The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on July 12, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe attending a meeting in Yakima, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Salmon Recovery Plan - Planning
Nick Christoph explained that the public notice was an oversite and he will be sure to publish a notice as soon as possible. The timeline for comments cannot be extended.

Discussion - Methow Basin Planning - Planning
Additional funding has been found to fund the secretarial position for the watershed council. Nick is working on the grant application for phase 4. They are looking for funding for 10 projects. Regarding the agreement with the Okanogan Conservation District for the Okanogan stream gauging, it has been determined that it may be better to just let the OCD manage the grant with DOE. Planning will only lose a small amount of funding as a result of this.

Discussion – Skalitude PD – Planning
Ben Rough informed the Commissioners that the fire plan and the emergency response plan have been provided as requested on the Skalitude PD. The Commissioners reviewed the documents. Commissioner Hover asked about the road improvements and how the requirements are met. Ben explained that if it was discovered that the work was not completed they would be required to stop the activities. The Commissioners signed the mylar approving the PD.

Discussion – Range and Trail Education Program – Northwest Trail
John Kanechtel, Trygev Culp, Coordinator of the Northwest Trail

Mr. Culp provided an update for the Title III program. No funding was received from the state this year but they have received some from the National Forest Foundation. Six kids are funded directly with the Title III funds. The kids can earn 2 credits one for PE and one for science. He explained that this year’s program is currently half over and covered the various training and projects completed.

Discussion – Engineering Projects – Public Works
Rob McGaughey briefed the Commissioners on current Engineering projects.

Motion – Equipment Purchase – Public Works
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the request to purchase 4 graders by readjusting by delaying other equipment purchases until 2007. Motion was seconded and carried.

Executive Session – Personnel - Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session for 15 minutes at 10:45 AM to discuss personnel. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 11:00 AM

Discussion – Closure of the Local L&I Office – WA State L&I
Monty Paradif explained that the local L&I Office will be closing at the end of the year. They would be providing places where customers can access, via computer, the services they provide. He asked if the county could provide a place where people could purchase permits. Commissioner Peterson expressed concern that they are closing. She noted that Okanogan County is such a rural county and citizens can’t not drive long distances to get these services. Mr. Paradif stated that his office doesn’t want to put a travel burden on Okanogan County.

Motion - Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-5. Item 6 will come forward next week after some changes. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

1. Approval Commissioners’ Proceedings of July 5, 2005
2. Contract #2 Salmon Recovery Plan & #3 Nightly Rentals – Highlands Associates
3. Approval Vouchers Public Service & Rehabilitation – Community Action
4. Approval Voucher Category 20 Planning – Community Action
5. Agreement WSDA & Okanogan County – Pest Control
6. Agreement Amendment #1 professional services – April Campbell