The following are the unapproved minutes from the Harney County Court meeting held July 15. These minutes have been edited for clarity and length:

The court discussed a Letter of Promulgation regarding revised Harney County Emergency Operations Plans.

Emergency Manager Paul Gray said an update will happen every two years to align with state and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements. The National Incident Management System will need to be updated in 2025.

Commissioner Patty Dorroh made a motion to wait three weeks to approve the Letter of Promulgation / revised Emergency Operations Plan on Aug. 5.

Gray will stay on as a part-time employee to help the court until it learns additional portions of the emergency management system. Judge Pete Runnels and Gray will discuss the administrative requirements. Commissioner Dorroh asked that the court put all of Gray’s work, not only online, but also on a backup method.

Gray said Day Wireless will work with the county annually on the antenna towers. This year, they will work in Harney County for three days in August, working on one tower per day. Gray has a list of what changes and who the players are to move towers and repair them. Land on Roaring Springs Ranch might be a possible option for placement of a new tower. Roaring Springs would have the option to use it. Others who could use the tower would include, but not be limited to, Harney Electric and law enforcement in the Catlow Valley.

•••

Permission to sign a contract for the Harney County MiWave Broadband Project was obtained via phone poll.

Judge Runnels provided a copy of the signed contract. The document includes a bond that will protect the payment. The repayment is MiWave’s responsibility, as the county is pass-through only. The contract will permit MiWave to provide fiber to all businesses in the area.

Harney County commissioners would like the owners of MiWave to update them on the project twice a year. The commissioners also requested that the exhibits be attached to the document that they reviewed in court.

•••

Due to the increase in wolf population, the Natural Resource Advisory Committee (NRAC) stated that direct language needs to be prepared prior to any attacks or prosecution of a person who defends or acts on a wolf.

The sheriff feels it would be beneficial to have an ordinance in place.

County counsel sent information to the commissioners, and they requested legal advice to guide them on deciding between an ordinance and resolution. The county needs a resolution because state law is in place, and it preempts any county law.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has been helpful in providing and detailing public information.

Commissioner Kristen Shelman will take the information back to the wolf committee. She will then present to the NRAC, law enforcement, and wolf committee.

Shelman also asked county counsel to help create a resolution regarding wolves.

The next county court meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, in Judge Runnels’ office in the courthouse.