The light agenda for County Commissioners Wednesday Business Session was expanded by two under the Other category. First was resolution 2013-017 expressing opposition to the Expansion by over 4,000 acres the Oregon Caves National Monument. The resolution was approved unanimously. Commissioner Hare will deliver that resolution to The Congressional Delegation in Washington tomorrow and Friday.

The Commissioners also approved a letter to be sent to State Senator Jackie Dingfelder, Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, in opposition to Senate Bill 401 which would create 30 more wild and scenic designations on Oregon rivers, 75% of which would fall in Josephine County creating a quarter mile easement on either side of the river that would adversely affect private property holders along the river, the County Fairgrounds and the Illinois Valley Airport.

The question of last Wednesday’s Rotary Meeting with the topic, State of the County, listed in the Commissioners Agenda, where Dale Matthews and Sandi Cassanelli were denied access to the private meeting and escorted from the premises by city police was addressed. Commissioner Cherryl Walker, who filled in for Chairman Simon Hare at that meeting, stated no country business was discussed that was in discussion or due to be discussed, and only shared what was already in the public record.

Commissioner Walker pointed out three different legal opinions, including both the county and city attorneys, agreed the state Public Meetings Law was not broken.

The Commissioners Hare and Heck did question the wisdom of placing a private meeting on the County’s agenda.