The following are the unapproved minutes from the Burns City Council meeting held Oct. 14. These minutes were edited for clarity and length:

Interim City Manager Judy Erwin reported that a meeting regarding the 2020 street project was held with HA McCoy and High Desert Aggregate and Paving on Oct. 14.

Pending the council’s approval, contract work was slated to begin Oct. 15.

However, Erwin and the city attorney agreed that the contract provided by HA McCoy was poorly written and problematic, which could create issues down the road.

This is the same contract that HA McCoy has used for the past three years, but until this point, it was never sent to legal counsel for review.

After speaking with HA McCoy and the project manager for High Desert Aggregate and Paving, Erwin said she believes the risk is minimal, and the cost to both the city and High Desert Aggregate and Paving could be high if the project is put on hold.

HA McCoy assured that their company is reputable and has done a lot of high-quality work, including work for the Oregon Department of Transportation.

After speaking with all of the parties involved, Erwin and the city attorney recommended moving forward with the project.

Mayor Jerry Woodfin asked what would happen if the city didn’t move forward. Erwin replied that, in the worst case scenario, the city would be sued.

H.A. McCoy didn’t provide the contract until Oct. 2. The city attorney was on vacation and didn’t get a chance to review the contract until he returned to work.

The contractor informed Erwin that he already spent about $80,000 just to get mobilized and set up.

Sean Williams of H.A. McCoy participated in the meeting via phone. Williams said he spoke to Mike Moore of High Desert Aggregate, and they are willing to sign an amendment to the contract after the city’s attorney makes the necessary changes. However, the actual project must start Oct. 15.

Erwin asked if they would be willing to sign something stating that they will sign the amended contract, even if the contract isn’t available until after the project is complete. Williams said he didn’t think that they will have a problem with that, and he would follow up with Erwin.

Councilor Christy Rivera motioned to move forward with the 2020 street project, and the motion carried.

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The grant process is under way for the Burns Municipal Airport.

The city’s engineers recommended applying for funds to design the apron rehabilitation and the construction that is slated for next year. The total cost of the design would be about $100,000, and the construction would total about $1.65 million.

If the city succeeds in obtaining a grant, out-of-pocket expenses would be about $17,500.

The city is also looking into a new master plan for the airport, which would cost about $300,000. The city’s share would be about $3,000 after grant funds.

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Erwin reported that Prothman has not been advertising the city manager position. The city attorney is contacting the recruiting company about their contract obligations, and Erwin should have a report at the next meeting.

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The public works department held interviews for an entry-level, part-time position.

The board for the selection process included Erwin, Hines Public Works Superintendent Jerry Lewellen, former Burns Public Works Director Dave Cullens, Burns union representative Wayne Corns, Burns Public Works Director Michael Berry, and Councilor Pamela Smerski.

After interviewing the three most qualified candidates, the board selected Anthony Ellis to fill the position. He began on Oct. 19.

•••

Erwin presented a bill from Oregon Data Systems for the server update, which included some equipment that was not in the bid.

Councilor Smerski moved to approve the invoice in the amount of $3,292, and the motion carried.

•••

Erwin discussed plans to install a wheelchair accessible door for city hall.

The city only received one bid in the amount of $18,809, but there would be additional costs for permits and electrical work.

Erwin asked whether the council would like to move forward.

Woodfin asked to see a finalized bid, showing the total cost for everything. Erwin will bring the total cost to the next meeting.

•••

Police Chief Newt SkunkCap reported that the Burns Police Department has been busy. To date, they’ve received 2,131 calls this year.

SkunkCap also noted that the department will be handing out candy at the Trick or Treat Street Parade.

He also thanked the public works department and Erwin for their service to the Burns Police Department.

Councilor Smerski asked SkunkCap asked whether the department would still like to purchase a new patrol vehicle. SkunkCap is working on a proposal.

•••

Roy Crafts reported that the public works department has been busy.

The department is still short-handed, but the crew is doing its best.

They will be getting the plows ready soon. The plows will eventually need to be replaced because they’ve already been rebuilt twice. A new plow will cost anywhere from $15,000 to $18,000.

•••

Fire Chief Scott Williamson reported that he has been busy working on equipment.

Williamson added that he and two of his volunteers went down to Selma to help fight the wildfires, and his volunteers did a fantastic job.

The department received a $38,000 grant to replace the repeater, and Williamson would like permission to move forward with the project.

Smerski moved to allow Williamson to use the $38,000 grant to pay for replacing the repeater, and the motion carried.

•••

During the public comment period, John Leach asked whether there was a city ordinance that prohibits drunk and disorderly conduct.

Leach explained that he’s called four times regarding the same man. The man was finally trespassed from the property, but he came back again.

Leach said law enforcement told him that they can’t arrest the man because the jail won’t take anyone do to COVID-19. All they can do is book and release him.

Erwin said she will look at the city ordinances.

•••

Susan Ohlund requested that North Hemlock, between West Adams and West Jefferson, be vacated.

There was some discussion, and Woodfin asked Ohlund to return with additional information.

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Patty Hodge of The Central Pastime asked to place two to four tables on the sidewalk that will be permanently attached to the building so that people can sit outside during nice weather.

She said a representative from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) told her that most cities are doing this, and he would come to a council meeting to discuss it.

Hodge will put together a packet with all of the measurements for the next meeting. If the OLCC representative is unable to attend the next meeting, she will come back in the spring.

•••

Denise Rose of Harney County Economic Development presented a written report.

She also noted that Harney County received a grant from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to rehab potential Brownfield properties.

DEQ has already made site visits.

•••

Andrea Letham of the Treasure Valley Community College Small Business Development Center stated that the center helps individuals get their businesses started through loans and grants. Letham’s position is funded by the Ford Family Foundation f

Letham presented a slide show regarding Shop Harney, an e-card that can be purchased to shop at local businesses.

Councilor Smerski moved to sponsor the e-card program by donating $1,500 from the LID Economic Development funds. The motion carried.

•••

Woodfin opened the hearing for the supplemental budget.

Erwin stated that the water and sewer budget is being split into two budgets, and some appropriations are being made in the general fund.

There being no public comment or further discussion, Woodfin closed the public hearing.

•••

Corona Virus Relief Grants were awarded to:

• Stephanie Haines of Harney County Fitness ($1,000), with the condition that a corrected grant application be submitted;

• Melissa McElnnon of Vintage Beauty ($1,000);

• Judy Presley of Judy’s Custom Frames ($1,000);

• January Kolar of Harney County Cellular ($1,000);

• Susan Pedersen of Desert Historic Theatre ($1,000);

• Alan Humphrey of  A & L Big Dogs ($500);

• Nicki Henshaw of Blown Away by Nicki ($1,000);

• Kira Wall of Studio 20 ($1,000);

• Mark Webb of RJ’s Restaurant  ($1,000);

• hair dresser Kathy Swisher ($1,000);

• Lisa Tiller of Desert Dream Mentor Program ($1,000);

• Rick Roy of Steen’s Mountain Brewing Co. & Pub House ($1,000); and

• Harmony Cushing of A Touch of Harmony ($1,000).

Brent York of York Rentals applied for a $1,000 grant. Woodfin would like additional information. No action was taken.

•••

The council read Resolution 20-691 by title only and then approved it. The  resolution changes budget appropriations by supplemental budget.

The council read Resolution 20-692 by title only and then approved it. The resolution accepts certain identified unanticipated revenue from the state of Oregon and authorizes the expenditure of a specific sum from the general fund and the LID/economic development fund for corona virus relief.

•••

During the council and committee comments portion of the meeting:

• Smerski said she appreciated everyone who attended the meeting;

• Woodfin read a thank you card from Robin Christy for the Corona Virus Relief Grant that her business received.

• Mike Alderman, who attended the meeting via phone, asked whether any of the Corona Virus Relief funds were used for city personal protective equipment.Woodfin replied that some were.

• City Clerk Dawn Crafts stated that, because of the holidays, there will only be one meeting in November and December.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 28.