Aaron Boyce

The primary purpose of this special meeting was to workshop the work plan for the Community Health Advisory Council (CHAC) for the upcoming three years, allowing contributions from appointed members, partners, and the public. Key discussion points centered on defining the community's dreams for an ideal, healthy environment. Themes included increasing resources and access to healthcare and mental health treatment, improving health literacy, eliminating financial burdens as barriers to care, reducing stigma around mental health, and establishing safe places/shelter options for vulnerable populations during extreme weather. Participants also discussed the critical need for family wage jobs, affordable childcare, more diverse activities for youth and adults (beyond alcohol-centered social events), improved transportation, domestic violence resources, and developing food security initiatives, such as establishing a system allowing individuals to select their own food rather than receiving pre-packaged boxes. The group also addressed the critical issue of suicide prevention by focusing on community education, confidence in helping neighbors, and preventative measures.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and noted the absence of designated prayer leadership. The consent agenda was discussed, and one commissioner commented on the excellent work of the administrative assistant in keeping minutes current. A significant portion of the meeting involved welcoming and swearing in a new correction officer, Kyle McGrath, who brought prior experience from another county sheriff's office. Following this, the Under Sheriff presented the yearly statistics for 2025, detailing reports written across various crime categories (person, property, community, sex crimes) and arrests made by the Sheriff's Office, noting decreases in several areas but an increase in assaultive arrests. Jail statistics, including total bookings (Sheriff's Office and OSP), DUI bookings, and assaultive arrests, were reviewed, with a notable increase in assaultive arrests attributed potentially to Measure 110 and mental health factors. Jail metrics like use of force incidents and suicide attempts showed positive trends (decreases). Calls for service volume and staffing levels were discussed, noting a high volume relative to the number of deputies. Justice Center statistics were presented regarding the number of people scanned in and prohibited items turned away at the security checkpoint, alongside a discussion on flag security cases requiring additional deputy response. Later in the meeting, updates were provided by the Chamber representatives concerning organizational restructuring, including new staff titles (Director of Commerce and Tourism, Community Relations Coordinator) and reaffirming the Chamber's status as a 501c6 nonprofit. Discussions covered upcoming board openings, the goal to integrate Explore Primeville with the Chamber's operations, the organization's vision for financial strength, and a review of successful 2025 events like the Christmas parade and golf tournament, which generated funds for local nonprofits. New member benefits, such as advertising on a lobby monitor and LED sign, and increased social media sharing promotion, were highlighted.

Key discussions during the regular session included public comments regarding potential SNAP benefit cuts and local mental health services. The board approved the consent agenda, which included contract amendments and extensions for janitorial services and snow control. A proclamation for #OperationGreenLight, a national initiative to support veterans, was accepted. The board also approved the 2025/2026 VOCA-CFA Grant application signature. The 2024 Crook County Health Department Triennial Review Report was presented, detailing compliance findings which have since been resolved. A new policy for filling vacancies on the Crook County Fair Board was adopted, and the board agreed to proceed with a temporary process for filling vacancies on the Budget Committee, while a long-term order is developed. A $5,000 contribution to Oregonians for Floodplain Protection for litigation regarding the Oregon Biological Opinion was approved, to be sourced from the Community Support Fund. An amendment to Order 2025-18 corrected a scrivener's error in the fiscal year 2026 budget adoption. A supplemental budget hearing resulted in the adoption of Resolution 2025-36 to carry over Title III funds for the Mobile Incident Command Post and search and rescue vehicle update. Ordinance 355, a zone map amendment for a 20-acre parcel in Powell Butte, was approved following a second quasi-judicial hearing. The board discussed postponing the November 26th meeting due to the AOC conference. Public comments later addressed ongoing compliance issues related to Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) concerning unauthorized parking, operations on Sundays, and material dumping by Knife River, prompting discussions on enforcement strategy, including potential permit revocation under a three-strikes rule.

The meeting agenda included a consent item for the approval of the May 2, 2025 meeting minutes. The primary discussion item involved a recommendation to the County Board of Commissioners and Budget Committee regarding a compensation schedule for Crook County elected positions as defined in ORS 204.005.

The meeting agenda included roll call and introductions, staff announcements regarding an update on the SPARK Clothing Drive, a Modernization Plan Update from Equip Health, and a Workplan Session. Discussions covered the 2023-2026 Workplan and identifying focus areas for the next few months. New members were required to sign documents pertaining to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.