The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on August 30, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Salmon Recovery Plan – Planning
Nick Christoph and Paul Waterstrat

Paul Waterstrat explained that he read the proposed Salmon Recovery Plan and provided his comments. He commented that the term "best available science" is over used and is a vague term. There are also statements without the needed supportive documentation. He noted that the plan addresses diseased fish but does not specify what disease. Commissioner Hover explained the need for a plan that has public support and will be able to be implemented. The document needs to be less redundant and written in common language so that the public can understand it. The Board reviewed written comments by Ron Walter. Commissioner Hover asked Nick to provide some background on the Fish Trap on the Chewach and asked about the effects to the plan.

Discussion –Tire Repair / Replacement – Public Works
Frank Sautell requested authorization to purchase tires and service from Les Schwab. The county would be able to save anywhere from 5 to 10 thousand dollars by buying tires from Les Schwab. Commissioner Lampe stated he would rather not change the way it is currently being done. Frank explained that no one can compete with Les Schwab and Les Schwab carries tires that are included in the state contract. The county drivers have in the past, changed their own tires. Having Les Schwab provide roadside service would free up county employees to continue working.

Commissioner Hover moved to authorize Frank Sautell to solicit competitive bids for all the tire business for Public Works ER&R. Motion was seconded and carried.

Discussion – Right-of-Way Agreement – Public Works
Rob McGaughey discussed an agreement with John Oakes where the county agreed to increase the height (for cattle and horses) of an existing underpass. This project will be submitted for HES funding to show Mr. Oakes that the county is working on the matter. It was noted that this issue has been consistently put out for funding. The county doesn’t have safety funding. Commissioner Peterson asked that a letter be written to Mr. Oakes stating that the county will continue to work on the issue and wishes to have a good working relationship.

Discussion – Engineering Projects – Public Works
Rob McGaughey briefed the Board on current road projects. It will take up to one month for an appraisal review for the Right-of-Way acquisitions on the Omak Creek Bridge after which Vicki will go to the council for a 50 year easement approval. The utilities have been completed except for Coleman Butte Water on the Robinson Canyon project and the school section will be paved Monday and Tuesday. The borrow site has been permitted with borrow haul to begin the Tuesday after Labor Day.

Motion – Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda items 1 through 7. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

1. Approve Commissioners’ Proceedings August 22 & 23, 2005
2. Letter Attorney Engagement / Eastlake Water/Sewer 3-Party Agreement
3. Amendment Ecology Grant No. G9900070
4. Contract Lead Entity with Department of Fish & Wildlife
5. Agreement Local Agency Agreement Supplement – Ellisforde Railroad
   crossing
6. Request Request for Reimbursable Work – City of Okanogan
7. Letter Support Pateros Relocation of House for VIC
   

Resolution 86-2005 – Title III Distribution – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 86-2005, Distributing Forest Service Funds. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 87-2005 – End of the Year Spending – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to adopt Resolution 87-2005, limit spending during the end of the year. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Tonasket EMS District
Commissioner Hover moved to recess as the Board of Commissioners and convene as the Tonasket EMS District Board of Directors. Motion was seconded and carried.

Voucher Approval – Emergency Management Service – Tonasket EMS District
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the vouchers for $12,668.72 for Professional Services of the EMS district.

Commissioner Hover moved to adjourn as the Tonasket EMS Board of Directors. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed

Discussion – Wells Hydro Electric Re-licensing – Douglas County PUD
Staff from the Douglas County PUD explained that the purpose of the meeting is to acquaint the Board with the Re-licensing process of Wells Dam. This is a new process and is very defined. The process begins 5 years prior to re-licensing and has studies to determine how the re-licenses will affect various environmental, endangered species and other issues. In December 2006 the PUD will be filling their notice of intent. They are inviting the Commissioners to be involved in the process. The first half relates to studies and second half is how to address the issues over the next term of the license. The Stakeholders (i.e., landowners, counties) are having a hard time meeting their timelines. To help the stakeholders be informed, a series of meetings have been scheduled. They propose various resource workgroups. Commissioner Hover asked how becoming involved would benefit the county and citizens. It was explained that some licenses have cost double based on mitigation request and the Commissioners would have input that may affect this. The Douglas County has a link with additional information.

Resolution 88-2005 – Fair Revolving Loan Fund – Parks & Recreation
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 88-2005, Fair Revolving Fund. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)