The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 25, 2005, with Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present. Commissioner Peterson was absent this morning.

Discussion – Larson Fiber Project - Winthrop
Rocklyn Culp, Terry Knapton and John Larson

Rocklyn Culp explained that there are two agreements. One agreement is between the county and the City of Winthrop, the other between John Larson and the Town of Winthrop. Three things were brought up in Heidi’s opinion. 1) all the fiber isn’t located in the Town of Winthrop. 2) the project needs to be listed in a comprehensive or economic develop plan. Rocklyn noted that this is considered an emerging opportunity and therefore was not anticipated for inclusion in the Town’s Capital Facilities Plan. The comprehensive plan does however; give direction for this type of project. The Town will adopt an interim capital project list pending adoption by a completely new Capital Facilities Plan by the end of the year. Commissioner Hover pointed out the fact that neither the county nor the city owns the fiber line. 3) The Attorney General’s opinion. These issues were very seriously reviewed by the city. The town of Winthrop will own the component.

John Larson compared the fiber and the jump stations to a sewer system and pump stations. He stated that the goal is to make the fiber available to the ISP’s in the area. John Andrist explained that there is a similarity to the fiber node in Omak. The community will eventually benefit by way of lower prices. Homemovie.com owns the line for the next 5 years. This will attract other business to the business park as well. Heidi Appel via phone conference explained her two concerns 1) that it has to be in the capital facilities plan and 2) it has to provide access to the public. Rocklyn stated that the project description has been reworked. Commissioner Hover commented that the Board approves of the project and would like to get with Heidi and the bond council to determine if the project would be appropriate for the .08 funds.

Discussion – Courtroom Security – Facilities
Dan Powers discussed the need for changes to the construction of the in-county courtroom. The glass that was originally called for in the specifications is not completely bulletproof. This is a concern to the jail personnel since it will not stop a 9 mm bullet. The cost to go with a ¾ in thick bulletproof glass is $3,840. Below the glass is plywood sheetrock that would stop a 22, but no greater caliber bullet. There is some leftover bulletproof sheetrock that could be used for that area.

Commissioner Lampe moved to authorize a change order to replace the 7/16" thick, glass clad polycarbonate with a ¾" thick glass at approximately $3,840. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Lampe moved to accept the base bid from McNeese Construction for the Superior court doors in the amount of $18, 472 and direct Dan Powers to see what the other doors are made of to determine if the deduction for the red oak doors in the amount of $800 could be taken. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the installation of the wiring for card readers for the Superior Court doors by Aronson in the total amount of $16,872.78. Motion was seconded and carried.

Public Hearing (cont) Outdoor Burning – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover opened the hearing. Commissioner Lampe moved to continue the hearing to May 2, 2005 at 11:00 AM. Motion ws seconded and carried.

Discussion – Winthrop R & B – Winthrop Music Association
William Stolberg explained that a non-profit corporation has been established to manage the Winthrop R & B this year. The Board of Directors is a seven member board that will conduct the business of the festival. He stated that as a new organization they really are not obligated to pay any liabilities of the previous organization, although they intend to pay them. A draft budget was provided. He is currently establishing a line of credit so that they can pay for goods and services in advance. The official meeting will be in October for next year. There will be no more handling of cash and all distributions will be made by check. Last years event did not draw 3000 people. Mr. Stolberg stated that on this basis there is no requirement to obtain a festival permit, although they will be complying with the same conditions.

Discussion – Jail Fees -Commissioners
David Freels remarked that he feels that the city residents would be double taxed if payments were made to the county for jail services. He believes that a sales tax would be a fairer way to provide jail services. That way everyone is paying the cost for jail services. He noted that Brewster responds even though they get no reimbursement and because of the cost to the cities, they are not picking up violators and are waiting until the violators go into the unincorporated areas so the Sheriff can do the enforcement. He feels that there would be a much better chance of passing a tax increase if the public understood the need.

Commissioner Hover will discuss the matter with the other commissioners.

Discussion – Chief Joseph Dam Hatchery Project – Colville Tribe
Joe Peone updated the Commissioners on the Chief Joesph Dam Hatchery. They discussed recovery of Spring Chinook in the Okanogan River and competition with other fish species. They know that they want Spring Chinook in the Okanogan River but are aware that it cannot be tied to ESA. Commissioner Hover appreciates the Tribes understanding that salmon recovery isn’t cut and dried. Joe will return with the second half of his presentation at a later date.

Discussion –Medical Insurance – WA Counties Insurance Fund
The Washington Counties Insurance Fund informed the Commissioners as to their services for medical insurance with their pool. The Commissioners thanked them for their information and will consider it next time.

Executive Session – Real Property Acquisition – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to go into executive session for 15 minutes at 4:05 PM to discuss real property acquisition. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Lampe moved to purchase Satiqua Park from the Methow Institute foundation in the amount of $86,000 and other valuable contributions. Funds will be paid from Road Fund 102 to be reimbursed by Paths and Trails Fund 114. Motion was seconded and carried.