The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 14, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – County Facilities Master Plan - Facilities
Dan Powers presented a proposal from Michael Beaman to do a master facilities plan for the county for an estimated $26,000. Commissioner Peterson stressed that the amount should be firm. Commissioner Hover asked what the final product would consist of. Dan explained that it would be an outline for future projects and priorities including the most pressing items needing to be fixed. The Courthouse security locks are installed and working. An estimate is being prepared for the Superior Court doors.

Discussion – Project Manager Services – Communications Remodel
Dan noted that Scott Miller has spoken with the Commissioners about having a Project Manager oversee the Communication Center Remodel. Commissioner Peterson stated that there are a lot of local building contractors in-county that could do the job and probably for less. The Board feels that the project manager service should go out for bid.

Executive Session – Litigation – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to go into executive session for 10 minutes at 10:40 AM to discuss a claim against the county. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 11:00 AM

Motion – Denial of Claim for Damages Dale Devon – Risk Management
Commissioner Hover moved to deny the claim for damages filed by Dale Devon, after reviewing the evidence, pictures and statements made by Les Swab employees, Michael R?, truck driver, Milton Wesley, road crew supervisor, and the Sheriff’s department, to deny the claim for damages. Motion was seconded and carried.

Discussion – Workforce Programs – Erin Mundinger
Erin Mundinger, Administrator or Worksource and Alex Roberts, Dean of Omak Operations, Wenatchee Valley College North.

Erin Mundinger said that the goal of Work Source is to help businesses and persons with their employment needs. Based on the latest statistics, employment is increasing in Okanogan County. Ms. Mundinger reported on the success of several private businesses that have recently come to the county. Mr. Roberts noted that they are working with the schools to regenerate their buildings for trades education. This would provide a partnership between the High Schools and the Colleges in providing trades education.

Discussion – Winthrop Trailhead – Public Works
Rob McGaughey, Murray McCory, John Hayes, Rocklyn Culp and Jay Lucas

Rob McGaughey presented a proposal for the Town of Winthrop to purchase the parcel of land that was originally purchased for access to Forest Service land. He explained reasons why a boundary line adjustment would not work. He stated that his opinion is that the county could sell the property to the Town of Winthrop. Rocklyn explained that the town just wants to see the issue resolved. She stated that the town has $84,000 in .08 funds that could go toward the purchase with a contractual agreement to pay the rest by the end of the year. John Hayes reported on a few parcels that could be used for the trailhead parking. Commissioner Peterson requested that the contract language state that trail parking could continue on the parcel until suitable trailhead parking could be found.

Commissioner Hover stated that if both sides are in agreement, and the funds go back to the Title III Fund, it would be ok. Commissioner Lampe agreed. Commissioner Hover stressed that 100% of the funds come back for Title III. Commissioner Peterson remarked that they would have to re-apply for Title III funds for any future trailhead. It was noted that there was an earlier commitment to the Belsby’s.

Rocklyn Culp will work with Murray McCory and Heidi to develop an agreement.

Commissioner Hover moved to approve the sale of the said property pending that 100% of Title III Funds are returned to the county, and Winthrop City Council and the Winthrop Ice Sports are all in agreement. Motion was seconded and carried.

Discussion – Donation for Covered Horse Arena – Parks & Recreation
Del Shove explained that the Lumber Union Employees Union donated $100,000 for the benefit of a covered horse arena with certain stipulations. It is estimated that it would cost approximately 400 to 900 thousand dollars to build. The Boots and Saddle Club have encouraged the Parks and Recreation Board to move forward with it. Del recommended using Barbara Engstrom, grant writer, to help to find funding for the building. Del stated that he would recommend that the county never borrow money for this project. There would be some maintenance costs associated but Mr. ? thinks that there would be enough business generated to cover that cost. Commissioner Peterson said that the Parks and Recreation Board need to be involved.

Discussion – Equipment Purchase - Juvenile
Bruce Moran and Sandy Ervin explained that the State of Washington will be reimbursing funds for the purchase of 2 laser printers. They requested that the Commissioners authorize them to purchase the printers pending reimbursement in the amount of $3700.00. The warranty will be included in the maintenance cost.

Motion – Purchase - Juvenile
Commissioner Hover moved to authorize the Juvenile Department to purchase 2 laser jets not to exceed $3700 to be reimbursed by the Administrator for the Courts. Motion was seconded and carried. (attachment).

Planned Development – Tice Ranch – Planning
Marianne Morris and John Hayes

The purpose of the meeting is to obtain final approval. The PD will provide a variety of housing types and/or related commercial and industrial facilities. Commissioner Peterson asked if there is any requirement to update comments since 10 years have past since preliminary approval was granted. John Hayes noted that they have updated the noxious weed plan with the Noxious Weed Office. Marianne stated that the PD meets all current standards. They have also worked with the Health Department on its requirements. John Hayes explained that the delay in the project was because the surveyor died without signing his work so another survey had to be completed.

Motion – Final Approval Tice Ranch PD - Planning
Commissioner Hover Moved to approve the Tice Ranch Planned Development, PD 95-1, subject to the attached Findings of Face and Conditions of Approval. Motion was seconded and carried. (attachment)

Planned Development Modification – Outward Bounds 2004-2 - Planning
Marianne explained that the applicant has fulfilled the requirements established through public comments, public hearing and the Okanogan County Zoning Code. The project seeks to incorporate the purposed changes made in 1999 and an additional 5.28 acres which will create two residential lots, one home which already exists, to the Planned Development. The applicant also proposes to establish a licensed kitchen to prepare packaged lunches for students and to prepare meals in-house or catered meetings, small gatherings and events. The property was brought up to fire standards and fire hydrant was placed within 60 feet of the building and the plat is serviced by two community wells. Repairs were made to one of the septic system.

Motion – Final Approval Outward Bound PD – Planning
Commissioner Hover to approve the Outward Bound West Blocks 1 & 2 Planned Development Major Modification, PDM 2004-2, subject to the attached Findings of Fact, Conclusions, and Conditions of Approval. Motion was seconded and carried.

Discussion – Update – Fish and Wildlife
Dennis Beich reported that the Oroville Sportsman Show was this last weekend and they had a good turnout. Fish and Wildlife are in the middle of doing internal hunting regulations that may affect Okanogan County especially the Methow Valley. This year it looks like a focus will be on letting the youth hunt doe because the Methow rebounded faster than the rest of the county. In the rest of the Valley the focus is on white tail. Last year the Department of Fish and Wildlife were looking at purchasing the Buzzard Lake Property. Fish and Wildlife will not be planting that lake this year because it is being closed to public access. He noted that the Department of Fish and Wildlife may be making a land exchange with the Washington State Parks in the Perrygin Lake area. This year the Wildlife Area Management Plan is being revised and Dennis encouraged the commissioners to become involved in the process.