The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on June 20, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Methow Valley Watershed Plan - Planning
Commissioner Peterson opened the discussion regarding the Methow Valley Watershed Plan. The Commissioners reviewed the minutes of the Public Hearing for the Watershed Plan held last week. Commissioner Peterson stated that it appears that there were no new comments or concerns given at the hearing that weren’t previously addressed by the planning unit. Commissioner Hover addressed some of the concerns and stated that the proposed plan will actually be helpful to fish recovery. That in itself, it is a good tool to improve the instream flows later in the year. Water is not created or lost, only where it goes and is only stored in a different way.

Commissioner Peterson stated that ground water is of beneficial use and to recharge the aquifers and riparian areas with ground water is of beneficial use. Commissioner Hover believes that the USGS data is practical. Commissioner Hover believes that the plan is well thought out and documented.

Commissioner Lampe thanked the committee for its painstaking 5-year process. Now is the time to move forward and form the Watershed Council. Commissioner Peterson also commended the Planning Unit for its efforts. The plan was provided to the libraries and there have been many opportunities for public input. Commissioner Hover stated that the biggest complaint was that they did not know of the public hearing. However, the hearing was adequately advertised as required by statute. The Planning Unit would have liked to have included more of the USGS material into the plan, however, the material wasn’t available until after the deadline for the plan. Commissioner Hover was surprised at the number of habitat projects have already been done. The GAP analysis was done and the State SEPA was incorporated and any gaps would be covered.

Motion – Methow Watershed Plan - Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to accept the Methow Watershed Plan (WRIA 48) as written. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Nightly Rentals Moratorium – Planning
Greg Wilder, Heidi Appel, Don Motes, JJ Bellinger, Susie Ives

Commissioner Peterson stated that the Board has proposed a draft resolution to establish a moratorium on Nightly Rentals. She asked if Heidi reviewed it and she stated that she had. Heidi stated that the statue that applies to Okanogan County being a non-growth management county would be 36.70.795. Greg stated that he went over the resolution with MRSC. The basic issue is the requirement to have a public hearing in 60 days. The intent of a moratorium is to maintain the status quo. Also there is a petition to vacate the sunset clause. This gives the county time to process the two different views. Heidi stated that her concern is "what is the status quo" since she disagrees with the Planning Director. Commissioner Hover stated that his interpretation is that the status quo is how it has been interpreted since 2000 in that overnight rentals have been illegal in the Methow Review District. This is the reason for the moratorium. Greg stated that the MVRD nightly rentals are prohibited. However, it is the larger area that is in question. Commissioner Hover stated that the status quo changed when Greg Wilder, became Director of Planning and interpreted the code differently than the previous directors. Heidi stated she doesn’t know if the moratorium can be made retroactive or not. In addition, the state definition of nightly rentals is three (3) or more units. Findings of fact will have to be presented at the public hearing. Heidi stated that the statue clearly allows for a moratorium.

Resolution 57-2005 – Nightly Rental Moratorium - Planning
Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 57-2005, placing a moratorium on the nightly rentals changing RCW 36.70A.290 to read RCW 36.70.795. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Budget - Commissioners
Nanette Kallunki briefed the Board on a budget supplemental to replace funds into the Reserve fund and cover the employee raises. She also presented information showing that it would be more cost effective for the Clerk’s office to continue to use overtime rather than hire an additional employee. The monies turned back from the cities and appropriated to the Omak Pedestrian Bridge were un-bonded funds. The question arose as to what the Commissioners want to do with those funds. The Commissioners agreed that the funds should remain in the account for the time being. The Board discussed how the budget process will be worked this year.