The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on July 26, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Various Issues – Planning
Nick Christoph, Sandy Cox and Greg Wilder

Nick reported that the Advisory Committee meeting was a bust due to low turnout. The SRF Board Tours are coming up, although some projects have been withdrawn. The Methow Basin Planning Unit’s scope of work is done and they decided to write a letter to the Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board addressing their concern with the draft recovery plan. Commissioner Peterson noted that the recovery plan addresses the Okanogan River and it will be several years before that work is completed. Commissioner Hover explained that Chelan County told him that they didn’t feel they could sign off on the recovery plan unless Okanogan County does. If the plan is to be successful there has to be local buy-in. One concern is that there isn’t enough time to address concerns. Sandy will send the Commissioners the most recent notes of the meeting.

Discussion – Shoreline Master Plan – Planning
Greg Wilder explained that grant funds have been awarded to the county and four cities to update their Shoreline Master Plans. Greg has made a proposed that the county and cities do a regional plan that would include the cities that were not funded. He has asked DOE to find additional funds for doing the regional plan. The four cities have agreed but want to see the scope of work. An additional year would also be need and DOE has remarked that they cannot extend the grant timeline but would look very favorably on the project during the next grant cycle.

Discussion – Legislative Issues – Senator Morton and Joel Kretz
The Commissioners discussed their areas of concern for the next legislative session with Senator Morton and Representative Kretz.

Commissioner Hover explained his dissatisfaction with the repeal of several initiatives by the state legislature noting specifically, the repeal of the vehicle license fees. The fuel tax is also a concern and how it is impacting the county budget. Commissioner Peterson expressed her concern about the reduced and combining of funding for the Regional Support Network counties which reduces assistance to mental health patient care.

Commissioner Lampe explained the hardship that the closure of the local Labor and Industries (L&I) office will put on the community. The Commissioners pointed out that the L&I rates have increased, yet the services are being taken away from our county.

Commissioner Lampe mentioned the Forest Service and roadless designation.

Senator Morton stated that legislation that passed two years ago to manage the forest was not funded this year. Frustration was expressed by all at the lack of forest management by the Forest Service. There is no enthusiasm to harvest timber that is being damaged. Senator Morton explained the job loss and loss of the tax base as a result of the Boeing Company relocating and the effect regulations have in discouraging businesses. He said that L&I rates in Washington State are the highest in the Nation, both to the employer, and benefits to the employee.

Commissioner Peterson stated that the new WAC changes for the cougar pilot project has been drafted and will be presented for adoption the beginning of August. A contract was approved with Fish & Wildlife for reporting cougar sightings through the county’s 911 system and it is working very well.

Commissioner Hover noted the Board’s appreciation for their help getting needed funding for the Toroda Creek road to the Kinross Mine.

Representative Kretz explained available funding for replacement of underground gas tanks in existing rural fueling sites. He asked if the Commissioners would be open to a fact finding hearing with Fish and Wildlife to discuss the cougar pilot project. The Commissioners agreed.

Motion – Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-9. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

1. Approval Commissioners’ Proceedings of July 18 & 19, 2005
2. Resolution Ratify PUD privilege tax payment
3. Contract Homeland Security training services – Rusty Clarke
4. Agreement Professional Services Amendment #1 – April Campbell
5. Resolution Closing of Labor and Industries – Mr. Monty Paradif
6. Resolution Amendment – Fire Ban
7. Grant Transfer Stream Gauging to Okanogan Conservation District
8. Resolution Planning fee schedule
9. Contract Amendment # 4 Between Okanogan County and NCW RC&D

Motion – Repairs to the Ellisforde Transfer Station – Public Works
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the repairs to the Ellisforde Transfer Station as recommended by the SWAC not to exceed $48,000. Motion was seconded and carried. (attachment)

Discussion – Road and Trail Projects – Public Works
Rob McGaughey and Jerry Verstegen

Rob briefed the Board on current projects including the Omak Creek Bridge and Robinson Canyon. Murray McCory explained that he grant agreement with IAC is expected soon and he will forward it to Heidi for review. Commissioners asked Murray to put a letter together to the Washington State Parks regarding the snowmobile grooming contract for their signature.

Commissioner Peterson explained that the Board is holding off making a decision on the new shop plans until Michael Beaman has been contacted to determine how this project fits with the master plan.

Resolution 74-2005 – Transfer to Reserve Fund 198 – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 74-2005, Direction to Treasurer to transfer funds to the Reserve Fund. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Presentation – Situational Leadership - Juvenile
Bruce Moran and staff presented an overview of rules and expectations of incarcerated juveniles. (attachment)

Discussion – Weed Spraying for Puncture Vine – Public Works
Commissioner Peterson referred Mr. Brannon’s weed spray issue to Bill Nearents to look into the matter.