – Cheryl Sprauve and Glenn Palmer entered

MINUTES. MSP: Britton/Myers — to approve the June 11 minutes with the minor correction.

11:15 am — Ashley McClay and Kathy Smith entered

EARLY LEARNING / YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. Victim Assistance Program Director Ashley McClay also administers the county’s Early Learning and Youth Development grant process. She requested signature on Amendments to Intergovernmental Contracts 9736 and 9887 with Oregon Department of Education to fund Early Learning and Youth Development services. McClay said the amendment allows an increase of $400.00 to the Service Continuity Fund. It was pointed out Harney County recently reported formation of the High Desert HUB is about ready to launch and, at that point, McClay would step back from her responsibilities. It was understood that Youth Development funds reporting may be going to the Juvenile Department on July 1. MSP: Myers/Britton — to authorize Judge Myers to sign Intergovernmental Contracts 9736 and 9887 with Oregon Department of Education to fund Early Learning and Youth Development services.

COPS / CAMP GRANT. Sheriff Glenn Palmer requested approval to apply for a federal competitive COPS / CAMP anti-methamphetamine program grant to locate or investigate illicit activities including precursor diversion, laboratories or meth traffickers. The grant would be for two years and no local match is required. Sheriff Palmer said there is a short opportunity to apply for this grant that is due June 30. He had several letters of support and provided statistics on the number of meth cases his office has handled, and the number of arrests that have gone through the Jail over the last three years. Palmer felt it was clear Grant County has a major ongoing meth problem.

Myers asked about responsibility for tracking this federal grant. Palmer said that funds would be used for wages, benefits and over-time. A new employee would be hired at an entry level position and must receive 4 months training at the academy. He added there are a number of things on which the money cannot be used. Palmer is trying to put together a Drug Task Force and would like to be able to join forces with Wheeler, Gilliam and Harney counties in an effort to deal with the same meth issues seen in central Oregon.

Labhart noted there would be better consideration with an interdisciplinary team approach. Palmer felt the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council would apply. Labhart expressed concern if funding for this program should disappear in the future. Palmer said there was no requirement to keep the employee. Palmer planned on tracking data over 2 years that may justify continued funding of these law enforcement services. Labhart was in favor of the grant.

Treasurer Smith indicated her lack of support for the application.

Britton supported the grant application and suggested that Palmer receive assistance from Les Zaitz due to his experience with methamphetamine investigations. Palmer said this federal grant application would need a lot of work in a short period of time. MSP: Britton/Labhart — to allow Sheriff Palmer to move forward with the federal COPS / CAMP grant application.

11:55 am — Adjourned

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary R. Ferrioli

County Court Secretary

To access County Court Minutes from 2009 to present go to the County Commissioners page at www.gcoregonlive2.com.