The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 5, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present. Commissioner Lampe absent on personal reasons.

Discussion – Title II Forest Projects – Water Resources
Julie Pyper will submit some of the Title II projects to the Salmon Recovery Board for funding. Commissioner Peterson stated that there should be a full 30 day comment period offered to the public on the Salmon Recovery Draft Plan.. Julie will make a phone call to request the extension.

Discussion – Sale of Winthrop Parking Lot – Public Works
Verlene Hughes stated that an agreement is being drawn up for the sale of the Winthrop Parking Lot. The Town of Winthrop will accommodate the Belsby’s request and pay the closing costs.

Discussion – Community Health Care – Hospital District
Michael Billings, Scot Attridge Susanne Rector Joyce Brummer, Susan Bradford, Jerry Bowes

Joyce Brummer reported that she has some concern about some of the information that was provided during the hospital bond issue. She did not feel the voters were well informed regarding the quality issues etc. There has never been a spirit of cooperation between the hospitals and because of this the quality of care is not as good as it could be. It seems with the amount of money that is spent in duplication of services that we are never going to get anywhere as a county for quality care without working in a cooperative relationship. Her solution would be that someone should look at all the options and perhaps come up with a county wide plan.

Commissioner Peterson asked what has been done to eliminate the competition between hospitals? Michael Billings stated that before his time there was a sharing of equipment. Although, he said that he was also told that Mid Valley was always the one that shared the equipment with the other hospitals. The orthopedic doctors have been looking at pulling out of the county. Mid Valley provides financial support to the other hospitals. One hospital is on interest bearing warrants and probably has unpaid bills. The Commissioners will try to schedule a meeting with the other hospital administrations and invite the Commissioners and County Treasurer.

Motion – Consent Agenda - Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda items 1 through 12. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

1. Approval Commissioners’ Proceedings of March 28 & 29, 2005
2. By-Laws County Finance Committee
3. Memorandum Reimbursement for Department Meetings – Planning
4. Memorandum Pre approval of food for Comprehensive Plan Meeting - Planning
5. Contract Commodities Flow Study – Scott Miller
6. Amendment # 1 Grant for the Methow Basin – Water Resources
7. Amendment # 2 Natural Resources & Critical Jones & Stokes – Water Resources
8. Amendment # 3 Planning SVS Scope of Work – Water Resources
9. Motion Adoption Vision Statement – Comprehensive Plan
10. Resolution 39- 2005 Pateros Digital Reader Sign
11. Agreement Removal of Shale P1-05 TL Ranch Pit – Public Works
12. Franchise (1) Cattleguard Renewal – Public Works

Discussion – Stampede Arena – Ed Thiele
Ed Thiele provided historical information regarding the Omak Stampede regarding the proposal for improvements. He stated that the improvements would be phased over several years but will start with the stands on the south side of the arena.

Discussion – Building Code Violations – Building
Frank Rogers, Karl Sloan, Felecia Chandler, Colin Hayes Gary Robbins, and Bob Gorski

Those present discussed the problem with building violations and what to do about them. Karl mentioned that there are some cases that have gone through the process and are still not complying. Commissioner Peterson said 1) is it going to be criminal or civil 2) what will we do with the current violations 3) monthly meeting with all departments involved. Bob Gorski and Karl Sloan will have another meeting to discuss the issue again.