APPROVED ON FEBRUARY 17, 2021

BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

AT THE WEEKLY BUSINESS SESSION

WEEKLY BUSINESS SESSION— February 10, 20215: 30 p. m.— Board of Commissioners Office via Zoom500 N. W. Sixth Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526

Present: Daniel E. DeYoung, Chair; Herman E. Baertschiger Jr., Vice-Chair; and Darin J. Fowler, Commissioner; Trish Paredes,Recorder

These are meeting minutes only. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker' s exact words.

Pursuant to notice through the media and in conformance with the Public Meeting Law, Daniel E. DeYoung, Chair, called the meetingto order at 5: 30 p.m.

Items discussed were as follows:

1. PUBLIC HEARING ON FORMATION OF THE JOSEPHINE INDEPENDENT RURAL FIRE PROTECTION

DISTRICT—(First Public Hearing was held on January 20, 2021)

Commissioner DeYoung opened the Public Hearing at 5: 33 p. m.

Commissioner DeYoung said this is a public hearing in the matter of the formation of the Josephine Independent Rural FireProtection District. Two public hearings on the proposal for formation of the district are required by law and citizen commentsreceived following the first hearing have been duly noted by the Board. The purpose of this hearing is to restate the Board' sproposal to form the Josephine Independent Rural Fire Protection District, effective upon approval of the voters at the May 18,2021 election; to allow public comment; determine whether the area proposed for the district boundary could be benefitted bythe formation of the district and to establish and finalize the boundary for the district.

REQUESTS/ COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS: (Each person will be given three( 3) minutes to speak)

Janet Lancaster, Merlin, spoke in support of the formation of the Josephine Independent Rural Fire Protection District.

Mark Jones, Josephine County, spoke in support of the formation of the Josephine Independent Rural Fire Protection District.John Holmes, Illinois Valley, spoke in support of the formation of the Josephine Independent Rural Fire Protection District.Mike McLaughlin, Applegate, spoke in support of the formation of the Josephine Independent Rural Fire Protection District.

Bryan Hawkins, Grants Pass, spoke in support of the formation of the Josephine Independent Rural Fire Protection District.

Sue Densmore, Jackson County, spoke in support of the formation of the Josephine Independent Rural Fire Protection District.Dorothy Vetter submitted comments via email( Exhibit 1).Austin Prince submitted comments via email( Exhibit 2).

Bill Hunker submitted comments via email( Exhibit 3).

Tom Piete submitted comments via email( Exhibit 4).

Sandy Squires, Josephine County, spoke in support of the formation of the Josephine Independent Rural Fire Protection District.Michael Sellers submitted comments via email( Exhibit 5).

Eileen Bowie, Merlin, spoke in support of the formation of the Josephine Independent Rural Fire Protection District.

Commissioner Fowler made a motion to approve theformation of the District by directing staffto prepare the order to refer thematter to the ballot, and schedule it for Board consideration at next week' s Weekly Business Session, February 17, 2021 at 9: 00a.m., seconded by Commissioner De Young. Upon roll call vote, motion passed 2- 1; Commissioner Fowler— yes. CommissionerBaertschiger—no and Commissioner DeYoung—yes.

Commissioner DeYoung closed the Public Hearing at 6: 42 p. m.

2. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS IN CONSIDERATION OF:

BOARD DECISIONS UNDER ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS WERE MADE AFTER PUBLIC COMMENT WAS RECEIVED

a. Approval of Order No. 2021- 007; In the Matter of Certain County Real Property Designated as County Forests,Public Parks or Recreational Areas; Intent to Sell Property by Public Announcement at a Sheriffs Sale ( Auction)One original Order filed with the County Clerk)

Mr. Hicks created the Order at the request of the Board to auction off the property known as" Pipe Fork Creek". Dave Streeter,Forestry Director, spoke to his recommendations to the Board for the process of the sale of this property.

3. REQUESTS/ COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS: ( Each person will be given three( 3) minutes to speak)

Linda Pace, Williams, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.Cheryl Bruner, Williams, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.Sandy Olken, Williams, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.Zeke Oman, Williams, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.

Weekly Business Session February 10, 2021 Page 2

John Stanko, Williams, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.Ray Pague, Williams, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.Chas Rogers, Williams, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.Maryclair Highfield, Williams, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.Jean Mount, Jerome Prairie, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.Shelly Waugh submitted comments via email( Exhibit 6).Wendy Giordano, Williams, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.Corbin Brashear, Williams, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.Conny Lindley, Williams, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.Alyssa Denny submitted comments via email( Exhibit 7).Evelyn Roether submitted comments via email( Exhibit 8).

Guenter Ambron, Illinois Valley, spoke in opposition to the State Mandates shutting down schools and businesses.Judy Ahrens submitted comments via email( Exhibit 9).Jay Meredith submitted comments via email( Exhibit 10).Dianne Martin, Williams, spoke in opposition of selling Pipe Fork Creek Property at an auction.

4. BOARD MAY REVIEW PUBLIC COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:

The Board addressed public comments.

Board Discussion and Action— Agenda Item 2( a)

Commissioner DeYoung made a motion to make a date certain ofFebruary 24'", 2021 for making a decision on Order No. 2021-007; In the Matter ofCertain County Real Property Designated as County Forests, Public Parks or Recreational Areas; Intentto Sell Property by Public Announcement at a Sheriff' s Sale (Auction), seconded by Commissioner Baertschiger Jr. Upon rollcall vote, motion passed 3- 0; Commissioner Fowler—yes, Commissioner Baertschiger— yes, and Commissioner DeYoung—yes.

5. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:

a. Minutes( Draft minutes are available for viewing in the Board' s Office)General Discussion— February 2, 2021Legal Counsel Update— February 2, 2021Weekly Business Session— February 3, 2021County Administration Workshop— February 4, 2021

Board Discussion and Action:

Commissioner Fowler made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar Agenda Item 5( a) as listed, seconded by CommissionerBaertschiger Jr. Upon roll call vote, motion passed 3- 0: Commissioner Fowler— yes, Commissioner Baertschiger— yes. and

Commissioner DeYoung—yes.

6. OTHER:( ORS 192.640( 1)) ". . . notice shall include a list ofthe principal subjects anticipated to be considered at the meeting,but this requirement shall not limit the ability ofa governing body to consider additional subjects.')

None reported.

7. MATTERS FROM COMMISSIONERS:

None heard.

Weekly Business Session adjourned at 8: 15 p. m.

Trish Paredes, Recorder

Entered into record:

Exhibit 1 — Dorothy Yetter' s commentsExhibit 2— Austin Prince' s comments

Exhibit 3— Bill Hunker' s comments

Exhibit 4— Tom Piete' s comments

Exhibit 5— Michael Sellers' comments

Exhibit 6— Shelly Waugh' s comments

Weekly Business Session February 10, 2021 Page 3

Exhibit 7— Alyssa Denny' s commentsExhibit 8— Evelyn Roether' s comments

Exhibit 9— Judy Ahren' s commentsExhibit 10— Jay Meredith' s comments

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From: Dorothy Yetter < dly@4030. com>Sent: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 3: 02 PMTo: Board of Commissioners

Subject: Public Comment to be read at meeting on 2/ 10/ 21

EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please verify links by hovering over them!

As a member of the Fire Protection Committee recently disbanded, I learned a lot. I was an at

large member who had no experience in fire fighting or what makes up a fire district. I askedto join this committee because I cared about public safety in our rural area. What I did learn

was that having full- service fire protection is not just about my house burning down. Itincludes knocking down brush fires, medical emergencies, researching a gas smell, dealingwith car accidents. These are all events that have happened to me or my neighbors. I alsolearned that while I have a contract with a private fire service which provides these services,

not everyone does. That means my subscription payment is covering those who do not. That iswhy the price of the proposed fire district will be lower than what I pay now.

There are other somewhat disturbing things I learned on the committee. For example, there

are no standards for a private fire company in Josephine County. This means that anyone canbuy an older engine, print up some handbills and take money for their non- standard service.Meanwhile, those contracted with a company that does meet the standards are coveringthose who do not.

Simply, I urge the commissioners to put this proposal on the May 2021 ballot for those whoare impacted to have a voice. It is fair and it is right.

Dorothy Yetterdly@4030.com

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From: Prince, Austin < Austin.Prince@gmr. net>

Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 11: 28 AMTo: Board of Commissioners

Cc: Annette Sorensen

Subject: Letter of Support in Favor of Fire District Inclusion on May 2021 Ballot

EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please verify links by hovering over them!

Please include this during public comment period on February 10)

Board of County Commissioners,

On behalf of Rural Metro Fire, I would like to thank the Board of Commissioners for taking the necessary stepstoward seeking improvement in fire protection across the " Unprotected Area" surrounding Grants Pass. Inresponse to the majority vote in May 2019 that echoed the collective desire of our community, your

appointment of the Fire Protection Committee, Ex- Officio invitations, and the hiring of a 3rd- party consultant,

has brought this critical 40+ year- old hometown safety issue to a very important crossroad. In recognition ofthe quality of information provided to you, it is good to see your confidence remain strong in seeing thisthrough to fruition. It is well known that the final decision placed in the hands of the voters is the right thingto do.

As a life- long resident of the county, who has also been dedicated to the protection of this community fromfire for over 32 years, I thank you personally for your unwavering support.

I remain available to you for any follow- up or questions, should they arise.

AUSTIN PRINCE

Division Chief of Operations

807 NE 6th Street I Grants Pass, OR 97526W: 541. 474. 1218 ext. 105 I C 541. 218. 7553www.rmfire-or.com

www.facebook. com/ RuralMetroFireJosephineCounty

RURAL„, ,METRO

A Global Medical Response Solution

This communication may contain confidential and/ or proprietary information and may not be disclosed to anyone other than the intended addressee. Any other

disclosure is strictly prohibited by law. If you are not the intended addressee, you have received this communication in error. Please notify the sender immediately anddestroy the communication including all content and any attachments. Thank you.***

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Josephine County Commissioner Meeting

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Bill Hunker, Merlin, Oregon

Dear Sirs,

I am in opposition to the Josephine Independent Rural Fire Protection District tax proposal.

1) This tax is a dead horse being beaten one more time. Similar proposals were made at least 8

years ago. None of the problems of those years have been solved. This solution now appears to

just kick the can down the road for the voters to decide.

2) Impeccably bad timing. The spring ballot will have 4 tax proposals. Three of which are imposed

directly on the county. History warns that the public will choose the lowest one, and scrap theothers. So, the animals will win again! Good move on the Sheriff' s part as no one knows what

the animal shelter/ animal control split will be.

3) And a cheeky move on the part of the animals advocates as the unread fine print declares that

this is a " permanent" tax levy. That part will not be comprehended when viewed against the

cost of the other two much more expensive tax proposals. Gotta give a " A" to the animal group.

4) This fire tax is being proposed by two city dwellers; not county residents. If we use the parlance

of the day, we might say they have " no standing" to propose this tax. This is a rural matter best

wrestled with by rural residents.

5) I remember JoCo commissioners telling Merlin that they were going to get sidewalks no matter

the arguments; that was, by golly, what they got. They never heard the message that the issue

never was cement paths, but rather that the powers that be were not listening to Merlin

residents. The analogy is clear.

6) These proposed rural fire tax dollars are highly coveted. And whether or not the rural residents

want this tax, two city dwellers are bound and determined; by golly, to enroll them into this fineand fabulous fire district. Rural residents be dammed, I mean darned.

In closing . . . In case you haven' t noticed . . . we don' t trust our leaders in Washington DC anymore. We

don' t trust that they' ll ever put America first. We don' t trust our leaders in Salem. We don' t trust that

they ever put Oregonians first. And we are increasing on guard to trust our leaders in Josephine County.It' s not the talking, it the actions that matter at this time in history more than ever. What exactly, are

you doing to improve the lives of the citizens of rural Josephine County?

Is it more and more and more taxes? Will there ever come a limit?

The voters of Josephine county voted to put you in charge explicitly to ensure that there will be limits.

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Trish Paredes10 1

From: tompiete@aol.com

Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2021 12: 41 PMTo: Board of Commissioners

Subject: Public Comment

EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please verify links by hovering over them!

I live in the Murphy area and pay Rural Metro annually to provide fire protection insurance. Myquestions are

1. What would be the 3 main reasons why it would be better for me to to pay through taxation ratherthan through premiums paid to Rural Metro.

2. Are there any additional services that would be provided by a Fire District that are not provided byRural Metro coverage? Conversely, are there any services provided by Rural Metro coverage thatwould not be provided by the fire district?

3. How does the proposed tax rate compare to tax rates in other nearby Fire Districts ( ie Applegate)

Thank You,

Tom Piete

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Trish Paredes 1 to. •d t

From: Michael Sellers < michael. l. sellers@gmail. com>Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2021 5: 13 PMTo: Board of Commissioners

Subject: Question for Commissioners regarding rural fire district - 2- 10- 2021

EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please verify links by hovering over them!

For the record my name is Michael Sellers, citizen of Josephine County and I would like to submit my question for therecord and have it asked during the public comment portion of the meeting on February 10, 2021.

Commissioners,

According to the Grants Pass Daily Courier, edition February 9, 2021, a county consultant and advisory committeerecommended that the new district contract with Rural/ Metro Fire Department to provide services.

The proposed tax rate of$ 1. 74 per 1, 000 of assessed value would generate approximately$ 6. 4 million dollars annuallyfor the proposed fire district.

There are currently two providers of fire protection services in Josephine County. Can the commissioners request theannual operating budgets of the two current providers, for Josephine County?

This information would be important to determine if the $ 1. 74 rate, generating$ 6. 4 million per year, would beadequate to operate a fire district within the county.

Thank you,

Michael Sellers

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Trish Paredes1

From: Shelly Waugh < waushe26@gmail. com>Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2021 11: 00 AMTo: Board of Commissioners

Subject: Re: Pipe Fork sale proposal

EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please verify links by hovering over them!

Dear Board of County Commisioners,

I write to you today, as a resident of Williams Valley of 30 years, and a concerned citizen.

During the housing crisis I bought a farm off East Fork. I spoke with a mortgage broker from the Midwest. He wasAMAZED that in the midst of all the foreclosures and bankruptcy around the country in rural America, Williams homeshad kept there value. " What makes Williams so special? He asked." And I replied, " Well it because we never logged our

watershed and not only is it beautifull to live here, we have plenty of water flowing on our watershed. It' s special. Plenty

of organic farms. Its healthy. Its nice. We look at trees instead of landslides.

If you allow our most pristine old growth forest to be logged, you will not only be robbing future generations, your

children, my children, of their legacy, you will be robbing property owners around here of their value in their homes. Idon' t need to remind anyone our economy is on the verge of collapse but we don' t need logging trucks, water shortages

and basic un livable conditions because some fancy person wants logs.

I will guarantee our property values will go down if you continue to use our natural resources in the valley to line yourpockets.

Please designate Pipe Fork a Wild and Scenic destination.

I am very displeased at how little the commisioners have listened to our valleys concerns and have watched our

community radically change for the worse. You haven' t protected our way of life here and I' m pretty sure I pay top teirproperty taxes. Where is our representation? Why are their Californians cutting trees for hemp around me? Why did I

spend three years trying to get a OLCC license only to be beat out by people not even from here?You never looked out for us. And I swear I will move and never look back.

You are constantly cutting off the legs of the small rural farmer around here and I' m sick enough of it to start going to

meetings and letting my voice be heard. You' ll be hearing more from me.

Cordially,

Shelly Waugh

61,4,6'1+

w5Trish Paredes a ' 10 ' 2- 1

From: Alyssa Denny < alyssa.denny@gmail. com>Sent: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 5: 54 PMTo: Dan DeYoung; Darin Fowler; Board of CommissionersSubject: Pipe Fork Land Sale

EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please verify links by hovering over them!

Hello Commissioners

Thank you for taking the time to address the needs of residents in your jurisdiction. As a Williams resident who has beenfollowing the potential sale of the county lot along Pipe Fork Cr. on East Fork, I am very disappointed to hear of yourplan to move forward with a sale via auction. We' ve had such momentum in positive responses from BLM, Land

Conservation organizations and Senator Wyden to preserve this pristine resource. I guess I shouldn' t be too surprised

that you all let us believe that you were working with us before elections and then swiftly changed course for profit

sake. Seems to be that governance unfortunately works for short term profit instead of long term benefits for its land

and its people. You all should be ashamed. Without clean water& diverse ecosystems how can anyone or anythingthrive? We live in Williams because we value this ecosystem!

Please reconsider . . . you must know that there are other viable options. Thanks again for your time

Sincerely,

Alyssa Denny

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From: Evelyn Roether < evelynkr@gmail. com>

Sent: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 6:32 PMTo: Board of Commissioners

Subject: public comment re: Pipe Fork sale

EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please verify links by hovering over them!

Greetings Commissioners,

It is my sincere hope that you choose to sell the Pipe Fork land to EcoTrust so that they may hold it in trust until it can bepurchased by the BLM. As you know, the Pipe Fork is adjacent to a BLM RNA( Research Natural Area) and as such is an

important swath of land to treat differently than just a usual County land holding. For years the BLM has done water

quality monitoring along that stretch of Pipe Fork, which runs off of Grayback Mountain, the highest and most pristine

mountain in Josephine County. The Williams community has invested so much time and energy in trying to protect this

place, that is one of the few unspoiled waterways in our watershed. Recognizing the economic benefits of receiving thetimber revenue that could be gained from this sale, it is also important for the County to also consider the

longterm environmental benefits of leaving certain places alone, so that clean water and unspoiled places remain for

future generations. Please allow the dialogue between the Williams residents, the BLM, Ecotrust and the Countycontinue so that the Pipe Fork on the flanks of Grayback Mountain will remain undisturbed for years to come. There are

other sources of revenue for the County to investigate that would be far less controversial than the cutting of the PipeFork, which is near and dear to the hearts of current and future residents of the Williams Creek watershed.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,Evelyn Roether

235 China Creek Rd.

Williams, OR 97544

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se. mot—

Both the World Health Organization and the Centers forDiscControl andPrevention have repeatedly said that ordinary citizens donot need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing." That was what was being said back in March 31.https_1/wwwnvtimescom/2020/03/31/health/cdc- masks-coronavirus.html)

Other medical doctors have made similar statements about how unnecessary the masks are and how they are actually harmfuL Hereis a list oftheir statements:

1. No Scientific Evidence Necessitating the Wearing of a Face Mask for Prevention. It has never been done before in history, nopeer reviewed studies supporting such a claim that masks for all people help stop a virus from spreading.

2. Virus is so Tiny it Would Go Right Through the Mask: "Let a surgeon of30 years( aka me) teachyou about masks COYID 19particle size averages 125 nanometers( 0. 125)- The range is- 06 microns-. 14 microns. One needs an electron microscope to see

a COVJD- 19 virus particle. The hoarded N 95 maskfilters dawn to a. 03 microns[ but not tinier than that], so N 95 masks block

few ifany virions( virus particles). This is a simplefact You cannot argue against it."- Dr. Tom Graham of San Francisco3. Could the Masks Themselves Cause People to Test Positive for the Virus ( If the tests are accurate) Breathing the germs and

bacteria back into the body is causing some people to have a low-grade fever and to probably test positive for the virus_ Could thisbe another reason why the numbers of those being tested is on the rise?( If they truly are on the rise.)

4. Masks Give a False Sense of Security: " Ifyou believe all these false senses ofsecurity-tools, then you really need to create abubble to live in and basically never come out But after living in your bubble, your immune system will weaken andbe susceptibleto the slightest little germ, bacteria or virus. And yes, you will diet" - Dr. Larry Izancitch

5. Wearing a Mask Causes Bacteria and Viruses to Build Up Inside the Mask: " By wearing a mask the exhaled viruses will notbe able to escape and will concentrate in the nasal passages, enter the olfactory nerves and travel into the brain. The[ symptoms]can vary from headaches, to increased airway resistance, carbon dioxide accumulation, to hypoxia, all the way to serious life-threatening complications." Dr. Russel Blaylock

6. Could Cause Memory Loss: " Newer evidence suggests that in some cases the virus can enter the brain. In most instances it enters

the brain by way ofthe olfactory nerves( smell nerves), which connect directlywith the area ofthe brain dealing with recent memoryand memory consolidation"- Dr. Russell Blaylock

7. Person is Usually Constantly Touching the Mask: " Unless you are used to wearing a mask and the maskfrts properly there is atendency to constantly adjust the mask, touch yourface, and scratchyour nose not only making the mask irrelevant but increasingyour risk" - Dr.Jeffrey Barite— from Newport Beach, CA He has a blog called RxforLiberty.

8. Moisture Develops Inside the Mask: ` After only a few minutes of wear, moisture develops inside the mask trapping naturalre piratotypathogens from your nose and mouth causing potential rengectiorrund making the mask more permeable to outside ---pathogens"- Dr. Jeffery Barke

9. Breathing Back into the Body CO2 is very Unhealthy: " Unless the mask is properly vented CO2 can build up which is veryunhealthy causing hendnrhe, dizziness, and respiratory distress."— Dr. Jeffrey Barks

10. No Proof Masks are Effective in the Operating Room: There are no scientific studies showing benefit ofdisease preventionfrom wearing a mask even in the operating room[ because the virus is so tiny it can go through the masks] - Dr. Jeffi-ey Barks

httosillwww.instazram.com/o/B Soc T2sdlhl=en)

11. Deaths due to Wearing Masks While Running:Breathing back into your body all the CO2 that should be breathed out is not stoodfor your body. Two 14- yr old boys in China were doing laps in a P.E. class wearing masks and within a week of each other bothfell down dead_ The death certificates listed the cause as sudden cardiac arrest The boys fathers believe it was from havinst to runwith a mask on.( haps:// mposicom/2020/ 05/ 06Jtwo- bovs-drop-dead-in-china-whileweariesmasks-during-"win-class!)One should not attack and insult those who have chosen not to wear a mask, as these studies suggest that is the

wise choice to make. If you feel strongly about your freedom, try using a medical exemption card and stand upagainst this mask tyranny!

Medical Mask ExemptionThe individual in possession of this card

Is exempt from face mask usage requirement

Wearing a face mask poses a physical/ mental riskto me under the American Disabilities' Act( ADA) r=

I AM NOT REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE MY CONDITION

US Department of Justice ADA Violation ReportingPhone 800-514- 0301— TTY-800-514- 0383

Email ADA.complaint iusdoj. govIf found in violation of the ADA, you face steep penalties.

Organizations and businesses can be fined up to$ 75, 000 for afirst violation and$ 150,000 for subsequent violations. Liberty is Being Muzzled as People are

Denying access to a business will also be reported to the state AiBeing Muzzled

ID

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Trish Paredes 9 . 10 ' a I

From: Jay Meredith < amr.gold.cfo@gmail.com>Sent: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 9:29 PMTo: Board of Commissioners

Cc: Jeff Duewel; Wally Hicks; Brian AndersonSubject: Public Comment for your meeting tomorrowAttachments: JoCo Critical Minerals Commissioner Letter 1- 21- 20.pdf; 20200115

Wilson_minerals_r.pdf

EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please verify links by hovering over them!

Dear Commissioners,

As I'm not sure if I can attend your meeting tomorrow via zoom, please read this public commentinto the record during your weekly business session.

We have been talking to the Commissioners for at least a year and a half now about our mineralwealth in Josephine County and our concern about pending mineral withdrawals and wildlandexpansions on Federally managed lands. See the attached letters from us and Carl Wilsonpreviously sent to you a year ago) as just two of many examples of how we have been requesting

the County Commissioners be proactive on this issue. With Oregon' s Federal Senators last weekproposing " The River Democracy Act," the time for Commissioners to act boldly is now.

This proposed act is without a doubt the biggest land grab and biggest threat to Josephine County' seconomic future that you will face during your time as Commissioner. Our Senators in their pressrelease have referred to this as " the largest Wild and Scenic Rivers effort in our nation' s history."

Simply stated, many billions of mineral wealth in Josephine County aloneare at stake here. I would equate this mineral withdrawal to a tax proposal

that taxes every man, woman, and child in Josephine Countyapproximately $50, 000 each. Josephine County is the most mineral richCounty in Oregon, and we can back that up with facts. If you look at themap of the proposed mineral withdrawal areas, SW Oregon and JosephineCounty have the most adverse effects and most proposed new scenicdesignations.

For what it's worth, this proposal does not directly affect any of ourplanned operations at this time. But part of our mission is to educate the

community and preserve our God-given local mineral wealth for future

generations. Josephine County' s mineral industry can be a global supplierof green energy/solar materials in future years as we have Tellurium

11 deposits ( per our research) which is a very rare critical mineral that evenUSGS and DOGAMI don' t know that much about in Josephine

County. Today's responsible lode ( hard rock) mineraldevelopment/ research operation does not affect any waterways or disturbthe beauty of rural Josephine County...there is no need for furtherregulations in this area.

We have several suggestions on how the Commissioners can act to protect

our economic future from this proposal and look forward to the

opportunity to speak with you again at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Jay Meredith, CPA541- 218- 1227

Board Chair and CFO

American Mineral Research, Inc.

www.AmericanMineralResearch. com

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