The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 7, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Berg Brothers Trust Fund – Treasurer
Del Shove and Heidi Appel

Heidi Appel stated that according to Scott Rennick, Washington State Auditor, the Berg Trust Fund Board is only advisory. It was noted that the funds in the account were originally donated to the county and they to be spent in accordance with the wishes of the benefactor. Currently there is $224,000 in the fund. Del explained that if the interest is their concern, he can put the funds in a separate long term investment.

Discussion – Courthouse Projects – Facilities
Dan Powers and Michael Beaman

Dan explained that Judge Burchard has concerns about the security doors for his office. Michael Beaman suggested that the Board authorize him to do some master planning for the courthouse facilities. Although Phase III of the Jail has been postponed, Michael feels it is important to plan for the sprinkler fire flows etc that would be needed if Phase III is done. A master plan for the courthouse and the annex would be approximately $15 to $20 thousand dollars. Regarding the roof Michael suggested that a hole will be cut to allow someone to get up in the rafters to check for damage. Michael will provide proposal for a master plan with a breakdown and cost.

Long Plat Alteration – Kempf Lakeview Tracts – Planning
Ben Rough explained that the property to be altered is owned by Steven and Marshon Kempf. It is a 1.93 acre parcel to be divided into three lots. The property is directly adjacent to Lake Osoyoos and extends to Westlake Road. Sewage to the lots will be a mound system. All comments have been fulfilled.

Commissioner Hover moved to approve Long Plat Alteration 2003-1, Kempf Lakeview Tracts, subject to the Findings of Fact, Conclusions, and Conditions of Approval. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Personnel – Agent
Jay Jenkins stated that he has accepted a potion with the University of Nebraska and will be leaving at the end of April. The Board thanked and praised Jay for his hardwork and dedication over the past few years to Okanogan County. He will be missed.

Discussion – Community Wildfire Protection – Scott Miller
Scott Miller, informed the Commissioners that the Communications remodel is moving along. The total amount is estimated at $467,000 which includes the cost of an onsite Project Manager.

Scott noted that there are several different groups trying to access funds for their Wildfire Plans. In order to access these funds there needs to be a coordinated effort. Wildland fire is the number one threat in Okanogan County. Scott and others will be back next week with a full presentation on the issue.

Commissioner Peterson urged him to work with planning in their efforts regarding fire protection in the new comprehensive plan as well as the local fire districts. Scott stated that he has been working with these agencies.

Resolution 17-2005 – Supplemental Appropriation – Stadium-Tourism
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and noted that no public were present to provide comment. Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 17-2005 supplemental appropriation to the Stadium-Tourism Fund 126 in the amount of $35,000. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Executive Session – Union Negotiation – Human Resources
Commissioner Lampe moved to go into executive session to discuss union negotiations at 1:55 PM for 5 minutes. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 2:00 PM

Discussion – Fair Ground Personnel – Parks and Recreation
Carl Christensen explained the need to fill the vacant fulltime maintenance / Grounds person with benefits and the seasonal layoff.

Commissioner Hover moved to authorize the hiring of a building grounds maintenance position to fill the vacant position in Parks and Recreation. Motion was seconded and carried.

Carl would like to have his job description changed to Park Superintendent.

PD Modification – Timberline – Planning
Marianne Morris presented the staff report to the board. She explained that normally the Planning Director approves such modifications. However since the modification was originally to be more involved and the Plat has the board’s signatures on it she thought it best to bring it to the Commissioenrs for approval. A letter of concern was also provided from Dennis Dickey a landowner within the plat who previously signed off on the PD.

Motion – Timberline PD - Planning
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the Timberline PD Modificaiton subject to the Findings of Fact and Conclusions. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Progressive Flats Water Association – Tom Justice of State DOH
Mr. Justice discussed the water emergency situation with Progressive Flats Water Assoication. He explained various possibilities for funding a new system. He noted that the City of Okanogan would consider providing water if they come to the table with a water right. He and or Joe Mitschelan will keep in contact with the Board. He advised the Board to hold off on declaring an emergency and he will contact them again when needed.