Grant County Court minutes from the July 19, 2017, special meeting:

Pursuant to notice made to the newspaper of general circulation throughout Grant County, the radio station, county website, and e-mail distribution list, a special 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 Jim Hamsher and Boyd Britton, Administrative Assistant Laurie Wright, Alan Hickerson and Reporter Rylan Boggs. A Pledge of Allegiance was given to the United States Flag.

CLAIMS. The court had reviewed and approved claims.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS. Commissioner Britton went to a Farm Bureau meeting where proposals from the Farm Bureau to the Farm Bureau Executive Committee were discussed. Tomorrow Britton will be attending a group meeting for the Blue Mountain Forest Partners. Britton advised he has continued to talk with grazing permittees regarding the forest plan, road closures and grazing issues.

Judge Myers reported on July 12th he attended the eclipse meeting at the Canyon City Community Hall. Maps showing roads in the county and an activity guide brochure were reviewed. Last Thursday afternoon Myers conducted a probate hearing. Myers met with Tucker Billman last Friday. Billman is a local resident who is now working for Rep. Walden’s office. Yesterday morning Myers went to a Safety Committee meeting after which he assisted with a safety inspection at the Airport. Myers said the Airport is much safer than it has been in the past. Myers and his wife Shelley had dinner last night with Kathleen Cathey from Senator Wyden’s Office.

Commissioner Hamsher said Prairie City is still dealing with the aftermath of the storm that hit recently and they are still having water issues. He stated the Prairie City Council will be holding an emergency meeting in the next day or so and may have to declare a state of emergency. Hamsher reported the posts are being installed at the Fairgrounds arena. Hamsher also met with Tucker Billman last Friday and feels Billman will be very helpful to the County. Last Saturday Hamsher attended his son’s wedding and yesterday went to Prineville.

9:11 am Treasurer Julie Ellison entered.

MINUTES. MSP: Myers/Hamsher — to approve the July 12th minutes as amended. It was noted that the motion made allowing Road Master Alan Hickerson to approve temporary road closures should have included court review prior to the closures.

EXECUTIVE SESSSION. 9:20 am – The court held an executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(d) to conduct deliberations with persons you have designated to carry on labor negotiations. Present were Judge Myers, Commissioner Hamsher, Commissioner Britton, Administrative Assistant/Human Resource Manager Wright, Treasurer Ellison, Road Master Hickerson and Reporter Rylan Boggs from the Blue Mountain Eagle. The court discussed the Police Officer’s Union and Road Union proposed contracts. The court left executive session at 11:11 am.

11:11 am The court returned to regular session.

MSP: Myers/Hamsher — to accept the changes proposed in the Police Officer’s Union contract and to allow the contract to move forward to the union members for vote.

No other motions were made. Judge Myers will contact the Road Union representative for further discussions and clarifications regarding the proposed contract.

11:15 am – Adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Laurie Wright

Administrative Assistant

**** Please note the court minutes are a summary of the court proceedings. An audio recording of each court session is available, after approval of the minutes, by contacting Laurie Wright at 541-575-0059 or wrightl@grantcounty-or.gov ****