The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on July 18, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Executive Session – Personnel – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session for 15 minutes at 8:45 AM. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 9:00 AM

Update – Building Permitting – Building Department
Bob Gorski reported that as a result of several large developments there has been an increase in permit activity. It is taking up to 3 weeks to process permits. Regarding the hiring of a plans examiner, the Commissioners directed him to get with Nanette Kallunki and bring a proposal with budget, resolution etc. back for Commissioners for their review. Regarding the addressing, Bob will set up a meeting with Greg and staff to discuss processing of building permits with addressing issues.

Report – County Experience – Benefax
Ward Sandberg and Monica presented the county’s medical experience to date. Commissioner Peterson noted that she does not want to wait until the last minute before having a medical package to present when union negotiations start. Ward stated he should be able to have this information by September.

Discussion – Title II – Conservation District
Bob Anderson and Craig Nelson explained that Title II funds have allowed them to develop a list areas of fire areas that need to be protected through the National Fire Plan program. In the start, community fire plans were being developed, however, now they want a county wide fire plan developed. The property is required to be within a mile of Forest Service land. Commissioner Peterson noted that there are not many areas in the central area that are on the list. Conconully is not on the list because it has an active rural fire area. Commissioner Hover asked how he came up with the rankings. Bob Anderson said that he spoke with the Forest Service and fire personnel in the Methow as well as the DNR.

Workshop – Salmon Recovery Plan – Commissioners
The Commissioners met with the Planning Department and reviewed the draft Salmon Recovery Plan.