Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (May 22, 2024)
+HSSQHU*D]HWWH7LPHV+HSSQHU2UHJRQ Wednesday, May 22, 2024 7+5(( Morrow County Board of Commissioner meeting public input circuit court -Continued from PAGE ONE ularly interesting situation as it had potential envi- ronmental contamination from the milling process. This meant that extensive surveys would be necessary to determine the extent of the problem. Additionally, there were uncertainties regarding the installation of new pipes to get water to the site. Connecting to the city water supply would involve an unknown cost, while installing a well wa- ter system, similar to what neighboring buildings used, was an alternative option. Sewer, too, presented its own challenges. Hook- ing up to the city sewer system was possible but required the installation of a pressure system due to the site’s downhill posi- tion. This pressure system would need to be imple- mented within a range of 1 to 2 miles. However, the fairgrounds site and the Boardman site already has sewers in place, eliminating this concern. Kelly proceeded to elaborate on the estimated costs associated with each location. The fairgrounds site and the Boardman site were already included with- in the budget, leaving the mill site as the primary fo- cus of discussion. The cost for the mill site was pro- jected to be between $1.945 million and $2.910 million. However, this range did not include potential environ- mental costs, which were still being assessed. To provide a more ac- curate estimate of the over- all expenses, a geotechnical survey needed to be con- ducted at each site, which could cost up to $30,000. Depending on the results, ground improvements or adjustments to the build- ing’s structural plans might also be necessary. These additional factors made it difficult to determine the exact cost of the mill site. Moreover, the longer the project was delayed, the more costly it would become. Kelly stressed that each month of de- lay incurred an addition- al $100,000 in escalation FRVWV:LWKWKHIDLUJURXQGV site already behind sched- ule by three months, this accounted for an extra $300,000. Similarly, the mill site and the Boardman site would face escalating costs due to their own indi- vidual challenges. Considering all the fac- tors, the fairgrounds site appeared to be the least expensive option, with an additional cost of $300,000. In contrast, the mill site could potentially cost an extra $3.6 million, plus unknown environmental expenses. Commissioner Sykes took a beat to remind the room that the unknown costs, shown on the slides presented, are how to rem- edy obstacles that could come about. Jensen says the fair- grounds site is the cheapest, the Mill site is all about po- tential, and the Boardman site has logistical answers “we lay before you a heavy decision.” The first to speak during public comment was MC resident Mollie Rhea, suggesting that the existing water, power, and sewer infrastructure at the site may be usable and asks John Murray, who is a member of the Port of Mor- row Commission and was in attendance to this meet- ing, if it is available to tie into. John Murray responds by saying that there is one small well on the site, but it is not suitable for drinking. John Doherty, the City Manager, expressed his support for the fairgrounds VD\LQJ³:HDUHIRUWKHIDLU- grounds; we can work with the residents and the fair and Rodeo board to have a smooth transition and KNOWN COSTS Fairgrounds Site Potential Cost Item Provide Water to Site Option A Connect to city water Provide well water on site Option B (not recommended) Fire suppression tank & fire pump Well Water Treatment System Dispose of water from site Option A Connect to city sewer- with lift stations vs pressure system Option B Provide sewer disposal system on site Boardman Site Included in Base Budget Not Applicable 1 to 1.5 miles @ $100/ft = $895,000 to $1,165,000 $150,000 Included in Base Budget Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable $1,125,000 $75,000 Not Applicable Not Applicable Included in Base Budget Water and Sewer Development Cost Range: Kinzua Mill Site 1 to 1.5 miles = $1,235,000 to $1,560,000 Included in Base Budget Not Applicable $1,050,000 Not Applicable Base Budget $1,945,000 $1,945,000 to to $2,910,000 $2,910,000 Base Budget UNKNOWN COSTS Fairgrounds Site Potential Cost Item Kinzua Mill Site Boardman Site Environmental Needs Environmental Survey - Phase 1 Environmental Survey - Phase 2 Environmental Survey results impacting soil remediation Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Plus 3 Months= $300,000 (concurrent) UNKNOWN (Pending phase 1 results) UNKNOWN (Pending survey results) Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Geotechnical Needs Geotech Exploration & Reports Geotech results impacting ground improvement and structural foundation ODOT Site Selection Analysis Complete Completed / Base Budget Not Applicable plus 3 months= $300,000 *Time = $100,000 per month in escalation costs $300,000 $30,000 per potential building location Plus 3 Months = $300,000 UNKNOWN plus 3 months= $300,000 (concurrent) plus 3 months= $300,000 $690,000 + UNKNOWN $30,000 Plus 3 Months= $300,000 UNKNOWN Not Applicable plus 3 months= $300,000 $630,000 + UNKNOWN TOTAL KNOWN + UNKNOWN COSTS TOTAL POTENTIAL COSTS: Water and Sewer Development Costs: Site Survey Costs: Site Remediation Costs: Time Added Costs*: Fairgrounds Site Kinzua Mill Site Boardman Site Base Budget No Additional Cost No Additional Cost $300,000 $1,945,000 to $2,910,000 $90,000 + UNKNOWN UNKNOWN $600,000 Base Budget $30,000 UNKNOWN $600,000 $300,000 Up to $3,600,000 + UNKNOWN $630,000 + UNKNOWN Costs estimates provided by the city. VPRRWK RSHUDWLRQ :H¶YH come up with different ideas. I’ve met with mem- bers of the rodeo board on parking issues. And then there been some very loud discussion with the Port [of Morrow] and some of the county about possible development at the mill site for fairgrounds possibly in the future, that would have a much larger area available for development than the current fairgrounds site, the city is in favor for this site.” Next to speak was Lexington resident Jodi Ferguson, she expressed her concern that the pre- sentation during the public meeting only focused on WKH¿QDQFLDOLPSDFWRIWKH courthouse project. She ar- gued that placing the court- house at the Mill site would have a significant larger cost, but it would also have unique factors such as the Blue Mountains, the Mor- row County fair and rodeo, and other county offices that could contribute to the prosperity of the south end of the county. Furguson mentioned that the tax abatement from the Amazon sites was meant WRLPSURYHGL൵HUHQWDVSHFWV throughout the entire coun- ty, and building the court- house in Heppner would be a visual representation of the county’s gain from these tax abatements. She agreed with the statement that 80 percent of court cases come from the north end but pointed out that in a rural area like Morrow County, people often had to travel for education, work, and other purposes. However, Furguson dis- agreed with moving the current fairgrounds to the Mill site, as she believed it would not create more jobs or consistent income for the south end of the county and would be a misuse of the land. She also opposed placing the court- house at the fairgrounds or the Boardman location due to their proximity to schools and private properties. Fer- guson emphasized the need for growth opportunities in the south county and urged the board to consider put- ting south Morrow County back on the map. Sharron Inskeep, a resi- dent and city council mem- ber for Heppner, expressed concerns about the cost analysis for the port site. She inquired whether the estimated cost was based on the entire site or if it had been broken down for specific parcels, such as the two-acre parcels on the south or north side of the site. Inskeep pointed out that these two locations ZRXOG GL൵HU VLJQL¿FDQWO\ in terms of cost. In response, Commis- sioner Drago explained that the cost analysis provided a range because the exact location of the port site had not yet been determined. He stated that if the port were closer to the town, the water and sewer infrastructure could be extended for a shorter distance, thus reduc- ing costs. Conversely, if the port were located further away, the expenses would be higher. Following this explana- tion, Inskeep turned to John Murray and asked if he had any ideas for a potential site. Murray mentioned that there was brief discussion about a site near the golf FRXUVHVSHFL¿FDOO\WKHFRU- ner next to the road, which would provide easy access to the highway. Additional- ly, Murray noted that there were suggestions to remove the old existing storage buildings located right next to the road or build near the left-hand side of the exten- VLRQR൶FHDVWKLVDUHDZDV QRWLQWKHÀRRGZD\ Resident Terry Gen- try then raises a question about what would happen if hazardous materials are encountered during the surveys at the mill site, and who would be responsible for the cost of cleanup – the county or the POM [Port of Morrow] she mentions that hazardous material FOHDQXSFDQEHDVLJQL¿FDQW expense. Jensen address that question saying that there are certain areas on the hills that have been used as ODQG¿OOVLQWKHSDVWDQGWKH county would like to avoid those areas. The transfer of land would need to be discussed and negotiated with the POM. Although there have been preliminary studies conducted, none of them have been certified by the state yet. Jensen mentioned that some of the areas the county has been considering are least im- pacted by any surprises. For example, the area closest to the golf course on the far east might have had wood stacks on it, while the area QH[WWRWKHH[WHQVLRQR൶FH on the northwest side is probably not a big issue. Jensen also mentioned that while the storage unit area may not be problematic, the area behind it could be. The unknowns regarding the potential locations of the project could have an im- pact. Ultimately, the POM, the city of Heppner, and the county would need to come WRJHWKHU WR ¿QG VROXWLRQV and determine if the chosen location is suitable. Terry Gentry expressed uncertainty regarding who would be responsible for the cost of the project. She mentioned that it is unclear whether it would come out of the pockets of the county, the city, or the participating organizations and residents. Jensen added that cur- rently, they are anticipating an increase in project costs. He mentioned that they are providing the commission and the public with as much information as they have. Drago pointed out that the presentation assumes that if there is a need for project mediation, it would be a cost incurred by the county to correct the situation. Bob Mahoney, Morrow County resident states “I’ve worked on the Morrow County fairgrounds helping develop that site. I would hate to see that all go down the drain. You don’t realize the work the community has done to develop that. It’s not just the rodeo, fu- nerals, wedding, playoff football games. I think the site sucks, we don’t need it there. Built down at the Kinzua they’ve already squandered millions of dollars trying to make a SODQWZRUN:K\GRQ¶W\RX put something down there that works.” Morrow County res- ident Rick Drake asked if the parking issue at the fairgrounds been solved? Jensen replies to that saying no, but they’ve had discussion with the Fair and Rodeo Board about various options for handling park- ing, depending on where the event takes place. If it is held at the fairground site, measures will be taken to increase parking capacity. However, he says it will impact the use of the fair- grounds, and temporary stables might need to be created to accommodate horses while people park elsewhere. And that the city of Heppner is willing to DVVLVWLQ¿QGLQJDVROXWLRQ but there is currently no GH¿QLWHDQVZHU An unnamed resident raised a question regarding the fairgrounds site being a commercial building in a public zone. They asked if a public meeting is necessary for this matter and if the public has the right to ex- press their opposition to it. Jensen responded by stating that the fairgrounds site is also zoned for residen- tial purposes, allowing for schools and courthouses. Jensen explained that there would be a conditional use hearing where certain considerations, such as site plans, landscaping, park- ing, and design, would be taken into account. Jensen mentioned that the city of Heppner wanted to assess the impacts before proceed- ing with a traditional use SHUPLW+HIXUWKHUFODUL¿HG that legally, residents can- not simply express their opposition and prevent the project from happening, as long as the conditional con- siderations outlined in the city planning code are met. However, there will still be public hearings where residents can voice their FRQFHUQV:KHQDVNHGZKR decides whether the proj- ect proceeds or not, John Doherty responded that the Planning Commission makes that decision. Matt added that if the Planning Commission has a valid legal reason, they can deny the project. An unnamed resident from Lexington voiced concerns about the football ¿HOGPHQWLRQHGWKDWWKHUH is no other place to park if they were to install horse stalls. Also saying he would rather his tax money go to infrastructure. Jensen reassured the resident that the concerns regarding the fairgrounds, URGHR DQG IRRWEDOO ¿HOGV are being taken into con- sideration by the Morrow County BOC. Another Morrow Coun- ty resident Mollie Rhea asks about the infrastructure say- ing “Is the infrastructure that is possibly going in to the Mill site, is that overkill for future development and is the courthouse build foot- ing that bill?” Commissioner Dra- go replies saying “You’re asking questions that have not been decided.” Mollie WKHQDVNHGIRUFRQ¿UPDWLRQ saying “So its not built into the numbers you showed us WRGD\´'UDJRFRQ¿UPVWKDW saying “Not at all.” An unnamed resident inquires about how much unused land they need say- ing “we only need two acres, are there not two acres that have never been used?” Kelly Stewart re- plies saying there is limited evidence, and it was not recorded what was used or not. The resident replies saying that those who have lived here their whole lives know it’s never been used, that was debunked by an- other attendee, unnamed, saying their had been devel- opment in that area, and if you were to talk to the peo- ple that had once worked their they could tell you they stored oil behind the storage sheds in that area. -HQVHQ DOVR FRQ¿UPV WKDW saying that there had been ¿EHUJODVVDQGDVEHVWRVEXU- ied up on that hill as well. Former resident Pat- rick Collins asked about the bridge expansion at the fairgrounds site, Jensen replies saying “The Hinton Bridge by the school is very VX൶FLHQWWKHRWKHUEULGJH on the city road on Elder street is slim but wouldn’t need updating.” An unnamed resident then asks if the bridge will ¿W¿UHWUXFNVDQGFRQVWUXF- tion trucks and Jensen confirms saying the civil engineers say everything is okay. Ione resident Kirsten Espinola says she doesn’t understand why building on the mill site is a big issue. Jensen replies saying “it is a usable site if it wasn’t the POM wouldn’t have held RQWRLWDQGR൵HUHGLWWRXVH But they’re are unknowns that can be mitigated, we just want to make sure to the public that going with this gift horse we wanted to make sure its shoed and saddled before talking it for a ride.” Kirsten the express- es that she feels the board is dismissing the Mill site saying “-it feels like you guys are counting it out and adding these costs, but I’ve seen it done (referencing a story she told of her home- town building a school on a condemned mill site).” Jensen then replies assuring that they have not counted the site out saying “- we haven’t counted it out, we KDYHQ¶WLQÀDWHGWKHFRVWWKH major cost that we have in there is just the infrastruc- ture and Geotech surveying that we need to do to see if there is anything else, we DUHGH¿QLWHO\QRWFRXQWLQJLW out. The 3-4 million dollars is to get the water and sewer there. If we were counting it out it wouldn’t be on this list.” Kirsten replies saying she feels like the Mill site is a better spot, rather than having it next to an elemen- tary school and the fair and rodeo saying, “I just think it’s a better solution.” Janet Greenup, a Mor- row County resident, says out of respect for the pi- oneers that settled here it needs to be kept in Heppner. Resident Rick Drake says there are earthquakes in Boardman, and he wonders if they have tested for that in the Boardman site. Kelly Stewart replies saying there are seismic zones, but she doesn’t know. Morrow County res- ident Trevor Rhea asked why they need to pump sewer uphill at the Mill site, and if they’ve considered drilling a well and a septic system? And asks if the school is going to have to change their pickup system if the fairgrounds site is chosen. Drago replies to WKH ¿UVW KDOI RI KLV TXHV- tions, the water and sewer, saying it’s an option on the spreadsheets. Resident Stuart Dick expresses that he feels that the 100 acres (on the Mill -Continued to PAGE NINE Murray’s will be closed Sunday 5/26 and Monday 5/27 for Memorial Day 217 North Main St., Heppner, OR Phone 676-9158 Floral 676-9426 murraysdrug.com Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm • Sat 8am-6pm • Pharmacy- Mon-Fri 9am-6pm - Sunday 9-2 (seasonally) ($562) (;3(5,(1&( 5HDG\WRKHOSZLWK\RXU KHDULQJKHDOWKFDUHQHHGV 1:WK6WUHHW 6XLWH( +HUPLVWRQ25 36$VNXVDERXWRXUILQDQFLQJ RSWLRQV &DOO9HUQD 2൵HULQJFRPSOLPHQWDU\KHDULQJ HYDOXDWLRQDQGRUWRKDYH\RXUFXUUHQW KHDULQJDLGVFOHDQHG FKHFNHG VFKHGXOHWRGD\
