County Court of the State of Oregon

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

NOVEMBER 3, 2010 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.

9:05 am -- Call to Order. Present were Judge Mark R. Webb, Commissioners Scott W. Myers and Boyd Britton, Secretary Mary Ferrioli, News Reporter Sandy Gubel, and Pastor Dave Hoeffner with Marek Kiemec, a visiting pastor from Poland. A Pledge of Allegiance was given to the US flag. The opening prayer was given by Pastor Hoeffner.

PROGRAM. MSP: Webb/Myers -- to accept the program as presented.

ANNOUNCEMENTS. Myers reported on the Extension & 4H Advisory Council meeting that he and Britton attended on November 1st. Myers had also attended a 4-H award ceremony at the Mt. Vernon Grange on November 2nd. Next week, he would attend the Northeast Oregon Housing Authority board meeting in La Grande and the local Commission on Children & Families board meeting.

Britton reported on the Oregon Department of Forestry public meeting that he attended last evening. He said there seems to be a whole new attitude within that agency. Britton expressed concern about the proposed Malheur NF Travel Management Plan and would attend that public meeting November 4th to see if he could influence the process. Webb expressed concern about the notion that unless something is posted “open” it is assumed to be closed. He was also concerned about how much, that is now open, will become closed. It was noted that what may be important and more appropriate for Grant County is a bottom-up approach, since every forest is not the same.

Webb would attend a Mid-Columbia Plan Implementation meeting on November 4th in The Dalles.

9:20 am -- Jim Thomason and his son Jerry appeared in court to ask about the possibility of storing equipment at the former Road Department site in Canyon City. They were asked to submit a written proposal to the county so the court can discuss the subject at a future meeting.

MINUTES. MSP: Webb/Myers -- to approve the October 27th minutes as presented.

AOC CONFERENCE. Court members were asked to review Hilton Hotel reservation dates for the AOC Annual Conference in Eugene the week of November 15th. Final confirmation was necessary for processing the claim this Friday. Webb and Myers planned to stay Tuesday through Thursday; Britton asked to be allowed until Friday to make a decision about Thursday. GEOGRAPHIC NAMES BOARD. The court reviewed and discussed correspondence received from the Oregon Geographic Names Board that gives counties additional time to identify proposed name changes for several geographic sites. The subject was also discussed

MINUTES OF THE GRANT COUNTY COURT NOVEMBER 3, 2010 1 APPROVED on October 27th. Webb explained that the process was legislatively mandated nine years ago; however, the county hadn’t received adequate notice about the board’s current name change process. Webb believed that counties had through mid-December to propose new names. Webb stated that the newspaper editor expressed interest in this process last week. He provided the news reporter with the current correspondence.

9:35 am -- Shannon Springer and County Surveyor Mike Springer entered

Some discussion with County Surveyor Mike Springer took place about the mandated name change process for several geographic sites currently named “Squaw” and / or “Indian.”

BUILDING CODES. At Britton’s request, Assistant Planner Shannon Springer and Planning Director Hilary McNary (by phone) discussed contracted building permit and inspection services provided by Mid-Columbia Council of Governments (MCOG). Britton explained that he hoped the county could get together with MCOG, local contractors, and planning staff to look at how things are going. McNary said it has been two years since entering the contract, but it is not up for renewal. However, she felt it was a good idea to sit down with MCOG and those who utilize the service to make sure things are working for all those involved. McNary felt it was time to clear the air with some things that have been heard. Springer explained that a few negative comments have been heard relating to personality and approach issues, rather than anything that can be addressed in the service contract. Springer said her role is to provide good customer service. Other discussion took place about inconsistent timeliness, performance issues, and the inspectors’ heavy workloads. Springer pointed out that we don’t know what their obligations are in five other counties. Britton suggested that the Planning Department coordinate a future court meeting that includes MCOG Building Official Bob Futter.

9:58 am -- Kim Joslin and Mari Brainerd entered

RECYCLE CENTER. Value Added, Inc. Director Kim Joslin presented a proposal to develop a non-profit recycle center to create additional jobs within the community. The existing non-profit dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities now operates Sue-Z Q’s, a self- supporting thrift store. Joslin hoped to create a recycle center that will serve a similar purpose. Joslin said the thrift store can no longer take recyclable items each week to the Prairie City Recycle Center because it closed last spring. She felt a full service recycle center could create additional jobs, provide work skills training, and serve the entire community as a drop off site for recyclables. She sees Clark’s Disposal, Grant County and other local governments as key partners. Joslin said she had received many requests from local organizations to fill volunteer hours. Joslin has been looking at possible sites and thought the former Road Department in Canyon City may be a good location. She hoped to negotiate a free-rent or reduced-rent lease for one year. A list of start-up costs including equipment and supplies, but excluding rent, totaled over $97,000. Grants in the amount of $63,475 were proposed to be used to pay for all of the equipment. Joslin also provided a list of current prices/ton for a variety of recyclable materials estimated to generate $27,478 in revenue. She provided examples of developmentally disabled individuals within the community who are capable of working and learning new skills.

Britton sought clarification on the support and cooperation Joslin received from Clark’s Disposal. Webb thought the idea was good, but said the county is looking to sell the old Road Department

MINUTES OF THE GRANT COUNTY COURT NOVEMBER 3, 2010 2 APPROVED property. He also said the county was unable to provide the kind of financial support that would be needed. Webb was curious why the non-profit was not working more directly with Clark’s Disposal. He believed that Clark’s existing facility was quite suitable as a deposit site for materials that can be pre-sorted by community members. Joslin replied that the community has told her a more centrally located facility would be used more than Clark’s Transfer. Joslin addressed issues associated with hauling through Rim-Rock Recycling in Burns, shipping by International Shipping, and pickup services provided by the Oregon E-Cycle program – all which depend upon volume.

Britton suggested that Joslin speak with the owners of Chester’s Thriftway about how they are handling recyclables. He named several others who may have adequate space available. Joslin explained that a large covered area would be necessary to store recyclables prior to baling and shipping. Britton suggested that Joslin contact King Williams about the old WR-2 facility off Lower Yard Road. Other discussion followed about the court’s suggestion of coordinating their work with existing developmental disabilities organizations such as Step Forward Activities.

EXPERIENCE WORKS. Experience Works Employment Training Program representative Mary Brainerd presented a proposal to provide job training opportunities for up to 9 senior citizens under the Senior Community Service Employment Program. The non-profit organization assists age 55 + low income and unemployed workers -- at no cost to the county – by providing work experiences where trainees can obtain new or updated skills. Experience Works pays federally subsidized minimum wages to trainees up to 20 hours per week, covers Workers’ Comp costs, develops a training plan, and helps the trainee with job search and support service as needed. The county would be expected to sign a host-agency agreement, provide the trainee with new or improved skills, provide supervision and evaluation, develop and maintain a work schedule, complete time and attendance reports, and consider hiring the trainee if a suitable job becomes available. Britton said the program had been very successful for the Forest Service. He felt this may be a good opportunity for the county. Webb thought the Library or Senior Programs may be good placements if the Department Heads agree to participate. The court planned to request input from departments for the purpose of gauging the county’s need and then send the agreement to legal counsel for review, if needed.

11:15 am – Mr. & Mrs. Kent Tew and Roadmaster Mark Hensley entered

SNOWPLOW CONTRACT. Roadmaster Mark Hensley appeared in court to report that bids were received today for snowplowing in the Granite area. He said he would have his bid award recommendation ready for next week’s meeting.

PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES. Kent Tew, Independent Associate with Pre-Paid Legal Services (PPLS), provided information on employer liability and specific programs now available to the county for the establishment on policy and procedure on dealing with five types of Identify Theft. The county offers PPLS as a benefit to employees and eight are now participating. The court asked to receive additional information on county obligations involved with this Identify Theft program.

11:45 am -- Adjourned

MINUTES OF THE GRANT COUNTY COURT NOVEMBER 3, 2010 3 APPROVED Respectfully Submitted,

Mary R. Ferrioli, County Court Secretary

MINUTES OF THE GRANT COUNTY COURT NOVEMBER 3, 2010 4 APPROVED