New bleachers will allow for more capacity and stability

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

The 4-H show ring at the Harney County Fairgrounds may have new grandstands ready for use by the 2010 fair, thanks to the efforts of a member of the community.

Ed Herrera of rural Burns presented his plan for the grandstands to the members of the county court at their Feb. 3 meeting.

Herrera told the court he hopes to replace the current grandstands with bleachers that will be more stable, have a larger capacity and allow for a handicap area.

He is currently looking into funding ideas, such as family remembrance donations, possible grants, or individuals wishing to help with the project. He will be contacting Amy Woodruff, an engineer with Harney County 4-H ties, for design assistance.

Herrera hopes to put the new stands on a cement base, with a lean-to roof over the entire structure.

In other county court business:

• Loni Debban, director of the Malheur County Senior and Community Services and Ann Lessar, director of the Harney County Senior and Community Services discussed with the court a Regional Housing Center grant application.

Debban explained that the grant was a community development block grant that required at least three municipalities to sign to receive the funding. Malheur County Court has agreed to be the lead applicant, and she asked if Harney County would be one of the other participants. The grant amount would be for $60,000 the first year, and $48,000 for the next two years. Harney and Malheur counties would share the funding.

Lessar told the court that this grant was another funding source for programs that are already being provided. Debban will submit an agreement for the court to sign at a later date.

Judge Steve Grasty requested that in the near future Lessar update the court on all the programs offered through the Harney County Senior and Community Services, including the funding streams;

• The court discussed the possible veteran’s home opportunity. Upon research, the court found that the community that is awarded the bid, has to buy the home. The initial investment would be at least $15 million. The only option would be a bond levy, and the court felt it wouldn’t have a chance to pass. Commissioner Jack Drinkwater stated that Harney County hadn’t ever operated on indebtedness. Judge Grasty remarked that though the home would create jobs, it was an investment the community couldn’t afford;

• Bill Wilber, Fred Flippence and Linda Johnson, all representing the Harney County Opportunity Team (HCOT), requested a long-term agreement for rental fees of the Community Center conference facilities.

As per an agreement with the county, the economic development officer maintains an office in the Community Center at no cost. The HCOT said that the use of the conference room was not included in the agreement, and asked the court to consider an agreement for use of the room. The court will address the HCOT suggestion of a five-year, $5,000 rental agreement during the 2010-2011 budget process;

• Debbie White, Elizabeth Moore and Nancy Alvarado presented an update of services for Training and Employment Consortium and WorkSource Oregon;

• The court reviewed the 2010 IRS mileage reimbursement rate, and made the decision to adjust the county mileage reimbursement rate to match. The rate for those being forced to use their personal cars will be 50-cents per mile, and for those who choosing to take their own car, the rate will be 47-cents. This rate will take effect immediately;

• County Assessor Ted Tiller requested two appointments to the County Farm Board of Review. Scott Franklin and Keith Baltzor were reappointed to the board.