Baker County

The meeting addressed the lack of a quorum, requiring deferral of the March 23rd meeting minutes review. A discussion ensued regarding the open committee member position, noting a resignation and the application received from a potential replacement. A significant portion of the meeting involved a detailed presentation by a representative from USDA Wildlife Services concerning wolf depredation services, lethal control procedures, and forthcoming NEPA environmental paperwork. The committee also discussed non-lethal support options, including range riding, Fox lights, and rag boxes, as well as updates on Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) depredations and potential kill permit requests. Furthermore, updates were provided regarding recent Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) wolf Grant funds, specifically concerning non-lethal prevention funding and reimbursement status for previous expenditures such as radios. Discussions also covered an NRCS Western Landowners Alliance Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) with remaining funds available for range riding. Finally, a separate presentation detailed grant writing efforts by the Baker Sage Grouse Lit Coordinator for constructing a carcass disposal site at the Baker sanitary landfill, which aims to reduce wolf-livestock conflicts, and funding requests for carcass fees from the Wolf Commission.

Discussions included feedback regarding church property adjustments that may upset the congregation. Updates were provided on various local issues, including unauthorized nighttime vehicle activity by individuals from outside the area, and preparations for an upcoming event, transitioning from "flea market" to "Sumpter Market" to attract a broader demographic. Administrative updates covered managing vendor applications, new signage for the event grounds, and the financial restructuring of vendor fees, which is reportedly generating better revenue than the five-year average despite some vendor resistance. Other topics included ongoing issues with City Hall flooding due to snowmelt, delays in the water tower project awaiting parts, ongoing design issues with the wastewater project concerning DEQ, and efforts to secure grants for road repairs. Further discussion focused on concerns about speeding in Richland, including collaboration with the Sheriff's department and ODOT to potentially lower speed limits and address wildlife fatalities caused by speeding vehicles. Finally, there was mention of ongoing work regarding curb repair and hiccups with the water treatment plant pump.

The work session focused on providing an update regarding the Greater Idaho Movement. Discussion included the May 21, 2024, vote in Crook County regarding Measure 786 concerning the potential relocation of the Oregon-Idaho border. Concerns were raised regarding external spending to defeat the measure and the lack of response from state and federal officials. The presenters requested that the Baker County Commissioners support sending a letter through the Eastern Oregon Commissioners Association to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House to initiate negotiations on the border relocation issue. Additional topics included debunking rumors, such as concerns about abortion laws in Idaho, and discussing relationships with state legislators, noting the high turnover in the House.

The session began with agenda changes, including moving the transit funding discussion earlier and discussing the holiday schedule. Key topics included the review and approval of previous minutes from November 6 and November 13. A public hearing was opened and continued regarding the adoption of the 2024-2025 Baker County Fee Schedule, detailing increases in labor charges and bad check fees, as well as changes in the Health Department and Justice Court fees. The Board approved the donation of outdated Leo Wild Lights from Adler Field to the Baker County Track Club. Further actions included the approval of a purchase for a tilt deck trailer for the Road Department and an upgrade for a snow wing on a CAT grader. Emergency Management received approval for a grant-funded purchase of Slip-On Tanker fire equipment. Finally, the District Attorney presented an agreement for medical exams related to Carly's Law cases with St. Alphonsus.

The session commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Citizen participation included a presentation by Arthur Sappington representing the Snake River Music Gardens regarding the impact of recent White House Executive Orders (14225, 14168, and 14151) and a Supreme Court case on watershed management, timber harvest, Title IX interpretations, and DEI policies, noting the state's lack of compliance and the need to revise the DLCD strategic plan. Linda Sappington also presented on a food program initiative, 'Make America Healthy Again Farms and Ranches' (MAHA Farms and Ranches), aimed at local farm-to-market education. A commissioner provided an update on efforts related to timber increase executive orders, the formation of a timber coalition, and discussions with the BLM and Forest Service regarding mineral estate permitting. The commission then reviewed and approved the minutes for several previous sessions held in March and April 2025. Scheduled business included an update from the Facilities Department on maintenance, operations, and ongoing projects such as the courthouse tech area expansion and the Justice Center emergency operation addition. Contract review involved the approval of an agreement for the one-year Trauma Informed Response Training grant and the approval of the application for the Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Intervention Grant, which supports the Child Abuse Response Team, including funding for staff training.