Morrow County public meetings in 2024

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will consider a revised budget and schematic design for the Courthouse Annex Project. It will also act on a plat for the New Dreams Estates development in Irrigon, a second reading of Land Use Code Amendment AZ-154-24, and adopt a fee schedule update for county parks. Additional items include renewing school resource officer contracts and approving the Water Advisory Committee's final recommendations.

• Consideration of Courthouse Annex Project Revised Budget & Schematic Design
• Approve Plat for New Dreams Estates in Irrigon
• Second Reading of Ordinance Land Use Code Amendment AZ-154-24
• Adopt Final Recommendations and Report of the Water Advisory Committee
• Order 2024-04: Adopting Fee Schedule Update for Morrow County Parks

The Board authorized staff to proceed with a revised schematic design for the Courthouse Annex project with a targeted construction cost of $35 million, down from an earlier $50 million estimate. They also approved a new subdivision plat, adopted updated meeting rules, raised park fees, and approved several other items. All votes were 2-0 with one commissioner absent.

• Authorized revised courthouse schematic design with $35M target (2-0)
• Approved final subdivision plat for New Dream Estates (2-0)
• Adopted R-2024-32 rules of procedure for board meetings (2-0)
• Approved 2025 parks fee schedule (2-0)
• Adopted R-2024-31 water initiatives and policy concepts (2-0)
• Approved GSI Water Solutions Phase 2 scope of work (2-0)
• Appointed Stephen Henthorn and Andrew Cemore to Planning Commission (2-0)
• Approved $22,000 for garbage vouchers for non-city residents (2-0)

General

The Columbia River Enterprise Zone III is meeting to manage enterprise zone activities. The body will discuss the disbursement of CDC funds and a possible boundary expansion.

• Disbursement of CDC funds
• Review of a new application
• Possible boundary expansion
• Payment of bills

Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee

The committee will meet to review agency updates and producer claim applications. The body will also consider letters of interest for committee membership.

• Review of Proudfoot Ranches, Inc Claims 1 and 3
• Committee member letters of interest from John Qualls (Local Business) and Paul Proudfoot (Livestock Producer)

The Morrow County Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee met on November 12, 2024, and unanimously approved the minutes from the September 17, 2024 meeting. ODFW reported that a collared wolf from the Madison Butte Pack was found deceased, and a depredation was confirmed on October 31. The committee reviewed producer claim application forms and offered tips for documentation, but took no substantive action on claims.

• Approved minutes from September 17, 2024 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to conduct business items. The agenda lists one specific business item regarding the Morrow County Fair and Rodeo Queen.

• Morrow County Fair and Rodeo Queen (Sue Gibbs)

General

The Morrow-Umatilla County Drinking Water Investigation Steering Committee is meeting to review project updates and field sampling efforts. The body will discuss Public Water System (PWS) connection concepts and feasibility criteria for key focus areas.

• Review of Stage 1 and Stage 2 project scope
• Update on field sampling approach and target well identification
• Discussion of PWS connection concepts for key focus areas
• Coordination review for West Glen (FA-2/FA-3)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will consider a consent agenda that includes several contracts, a vehicle purchase agreement, and tax refund items. Business items include reports from various departments, a review of a county theft policy, and the final adoption of the 2024 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting also covers water consortium agreements and committee appointments.

• Amazon Data Services, Inc. Road Use and Maintenance Agreement (consent agenda)
• Vehicle Purchase Agreement for budget‑approved dump truck
• Final Adoption of the 2024 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Consideration of a County Theft Policy
• Water Consortium IGA Review and Approval

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners approved the consent agenda, including a Road Use Agreement with Amazon Web Services, and unanimously approved items pulled for discussion. The board reviewed the pre-design report for a new courthouse annex in Boardman, estimated at $50 million, and directed staff to explore cost reductions. Several policies and agreements were approved, including a bereavement policy update, a natural hazard mitigation plan, and a water consortium agreement with the Port of Morrow.

• Approved consent agenda including AWS Road Use Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved Univerus contracts and Ione Gas Station access agreement (unanimous)
• Approved bereavement policy update (unanimous)
• Approved Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan with amendments (unanimous)
• Approved Water Consortium IGA with Port of Morrow (unanimous)
• Appointed Sykes and Mabbott to Clean Water Consortium Board (unanimous)
• Directed staff to reduce courthouse annex costs, revisit next meeting

Board of Commissioners

At the December 4, 2024 work session, the Morrow County Board of Commissioners will discuss the Water Advisory Committee’s draft final report, review and make final edits to the 2024 Zoning Ordinance code, and consider updates to the commission’s policy and procedures for meetings. No formal decisions are indicated on the agenda.

• Water Advisory Committee Draft Final Report
• 2024 Zoning Ordinance code review – discussion and final edits
• Discussion on Policy and Procedures for Commission Meetings

Planning Commission

The Morrow County Planning Commission will hold public hearings to decide on three conditional use permits. These include requests for a biogas treatment facility and two commercial trucking operations on residential properties.

• CUP-N-382-24: Proposed biogas treatment facility and 6 miles of natural gas pipeline on Marty Myers Road
• CUP-N-379-24: Commercial trucking business operation on Tax Lot 3100 (Suburban Residential)
• CUP-N-380-24: Commercial trucking business operation on Tax Lot 3000 (Suburban Residential)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will meet on November 25, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at the county government center in Irrigon. Commissioners will consider approval of a rock‑crushing invoice under Business Items. An executive session will be held to review the employment‑related performance of the chief executive officer per ORS 192.660(i). The meeting will also include public comment, open agenda items, signing of documents, and adjournment.

• Rock crushing invoice approval (Business Items)
• Executive session to review CEO performance under ORS 192.660(i)

General

The Planning Commission will hold a continued public hearing on Land Use Decision LUD‑N‑75‑24 submitted by the Port of Morrow. The application seeks approval to apply industrial wastewater on a 7,300‑acre property zoned Exclusive Farm Use, located about 10 miles southwest of Irrigon. The commission must vote on the request during this meeting.

• Land Use Decision LUD‑N‑75‑24 – request to permit industrial wastewater application on 7,300‑acre EFU land
• Property located in Township 2N Range 26 and 3N Range 26, approx 10 mi SW of Irrigon
• Decision must comply with MCZO Article 3 Sections 3.010(B)(23), (D)(8), (D)(9) and ORS 215.246

Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee

The Morrow County Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee will meet on November 12, 2024. The agenda includes approval of minutes from the September 17, 2024 meeting, agency updates, and a review of producer claim applications related to wolf depredation. The committee will also set the next meeting date for December 10, 2024 and address any public comments.

• Review Producer Claim Applications
• Approve minutes from September 17, 2024
• Agency updates on wolf depredation matters
• Set next meeting date: December 10, 2024

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss one business item regarding employee compensation. The board will consider the approval of an out-of-step salary for Matthew Jensen, a temporary employee in the Assessors Office.

• Consideration and approval of out-of-step salary for temporary Assessors Office employee Matthew Jensen

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the FY2025 Supplemental Budget for multiple programs. It will also vote on resolution adjustments and transfers of appropriations for the FY2025 budget. Additional items include approval of vehicle purchase grants, adoption of the 2024 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, and a second reading of Code Amendment AZ-154-24.

• FY2025 Supplemental Budget – Multi Program (public hearing)
• FY2025 Budget – Resolution Adjustments & Transfers of Appropriations
• Approval of MCPT 5310 and 5311 Grants to fund purchase of a "rightsize" vehicle
• Final Adoption of the 2024 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Code Amendment AZ-154-24 2nd Reading

The Board unanimously approved resolutions to modify ARPA fund commitments and adopt the FY2025 supplemental budget, which includes reallocating grant funds and adjusting appropriations. They also approved transit grants, a janitorial invoice over the procurement threshold, and several other administrative items. The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan was not approved due to needed changes.

• Approved Resolution R-2024-24 modifying ARPA SLFRF commitments (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution R-2024-25 adopting FY2025 supplemental budget (unanimous)
• Approved Resolutions R-2024-26 and R-2024-27 for budget adjustments and transfers (unanimous)
• Approved MCPT 5310 and 5311 grants for submission by Nov 20 deadline (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of $5,880 janitorial invoice exceeding procurement threshold (unanimous)
• Designated Pat Keely to work out of class at step 1 of grade 25 (unanimous)
• Appointed Maria Richards to Compensation Board for 4-year term (unanimous)
• Authorized staff to explore alternatives to Nationwide and NBS for retirement fund administration (unanimous)

General

The Morrow County Water Advisory Committee will introduce its members, receive updates on several water projects, and discuss a draft Water Policy and Action Memo. The meeting also outlines tentative dates for future work sessions and a final memo adoption by the Board of Commissioners.

• Drinking water and nitrate testing update by the County Public Health Director
• LUBGWMA discussion with Commissioner Drago on the Oregon Nitrate Reduction Plan (9/20)
• EPA Grant Research Project – Morrow‑Umatilla County Roadmap presentation
• CDS Phase 2 funding update
• Discussion of the draft Water Policy and Action Memo

Planning Commission

The Morrow County Planning Commission will hold public hearings to decide on several conditional use permits. The body is reviewing requests for commercial trucking operations on residential properties and a land use decision for industrial wastewater application.

• LUD-N-75-24: Port of Morrow application to land apply industrial wastewater on 7,300 acres of Exclusive Farm Use land
• CUP-N-377-24: Tania Denova request for commercial trucking business on residential property (Tax Lot 900)
• CUP-N-376-24: Victor Sanchez request for commercial trucking business on residential property (Tax Lot 500)
• CUP-N-375-24: Carlos Colin request for commercial trucking business on residential property (Tax Lot 4900)
• CUP-N-374-24: Short-term rental permit for Taryn Suchy (Cancelled)

ASA Advisory Committee

The Morrow County Ambulance Service Area Advisory Committee will examine third‑quarter call and response data, consider the ambulance service plan, and evaluate provider response times. It will also set the quarterly schedule for future regular meetings and define the committee’s purpose. Public comment will be allowed before the meeting adjourns.

• Define purpose of the advisory committee
• Set quarterly schedule for regular meetings
• Q3 statistics report: calls, response time, mutual aid
• Ambulance service plan review
• Provider response times discussion

The Morrow County Ambulance Service Area Advisory Committee met and reviewed provider reports, including response times from Morrow County Health District. They discussed Oregon Health Authority's request to update the response time map and agreed to form a sub-committee for this task. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational and procedural.

• Reviewed provider reports from MCHD and Boardman Fire Rescue District
• Discussed OHA request to update response time map; sub-committee to be formed
• Set next meeting for January 21 in Irrigon

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to consider weed abatement for energy‑related projects. No specific decisions or votes are indicated; the item is listed for discussion. The meeting is open to the public and includes a Zoom option for remote participation.

• Weed abatement for energy‑related projects (work session item)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the FY2025 Supplemental Budget. The body will also consider a collective bargaining agreement for the Road Department and an agreement to form the Clean Water Consortium.

• Public hearing on FY2025 Supplemental Budget
• Ratification of 2024-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Morrow County Road Department, Local 2479
• Intergovernmental Agreement to form the Clean Water Consortium
• Letter of Support for Port of Morrow's DEQ Wastewater Permit Modification
• Lexington Airport PAPI precision approach path indicator light replacement

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved multiple items, including the supplemental FY2025 budget, contracts for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system with Univerus and Euna, and the 2024-27 collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 2479. The board also approved several budget transfer resolutions and a letter of support for the Port of Morrow's wastewater permit modification. No public testimony was given during the supplemental budget hearing.

• Approved supplemental budget resolutions R-2024-18 and R-2024-20 (unanimous)
• Approved posting Notice of Intent to Award for Univerus and Euna ERP contracts (unanimous)
• Approved contract negotiations with Univerus and Euna for ERP system (unanimous)
• Approved BerryDunn proposal for implementation project management assistance (unanimous)
• Ratified 2024-27 collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 2479 (unanimous)
• Approved budget transfer resolutions R-2024-19, R-2024-21, R-2024-22 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution R-2024-23 authorizing payment to Morrow County Grain Growers (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for Port of Morrow DEQ wastewater permit modification (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Planning Commission will hold a land‑use hearing on October 2, 2024. The agenda includes a public hearing on Code Amendment AZ-154-24. No other substantive items are listed beyond standard procedural matters.

• Public hearing on Code Amendment AZ-154-24

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a land use code amendment (AZ-154-24) that updates data center regulations, including moving data centers back to administrative review rather than conditional use. The amendment also separates administrative and ministerial processes, allows conversion of eligible existing dwellings on Exclusive Farm Use land to non-farm dwellings, and specifies vesting, comment, and appeal periods. The vote was unanimous (3-0).

• Adopted code amendment AZ-154-24 with changes moving data centers to administrative review (unanimous)
• Added language to MCZO sections 5.02(D)(2), 5.020(F)(7), and 5.020(E)(9) as suggested
• Rejected conditional use requirement for data centers (implicit in adoption)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will consider approving contracts for transfer station installation and community mental health payments. The board will also discuss a request from the City of Heppner regarding the location of the circuit courthouse.

• Contract with Scales NW for transfer station installation
• Community Mental Health Payment Authorizations
• Request to Reconsider Circuit Courthouse Location
• County Administrator Evaluation Process
• Risk & Procurement Manager FTE Request

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners approved an out-of-cycle FTE request for a Risk and Procurement Manager and appointed three members to a strategic planning Project Advisory Committee. The board also unanimously approved the consent agenda, except for a contract with Scales Northwest that was pulled for revision. No action was taken on a request to reconsider the Circuit Courthouse location.

• Approved out-of-cycle FTE request for Risk and Procurement Manager (unanimous)
• Appointed Don Russell, Brenda Shockman, and Joe Perry to Project Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items including minutes, IGAs, and payment authorizations (unanimous)
• Pulled Contract With Scales Northwest from consent agenda for revision
• Directed staff to review and correct Scales Northwest contract and bring back next meeting
• Appointed Commissioner Wenholz to work with County Administrator and HR Director on evaluation process (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Morrow County Planning Commission will hold public hearings and decide on two conditional use permits. One request (CUP‑N‑373‑24) seeks to allow a commercial trucking operation on residential Tax Lot 805, zoned Suburban Residential within the City of Boardman Urban Growth Boundary. The other request (CUP‑N‑374‑24) proposes a short‑term rental home occupation on Tax Lot 400, zoned Rural Residential outside Irrigon city limits and the Urban Growth Boundary. The meeting also includes a September planning update and other routine business.

• Conditional Use Permit CUP‑N‑373‑24: commercial trucking storage on residential Tax Lot 805, Suburban Residential zone, inside Boardman UGB
• Conditional Use Permit CUP‑N‑374‑24: short‑term rental home occupation on residential Tax Lot 400, Rural Residential zone, outside Irrigon limits and UGB
• Public hearings to begin at 6:00 PM with commission action required on the two permits
• September Planning Update (other business)
• Public comment period

The Morrow County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a commercial trucking business on a residential property in Boardman. A second permit for a short-term rental was tabled after a motion to approve failed to get a second, with the record held open for the October 29 meeting.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit CUP-N-373-24 for commercial trucking business (unanimous)
• Tabled Conditional Use Permit CUP-N-374-24 for short-term rental; motion lacked second, record held open to October 29

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will consider several business items, including the final adoption of the 2024 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. The board will also review grant applications for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund for FY 25‑27, discuss new federal floodplain regulations, and consider a weed‑abatement fee for energy‑related projects. Additional topics include a staffing request for a Risk & Procurement Manager and updates on wildfire‑hazard mapping and strategic planning.

• Final adoption of the 2024 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (Tamra Mabbott)
• Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund Discretionary Grant Application FY 25‑27 (Ben Tucker)
• Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund Discretionary Grant Application FY 25‑27 Boardman‑The Dalles (Ben Tucker)
• Consideration for Weed Abatement Fee for Energy‑related Projects (David Sykes)
• FTE Request – Risk & Procurement Manager (Lindsay Grogan, Matthew Jensen, Kevin Ince)

Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee

The committee will meet to discuss agency updates and drone information. The agenda includes reviews of the committee bylaws and the 2024 Wolf Depredation Compensation Grant Agreement.

• 2024 Wolf Depredation Compensation Grant Agreement
• Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee Bylaws
• Drone information
• Review of committee member term dates

General

The Water Advisory Committee is meeting to receive updates on drinking water delivery and grant research. The body will review draft policies and receive a presentation on the creation of a water district.

• Presentation on the creation of a water district by Assistant County Counsel Greg Goebel
• Update on EPA Grant Research Project — Morrow Umatilla County Roadmap
• Update on CDS Phase 2 funding
• Review of draft water policies
• Discussion of LUBGWMA with Commissioner Drago and DEQ

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will discuss several funding and grant items, including a request for money for the Lower Willow Creek Groundwater Recharge Project and applications for Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund discretionary grants. The board will also review a contract for mental‑health and addiction services, a proposed circuit court site location, and a veterans‑transportation grant agreement. These items are on the business agenda for the September 4, 2024 meeting.

• Community Counseling Solutions contract for mental health and addiction services
• Request for funding from Lower Willow Creek Groundwater Recharge Project
• Consideration of a circuit court site location
• Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund discretionary grant applications for FY 25‑27 (including Boardman‑The Dalles)
• 2024‑25 Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas grant agreement

The Board of Commissioners voted to site the new Circuit Court Annex on county-owned property at Olson Road and Columbia Avenue in Boardman. Additionally, the Board approved funding for a groundwater recharge feasibility study, authorized two transportation grant applications, and approved a grant agreement for veteran transportation services.

• Approved siting Circuit Court Annex in Boardman (2-1)
• Approved $20,000 for Lower Willow Creek groundwater study (3-0)
• Approved STIF Discretionary grant application for 2025-27 (3-0)
• Approved STIF grant application for Boardman-The Dalles connector (3-0)
• Approved 2024-25 Transportation of Veterans grant agreement (3-0)
• Approved Community Counseling Solutions contract (3-0)
• Approved August 21, 2024 minutes with corrections (3-0)

General

The Morrow-Umatilla Counties Drinking Water Roadmap Steering Committee is meeting to discuss a project conceptual model and drinking water options. The session includes a workshop on design, permitting, and cost ranges for water solutions. The committee will also discuss preliminary focus areas.

• Discussion of nitrate in groundwater
• Review of public water system connections
• Review of new well or well improvements
• Discussion of water treatment options
• Selection of preliminary focus areas

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the selection of a site for a new circuit court, focusing on Judge Daniel Hill's annex suggestion. No formal decision is indicated; the item is for discussion only. The board will also review correspondence letters from the City of Heppner and several local residents.

• Discussion of Judge Daniel Hill's annex suggestion for circuit court site selection
• Correspondence letters from City of Heppner and local residents (Terri Gentry, Gerry Gentry, Karen Smith-Griffith, Bill Kuhn)

Planning Commission

The Morrow County Planning Commission will hold public hearings at 6:00 p.m. and vote on several items. Commissioners will decide a Conditional Use Permit (CUP‑N‑371‑24) for a commercial trucking business on a residential lot in Boardman's Urban Growth Boundary. They will also decide a Land Use Decision (LUD‑N‑68‑24) for Amazon Data Services, Inc. to build a new data center on an Airport Light Industrial parcel near Boardman Airport. A legislative code update (AZ‑154‑24) proposing revisions to ministerial and administrative zoning processes will be discussed.

• Conditional Use Permit CUP‑N‑371‑24: storage/operation of a commercial trucking business on Tax Lot 3900, Suburban Residential zone within the City of Boardman Urban Growth Boundary.
• Land Use Decision LUD‑N‑68‑24: Amazon Data Services, Inc. proposes a data center on Parcel 2 (Tax Lot 138) zoned Airport Light Industrial, approximately 4 mi west of Boardman’s Urban Growth Boundary.
• Legislative Code Update AZ‑154‑24: revisions to ministerial and administrative processes, serviceability requirements, terminology consistency, and public comment periods in the zoning code.

The Morrow County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a commercial trucking business on a residential property, a land use decision for a new Amazon data center campus near the Boardman Airport, and legislative code updates. The commission also unanimously approved a motion to make data centers a conditional use in zones where they are currently allowed outright.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit CUP-N-371-24 for commercial trucking on residential property (unanimous)
• Approved Land Use Decision LUD-N-68-24 for Amazon data center campus (4-3)
• Approved Legislative Code Updates AZ-154-24 (unanimous)
• Approved motion to make data centers a conditional use (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will meet on August 23, 2024. The board will consider and act on an intergovernmental agreement with the Morrow County Health District, and two ambulance provider agreements for the Southern and North East service areas. No monetary figures or other contract details are listed in the agenda.

• Consideration and action to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Morrow County Health District
• Consideration and action for Ambulance Provider Agreement with Morrow County Health District for Southern ASA
• Consideration and action for Ambulance Provider Agreement with Morrow County Health District for North East ASA

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the adoption of a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan and review a draft proposed order for the Pinegate Renewable Solar Project. The board is also considering contracts for mental health services and traffic engineering.

• Adoption of Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Draft Proposed Order for Pinegate Renewable Solar Project
• Sole source Mental Health and Addiction Services Contract
• On-Call Contract for Traffic Engineering Consultant, Lancaster Mobley
• Award of CREZ funds to the Morrow County Sheriff's Office

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved forming the Ambulance Service Area Advisory Committee, authorized $30,000 for new sheriff's search and rescue vehicles, and approved a sole-source mental health contract with Community Counseling Solutions. The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan was tabled for revisions, and a work session was scheduled to discuss courthouse options. The board also approved a letter to the Energy Facility Siting Council regarding the Sunstone Solar project.

• Approved consent agenda items including minutes and traffic engineer contract (unanimous)
• Tabled Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for staff revisions
• Authorized formation of ASA Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Approved $30,000 for sheriff's search and rescue vehicles (unanimous)
• Authorized staff to study shooting range costs (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution R-2024-17 (unanimous)
• Approved letter to EFSC on Sunstone Solar project (2-0, one recused)
• Approved sole-source mental health contract with CCS (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will hold an executive session to review exempt records about negotiations with the Morrow County Health District concerning ambulance services in the Southern ASA and Northeast ASA areas. After the executive session, the open session will consider two business items: rejecting a claim for sheriff’s office vehicle purchases and rejecting a claim for vehicle upfitting. The meeting will also include signing of documents and standard public comment.

• Executive session to consider exempt records on negotiations with Morrow County Health District for ambulance services in Southern ASA and Northeast ASA
• Rejection of claim for Sheriff's Office vehicle purchases
• Rejection of claim for Sheriff's Office vehicle upfitting
• Signing of documents

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several payment authorizations and intergovernmental agreements. Key discussions include the relocation of the Oregon-Idaho state border and a management plan for the Tower Road and Interstate 84 intersection.

• Relocation of the Oregon-Idaho State Border discussion
• Intergovernmental Agreement for Tower Road and Interstate 84 Intersection Area Management Plan
• 2026-2030 Lexington Airport Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
• Weeds Department Lease for 213 Logan Lane
• Emergency Management expenditure for St. Patrick's Apartments mobile HVAC connection

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda (excluding two pulled items), authorized an emergency expenditure for St. Patrick's Senior Apartments, approved EOCA membership dues, a clean water consortium proposal, an Amazon ChangeX grant application, a weeds department lease, and an ODOT IGA. They also approved engaging legal counsel for the Columbia Development Authority lawsuit. No items were denied or tabled.

• Approved consent agenda items a-f and h (unanimous)
• Authorized Emergency Management Expenditure for St. Patrick's Apartments (unanimous)
• Approved $2,500 EOCA membership dues (unanimous)
• Approved presenting clean water consortium to Port of Morrow (unanimous)
• Authorized application for $10,000 Amazon ChangeX grant (unanimous)
• Approved lease of 213 Linden Way for Weeds Department (unanimous)
• Approved IGA with ODOT for Tower Road Interchange Area Management Plan (unanimous)
• Approved engaging Bryant, Loveland and Jarvis as legal counsel for Columbia Development Authority lawsuit (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a joint meeting with the cities of Boardman, Heppner, Ione, Irrigon, the Town of Lexington, and the Port of Morrow. The agenda includes a discussion of future meeting scheduling and updates from each participating municipality and agency. No formal actions or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Future Meetings Discussion
• City of Boardman Update
• City of Heppner Update
• City of Ione Update
• Port of Morrow Update

Planning Commission

The Morrow County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several permit applications, including a hardship variance for a temporary dwelling and conditional use permits for a trucking business and temporary RV workforce housing. The commission will also consider a legislative code update (AZ-154-24) that revises ministerial and administrative zoning processes. Additional agenda items include a July planning update, correspondence, and public comment.

• Hardship Variance HV‑S‑051‑24 for Brian & Melissa Ketelson – temporary dwelling on Tax Lot 600 near Usage Lane
• Conditional Use Permit CUP‑N‑370‑24 for Rafael Calvillo – commercial trucking home occupation at Hilltop Drive & Ridgecrest Lane
• Conditional Use Permit CUP‑N‑372‑24 for Todd & Melissa Lindsay – ten temporary RV spaces for workforce housing on Tax Lot 4200
• Legislative Code Updates AZ‑154‑24 to revise ministerial and administrative zoning processes

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will meet on July 24, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the Don Adams Conference Room, Irrigon. The meeting’s business items include a discussion with Penland Lake Corporation, the CREZ III Intergovernmental Agreement for the City of Irrigon, and the county weed‑management approach for energy‑related projects. The agenda also provides time for public comment, an open agenda, signing of documents, and adjournment.

• Discussion with Penland Lake Corporation
• CREZ III Intergovernmental Agreement for City of Irrigon
• County weed management approach for energy‑related projects
• Public comment period
• Signing of documents

The Board unanimously approved Resolution R-2024-15 declaring a State of Wildfire Emergency, enabling state and federal funding for fire response. They also unanimously approved the City of Irrigon's Area of Influence within CREZ III and directed staff to work with the Lake Penland Corporation on a comment letter for the Ellis Project. Staff were directed to explore permit processes for weed management at energy projects and push ODOE on compliance.

• Approved Resolution R-2024-15 declaring State of Wildfire Emergency (unanimous)
• Approved City of Irrigon's Area of Influence within CREZ III (unanimous)
• Directed staff to work with Lake Penland Corporation and Forest Service on comment letter, authorize Chair to sign (unanimous)
• Directed staff to explore permit process for weed management and push ODOE on compliance

General

The Morrow-Umatilla Drinking Water Investigation Steering Committee will meet to review project status, communications workplans, and database coordination. The group will also discuss a drinking water options workshop scheduled for August.

• Review of communications workplan and public event recommendation
• Status of database and workplan coordination with state agencies
• Discussion of a drinking water options workshop for August
• Committee to review status of public water system contacts
• Meeting held in Don Adams Conference Room at Morrow County Government Center

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will discuss ambulance service area provider updates and awards. The board is also reviewing road use and maintenance agreements with Idaho Power and Tower Solar, LLC.

• Ambulance Service Area Provider Update and Award
• Road Use and Maintenance Agreement with Idaho Power
• Road Use and Maintenance Agreement with Tower Solar, LLC
• Contract with New Public Health Officer
• Columbia Generating Station Grant: Emergency Operations Center Invoice to Oregon Department of Energy

The Board assigned ambulance service areas to Boardman Fire Rescue District and Morrow County Health District. It also approved road use agreements for Idaho Power and Tower Solar and updated employee benefit plans.

• Approved ASA assignment to Boardman Fire Rescue District for Northern ASA (2-0)
• Approved IGA for Morrow County Health District (2-0)
• Approved voluntary employee paid benefits for 2025 plan year (2-0)
• Approved switching life/disability vendor to Hartford via CIS with increased benefits (2-0)
• Approved IGA with Oregon Department of Energy and $10,000 invoice (2-0)
• Approved Road Use Agreement with Idaho Power (2-0)
• Approved Road Use Agreement with Tower Solar (2-0)
• Authorized negotiations for a short-term lease for the County Weed Department (2-0)

Board of Commissioners

The board will hold a special meeting including an executive session to consult with counsel regarding litigation. No specific items are listed for the open session beyond the signing of documents.

• Executive Session to consult with counsel regarding current or likely litigation
• Signing of documents

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting that included an executive session to consult with counsel regarding current or likely litigation. The board returned to open session and adjourned without making any public decisions or voting on any items.

• Executive session held under ORS 192.660(2)(h) regarding litigation
• No public decisions recorded

General

The committee will receive updates on county water projects, including drinking water delivery and EPA grant research. Representatives from several local cities and the Port of Morrow are scheduled to present. The meeting also includes a review of draft policies.

• Updates on drinking water delivery and EPA grant research
• Presentations from Boardman, Irrigon, Heppner, Lexington, Ione, and Port of Morrow
• Review of draft policies
• Discussion regarding CDS Phase 2 funding

Board of Commissioners

The Board will receive a presentation regarding the selection of an ambulance provider and a recommendation for a notice of award. The agenda also includes quarterly reports from several county departments and various consent agenda items.

• Presentation on ambulance provider selection and recommendation for notice of award
• Amendment to Intergovernmental Agreement #14832a regarding expunction of juvenile records
• Out of state travel request for the Western Planners Conference
• Granite Construction payment authorization
• Emergency Operations Center invoice to Oregon Department of Energy

The Board of Commissioners approved several consent items, including a payment to Granite Construction. The Board directed staff to consult legal counsel regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) related to ambulance provider selection.

• Approved June 18, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved Amendment a to IGA #14832 Expunction of Juvenile Records (Unanimous)
• Approved Out of State Travel Request for Western Planners Conference (Unanimous)
• Approved Granite Construction payment authorization (Unanimous)
• Directed staff to consult legal counsel on IGA terms for ambulance services (Unanimous)
• Postponed EOC Grant to ODOE

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the possibility of a water consortium. No other items are listed for discussion on this agenda.

• Discussion of possible water consortium

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to address the FY2024 budget. The agenda includes a transfer of appropriations and the signing of documents.

• FY2024 Budget - Transfer of Appropriations
• Signing of documents

The Board of Commissioners approved Resolution R-2024-14, adjusting the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The adjustments cover transfers of appropriations, including insurance reallocations, a Broadband Consortium payment, recategorization of Circuit Courthouse project costs, Justice Court clearing fund transfers, and changes to Strategic Improvement Plan funds. No budget hearing was required because the changes involve additional unbudgeted resources; adopting a resolution was the only step needed. The vote was 2 approved, 1 absent, with Chair David Sykes absent.

• Approved Resolution R-2024-14 adjusting FY 2024 budget (2 approved, 1 absent)
• Authorized Valerie Ballard to use Commissioners Wenholz's and Drago's electronic signatures on the resolution

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings for two conditional use permit applications. One proposal seeks to expand authorized lodging units at Ruggs Ranch near Heppner. Another application proposes the siting of a church in the Suburban Residential Zone southeast of Boardman.

• Expansion of guest ranch lodging units at Ruggs Ranch (CUP-S-311A-24)
• Proposed church siting near Boardman (CUP-N-368-24)
• Review of May 28, 2024, meeting minutes

Board of Commissioners

The Board will conduct a public hearing regarding the FY2024 supplemental budget. The agenda also includes consideration of the Pinegate Renewables Application for Site Certificate and several intergovernmental agreements. Various department reports from the Sheriff, Planning, and Treasurer are scheduled.

• FY2024 Supplemental Budget Hearing
• Pinegate Renewables Application for Site Certificate
• ATV Equipment Grant (Resolution R-2024-11)
• Amendment to DHS Intergovernmental Agreement regarding water deliveries
• Community Corrections Intergovernmental Agreement Amendment 1

The Board approved Resolution R-2024-13, the fiscal year 2024 supplemental budget, which shifts property and liability insurance into department budgets, raises landfill fees after a 37.5% customer rate increase, and adds ARPA-funded Resiliency Fund costs for grants and interim ambulance service. Commissioners also approved a letter on the Pinegate Renewables solar project with one recusal, signed a letter supporting Lexington's ODOT/DLCD grant application, and approved a ten-year OSU Extension agreement at about $200,000 a year. The Sheriff's Office reported on a June 8 search and rescue that found a missing 2.5-year-old child the next morning.

• Approved R-2024-13 supplemental budget for fiscal year 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved and signed Amendment 1 to Community Corrections IGA #6543 with Oregon Department of Corrections
• Approved and signed letter on Pinegate Renewables site certification (2 yes, 1 recused)
• Approved letter of support for Town of Lexington ODOT/DLCD grant application (unanimous)
• Approved and signed ten-year OSU Extension IGA at about $200,000 a year (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda minutes for May 15, 2024 town halls and June 5, 2024 (unanimous)

General

The steering committee will review outcomes from recent communications and data management workshops. Members will discuss the status of Stage 1 activities and address issues regarding EPA coordination. The agenda also includes discussion on the West Glen pilot water system connection.

• Review of May 2024 communications and data management workshops
• Status update on Stage 1 activities
• Discussion of West Glen 'pilot' water system connection and SEP funding
• Coordination of EPA data integration and QAPP review

Board of Commissioners

The Board will conduct public hearings regarding the FY2025 Annual Budget and a Search and Rescue Vehicle Project. Commissioners will also discuss the siting of a new Circuit Courthouse Facility. Other items include water-related grants and ARPA fund requests for Heppner.

• Public hearing for FY2025 Annual Budget
• Discussion on siting of New Circuit Courthouse Facility
• Authorization of BusinessOregon Technical Assistant Grants for nitrate water issue in West Glen
• City of Heppner request for ARPA funds for Water SCADA System
• Amendment to GSI Water Solutions, Inc. contract for Water Coordinator Services

The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2024-25 annual budget and authorized a geotechnical study for the South mill site as a potential location for a new circuit court. Other key actions included funding for a search and rescue vehicle and infrastructure grants for the City of Heppner.

• Approved FY2025 annual budget (Resolution R-2024-11)
• Approved $101,608 in Title III funds for a new Sheriff's Office search and rescue vehicle
• Approved geotechnical study for the Southeast mill site for the new circuit court
• Approved $110,779 in ARPA funds for Heppner's SCADA system improvements
• Approved contract amendment increasing daily ambulance rates to $5,280 for Boardman Fire Rescue District
• Authorized application for Supplemental Environmental Project and two Business Oregon grants for West Glen water mitigation
• Approved RFP for a Traffic Engineer of Record
• Approved non-discrimination policy (Resolution R-2024-8)

General

The committee will review draft policies for Morrow County and receive updates on drinking water projects, including the Morrow Umatilla Drinking Water Investigation EPA grant project. Presentations from the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Agriculture are also scheduled.

• Review of draft Morrow County water policies
• Update on Morrow Umatilla Drinking Water Investigation EPA grant project
• Presentation by Department of Environmental Quality
• Presentation by Department of Agriculture

General

The body is conducting a facilitated conversation regarding the communications objectives and approach for the Drinking Water Investigation (DWI) Project. The workshop focuses on Stage 1 of the project, including outreach efforts and data transparency.

• Discussion of transparency versus privacy for project activities and data
• Decisions on website hosting and branding/messaging themes
• Identification of public events for Stage 1
• Review of communications workplan table of contents

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to receive a site review presentation from a design team. The meeting includes time for public comment and staff clarification before commissioner consideration.

• Site Review Presentation by Design Team

The Board of Commissioners held a town hall to discuss locations for a new courthouse funded by a $12.75 million state grant. No final site was selected, but the board discussed cost and infrastructure estimates for the Fairgrounds, Kinzua Mill site, and a Boardman location.

• Proposed a vision meeting between the County, City of Heppner, and Port of Morrow
• Suggested a follow-up meeting between County leadership, City of Heppner, and Port of Morrow representatives

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to receive a site review presentation from a design team. The meeting includes time for public comment and staff clarification.

• Site Review Presentation by Design Team

The Board of Commissioners held a town hall on May 15, 2024, in Irrigon to review possible locations for a new Morrow County Circuit Courthouse. The county was approved for $12.75 million in state funding, which is only available for new construction, and used money previously earmarked for courthouse restoration as its match. After an executive session eliminated Lexington and Irrigon, three sites remain under consideration: the Fairgrounds in Heppner, the Port of Morrow-owned Kinzua Mill Site, and a county-owned two-acre parcel in Boardman. No site was selected and no vote was taken; the meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

• No site selection decision made; Fairgrounds, Kinzua Mill Site, and Boardman parcel remain under consideration
• Lexington and Irrigon locations eliminated during executive session (no vote recorded)
• County approved for $12.75 million in state courthouse funding, with previously earmarked restoration money used as the match
• Estimated added costs due to delays: Fairgrounds about $300,000; Boardman $630,000 plus unknown costs; Mill site up to $3.6 million plus possible unknown costs
• Project approximately three months behind schedule with completion deadline around end of 2026; state open to extensions

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a goal exception for a solar farm. The board is also reviewing several contracts and resolutions regarding transit and non-discrimination policies.

• Public hearing on ORD-2024-05 for a 753-acre solar farm
• Contract for paving Boardman area roads
• Amendment A-01 for fiber and electrical work at the airport
• Resolution R-2024-8 regarding NonDiscrimation Complaint Procedure
• Resolution R-2024-10 regarding Drug and Alcohol Policy for Transportation Services

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners approved a Goal 3 exception and adopted ordinance ORD-2-24-05 for a 753-acre solar farm, with Commissioner Wenholz recused because he sits on the Umatilla Electric Coop board. The Board also approved a consent agenda covering Boardman-area road paving, treasurer investment authorization, a Umatilla County jail bed payment, and a property tax refund for American Tower, and separately approved Contract EOF012 Amendment 1. Other unanimous votes adopted Resolution R-2024-9 (transit ADA reasonable modification policy) and R-2024-10 (drug and alcohol policy), and approved a letter on the Boardman to Hemingway project amendment. The meeting also included staff reports, introductions of new hires, an ERP system update, and an executive session on labor negotiations and real property; no action was recorded from that session.

• Approved Goal 3 exception and adopted ordinance ORD-2-24-05 for a 753-acre solar farm (2 yes, 1 recused)
• Approved consent agenda: Boardman area road paving contract, treasurer investment authorization, Umatilla County jail bed payment, American Tower property tax refund (unanimous)
• Approved Contract EOF012 Amendment 1 extending spending deadline to December 31, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved and signed letter on Boardman to Hemingway (B2H) Request for Amendment 2 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution R-2024-9 transit ADA reasonable modification policy (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution R-2024-10 updated drug and alcohol policy (unanimous)

Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee

The committee will meet to elect officers and receive agency updates. Members are also scheduled to review a grant agreement.

• Election of officers
• Agency updates
• Review of grant agreement

The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and voted to maintain current officers. Members received updates on the Madison Butte and Five Mile packs and noted that Morrow County was awarded $8,000 for preventative measures.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved keeping officers the same (Unanimous)

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee is meeting to discuss budget allocations for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Presentations will cover health, public safety, and various county funds.

• Health & Human Services: Veterans Services, Public Health, and Emergency Medical Services
• Public Safety and Community Justice: Juvenile Department, Justice Court, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Emergency Management
• Finley Buttes License Fees
• Economic Development Fund
• Opioid Abatement Fund

General

The Budget Committee is reviewing the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. The meeting includes an overview of revenue, resources, and expenditures across several county departments.

• Election of Bludget Committee Chairperson and Secretary
• Approval of the 2023-2024 Budget Committee Meeting Minutes
• Review of General Government budget including Administration, Clerk, Treasurer, Surveyor, and Planning
• Review of Central Services budget including Finance, IT, and Human Resources
• Review of Community Services budget including Museum, County Fair, Public Transit, and Parks

The Morrow County Budget Committee unanimously approved a 3.4% Cost of Living Adjustment for elected officials, aligning with county employee pay scales. The committee also unanimously re-elected Linda Larue as Chair and approved the previous year's meeting minutes. Finance Director Kevin Ince presented the proposed FY2024-2025 budget, detailing revenue trends and departmental expenditures, but no final budget adoption vote occurred during this session.

• Re-elected Linda Larue as Budget Committee Chair (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023-2024 Budget Committee Meeting Minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved 3.4% COLA for elected officials instead of 4.3% (Unanimous)
• Presented proposed FY2024-2025 budget overview
• Distributed corrected budget pages for fund 219

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding a land use exception for a 753-acre solar farm. Other business includes updates on compensation policy, ambulance provider selection, and water/wastewater grant applications.

• Land Use Hearing: Goal 3 Exception for a 753 Acre Solar Farm
• Contract Approval: School Based Health Center Agreement with MCHD
• Contract Amendment: IGA with OHA for Vaccine Finance Funding
• Request for Refund of Land Use Fees from OneEnergy Renewables
• Grant Applications: Business Oregon Technical Assistance for Water/Wastewater

The Board approved a Goal 3 Exception for a photovoltaic energy facility on EFU land and authorized a partial application fee refund to OneEnergy Renewables. Commissioners also authorized applying for water system grants for the West Glen community.

• Approved Goal 3 Exception for OneEnergy photovoltaic facility (2-0, 1 recused)
• Approved $37,000 refund to OneEnergy Renewables (Unanimous)
• Authorized application for two Business Oregon Technical Assistance grants for West Glen water/wastewater costs (Unanimous)
• Approved April 17, April 23, and March 13 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved School Based Health Center contract with MCHD (Unanimous)
• Approved IGA contract amendment with OHA for Vaccine Finance Funding (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Morrow County Planning Commission will review two development applications at its April 30, 2024 meeting. The first is a conditional use permit for a commercial trucking business on a residential property in the West Glen Subdivision. The second is a variance request to split a two-parcel property south of Boardman, seeking relief from minimum street frontage and access width requirements.

• Conditional Use Permit CUP-N-367-24 for a commercial trucking business on Tax Lot 7000 in the Suburban Residential zone
• Variance V-N-048-24 for a 2-parcel land partition of Tax Lot 7400 south of Boardman City Limits
• Approval of draft minutes from the March 26, 2024 meeting

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a public meeting on April 23, 2024, to discuss two primary business items. The board is scheduled to consider the Irrigon Incubator Replat and a resolution regarding the Assessment & Tax CAFFA Grant. No specific dollar amounts or detailed outcomes are listed in the agenda text.

• Irrigon Incubator Replat
• Assessment & Tax CAFFA Grant Resolution

In a special session on April 23, 2024, the Morrow County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Irrigon Incubator Replat, a required review of replat requests. The Board also unanimously approved Resolution R-2024-7, which authorizes an application for the County Assessment Function Funding Assistant Program (CAFFA) grant. The resolution's amount is based on proposed budget numbers and may be revised if the proposed budget changes. No public comment or open agenda items were recorded.

• Approved Irrigon Incubator Replat (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution R-2024-7 for CAFFA grant application (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to adopt a Goal 3 exception for a 753-acre solar farm and take a second reading on an ordinance repealing MC-C-4-1998. The board will also approve several contracts for road maintenance, including hot mix asphalt and rock crushing services. Additionally, the board will discuss a memorandum of understanding with the USDA Forest Service and a sub-award to Umatilla County for an EPA grant.

• Public hearing to adopt a Goal 3 exception for a 753-acre solar farm
• Second reading of Ordinance ORD-2024-2 Repealing Ordinance MC-C-4-1998
• Contract approval for ACP Level 3 Hot Mix supplier
• Contract approval for Application of Liquid Asphalt Emulsion
• Sub Award to Umatilla County for EPA Grant

The Board approved Ordinance ORD-2024-2 to establish a new Ambulance Service Area Plan and Advisory Committee. It also approved a law enforcement services contract for the City of Heppner and authorized the county to act as a fiscal agent for a $150,000 deflection program grant.

• Approved Ordinance ORD-2024-2 regarding Ambulance Service (Unanimous)
• Approved 2024 Morrow County Ambulance Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved certification of Ambulance Plan effective July 16, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Approved law enforcement services contract for City of Heppner (Unanimous)
• Approved acting as fiscal agent for HB 4002 deflection program grant (Unanimous)
• Appointed Joselyn Piper to the Morrow County Fair Board (Unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including road contracts and STEM IGA (Unanimous)
• Directed staff to get cost analysis for mill site, Boardman, and Fairgrounds (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners met on April 17, 2024, for a work session focused on a single item. The board held a work session with a tourism consultant regarding the Morrow County Tourism Workshop. No other specific decisions, votes, or financial figures were listed on the agenda.

• Morrow County Tourism Workshop work session with consultant

General

The Steering Committee is meeting to establish its role and review the scope of work for a drinking water investigation. The committee will also discuss timelines and upcoming workshops regarding communications and data management.

• Review Scope of Work for Drinking Water Investigation
• Establishment of committee meeting dates, times, and frequency
• Planning of Communications Workshop
• Planning of Data Management Workshop

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners held a work session on April 3, 2024, to discuss two specific items. The agenda lists a discussion on salary compression and the consideration of actions regarding nitrate water. No other substantive items were listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of salary compression
• Consideration of nitrate water actions

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will consider several business items, including approving a contract for a drinking water investigation, awarding an aviation engineering contract, and a second reading of the 2023 zoning code update. They will also discuss letters to the Oregon Department of Energy regarding two energy projects and receive quarterly reports from various departments. The meeting includes an executive session for real property negotiations.

• Contract with GSI Water Solutions, Inc. for EPA-grant funded drinking water investigation
• Award and contract with Aviation Engineering Services
• Second reading of Morrow County 2023 Zoning Code Update
• Letter to Oregon Department of Energy on Carty Generating Station and Wheatridge Energy East Wind Project
• County use of funds under Secure Rural Schools Act

General

The board is meeting to appoint members to the budget committee and schedule a related hearing. The session will also include updates on broadband funding and auditing services.

• Budget Committee appointments
• Scheduling of Budget Committee hearing
• BTAP update and broadband funding opportunities
• Auditing services solicitation update
• Funding status report (Budget-to-Actuals)

General

The Columbia River Enterprise Zone II & III board will hold a procedural meeting to review the status of the new EZ Manager hiring committee and the CREZ III boundary expansion. No specific votes, contracts, or ordinances are listed on the agenda.

• New EZ Manager Update – Hiring Committee
• CREZ III Boundary Expansion Update

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Conditional Use Permit for a solar energy facility. The body will also review a request for a home occupation permit on property near Lexington.

• AC-153-24: Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Passage Solar (OneEnergy Inc.) to impact 738.6-acres of High-Value Farmland
• CUP-N-364-24: Conditional Use Permit for a 120-MW solar photovoltaic energy generation facility
• CUP-S-365-24: Conditional Use Permit for a Home Occupation requested by Jacob Trahan on Tax Lot 2005 of Assessor’s Map 1S25E

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will discuss the financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, and a plan of action from the Oregon Secretary of State Audits Division. The board will also consider a memorandum of agreement and fund for the Sunstone Solar Agriculture Mitigation Plan.

• Financial Audit for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
• Secretary of State, Oregon Audits Division, Plan of Action
• Sunstone Solar Agriculture Mitigation Plan, Fund and Memorandum of Agreement
• The Loop - Fixed Route Update
• Ambulance Service Area Plan Update

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Agreement and agricultural mitigation plan with Pinegate Renewables for the Sunstone Solar project, authorizing a letter of support for a Goal 3 exception. The vote was 2 yes with Commissioner Wenholz recused because he sits on the Umatilla Electric Coop board. The Board also unanimously accepted the FY2023 audited financial statements and approved a Plan of Action to address audit deficiencies for submission to the Secretary of State. Ambulance and courthouse items were updates only, with no decisions made.

• Approved Sunstone Solar/Pinegate Renewables agricultural mitigation plan and MOA, and authorized Board Chair to sign a letter of support (2 yes, 1 recused)
• Accepted audited financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved signing the Plan of Action for submission to the Secretary of State Audits Division (unanimous)

General

The Morrow County Land Use Hearing will address several proposed changes to the zoning ordinance. These updates include procedures for data centers, site plan reviews, and accessory dwelling units.

• Zoning Ordinance Update: Data Centers/Site Plan Review Procedures
• Zoning Ordinance Update: Accessory Dwelling Units
• Zoning Ordinance Update: Commercial Trucks
• Zoning Ordinance Update: Temporary RV Users
• Zoning Ordinance Update: Retirement Standard for Power Generating Facilities

General

The Morrow and Umatilla County Boards of Commissioners are meeting to discuss the EPA Grant Research Project regarding drinking water investigation. The boards will consider an intergovernmental agreement and the appointment of a steering committee.

• Adoption of Intergovernmental Agreement
• Appointment of Steering Committee
• Presentation and public testimony on draft Scope of Work by GSI Water Solutions, Inc.

General

The Columbia River Enterprise Zone II & III board is meeting to discuss the procedure for hiring a manager and conduct a first review of applications for the Enterprise Zone Manager position. The meeting is procedural, focused on the hiring process.

• First review of applications for Enterprise Zone Manager
• Discussion of procedure for hiring manager

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the residency requirement for County Administrator Matt Jensen.

• Consideration of residency requirement for County Administrator (Matt Jensen)

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a waiver allowing County Administrator Mr. Jensen to relocate outside Morrow County, with a strong recommendation that he remain within the county. Commissioner Drago proposed the waiver as a one-time grant; future applicants would still face the residency requirement. Commissioners said their preference was for the administrator to live in the county but cited hostility directed at Jensen and his family and the limits the requirement places on recruiting. Chair Sykes was authorized to sign the waiver.

• Approved a waiver allowing County Administrator Mr. Jensen to relocate outside Morrow County, with a strong recommendation to remain in the county (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair Sykes to sign the waiver (unanimous)
• Kept the residency requirement in place for future applicants; the waiver is a one-time grant

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will conduct second readings for two land use ordinances. The board is also reviewing funding requests, intergovernmental agreements, and personnel compensation for FY25.

• Second reading of ORD-2024-01 for Threemile Canyon Farms Rezone
• Second reading of ORD-2024-02 for Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendment (Selene Andrade Bernal)
• Funding request for Heppner Daycare
• Intergovernmental Agreement for Sheriff's Services with the City of Irrigon
• Resolution R-2024-5 to exempt competitive bid process for a Construction Manager/General Contractor

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Compensation Board's FY2025 recommendations, a set of classification and staffing changes, and a $750,000 commitment to Heppner Daycare's expansion. It also approved two zoning map amendments, a licensing agreement with AMR for temporary ambulances, and a 31.4-acre expansion of the CREZ III boundary. A request to amend the County Administrator's residency requirement was discussed but no decision was made; the Board directed that counsel review the matter.

• Approved forwarding Compensation Board FY2025 recommendations to Budget Committee (unanimous)
• Approved recommended classification requests for FY2025 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, OHA agreement amendment, and dump truck purchase (unanimous)
• Approved ORD-2024-1 rezoning 318 acres from Space Age Industrial to Exclusive Farm Use (unanimous)
• Approved ORD-2024-2 rezoning 1.54 acres from Suburban Residential to General Commercial (unanimous)
• Approved licensing agreement with AMR and authorized Administrator to sign (unanimous)
• Committed $750,000 to Heppner Daycare expansion (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution R-2024-4 expanding CREZ III boundary by 31.4 acres (unanimous)

General

The Morrow County Planning Commission is meeting to approve the January 30, 2024 draft minutes and receive training on Oregon's statewide planning program from state officials. The agenda includes no other substantive decisions or public hearings.

• Training by Oregon DLCD staff on statewide planning program
• Approval of draft minutes from January 30, 2024

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will discuss and potentially act on several items, including a funding request from the Morrow County Health District, an interim ambulance services plan, a rate increase from Waste Connections for sanitary disposal, and multiple contract awards. The agenda also includes consent items, department reports, and correspondence.

• Morrow County Health District funding request
• Interim Ambulance Services Plan
• Rate increase from Waste Connections (Sanitary Disposal) North Franchisee
• Notice of Intent to Award Contract - Strategic Planning Services
• Grant approval for Emergency Operations Center Grant Program

The Board approved a 37% rate increase for Waste Connections and authorized interim ambulance services with Boardman Fire. The Board also approved several contracts, grant matches, and letters of support for congressionally directed spending.

• Approved 37% rate increase for Waste Connections (Unanimous)
• Approved interim ambulance services with Boardman Fire (Unanimous)
• Tabled $800,000 ARPA funding request for Morrow County Health District (Unanimous)
• Approved $177,000 EOC generator grant with $59,000 county match (Unanimous)
• Authorized contract for Morrow Umatilla County Drinking Water Investigation (Unanimous)
• Approved strategic planning services contract with Local Government Consulting, LLC (Unanimous)
• Appointed members to the Oregon Department of Forestry Classification Committee (Unanimous)
• Approved letters of support for Port of Morrow, City of Ione, and Oregon Military Department (Unanimous)

Compensation Board

The Morrow County Compensation Board is meeting to review and deliberate on compensation for elected officials, including the Assessor, Clerk, Commissioner, District Attorney, Justice of the Peace, Sheriff, and Treasurer. They will compare county data with similar counties and issue a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. The meeting is open to the public, with time for open comments.

• Deliberations on compensation for Assessor & Tax Collector, Clerk, Commissioner, District Attorney, Justice of the Peace, Sheriff, Treasurer
• Review of Morrow County compensation information and comparison with similar counties
• Election of Board Chair
• Review of 2023 meeting minutes
• Recommendation to Board of Commissioners on elected officials' compensation

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners and the Morrow County Health District Board are holding a joint special meeting to discuss whether to extend or rescind a 90-day notice, and to initiate contract negotiations for a provider agreement. They will also discuss the regulatory authority to execute an intergovernmental agreement and aim to establish a timeline for resolution by March 12, 2024. The meeting is open to the public, but the boards may enter executive session to consult with legal counsel.

• 90-day notice: extension or rescind
• Provider agreement: IGA or ASA service agreement
• Multiple areas/multiple providers
• Initiate contract negotiations
• Establish timeline for resolution by March 12, 2024

Board of Commissioners

This is a joint meeting of the Morrow County Board of Commissioners and the Morrow County Health District Board. The agenda is largely procedural, covering meeting rules, media discussion, and scheduling future meetings, with no substantive policy items listed.

• Joint meeting with Morrow County Health District Board
• Discussion of media and press release
• Setting future meetings
• Meeting held at Gilliam Bisbee Building, 106 E May Street, Heppner, Oregon

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners and Morrow County Health District Board met to establish ground rules for future collaboration. The boards agreed on communication protocols, meeting frequency, and the location of future sessions to resolve issues regarding ambulance services.

• Established that discussions will be held between board members only
• Agreed to keep opinions off social media and coordinate joint press releases
• Determined that meetings will occur at least once a week in alternating neutral locations
• Scheduled next joint special meeting for February 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Port of Morrow

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with several business items, including a letter to the Energy Facility Siting Council regarding the Wagon Trail Solar application, a refund request from One Energy Renewables, a contract award for architectural services for the Circuit Court, and an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Health Authority for mental health and addiction services. The board will also receive reports from county departments and may enter executive session to discuss employment matters.

• Letter to Energy Facility Siting Council on Wagon Trail Solar Application for Site Certificate
• Request for Refund from One Energy Renewables
• Contract Award for Architectural Services for Circuit Court
• 2024-2025 Intergovernmental Agreement with Oregon Health Authority for mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services
• Assessment & Tax Quarterly Report and Public Works Monthly Report

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners approved an architectural services contract for the Circuit Court building, a 2024-2025 state agreement for mental health and addiction services funding, and up to $8,500 for a LUBGWAMA liaison position. The Board also voted to sign a letter to the Energy Facility Siting Council on the Wagon Trail Solar application and directed staff to estimate a partial refund of $42,000 in fees paid by One Energy Renewables. Public comment focused on the Ambulance Service Area Plan, and the Board approved offering a finance manager applicant up to step 13 range 26 after an executive session.

• Approved minutes of January 17 and January 24, 2024 meetings (unanimous)
• Voted to review and sign letter to Energy Facility Siting Council on Wagon Trail Solar application (2 yes, 1 recused)
• Directed staff to estimate refundable portion of $42,000 in fees paid by One Energy Renewables (unanimous)
• Approved R=2024-3 for architectural services for Circuit Court and authorized Chair Sykes to sign (unanimous)
• Approved 2024-2025 IGA with Oregon Health Authority for mental health, addiction, recovery, prevention, and problem gambling services (unanimous)
• Approved up to $8,500 funding for LUBGWAMA liaison contract with Jane Hill (unanimous)
• Approved offering up to step 13 range 26 to finance manager applicant (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Morrow County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two rezoning applications and a conditional use permit compliance review. The first is a proposal to rezone approximately 318 acres on Tower Road from Space Age Industrial to Exclusive Farm Use. The second would rezone a 1.54-acre parcel on State Highway 730 from Suburban Residential 2 to General Commercial. The commission will also review a revoked home occupation permit for a trucking business.

• Rezone 318 acres on Tower Road from Space Age Industrial to Exclusive Farm Use (AC-149-23, ACM-150-23)
• Rezone 1.54 acres on State Highway 730 from Suburban Residential 2 to General Commercial (ACM-151-23, AZM-152-23)
• Compliance review of revoked home occupation permit for trucking business on Wagon Wheel Loop (CUP-N-339-19)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss two business items: a transfer of appropriations for the FY2024 budget and a contract award for architectural services related to the Circuit Court. The meeting is open to the public and includes time for correspondence and commissioner reports.

• FY2024 Budget - Transfer of Appropriations
• Contract Award for Architectural Services - Circuit Court

The Board authorized a transfer of appropriations and a payment of $192,000 to the Columbia Development Authority. A contract for architectural services for the Circuit Court Building was tabled until February 7, 2024.

• Approved Resolution R-2024-2 to transfer appropriations (Unanimous)
• Authorized $192,000 payment to Columbia Development Authority for invoice dated Dec 18, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Tabled Circuit Court Building architectural services contract to February 7, 2024 (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners is meeting for a work session that includes a public land use hearing on application AZ-148-23. The agenda lists only this hearing as a substantive item, with no other details provided. The meeting is open to the public and can be attended via Zoom.

• Public land use hearing AZ-148-23

The Board of Commissioners held a land use hearing on zoning code updates covering data center development and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). After public testimony, the board voted 2-0 (Commissioner Wenholz recused) to continue the hearing to March 20, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Don Adams Conference Room. No code changes were approved or denied; the Planning Commission had previously tabled the ADU discussion over nitrate concerns in drinking water.

• Continued land use hearing on code updates to March 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m. (2-0, Wenholz recused)
• No vote taken on data center code language or ADU rules
• Commissioner Wenholz recused from data center portion due to Umatilla Electric Coop board role

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss and potentially act on several items, including a $192,000 promissory note payment to the Columbia Development Authority, a budget transfer, and various quarterly reports. The agenda includes consent items, public comment, and updates from county departments.

• Columbia Development Authority request for $192,000 promissory note payment
• Justice Reinvestment Grant Agreement on consent agenda
• FY2024 Budget transfer of appropriations
• Community Counseling Solutions protocols for SB 561 and HB 2395
• Morrow County Public Transit Facility update

The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to hold a town hall in each community to review the Oregon Health Authority-approved Ambulance Service Area Plan, and separately authorized Administrator Matthew Jensen to negotiate ambulance services for the County. The Board also approved a budget resolution transferring funds to cover the County's $192,000 promissory note payment to the Columbia Development Authority, adopted Resolution R-2024-1 with amendments, and approved amended state-mandated communication and overdose response protocols. A special presentation by the State Cultural Trust was postponed, and no decision was made on the Circuit Court building contract, which was sent to County Counsel for review.

• Approved town halls in each community on the OHA-approved ASA Plan (unanimous)
• Authorized Administrator Jensen to negotiate ambulance services for the County (unanimous)
• Directed staff to prepare a budget resolution for the $192,000 CDA promissory note payment (unanimous)
• Amended Resolution R-2024-1 to reflect 10% instead of 15% (unanimous)
• Amended Exhibit A as shown in the handout (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution R-2024-1 and approved transfers from general operating contingencies as amended (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda: January 3, 2024 minutes and Justice Reinvestment Grant Agreement (unanimous)
• Adopted amended SB 561 Communication and Response Protocol and HB 2395 Overdose Communication and Response Protocol (unanimous)

Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee

The Morrow County Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee will review a submitted producer claim application from Lightning Bolt Cattle Co. and elect its officers. The agenda is otherwise procedural, including agency updates and the approval of previous minutes. No specific dollar amounts or new ordinances are listed in the document.

• Review of Lightning Bolt Cattle Co. Claim Application
• Election of Committee Officers
• Approval of December 12, 2023 Minutes

General

The Morrow County Water Advisory Committee is meeting to receive updates on drinking water testing, the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA), and an EPA grant for drinking water investigation. They will also hear presentations on regional water projects, the value of water in agriculture, and land use-water connections. The meeting is informational, with no decisions listed on the agenda.

• EPA grant for Morrow and Umatilla County Drinking Water Investigation; RFP posted on county website
• Presentation on Northeast Oregon Water Association recharge projects
• Discussion on value of water and agriculture by Craig Reeder, farmer and NOWA Board member
• Presentation on Place Based Planning by Commissioner Donna Beverage, Union County
• Scheduled topics for future meetings include public health, Oregon Water Resources Strategy, and policy recommendations

Board of Commissioners

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the 2023-24 values and taxes. This is a discussion item, not a final decision. The meeting is open to the public and can be attended in person or via Zoom.

• Discussion of 2023-24 values and taxes

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding the Bristol Estates Subdivision and address several personnel and contract items. The agenda also includes various department reports and updates on county projects.

• Public hearing for Bristol Estates Subdivision road name, dedication, and final plat
• Resolution No. R-2023-2 for the yearly election of BOC Chair
• Amendments to Oregon Health Authority intergovernmental agreements
• Road Use Agreement with Wheatridge East Wind
• Contract for County Counsel Services

The Board reappointed David Sykes as Chair and Jeff Wenholz as Vice Chair. They approved the final subdivision plat and road naming for Bristol Estates and authorized a road use agreement for a wind energy site. The Board also updated the County Administrator's job description and appointed several committee members.

• Approved final subdivision plat and named Nicole Drive for Bristol Estates (Unanimous)
• Reappointed David Sykes as Chair and appointed Jeff Wenholz as Vice Chair (Unanimous)
• Appointed Kevin Ince as 2024 Budget Officer (Unanimous)
• Appointed Gibb Evans to Budget Committee Position #3 (Unanimous)
• Approved amended County Administrator job description (Unanimous)
• Approved County Counsel contract with Justin Nelson and Greg Goebel (Unanimous)
• Approved Road Use Agreement with Wheatridge East Wind (2-0, 1 abstention)
• Appointed Commissioner Drago to Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee (Unanimous)