During the regular meeting of the Harney County Court (held May 15), the court discussed Early Learning Council (ELC) Hubs.

 

According to an ELC report to the legislature, presented by the Oregon ELC and Early Learning System Director Jada Rupley, Hubs are a “self-organized consortium (with a lead coordinating agent) or organization representing a defined community and state-approved geographic area.”

 

Focusing on children aged 0-6, Hubs coordinate and align early learning services in order to ensure that children and their families, especially those at highest risk, meet the developmental milestones necessary to prepare children for entry into kindergarten. 

 

Kathy Rementeria, who attended the  meeting as a member of the public, explained that “kindergarten readiness encompasses health and well-being, not just education.”

 

Harney County Commissioner Dan Nichols said Harney County has already provided an “all-encompassing delivering of services,” explaining that doctors, dentists and other professionals have historically been involved in preparing the county’s children for kindergarten.

 

Nichols said Harney County “stepped up” when it learned about proposed changes to kindergarten readiness, and the county has been developing an application to become a Hub for the last year.

 

“We did not sit back and wait,” Nichols said. 

 

He added that Harney and Grant counties have been discussing the possibility of entering into a Hub together. 

 

“I think that will be an absolute,” Nichols said regarding the joining of the counties. 

 

However, due to a requirement that a minimum of 4,000 children be served in a Hub classification, Harney and Grant counties may need another county to join their Hub. 

 

Nichols said Lake County has been attending local Hub meetings, but it is “yet to be seen if Lake will be included.”

 

Nichols added that Klamath County also “made mention” of joining Harney County’s Hub. But Nichols said he thinks the distance between Harney and Klamath counties would be too far, adding that “if Lake doesn’t come on board, there will be a huge gap in distance.”

 

Nichols said providing services in a larger district would not be economical, explaining that, because of the distances between Eastern Oregon counties, there would be a lot of administrative and other costs. Because of denser populations in Western Oregon, it is possible that many smaller Hubs could be formed on the western side of the state. 

 

Rementeria asked whether the legislature would make an exception  to the 4,000 children minimum for Eastern Oregon counties.

 

Harney County Judge Steve Grasty said, “We need to start asking this question,” adding that he plans to testify on this matter.  

 

Grasty said, despite the fact that he  “continues to struggle with what the county is doing getting involved in education,” he thinks “the county has to take the lead on this.”

 

“I think we need to make this work for [Harney] county,” Grasty said, adding that he would like to keep the Hub “small enough to figure out how it works.”

 

The court expressed frustration with the process, agreeing that more direction is needed from the state.

 

“No blanks have been filled. That is the frustration,” Nichols said regarding the Hub proposal. “It’s been in a state of limbo for the past year.”

 

Nichols added that Harney County has not yet held a public meeting regarding the proposal because it has been “waiting for more direction,” but he said input from the schools, medical community and the public at large is needed. 

 

The ELC will begin accepting Hub applications after July 1.  

 

The court agreed to adopt Resolution 2013-10 in the matter of separating the federally-funded Drug Free Community (DFC) grant from the Harney County Commission on Children and Families (CCF)  fund, as the CCF program ends June 30, and the DFC program is expected to continue for another five years. The fund will be established and maintained as a reserve to provide the services described in the DFC grant application.

 

Given that the CCF program ends June 30 and that the county has yet to  apply to form an ELC Hub, the court agreed to adopt Resolution 2013-11 in the matter of establishing an interim fund to account for the funding and operation of a Harney County-based ELC Hub that is yet to be named. 

 

•••

The court discussed how about $50,000 of Basic Capacity / Community Mobilization Expenditure funds should be used.

 

According to a reference document prepared by the Oregon CCF, community mobilization is defined in legislation as “government and private efforts to increase community awareness and facilitate the active participation of citizens and organizations in projects and issues that will have a positive impact on the well-being of children, families and communities.”

 

Grasty explained that the money available for 2012-2013 must be spent or it will go back to the state. 

 

The court decided that its first priorities will be to fund the Oregon Youth Conservation Corps and the Kids Club of Harney County for 12 months, leaving about $15,000 for other programs.

 

If available, $500 will be given to the Positive Youth Program, and $500 of matching funds will be given to both the skatepark in Hines and performing arts and education.

 

•••

In other business, the court:

 

• met with District Attorney Tim Colahan to discuss the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council. Colahan said the council does “really influential work,” as it makes recommendations to the court regarding the use of  resources to serve adult and juvenile offenders. Grasty said he will advertise to fill two vacancies on the council;

 

• adopted Resolution 2013-12 in the matter of extending workers’ compensation coverage to county volunteers;

 

• resumed its discussion regarding drought declaration;

 

• was addressed by Herb Vloedman during the public comment period regarding efforts to recognize veterans;

 

• was addressed by Barbara Cannady during the public comment period regarding the 173rd Fighter Wing Airspace Initiative. Grasty invited Cannady to “stop by” after the meeting to discuss this airspace expansion proposal;

 

• is continuing its efforts to prevent the installation of vault toilets at the Brothers Oasis rest area;

 

• briefly discussed the May 1 County Court road tour;

 

• discussed the Blue Mountains Forest Plan. Grasty encouraged local community groups, especially stakeholders, to provide input regarding this matter;

 

• decided to “move forward” with hiring a building official. Grasty said this will save the county in inspection services costs;

 

• discussed the State Fiscal Year 2014 Women, Infants and Children grant;

 

• learned from Grasty that he plans to support the proposed action to drill and case a new water well (Adrian Well) within Adrian Seeding in Tule Springs Pasture of Tule Springs Allotment. The well would provide water to a 33,000-gallon storage tank through a new 50-foot pipeline that would connect to the existing pipeline system;

 

• received a customer service survey  for calendar year 2012 from  the Oregon Department of Forestry. Grasty said he would like to rank the department as “excellent all the way through.”

 

“Angie Johnson [Unit Forester Central Oregon District] is the reason,” Grasty said. “She’s done a great job. She has just been wonderful.”

 

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the county court will be held Wednesday, June 5, at 10 a.m. in Judge Grasty’s office at the courthouse. 

 

 

No one in town was really safe from the “long arm of the law” on Thursday, May 16, even though that “long arm” carried phony charges along with it.

 

Lady Elks members Kelly Everhart, Renee Scott and Leslie Richman, along with five-year Elks Trustee, Matt Bixby, patrolled the streets and “arrested” local people on a variety of trumped-up charges, and then offered them a chance to pay their bail or go to jail. The “jail” was set up at the Burns Elks Lodge where those served with a fake warrant were lodged until they had their chance to plead their case in front of Judge Candy Tiller. The “criminals” were also given a chance to decrease the amount of their bail by doing jumping jacks or hula hooping.

 

At the end of the day, the Lady Elks had raised more than $2,000 in the “Jail and Bail” fundraiser.

 

The Lady Elks were re-established last year, and have raised more than $4,000 in the past year for repairs to the Elks Lodge and for a youth scholarship program for the 2014 school year. The President is Candy Tiller, Vice President is Kay Rutherford,  secretary is Diane Ashton-Rollins, treasurer is Eddy Fields, and there are 13 members.

 

 Half of the funds raised in the Jail and Bail scheme go toward replacing the vent in the Elks Lodge kitchen, and half to the Lady Elks Scholarship program. 

 

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Burns Elks Lodge or the Lady Elks, may contact Candy Tiller at 541-573-1955 or Kelly Everhart at 541-589-4980. 

 

 

 

No fooling, April 1 marked the official re-opening of the Big Bear Lodge. But staff members have been serving burgers, fries, shrimp, salads and halibut to patrons since March 16.

 

Located at 171 Hines Logging Road in Hines, The Big Bear Lodge is owned and operated by Forrest and Jen Keady, and Jen Keady’s parents, Roger and Pam Glerup.

 

“Business is going good. It’s been really busy,” Forrest said.

 

“It’s been a lot of fun. It’s a big part of our family,”  Jen said regarding the lodge.

 

“Everybody had a hand in it,” Forrest agreed, explaining that Jen’s sister designed the Big Bear logo.

 

Jen said the restaurant was built and originally opened by her parents. She said she and her husband later began operating the business, but decided to close it in order to focus on raising their three young sons (Travis, Jake and Will).

 

“But now we’re back, and the boys are on the workforce and can be involved,” Jen said.

 

When asked what was special or unique about the Big Bear, Forrest replied “the building.”

 

“Mom and Dad built this building piece-by-piece,” Jen added.

 

Reminiscent of a lodge or log cabin, the building’s rustic architecture features artful woodworking and stonemasonry, and the walls are decorated with memorabilia  commemorating the community’s tie to the lumber industry.

 

“People enjoy the atmosphere. They like to be here,” Pam said.

 

 Jen said that, in an effort to “add to the atmosphere and fun,” a  large outdoor fire pit will be installed. 

 

The lodge also features a dance floor, pool tables and a bar. 

 

“We do growlers,” Forrest added, explaining that customers can fill 64- or 32-ounce containers with one of six microbrews on tap. 

 

Containers can be purchased at the Big Bear, or customers can bring their own. Beers on tap will be rotated constantly, giving customers an opportunity to try a wide variety of microbrews.

 

Customers interested in trying all six of the beers currently on tap can purchase a sampler tray. The trays are handmade by Roger.

 

Jen said the Big Bear also serves “really awesome cheeseburgers.”

 

“Our best is the Big Bear Cheeseburger,” she said, explaining that it is served on a pizza tray with a knife stuck through the middle of it. The Big Bear Cheeseburger also comes surrounded by hand-cut  fries. 

 

“The halibut fish and chips is really popular,” Forrest said. He added, “We have people who come up just for fries and dessert.”

 

In addition to menu items, the Big Bear offers  rotating specials, which could be entrees or appetizers. 

 

 On Fridays, Big Bear hosts a horseshoe tournament. Registration begins at 6 p.m., and the tournament begins at 6:30 p.m. Half of the entry fee is given to the winner, and the other half is donated to a local charity that is chosen by the winner. 

 

Jason Radinovich won the debut tournament, and he chose CAN Cancer, an organization that provides community assistance to cover non-medical living expenses for patients fighting all forms of cancer, to receive the donation.

 

The lodge is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to close. Jen said the lodge does not have a set closing time.

 

“When nobody is here, we close,” she explained.

 

The lodge can also be reserved for parties or special occasions. Customers can rent the whole building or just reserve the Log Yard Room.

 

A grand opening celebration will be held Saturday night, June 1, and the event will feature music played by a disc jockey. 

 

 

 

After receiving three bids for a parks mower, the Burns City Council voted to accept the lowest bid from SS Equipment in Hines.

 

The bid from SS was for a Bad Boy mower with a Kawasaki engine in the amount of $7,998. ACW’s bid was for a Husqvarna model in the amount of $9,150, and the third bid was received from Kubota for around $10,000.

 

City Manager (CM) Don Munkers said that money for the mower would primarily come from the parks fund, but because it will also be used to mow around city wells, a portion of the funds would also come from the water fund.

 

Before the vote, the council asked Public Works Director Dave Cullens for his opinion on the Bad Boy mower, and Cullens said it is a “pretty well-built mower, with a heavy deck and four rails on the frame instead of just two.”

 

Councilor Dan Hoke asked Cullens if he was comfortable going with a Kawasaki engine, and Cullens stated that their choices were between Kawasaki or a Biggs & Stratton engine. “The people I talked to said the Kawasaki would outlast the Briggs & Stratton,” Cullens said.

 

•••

CM Munkers told the council that the Days Inn in Burns was behind in  its transient room taxes to the city, and he had met with the owner earlier in the week to discuss payment.

 

Munkers said Days Inn had missed two or three months’ payments in 2012, and the city had received no payments for the present year. The cumulative amount owed to the city was more than $14,000 with interest and penalties.

 

Munkers said the owner proposed paying $7,000 and have the city waive the remainder owed. After being told the city couldn’t waive the tax, the owner proposed that the city pay the 3 percent credit card tax, and again he was told, “No.”

 

Munkers said the owner did make the $7,000 payment and was invited to the council meeting (on May 8) to ask the council to waive the interest and penalty fees.

 

The owner failed to show up for the meeting and still owes the remaining balance.

 

•••

CM Munkers reported that Citycounty Insurance Services (CIS) offers a risk management incentive program, and during a recent evaluation, found a problem with the diesel fuel fumes left behind after the fire trucks leave the station on a call.

 

Fire Chief Scott Williamson said that they could put in two new doors and openers for $8,962. Part of the funds would come from the CIS program, and the remainder from the fire and police departments.

 

Councilor Bill Renwick asked about clearing the exhaust fumes from the building after the trucks left, and Williamson said the exhaust fans are tied into the door system and would continue running for 10 minutes after the doors closed to air out the building.

 

Councilor Terri Presley noted there are three doors on the fire station, and Williamson said they can only afford to have two replaced this year, but will look at replacing the third in the next budget cycle.

 

•••

In his manager’s report, Munkers said he spoke with Rep. Greg Walden’s office about the flood plain designation issues in the downtown area, and that conversation is ongoing.

 

At the previous council meeting, Judy Martin had asked the council about the legality of motorhomes parking overnight on city streets and in vacant lots. After researching the city ordinance, Munkers said it is a “definition issue,” and the ordinance would have to be updated. He added that he talked with the police department about visiting with the owners of motorhomes who do park overnight.

The council had some discussion on the difference between a motorhome parked on private property, like a business parking lot, and those parked in a vacant lot.

 

Councilor Hoke said he would hesitate to get involved with private property because some business owners do allow it. He said if the city asked those people to move, it might portray an “unfriendly community” image.

 

The council agreed to review the ordinance and make updates as needed.

 

•••

In other business: 

 

• Burns resident Brad Herrera told the council the potholes and cracks in the street in the area of South Egan and West Pierce are getting to be problematic. He said one pothole he measured was 3 1/2 inches deep, and there was a crack four or five inches wide.

 

Cullens said the city does have some pothole patch, and they would be out soon working on the potholes and cracks;

 

• Jennifer Gregg was in attendance to ask the council to vacate a road and alleyway that run through her property. She told the council the two areas had been platted, but never put in, and she did get signatures from neighbors within 200 feet of the property.

 

Gregg was asked to follow the procedures  laid out by the city and come back to the council; 

 

• Councilor Hoke said the trees scheduled to be planted in the cemetery this spring were in, and work on eradicating the “sage rats” in the cemetery is continuing.

 

“There are considerably less rats than last year,” he said.

 

Hoke also told the council that on May 19, about 150 volunteers from Faith Baptist Church would be out in the community working on a variety of projects;

 

• Mayor Craig LaFollette said having a code enforcement officer in town seems to be working, and he thanked all the citizens who are making an effort to clean up around their residences.

 

The next city council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, at city hall.

 

 

 

During the regular meeting of the Harney County Court (held May 1), Building Program Technician Howard Palmer presented the court with generic plans for building a post frame building, which is commonly referred to as a pole barn. 

 

Palmer explained that the purpose of the generic building plans is to make it “simpler and cheaper for people to apply for a permit” to construct these structures. He added that people using the generic plans would not need an engineer, and the cost per square foot would be cut in half. The generic plans would also save courthouse staff time. 

 

Harney County Judge Steve Grasty added that the generic set of plans could be used to build smaller or larger post-frame buildings.

 

“We have something that’s useable and saves us money,” Grasty said regarding the plans, and he thanked Palmer and Herb Vloedman for their assistance with developing them.

 

The court agreed to accept the generic post frame building plans, as presented.

 

Grasty added that he thinks the state of Oregon might ask the county to “work through two or three more” generic plans for structures. 

 

•••

In an effort to help clean up the city, Darrell Williams was recently hired part-time as a code enforcement officer for the city of Burns. During the county court meeting, Grasty addressed the court regarding the possibility of requesting that Williams work a few hours to assist with nuisance abatement issues on the “county end,” as well.

 

“At least some of the [nuisance] issues are at the edge of the city, so it seems appropriate,” Grasty said. 

 

He added that Williams could be asked to work a few hours a week or even a few hours a month, adding that progress has been made in terms of nuisance abatement in Burns.

 

“Let’s see what comes out of it,” Grasty suggested. 

 

Harney County Commissioner Dan Nichols asked which fund would be used to compensate Williams, and Grasty replied that money could be taken from either the general fund or the nuisance abatement fund.

 

After some discussion, the court decided to request that Williams work some hours for the county to assist with nuisance abatement issues and that he be compensated from the general fund.

 

•••

Grasty led a brief discussion regarding a proposal to drill, test and monitor geothermal exploratory wells on private and Bureau  of Land Management (BLM)-administered lands in Harney and Lake counties near Glass Butte.

 

In a letter written to Grasty, BLM District Manager Carol Benkosky explained that, if approved, the project “would evaluate the potential of geothermal resources in the area.” Ormat Nevada Inc. proposes to drill up to 16 exploratory wells, each within a well pad ranging in size from two to four acres. The proposed project would be located about 70 miles southeast of Bend, and 50 miles northwest of Burns. It would be north and south of Hwy. 20. If approved, work will begin late this summer.

 

Regarding the project, Grasty said Lake County has not issued a land use decision, but he said Harney County would issue a land use decision for “that little bit” of land in Harney County that was included in the proposal. 

 

Grasty added that he probably plans to submit positive comments regarding the proposal during the public scoping process.  

 

•••

The court briefly discussed a proposal to close the Brothers Oasis rest area. Grasty explained that there had been some discussion regarding closing the restrooms and installing vault toilets.

 

“I’m going to ask that they stop what they’re doing,” Grasty said. “Vault toilets are not practical.” he added.

 

Grasty said vault toilets would be especially impractical for Harney County residents who travel to and from Bend to fulfill their medical needs.

 

In other business, the court:

 

• listened to a presentation given by Oregon Air National Guard Colonels Jeremy Baenen and Wes French regarding the 173 Fighter Wing Airspace Proposal;

 

• agreed to recommend the reappointment of Fred Otley and Richard Jenkins to the Steens Mountain Advisory Council;

 

• was addressed by Mary Ausmus regarding the digitization of county records. She asked if the county had to pay for the digitization project and whether she would be able to find her personal records online. Harney County Clerk Derrin (Dag) Robinson explained that FamilySearch Inc. provided the digitization service at no cost to the county, and in an effort to maintain privacy, records have only been digitized up to the 1930s. Grasty added that the county has been working toward digitization for years, and this project compliments ongoing efforts;

 

• discussed whether Harney County should declare drought. Grasty said the court will resume this discussion during its next regular meeting;

 

• discussed Resolution 2013-09 in the matter of establishing a Wolf Compensation Fund. The resolution would establish and maintain a fund as a reserve with the specific purpose of covering the cost of predation from wolves to livestock. The court would spend money from this fund based on the written advice of the Wolf Committee, but the court would have final authority over the appropriation and expenditure of the fund. The resolution will be presented for adoption during the next regular meeting;

 

• discussed resolutions 2013-10 and 2013-11. Resolution 2013-10 would separate the federally-funded Drug Free Community grant from the Harney County Commission on Children and Families, as the Commission on Children and Families program will end June 30. Resolution 2013-11 would create a fund for the Early Learning Council. Grasty asked the court to review the language of resolutions 2013-10 and 2013-11 and make suggestions. Discussion regarding these resolutions will resume during the next regular meeting of the county court;

 

• decided to sign a Cooperative Service Agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services (APHIS-WS) to conduct wildlife damage management activities in Harney County. The agreement states that APHIS-WS will “control predatory and nuisance species in and around Harney County to reduce damage to livestock and human health and safety threats;”

 

• went on a road review trip with Road Supervisor Eric Drushella. Grasty said the court will provide a report regarding the trip during its next regular meeting.

 

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the county court will be held Wednesday, May 15, at 10 a.m. in Judge Grasty’s office at the courthouse. 

 

 

Harney County Farmers Market manager Rachel Akins has announced that the market is organizing for the 2013 season.

 

Akins said the Hines City Park will once again be the site of the market, which will start on Saturday, July 6. Market hours will again be 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., operating into October, depending on the length of the growing season. In 2012, the market saw more than 20 vendors selling a variety of locally grown produce, crafts and other products.

 

“The market appeals to local citizens who enjoy farm fresh vegetables, eggs and handmade crafts from Harney County,” Akins said. “The market will continue to operate as a non-profit organization and strive to better meet our customers’ needs.”

 

She said a number of new people have expressed interest in participating in 2013 and are already preparing their ground, and purchasing seeds and gardening equipment. The market will continue to focus on locally grown and/or crafted items from Harney County.

 

People who visit the market are often surprised and impressed with the variety of produce that can be grown in Harney County and the quality  of craft items available. Such items include bird houses, various kinds of jewelry, stone items crafted by local flintknappers, pottery, artwork and photography. Other local products, like farm-fresh eggs and baked goods will also be available at the market. A number of vendors support the Farm Direct Nutrition Program (FDNP) and will also accept vouchers from eligible seniors and families participating in WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children). Note: Other vendors interested in getting the required training for these programs should contact Cindy Clark at 541-977-4561.

 

Market organizers remind people wanting to participate in the market as vendors to begin purchasing seeds and related supplies now, start working the soil as soon as possible, and visit the local stores and nurseries that carry garden supplies, seeds and plants suitable for Harney County gardens.

 

More information about the market, including dates, times, vendor application procedures, etc., will be published as plans unfold for the 2013 season. Please note, costs to participate in the market will be $2 vendor fee each day of participation or $25 for the entire season. Students under 18 will be charged $1 each day or $15 for the season.

 

People who are interested in participating in the market or who have questions should call Akins at 541-413-0629 or email: hcorfm@live.com

 

The next Harney County Farmers Market board of directors meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Harney County Community Center. The public is welcome to attend.

 

 

 

By a unanimous vote of the Burns City Council, an ordinance to allow ATVs on Burns city streets was denied.

 

After several residents had asked the council to consider allowing ATVs on the city streets, the council and City Manager (CM) Don Munkers drafted an ordinance for public review.

 

A public hearing to receive citizens’ input was held during the council meeting on April 24.

 

CM Munkers said allowing ATVs on city streets was a hot topic around the state, especially on the east side, and the legality of having them on the streets could ultimately come down to a decision by the courts. There were also concerns about liability and safety issues. 

 

“We talked to the police, and officers expressed concerns at the last meeting, but we’ll follow the guidance of the council,” Munkers said.

 

Burns resident Ron Carroll told the council, “I don’t think it’s a good idea. There’s the liability issue, people would get carried away riding them around town, and I’m just against it. They’re not designed for streets.”

 

Steve Ruzicka stated he was a driver for the Dial-A-Ride program and he was, “opposed to any more chaos on the road.” He said he gave up riding a motorcycle because people didn’t always see him, and he felt like he was a target, and having ATVs on the road would be a similar issue. 

 

Ruzicka said working as a driver around town, he has to deal with people driving around on lawn mowers, a golf cart and other vehicles not deemed legal to be on streets on a daily basis.

 

Two other Burns residents also told the council they were totally against allowing ATVs on city streets.

 

Councilor Terri Presley said having ATVs on streets would put an extra burden on police officers, as well as possibly costing the city money. 

 

“If  a person is in trouble and has an ATV, they’ll try to get away down the alleys. So the cops would then need four-wheelers to stay up with them. We’d need more officers, and the whole thing would cost the city more money,” she said.

 

The public hearing was then closed, and later in the meeting, after a brief discussion, the council voted against the ordinance.

 

•••

Regarding the lack of funds for the installation of the fire suppression system at the Burns airport, CM Munkers reported the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had assured the city that they had the deficit covered.

 

“Monday morning it was a go,” Munkers said. “Then at 3:45 Monday afternoon, they said they didn’t have the money. They said they could loan us the money, but we can’t do that. We’re right back to square one.”

 

Munkers added the city is talking with the National Guard about doing some of the work, and the engineers are looking at possibly scaling back some of the plans to reduce costs.

 

Also in his report, Munkers said Darrell Williams will work about four hours a week on code enforcement for the city, addressing complaints about trash and yard waste.

 

Munkers stated that the county has received the product for spraying weeds in the city, and that work is expected to begin soon. The spraying will include the parks and cemetery.

 

•••

The council received a request from Harney District Hospital to consider placing stop signs at the intersection of Grand and Adams streets, citing safety concerns. Public Works Director Dave Cullens said his crew and the police will monitor the area and come back to the council with a recommendation.

 

•••

In other business:

 

• Harney County Veterans Service Officer Guy McKay told the council the Outreach Program would be starting May 1, and he would be visiting the rural communities on a regular basis.

 

McKay said he was working with Grant, Lake, Crook and Malheur counties to reach veterans who live in a different county, but are actually closer to another county’s services. “It would be like me going out to Juntura,” he said. 

 

McKay invited the council to attend the ceremony at the Burns Armory on April 26, recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child, and an emotional health and support training on May 17;

 

• Judy Martin of Burns RV Park asked the council if there was a law restricting motorhomes from parking overnight on city streets and vacant lots.

 

“When they do that, it’s a revenue loss for the city as well as me,” she said.

 

CM Munkers said he would do the research to find out what the law says; 

 

• Councilor Dan Hoke asked if the weed-spraying in the cemetery could begin as soon as possible because Mother’s Day and Memorial Day are both heavy traffic days.

 

The next city council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at city hall.

 

 

 

Discussion regarding Ordinance 302 resumed during the regular meeting of the Hines Common Council (held April 23).

 

The ordinance would allow residents to obtain a permit to keep livestock, domestic animals, poultry, fowl or honey bees within Hines city limits under specific conditions. A permit would not be needed to keep dogs, cats or pet rabbits.

 

Anyone wishing to obtain a permit would be required to submit an application and site drawing to the city. The application would have to include the signature of at least one occupant of every dwelling within 300 feet of the proposed habitat. The applicant would then appear before the Hines Common Council to request the permit. Permits would apply only to single-family dwellings or duplexes (not apartments).

 

City Administrator Joan Davies read portions of Ordinance 302 during the previous council meeting (held April 9), and a discussion followed. 

 

During the April 23 meeting, Davies told the council that she had made a few changes to the proposed ordinance, including exemptions for larger properties that have historically kept livestock.

 

“If you have ‘X’ number of acres, this [would not] apply to you,” Davies said, proposing that owners of larger properties  who have historically kept livestock not be required to obtain a permit or follow some of the proposed ordinance’s restrictions for keeping livestock, domestic animals, poultry, fowl or honey bees within city limits.

 

Davies then asked the council for input regarding the number of acres that would be required for an exemption. She said she originally wanted to propose exemptions for property owners with a half acre or more, but she learned that there were “way too many people” within city limits who have this amount of property.

 

Councilor Dick Anderson suggested that anyone who has larger acreage and already has animals be “grandfathered in,” but anyone who does not currently keep animals in city limits would have to apply for a permit.

 

Fred Hellbusch, who attended as a member of the public, said his property is two acres, and although he has “no goals”  of getting horses or cattle, he believes the ability to keep livestock without a permit could be a “selling point” if he decides to sell his property in the future.

 

“That’s a very good point,”  Mayor Nikki Morgan said.

 

Fire Chief Bob Spence warned about the possibility of animals over-grazing on smaller acreage.

 

Morgan replied that the proposed ordinance includes language that would prevent keepers of  livestock, domestic animals, poultry, fowl or honey bees from endangering  or intruding upon public health, safety or welfare. She said she believes this language would prevent over-grazing.

 

Davies added that people who are exempted from the ordinance due to the size of their property would still have to follow rules for caring for their animals, poultry, fowl or bees. 

 

Davies suggested that single families with two or more acres that have historically kept livestock be exempted from the ordinance. 

 

In addition to adding exemptions for people with larger acreage, Davies added information regarding keepers of livestock, domestic animals, poultry or fowl who have previously obtained permission from the city.  According to newly proposed language, these individuals “shall renew such permission by providing the city with the type and number of animal or fowl and a sketch of the location of their housing and/or enclosures (showing setbacks from property boundaries).” 

 

Davies reminded the council that it would not be voting on the ordinance during the April 23 meeting.

 

The City of Hines Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday,  May 7, at 5:30 p.m. regarding the adoption of the ordinance. The council will vote on the ordinance May 14. 

 

•••

The council also reviewed Ordinance 303 and discussed Resolution 2166. Davies said Ordinance 303 (the abandoned vehicle ordinance) is “quite complicated.” She explained that it was drafted from state statutes, but because it has not been updated since the 1970s, the ordinance references statutes that no longer exist. Additionally, Davies said the ordinance has typographical errors, which need to be corrected. Resolution 2166 would add language to the ordinance requiring people to pay a $75 impound fee if their vehicle becomes abandoned as a result of an arrest by police. Davies explained that driving under the influence of intoxicants, driving while suspended, or driving without a license would be examples of arrests that cause drivers to abandon their vehicles. 

 

Davies informed the council that it will vote on Ordinance 303 and Resolution 2166 on May 14.

 

Morgan suggested that the council read Ordinance 303. She also thanked Davies for working to revise the ordinances.

 

“You did a lot of work on this,” Morgan said. “Thank you.”

 

•••

Spence said he has been “looking at options” for replacing the Hines Volunteer Fire Department’s doors.

 

During a council meeting on Feb. 12, Spence explained that the doors are operated by electricity and have to opened by hand when the power goes out, which slows the department’s emergency response time.

 

During the April 23 meeting, Spence added that a lot of heat is being lost through the doors.

 

He presented the council with price quotes for two options for replacement doors, suggesting that the council approve the purchase of the thicker insulated doors. Spence said that although these doors would cost more, they would retain heat better, which could save the city money in heating and energy costs.  

 

Councilor Dick Baird asked whether the cost of installation was included in the price quotes, and Spence said he believed  it was. 

 

“I’m pretty impressed about the figures,” Spence added.

 

Davies said not all of the department’s doors would have to be replaced at one time. She explained that one or two of the doors could be replaced now, and the others could be replaced later. She added that she would contact the person who provided the cost estimates to determine whether the prices would be the same for split installation. 

 

However, the council agreed to replace all three of the fire house doors. The council did not, however, specify which contractor would be used or accept a specific bid.

 

Davies later explained that the price quote that was presented by Spence gave the council an idea of what the cost of replacing the doors would be. The quote included various options for insulation and figures for two types of chains, which would be used to open the doors manually in the event of a power outage. 

 

During the meeting, Spence also reported that the department received three 9-11 calls since the previous meeting. However, he said two of the calls were for the same incident, and both were canceled. The third call was for a multiple vehicle accident, which the department responded to.

 

•••

Davies  and Police Chief Ryan DeLange reported that broadcasts from the local radio station have been interfering with police radios, and discussion has begun regarding moving the repeaters to the Bureau of Land Management site on top of Wrights Point.

 

Anderson asked whether moving the repeater to Wrights Point would create a difference in reception.

 

Davies replied that reception would not be diminished. In fact, she said it would be improved in one direction. 

 

“So it sounds like an improvement,” Morgan said.

 

“In many ways,” Davies agreed. 

 

Davies also reported that a base is being formed to allow for the installation of a welcome sign. She said the sign’s materials were purchased by  the former PRIDE group, adding that the sign will be three-dimensional and  about one foot off of the ground. It will be installed at the west end of Hines near the old mill site.

 

•••

DeLange said the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police conference, which he attended in Bend from April 9-12, was “outstanding.” He added that he met 150 police chiefs at the conference and said they will be great resources. 

 

DeLange added that theft reports have remained steady, but dog complaints have decreased. He said a case involving theft of gasoline at the Valley Golf Club has been solved, and Officer Casey Held has eight more weeks of  training left at the police academy. 

 

DeLange also reported that the county is currently without a sexual assault nurse examiner. As a result, victims of sexual assault have to travel several miles out of town.

 

He added that Officer Matt Githens’ police vehicle is “dying,” and  he said it is “not going to last another year.”

 

DeLange also discussed two bills being proposed, stating that he would support one and oppose the other. He said he would support a bill requiring all owners of used police vehicles to paint them so that they no longer resemble police vehicles that are in use. However, he said he would oppose a bill that takes away  the ability of police chiefs, lieutenants and captains to hire, fire and discipline police staff. He said if the bill passes, these decisions would be handled by mayors.

 

•••

In other business, the council:

 

• agreed to pay for Municipal Treasurer Rachael Robinson to attend a one-day Payroll Law seminar in Bend on May 14. In addition to paying the cost of the seminar, the council agreed to pay Robinson’s per diem and other expenses;

 

• discussed purchasing a generator. Davies said the price of a new generator has doubled in the past few years. She asked Baird to look into the cost of purchasing a used generator;

 

• was given an opportunity to make comments. During this time, Anderson complimented DeLange for effectively patrolling the school zone around Hines Middle School. DeLange explained that he parks in front of the school so that the parents have to use the turn around.

 

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Hines Common Council will be held May 7 at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.

 

 

 

In an effort to “promote more “radness” here in Burns,” Aron Kessinger opened Bike Burns, a full-service bicycle repair, parts and sales shop.

 

Located at 353 N. Monroe in Burns (across from Safeway), Bike Burns officially opened today. Shop hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

 

Kessinger said he plans to “test the waters” by focusing on bicycle repairs, but he may add more bicycles to his inventory in the future.

 

“At some point, I want to get a bunch of cool cruisers,” he said.

 

Kessinger said he also plans to sell custom skateboards made by Brian Wall of Euphoria Board Company in his shop, and he plans to adorn the shop walls with artwork.

 

Kessinger said he wanted to create a place for himself to work that he would enjoy “hanging out at.” 

 

“I needed a job, and Burns needed a bike shop. So here we are,” he said.

 

Kessinger, who has worked extensively at bicycle shops in the past,  moved to Burns from San Francisco, Calif. in November 2012 to help take care of his family when his father got sick. 

 

In January, Kessinger accepted the  Man of the Year award on behalf of his late father, Phil Kessinger, at the Harney County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. Aron Kessinger said that, like his father, he wants to have a positive impact on the community.

 

“I want to build on my dad’s legacy of being awesome,” he said.

 

 

On March 16, the Harney County Sheriff’s Office received a telephone call from Victor Self of Oklahoma City, Okla. Self stated that his 19-year-old son, Dustin Rollin Self, had called him and stated that his GPS had guided him to the Fields-Denio Road in southern Harney County and that he was lost. Self asked for assistance finding his son.

 

Dustin had left Oklahoma and was enroute to the Klamath Falls -Ashland area to join a church, The Church of the Holy Light of the Queen, after a break-up with his girlfriend.

 

An investigation found that Dustin had made contact with the Fields Store, and that a customer had given him directions to Lakeview. A search was made by the Harney County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of Bureau of Land Management employees, with negative results.

 

Dustin’s family then had a missing person report filed and entered into the National Crime Information Computer system.

 

On April 15, a report was made to the Harney County Sheriff’s Office that a vehicle registered to Dustin Self was found on the Stone House Road at the north end of Steens Mountain by local area ranchers. The vehicle was located approximately two-and-one-half miles west of the Fields Denio Road, and had slid off the roadway. This location is 35 miles north of the area first searched.

 

Harney County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue responded to the scene and conducted a search for Dustin with negative results. The search was hampered by severe storm conditions, high winds, and deep snow drifts in the area. An air search is planned when the high winds in the area subside. The area where the vehicle was found is described as very rough wilderness.

 

On Thursday, April 18, Sheriff Dave Glerup advised a local rancher searched the area in a helicopter with negative results as deputies continued with a ground search. As soon as weather permits, the Harney County Sheriff’s Office will launch a couple planes to help with the search for Dustin Self.