The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on June 21, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Watershed Planning and Salmon Recovery - Planning
Julie Pyper and Nick Christoph

Julie informed the Commissioners that there is an Okanogan Basin Planning Unit meeting this Thursday. Commissioner Peterson stated that Nick should be there and that he will be the alternate member. Regarding the Methow Valley Watershed, Julie has completed the Phase IV funding request and has forwarded it to the unit for review.

She wants to allow the unit opportunity to negotiate the 2cfs rule, review opportunities that can be implemented in a year for ground water recharge and develop a course implementation plan for the remaining element. Commissioner Hover asked if $500 could be found to pay for secretarial services until the Phase IV funds are received. Julie will get with Greg Wilder to see if funds are available. She will find out exactly how much will be needed. She explained that there is a group that is forming in the Methow called the Methow Restoration Council. The purpose is to coordinate projects and restoration efforts in the Methow. This is not a formal group but was formed among various entities to coordinate issues. The Methow Conservancy will be doing email and seems to be heading up the group. The group meets on the 3^rd Monday of the month. They will implement projects in the Methow Basin. Julie feels the county should be included. Commissioner Hover expressed concern that forming this group is a bit premature. Commissioner Peterson stated that it is the legislative body that will have the say as to what projects are done under salmon recovery. The Commissioners expressed disappointment that they are only now finding out about this formation.

Discussion – Forest Issues - Forest Service
Representatives of the Forest Service discussed various issues with the Commissioners. Commissioner Peterson presented a number of concerns on the new forest plan; roadless areas, possible designation of more wilderness, noxious weed funding, County and Forest Service shared roads and associated maintenance and liabilities, timber Harvest, fuel reduction and grazing leases. The Forest Service is committed to developing agreements for the management of grazing permits and feels that they are value added. They are very committed to a allotments having a management plan and have been directed to get these done. Planning on roadless areas is ongoing and is in the early stages. They stressed that the Commissioners participate in the process and that there will be plenty of public input opportunities. Inventories have already been done. They are working to Identify areas that can be removed from roadless areas. On road maintenance and development impacts there is an expectation on the part of new areas that the Forest Service roads need to be maintained. However, he realizes that it is not an obligation that most county’s can take on more road maintenance but it is not the Forest Service’s place to maintain roads, but there are other ways to work out solutions. Commissioner Lampe asked about OVR use. There is no clear policy as yet. The magnitude and numbers of people would create significant damage. They are looking at the road system and how to use it and manage it. Also, who can and what kinds of vehicles would be allowed. Roads just need to be designated. The Forest Service just received an IAC grant and are studying routes from Carlton to Conconully and are trying to tie areas together. Commissioner Lampe stated that everyone’s right to use the FS lands should be considered. Noxious Weeds are recognized as a major issue but is not a significantly funded program. If the funding isn’t obtained to continue with weed control, what was gained will revert back to the 80’s. Paul stated that as far as the wilderness areas go they look at suitability and need before so designating.

Discussion – Engineering – Public Works
Rob McGaughey briefed the Commissioners on current road projects.

Public Hearing – Vacation unused portion of right-of-way – Public Works
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and explained how testimony will be taken. Char Beam presented the documentation for the record saying that this is a result of a petition received by Denise Busbin. The area is currently not used as an alley and has existing fruit trees growing in the right-of-way. When land is vacated, each adjoining property owner receives half of the area. The engineers report was signed on June 14, 2005. There will be no survey done by the county.

Denise Busbin: Unused property is not a part of the county road system. She presented pictures of the area. She stated that there is no alley and has never been used as an alley. The only useful purpose has been the placement of the utilities. PUD has stated that there is no issues with access to the pole. There is a person who is in opposition and is not in attendance. The community will benefit by the vacation. They are asking that the Board affirm on paper what has been in practice over many years. Several adjoining property owners support the vacation.

It was noted that Glen Schaler person in opposition has access to the alley via other areas.

Kathy Nockels is in support of the vacation to preserve the neighborhood and sense of community.

Doug Woodrow also supports the vacation to maintain the historical nature of the neighborhood.

Marie Woodrow In favor of the petition.

Barbara Judd In favor of the vacation.

Tedd Beetchenow, resident of Malott for 20 years. He feels there has been some misrepresentation in that trees should never have been planted in the right-of-way since this is public ground and the alley should not be closed. He stated that the Helensdale irrigation should not be hindered from access and would like the alley to remain open for irrigation purposes and fire protection. He wants the waterline to come in. His understanding is that the gentleman that is opposed is that he would like to access the alley with large equipment.

Commissioner Hover asked if any current utility easement exists. It was clarified that any easement would require the approval of the landowners.

Resolution 59-2005 – Vacation of Alley – Public Works
Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 59-2005 and Order of Vacation. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Motion - Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the consent agenda items 1 through 13. Motion was seconded and carried. (attachements)

1. Approval Commissioners’ Proceedings of June 13 & 14, 2005
2. Franchise Cattleguard renewal No. N-114 Chesaw Rd. – Public Works
3. Resolution # 58-2005 position Juvenile Corrections Officer created
4. Resolution # 60-2005 authorize to sign closing sale of the Winthrop Parking lot property
5. Resolution # 61-2005 authorize to sign closing purchase of Sa Teekh Wa Park
6. Resolution # 62-2005 changes from resolution 34-2005
7. Agreement Interlocal dispatching, telephone answering and Teletype – WDFW
8. Contract Courthouse re-roof project - Hale & Long General Contractors
9. Approval Vouchers Public Service & Rehabilitation – Community Action
10. Appointment Board of Equalization – Becky Andrist
11. Appointment Board of Equalization – Don Motes
12. Approval Minutes Methow Valley Watershed Plan – Water Resources
13. Agreement Sewer system improvements – City of Brewster

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

Contract – Jail Roofing – Facilities
Commissioner Hover moved to approve a contract with Mallet Sheet Metal to install roofing on the county jail in the amount $36,521.00 out of the infrastructure fund. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached) A time frame for completion of the project be established.