The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 1, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Repair of Fingerprint Machine – Jail
Frank Rogers, Joe Somday, Noah Stewart

Noah explained the need for either repairs to the fingerprint machine or for a new system. The cost for repair would be $11,000 compared to a new machine at approximately $17,000 with a $1200 per year maintenance agreement. The Commissioners asked Noah to get a more accurate estimate and come back with a suggested funding source.

Discussion – Trail Access and Ice Rink – Winthrop
Terry Knapton, Greg Wilder and Dan Powers

Rocklyn Culp, Planner for the City of Winthrop, explained a proposal to purchase a parcel, owned by the county that is needed for the pedestrian trail and ice rink. The parcel was originally purchased by the county with Title III funds. The city would purchase the parcel using the .08 funds granted to them for another project; this would be a change from the intended use. This way the Title III funds that were originally spent for the property could be used on other Title III acceptable projects in Winthrop. The town would then enter into an agreement with the county to repay the remainder of the purchase price.

Commissioner Peterson expressed concern regarding the use of Title III funds. Also the issue that the county has already promised this property as a match for IAC grants. She would like to discuss the issue with Heidi Appel. Commissioner Peterson wants to make sure that everything is done correctly with the Title III and grant matching situation. Rocklyn Culp will schedule a meeting with the Commissioners and all the parties involved.

Discussion - .08 City Projects - Commissioners
Regarding the .08 city projects, a meeting with the cities will be held on February 27^th to see what projects will be completed by the deadline. Dan will prepare a contract extension for Economic Alliance.

Executive Session – Litigation – Risk Management
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session for 5 minutes at 11:55 AM to discuss potential litigation. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 12:00 noon

Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda items 1 – 6. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

1. Approval Commissioners’ Proceedings of January 24 & 25, 2005
2. Certification Rural Arterial Program
3. Letter Regarding the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program
4. Appointments Various Board Appointments and Reappointments
5. Franchise (5) Cattleguard Renewal – Public Works
6. Agreement Crushing and Gravel Removal – Benson Creek Pit

Report – Hungry Hunter Stewardship Project – Forest Service
John Newcomb explained the Hungry Hunter Stewardship Project. The timber sale will consist of 7 million board feet. Eighteen miles of roads are being decommissioned and 4 miles of new road is being constructed where the roads will do the most good. It is becoming evident that there is a need to reduce the fuel loads after last year’s fire.

Report – Buckhorn Mine and Fuel Reduction Project – Forest Service
Mark Morris noted that BLM issued a patent in December to allow for the Kinross Mine to purchase private property. The Forest Service has been doing an environmental assessment. However, since the scope has changed to an underground mine the Forest Service no longer has a role to play on private land. The only activities being proposed on Forest Service land at this time is a road for hauling. The Forest Service is involved in the road, wells, fencing and electrical power. Around September or October of this year the NEPA documents will be released. This is faster than doing an EIS.

TEMSD – Tonasket EMS District
Commissioner Lampe 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 voucher for $ 10,828.73 for Emergency Management Services. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Commissioner Lampe called for any other business. There was no other business.

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

Open Session Resumed

Agreements – Union – Human Resources
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the union agreement with the Prosecutors union. Commissioner Hover motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Open Session Resumed at 4:30 PM.