SIX - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, July 24, 2002
County Court news
By Doris Brosnan
The Morrow County
Court did not hold a regular
session on June 26 because
Commissioners Wenholz and
Brosnan were attending a
CSEPP
conference.
The
commissioners did, however, via
a conference call, adopt the
county budget.
At their July 3 meeting,
two members o f the Rodeo
Committee approached the court
to request that the committee not
have to pay the agreed upon
amount to the county for the work
completed for rodeo parking. In
a lengthy discussion, the
committee members talked about
the need for funding for an
equipment purchase, and the
commissioners explained the
details o f the county Road
Department budget that preclude
“forgiving” the debt.
From the Public Works
Department, Karen Wolff and
Sandi Day reported on the status
of the Fair Office needs in the
absence of a secretary and the
steps the Fair Committee has
taken to address those needs until
after the August event. The court
approved the temporary hiring of
Renee Yocom, with the
understanding that Wolff and Day
will assist as needed. Day
presented contracts prepared for
providers of various fair-related
activities, and the court approved
them. She also reported that
Charity McElligott would be
taking over chaperone duties of
the Fair and Rodeo Court.
Bill Broderick of OSU
Extension spoke to the court about
a forestry education project for
which some SB 1608 hinds could
be used this year, as the 4-H
camp did not materialize. He
suggested a field trip to Portland
to visit the zoo and the World
Forestry Center. The court
approved the alternative project.
Tobacco Prevention
Officer Karen M asshoff and
Director of Public Health Sheree
Smith explained the Indoor Clean
Air Act to the court. Further
discussion of the enforcement
provisions under the new
administrative rules continued,
and
the
com missioners
maintained their position against
the county’s acting as an
enforcem ent officer. They
discussed the three sections of the
agreement with the state but did
not take steps to agree to any of
the conditions.
County Judge Terry
Tallman reported on an issue that
involved a landowner’s water
right on property on which the
county has a rock pit. Use of the
water right by the landowner
during the last five years has not
been documented, a requirement
for renewal by the State Water
Resources Departm ent. He
further explained that the
landowner will be left with some
right, but none will be granted for
industrial use at the pit. The court
agreed to explore the possibility
of documenting the county’s use
of the water right during the last
five years.
Tallman also reported
having received a thank-you letter
from Governor Kitzhaber, for his
participation on the Executive
Review Panel. He also reported
a letter from the Bureau of Land
Management asking if the county
would desire creation o f a
cooperating agency relationship
with the Bureau, which would
require com m unication on
county-related issues. He agreed
to inform the Bureau of the
county’s interest. The court
received a letter stating that the
county will not receive the
housing rehabilitation grant
applied for through the Housing
and Community Services Office.
Executive Secretary
Andrea Denton discussed with the
commissioners the complexities of
evaluating and developing salaries
for CSEPP positions, which are
federally funded but “county
em ployees.” After a lengthy
discussion,
Com m issioner
Tallman and Wenholz agreed that
the Program Manager's salary
should be calculated from out-of-
state external market numbers.
A representative of
Wheatland Insurance spoke to the
commissioners about the annual
renewal of the county’s workers
compensation insurance through
SAIF. He explained new rates and
(
voiced an opinion that SB 455 will
cause rates to increase for two
to four years. The court approved
renewal of the insurance.
Public Works Director
Burke O’Brien reported that the
crew had cleaned up stockpile
sites used for the chip seal projects
and were then sweeping roads that
will be striped. Potholes have
been patched on Bunker Hill, Ella
Road, Main Street, Paul Smith,
and most of Kunze Road. Asphalt
on Lindsay Road was processed
into base material. The crew
replaced a bent guardrail on
Willow Creek Road, and the
crusher crew had finished with
chip seal rock and begun making
road rock at the Skinner Creek
pit. They have graded Blake
Ranch, Loyd, and Upper Little
Butter Creek Roads. The crew
has also attended an annual mine
safety training.
O’Brien noted that the
county has several no-spray zones
which are undocumented but
verbally agreed to with some
property’ owners. Dave Pranger,
who is responsible for the county
spraying, reported that a
substantial number of landowners
are now requesting that the county
not spray and that the county has
not had an effective system for
tracking the requests and marking
the right-of-ways for spraying and
no-spraying. The court agreed
that Public Works should draft a
permit for handling requests.
O ’Brien and Nate
Arbogast
of
Morrow
Development
Corporation
explained to the court that plan
changes in the Court Street
intersection project have
adversely affected the county’s
plan to place a conduit for a fiber
optic line under a new sidewalk
below the courthouse. As that
sidewalk will not be replaced, the
county faced an unexpected
expense or the use of an overhead
line until an underground conduit
can be placed during the work on
Terrace Drive. The court agreed
to the second, less expensive
option.
Other actions of the court
included the following:
- approval o f the
purchase of a cell phone for the
Planning Department;
- promotion of Sheree
Smith to the position of Director
of the Public Health Department;
- approval of the contract
with the employee union;
- acceptance of the bid
on the janitorial services;
- approval of equipment
for the Public Works Department;
approval o f an
agreement with Umatilla County
for juvenile detention space.
At the July 10 meeting of
the Morrow County Court,
representatives of the Umatilla
Chemical Agent Disposal Facility
updated the commissioners on the
status of the incinerator project,
including workforce numbers,
surrogate trial bums, performance
tests, descriptions of wastes, and
disposal o f wastes during
construction. They noted their
com mitment to safety, and
Comm issioner Dan Brosnan
emphasized the need for no
“legacy waste” when the plant is
shut down. They said there would
be no drums left in igloos and said
they look for “ways to do things
smarter and better.” They invited
the court to tour the facility again.
Judge Terry Tallman
opened a public hearing for the
second reading of the proposed
Speedway Ordinance. He did not
take testimony. Carla Me Lane,
associate county planner, pointed
to the need for signatures on the
findings of fact and noted the
attachments to the ordinance.
Tallman closed the hearing. As
there had been no further changes
to the findings, the court
unanimously approved the
ordinance amending the county
com prehensive
plan,
transportation system plan, and
zoning ordinance to allow for the
siting of a speedway and related
facilities at the Boardman airport.
The time limit for appeal is 30 days
after signing.
Sheriff Verlin Denton
and
representatives
of
Community Corrections spoke to
the court about a proposed change
in the parole and probation
contract with Umatilla County.
The change results from Umatilla
County’s wish to use the trained
expertise in sexual-abuse cases of
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the Morrow County Probation
O fficer in return for some
covering of Morrow County cases
by Umatilla probation officers.
The commissioners had several
questions o f the officers and
voiced confidence in Denton’s
evaluation of what he could see
as beneficial for the county in this
cooperative effort.
Denton also shared with
the court a photo of the county’s
marine patrol boat that was sent
to Portland to help provide
security for the Navy fleet when
they were there for the Rose
Festival. He reported, too, that
Morrow County would host the
Oregon
State
Sheriffs
Conference in September at the
Riverfront Lodge and Riverfront
Center in Boardman.
In response to a question
from Com m issioner John
Wenholz, Denton reported that the
county has an agreement with
Columbia Basin Dive Rescue for
professional services.
Wayne Downy, of
Threemile Canyon Dairy,
approached the court about the
question o f certificates o f
occupancy, which the company
expected to receive but has since
learned have not been issued. The
group discussed building codes,
the position of the County Building
Official, the county’s liability
issue, and the company’s position
that it has met requirements. The
court explained that it would
further discuss the complex
situation with County Counsel.
Karen Wolff, o f the
Public Works Department, read
a report to the court from Renee
Yocom on the status of the fair,
and the commissioners reviewed
and discussed a list o f
maintenance requests from the
Rodeo Committee.
Judge Tallman reported
that the Small Business
Administration has approached
the court as it searches for space
in the county for two computers
for use in making inquiries
regarding SBA programs. After
discussion, the court declined
placing one in a county facility.
Tallman also reported that the
Planning Director has discussed
with DEQ and the schools the
construction debris being stored
around the county. She has
learned that most of the debris
will be used by the fire
departments for bum practice, but
one pile is not burnable and has
left a question about a code
violation.
Commissioner Brosnan
reported a message from Heppner
City Manager Jerry Breazeale
concerning the curb and sidewalk
project on Riverside Avenue. The
city needs permission from the
county, as part of the project will
be on county property. The court
approved the project, providing it
remains within what was
engineered and the city pays for
it
R epresentatives
of
McGee Financial offered a
quarterly report to the court on
pension-plan investments, down 5
percent from inception, though the
market is down 15+ percent. The
court heard the professionals’
prognoses for fixed and variable
investm ents
and
recommendations for the county
plan. They agreed to come back
in October to speak to the
employees.
The court discussed with County
Counsel Bill Hanlon the issue of
the water right at a gravel pit, the
one at which documentation of
use needs to be supplied if the
right is not to be canceled.
Public Works Director
Burke O’Brien reported that the
crew had started fog sealing on
Patterson Ferry, Pole Line,
Homestead, Tower, and McNab
Roads, and Eighth Street. They
have started sorting riprap for the
Juniper Canyon Project. He
reported that selection work
continues for the airport hangar
replacement, and that the OYCC
crew had been doing “a great job,
quality work” at Cutsforth Park.
At the park, the department is
considering placement of some
horse pens for equestrian users.
Seven new campsites have been
added and six other sites
reconfigured.
O’Brien also reported
vandalism at the Skinner Creek
Pit on July 8, when someone
turned on a fuel truck pump.
O’Brien had reported the incident
to the Sheriff’s Office and to
DEQ. and the department was
cleaning the site. Three weeks
before, someone vandalized a
grader.
He reported having made
the changes in the no-spray zone
permits and having added a
requirem ent for pay o f cost
materials and labor to post signs,
as well as a requirement to follow
label directions for applications.
The court agreed to have the
County Counsel look at the
permit.
Other actions of the court
included the following:
- extension o f an
agreement with the Region 12
Workforce Investment Board
- acceptance of an offer
from a landowner for block 2, lot
3 in the Ayers Fifth Addition in
Heppner;
- approval o f the
purchase of a welder and two air
greasers for the Public Work
Department;
- approval of the parking
of a truck with a pump unit at an
employee’s home because the
equipped truck will not fit through
the maintenance-shop door and
needs to be available for
emergencies;
- approval of a permit for
a sewer line installation under
Washington Avenue;
- approval o f a grant
agreement modification with the
State of Oregon for the Health
Department;
- approval o f the
agreement with Umatilla County
Jail for space, at daily rate $2
lower than in the previous
agreement;
- approval of a contract
with Tim Holt for psychiatric
nurse practitioner services;
- approval of contracts
for respite care services with
Ashley Cain, Cynthia Sumner,
Clarissa Johnson, Deanna
Hendricks, Debra Ann Black,
Frances Ann Peck, Karen
Woodward, Krystal Maynard,
Mary Morehouse, Naomi Ruth
Donahue, Tamara Reid, and Tia
Warren;
- approval of a renewal
contract with Laura Aviles-Valdez
for services under the Safety Net
Grant;
- approval of a renewal
contract with the State marine
Board for services;
- approval of a contract
addendum with Carol Michael,
extending the agreement to June
30,2003;
- approval o f an
enterprise-zone abatement
agreement with pacific Chemical,
to replace the agreement with
Stanford Chemical.
At the July 17 session of
the Morrow County Court, the
commissioners reviewed the 2002
Needs and Issues Inventory
countywide priority list. After a
discussion, they approved funding
awards to Lexington for water
and fire equipment and for the
water project, the Heritage Trail
signage, the lone rural fire district
for safety equipm ent, the
Boardman
Chamber
of
Commerce for community
marketing, the City of Heppner
for the engineering design for
sewer-main extension and the
Irrigon water system master plan.
Planning Director Tamra
Mabbott spoke with the court
about the BAIC easem ent
agreem ent,
which
was
undergoing a final review. Judge
Terry Tallman informed her of the
Northeast Area Commission on
Transportation’s request that ex
officio
members
be
representatives of the counties’
road departments and planning
departm ents. M abbott also
informed the court of a meeting
scheduled for the following day,
July 18, with representatives of
the DEQ. The purpose of the
meeting was to discuss with the
contractors and the school district
the disposal of waste from the
school project. Mabbott noted that
land use and solid waste were
issues. Com m issioner Dan
Brosnan expressed concern for
the landowners and agreed to
invite them to the meeting.
Executive Secretary
Andrea Denton showed the court
the latest diagram s o f the
proposed multi-agency building for
Irrigon. The com m issioners
agreed that the cost estimate for
the county’s share was too much.
Denton agreed to relay the
message and to ask what the
county’s share of operating costs
would be.
Judge Tallman reported
having requested from ESD an
analysis o f past, present, and
future telecommunications costs
for the county. He shared the
information on costs projected by
the Port of Morrow and said that Paul L. Hart
Paul L. Hart, 68, of
use of fiber optics would create
Hardman died of cancer on July
75 times the present capacity.
17,2002 at his home. A memorial
Economic Development
Specialist Martin Davis reported service will be held on July 27,
to the court that all of the property 2002, at 3 p.m. at the Christian
the county has shown interest in Life Center in Heppner. Mr. Hart
for an ATV Park is on the market was bom in Pueblo, CO on July
13,1934 to Lewis and Della Hart.
and some purchase offers are on
the table. He said he would be He was the youngest of seven
meeting with the Public Works boys.
Mr. Hart was deaf most
staff on July 19 to discuss the
of his life but was able to speak
property.
Commissioner Brosnan and made all his own negotiations
requested that Davis contact a in business in addition to
representative of Lexington to graduating from Buladet College
offer assistance in identifying in Washington D.C. with a degree
possible funding resources for a in Animal Husbandry. During his
life he worked as a mechanic,
water-improvement project.
body and fender and repairman,
Public
Works
Administrative Assistant Karen but his true passion was truck
W olff reported for the driving. He drove truck for over
department. The work crew had 35 years with no moving violations
finished fog sealing on the chip- or accidents. He traveled the
seal projects, had cleaned out Western United States and
ditches on Willow Creek Road owned his own trucking company.
where banks had sloughed off, His hobbies were gardening,
had watered and graded rough woodworking, reading and
spots on Spur Loop Road. They construction.
Mr. Hart is survived by
were installing vaults and a
his
wife
Anna,
four sons, Allen of
conduit in front of the courthouse
Cle
Elum,
WA;
Rocky of Hood
for later installation of
communications lines, and they River; Wayne of Forest Grove;
had been removing old asphalt on and Ernest o f Salem; two
Upper Rhea Creek Road near stepsons, Daniel Doyle of
Hardman and David Doyle of
Ruggs.
Wolff reported having Portland; brother, Ernie of New
and
seven
filed a claim for vandalism of the M exico;
grandchildren.
diesel tank truck at the Skinner
Memorial contributions may
Creek crusher site. She said that
be made to Christian Life Center,
the departm ent had an
environmental consultant look at P.O. Box 145, Heppner, OR.
the containment of the spill, and Sweeney Mortuary is in charge
he found their efforts above and of arrangements.
beyond what was necessary.
Charles J. Doherty
Other actions of the court
Charles J. Doherty, 87, of
included the following:
lone died July 14, 2002, at St.
- approval of a letter of Anthony Hospital in Pendleton.
response from the Public Works Recitation of the Rosary was July
Director to the Rodeo Committee,
19 at St. P atrick’s Catholic
addressing the committee’s list of Church in Heppner and Funeral
maintenance requests;
Mass was held July 20 at the
- review of a report of the church with the concluding
status of the fair and approved service and burial at Heppner
contracts for that event;
Masonic Ceremony.
- approval of a contract
Mr. Doherty was born
between Behavioral Health and July 2,1915, to Neil and Margery
Resource Connections of Oregon; Doherty of lone. He attended the
- approval of a contract Lone Tree School near lone but
between the county and
left after eighth grade to work
NORCOR for juvenile detention; with his father’s sheep operation.
approval of a software He was employed as a bus driver
contract for Behavioral with lone Schools when he
Health.
decided to get his high school
diploma. He graduated from lone
High School three years later.
He served in the U.S.
Army during World War II and
By Claudia Hughes
was discharged in 1946. Then he
Executive Director
returned to the lone area and
History is in the making as purchased his own piece of land
Willow Creek Valley’s totally to farm. Mr. Doherty was known
homemade pies are popping into to keep accurate and detailed rain
ovens all around town in records from his farm—dating
preparation for the Heppner back to 1955. He stayed on the
C ham ber’s first pie baking
farm until his death.
contest. Bet the taste testers are
Mr. Doherty m arried
pleased as men and women Beverly Jean Bradshaw on
prepare to enter their specialty February 8, 1958 in Corvallis.
during “Celebrate Historic
Mrs. Doherty was the Morrow
Heppner” on Friday, July 26. Pies County Extension Agent when
must be entered between 8-10 they were married. Mr. Doherty
a.m. at Sherrell Insurance, the was a member of St. William
event sponsor. There will be great Catholic Church in lone, the
prizes and the community will American Legion for 56 years, the
have an opportunity to take home Heppner Elks Lodge for 58 years.
the entries during the auction at Willows Grange, and a lifetime
the park that evening. The judges member of the Oregon Wheat
are a juicy, sweet secret—likely League. He served on the board
from out of town for their own of the lone Rural Fire Protection
safety! Proceeds will go toward District as well.
projects to enhance Heppner.
Survivors include his
Shoppers are encouraged to daughters, Joan Doherty and
enter the Chamber gift certificate Margaret Doherty of Portland;
drawings for four $25 gift sons, Rick o f Beaverton and
certificates to be spent at member Donald o f Fort Wainwright,
businesses. Look for the sign in Alaska; one grandson and one
the windows. The Morrow great-grandson. His wife,
County Fair and Rodeo Court will Beverly, preceded him in death in
be drawing the winners at 4 p.m.
1997.
in the area next to the Post Office.
Memorial contributions
“Quilts In The Park”, kids may be made to St. William’s
parade, historic displays, dunk Catholic Church Memorial Fund
tank, free hotdogs, courthouse through Bank of Eastern Oregon,
tours, museum, old Heppner High lone Branch, P.O. Box 106, lone
School mouse pads, great OR 97843.
sidewalk sale bargains, in-store
Sweeney Mortuary of
drawings, music in the park and Heppner is in charge of
much more. Bring family and arrangements.
friends and just have fun in your
hometown. Stay all day, shop, eat
Quitter’s Round-Up at Artisan
and play. Aren’t we lucky to live
Village
will sponsor the first-
here and have a great time while
annual Quilts in the Park outdoor
supporting our community!
Thought for the week: “The quilt show as part o f the
most important trip you take in life “Celebrate Historic Heppner” day
is meeting people half way.” - on Friday, July 26. The show will
run from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and
Author unknown
will take place in the park. Owner
Bonnie Wenberg invites the
We Print
community to share the heritage
and love of quilts. Old, new, large
Computer Forms
and small quilts are welcome from
Heppner Gazette-Tinea
both beginners and experts.
Artisan Village is located at 288
67 6-9 2 2 8
N. Main Street in Heppner.
Obituaries
Chamber Chatter
Quitters welcome