Kristen Bowles

The public meeting addressed two primary requests. First, the Commission discussed the Goal 5 Aggregate Resources Amendment (AC-161-25), concerning the identification of an existing aggregate resource as a Large Significant Resource. Discussion focused on boundary visibility from Sand Hollow Road and Spur Loop, potential impacts on a nearby creek, and its location within a floodplain. The Commission recommended approval to the BOC. Second, the Commission reviewed Variance V-N-060-25 for Rock It, LLC, seeking relief from the age requirement for a manufactured home on property zoned Rural Residential. Questions arose regarding the removal of two existing homes. The Commission recommended approval contingent upon the removal of the older homes. A public comment was also introduced regarding a new group, Friends of Morrow County.

The meeting included a legislative session focused on Zoning Ordinance Amendments, specifically addressing code updates for Exclusive Farm Use and Forest Use lands to implement new Oregon Administrative Rules. Discussions also covered the definition of outdoor gatherings, Flood Hazard Overlay Zone regulations, and tax return record-keeping consistency among counties. Furthermore, the Commission reviewed the Columbia River Heritage Trail 60% Draft Plan Update, discussing speculated routes, the involvement of private land, and coordinating with the City of Boardman. County Counsel advised against taking public comments on the trail update due to lack of proper notice for that agenda item. The session concluded with correspondence and public comment.

The key discussion focused on a Legislative Code Update: AZ-160-25, Morrow County Zoning Ordinance Amendment, aimed at incorporating new Eastern Oregon Solar Siting Standards into the Exclusive Farm Use Zone and the Forest Use Zone. The commission discussed threshold changes for permitting based on acreage and farmland value as dictated by state rules. The public hearing included testimony regarding panel technology, which staff indicated was not a site standard. Following the recommendation for approval of the zoning update, other business addressed confusion regarding a previous work session on the Heritage Trail Concept Plan, noting that a formal adoption with public comment would be scheduled for January 2026. Staff also summarized findings that the trail involved private land, including segments on Port of Morrow and Threemile Farms properties, and noted a request from Oregon Potato to remove their property from the plan.

The agenda for the Morrow County Fair Board meeting included several key topics. New Business items centered on the formal introduction of the new Fair Manager, Tylynn Cimmiyotti, and a review of post-fair updates to determine improvements for the following year. Other significant discussion points included transferring management of the Queen Program to the Rodeo Group, confirming attendance for the OFA Convention, and determining criteria for waiving or discounting facility rental fees. The board planned to revisit Fair Board Member Guidelines and Expectations, confirm the dates for next year's fair and rodeo, and begin planning for the October event, "Boot Scootin' Spooky." Furthermore, there was an item dedicated to a future discussion regarding the fairgrounds facility and planning for St. Patrick's Day events.

The agenda for the Morrow County Planning Commission meeting includes a call to order, roll call, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The primary business items are the approval of the draft minutes from June 24, 2025, and a public hearing on Legislative Code Updates (AZ-159-25), which involves amending the Zoning Ordinance to implement new Oregon Administrative Rules for Exclusive Farm Use and Forest Use zones, along with minor updates to Definitions and the Flood Hazard Overlay Zone. Other business includes an update on the Columbia River Heritage Trail 60% Draft Plan, review of correspondence, and public comment.