The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on June 6, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present. Commissioner Don Hover attending a meeting in Clarkston, WA regarding the potential dam removal.

Bid Award – Courthouse Re-Roofing - Facilities
Nanette Kallunki stated that Michael Beaman reviewed the bids for the re-roofing of the courthouse and found no problem. He believes Hale and Long Architect to be a reputable general contractor. Nanette explained that a historical grant would become available in July 1, 2005. However, there is still no guarantee that the county would get the grant. The Historical Preservation Department will not consent for the county to use any material that is not historically accurate, even though the look is not substantially different. There is a risk to future grant funding if material other than historical tiles are used. (attachment)

Commissioner Lampe moved to award the bid for the re-roofing project in the amount of $312,500, plus Washington State sales tax, to Hale and Long Contractors. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Position Opening Change - Jail
Noah Stewart and Joe Somday

Noah asked to make one of the new correction officer positions a Medical Assistant position. This would not increase the number of positions or the amount of funds necessary. It would be a civil service position. It was suggested that the position be a Certified Medical Assistant, RN, or LPN who would work five days per week. Commissioner Peterson commented that an RN, LPN and Physician’s assistant are usually paid at a higher salary. The Commissioners agreed that the already existing Corrections Officer position could be filled by a medical position so long as the position is paid for out of the Jail budget.

Discussion – Fiber Node Project for Winthrop – Infrastructure .08 Funds
Del Shove, Terry Kanpton, Peggy Robbins, Dan Powers, Nanette Kallunki, John Larson Brandi Pritchard. Judy Erberle, Leah McCormick, John Andrist, Greg Wilder, Heidi Appel, Susie Ives, Scott Renick; State Auditor, Jeff Nave; Bond council and Rocklyn Culp, Winthrop City Planner via telephone.

Commissioner Peterson explained the purpose of the conference call. Scott Renick explained that the proposed contract was reviewed along with other information from the Prosecutor’s office. The project was discussed with Mike Murphy and Heidi Appel. It was decided, based on the information provided to take counsel from the proscutor. He did not see any problem with the Prosecutor’s opinion.

Rocklyn Culp stated that the prosecutor’s office has since resolved their concerns and that she thought these were addressed to their satisfaction.

John Larson explained that the concern was the terminus of the node and this was addressed in the new contract.

Scott Renick asked if the nodes were already in place. John Larson replied, yes and compared the fiber and nodes to a sewer system.

Rocklyn explained the project and that the fiber is owned by Homemovie.com, but is useless with out the switching unit.

Scott stated that the issue is the definition of "system" and whether you have a "system" if you do not own the line. The difference is that the city would own a water system in its entirety. The problem is for the city, not so much the county. Does, or will, the city actually control the nodes being purchased? If it is under the city’s control they get to determine who gets to use the system, unless the city is not in control of all aspects of the use. The .08 funds can be used for economic development; the problem at this point is that there is an existing business that will use them.

Rocklyn noted that Homemovies.com is only contracting for the fiber and it is the town’s responsibility is to make sure others get to use the system. Homemovies.com, in exchange for the use of the equipment, will operate and maintain the switches.

Jeff Nave, bond counsel, questioned whether the project would be privately owned. He would question whether this is something the county really wants to spend the bonded monies for. Or perhaps, the county could use non-bonded dollars.

Scott stated he would have to look at what the town has done in terms of economic development. There are still some unknowns at this time. Scott said he questions if this would be considered a public facility or not. His office is aware of what determines the system vs something at the end of the system that allows you to use the system. There is more discussion needed, and he is not at a point to make a determination.

Commissioner Peterson stated that the statute and the definition of "public facilities" lists telecommunications and infrastructure.

Scott replied that it does not mean it meets the definitions of "facility", so a piece of the equipment would not meet the definition.

John Larson said the big thing being missed is that Homemovies.com is the financial match for the project at 80-85%. The termination is to be at the development and homemovies is the incubator’s anchor tenant. However, over the next 4 to 5 years additional businesses will be housed in the industrial park.

Scott did not look at it from that perspective since the proposal was to use the .08 under the bond, however there are other .08 funds that are not bonded and could be available. Scott stated that .08 can be used for economic development and doesn’t have to be a public facility. However, when the bonds were issued the county determined how those funds would be used.

Terry Knapton, said that there isn’t a redundancy in infrastructure in the county and so when trying to recruit businesses, Ecomomic Alliance recruited the company. Communications are both a private and public partnership. This isn’t about one company benefiting but about the whole area getting needed redundancy.

Scott explained the non bonded funds could be used. Heidi said that after she met with John Larson and Rocklyn some language was changed but she still has concerns about the statue, bond and has to be in the Capital Facilities Plan. She stated that the project is not in Winthrop’s Facilities plan. The switching equipment has been in the ground for months.

Scott asked if it is already in use. John Larson replied that it is in semi use. It was noted that the Town would have to change the language to purchasing used switching equipment. Is there an exclusive agreement for the line? Winthrop does not have an agreement with Centrytel. Homemovies.com has an exclusive agreement under a lease for five years for the use of the fiber. The Town of Winthrop is Interested in purchasing the nodes to make the service available in the community.

Commissioner Lampe asked if .08 money, that is not bonded, could be used for this project?

Jeff Nave stated that it has to be in the current facilities plan. Under the statue it could not happen until December. Now, the county has a little more language.

Terry stated that the emerging opportunities fund was just that, to provide for "emerging opportunities" that were not anticipated.

Scott stated that if it has not been established in a plan, it would be unacceptable. Rocklyn explained that there has never been an attempt by the town to mislead and that technology will be included in any future capital facilities plan or economic development plans for the town. The conclusion is that if the project is not in either a capital facilities or economic development plan it cannot be done. John Andrist stated that all future projects will be thoroughly reviewed in light of this fact.

Discussion – Rhythm & Blues – Winthrop Music Association
William Stolberg briefed the Commissioners on the newly formed Winthrop Music Association and the upcoming Rhythm & Blues Festival being held in July. He explained that the Association has a budget and are currently working with Wendell Harris at the Health District to meet the health requirements. The association will also be trying to comply with other county standards such as weed control, etc. even though the event is expected to have less than the 3000 attendees, as required for a festival permit. It is anticipated that by the end of the event every creditor will be paid.

Discussion – Road Name Change - Planning
Steve Hardy, Ben Rough, Andre Stone

Steve Hardy explained that he lives on Spring Coulee Road and was notified that his address has changed. His road has been re-named by his neighbor whom he has been having a conflict with. He received no notification of such a change and to appeal it would cost $150. Mr. Hardy would like the road name be changed back. Ben Rough, Andre Stone and Ted Murray attended the meeting on behalf of the Planning office. Commissioner Peterson expressed concern that no verification was made by the county to determine if the land owners were notified prior to changing the name and the policy is to change only if three land owners exist on the road. Commissioner Peterson asked that the Planning Office follow-up on the issue. Commissioner Lampe suggested that the two parties get together and agree on a name.

Agreement – Food Nutrition Program – Washington State University
Commissioner Lampe moved to accept the WSU Nutrition Education Program in-kind match of $20,220. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

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 $ 203.63for 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