IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF GRANT

Access the court’s weekly Agenda and approved Minutes on the Commissioner’s page at www.gcoregonlive2.com.

JUNE 3, 2015

Pursuant to notice made to the newspaper of general circulation throughout Grant County, the radio station, county website, 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, Commissioner Boyd Britton, Secretary Mary Ferrioli, Jim Sproul, Brooks Smith, Billie Jo George, and Pastor Levi Manitsas. Commissioner Chris Labhart was excused to attend an Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization Local Community Advisory Council state conference. A Pledge of Allegiance was given to the United States flag. The invocation was given by Pastor Manitsas.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Britton reported on two different Cramer Fish Sciences presentations that he attended last week hosted by Grant County and Grant Soil & Water Conservation District. Yesterday he met with representatives of LDCD, ODF&W, Harney County, and the Governor’s office about how the state will respond to the Sage Grouse. He will be announcing at the 62 Days Parade Saturday. Britton said, at a dinner meeting in the Pavilion recently, he noted the PA system does not work well and needs to be repaired or replaced. John and Lindy Bastian, and Britton met with Congressman Walden’s staff last Thursday concerning Lake Creek Camp and possible conveyance to the county; however, Sheriff Palmer was unable to attend.

Myers attended a DEQ and EPA public meeting with the City of John Day last Sunday at 2 pm for discussion about the vapor situation between 2nd and 6th streets in SW John Day. He gave an update on investigations into localizing the source on the east side of South Canyon Blvd. Myers met with Congressman Walden’s field rep Kirby Garrett last Thursday. He will soon relocate to Washington DC and be replaced by a Willamette University graduate. Monday at 10:30 am Myers chaired a Mental Health Advisory Board meeting at CCS. He has a name change hearing at 4 pm Thursday and that morning he will travel to Ritter country for a project tour on CR 22. Friday he performs a wedding at Holliday Park; he has another wedding Monday (time so far uncertain). Tuesday he goes to La Grande for a Community Connections of Northeast Oregon budget meeting.

9:15 am – News Reporter Scotta Callister entered

MINUTES. MSP: Myers/Britton — to approve the May 27 minutes as presented

JUSTICE COURT. Court members reviewed and signed an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of John Day to provide judicial services through Justice Court under the duties and functions of the city’s Municipal Court. MSP: Britton/Myers — to authorize Judge Myers to sign the IGA with the City of John Day as presented.

9:25 am Cori Anderson, Mary Weaver, and Shanna Northway entered

530 E. MAIN. The court reviewed and signed a Commercial Property Lease renewal with OSU Extension Service for the use of office space located at 530 E. Main, No. 10 in John Day until June 30, 2016. MSP: Myers/Britton — to sign the Commercial Property Lease with OSU Extension Service and authorize Judge Myers to sign on behalf of the governing body of the Extension District.

BATES POND. Commissioner Britton spoke with the court about potentially sending a letter to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department regarding Bates Pond. Britton wants the court to encourage OPRD to move forward with rehabilitation of the pond utilizing possible grant funds. Britton added that Grant Soil & Water Conservation District is also willing to help. He pointed out that the pond is the big draw for the Bates Park. Myers remarked on conversations during Judge Dennis Reynolds’ administration about the court’s preference to preserve the pond. Myers reported on a prior meeting he had with the OPRD representatives at Bates State Park to discuss local feelings about preserving the pond. Britton believes the pond is a key attraction and an important component to the logging culture and overall history of Bates. Some discussion took place about results of the Oregon Consensus survey to gauge the community’s feelings for Bates Pond. Britton plans to follow up with the agencies on this proposal. Austin resident Billie Jo George provided some history about logging activities and the families living in Bates during its heyday. She noted the pond is the last remaining vestige of the logging operation and the Town of Bates.

FAIRGROUNDS. 4-H Association representative Cori Anderson had asked to meet with the court to present proposed ideas for improvements to the fairgrounds. OSU Extension County Agent Shanna Northway and Fair Manager Mary Weaver were present. The improvement ideas had been discussed at a 4-H Association and Fair Board meetings. The proposal is to install a cement hog wash rack with metal gates at the corner of the Heritage Barn and another door from the building to the wash rack, tear down the beef and sheep wash rack and install one or two tie rails down the middle, tear out the existing loading dock and use a 30 yard dumpster (donated by Clark’s Disposal) that opens at one end to use for bedding, tear out the existing cable fence and finish the pole fence around the barn area to tie into the existing fence, purchase 6 ft gates needed for the pole fence, install a walk-through gate by the hog wash rack plus two 10 ft gates and three 14-16 ft gates, purchase a small animal scale for hogs and sheep, purchase a portable alley/lead up to tie into the scales, purchase 20 panels to use for the beef weigh-in, purchase 2 bow gates to use for the show ring and beef area, fix the existing drain in the wash rack, and add extra power and a ventilation system for the Heritage Barn. Proposed purchases would be red in color to match the Heritage Barn. Anderson said the goal is to improve overall safety and flow for animal activities during fair, and enhance the fairgrounds appearance. The court was not asked for money since 4-H has some money set aside for improvements, the Heritage Foundation agreed to help with the wash rack system, the Silvies Valley Ranch approached the association with funds for the improvements, and grant applications by the association could cover the rest of the cost. Anderson believes donated funds could run through the 4-H Association. Weaver said the improvements proposed by the association are fully supported by the Fair Board; however, they want to be sure plans and funds are in hand before work begins. Improvements are intended to be done before this year’s fair. Myers planned to determine if permanent improvements, like the cement wash rack that would become county property, need to be done under a contract with the county. It was noted that portable items used during fair belong to the association. Britton asked Anderson to identify the association’s biggest priority. Anderson felt that the wash rack, fencing, and separating the beef from the hogs were the most important safety concerns. Britton recommended that the association move forward with the safety improvements – with the idea of someday gifting the improvements to the county. Discussion followed about having these improvements made by a provider willing to donate them to the fairgrounds. Northway said cost estimates were obtained and contractors are available to do this work before fair. Britton favored giving the association the county’s blessing to move forward with temporary improvements for the fairgrounds. MSP: Myers/Britton – to allow the 4-H Association to move forward with planned improvements on the fairgrounds by 4-H and offer county assistance (if possible) hopefully to be done by donation rather than grant applications. Britton said he would like to see greater utilization of the Heritage Barn. He felt making it more comfortable may increase use and lead to additional income to the fairgrounds.

9:55 am — Elaine Eisenbraun, Steve Beverlin and Audrey Matsumonis, Brenda Percy, Mark Pengelly, King Williams, Zach Williams, Karen Wagner, Lawrence McCall, and Dorothy McCall entered

ELECTIONS. Clerk Brenda Percy appeared with a request for emergency replacement of her elections computer that’s been crashing while she is needing to close her elections process. She obtained a cost quote from ESD of approximately $675.00 and would like to order the computer today. It is the same computer that was just approved for Justice Court. MSP: Myers/Britton – to approve emergency acquisition of a replacement elections computer in the Clerk’s office. Percy said she would make an effort to get state HAVA funds to pay for the computer, but could not guarantee it.

NORTH FORK JD WATERSHED COUNCIL. North Fork John Day Watershed Council Director Elaine Eisenbraun gave an informational update on Watershed Council activities and projects. Several interested parties (identified above) were present to listen and ask questions. She handed out a 2015 project information summary titled, “Community Focused Landscape Reflected.” Eisenbraun reviewed the council’s professional and summer youth staff, territory in the north and middle fork (special attention on north Grant County), focus to integrate local people & local resources, program areas of restoration/education/collaboration, and local financial impact totaling $2,209,359. Discussion followed about 2015 projects that include fence removal, fence building, trails, monitoring, meadow restoration, wildlife, and Youth Ride for Fish.

10:15 am – Alan Hickerson, Terry Brandsma and Doug Ferguson (representing the Road Department), Ron Phillips and Ian Reid entered

NORTH FORK RANGER DISTRICT. Umatilla NF North Fork District Ranger Ian Reid provided a briefing on several projects in various stages of the NEPA process. Several interested parties (identified above) were present to listen and ask questions. Reid previously had an opportunity to meet with Judge Myers in the field to review some of the projects.

Ten-Cent Community Wildfire Protection. A joint project with Wallowa-Whitman NF near Granite. Vegetation treatment project to increase fire safety and provide commercial and non-commercial products.

Granite-Desolation Aquatic Restoration. Large wood placement, wet meadow restoration, riparian planting and road work proposed. Mining claims, fire access, dispersed camping, cell coverage, and road management / treatment needs were evaluated.

Clear Creek Road Realignment. A joint project with Wallowa-Whitman NF. Proposal to re-align about one-half mile of county road (south of Granite) to east of the floodplain and reduce road footprint. Enables acid mine cleanup and stream restoration in Clear Creek. Would need the county’s approval.

Granite Creek Watershed Mining Analysis. Joint project with Wallow-Whitman NF and has been in the works for a number of years. Would approve 28 Mining Plans of Operation, includes placer and lode claims.

Acid Mine Discharge Restoration. Looking at long term solution to Bluebird/Blackjack pipe cleaning, repositories being considered, to improve water quality. Joint project with Wallow-Whitman NF.

Meadowbrook Area Fuels Treatment. Mirage timber sale completed except for NCT work. About 2,000 acres of prescribed burning scheduled for this fall.

Dale Compound Conveyance. Decision signed in 2009 to decommission site / structures; water system is already decommissioned. Some structures have now become historic structures. Materials at the Ranger’s house would be salvaged. The old gas house would be moved intact to Ukiah. Reid would like the county’s blessing to decommission the bunk houses. Myers believed that county interest was lost after the water and sewer infrastructure were gone.

Umatilla NF Veteran’s Crew. Forest thinning and fire suppression crew to be used in strategic areas for fuels treatment and wildfire compartmentalization. Housed at the old heli-base on the Frazier compound east of Ukiah; partnership with Americorps and Mt. Adams Institute.

11:00 am – Bob Phillips, Alysia Hafer, Andy Scott, Marilyn Scott, Myra Skidgel, Clive Skidgel entered

Clear Creek Road (continued). Doug Ferguson/Ferguson Engineering (Road Department consultant) said the Road Department has serious misgivings about moving the Clear Creek Road and hopes there is a way to proceed without moving the road. The department has an important need to spend financial resources on other sections of the road, outside the project area. The road was relocated for the Forest Service in 1992 and now is the best section of CR 24. The Road Department would like to have the road left alone. Local citizens listed above expressed their opposition to this road realignment proposal. Myers pointed out that more site visits and discussion between the county and the Forest Service were certainly needed.

PUBLIC COMMENT. Several individuals were present for the two previous public presentations to ask questions and provide input. The common feeling is that citizens do not support road closures that would prevent public access, and want assurance that required NEPA documents are complete. The changes and slow-down in work activities going on in Long Creek was briefly discussed.

11:30 am — Adjourned

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary R. Ferrioli

County Court Secretary