The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on June 13, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Temporary Help – Commissioners
Dan Powers, Nanette Kalunki and Jackie Bradley

Jackie Bradley explained that her data entry clerk took a position in the prosecutor’s office and she will need a supplemental appropriation for temporary help. Dan Powers explained that the Clerk’s budget will suffer because the person will be taking two weeks leave and there is a need to have a temporary person fill in. The Commissioners felt that the 2 weeks notice should be "two weeks working notice". Dan Powers recommended that Jackie be allowed to bring in temporary help.

Commissioner Lampe moved to authorize the Clerk to hire a temporary help. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Peterson suggested that the Commissioners consider replacing the position that was lost 3 years ago. Commissioner Hover said he would be in favor of that if the overtime was reduced dramatically.

Discussion – Fairground Repairs – Fair
Carl Christensen, Steve Mitchner and Jerry Rabenold

Carl Christensen presented an estimate to place the electrical wiring underground and provide lighting in approximately $24,200. However, Carl stated that all the electrical panels do not need to be replaced, which was included in the estimate, and it is estimated that the work can be done for $15,000. He requested that the electrical repairs be paid out of the Capital Improvements fund.

Jerri asked about the funding of $20,000 for a feasibility study for the Horse Arena. The Commissioners explained that they are not in favor of providing that funding but suggested that they would be willing to lease the land if it appropriate.

Motion – Capital Improvement Expenditures – Fairgrounds
Commissioner Hover moved to authorize the expenditures for up to $17,300 to upgrade the roof on the grandstands and the electrical on the fairgrounds out of the Capital Improvements fund. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Lampe expressed his appreciation to the fair board for all their efforts.

Executive Session – Personnel – Human Resources
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session for 30 minutes at 11:00 AM to discuss personnel. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 11:30 AM

Motion – Position Vacancy - Planning
Commissioner Hover moved to direct the Planning Director to write up a new job description for a natural resource planner and post in-house and filled as soon as possible. Motion was seconded and carried.

Executive Session – Potential Litigation – Human Resources
Commissioner Lampe moved to go into executive session for 20 minutes at 1:20 PM to discuss potential litigation. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 1:40 PM

Discussion – Cities Jail Fees - Prosecutor
Karl Sloan stated that he met with Mick Howe and Judge Thomas last week and Judge Thomas did not have a recollection of his decision, so Karl and Mick did not think it would be beneficial to have him attend a meeting with the cities to discuss the issue. He did say that the 12% should only come off the misdemeanors. Three options are available, mediation for 2004 and contract for future years. Once there is an agreement in place arbitration is another option. Commissioner Hover asked if there is an obligation on the county’s part to provide the jail space. Karl stated that there no obligation. The question is if the county provided ample notification to the cities. Commissioner Peterson asked if the county’s billing is different from what the cities are sending in. Yes, they are paying according to the cities formula. Commissioner Lampe stated that if there is not a contract by August 1, it would be his position not to accept prisoners. Calculations will be made and should be available by next week and they will be sent to the cities. He will also get with Mick Howe to decide on a mediator, discuss recalculations, and the contract. Karl anticipates a motion for a stay or an injunction of some sort.