i Record-Courier
Aim
5
THURSDAY, APRIL 14,2016
County Commissioners Address a Variety of Topics
By Gina Perkins
"We have a responsibility to take
a stand to back up our zoning
ordinances," said Commissioner
Harvey addressing concerns raised
by citizen Ron Edge regarding the
awarding of legal fees in the
McCarty case which have not yet
been paid.
Edge stated not only did the
County lose the case, but they lost
the business, the services they
purchased, and salaries they
provided to Union County when
McCarty relocated to La Grande.
Edge used the word "fiasco" to
describe the McCarty lawsuit
which began prior to Harvey
assuming office.
value of $40,000 to ODOT. The
remaining $110,000 will be
financed over ten years. The build­
ing currently houses the Weed
Department.
Grant is one of the founders and
believes this organization could be
a huge asset for the County.
Harvey's strong supporters in the
audience who attend regularly
echoed his sentiments.
Ken Alexander said, "Access to
and use of federal land is the
biggest issue facing the county."
Bennett stated, "We put a budget
together. If we keep deviating from
it, then what's the point of the
budget process?"
Commissioners agreed to table
the conversation until the next
meeting.
Audience
member
John
Creighton said, "Study it, but get it
done."
Parent Advisory
Meeting Scheduled
from $1 to $3,000 annually, the
County can no longer sublease
which in part has resulted in the
Powder
Basin
Watershed
relocating.
The County owns the depot
building and the railroad owns the
property on which it sits. It
currently houses the Baker County
Parks Department.
Ramona Creighton asked if the
Cliamber is working to move the
building because the County does
not want to expend the dollars to
move. She also commented the
Chamber believes it's a historic
building. Harvey said that he is not
aware of any such conversation or
arrangement and said the building
is not historical.
Baker School District 5J will be
holding a Parent Advisory Meet­
ing on Wednesday, April 20,
2016 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The
main topic addressed during the
Van Pool
April meeting is “bullying and
Jodi Toole and Frank Thomas
harassment on the school
from Community Connection made
campus”.
a presentation to the Commission­
The meeting will start with an
ers asking for a maximum of $531
update from building principals
for three months to help jump start
about steps being taken to ad­
the Van Pool transportation
dress bullying, school climate
program. This will assist a local
and student-to-student conflicts.
employer who has been unsuccess­
• Agenda - Special Topic:
ful in finding enough qualified
Bullying and Harassment
candidates to fill a number of
* What Schools are Doing:
openings at a local call center.
Update from Principals and
Employees from La Grande who
Title IX Director
Facility Update Provided
have been hired will be riding in the
* Bullying and Harassment:
Dan McQuisten of Facilities van daily to work in Baker City. Two Appointed to Weed
Parent comments and
Foreclosure Property by
provided an update on multiple Commissioners stated the money Board
concerns
projects under lus purview. He first will come from the Economic
Dave Clemens and Tom Huff South Baker
• Discuss May agenda
thanked his team. Included in his Development budget line.
"I thought the house was going
were appointed to the Weed Board.
Time will be provided for
update were: Progress with the tree Lime Property
Commissioner Bennett provided to be tom down over Spring Break,
questions, answers, and input.
plan to remove problem trees
Ed Trindle, local rancher, an update on the conversation ’ but it's still standing,1 stated Parent Advisory meetings were
working in partnership with OTEC approached Commissioners about regarding the Tri-County Weed Commissioner
“
~
Bennett.
and the Road Department; revamp­ the possibility of leasing approxi­ Board. He stated Union and
Chairman Harvey said that an initiated in the 2015-16 School
ing the gutters, downspouts and mately 900 acres around the site Wallowa County Commissioners unexpected issue came out of the Year as a means to provide
drains to keep water as far away as owned by the County at Lime to with whom he spoke stated they dark regarding the number of parents opportunity to interact
possible from the Courthouse graze cattle. Concerns about access were not adverse to moving the parking spaces which would result with District leaders around
building; improvements in Circuit to water, fencing, unmarked bound­ office to Baker County and were in from the home being removed from issues affecting schools and
Court; ongoing maintenance aries arid that Commissioner agreement regarding the need for the property. He stated the School education. Meetings are held in
projects in the Justice Center which Harvey is interested in pursuing transparency and creation of a District is applying for a the North Conference Room of
is open 365 days a year, 24 hours partitioning off the structures from budget.
conditional use permit and the the Baker School District Office
per day; assisting the Road Depart­ the rest of the property in preparing Union Pacific Railroad
applicable paper work is in the at 2090 Fourth Street. The Par­
ment in erecting the building it for sale, resulted in no decision
ent Advisory meeting is an open
school district office.
Contract
moved from the old fairgrounds being made.
Following a discussion of other forum. Parents with students
Commissioner Kerns asked why
site; updates to the museum and
the contract between the County brief topics and a comparison of currently attending Baker 5J
new roof for the Adler House- D.A. Discusses Options
and Union Pacific Railroad which calendars between the Commis­ schools are welcome to attend.
Museum; stone repair on the Court­ for County Counsel
sioners, the meeting was adjourned.
District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff increased from $1 annually to
house,
securing
foreclosure
$3,000
had
not
been
brought
before
properties, implementation of discussed options- for obtaining
BLUE
outside legal services for the the contract review board. He also
maintenance software, etc:
stated he had been in the dark dur­
MOUNTAIN
Following McQuisten's update County. He explained he is able to
EQUIPMENT, INC.
ing the process and asked for an
he received multiple compliments perform limited services such as
OIL
explanation.
Campbell St • Baker City, Oregon
assisting
the
Clerk's
Office
or
on the appearance of the grounds.
The Petroleum Company
Harvey
stated,
"Your
Parks
Ron Edge said, "The grounds Treasurer with questions pertaining
Jeremy&Ashlee Yerrick
Director -had two months and
look outstanding....hopefully, the to foreclosures. He also assists with
couldn't get anything done. I was
2885 i3th Street, Baker City
McCORMICK
County appreciates what you're specific questions such as those
541-523-4779 / 541-403-0215
regarding Public Meeting law but asked to get involved." He further
doing."
stated that he sought county
Similar compliments were emphasized his primary role is to
Cardlocks
[Branson
counsel and the attorney ultimately
CÖ äwo »
echoed by Ed Hardt and Ramona prosecute crimes. He reviewed
• Baker City • Haines
negotiated
the
contract
between
the
Creighton. Commissioner Harvey prior models and believes the
www.gyllenbergeq.com
• North Powder
current model of utilizing the D.A. County and the Railroad.
also extended praise.
The new contract is signed by
for
certain
services
and
outside
Approve Vehicle Purchase
Commissioner Harvey.
Commissioners approved the county counsel for specific areas of
Commissioners agreed to set up
vehicle purchase following a expertise such as planning, is the a work session (which was
Individuals, Partnerships
presentation by Rick Lusk of the most efficient.
scheduled for this Wednesday,
__ .ACTION I
and Corporations
Watermaster's Office. He stated American Stewards
April 13 after the Record-Courier [J
f
Tax Preparation
funds would not be taken from of Liberty
had gone to press) with Attorney
Chairman
Harvey
asked' Van Thiel.
general fund monies and had been
Nichols & Mitchel (PC
already accounted for in the budget. Commissioners to consider paying
The 1995 lease states, "The term
Certified Public Accountants
Complete Residential
The department will be purchasing $1,000 to join the American of this lease shall commence June
& Commercial
Bruce Nichols, CPA
a 2003 Sonoma locally from. Stewards of Liberty coalition to 1, 1995 and, unless sooner termi­
NEW - REMODELS - REPAIRS
Stan Mitchell, CPA
Bulldog Motors.
receive help with legal services and nated as provided in this Lease,
Serving Union & Baker Counties
experienced staff in dealing with a shall extend for twenty (20) years
Moving Forward with
Tax Preparation & Electronic Filing
CCB# 103084
multitude of ever-present issues and thereafter Lessee shall have
Payroll Services - Estates & Trusts
ODOT Building Purchase
Baker City 541-523-7990
Located at 2550 Broadway
Commissioners are moving driven by the BLM, U.S. Forest four (4) five year options to renew.
La Grande 541-963-9534
Service
and
other
federal
agencies.
in Baker City
Lessee shall advise Lessor in writ­
forward with the purchase of the
Dave Billings & Wendy Kohl-Billings
Commissioner
Bennett
stated
he
ing not less than ninety (90) days
541-523-6471
ODOT building. As part of the
Owners
27
purchase agreement, they voted to believes existing affiliations with prior to the initial term and each
trade two gravel pits, one located entities such as the Public Lands subsequent 5 year option. Lessee
on Pocahontas and the other at Council, AOC, and NACO were shall pay to Lessor, in advance, rent
Pleasant Valley with a combined sufficient. He also cited budget of One Dollar ($1.00) per annum.
concems.Harvey stated Fred Kelly
In addition to the cost increasing
GYLLENBERG
541-523-7823 œ
Public Hearing Considering Two Permit Requests to be Held
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The Baker County Planning
Commission will hold a public
hearing at 6 p.m. on Thursday,
April 28, 2016, in the Commis­
sioner’s Chambers located in the
Baker County Courthouse, 1995
Third Street, Baker City, Oregon,
to consider two permit requests.
CUP-16-004: The applicant and
property owner, Idaho Power
Company, Inc., requests approval
for a Planned Unit Development
(PUD) and a Conditional Use Per­
mit (CUP) in the Rural Residential
(RR-5) Zone and the Exclusive
Farm Use (EFU) Zone. They are
requesting development of 3 du­
plex units (6 residential dwellings,
total) and a 28-unit capacity recre­
ational vehicle (RV) storage area.
The proposed development will
provide employee housing and ve­
hicle storage. The Planned Unit
Development will be occurring in
the RR-5 Zone. The subject prop­
erty is also identified as Tax Lots
200 (RR-5) & 300 (RR-5 and
EFU) in Township 8 South, Range
48 East, W.M., Baker County, OR
(Refs. 14772, 12373, 900584,
900799).
Conditional Use request CU-16-
004 will be reviewed under the
criteria listed in Baker County
Zoning Ordinance #2014-01 Sec-
tions 210.05(B), 230, 320, 340,
345,360,510 as well as the Baker
County Comprehensive Land Use
Plan. Generally, unless otherwise
noted, if a request is found to be
consistent with the Zoning Ordi-
nance it is considered to be consis-
tent with the Baker County
Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
PA-16-001: Richard and Lori
Daniels, applicants and property
owners, are proposing a Plan
Amendment to re-zone a ±7 acre
portion of their property from
Timber Grazing (TG) to a Limited
Use Tourist Commercial Com-
bined (LUTCC) Zone. The subject
property is identified as Tax Lot
400 of Township 07 South, Range
38, Section 05C, W.M., Baker
County, OR (Ref. 10315). The
situs address is 51078 Anthony
Lakes Highway, North Powder,
OR 97867. The applicants propose
16 RV sites, 10 campsites and a
toilet facility, as well as a commer­
cial dwelling for business office,
caretaker residence, and retail to
accommodate on-site guests.
The Baker County Zoning Ordi­
nance (BCZO) requires a Plan
Amendment to be processed as a
Type IV procedure, which is a
quasi-judicial process where the
final decision is made by the
Baker County Board of Commis­
sioners after public notice, a pub­
lic hearing and a recommendation
from the Planning Commission.
Applicable criteria includes the
Baker County Zoning Ordinance
(BCZO) #2014-011 Chapter 670
- Limited Use Overlay, Chapter
260 - Plan Amendments, the
Baker County Comprehensive
Land Use Plan, Oregon Revised
Statute 197.732 and Oregon Ad­
ministrative Rules 660-004-0010
to 660-004-020. Generally, unless
otherwise noted, if a request is
found to be consistent with the
Zoning and Subdivision Ordi­
nance it is considered consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan.
Press Release CUP-16-004
Idaho Power & PA-16-001
Daniels A copy of the application,
all documents and evidence sub­
mitted by or on behalf of the ap­
plicant, and the applicable criteria
are available for inspection. The
staff report the Planning Commis­
sion will use in its decision mak­
ing process for this request will be
available at the Baker City-County
Planning Department by April 21,
2016.
A digital copy of the documents
can be emailed to you at no cost,
or a hard copy can be provided for
a reasonable cost. All interested
persons are invited to attend this
hearing.
As
required
by
ORS
197.763(3)0, persons wishing to
comment on the proposed applica­
tion may do so by presenting oral
testimony at the hearing, or by
submitting written testimony. Tes­
timony should avoid repetition of
issues, be based on the applica­
tion, and address the relevant cri­
teria listed above. Only comments
on the relevant approval criteria
are considered applicable evi­
dence. Telephone conversations
cannot be accepted as testimony.
All written testimony must be
submitted to the Planning Depart­
ment by no later than 5 p.m. on the
hearing date, April 28, 2016, or
submitted in person during the
hearing.
Per ORS 197.763(3)(e), you are
required by law to be notified of
this land use request, and you are
eligible to offer relevant testimony
in support of or against the pro­
posal during the hearing. Failure
of an issue to be raised ih a hear­
ing, in person or by letter, or fail­
ure to provide statements or
evidence sufficient to afford the
decision maker an opportunity to
respond to the issue precludes ap­
peal to the Land Use Board of Ap­
peals (LUBA) on that issue.
If you have questions regarding
the application for CUP-16-004,
please contact Kara Harris, at
kharris@bakercounty.org. If you
have questions regarding the ap­
plication for PA-16-001, please
contact
Carson
Quam
at
cquam@bakercounty.org.
The
Baker County Planning Depart­
ment can be reached at 541-523-
8219.
Join us for church
on iSunday at 11 a.m
■■
Haines United Methodist Church
721 Robert Street, Haines, Oregon
Sally Wiens, Lay Minister • 541.963.6991 (home phone)
Saturday, April 23
TREF'fe li Baker High School
one-day mini-college for family forestland
SCHOOL A owners,
foresters, farmers, contractors, loggers,
EAST arborists, teachers, and the general public
25 Education classes, including
Presented
• Post-Fire Forest Restoration
• Making Money with Juniper
• What’s Killing My Trees?
Oregon IWe
• Surviving in the Wild
• Applied Issues in Honey Bee Health & Biology
• Minimizing Your Federal Tax Burden
• Water, Timber & Easements •
• Understanding & Protecting Real Property Rights
• Chainsaw Operation & Maintenance
Plus vendors, exhibits and demonstrations.
osu
$50 per person, includes snacks & lunch.
Register by April 15 by calling 541-523-6418
or online at extension.oregonstate.edu/baker
POWDER RIVER
Annual Fundraiser
■ 7 , i Banquet & Auction
FRIENDS OF
1
I
t May 7 - 4PM ■ Baker Events Center
We Support Youth Programs and Shooting Sports
in Baker County and throughout Oregon
. . III
Join US.
Learn more at
www.prfnra.org
Tickets available at Tom Van Diepen
Farmer’s Insurance Agency 523-4464
Raffles - Banquet - Bar - Games - Auctions