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

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

AUGUST 19, 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, Commissioners Boyd Britton and Chris Labhart, Secretary Mary Ferrioli, Jim Sproul, Frances Preston, Public Forest Commissioner Brooks Smith, News Reporter Nancy McCarthy, Mark Pengelly, Senator Ron Wyden’s Eastern Oregon Field Staff Kathleen Cathey, Ron Phillips, Sally Bartlett, Sheriff Glenn Palmer, and Prairie City Public Works Chris Camerena. A Pledge of Allegiance was given to the US flag. The invocation was given by Commissioner Britton.

CLAIMS. The court had reviewed and approved claims and Extension District Warrant Nos. 18 – 25

AGENDA. MSP: Myers/Labhart — to accept the agenda with a (Labhart) suggestion to draft a proclamation to honor Phil Gray for his years of service to this county and a (Britton) suggestion to start a discussion (involving the Sheriff) about rapidly contacting regulatory agencies about restoration of the Canyon Creek Complex.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Myers attended countless fire meetings over the past five days. He provided information about the Canyon Creek Complex, the influx of back-up Emergency Managers from Oregon Emergency Management and other counties, and the loss of homes. He will attempt to attend at least a portion of the Coordination 101 Workshop in Baker City. Myers has been on the Courthouse roof to remove the debris that’s accumulated there. He reported that the Governor will be arriving in John Day later today by ground transport from Baker City, since lack of visibility has closed the airport. Myers commented on the regular delivery of Jet A and Avgas supplies to support air combat of the fire complex.

Britton remarked on fire activities being performed by the Sheriff, Forest Service, various government officials and local volunteers. He felt if BLM had not treated Little Canyon Mountain a few years ago the fire damage would have been much worse. Britton added that we’re fortunate to have had no fatalities. He reported that Undersheriff Todd McKinley had reportedly removed a live power line from across the road with two shots from a shotgun to allow traffic to safely pass.

9:20 am – Judy Kerr entered

Labhart provided an update on the process for making donations to the Community Relief Fund and the status of maintaining electric power to the area. He attended a Health Evidence Review Commission meeting in Wilsonville last Thursday. Yesterday he attended the Canyon Creek Complex morning briefing at the fairgrounds, participated in a live radio interview with KPAM / Portland, toured the Canyon Creek Complex with Chief Ron Smith, and attended a public meeting on the Canyon Creek Complex at the Junior-Senior High School. Today he participated in a live radio interview with KPAM / Portland. Tomorrow he will attend a Blue Mountain Hospital board meeting. Next Tuesday Labhart has an EOCCO board meeting in Enterprise.

COMMUNITY COUNSELING SOLUTIONS. This week Community Counseling Solutions Director Kimberly Lindsay provided the 4th quarter report for the Grant County Health Department / Primary Care program. The report notes that the health department would still have posted a deficit without the removal of administrative costs.

EMERGENCY DECLARATION. Friday, August 14, 2015 Resolution 2015-17 Declaring a State of Emergency was signed due to the Canyon Creek Complex wildfire that has created a critical situation which is beyond Grant County’s ability to fully respond.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. Sheriff Glenn Palmer spoke with the court about his ideas for the emergency management program. He reported on the after-briefing report about the recent hazmat incident in which he was involved. He said he was not here to criticize, but wants to say some things that may help. Palmer feels the county needs fully coordinated emergency management and thought the county could do better for our citizens. His opinion was that EM belongs nowhere else but the Sheriff’s Office. Palmer asked the court to equip, train and fund the EM Coordinator position, and that he and Undersheriff McKinley share that role. He asked that each be compensated at $10,000 per year to start. Palmer didn’t know how he could accept that responsibility without training, equipment and funding. Palmer also talked about the unmet need for water trucks and potable water for citizens. Palmer hoped to sit down with the court and discuss this proposal in the near future. Other discussion took place about the need for NIMS training for elected officials and others within county government. Myers wholehearted agreed that we’ve been lacking in EM for many years. He pointed out that at one time the Sheriff’s Office was responsible for EM, but gave it back to the court. Palmer reported on all of the activities that he has been conducting during this fire event. Myers noted (in an event like now) the county’s EM Coordinator would probably be fourth in the line to administer this emergency. Myers did not know how shared EM responsibility could work and was afraid one person would end up with most of the work. He said he knows Undersheriff McKinley likes to get out, so he’d like to ask him about his interest. Myers thought further exploration is needed to see what would work best for our county. Myers commented about the county’s experience a few years ago having a shared EM / HR position. Britton thanked Palmer and his entire staff and praised them for all of the dedicated, hard work that’s being done for this emergency. He said the EM situation needs to be better and can be addressed.

9:40 am – King Williams, Larry Blasing, Alan Hickerson, and Kathy Gillam, Werner Arntz, and Doug Ferguson entered

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. Economic Development Coordinator Sally Bartlett agreed that better coordination of emergency management was needed. Bartlett said the computer purchased several years ago has failed and cannot be fixed. She had submitted a request to purchase a 15.6” Touch Screen Convertible Laptop Intel Core computer with Windows 8.1 and a 25” diagonal monitor that included quotes from Amazon, Best Buy and ESD. However, she asked for and was given permission to take more time to look at more cost comparisons at no more than $1,200.00. It was noted that funds are available within General Fund, Capital Outlay. It was the consensus of the court to approve Bartlett’s request for a laptop and monitor as described.

Bartlett asked to be able to use the 208 sq ft office space (No. 7) recently vacated by Blue Mountain Forest Partners. She said people who are working with potential investments and business plans expect confidentiality and her office is not an appropriate place for business owners and developers to meet. MSP: Myers/Labhart — to allow Economic Development Coordinator Sally Bartlett to use office space No. 7 in the L-Building complex as requested (until and if there’s a more viable use for it) recognizing that the rental loss is minimal.

Bartlett asked to receive the standard $51 monthly stipend for using a personal cell phone for county business. Most business associates have her cell number so she receives calls, emails, and texts all the time — and doesn’t want to carry two phones. MSP: Myers/Britton — to authorize payment of a monthly cell phone stipend to Sally Bartlett for use of a personal cell phone for county business.

COMMUNITY DONATIONS. Economic Development Coordinator Sally Bartlett said the community donations group at the fairgrounds has done a remarkable job accepting donations. However, there will soon be an abundance of items and there’s a legal process for appropriately storing and handling donated items. She wanted the court to be aware that a formal plan is needed for equitably administering the large amount of donations coming to the county. Myers said the Red Cross has run into this problem before and would have a method for administering the donation process.

CANYON CREEK. Commissioner Britton asked Ferguson about his ability to develop a plan for restoration and repair of roads and bridges in the Canyon Creek Complex. Discussion followed about the importance of immediately assessing needs and developing a plan for adequately rebuilding infrastructure, and dealing with state and federal agencies. Ferguson thought the first thing is to inspect bridges right away. Myers pointed out bridges will need to accommodate fire fighting equipment, not just homeowner access. He said we would likely have to deal with DSL and others, so a model would probably be necessary. Myers asked Ferguson to keep track of expenses for FEMA reimbursement. Britton suggested that Ferguson start an immediate assessment of those bridges and the Canyon Creek Watershed to see what’s needed to fix them — then come back with a report on how to restore them.

10:00 am – Kathy Stinnett entered

Labhart questioned giving permission for government to circumvent private property owners’ bridges and pointed out the difference between fire protection and access to homes. He added that the Forest Service is now in the process of getting their rehab program ready to go. Britton was mainly referring to bridges involving the county, and suggested that costs be documented and given to Judge Myers to help reach the threshold needed for possible FEMA reimbursement.

ROAD DEPARTMENT. Bids were opened for Grant County Bridge End Panel Construction: Fox Creek Bridge, Wall Creek Bridge, and Widow’s Creek Bridge estimated to cost from $50,000 to $80,000. Road Master Alan Hickerson and Ferguson Surveying & Engineering representatives Werner Arntz and Doug Ferguson were present. Both of the bids described below were turned over to the Road Department for compliance review and subsequent recommendation for award.

Dice Construction / Schedule A $19,500; Schedule B $34,525; Schedule C $21,466; Schedule D $14,210. Total bid amount $84,471. First Tier Subcontractors (none). Iron Triangle / Schedule A $10,010;

Schedule B $33,084.96; Schedule C $21,459.39; Schedule D $16,343.22. Total bid amount $80,897.57. First Tier Subcontractors (none)

Hickerson requested approval to purchase a 16” chain saw to use for trimming trees out of the bucket truck. Cost quotes were provided from JD Rents for a Stihl MS 170 @ $170.95 (sale price) or a Husqvarna 240 @ $210.00. Online, the Stihl.com price is $299.00. Hickerson recommended buying the Stihl at the local sale price from JD Rents paid from the Road and Shop Equipment line. MSP: Labhart/ Myers — to approve the Road Master’s request to purchase the 16” Stihl MS 170 chain saw from JD Rents on sale for $170.95.

COMMUNITY ADDICTIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH. The court reviewed and signed 2015-2017 Oregon Health Authority IGA No. 147789 for the Financing of Community Addictions and Mental Health Services. Labhart declared a conflict of interest because his son manages the local Community Counseling Solutions office. MSP: Myers/Britton — to authorize Judge Myers to sign the 2015-2017 Oregon Health Authority IGA No. 147789 for the Financing of Community Addictions and Mental Health Services. Now, the county must receive pass-through funding for Community Addictions and Mental Health Services like it already does for Public Health Services.

SPECIAL USE PERMIT. The court reviewed and signed a Malheur National Forest Special Use Permit for the continued use and maintenance of a geological marker on the Blue Mountain Ranger District. The new permit expires December 31, 2023. MSP: Myers/Labhart — to authorize Judge Myers to sign USDA Forest Service Special Use Permit BMD36 on the Blue Mountain Ranger District with an expiration date of December 31, 2023.

VICTIM ASSISTANCE. As recommended by the Victim Assistance Program Director, the court reviewed and signed a 2015-2017 VOCA and CFA Non-Competitive Grant Application to provide $72,704 for VOCA and $26,831 for CFA. Funds are used to support a portion of the Victim Assistance Program Director position, provide emergency services (clothing and shelter) to victims of crime, recruit volunteers, allow for attendance at trainings, and provide various office supplies for the program. MSP: Myers/Britton — to authorize Judge Myers to sign the 2015-2017 VOCA and CFA Non-Competitive Grant Applications as presented.

MINUTES. MSP: Britton/Myers — to approve the August 12 minutes as amended.

PUBLIC COMMENTS. Public Forest Commissioner Brooks Smith remarked on detour routes around Hwy 395 to Seneca. He said motor homes are traveling through Murderers Creek and Laycock Creek is an issue because it’s really bad at the crest. He recommended having it graded, if there’s an opportunity.

Frances Preston announced a meeting this evening at the Prairie City School District about retirement of the culturally historic Bates building that was moved from Bates to the school. She will be talking about the process the school district can use for an historical designation. Preston voiced support of the Sheriff’s earlier request for additional funding and resources for emergency management.

Jim Sproul announced all of the Maintenance Level 1 roads that were closed at the start of the Mason Creek fire. He felt the county has graders and water truck tenders that could be and should be used. Jim Sproul thought the county could send road resources to the Seneca community to provide additional fire safety. He complimented the Sheriff and deputies, and fire fighters from out of the area, for being very professional during the Canyon Creek Complex disaster.

10:40 am — Zach Williams entered

Fire lines being cut around the Oliver ranch were discussed, as well as other fire activities being conducted this morning.

Labhart informed attendees that Red Cross is no longer accepting donated items, but money donations are being accepted by Old West Federal Credit Union.

Myers mentioned the Canyon City Planning Commission would hold a public hearing on September 21 regarding the county’s zoning application for property at 313 S. Humbolt.

10:45 am – Adjourned

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary R. Ferrioli

County Court Secretary