The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 8, 2005, with Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present. Commissioner Peterson is attending a meeting at the Buckhorn Mine.

Discussion – Watershed Planning - Water Resources
Julie Pyper and Greg Wilder

A Grant fund extension is being requested through June 30, 2005 to provide for GAP Analysis and administrative support. After that date the county current expense fund would need to fund about $8,000 for continued administrative support.

Greg Wilder cautioned the Board that this could be perceived as a county employee even though it would be a contracted position. This Methow Watershed Planning Unit has requested this support as well for taking meeting minutes. The contract would be for less than 8 hours per month. The GAP analysis will be completed in approximately 6-8 weeks. This would assist the SEPA official in his final determination which would go out for comment but could drag out longer if it is appealed.

Commissioner Hover asked why clerical support would be needed beyond June 30 if the issue was completed by then. After phase IV, the Planning Unit would change to a Water Review Board. Commissioner Hover remarked that once the plan is adopted, he cannot see continuing to provide administrative support. He would like to wait to see how things work out. If a decision is made at the end of the contract period a contract amendment could be done.

NWSPPC is willing to delay the management plans on the Okanogan and Methow Watersheds until an agreement is reached with the Colville Tribe. After that an all day workshop may be needed at which one of the Commissioners should attend.

Julie also requested the authorization to hire a consultant to assist Julie with technical advice.

Open Space Timber – Day – Planning
Nick Christoph presented the background of the Day Open Space Timber 2004-7. (attached). The Planning Commission recommends approval.

Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Open Space Timber Day, OST 2004-7, subject to the attached Findings of Fact, conclusions, and Conditions of Approval. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion - Update - Public Works -
Jerry Verstegen briefed the board on public works projects.

Motion – Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-12 with the exception of item 11 pending further information. Motion was seconded and carried.

1.  Approval Commissioners’ Proceedings of January 31 & February 1, 2005
2. Agreement Employment extension through June – Dan Powers
3. Resolution 19-2005 Authority to sign – Renee Townsley
4. Agreement Interlocal town of Brewster – Commissioners
5. Agreement Interlocal town of Winthrop – Commissioners
6. Resolution # 16-2005 Road Levy Shift – Commissioners’
7. Resolution Ad. Valorem Distribution
8. Franchise (16) Cattleguard renewals – Public Works
9. Resolution 20-2005 Travel Compensation for volunteer services
10. Appointment Board of Adjustment – Steven Kunkel
11.  Appointment Board of Equalization
12. Re-Appointment Water Conservancy Board – Ken Long

Resolution 18-2005 – Administrative Fee - Fair
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 18-2005, authorizing the Parks and Recreation Board to charge a $30 fee to cover the cost of processing liability insurance. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Agreement – Inland Empire Teamsters Trust - Juvenile
Commissioner Lampe moved to authorize the vice chair to sign the acceptance agreement for the Juvenile Department Employees. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 21-2005 – Placing Employees in Non-bargaining status - Building
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 21-2005, placing the Building Department Employees in a non-bargaining status. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)