The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 18, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Presentation – Fire & Wildlife Habitat/Prescribed Fire – Dale Swedberg
Dale Swedberg explained that over the years he has discovered that fire suppression is not necessarily a good thing. A slide presentation was given that provided information on how fires are actually beneficial to a healthy forest and habitat. Dale commented that he put together a Title II grant request to put together a prescribed fire conference in Wenatchee. He noted that several states have prescribed fire councils and he is in the process of forming a local council.

Motion - Final Approval Valley View Estates Long Plat – Planning
Ben Rough asked the Commissioners to sign the final plat for the Valley View Estates Long Plat saying that all conditions have been met. Commissioner Peterson expressed concern regarding the noxious weed plan for the plat. Commissioner Hover moved to continue the matter until there is an acceptable noxious weed control plan. Motion was seconded and carried.

Public Hearing – Outdoor Burning Ordinance – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to continue the hearing to April 25, 2005, at 11:30 AM. Motion was seconded and carried.

Final Approval (cont) – Valley View Estates Long Plat – Planning
Commissioner Hover moved to grant final approval for the Valley View Estates Long Plat subject to the conditions of approval, conclusions and findings of fact. Motion was seconded and carried. (attachment)

Resolution 40-2005 - Public Hearing Surplus Property - Commissioners
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and noted that no public were present. Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 40-2005, County surplus property. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Horse Arena – Parks and Recreation
Carey Hunter presented an overview of her findings as to the cost etc. of constructing a new horse arena. Commissioner Hover stated that he would like to see more information. Del Shove compared the use of .08 funds with the planning of the Stampede Arena. Providing .08 funds for this project would be no different, although the county’s portion of the .08 monies is dwindling. Del pointed out that to get the needed planning you have to pay for it. Commissioner Peterson asked what the Parks and Recreation Board had to say about this. Carl stated that his recommendation was to turn it back to the Commissioners since the Fair doesn’t have any funds. Commissioner Peterson suggested that the Berg Trust members partner with the Lumbering Employees Group and the Fair. Carey remarked that she could provide answers to the outstanding questions within three months. Commissioner Peterson asked if they would consider scaling down the project. Commissioners Lampe and Peterson asked that Del contact the Berg Trust to see if they would be willing to set up a meeting with them to see if they would partner in the project.

Discussion – County Agent Replacement – WSU
Raymond Faini will start the process from the middle of May to June and it should take a couple months to fill the Agents position. The position is being advertised nationally and should be filled by September to October. Until then, Margaret Vebrock will be interim agent. Commissioner Peterson noted that the public has concerns as to what kind of expertise would be provided by the new agent. Bud Hover will serve on the staffing search committee.