The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on August 22, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Update – Planning
Greg Wilder reported that he will be giving the Planning Commission an update tonight on the North County Planning. A complaint was heard regarding the Legions Resort funding. Greg will contact the person to provide information. Greg reported that the county was awarded $7 million dollars from the Public Works Trust Fund Board. The SEPA Appeal on the Seland Construction was denied.

Discussion – Electrical Installation – Fair
Carl Christiansen and Steve Mitzner

Carl presented a breakdown of costs for the beef barn electrical project. The project came in over what was authorized by the Commissioners. Commissioner Peterson stated that she would like to see the added expense paid out of the Fair budget and if the fund runs short at the end of the year a budget amendment can be done. Commissioner Peterson explained that she had been asked if the Cattle scales were surplused and who purchased them. Carl explained that they were federal property and went back to the Federal GSA and were sold by auction over the internet and Steve purchased online. They were never County property.

Discussion – Local Utility District (ULD) – Progressive Water
Joe Mitschelen explained that the water project could be county sponsored with no financial obligation. The grant application is about #5 on the list for an amount of $235,000. The funds would simply pass through the county to the Water Association. If there is no sponsor, the project would fall off the list. The only other option that may or may not work is a Memorandum of Understanding between the district and the city if the Department of Ecology approves. The improvements would also provide fire protection. Commissioner Lampe asked if the city wouldn’t have to provide for fire protection anyway. Joe sees that for the future project, a utility district would have to be formed. The State has waived SEPA due to this being an emergency. Heidi Appel expressed some concerns with the process. The term LUD and LID was discussed. Commissioner Peterson asked that Joe and Heidi get together to work out the proper process. Bob asked why the county couldn’t be the receiver of the funds without forming an LID.

2:05:56 PM

Report – County Audit – Washington State Examiner
Scott Renick, Brandi Prichard, Heidi Appel, Judy Erbele, Lori Beetchenow and Del Shove

Scott mentioned that the single audit has been completed and the county has received a copy. There will be some classes upcoming on the Open Public Meetings Act and encouraged that they be attended. Areas that the audit reviewed for compliance are Open Public Meetings, Conflict of Interest, Regarding Legions/ Veranda Beach disbursements/bid laws, Human Resources policies and procedures, etc. There are some issues that they are presenting today. A Management Letter addressed budget compliance for 2004. Several funds went over budget and they stressed that this situation should not happen again. Exit items are recommend monitoring of contracts. Contract review could be some improvements. They would like to see the county get a legal opinion prior to adoption of a contract. Travel vouchers need to be signed by commissioners for all county elected/appointed department heads. It was noted that the travel budget for the state auditor went over the estimated amount. Commissioner Peterson asked for a budget estimate for next year’s audit.

Motion – Building Permit Fees – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the adjusted building permit fees as presented. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 85-2005 – Infrastructure Projects – Facilities
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 85-2005, amending Resolution 1-2005, changing the estimated project cost for the 911 Dispatch Center. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)