The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on July 19, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Methow Restoration Council – Water Resources
Nick Chistoph explained that the Methow Restoration Council (MRC) is working to ensure that duplicate efforts are not being done. Commissioner Hover stated that he sees it as an advisory group and depository of information as the Methow Watershed Plan moves forward but wants to make sure that Okanogan County is the entity that controls and makes decisions regarding the watershed plan. Chris Johnson said that there are federal projects and that the Commissioners would not be responsible for those projects. Commissioner Hover wants to ensure that any projects being assisted by MRC do not infringe on others property or water rights. Commissioner Peterson expressed disappointment that the Commissioners were not kept informed about the organizing and development if the MRC group. The public could perceive that projects being done by MRC are projects being funded before the Salmon Recovery Plan is even adopted.

Executive Session – Personnel – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session to discuss personnel at 10:00 AM for 15 minutes. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open session resumed at 10:15 AM

Update - Public Works
Department of Transportation staff and Rob McGaughey presented a list of county road projects that use federal dollars. Commissioner Peterson expressed citizen concerns about Highway 20, Hanging Rock road and road areas that are hazardous and need turn lanes. The current program is under the preservation budget. The safety projects would have to come out of a different budget and these are prioritized on a statewide business.

Public Hearing – 6-year Road Program – Public Works
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing. Rob McGaughey explained that there are 4 projects that are coming off the list that have been or will be completed soon. Commissioner Peterson noted that the Tonasket city counsel has requested that the Tonasket Airport Road be placed on the list. Tom Hinger stated that it is a primitive road and would not meet the funding requirements. Commissioner Peterson explained that the primary reason for the request is for Medical Emergency Response. Rob and Tom agreed to put it on the list.

Resolution 71-2005 – Six-Year Road Improvments – Public Works
Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 71-2005, six year road improvement program to include the Tonasket Airport Road. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Public Hearing – Lower Bear Creek Speed Limit Reduction – Public Works
Tom Hinger stated that the proposed change in speed limit is a result of a citizen petition. Tom explained that there have not been any accidents over the last six years. He reviewed a longer length of road than was petitioned and recommends that the speed limit be set at 35 mph as is consistent with similar roads.

Dave Ebenger explained that an application was submitted for use permit for a horse training area and it was conditioned on applying for a reduction in the speed limit thus his addition to the petition. Commissioner Hover felt that the whole road should be set at 35 mph.

Ordinance 2005-003 – Speed Limit Lower Bear Creek Road – Public Works
Commissioner Hover moved to approve Ordinance 2005-003 with the understanding that it include the lower bear creek access road as labeled on the map. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Motion – Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-2. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

1. Approval Commissioners’ Proceedings of July 11 & 12, 2005
2. Contract Reimbursed from homeland Security Grant – Debra Donahue

TEMSD – Tonasket EMS District
Commissioner Lampe moved to recess as the Board of Commissioners and convene as the Tonasket EMS District Board of Directors. Motion was seconded and carried.

Voucher Approval – Emergency Management Service – Tonasket EMS District

Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the voucher for $ 3,592.62 for Emergency Management Services. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Commissioner Lampe moved to adjourn as the Tonasket EMS Board of Directors. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session Resumed

MVEMS - Methow Valley EMS District
Commissioner Lampe moved to recess as the Board of Commissioners and convene as the Methow Valley EMS District Board of Directors. Motion was seconded and carried.

Voucher Approval – Emergency Management Service – Methow EMS District

Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the voucher for $ 25,000 for Emergency Management Services. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Commissioner Peterson moved to adjourn as the Methow EMS Board of Directors. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session Resumed

Vouchers certified and audited by the Auditing Officer as required by RCW 42.24.080 and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090 have been recorded on a list and made available to the Board. As of this date, the Board did by unanimous vote approve the vouchers in the amount of $. (attached)