The map above outlines the roads discussed in the vacation hearing at the county court meeting on Oct. 19. The Route 1 blue line is referred to as the East-West Route and the Route 2 pink line above is referred to as the North-South Route.

County court holds hearing on Cannady road vacation petition

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

The Harney County Court heard testimony regarding a road vacation petition filed by Barbara Cannaday during the court meeting on Oct. 19.

Cannady’s petition requested that the county vacate a portion of the old State Hwy 78., south of Princeton. In September the court asked Harney County Road Supervisor Eric Drushella to research the request and report back with his findings.

Drushella reported that the road in question had been given to the county by the Oregon Department of Transportation in 1952. The agreement between the county and the state includes that this segment of road “cannot be abandoned as public highways, but must be maintained for the benefit and service of persons living thereon and communities served thereby.”

Drushella also said his research included conversations with residents in the area, as well as Sheriff Dave Glerup. He said the residents had concerns regarding access to their property should the road be vacated, and the sheriff voiced concerns about disputes between neighbors, as well as emergency access to locations in the area.

Drushella’s recommendation to the court was that vacating the requested portion of the road would not be in the best interest of the public, and that the county would maintain ownership of the property.

Tyler Smith, speaking as Cannady’s counsel, said the vacation request was made due to repeated trespasses on private property. He said that the landowners who would be affected by the vacation have other options for access to their property.

Smith also commented that Drushella’s report didn’t deal with the issue of serving the public’s best interest. He said there was no residential need by the other landowners to use the road, but it would be “only for agriculture.”

Smith suggested that it would serve the public’s best interest if the county would obtain the north-south route.

Speaking on behalf of his family, Gary Marshall said as landowners with property  in the area they did not support the proposed vacating of this route. He said the portion of the road in question, “has provided in the past, and continues to provide, access for private landowners and interested parties, emergency services and government agencies.”

Marshall went on to say that there was a possibility of “a reasonable and historically-grounded solution.” He concurred with Smith that if the north-south road (known locally as the Jones Road) was reestablished, the east-west route would become less important. This road is currently inaccessible because Cannady built a fence down the middle, as well as tore out a cattle guard, leaving a ditch.

Also speaking against the proposed vacation, Linda Neale said the alternative routes suggested by Cannady are “not accessible.” Neale said that before Cannady had built the fence and removed the cattle guards, she had used Jones Road to get to her home.

Also speaking against the vacation were Richard Kimble, Robert Corson, Ken Thomas, Conly Marshall, Mark Neale and Paula Thomas.

The court closed the record on the hearing, and will render a decision at the Nov. 2 meeting.

•••
In other county court business:

• Tom Sharp reported on an Oregon Emergency Management Association conference he had attended;

• discussion was held on  public meetings, which will be held regarding the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s proposed acquisition of the McDaniel Ranch in Malheur County;

• Clackamas County Commissioner Jamie Damon presented a proposal to develop a sister-relationship with Harney County;

• the court reviewed the 2010 Department of Environmental Quality’s Material Recovery Report for Harney County;

• discussion was held on the North Steens Environmental Impact Statement, which was recently released;

• an application for an approach on Airport Lane was approved;

• the court discussed a denial by the Bureau of Land Management to allow Roaring Springs Ranch to graze the Tombstone Pasture on the South Steens Allotment.

• and the court reviewed a letter from the Wallowa County Board of Commissioners, regarding the wolf plan.

City would like to see a voluntary effort

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

Faced with the possibility of more flooding next spring, the City of Burns is asking for the residents’ help in cleaning out ditches and culverts.

City Manager Don Munkers told the Burns City Council at their meeting on Oct. 12, that he had met with a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representative regarding flood plain management. Munkers said that FEMA was to provide technical assistance visits every five years, but it has been 12 years since their last visit.

Munkers stated that the city does have the authority to go in, clean the drainage ditch and then charge the residents for the work, but he’d rather see a voluntary effort.

Burns resident Jody Hill reminded the council they had set a deadline of Oct. 15 for the ditch to be cleaned out and that date was almost upon them.

Hill added that there were also problems with areas where the water flows through to get to the main ditch, and those needed to be addressed as well. “We need to get going on this because if you wait too long, you’re not going to be able to get in there,” Hill said.

Mayor Craig LaFollette stated that the city would get going on getting the ditch clean, and later thanked the residents who  have already made an effort to get the ditch cleaned out.

The Burns Comprehensive Plan does contain a section regarding Flood Hazard Regulations, and states that the ordinance includes methods and provisions for “controlling the alteration of natural flood plains, stream channels and natural protective barriers which help accommodate or channel flood waters.”

The council agreed that they need to get busy on getting the ditch clean before winter arrives, and reiterated that they need the voluntary help of citizens to accelerate the process.

•••
City Manager Munkers reported they were moving forward, albeit slowly, trying to reach a contract agreement with the City of Hines on police services. Munkers stated he had drafted a letter outlining what the City of Burns would like to see in the contract, and the council agreed by consensus to send the letter to the City of Hines.

•••
The council approved Resolution No. 11-544, which increases land lease rates at the Burns airport from 10-cents to 14-cents per square foot.

The increase would be in effect on new leases and/or lease renewals.

•••
In other business:

• the council approved the rural fire suppression contract as written. Munkers stated that some residents thought the contract gave the city too much protection, however residents do have the choice to sign a contract or not;

• the city has begun work on a grant for sidewalks in the Slater School area. The grant would be for a little more than $400,000;

• Munkers reported the city has started to remove tin from the T-hangars at the airport, and if anybody wants building material from the hangars as they are dismantled, they are welcome to it;

• the council approved a $100 donation to Harney Partners for Kids and Families for the Red Ribbon Week  free barbecue and bonfire on Oct. 26;

• the council agreed to hold just one meeting per month in November and December. The council will meet on Nov. 16, and Dec. 14, and return to their regular schedule in January.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 26, at city hall.

ONDA appeal reasoning perplexes commissioners

By Tammy Downs
Burns Times-Herald

On Sept. 5, the Harney County Court announced a decision to uphold the planning commission’s decision to allow a farm dwelling to be built on a 480-acre parcel in the EFRU-1 Zone on Steens Mountain, owned by Diamond Valley Ranch (DVR). The original application had been appealed by Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA).

Harney County Judge Steve Grasty said, “I have spent a considerable amount of time looking at ONDA’s appeal and their basis of appeal, and I am perplexed by an awful lot of it. A lot of this appeal is about the credibility of the farm management plan, and we have no criteria to base that on and no need to do that.”

Grasty went on to explain all seven points ONDA had in the appeal, and how he discounted those points. He said the commission and the county court has the ability and the authority to say whether the issues that are germane to them making a decision should be considered, and they considered every one of them.

Harney County Commissioner Dan Nichols shared that he also went through each point, and he went on to explain how he also discounted these points.

Grasty and Nichols both voted yes on upholding this application. Commissioner Pete Runnels abstained from voting.

Grasty acknowledged that during the appeal hearing, ONDA’s legal counsel, Paul Dewey, had been extremely professional and very polite, which the court appreciated.

In other business:

• Matthew Fine was sworn in as the new Harney County Justice of the peace;

• the county court received the Harney County Road Supervisor’s report for the road vacation hearing to be held on Oct. 19;

• Tom Andrade and Angie Johnson of the Oregon Department of Forestry gave a discussion regarding “The Oregon Forestland Urban Interface Fire Protection Act,” to see if the court is interested in becoming part of this and helping implement the provisions. The court decided to look into this further before making a decision;

• the court voted to approve a motion to appoint Gail Buermann to replace Pat Sharp (due to Sharp retiring) on the mental health advisory committee;

• a motion was approved  to send a letter of support for the re-appointment of William Renwick to the Steens Mountain Advisory Council as the local environmental representative;

• the court approved the signing of an order appointing members to the Harney County Board of Property Tax Appeals;

• a discussion was held over the possible closure of U.S Postal Offices in Riley, Crane and Drewsey, and decided to have a county representative attend each rural scheduled meeting;

• discussion was held over the review of the BLM Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision Record on the Radar Hill Off-Highway Vehicle Staging Area Site Improvement;

• the court approved a motion to amend Ordinance #2011-69 Harney County Comprehensive Plan Mineral and Aggregate Inventory and the Application of the MARO Zone;

• the court held a discussion on the applicants who have applied for the Harney County Surveyor position that is vacant, and decided all three applicants are equally qualified. The court will schedule face-to-face meetings and will ask for proposals from each of the three;

• court had discussion over needing to hire a nurse or director, or someone to split these responsibilities, for the position of Director of Public Health, Home Health and Hospice. Currently the director position is held by Cheryl Keniston, who will be retiring. The court did not come to a decision as to how many people to hire to fill these positions;

• Representative Cliff Bentz was at the meeting, and gave a brief update on post-session legislative.

The next scheduled county court meeting will be held on Sept. 19 in Judge Grasty’s office.

Former law enforcement officer has life-long Harney County ties

Matthew Fine was sworn-in as the Justice of the Peace by Harney County Clerk Maria Iturriaga during the Oct.5 Harney County Court meeting. (Photo by TAMMY DOWNS)

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

Matthew Fine recently began another chapter in his working life, as he was sworn in as the Harney County Justice of the Peace on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

After serving in a law enforcement career that spanned over 30 years, Fine and his wife, Nancy, had returned to Burns for retirement. Though he said he was never without projects or work to do, when the justice of the peace position opened up, he felt it was a logical step for him to take.

“My experience and background will shorten the learning curve,” said Fine.

His background in law enforcement began in 1972, when he became a reserve police officer for Burns, later serving as a full-time police officer. In 1974, Fine was hired as an officer on the Bend Police Department. He became sergeant in 1979,  lieutenant in 1995 and was named Police Captain in 2001.

In addition, Fine also served as the acting director of the Deschutes County 911 Service District for two years, and was the interim chief of police at various times in both Hood River and Lincoln City. Along with his admirable work career, he has been an active member of numerous associations relating to law enforcement, including the Governor’s Special Commission Against Violent Crime, the Oregon Peace Officer’s Association and the FBI National Academy Associates. He was also a founding member of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team.

Fine is a graduate of Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, with an associate’s degree in law enforcement. He also graduated from the Oregon Executive Development Institute and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

With life-long ties to Harney County, Fine said he knows there may be times when he will see familiar faces in the courtroom. “I’m confident that I’ll be able to take an impartial look at the situation.”

Recent changes have moved all criminal cases out of Justice Court into Circuit Court. Fine said his position will focus on small claims, traffic, game violations, minor in possession and possession of less than an ounce. He said there are also some outstanding warrants that he will deal with, as well as first appearance arraignments.

The Justice of the Peace  is an elected position, and Fine’s term will end in 2012. He said he does plan to file this week for the position, which will be on the March 2012 ballot.

The Crane and Riley (below) post offices are on a list of those considered for closure by the U.S. Postal Service, which is forced to make cuts as a result of a declining work load. The list also includes offices in Drewsey, Seneca, Brothers and Juntura. (Submitted photos)

Locals who want to save their post offices can attend meetings on Oct. 11 and Oct. 12 to voice their opinions on why the government should keep these buildings open.

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

What would be the impact to the communities of Crane and Riley if the post offices in these two Harney County towns were closed?

Next week, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will hold public meetings to allow the residents of these two areas, where the post offices are targeted for closure, to speak out. A meeting will be held in the Suntex School in Riley, Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and in Crane in the elementary school multi-purpose room, Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

According to the USPS, the possible closures are just two of among 3,600 throughout the United States. Other rural post offices in the area that have been included in the list of closures are Drewsey, Seneca, Brothers and Juntura.

According to the USPS, the proposals are necessary due to “declining office workload, which may indicate that maintaining the facilities are not warranted.” The USPS conducted a discontinuance study and concluded that the proposed closings would not adversely affect the communities.

Members of the community disagree. Customers in the Crane area have already  broached the USPS with concerns regarding the distances that would be necessary to travel for mailing and picking up large packages, having to use credit cards for online postage orders and having unsecured road-side boxes long distances from residences.

In addition to approximately 115 residents of Crane, the closure will affect over a dozen businesses and organizations, along with the high school and elementary school. If the closure is implemented, delivery and retail services will be provided by the Burns Post Office.

In Riley, about 95 residents will be affected, along with 10 businesses and organizations and the elementary school. Services would be provided by the Hines Post Office if the closure is implemented.

The same concerns voiced by the Crane customers are felt by the residents of Riley. For many, it boils down to losing a vital member of the community. A handicapped customer in Crane commented that during business hours they can drive up to the post office, honk their car horn and Postmaster Martha Corrigan will come out to help them.

Copies of the proposals to close the two sites are available at the respective post offices.

Those who would like to comment on the closures, but are unable to attend the public meetings, can obtain comment forms at the affected post offices. Written comments will be accepted until Nov. 23, and can be mailed to Stephannie Wood, P.O. Box 3609, Portland, OR 97208-3609.

City offers to help those who need assistance with cleanup

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

At their regular meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 28, the Burns City Council continued to move forward on resolving issues they have been dealing with for several weeks.

City Manager Don Munkers told the council they are still looking at an Oct. 15 deadline to get the ditch that runs through the northeast portion of town cleaned out.

Munkers stated that the city had offered to help residents who couldn’t, for some reason, perform the work, but there are some areas where the city can’t get equipment in. He suggested they contact Darrell Williams to see if the Parole and Probation work crew would clean out those areas.

The city received an e-mail from Kim Wright, the owner of the Bontemps Motel, regarding getting the property cleaned up and secured.

Wright cited the work he has completed, and outlined other improvements he plans to have done by Nov. 1.

The council agreed that because Wright is making progress on the building, they would let him go ahead with the improvements, but would hold him to the Nov. 1 deadline.

Councilor Terri Holt stated that the council needed to let Wright know that if the improvements aren’t completed by his own deadline, there would be consequences. The council then directed City Manager Munkers to send a certified letter and an e-mail to Wright relaying the council’s wishes.

Munkers stated that the City of Hines had sent him a list of criteria they would like to see in the contract for police chief services.

Munkers reviewed the list for the council and said there would have to be discussion between the two cities about some of the items, including the length of the termination clause and the length of the contract. “We’ll just have to talk and see if we can put the contract together,” Munkers said.

Councilor Bill Renwick added it was critical that the contract included performance criteria, and the council agreed.
Munkers reported that the fire suppression contract for rural residents had been drafted by legal counsel and was ready to be reviewed by the council.

•••
In other business:

• the council approved closing East Washington from Broadway to Alder for the Chili Cook-off on Saturday, Oct. 15. To keep the block clear of vehicles for the event, the city will close the street on Friday, Oct. 14.

• Munkers reported the city is contracting with Phillips 66 for airport fuel, and so far, fuel sales at the airport are up. He added that they are progressing with tearing down the T-hangars at the airport as well.

• Councilor Dan Hoke said the cemetery landscape design company from Bend  was in town for a meeting on Sept. 27, and he presented the landscape plans. Hoke stated they had tried to address a number of issues, including traffic flow, parking areas, a new fence along the highway, tree removal and replacement and the Racine Memorial.

• The council voted to donate $100 to the Harney County Hospice Wine and Food Festival to be held Nov. 19.

• Councilor Holt expressed some concern about motorists being ticketed for speeding in the school zone in front of Burns High School. She stated that vehicles turning on to the highway from the high school, Big R, Thriftway or other nearby businesses may not be aware the caution lights are flashing because they are already between the lights.

Police Chief Randy Cook said he has instructed officers to try and make sure motorists enter the school zone from either end and go all the way through, but it’s not foolproof.

A suggestion was made to see if they couldn’t possibly get additional signs put up.

• Chief Cook reported that there were a number of vehicles broken into over the weekend in both Hines and Burns. Cook said all the vehicles were unlocked, and he recommended citizens should lock their vehicles at night.

The next city council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12 at city hall.

Planning commission originally approved the application to build farm dwelling

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

On Aug. 9, the Harney County Planning Commission approved an application from Diamond Valley Ranch (DVR) that allowed the ranch to build a farm dwelling on a 480-acre parcel in the EFRU-1 Zone on Steens Mountain. This decision raised the hackles of the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA), bringing about an appeal on the decision.

Because ONDA filed the appeal, a public hearing was held by the Harney County Court on Sept. 21.

During the hearing, testimony for  DVR was given by the ranches counsel, Tia Lewis, as well as Bill Otley, one of the owners of the ranch.

Lewis opened the hearing with evidence to dispute several of ONDA’s basis for the appeal, and said, “We are surprised the issue is even being challenged.” The evidence included material regarding legal access to the property, a map showing no other existing dwellings on the tract of land, discussion on the commercial scale of the operation and who would be residing in the dwelling.

Otley testified as to the business operation of DVR and the need for the dwelling. “We would like the dwelling so someone can monitor cattle, as well as keep fences and gates the way they should be. The property is essential in our operation.”

Additional supportive testimony for DVR was given by Steve Payer, Jim Schultz, Walt Bailey and Ken Hill.

Representing ONDA, Paul Dewey testified in opposition of the application. Dewey began with a request that Harney County Commissioner Pete Runnels not participate in the process, due to a statement of bias and appearance of partiality. Dewey presented a letter to the editor, published in the Burns Times-Herald as evidence. Judge Steve Grasty told Dewey that such a request should have been made 48 hours prior to the hearing, so it was not a valid request. However, Grasty said it was up to the commissioner as to whether he voted on the decision or not.

Runnels told Dewey, “I’m an elected official; I can make honest and fair decisions.” As a courtesy, he said he would exclude himself unless his vote was necessary to break a tie.

Dewey then explained ONDA’s position regarding DVR’s approval by the planning commission. He said ONDA was concerned with “a pattern of potential approvals for farm dwellings and then partitioning and selling them off.”

He commented that ONDA took issue in land use approvals made on one set of conditions, and when the land changes hands and uses, it no longer fits those conditions. Dewey also presented a map of DVR ownership, that was later rebutted by Lewis as being inaccurately labeled.

Following Dewey’s testimony, there were no other’s to speak in opposition of the decision, so the court closed the record and said a decision on the appeal will be made at the Oct. 5 Harney County Court meeting.

Wildfire stayed away from valuable timber

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

A summer forest fire at Theimer Park, just north of Burns, didn’t do as much damage as it could have, according to Dan Dean, forestry consultant for Harney County.

During the Sept. 21 Harney County Court meeting, Dean said that the fire had not burned much of the valuable timber. He reported that most of the fire had been on the south-facing slope, where most of the trees were small diameter. At the most, Dean said, there would be five or six loads of logs, not enough volume to warrant the cost of harvesting them.

The Boy Scout cabin was not damaged in the fire, and Dean said that anyone using the cabin would probably be able to utilize the damaged trees for firewood.

The court also questioned Dean on tree damage in the Theimer Park area from the Pine Butterfly infestation. Dean said that he is optimistic that the infestation has not killed as many trees as would appear. He explained that although many trees have lost their needles, most are still alive and will recover. He said he would do another survey next spring and report to the court on his findings.

•••
During the Harney County Court meeting, Harney County Clerk Maria Iturriaga announced that she will not be seeking re-election next year. The filing period for the May 15 Primary Election opened on Sept. 8, and will run through March 6, 2012. In addition to the clerk’s position, the sheriff’s position, the district attorney, the justice of the peace and one commissioner position will be up for election.

•••
Commissioner Dan Nichols introduced Teri Cain as the new Director for the Commission on Children and families. Cain then presented service provider contracts for the coming year. Provider contracts were approved with the Kids Club of Harney County, Harney Grant CASA, Training and Employment Consortium and the Harney ESD.

•••
Three applicants have shown interest in the Harney County surveyor position. The proposals from CK-3, Ken Delano and Civil Dynamics will be reviewed by the court, with discussion to be held at the Oct. 5 meeting.
•••
Harney County Chamber of Commerce Director Jen Hoke provided the court with an update on what the chamber has been doing. Hoke reported on attending the Oregon State Fair, the Charm Trail, reprinting of the Harney County map, Travel Oregon magazine, Chamber Chat, the weekly newsletter and the visitor’s guide.

Hoke told the court that nominations will open on Oct. 3 for the 2012 Chamber Awards Banquet. Those wishing to make a nomination, can contact the chamber office at 541-573-2636, or get nomination materials at 484 N. Broadway.

•••
In other business, the court:

•approved an approach by Terry Carroll off Stanclift Lane;

• the court reviewed an update from “There is Wisdom in Nature,” provided by Renee Buermann and Jane Jones and disbursed $3,500 to the project, that had been previously approved;

• approved an application by Kiger Ranch, Inc., for a mining operation in the EFRU-1 Zone, (for a rock quarry);

• voted to change the name of Harney Behavioral Health Advisory Council to Harney County Mental Health Advisory Board;

• agreed to send a letter of support for a transfer of land from the Bureau of Land Management to the current lifetime lessee;

• approved the transfer of $20,140 from the County Jail Assessment Fund to the Drug Treatment Court to pay for a circuit judge pro-tem;

• and accepted a letter of resignation from Bob Cargill from the Harney County Fair Board, leaving several vacancies that the court has the obligation to fill.

Police chief services will be contracted with Burns

The new gazebo will be located in the field south of Hines City Hall, near the eagle statue. (Photo by RANDY PARKS)

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

After several weeks of discussing various options, the Hines Common Council voted to retain its own two police officers and contract with the City of Burns for police chief services.

Mayor Nikki Morgan stated that the city had sent out about 600 surveys to citizens asking for their input on police services and placement of the gazebo, and received about 150 back. Of the surveys returned, 68 voted to contract with the City of Burns for police services, 54 voted for Hines to have their own police and 25 voted to contract with the Harney County Sheriff’s Office.

The option of just contracting for the police chief was not listed on the survey.

Councilor Brent Drury made a motion to contract with the City of Burns for police services, but during the discussion several other councilors felt it might be better to just contract for the police chief.

The motion died for lack of a second, and Tom Choate then made a motion for the city to retain their own officers, contract with Burns for police chief services and negotiate the equipment situation with the City of Burns.

The motion passed 5-1, with Drury casting the lone nay vote.

•••
Ryan Bixby of SoundEarth Strategies was in attendance to discuss the proposed clean up of contaminated groundwater at the former Tim’s Time service station in Hines.

Bixby explained that their current plan includes pumping water out of the ground, running it through three canisters outfitted with carbon filters to remove the contaminants and then discharging the water back into the ground.

According to Bixby, the petroleum will be removed from the water after passing through the first canister, but the water will still be pumped through the second and third canisters to ensure it’s clean before being discharged.

The canisters would be monitored on a monthly basis, and once petroleum is detected between the first and second canisters, the carbon filters would be replaced.

Bixby said that the carbon would likely last for 120 days before any contaminants would pass through because of saturation, but they would do monthly sampling just to make sure. “The objective is to clean up the site,” Bixby said.

He added that to use the system they would need an underground injection permit, and the city council would have to give their approval for that.

The council had some concerns about discharging approximately 3,000 gallons of water each day, noting that they didn’t want it spreading on to adjoining properties.

Bixby stated that an infiltration test would determine if the soil would handle the discharge, and they planned to do the testing in a matter of days.

The council agreed to wait until the infiltration test is completed before making a decision on whether to allow SoundEarth Strategies to go ahead with their proposal.

•••
It was reported that of the surveys returned, there were 90 votes to place the gazebo in the field south of city hall and 54 votes to place it in the main park on the west side of Highway 20.

The council voted unanimously to have the gazebo placed south of city hall near the eagle statue.

In other business, the council:

• approved business licenses for Burns Auto & Truck Towing and CC Sweeps, LLC;

• approved City Administrator Joan Davies attending risk management training Sept. 27-28.

The next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 27, at city hall.

More research to be done on the city’s options

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

Because of a lack of response by the owner of Bontemps Motel to improve the property, the Burns City Council has to decide what their next course of action should be.

After a site visit by council members on July 22, the owner of Bontemps, Kim Wright, was given 30 days to present a written plan that would include a budget, intended use of the property, schedule of events, a manager, care of the building and intended cleaning, including making the outside aesthetically pleasing, and removal of all signs.

It was also stated that no utilities were to be turned on until all hazards had been addressed, and a full gate was to be installed to prevent any person or vehicle from entering the premises.

At the council meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 14, City Manager Don Munkers said that Wright had not complied with the list, and it was up to the council to decide what to do with the property.

Munkers said two options were to have the building demolished or have someone go in and do repairs to make the building safe. In either case, the cost of the work would go to Wright.

Munkers added that Wright already owes the previous owner a substantial amount of money, so if the city were to put a lien on the property after the work was completed, they would probably be second in line for receiving compensation.

Councilor Terri Holt stated that even though the building is structurally sound, it is still an eyesore and is not secure.

After some discussion, Holt made a motion to demolish the building except for the portion that houses the What-Not Shop. It was pointed out that demolition would have to address any asbestos or lead paint issues, and that would add to the cost. Holt’s motion died for lack of a second.

Councilor Bill Renwick stated that the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has had interest in the property so they could eliminate the 90 degree corner, and he added that a third party has also expressed interest in acquiring the property.

The council agreed to hold off on making any decision until more research is done on the options available. The council also agreed to send a certified letter to Wright informing him of their intent.

•••
Burns Fire Chief Scott Williamson reported that he and Brice Mundlin were continuing efforts to get the city cleaned up.

Williamson said that 34 homes were contacted about cleaning up weeds or trash on their property, and 17 had complied. Seventeen vacant lots had also been cleaned up, and 10 of 20 vehicles that were tagged for being in the city right-of-way have been removed.

Williamson stated that one person was cited and had until Sept. 28 to comply.
•••
In other business:

• the council voted to pursue a contract for chief of police services with the City of Hines and directed the city manager to pursue the idea of having City Insurance Services, League of Oregon Cities or legal counsel draw up the contract;

• the council voted to ratify the contract for fuel supply at the Burns airport with Phillips 66, pending legal approval;

• it was announced a meeting will be held on Sept. 27 to receive public input on the cemetery landscape design;

• City Manager Munkers reported they were still working on the plan for rural fire suppression and hoped it would be ready by the next meeting so the council could make a decision;

• the council appointed Councilor Amanda Benton chair of the Parks Committee, and appointed Jen Hoke and Linc Reed-Nickerson to the committee. Anyone else interested in serving on the committee is asked to contact city hall;

• Councilor Laura Nichols stated that there have been a number of unfavorable comments regarding the island that has been installed at the intersection of Highway 20 and North Grand.

Renwick said that it was ODOT that put the island in to prevent left turns, and it’s out of the city’s hands;

• the council approved Resolution No. 11-542 regarding a $128,000 grant for Washington Park improvements, and Resolution No. 11-543 regarding receiving ODOT funds from their Special City Allotment Program.

The next council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28, at city hall.