Morrow County public meetings in 2023

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with public comment, consent agenda, and multiple business items. Key decisions include a new position request for an assistant county administrator, approval of a drinking water investigation RFP, and updates on the ambulance service agreement. Several department reports and correspondence will also be presented.

• Third Amendment to Oregon Health Authority Contract #154978 for Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Education Program
• Amendment to Health Officer Contract
• Request for Proposal Approval: Morrow and Umatilla County Drinking Water Investigation
• New Position Request - Assistant County Administrator
• ERP System Consulting Services

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider public hearing requests for rate increases from Miller & Sons Disposal and Finley Buttes Landfill. The meeting also includes discussions on agriculture mitigation, employee policy updates, and several committee appointments.

• Public hearing: Rate increase request for Miller & Sons Disposal (Order No. OR-2023-6)
• Public hearing: Rate increase request for Finley Buttes Landfill (Order No. OR-2023-7)
• Consent agenda: Purchase pre-authorization for a 2023 CAT 150 Grader
• Business item: Update on Agriculture Mitigation Plan from Pinegate Renewables
• Business item: Award and contract for snow and ice removal services

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to receive a 90-day update from County Administrator Matthew Jensen, discuss a request for a new Assistant County Administrator position, and review employee benefits. These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• Ninety-day County Administrator update
• New position request: Assistant County Administrator
• Employee benefits review

Planning Commission

The Morrow County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed zoning ordinance updates required by recent Oregon legislative sessions, along with other formatting and procedural changes. The commission will also receive updates on water projects and a presentation on website information for the Columbia Development Authority and Army Depot.

• Public hearing AZ-148-23: Legislative code updates to implement changes from 2019, 2021, and 2023 Oregon Legislative Sessions
• Planning Director update on water projects
• Presentation on website information for Columbia Development Authority and Army Depot

Local Public Safety Coordinating Council

The Local Public Safety Coordinating Council will meet to discuss several business items, including voting on by-laws via email, victim service reporting expectations, and an article on mental health housing. They will also review standing agenda items such as the IMPACTS Grant Program, Mental Health Court, DEI certification progress, housing, juvenile diversion, and HB 3115, followed by agency updates.

• Discussion of LPSCC By-Laws voting by email
• Victim's Service Reporting Expectations
• Oregon Live article on mental health housing
• IMPACTS Grant Program update
• HB 3115 update

Fair Board

The Morrow County Fair Board is meeting to discuss county fairgrounds capital improvements, including camping areas and a possible circuit court parking issue, as well as fair improvements and changes. They will also consider new business such as entertainment ideas, a fair theme contest, sponsor changes, an arena contract for winter use, and rental price updates. The board will decide whether to hold the March Challenge of Champions event.

• Discussion of County Fairgrounds Capital Improvements with Gale Sargent
• Potential use of ORS565 for circuit court and parking issues
• Decision on March Challenge of Champions event
• Arena contract for winter months (3 days a week)
• Rental price updates for fairgrounds

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to address energy infrastructure. The primary business items involved sending comment letters to the Energy Facility Siting Council for the Umatilla-Morrow County Connect Project and the Wheatridge Renewable Energy Facility East. The board also discussed mitigation projects related to the Sunstone Solar Project. No specific dollar amounts or contract details were listed in the agenda text.

• Comment letter to Energy Facility Siting Council for Umatilla-Morrow County Connect Project
• Comment letter to Energy Facility Siting Council for Wheatridge Renewable Energy Facility East Site Certificate Amendment 1
• Discussion of mitigation projects related to the Sunstone Solar Project

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the relocation of the Oregon-Idaho state border and review several administrative contracts. The board is also considering a grant application for all-terrain vehicles and a comment letter regarding the Umatilla-Morrow County Connect Project.

• Discussion on the relocation of the Oregon-Idaho State Border
• Resolution No. R-2023-25: All-Terrain Vehicle Grant Application to Oregon Parks & Recreation Department
• Sheriff’s Association 2023-2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Resolution No. R-2023-26: Defined Benefit Retirement Plan Administration Contracts
• Comment letter to the Energy Facility Siting Council for the Umatilla-Morrow County Connect Project

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will conduct a work session to discuss multiple code amendments. These updates are intended to implement 2021-2023 Oregon legislation and other various updates.

• Work session on code amendments for 2021-2023 Oregon legislation

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially take action on the appointment process for a vacant board position with the Port of Morrow.

• Appointment process to fill vacant Board Position with Port of Morrow

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a continued public hearing regarding Rowan Green Data applications and Ordinance No. ORD-2023-6. The body will also consider declaring a drought emergency and awarding contracts for airport infrastructure and a new circuit court building.

• Continued Land Use Public Hearing: Rowan Green Data Applications AC-145-23, ACM-146-23 & AZM-147-23
• R-2023-21: Declaring a Drought Emergency
• Intent to Award Bid and Contract: Airport Fiber & Electric Infrastructure Work
• Intent to Award RFP: Project Management Services for New Circuit Court Building near the Fairgrounds
• Beneficiary Agreement: Heppner Day Care, Inc. (ARPA/Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved a one-year renewal of a conditional use permit for a home occupation towing and vehicle storage business. The commission also received a presentation on rural transit equity and discussed potential code updates regarding RVs and accessory dwellings.

• Approved July 25th meeting minutes
• Approved one-year renewal of Conditional Use Permit CUP-N-337-19 for Joshua and Shannon Karl (unanimous)

Local Public Safety Coordinating Council

The Board is meeting to adopt bylaws and select vendors for managing directors, accounting, and auditing services based on RFP results. The body will also consider the appointment of an at-large board member and a board secretary.

• Adoption of Morrow County Broadband Network Consortium Bylaws
• Selection of Managing Directors Services from RFP results
• Selection of Accounting Services from RFP results
• Selection of Auditing Services from RFP results
• Resolution No. 2023-01 regarding Public Records Request Policy and Procedure

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners held a land use hearing regarding a proposal to rezone 274 acres from exclusive farm use to general industrial for a data center. No final decision on the rezoning was made; the Board voted to keep the record open for further testimony and continued the hearing.

• Approved adding DLCD, Mary Killian, and 1,000 Friends of Oregon documents to the record (Unanimous)
• Approved keeping the record open for applicant rebuttal until August 30 at 5:00 p.m. (Unanimous)
• Continued the land use hearing to September 6, 2023 (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a Community Development Block Grant application for Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc. to fund a new modular building. The Board also approved land annexations for the Heppner Rural Fire Protection District and a fee distribution agreement with Amazon Data Services.

• Approved $1.5 million Community Development Block Grant application for Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc. (Unanimous)
• Approved Order No. OR-2023-4 to annex territory into Heppner Rural Fire Protection District (Unanimous)
• Approved IGA for Strategic Investment Program Distribution of Community Service Fee with Amazon Data Services, Inc. (Unanimous)
• Approved July 19th meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved 10th Amendment to OHA IGA #173145 for Mental Health Services financing (Unanimous)
• Approved OHA contract #180837 for Psychiatric Security Review Board tort liability coverage (Unanimous)
• Approved 2nd Amendment to Energy Facility Siting Council Special Advisory Group IGA 19-031 (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission held a continued hearing regarding a proposal to rezone 274 acres from Exclusive Farm Use to General Industrial for a data center. The commission accepted new exhibits into the record and heard testimony from the applicant's team and Public Works. No final decision was reached as the matter will proceed to the Board of Commissioners.

• Approved corrected minutes from April 25, 2023 meeting
• Approved motion to accept new exhibits into the record for AC-145-23, ACM-146-23, and AZM-147-23

Board of Commissioners

The Board and representatives from non-education taxing districts discussed the distribution of Community Service Fees (CSF) related to a Strategic Investment Program agreement with Amazon Data Services, Inc. A proposed distribution model allocates a $500,000 annual lump sum to the County and splits the remaining $2 million among other taxing entities. An intergovernmental agreement will be sent to each district for signature by September 1.

• Proposed $500,000 annual lump sum for Morrow County and $2 million split among other taxing districts

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the January 24, 2023 meeting. Members received operational reports from waste disposal providers and discussed the Recycling Modernization Act and a proposed household hazardous waste event.

• Approved minutes from 01/24/2023 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Broadband Consortium is meeting to review administrative foundations and operational policies. The board will discuss the FY 23-24 operating budget and public contracting rules.

• Intergovernmental Agreement effective June 1, 2023
• Updated Bylaws
• Biannual Request for Qualifications (RFQ 2023-01)
• Draft records retention and records request policies
• FY 23-24 Operating Budget template

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved several transportation agreements and a $271,806 engineering contract for the Lexington Airport. It also authorized a new Circuit Court building project using a $12.45 million state grant and moved the Emergency Manager position under the Sheriff's supervision.

• Approved $271,806 engineering contract for Lexington Airport Taxiway D Reconstruction (Unanimous)
• Approved 5 ODOT agreements for transit and mobility management (Unanimous)
• Authorized intent to award Heritage Trail Interpretive Panel Project to Sea Reach Ltd. (Unanimous)
• Approved transferring Emergency Manager reporting structure to the Sheriff (Unanimous)
• Approved changes to the Promotion Policy for non-union employees (Unanimous)
• Agreed by consensus to issue RFP for a project manager for a new Circuit Court Building
• Approved $1,100 contribution to Columbia Development Authority for Camp Rees ceremony (Unanimous)
• Approved out-of-state travel for Planning Director to Anchorage, Alaska (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners met to discuss the employment of a public officer in executive session. Following the session, the Board unanimously authorized Chair David Sykes to negotiate and extend a conditional offer of employment for the Morrow County Administrator position.

• Approved authority for Chair Sykes to negotiate and make a conditional offer for Morrow County Administrator (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss a specific business item. The primary focus is the insurance proposal for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

• Fiscal Year 2023-24 Insurance Proposal presented by Kevin Ince

The Board of Commissioners approved a proposal for liability, property, and automotive insurance. The cost of the proposal exceeded the Adopted FY 2024 Budget by $6,775.29.

• Approved $439,295.29 insurance proposal for property, liability, and automotive coverage (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Morrow County Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding a land use amendment for a proposed data center and a compliance review for a trucking business home occupation. The commission will also receive a June planning update.

• Proposed rezoning of approximately 274 acres from Exclusive Farm (EFU) to General Industrial (MG) for a data center on Tower Road
• Conditional Use Permit compliance review (CUP-N-339-19) for a trucking business home occupation at tax lot 1600 of Assessor’s Map 5N 26 36BC
• Comprehensive Plan and Map Amendment application by Rowan Percheron, LLC

The Planning Commission revoked Conditional Use Permit CUP-N-339-19 for a home-based trucking business located southwest of Irrigon. The commission will revisit the matter in six months to review the business's progress in relocating to a commercial or industrial zone.

• Approved minutes of April 25, 2023 meeting
• Revoked Conditional Use Permit CUP-N-339-19 (unanimous)
• Required adherence to operational hours (11 PM to 7 AM) during relocation period
• Scheduled follow-up review of relocation progress in six months

Board of Commissioners

The Board unanimously approved the FY 2023-24 annual budget and a supplemental budget for FY 2022-23. Several construction contracts for road and airport improvements were awarded. The Board also agreed to sponsor a grant application for a new Head Start facility in Irrigon.

• Approved Resolution No. R-2023-14 adopting the FY 2023-24 Budget (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. R-2023-13 for FY 2022-23 Supplemental Budget (Unanimous)
• Approved supplemental payment toward the Defined Benefit pension plan (Unanimous)
• Awarded $898,334.30 contract to Silver Creek Contracting, LLC for Airport Taxiway D Reconstruction (Unanimous)
• Awarded $154,232.20 contract to Bolen Construction LLC for Bombing Range Road Turn Lane (Unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for the Sunstone Solar Project (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Pat Tolar and Glenn Maret to the North Morrow Vector Control District Board (Unanimous)
• Authorized Interim Administrator to sign insurance renewals up to the budgeted amount (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to conduct an executive session. The session is focused on the employment of a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent.

• Executive session regarding employment pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(a)

The Board met in executive session to consider the employment of a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent. No substantive decisions were recorded in the public minutes.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved a transition to Nationwide for retirement plan administration and authorized a new employment offer for a Payroll and Benefits Coordinator. They also approved several letters of support for town and justice grants and authorized the Treasurer to invest funds. A presentation was given regarding the proposed Sunstone Solar Development.

• Approved professional services contract with Helion Software, Inc. up to $60,132 (Unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for Town of Lexington's Downtown Improvement Plan Project (Unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for Probation & Parole's Justice Reinvestment Grant (Unanimous)
• Approved Order No. OR-2023-3 authorizing Treasurer to invest funds (Unanimous)
• Appointed Chair Sykes and Commissioner Wenholz to Morrow County Broadband Network Consortium Board (Unanimous)
• Approved transition to Nationwide for retirement plan administration (Unanimous)
• Authorized HR Director to make employment offer for Payroll and Benefits Coordinator at Step F (Unanimous)

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee is meeting over three days to review financial overviews, revenue sources, and departmental budget requests. The process concludes with committee deliberations and a final budget approval.

• Review of FY 2023-2024 revenue including property taxes and in lieu of tax revenues
• Budget reviews for Sheriff Department, Public Works, and Planning & Community Development
• External grant and funding requests from organizations including Boardman Food Pantry and Morrow County Tourism
• Compensation Board Report presentation
• Final budget approval

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners established the Morrow County Broadband Network Consortium and ratified a related ordinance. They approved sheriff service agreements for Heppner and Irrigon and accepted a $196,000 grant for Lexington Airport infrastructure.

• Adopted Ordinance No. ORD-2023-4 to create the Morrow County Broadband Action Team (Unanimous)
• Approved IGA to establish the Morrow County Broadband Network Consortium (Unanimous)
• Approved IGA for Sheriff’s Services with City of Heppner for $194,831.96 (Unanimous)
• Approved IGA for Sheriff’s Services with City of Irrigon for $105,000 (Unanimous)
• Accepted $196,000 State of Oregon Emerging Opportunity Program Grant for Lexington Airport (Unanimous)
• Appointed Kelly Doherty, Nella Parks, Debbie Radie, and Gibb Evans to the Water Advisory Committee (Unanimous)
• Approved $2,500 sponsorship for the Eastern Oregon Economic Summit (Unanimous)
• Approved Consent Calendar including Government Portfolio Advisors agreement and CAFFA Grant application (Unanimous)

Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee

The committee received updates on wolf populations and pack activity from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. The committee reviewed a grant agreement from the Oregon Department of Agriculture totaling $9,922. No formal votes were recorded.

• Reviewed ODA Grant Agreement #ODA-4429-GR for $8,194 in nonlethal deterrents and $1,728 for administrative expenses
• Postponed approval of minutes
• Set producer claim application deadline for December 8

Board of Commissioners

The Board voted 2-1 to send a letter to the Oregon Health Authority supporting Boardman Fire Rescue District's application for an ambulance license. Commissioner Wenholz declared a potential conflict of interest due to his role as a Good Shepherd Hospital trustee but participated and voted. The Board also approved five property tax exemption agreements with Amazon Data Services for data centers in the Columbia River Enterprise Zone III, with Commissioner Wenholz recused. A first reading was held for an ordinance creating a broadband consortium, and two sheriff's service agreements were continued to May 17.

• Approved letter supporting Boardman Fire Rescue District ambulance license application (2-1)
• Approved Resolution R-2023-7: Amazon Data Services PDX 154 tax exemption agreement (2-0, Wenholz recused)
• Approved Resolution R-2023-8: Amazon Data Services PDX 162 tax exemption agreement (2-0, Wenholz recused)
• Approved Resolution R-2023-9: Amazon Data Services PDX 170 tax exemption agreement (2-0, Wenholz recused)
• Approved Resolution R-2023-10: Amazon Data Services PDX 186 tax exemption agreement (2-0, Wenholz recused)
• Approved Resolution R-2023-11: Amazon Data Services PDX 202 tax exemption agreement (2-0, Wenholz recused)
• Continued IGA for Sheriff's Services with City of Heppner to May 17 (unanimous)
• Continued IGA for Sheriff's Services with City of Irrigon to May 17 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to address a legal counsel engagement letter. The meeting is scheduled for May 2, 2023, at the Port of Morrow Riverfront Center.

• Legal Counsel Engagement Letter

Planning Commission

The Commission unanimously approved a request to partition an 18.62-acre parcel on Columbia Lane into seven lots. The approval includes ten conditions regarding water testing, septic installation, and road maintenance. A separate compliance review for a towing home occupation was discussed but not decided in the provided text.

• Approved Subdivision SD-N-226-23 to partition 18.62 acres into seven lots (unanimous)
• Approved adding letters from West Extension and the City of Irrigon to the record (unanimous)
• Approved adding a letter from the City of Boardman to the record (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of January 31, 2023 meeting

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved funding for senior meals in Heppner using COVID relief funds and awarded contracts for liquid asphalt and labor attorney services. The Board also authorized a trail master plan grant application and a building department agreement amendment. A decision on an ambulance license support letter was tabled.

• Approved $67,968 over two years for South Morrow County Seniors Matter (Unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 contribution to the Vietnam War Memorial in Salem (Unanimous)
• Approved liquid asphalt supplier contract for Blue Line Transportation (Unanimous)
• Awarded labor attorney services to Ogeltree Deakins (Unanimous)
• Approved Amendment 1 to IGA with City of Boardman for Building Department Services (Unanimous)
• Approved 'Neighborhood Approach to Code Compliance' committee and fund awards (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. R-2023-5 for Columbia River Heritage Trail Master Plan grant (Unanimous)
• Tabled letter of support for Boardman Fire Rescue District ambulance license to May 3rd (Unanimous)

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

The committee approved a fee increase for Sanitary Disposal, Inc. to support service commitments to Morrow County. Members also received operational reports on landfill cells and equipment updates. The committee discussed the need to recruit alternate members.

• Approved 10.78% fee increase for Sanitary Disposal (unanimous, one abstain)
• Approved minutes from 10-19-2022 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a Strategic Investment Program agreement and a corresponding resolution to request a property tax exemption for an Amazon Data Services, Inc. project near Boardman. The Board also voted to develop a new Ambulance Service Area Plan and approved a code change regarding road construction permits.

• Approved Strategic Investment Program Agreement and Resolution R-2023-4 for Amazon Data Services, Inc. (2-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved development of a new Ambulance Service Area (ASA) Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for Boardman Fire Rescue District ambulance licensing (2-1)
• Denied request to repeal Ordinance MC-C-4-98 regarding ambulance service providers (Unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. ORD-2023-3 returning road construction permit approval to the Public Works Director (2-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved appointment of Debbie Imus to Public Transit Advisory Committee (Unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 agreement with DLR Group for Circuit Court building site analysis (Unanimous)
• Approved amendments 7 & 8 to OHA Intergovernmental Agreement #173145 (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to review the Umatilla National Forest Program of Work. The session includes presentations from the Forest Supervisor, Public Affairs Officer, and the Heppner Ranger District Ranger.

• Review of Umatilla National Forest Program of Work

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider the employment of a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent. This item is scheduled for executive session.

• Executive session regarding employment of a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent

The Board of Commissioners met in Executive Session to discuss employment. Following the session, the Board unanimously decided to notify six candidates that they would not be considered for employment.

• Approved notification to six candidates that they are not being considered for employment (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a Strategic Investment Program agreement and property tax exemption for Amazon Data Services, Inc. The meeting also includes decisions on road paving contracts and a health officer agreement.

• Public hearing on Strategic Investment Program (SIP) Agreement and Resolution R-2023-4 for Amazon Data Services, Inc.
• Award of contracts for Hot Mix Asphalt and the Homestead Lane Paving Project
• Award of contract for the Sheriff’s Office Reroof Project
• Request to reduce application and renewable energy project fees from Carla McLane Consulting, LLC
• Health Officer Agreement for Dr. Rodney Schaffer

The Board approved the Five-Year Road Plan and awarded several construction contracts, including a reroofing project and paving work. They also approved a health officer agreement and a tourism contractor. A request for a letter of support for ambulance licensing was tabled pending legal analysis.

• Approved Five-Year Road Plan through fiscal year 2025-2026 (Unanimous)
• Awarded Homestead Lane Paving Project to American Rock Products for $458,416 (Unanimous)
• Awarded Sheriff’s Office Reroof Project to Silver Creek Construction for $195,000 (Unanimous)
• Awarded hot mix asphalt contracts to Granite Construction (1st choice) and American Rock Products (2nd choice) (Unanimous)
• Approved Health Officer Agreement with Dr. Rodney Schaffer and related insurance agreement (Unanimous)
• Approved Independent Tourism Development Contractor Agreement with Karie Walchli (Unanimous)
• Approved Amendment 2 to Columbia River Enterprise Zone III Intergovernmental Agreement (Unanimous)
• Tabled letter of support for ambulance licensing until April 5th (Unanimous)

Parks Committee

The committee approved the appointment of Sheryll Bates to the Park User Group for Hiking/Biking for a three-year term. Members also reviewed park maintenance updates and discussed a pending state grant for OHV park operations. All parks are scheduled to open for the 2023 camping season on May 05, 2023.

• Approved September 28, 2022 minutes
• Approved Sheryll Bates as Hiking/Biking representative for term Mar-2023 to Mar-2026 (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a wage compensation plan to align salaries with the 60th percentile of the market by July 1, 2023. They also approved pay increases and cost-of-living adjustments for elected officials and the District Attorney stipend. Additionally, the Board authorized several grant applications and a site analysis for a new courthouse.

• Approved wage plan to move salaries up to 60th percentile effective July 1, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved 10% increase and 2.5% COLA for all Elected Officials (Unanimous)
• Approved 10% increase and 2.5% COLA for the District Attorney stipend (Unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 for DLR Group to analyze new Circuit Court Building sites in Heppner (Unanimous)
• Approved EPA/CDS grant proposal for nitrate issue water system extensions (Unanimous)
• Approved FTA 5339 grant application for buses and facilities (Unanimous)
• Approved City of Boardman Access Agreement for sidewalk construction (Unanimous)
• Authorized RFP for Audit Services (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Columbia Development Authority board will meet to approve January 2023 financial statements and review grant expenditures. The board is also scheduled to discuss a deed update and a grant budget for April 2023 through March 2024.

• Approval of January 2023 Statement and Balance Sheet of $142,626.71
• Review of $8,000 sub-lease deposit from Columbia Basin Farms
• Port of Morrow Report on Grant Expenditures through January 2023
• OLDCC Grant Budget Review for April 2023-March 2024
• Executive session to negotiate real property transactions and discuss attorney-client privileged information

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will discuss the repeal of Ordinance MC-C-4-98 regarding ambulance service providers and the second reading of Ordinance ORD-2023-1. The board is also reviewing public health fiscal findings and personnel requests for the budget committee.

• Discussion on repealing Ordinance MC-C-4-98 (Ambulance Service Providers)
• Second reading of Ordinance ORD-2023-1 to add Ella Pit Site to Goal 5 Inventory
• Independent Contractor Agreement with Wolfe Consulting, LLC
• Tenth Amendment to Oregon Health Authority Intergovernmental Agreement #169524
• Review of Public Health Department’s Triennial Fiscal Review findings

The Board approved an ordinance adding the Ella Pit Site to the Goal 5 Inventory and forwarded 14 position reclassifications and new employee requests to the Budget Committee. The Board also approved a finance contract with Wolfe Consulting, LLC and an amendment to a Public Health services agreement. A request to repeal an ambulance service ordinance was tabled pending further legal analysis.

• Approved Ordinance No. ORD-2023-1 to add Ella Pit Site to Goal 5 Inventory (Unanimous)
• Approved forwarding 14 position reclassifications and new employee requests to Budget Committee (Unanimous)
• Approved contract with Wolfe Consulting, LLC for finance services, not-to-exceed $25,000 (Unanimous)
• Approved Tenth Amendment to OHA IGA #169524 for Public Health Services (Unanimous)
• Tabled repeal of Ordinance MC-C-4-98 regarding ambulance services for legal research (Unanimous)
• Appointed Commissioner Drago as primary and Tamra Mabbott as alternate to LUBGWMA (Unanimous)
• Appointed Gibb Evans to the Budget Committee (Unanimous)
• Appointed Anne Morter and Jamie Stewart to Public Transit Advisory Committee (Unanimous)

Compensation Board

The Morrow County Compensation Board will deliberate on pay levels for elective officers as required by ORS 204.112. The board intends to make a compensation recommendation to the Morrow County Board of Commissioners.

• Review of pay levels for Assessor, Clerk, Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Sheriff, and Treasurer
• Election of Board Chair
• Approval of 2022-2023 minutes

Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee

The Committee approved applying for three categories of funding from the 2023 Wolf Depredation Compensation & Financial Assistance Grant Program. The total requested amount is $20,928. The committee also approved the minutes from the January 10, 2023 meeting.

• Approved minutes of January 10, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved grant application for Category 2 (Missing livestock and working dogs): $2,200 (Unanimous)
• Approved grant application for Category 3 (Nonlethal wolf deterrent methods): $17,000 (Unanimous)
• Approved grant application for Category 4 (County expenses to implement grant program): $1,728 (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board appointed Roy Drago Jr. to a commissioner vacancy and approved a solid waste rate increase for Waste Connections. Additionally, the Board approved an upgrade to Microsoft 365 G3 licenses for enhanced cyber-security.

• Approved Order No. OR-2023-2 for solid waste rate increase by Waste Connections (Unanimous)
• Appointed Roy Drago Jr. to Commissioner Position 1 (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Microsoft 365 G3 licenses at $55,680 per year (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Stephanie Case to Public Transit Advisory Committee for term ending Feb 8, 2026 (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Jan 25, Feb 1, and Feb 8 (Unanimous)
• Tabled Budget Committee appointment request to Feb 22 meeting (Unanimous)
• Scheduled position reclassifications and new employee requests for Feb 22 meeting (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board unanimously approved a conditional employment offer for an Interim County Administrator. The Board also approved a letter supporting a $5 million USDA grant application for True Organic Products, Inc., while maintaining that zoning permits are required.

• Approved conditional employment offer to Roberta Vanderwall as Interim County Administrator (Unanimous)
• Authorized short-term housing for up to four weeks for the Interim County Administrator (Unanimous)
• Approved and signed letter supporting True Organic Products, Inc.’s $5 million USDA grant application (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved several infrastructure permits, a recruitment contract, and a high-cost equipment purchase. They also appointed a new member to the Road Committee and scheduled presentations for the Commissioner Position 1 vacancy.

• Approved $487,810.54 purchase for 2023 CAT AP-555F Asphalt Paver and attachments (Unanimous)
• Approved $17,500 contract with Prothman for County Administrator Recruitment (Unanimous)
• Approved Food Pod Replat and Lot 6 Replat in the City of Irrigon (Unanimous)
• Approved comment letter to Energy Facility Siting Council regarding Boardman to Hemingway Project (Unanimous)
• Appointed Gabe Hansen as Alternate to the Road Committee for North County (Unanimous)
• Approved Permit Application #OTR for Umatilla Electric Cooperative (Unanimous)
• Approved Permit Application #OTQ for LS Networks, Inc. (Unanimous)
• Voted to invite Gus Peterson, Roy Drago Jr., and Mike McNamee to present for Commissioner Position 1 (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a property line adjustment and a setback variance for a shop. The commission also elected new officers and agreed to move future meeting start times to 6:00 p.m.

• Elected Commissioner Ekstrom as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Commissioner Kilkenny as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved December minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Replat R-N-080-23 for Dixie Earle and Cynthia and Barry Turner (unanimous)
• Approved Variance V-S-047-23 for Allstott Construction LLC (unanimous)
• Agreed to change meeting start time to 6:00 p.m.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Prothman to conduct an executive search for a permanent County Administrator. The Board also approved a property tax refund and a grant support letter for the Community Paths Program.

• Approved engagement of Prothman for County Administrator executive search (Unanimous)
• Approved $4,482.45 property tax refund to Meenderinck Land Company LLC (Unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for Oregon Department of Transportation Community Paths Program grant (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Dec 28, 2022, Jan 4, 2023, and Jan 11, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Directed Human Resources to move forward with the interim County Administrator application process

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

The committee will review reports from Waste Connection, Sanitary Disposal, Inc., Miller and Sons, Inc., and the Department of Environmental Quality. Members will also address the deadline for recycling collector surveys.

• Report by Waste Connection, Finely Buttes
• Report by Sanitary Disposal, Inc.
• Report by Miller and Sons, Inc.
• Report by Department of Environmental
• Recycling collector surveys due January 2023

The committee approved a 5.5% fee increase for Sanitary Disposal to address rising costs for fuel, parts, materials, and workforce. Members also received operational reports from several waste disposal providers and an update from the DEQ regarding recycling compliance.

• Approved 5.5% fee increase for Sanitary Disposal (unanimous, Don Russell abstaining)
• Approved minutes from 07/26/2022 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to elect 2023 leadership and review financial records. The body will discuss potential boundary changes and revisions to an Intergovernmental Agreement regarding areas of influence.

• Election of 2023 Chair and Vice Chair
• Review of CREZ III Financials
• Discussion of new legal counsel
• Discussion of possible boundary change
• Discussion of possible Intergovernmental Agreement Revision

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a $150,000 ARPA grant for Willow Creek Terrace Assisted Living Facility and authorized $40,000 for the design phase of the Heritage Trail. The Board also approved the purchase of a mini excavator for transfer stations and accepted the June 30, 2022 financial report.

• Approved $150,000 ARPA grant to Willow Creek Terrace Assisted Living Facility (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 3-5D CRCB Mini Excavator and RotoBec grapple for $61,293.67 (Unanimous)
• Approved $40,000 for the design phase of the Oregon Community Paths Grant for Heritage Trail (Unanimous)
• Accepted Financial Statements and Independent Auditors’ Report for June 30, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Appointed Benjamin Tucker to the Public Transit Advisory Committee (Unanimous)
• Appointed Katie Imes to the Public Transit Advisory Committee (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. R-2023-3 amending personnel policies regarding Board vehicle use (Unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes from December 20 and 21, 2022 (Unanimous)

Transportation Advisory Committee

The Transportation Advisory Committee is reviewing transit manager updates and electing leadership. The body is discussing the implementation of new dispatching software and the design of a transit facility.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Update on Transit Facility schematic design and cost analysis
• Purchase and implementation of new dispatching software
• Report of two open driving positions
• Delivery of a replacement van for Boardman

Board of Commissioners

The Board unanimously approved the purchase of a new motor grader and an amendment to the public employees retirement plan. Officials established a timeline and application process to fill a vacant County Commissioner position and a Budget Committee vacancy.

• Approved purchase of 2023 CAT 160 Motor Grader and attachments for $396,280.91 (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. R-2023-2 to establish yearly election of Board Chairman (Unanimous)
• Approved Ninth Amendment to Oregon Health Authority Intergovernmental Agreement #169524 (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. R-2023-1 amending the Morrow County Public Employees Retirement Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved posting to fill a vacancy on the Budget Committee (Unanimous)
• Established application process for County Commissioner Position 1 with submissions due by January 31 (Unanimous)
• Directed staff to provide documents to revert Commissioner vehicle use policy to match employee policy

Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee

The committee reviewed three funding applications for wolf-related claims. It approved payments to HM Ranch and Bar Plus Seven Cattle Company, LLC, contingent upon the submission of documentation.

• Elected Dean Robinson as Chair and Al Scott as Vice Chair (Unanimous)
• Approved November 15, 2022 minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved $2,160 missing claim payment to HM Ranch, contingent on documentation by Jan 17 (Unanimous; Mahoney abstained)
• Approved $1,500 award to HM Ranch for Range Riders (Unanimous; Mahoney abstained)
• Approved $1,000 award to Bar Plus Seven Cattle Company, LLC, contingent on documentation by Jan 17 (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss filling a vacant commissioner position and an interim county administrator. The meeting includes appointments to local boards and a review of the board's chairmanship structure.

• Discussion on filling a vacant Commissioner position
• Discussion on an Interim County Administrator
• Amendment 5, Oregon Health Authority Intergovernmental Agreement #173145
• Resolution No. R-2023-1 regarding Public Employees Retirement Plan Discretionary Amendment
• Appointments to Columbia River Enterprise Zone II and III Boards and Columbia Development Authority Board

The Board appointed an interim administrator and filled several board representative positions. The Board also authorized the Finance Department to handle payables and appointed Kevin Ince as Budget Officer for 2023-24.

• Appointed Greg Sweek as Interim County Administrator (Unanimous)
• Authorized Finance Department to review and pay Accounts Payable and Payroll Payables (Unanimous)
• Appointed Kevin Ince as Budget Officer for 2023-24 fiscal year (Unanimous)
• Approved Amendment 5 to OHA IGA #173145 for mental health and addiction services (Unanimous)
• Appointed David Sykes and Jeff Wenholz to CREZ II Board, with Mike Gorman as alternate (Unanimous)
• Appointed Jeff Wenholz, David Sykes, and future Commissioner Position 1 to CREZ III Board, with Mike Gorman as alternate (Unanimous)
• Approved Order No. OR-2023-1 appointing Jeff Wenholz as Representative and David Sykes as Alternate to Columbia Development Authority Board (Unanimous)
• Directed Emergency Manager Paul Gray to manage nitrate emergency resources and state agency coordination (Consensus)