WALLOWA COUNTY
BOARD of COMMISSIONERS
STATE of OREGON
541-426-4543, X130
FAX: 541-426-0582
DAVID RILEY, E.A.
CHAIRMAN MIKE HAYWARD
COMMISSIONER SUSAN ROBERTS
COMMISSIONER PAUL CASTILLEJA
commissioners@co.wallowa.or.us
September 2, 2014
Wallowa County Board of Commissioners (BOC)
Regular Board of Commissioners Meeting
9:00 a.m. / C.J. Thornton Conference Room
Wallowa County Courthouse
MEMBERS PRESENT:
CHAIRMAN MIKE HAYWARD
COMMISSIONER SUSAN ROBERTS
COMMISSIONER PAUL CASTILLEJA
STAFF PRESENT:
DAVID RILEY, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
OTHERS PRESENT:
DAN DEBOIE, BRUCE DUNN, REBECCA KNAPP,
CYNTHIA WARNOCK, CHAD NASH, KATY NESBITT,
ROD CHILDERS
Chair Hayward called the meeting to order. Pledge and prayer led by the same.
Consideration and/or approval of: Consent Agenda
1.
Payment of Claims on County Funds:
2.
Minutes:
August 18, 2014 BOC Regular Meeting
3.
Action Notices:
Employee Action Notice – Nick Arnold
4.
Orders:
Appointing Maria Weer to the Eastern Oregon HUB
5.
Ordinances: None
6.
Agreements/Contracts:


Jail Use Agreement with Union County
OR Housing and Community Services Grant Agreement 4051 – CASA
Volunteer Program
7.
Resolutions: None
8.
Easements:
Page 1 of 3
WALLOWA COUNTY
BOARD of COMMISSIONERS
STATE of OREGON



Greg Goodwin – Install a service drop in shoulder of Brock Lane
Rosalie Sims – Replace two power poles along Lower Diamond Lane
William D. Duncan (B&D Development) – Driveway on Eggleson Lane
Commissioner Castilleja moved to approve the Consent Agenda.
Commissioner Roberts seconded the motion.
The motion was passed with a unanimous vote in favor.
Other Business:
Maps in the Vacated County Men’s Jail:
Commissioner Roberts explained that the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Service
Travel Management Plan maps are in the old County men’s jail in the Courthouse that
has been remodeled and converted to two large rooms. The maps are in the room furthest
from the hallway. The public is welcome and encouraged to visit the rooms, review the
maps and make comments using the provided desks, chairs and writing supplies. Per
Chairman Hayward, he thought the public comment period ends November 2014, at
which time the Forest Service will have maps of the Forest they consider accurate. Per
Chairman Hayward, there is also a set of maps in the OSU Extension office, as well as a
compact disc containing the maps.
Discussion Regarding Gates on County Roads:
Per Commissioner Roberts, incidents have come up intermittently about gates over
county roads. She referenced a current dispute between neighbors over a gate on Voss
Ln., a County road, in addition to other disputes in the county. It was noted that there are
many gates on County roads. Commissioner Roberts stated that this discussion should
center around what the County’s policy might be regarding gates on county roads. Per
Chairman Hayward, it has been the County’s policy to allow gates on an individual basis
with the provision being that the gate cannot be locked. An audience member question
concerned whether there might be County liability if a gate is left open and wandering
livestock cause damage or are themselves damaged.
Multiple audience members suggested that gates across County roads should be
considered on an individual basis. Chairman Hayward suggested that perhaps the
County’s Natural Resources Advisory Council should review future applications for gates
on County roads to assess for resource use issues.
Rebecca Knapp, attorney, stated that she is present at the request of Peter Thimm, a part
time County resident and land owner who has expressed concerns about a gate on Voss
Ln. near his residence. She stated that it seems to her any policy the County might adopt
should recognize a distinction between gates on County roads that serve resource use
interests and those that are used primarily for privacy. Ms. Knapp asked if the easement
application was the current method for seeking to install a gate on a County road.
Chairman Hayward answered that the easement application is the method used. The
process has been that the easement application is completed by the applicant describing
Page 2 of 3
WALLOWA COUNTY
BOARD of COMMISSIONERS
STATE of OREGON
what and why an easement is needed and is submitted to the County Road Department.
The Road Department reviews and forwards the application to the Board of
Commissioners (BOC) with a recommendation for or against acceptance of the
application. The BOC then considers the application and either accepts or rejects it.
Ms. Knapp suggested that the easement application have an indemnity clause that would
protect the County from liability that might arise from issues related to gates on County
roads.
Chairman Hayward stated that the expectation for this discussion was to initiate a policy
discussion on this issue.
Public Comments:
No other issues were brought to the Commissioner’s attention.
Board meeting adjourned at 9:42 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted by:
David Riley, Executive Assistant
WALLOWA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Chair Mike Hayward
Commissioner Susan Roberts
Commissioner Paul Castilleja
______________________________
ATTEST: David Riley, Executive Assistant
Page 3 of 3