The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on January 25, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Salmon Recover and Watershed Planning – Planning
Julie Pyper briefed the Board of the recent Watershed Planning meetings as well as the meeting of the Upper Salmon Recovery Board. (attachment)

Report – Finance Committee
Del Shove and Peggy Robbins

Del reported on the last Finance Committee meeting and issues relating to county debt policy.

Discussion – Emergency Preparedness – Public Works
Rob McGaughey, Jerry Verstegen and Murray McCory discussed the status of the ice floes in the Similakeen and Okanogan Rivers. Commissioner Hover expressed concern that Public Works be informed during such emergencies that may effect the county roads and bridges. Rob will get with the Sheriff’s Office to discuss a process.

Discussion – Conconully Rate Refunds – Public Works
Commissioner Peterson asked Rob how long before the rate payers will receive their refund once the Commissioners approve the Resolution. Rob stated that it will take approximately one month from today. Commissioner Peterson and Commissioner Lampe asked Rob to notify the rate payers who will be getting a refund by letter, noting the amount and timeframe that the refund can be expected.

Discussion – Trails – Public Works
Murray presented two letters for the Board’s consideration supporting the Similakmeen Trial and a letter supporting Linda Evans Parlette’s measure to obtain federal funding for the creation of the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail. (attached)

Grant Application – Substance Abuse Treatment Facility - OCCS
Roger Bauer and Barbara Engstrom presented a grant application for a residential substance abuse treatment facility. This facility will provide substance abuse treatment to a rural underserved target population that includes adults with methamphetamine addictions.

Motion - Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-10. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

1. Approval Commissioners’ Proceedings of January 18, 2005
2. Franchise (11) Cattleguard Renewals – Public Works
3. Resolution Merger of Douglas County Fire District #6
4. Resolution Merger of Douglas County Fire District #7
5. Amendment 08, Old Jail Building Renovation Asbestos Assessment – Beaman
6. Amendment 09, Old Jail Building Renovation Communications Center – Beaman
7. Letter Agriplex Funding – TAB Board
8. Ratification Resolution 11-2005 Declaration of Emergency Conditions
9. Resolution Resolution 12-2005 Refunds Conconully Sewer – Public Works
10. Agreement Housing of inmates in Okanogan County – City of Burlington

Agreement – Administrative Services – Rebecca Sawyer
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the contract with Rebecca Sawyer for administrative services with the Tourism Advisory Board for the year 2005 and authorize the chairman to sign. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – 2005 Weed Plan – Noxious Weed
Ramona Pfizer briefed the Commissioners on various Noxious Weed projects including the "Weeds Across the Border Program". Purple Loosestrife is a class B designate currently coming into the Lake Osoyoos area and the Noxious Weed office is required to stop seed production. Ramona feels that the new invader program is very important and hopes to continue with this program this year. She and Anna will be attending the Weeds Awareness Week in Washington DC. The US Forest Service has told her that they will be doing no weed control this year due to budget shortfalls. Ramona will be addressing this issue with the Legislators during her trip to Washington DC.

Discussion – Emergency Management Restructuring – Sheriff
Frank Rogers, Joe Somday, Scott Miller, Dave Rodriuez discussed the need to restructure the Emergency Management section. In addition, the Sheriff will be providing funds to cover ½ time Planner I in the Planning budget. The new structure would include a fulltime FTE for the Emergency Management Coordinator.

Interlocal Agreement – Engineering Services - Oroville
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Oroville to share engineering Services. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Agreement – Engineering Services – Varela & Associates, Inc.
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Varleta for Engineering Services for the Eastlake Sewer System. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Release of Claim – Christopherson – Risk Management
Commissioner Hover moved to authorize the payment of the $5,141.00 Claim. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)