Benton County public meetings in 2022
28 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a first reading of Ordinance No. 2022-0315 to replace the contract appeal process and adopted revised 2023 fee schedules for Environmental Health and the Sheriff's Office. The Board also accepted road easements from Legacy Estates LLC and initiated stormwater management code amendments.
- Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 2022-0315 to replace Contract Appeal Process (3-0)
- Approved Order #D2022-081 for 2023 Environmental Health Fee Schedule (3-0)
- Approved Order #D2022-084 for Sheriff's Office Civil Division fee schedule (3-0)
- Approved Memorandum of Agreement with the Fair Board (3-0)
- Approved Order #2022-085 granting Honeybrine Catering sole source exemption (3-0)
- Accepted two 50-foot road and utility easements from Legacy Estates LLC (3-0)
- Approved initiation of Development Code amendments for stormwater management (3-0)
- Approved letter of support for City of Monroe Trail Connectivity Grant (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved the sale of two non-buildable parcels of land to Hubbard Family LLC for $2,500. The Board also approved the 2023 National Association of Counties membership renewal and several transportation projects.
- Approved Resolution #R2022-017 to sell Tax Lot 15-4-8-400 and 15-4-7-700 to Hubbard Family LLC for $2,500 (3-0)
- Approved 2023 National Association of Counties membership renewal for $1,712 (3-0)
- Approved Unanticipated Projects of Regional Significance (UPRS) for STIF funding (3-0)
- Approved October 4, 18, November 1, 14, and 15, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved the second reading of Ordinance #2022-0313, which amends the Development Code regarding psilocybin. The ordinance establishes regulations for the growing, processing, and operation of treatment service centers. It is scheduled to take effect on December 15, 2022.
- Approved second reading of Ordinance #2022-0313 regarding psilocybin development code amendments (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners decided to include funding for homelessness services facilities in the Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) bond measure. They identified the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center’s planned homelessness resources and housing navigation center as the preferred project. The Board also agreed to prioritize additional funding for this center in the 2023 legislative agenda.
- Approved including funding for homeless services facilities in the JSIP bond measure with the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center navigation center as the preferred option (3-0)
- Approved prioritizing additional funding for the CDDC navigation center in the 2023 legislative agenda (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners and Adair Village City Council met for a joint work session to discuss a proposed 50-acre expansion of the Adair Village urban growth boundary (UGB). No final decisions were made; the meeting served as preparation for a joint public hearing scheduled for December 6, 2022.
- Tabled final decision on UGB amendment to December 6 public hearing
- Tabled decision on Zoning Map Amendment for two properties to December 6 public hearing
Board of Commissioners
The Board conducted a first reading of an ordinance establishing zoning and siting rules for psilocybin growing, processing, and treatment centers. The Board also approved updated fee schedules for environmental health and county parks and events.
- Approved first reading of Ordinance #2022-0313 regarding psilocybin land use with modifications to remove 1,000-foot separation between centers and the 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. operating limit (3-0)
- Approved average 3% increase for Environmental Health fee schedule (3-0)
- Approved Order #D2022-080 for Natural Areas, Parks and Events 2023 fees (3-0)
- Approved Order #D2022-079 to advance $91,666.90 in property taxes to small taxing districts (3-0)
- Approved second reading of Ordinance #2022-0312 to remove the sunset date for vehicle camping at religious institutions (3-0)
- Approved Proclamation #P2022-021 recognizing Veterans Day (3-0)
- Approved September 20, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Approved August 28, 2017 Joint Work Session minutes with the Fair Board (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved applying for an Oregon Health Authority grant to develop a Secure Residential Treatment Facility for high-acuity mental health patients. The Board also approved a revised work plan and budget for the 'Benton County Talks Trash' group and removed one member from that group.
- Approved application for OHA grant for Licensed Residential Treatment Facilities (3-0)
- Approved revised 'Benton County Talks Trash' work plan and budget (3-0)
- Approved incremental expenditure of up to $90,000 for 'Benton County Talks Trash' (3-0)
- Removed Nancy Whitcombe from the Benton County Talks Trash Work Group (2-1)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 to explore including homeless facilities services in the Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) bond measure, after a community survey showed 54% support for a $95M bond that includes homeless services. The Board also approved the first reading of an ordinance to remove the sunset date on vehicle camping at religious institutions, adopted a $34.7M supplemental budget, and approved a memorandum of agreement with AFSCME for behavioral health workforce incentives.
- Approved exploring options for homeless facilities services in JSIP bond measure (3-0)
- Conducted first reading of ordinance removing sunset date on vehicle camping at religious institutions (3-0)
- Adopted Supplemental Budget 23041, increasing appropriations by $34,673,755 (3-0)
- Approved AFSCME MOA for behavioral health workforce incentives via HB 4004 grant (3-0)
- Granted permission to submit Letter of Intent for inclement weather shelter funding from City of Corvallis (3-0)
- Appointed Damien Sands as Community Mental Health Program Director (3-0)
- Delegated authority to CFO and County Administrator for tax-exempt debt reimbursement declarations (3-0)
- Approved zero fee for BAT Lift service for seniors 65+ and people with disabilities through June 2023 (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board rejected a protest from Foundation Engineering, Inc. (FEI) regarding the award of a geotechnical services contract for the new courthouse, allowing contract negotiations with NV5 to proceed. The Board also directed staff to prepare an ordinance removing the sunset date of County Code Chapter 40 (vehicle camping at religious institutions) and canceled Solid Waste Advisory Council/Disposal Site Advisory Committee meetings until the Benton County Talks Trash Workgroup produces a draft document. A supplemental budget was forwarded for a public hearing on October 18, 2022.
- Rejected FEI protest of geotechnical contract award; directed contract negotiations with NV5 (3-0)
- Directed staff to prepare ordinance removing sunset date of Chapter 40 (vehicle camping at religious institutions) (3-0)
- Canceled SWAC/DSAC meetings until BCTT Workgroup produces a substantial draft document (3-0)
- Forwarded Supplemental Budget 23041 to October 18, 2022 public hearing (3-0)
- Approved consent calendar including appointments to advisory boards and prior meeting minutes (3-0)
- Proclaimed October 2022 as The Great Oregon Shakeout Month in Benton County (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners appointed Catherine Biscoe to fill a vacancy on the Benton County Talks Trash Workgroup (2-1) and Jeffrey Morell as an alternate (3-0). The Board also approved a $1,000 donation to the Vietnam War Memorial Fund (3-0). No action was taken on the proposed repeal of the Exotic Animal Ordinance, which was discussed during public comment.
- Appointed Catherine Biscoe to Benton County Talks Trash Workgroup (2-1)
- Appointed Jeffrey Morell as alternate for workgroup vacancy (3-0)
- Approved $1,000 donation to Vietnam War Memorial Fund (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Corvallis and Community Services Consortium to create a coordinated homeless response office under HB 4123, with the County serving as fiscal agent for $1 million in state grant funds. The Board also approved an exemption from competitive bidding for construction management/general contracting services for the new Courthouse/District Attorney's Office component of the Justice System Improvement Plan. Commissioners directed staff to draft an updated Exotic Animal Ordinance based on a working group's recommendations, replacing the current banned-species list with a special use permit process for traveling animal shows.
- Approved HB 4123 Coordinated Homeless Response MOU with Corvallis and Community Services Consortium (3-0)
- Approved exemption from competitive bidding for CM/GC services for Courthouse/DAO component of JSIP, Order D2022-070 (3-0)
- Directed staff to draft updated Exotic Animal Ordinance based on working group recommendations (3-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar including August 2, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Proclaimed September 15-October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Benton County, Proclamation P2022-018 (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved two new full-time public health positions (Climate and Health Coordinator and Communicable Disease Investigator) funded by state mid-stream dollars, and set a public hearing for September 20 to consider exempting the new courthouse/DA office from competitive bidding to use a CM/GC contracting method. The Board also approved consent calendar items including an amendment to detention unit use at Oak Creek and an appointment to the Linn-Benton Housing Authority, and adopted three proclamations.
- Approved creation of two new full-time public health positions: Climate and Health Coordinator and Communicable Disease Investigator (3-0)
- Set public hearing for September 20, 2022 on exemption from competitive bidding for CM/GC services for courthouse/DA office component of JSIP (3-0)
- Approved consent calendar: amendment to detention unit use at Oak Creek Facility and appointment of Frederick Edwards to Linn-Benton Housing Authority (3-0)
- Proclaimed September 2022 as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month (3-0)
- Proclaimed September 17, 2022 as Constitution Day in Benton County (3-0)
- Proclaimed September 2022 as National Preparedness Month in Benton County (3-0)
- Approved minutes of August 28, 2017 work session between BOC and Fair Board (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the 'Benton County Talks Trash' Workgroup Charter and appointed eight community members to the workgroup. The workgroup will develop common understandings and recommendations on solid waste management, including the Coffin Butte Landfill. The Board also received annual reports from economic development partners and discussed 2040 organizational goals.
- Adopted the 'Benton County Talks Trash' Workgroup Charter (3-0)
- Appointed eight community members to the Solid Waste Workgroup: Christopher McMorran, Brian McCallister, Mary Parmigiani, Ed Pitera, Louisa Shelby, Kathryn Duvall, Brandon Bates, John Deuel (3-0)
- Approved the Consent Calendar including December 17, 2019 meeting minutes (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners voted 2-0 to select DLR Group as the architect for the new Courthouse/Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) project and directed staff to enter into contract negotiations. The decision followed a unanimous recommendation from a stakeholder interview panel. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also included work session updates on COVID-19, solid waste planning, and veterans' services.
- Selected DLR Group as architect for new Courthouse (2-0)
- Directed staff to enter into contract negotiations with DLR Group
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included approving six sets of prior meeting minutes and imposing weight limit postings on six county bridges. The Board also proclaimed August 7-13, 2022 as National Community Health Centers Week. The meeting included work sessions on COVID-19, a habitat conservation plan, and Red Cross wildfire response, plus a discussion on courthouse and District Attorney office planning, with a formal decision deferred to a special meeting.
- Approved consent calendar with corrections to prior minutes (3-0)
- Approved weight limit postings on six county bridges (3-0)
- Proclaimed Aug 7-13, 2022 as National Community Health Centers Week (3-0)
- Deferred decision on including DA offices in new courthouse to Aug 5 special meeting
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved the draft implementation plan for the Solid Waste Situational Assessment, directing staff to proceed with contracting a facilitator and outside experts. The Board also approved the utilization of the $998,174 HB 4004 Workforce Stability Grant, with 75% for employee compensation and 25% for recruitment and retention initiatives. The consent calendar, including approval of four prior meeting minutes, was approved.
- Approved draft solid waste implementation plan and timeline (3-0)
- Directed staff to contract with Sam Imperati as work group facilitator (3-0)
- Approved HB 4004 grant use: 75% workforce payments, 25% recruitment/retention (3-0)
- Approved consent calendar including four prior meeting minutes (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of up to $600,000 to fund rental, mortgage, and utility assistance for up to 150 low- and moderate-income households in Benton County. The board also approved a two-year extension of the county's insurance brokerage contract with HUB International, adopting an exemption from the bidding process. Several other items were approved, including a resolution promoting apprenticeship programs, a letter of support for a City of Corvallis energy grant, and the adoption of new bylaws for the STIF Advisory Committee.
- Approved CDBG housing assistance grant application up to $600,000 (2-0)
- Approved Order #D2022-058 exempting insurance contract from bidding, extending HUB International contract 2 years (2-0)
- Approved Resolution #R2022-011 promoting apprenticeship programs in county construction contracts (2-0)
- Approved letter of support for City of Corvallis solar/storage grant application to Oregon Dept. of Energy (2-0)
- Approved Order #D2022-051 adopting Unanticipated Projects of Regional Significance for STIF (2-0)
- Adopted STIF Advisory Committee bylaws (staff draft) with emphasis on disability diversity (2-0)
- Approved consent calendar with appointments to multiple advisory boards (2-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a $1,200 contribution to support the ABC House Superhero Fun Run & Walk, a first-time event in Benton County. The motion passed 2-0. The rest of the meeting was informational, with updates from the Bureau of Land Management, Siuslaw National Forest, and Visit Corvallis, and no other formal decisions were made.
- Approved $1,200 contribution to ABC House Superhero Fun Run & Walk (2-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a 10-year solid waste collection franchise renewal for Republic Services, with a required amendment by July 1, 2024 to align with Corvallis' agreement. It also approved a 7% cap on non-represented employee pay adjustments and two proclamations. The Adair Village UGB expansion schedule was discussed but no decision was made.
- Approved solid waste collection franchise renewal for Republic Services (3-0)
- Approved non-represented employee salary adjustment up to 7% (3-0)
- Proclaimed June 13-17, 2022 as Cascadia Rising 2022 Exercise Week (3-0)
- Proclaimed June 2022 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month (3-0)
- Approved appointments of Tim Weber and Kevin Chambers to advisory boards (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a $500 allocation to support the Black-Owned Business Expo at the NAACP Linn-Benton Branch's Juneteenth celebration. The proposed ordinance to amend Benton County Code Chapter 32 to include a burn ban did not receive a second reading and did not become effective. The Board also received updates on economic development, forestry, and wildfire response.
- Approved $500 for NAACP Juneteenth Black Business Expo (3-0)
- Ordinance #2022-0309 (burn ban) did not receive second reading, did not become effective
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners adopted the updated 2022 Climate Action Plan, which sets a goal of reducing county operations emissions by 50% from 2010 levels by 2030. The Board also held over the second reading of the fire ban ordinance until May 24, 2022, and deferred a decision on the solid waste franchise renewal to June 7, 2022, to add clearer reopener language. Consent calendar items approving weight limit postings on three bridges were approved.
- Adopted 2022 Climate Action Plan (2-0)
- Held over second reading of fire ban ordinance (BCC Ch. 32) until May 24, 2022 (2-0)
- Deferred solid waste franchise renewal decision to June 7, 2022, to add reopener language
- Approved consent calendar: weight limit postings on East Ingram Island Place, Saxton Road, and Tampico Road bridges (2-0)
- Approved Ordinance 2022-0310 increasing tobacco retail license fees to $560 (2-0)
- Approved applying $277,777 in Business Oregon funding to fairgrounds storage building, Benton Barn upgrades, and HVAC (2-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 County Assessment Function Funding Assistance (CAFFA) grant application for $3,015,421, which is expected to generate about $421,000 in state funding. The board also adopted the 2021-2023 Affirmative Action Plan, approved several appointments, accepted an easement, and released a covenant. The consent calendar was approved with one item removed.
- Approved FY 2022-23 CAFFA grant application for $3,015,421 (3-0)
- Adopted 2021-2023 Affirmative Action Plan (3-0)
- Approved consent calendar, removing item 5.5 (3-0)
- Appointed Aurora Jensen to Fair Board, Chuck Gilbert and Mark Yeager to Disposal Site & Solid Waste (3-0)
- Appointed David Wiger to North F Road District (3-0)
- Established 1.0 FTE Administrative Specialist 2 position (3-0)
- Accepted easement from Northernwood, LLC for drainage way and culvert (3-0)
- Released covenant 2017-563344 for Franson property (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners unanimously accepted a $500 offer from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to acquire 44 square feet of county-owned land adjacent to Applegate Street in Philomath for the US 20: Philomath Couplet Project. The board also unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included adopting Order No. D2022-038 authorizing weight limit postings on the Harris Bridge Road bridge and approving the November 23, 2021 meeting minutes. Additionally, the board voted unanimously to place the 2021-23 Affirmative Action Plan on the April 5, 2022 agenda for adoption.
- Accepted ODOT's $500 offer for 44 sq ft of county land for the Philomath Couplet Project (unanimous)
- Approved consent calendar including Order No. D2022-038 for weight limit posting on Harris Bridge Road (unanimous)
- Approved November 23, 2021 board meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Placed 2021-23 Affirmative Action Plan on April 5, 2022 agenda for adoption (unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved several resolutions, including adding Juneteenth as a County-observed holiday, directing staff to align the indoor mask mandate with the State's March 12, 2022 end date, and adopting a Resolution of Necessity to begin eminent domain proceedings for a 28-acre parcel for a justice system campus. The Board also approved a grant application for boardwalk reconstruction, adopted an ordinance amending illicit discharge regulations, and approved consent calendar items and proclamations.
- Adopted Resolution #R2022-003 adding Juneteenth as a County-observed holiday (3-0)
- Directed staff to return with an order aligning mask mandate with State's March 12, 2022 end date (3-0)
- Adopted Resolution #R2022-001, Resolution of Necessity for eminent domain on McFadden Ranch property (3-0)
- Adopted Resolution #2022-002 authorizing grant application for Jackson-Frazier Wetland boardwalk reconstruction (3-0)
- Approved Ordinance No. 2022-0308 amending Chapter 36 on illicit discharges (3-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar including liquor license change for J. Ballard's County Store (3-0)
- Proclaimed March 2022 as Women's History Month (3-0)
- Proclaimed March 2022 as Red Cross Month (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners accepted the Benton Soil & Water Conservation District's 2021 annual report and approved shifting the Justice Systems Improvement Program communications coordinator from a limited-duration to a regular full-time position. The Board also ratified a letter of appreciation for a $100,000 anonymous donation to the Oak Creek Fire Evacuation Route project. No other formal actions were taken; remaining agenda items were work sessions and an executive session on real estate negotiations.
- Accepted BSWCD 2021 Annual Report (3-0)
- Shifted JSIP communications position from limited duration to regular full-time (3-0)
- Ratified letter of appreciation to anonymous donor for Oak Creek Evacuation Route (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved the Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for $2.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, with release by February 18, 2022. It also approved the 2021-2023 M57 Supplemental Fund Program and Intergovernmental Agreement #6187 for $124,944. The Board approved Phase 1 conference room names for the Kalapuya Building and approved amendments to Chapter 36 of the County Code (Ordinance No. 2022-0308) on first reading.
- Approved the Consent Calendar, including a permanent Business Analyst 2 Grant Coordinator position and prior meeting minutes.
- Approved amendments to Chapter 36 (Illicit Discharges) and conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 2022-0308.
- Approved Phase 1 conference room names for the Kalapuya Building, honoring Mary Jane Holmes Shipley Drake, Reuben Ficklin Shipley, Harriet Forest Moore, and Chiaki 'Jack' Yoshihara.
- Approved the 2021-2023 M57 Supplemental Fund Program and Intergovernmental Agreement #6187 with the State of Oregon for $124,944.
- Approved the Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for $2.4 million in ARPA funds, with release by February 18, 2022.
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved an amendment to the Small Business and Microenterprise Grant, extending the use of $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to April 1, 2022, and expanding eligible use to all areas of Benton County. The Board also approved the consent calendar, proclaimed February 2022 as Black History Month and Black Futures Month, and expressed support for Oregon House Bill 4123.
- Approved amendment to $150K small business grant, extending use to April 1, 2022 and expanding to all areas (2-0)
- Approved consent calendar appointing members to advisory boards and approving Oct 5, 2021 minutes (2-0)
- Proclaimed February 2022 as Black History Month and Black Futures Month (2-0)
- Expressed support for HB 4123 and signed letters of support (2-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 to select the north site for the Justice System Improvement Project (JSIP) campus, directing staff to continue pursuing the property. The decision ends consideration of the west site, which faced public opposition and higher wetland impacts. The board acknowledged the north site's higher acquisition cost and ongoing negotiations with the owner, but favored its proximity to downtown and better campus potential.
- Selected north site for JSIP campus (3-0)
- Directed staff to continue pursuing north site property
- Knocked west site out of contention for JSIP