The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on August 9, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Engineering Projects – Public Works
Rob McGaughey, Jerry Verstegen, discussed current road projects including the Robinson Canyon construction. The PUD has completed their work. The irrigation and Colman Butte will begin placing new mainline pipe this week. The contractor is finishing most of the City section to sub grade red tops. The wall is mostly complete and the sidewalk sub grade is being prepared. A change in right-of-way plans was mailed to WADOT. The CTT will have an appraisal review done from their Spokane office.

Discussion – New County Shop – Sheriff
The Commissioners discussed the proposed plan for a new county shop.

Open Space Timber - Moore - Planning
Monty and Loretta Moor applied for an Open Space Timber land classification. Stacey Smith presented the background information. Commissioner Peterson noted that the area is infested with Musk Thistle. She asked if the forest plan included a Musk Thistle plan. It currently does not. Commissioner Hover moved to approve Open Space Timber 2005-1 subject to acquiring a Noxious Weed Plan. Motion was seconded and carried. (attachment)

Resolution 80-2005 - Supplemental Appropriation – Sheriff
Commissioner Peterson asked if the WDFW calls are tracked separately to ensure that we are getting enough funding from WDFW to cover the actual costs. Dave Rodriquez stated that they were. Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 80-2005, supplemental appropriation in the amount of $4,000. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – E911 Communications Remodel – Sheriff
Joe Somday, Dave Rodriqueiz, Kim Scott, Scott Miller,

A representative of Watson Dispatch Furniture explained that the workstations are a lot more than a just desk. Benefits are the prevention of L&I claims, soundproofing and ergonomics. The thickness of the desk and the console is made to so they can be raised and lower based upon need. Commissioner Peterson asked if there are any extra funds in the sheriff’s budget. Joe Somday explained that there was $39,000 set aside at one time but it has been used for other things. No funds are available from Homeland Security. There is a real need for ergonomic furniture since there have been several L&I claims out of that office. The Commissioners expressed concern that the original estimated cost for the center was at $442,000, which included the cost of the workstations and now the soft costs have escalated. Sheriff Rogers noted that the cost estimate from Qwest to move the equipment is at $20,000. The increase in cost is due to the discovery of mold in the old dispatch area and therefore the need to move the dispatch center upstairs. The Commissioners explained that the problem is a lack of available funds and that they will just have to find additional funds somewhere.

Motion - Consent Agenda - Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the consent agenda items 1 through 8. Motion was seconded and carried.

1. Approval Commissioners Proceedings August 1 & 2, 2005
2. Agreement Hazardous Materials Training – Dean Curtis – Sheriff
3. Contract Phase III/OCC – Hale & Long General Contractors
4. Letter Notice to Proceed – Hale & Long General Contractors
5. Contract Peven Consulting, Inc. – Facilitating Salmon Recovery Plan
6. Franchise Cattleguard Renewal – Lila Certain
7. Agreement Robinson Canyon (City Section) – Department of Transportation
8. Agreement Similkameen Connector Trail Phase I, IAC Grant