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About The Baker County press. (Baker City, Ore.) 2014-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 11, 2017)
THE BAKER COUNTY PRESS — 3 FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Business / Agriculture City Council CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Marlette added, “And possible fire danger from increased traffic and downed lines and the possible introduction of invasive weeds.” Whit Deschner also spoke at the meeting reiterating Marlette’s con- cerns but advised Council, “There is no financial in- centive from Idaho Power for this and Baker County was never given a vote as to the project.” He continued by stating that these folks didn’t live in our county and don’t care about the consequenc- es to our area. Marlette and Deschner urged Council and the community to attend a public meeting regarding the matter on August 14, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the County Courthouse in the County Courtroom. Baker City and Baker County have until September 1, 2017 to make comments before the application is accepted as is by the Oregon Department of Energy and the plan moves forward. Next Tom Muller spoke to Council voicing his dis- appointment with them for passing the public safety utility fee. “This month is when the full effect of that fee is go- ing to be felt,” he said. He criticized Council for their passage of the fee and stated the impact was go- ing to hurt the elderly and children in the community with low incomes by possi- bly not being able to afford something as simple as a gallon of milk. He targeted City Man- ager Fred Warner, Jr. by asking, “Does anybody ever say no to him?” He feels that Warner is responsible for orchestrat- ing the fee to “get what he wants.” Muller warned Council that when up for reelec- tion he would remember their names and not cast a vote for any of them and thought it was likely the entire City felt the same. Downing then moved forward with the agenda. Board and Commission Appointments Julie Smith addressed Council advising that there were several vacancies on various City boards and commissions. Applications had been re- ceived by Mitch Grove and Don Herman to serve on the Planning Commission with one seat open. Mark Bogart applied to serve on the Parks and Recreation Board and Christine How- ard to serve on the Tree Board. Councilor Joseph moved to appoint both Bogart and Howard to their desired positions with a second by Councilor Thomas and a unanimous vote by Council. Joseph then moved to appoint Don Herman to the one open position on the Planning Commission with a second again heard by Councilor Thomas. A vote of 3:2 was cast with Coun- cilors Joseph, Thomas and Nilsson voting in favor of appointing Herman and Councilor Andersen and Mayor Downing oppos- ing. The motion passed appointing Herman to the Planning Commission. Council Representa- tive Appointment to Transient Lodging Tax Committee As Council moved onto this task, Councilor Thomas stated that without the full Council present he ffelt this item could be table for the time being stating, “If no one has a burning desire to serve, we might postpone this.” Councilor Joseph expressed that he was very interested and that he had been approached by Beverly Calder, owner of Bella, whose term was expiring, to serve on this committee and that he re- ally would like to. With that, Councilor Thomas then moved to appoint Joseph. Councilor Nilsson seconded and a unanimous vote in favor of Joseph’s appointment was cast with Joseph of course abstaining. Ordinance #3356 Wind- wave Communications Franchise Agreement City Manager Fred Warner addressed Council advising that Windwave Communications has re- quested a renewal of their franchise agreement with the City of Baker City for construction and operation of a cable system. In return Windwave will pay the City 7% of their gross receipts. The Franchise Agreement shall be for two five-year terms. Warner stated that the City Attorney had reviewed the agreement and had sug- gested the two five-year agreement amendment, which Windwave had agreed to. Councilor Andersen asked, “How much money per year does this agree- ment net the City?” Warner responded that it was not much “Around $3,000 per year.” Andersen said that it all helped the City coffers. As with any ordinance the Council has to pass, three reading must be held. The first and second reading can be done in the same meeting as long as the Council votes to do so unanimously. Councilor Joseph moved for the first reading. Coun- cilor Andersen made a second and Council unani- mously voted in favor. City Manager Warner read the agreement in full as required. Councilor Joseph moved to accept the first reading, seconded by Councilor Thomas. Council voted unani- mously to accept the first reading. Councilor Joseph then moved to have a second reading by title only that was seconded by Councilor Nilsson and passed unanimously by Council vote. Warner read the ordinance a second time by title only. Councilor Joseph moved to approve the second reading. A second was made by Councilor Andersen and again voted unanimously by Council. Ordinance #3357 Inland Development Franchise Agreement Warner explained to Council that Inland Devel- opment was in conjunction with Windwave Communi- cations and this franchise agreement was identical to that one. Councilor Joseph moved to read the ordinance with a second by Councilor Nilsson. Warner read the ordi- nance in full, then Council- or Joseph moved to accept that reading, hearing a second by Councilor Nils- son. A unanimous vote was cast by Council. A second reading of the ordinance by title only was then done by Warner upon a motion by Councilor Joseph, seconded by Coun- cilor Nilsson and unani- mously voted in favor of by Council. That second reading was approved upon a motion by Councilor Joseph again seconded by Councilor Nilsson. A vote to accept the second reading was cast in favor by all councilors ex- cept Thomas who opposed “just to be different.” He joked eluding to the ease and agreeability the Council was having. Needless to say, approval of the second reading was passed. City Manager/Director Comments/Council Com- ments Warner advised Coun- cil that this was the final Council meeting before the “big event” in two weeks; the highly anticipated solar eclipse. He briefed Council on a few details that in- cluded EMS services. He stated that Baker City Fire would have extra per- sonnel on staff from Friday August 18,2017 through Monday August 21, 2017 and that all personnel were to be on call. He advised that Baker Rural fire department would have volunteers — Weekly Hay Report — on hand that could assist by driving ambulances if necessary. He advised that Life Flight would have a stag- ing area in Baker City if needed and that two National Guard choppers were being made available as well. Baker County Emer- gency Management would be setting up a command center in the Council chambers from Friday, Au- gust 18 through Tuesday August 22, 2017. Many of the City’s restaurants would be of- fering limited menus in an effort to increase speed in serving efficiently the large number of visitors antici- pated. He noted that there were going to be barbecues and vendors in the park and music and entertainment around town. Local gas stations have been approached about having additional tank- ers available to make sure plenty of gas was available to those needing to leave after the event. He also stated that the public works department was ready to help if and when needed. He mentioned that unfortunately ODOT would not be able to fully open up the freeway in the Pleasant Valley area where construction was occur- ring and that there would only be two lanes of travel though that area which could cause some major issues with traffic. Warner said, “We are as prepared as we think we can be” for the estimated 50,000 that are expected. Mayor Downing added that the 911 Dispatch Center was also increasing staff for the weekend of the eclipse. Warner also advised Council that a parade or- dinance was being worked on in light of the tragedy that occurred at the Min- ers Jubilee Parade and to expect to see that in the future. He also noted that the annual Shriners parade held just the past weekend went off without a hitch although some changes to the route were made. With nothing further Mayor Downing adjourned the meeting. Though much specula- tion had gone through the community prior to meeting regarding Council member Nilsson’s atten- dance and/or continuance on Council in light of his recent legal issues, the sub- ject of the charges against him was not discussed and Nilsson quickly left the meeting. (Editor’s Note: Please see the Front Page for ad- ditional coverage.) Banking tips for the eclipse The upcoming solar Eclipse will bring an influx of visitors who will patronize our hotels, campgrounds, restaurants and grocery stores, which should provide an eco- nomic boost for our local merchants this summer. From a safety and banking perspective, here are some items to keep in mind as our small com- munities prepare for this special event. Exercise Patience If Cell Phone and Internet Ser- vices Are Slow. Cell phone service and smartphone internet is expected to be slow, particularly on Mon- day, August 21, the day of the eclipse. This may cre- ate strains on other com- munications networks as locals and visitors connect to WIFI and wired net- works. Exercise patience should networks slow, and use other communications devices including tradition- al AM/FM radio for news in case of an emergency. Carry A Little Extra Cash. If internet ser- vices and communications systems are adversely impacted on the day of the eclipse, it may temporar- ily suspend your access to Credit/Debit Card networks, Online Banking and Mobile Banking. As a precaution, it would be wise to carry some extra cash for the weekend of August 19th – 21st should payment networks become temporarily suspended. Take the Road Less Traveled. Traffic is expect- ed to be heavy on many of two lane highways, particularly communities such as Baker City, which is in the path of totality. As locals when travelling around town, we should try to use less traveled routes to reduce congestion for police, fire and other emer- gency services vehicles on primary routes. You may also fill your gas tank early in the week of August 14th as gas stations are expected to be very busy assisting travelers. Friday, August 7, 2017 — Eastern Oregon Prices trended generally steady. All prices reported today are new crop, unless otherwise noted. Most producers are done with first cutting and out in the field working on second cutting. Extreme heat in some of the growing areas has slowed movement. Retail/Stable type hay remains the largest demanded hay. No new Eastern Oregon sales. Last week: Tons Price Range Wtd Avg Timothy Grass Large Square Premium/Supreme 2080 280.00-305.00 290.58 USDA Market News Service—AMS.USDA.gov — Cattle Market Report — Wednesday, August 2, 2017 Vale, Oregon Cattle sold through the auction: 397 Steer Calves 300-400# Bulk N/A Top N/A 400-500# Bulk N/A Top N/A 500-600# Bulk 149.00-162.00 Top 166.00 Heifer Calves 300-400# Bulk N/A Top N/A 400-500# Bulk 143.00-158.00 Top 164.00 500-600# Bulk 134.00-145.00 Top 147.00 Yearling Steers 600-700# Bulk 142.00-160.00 Top 161.00 700-800# Bulk 124.00-131.00 Top 134.00 800-900# Bulk 121.00-129.00 Top 131.00 900-1,000# Bulk 97.00-110.00 Top 112.00 Yearling Heifers 600-700# Bulk 123.00-134.00 Top 135.00 700-800# Bulk 122.00-130.00 Top 131.00 800-900# Bulk 117.00-124.00 Top 126.00 900-1,000# Bulk 103.00-114.00 Top 116.50 Thin Shelly Cows 61.00-72.00 Butcher Cows 74.00-85.00 Butcher Bulls 83.00-95.00 Stock Cows 1175.00-1550.00 Younger Heifers 84.00-98.00 Pairs Young - 1325.00-1800.00 ProducersLivestock.com 541-473-3136 — Log Price Report — Prices are based on the majority of saw mills in Northeastern Oregon and Central Idaho. The prices listed below are a composite prices of various saw- mills willing to visit with me about this topic. Ponderosa Pine—small diameter class 8-11 inches diameter class $250 per mbf. Only one sawmill was willing to buy small diameter pine at this time. Ponderosa Pine—medium diameter class 12-17 inches diameter class $300 to $350 per mbf Ponderosa Pine-large diameter class 18 plus inches diameter class $380 to $410 per mbf The Pine prices are still approximately $40 per mbf below average lumber/log market due to 2017 fire salvage Doug Fir & Western Larch—$380 to $420 per mbf. Normal prices typically ranged between $425 to $475 per mbf. White Fir-$300 per mbf. Normal prices typically ranged between $340 to $360 per mbf. Engelmann Spruce—$350 at one Idaho sawmill, other sawmills including with White fir prices. In general, the log prices still impacted from 2015 fire season and fire salvage that resulted. Sawmills are starting to get log yard inventory in line with sawmill production needs. With a new Administra- tion as of 1/20/2017, a more normal economic envi- ronment should result and hopefully a more healthy housing situation will result in a better climate for Northeast Oregon Sawmill and private forest land- owners. Courtesy of Arvid Andersen, Andersen Forestry Consulting — Precious Metals Report — Price per ounce, USD Gold: $1,281.71 Silver: $16.88 Platinum: $973.80 Palladium: $891.28 Bloomberg.com — Ag Commodities — Corn: $386.00/bu/USD Wheat: $486.75/bu/USD Soybeans: $973.25/bu/USD Oats: $275.70 bu/USD Rough Rice: $12.49/cwt/USD Canola: $512.11 CAD/mwt Live Cattle: $108.05//lb./USD Feeder Cattle: $142.15/lb./USD Lean Hogs: $68.25/lb./USD Bloomberg.com