The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on June 7, 2005 with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Salmon Recover and Watershed Planning – Water Resources
Julie Pyper briefed the Board regarding the upcoming public hearing to be held in the Methow Valley on June 13, 2005, on the Methow Valley Watershed Plan, at the Methow Valley Senior Center.

Commissioner Hover reported that the Salmon Recovery Board has accepted a Vision Statement as rewritten. Bonnie Lawrence asked if any accommodation has been made to extend public comment on the Salmon Recovery Plan. Commissioner Hover stated that it hasn’t.

Resolution 54-2005 – Supplemental Appropriation – Developmental Disabilities
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and no comments were given. Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 54-2005, Supplemental Appropriation to Developmental Disabilities Fund 105 in the amount of 228,753.00. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 55-2005 – Supplemental Appropriation – Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and no comments were given. Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 55-2005, Supplemental Appropriation to Alcohol and Drug Abuse Fund 107 in the amount of 330,000.00. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Agreement with John Oaks – Public Works
John Oaks explained that he has an agreement with the county to provide right-of-way in exchange for 3 road approaches at mutually agreed locations. The agreement was entered into on March 2, 1998, and work was to have been completed within 3 years. Verlene explained that the county has been unable to obtaining the needed funding. Commissioner Peterson asked if the county crews could do some of the work. Also the county may be able to apply for RTPO enhancement funds. Commissioner Peterson asked why if this was agreed to in 1998 it wasn’t done and the explanation was that there was no funding. The Commissioners stated that the agreement should be honored and the project completed even if it means using Public Works funds. Public Works will look into funding and in the mean time will work at cutting the bank.

Discussion – Property Appraisals – Public Works
Verlene explained that the Tribe is now requiring an appraisal of property for right-of-way purposes. Commissioners agreed to hire Rick Witt in the amount of $650 to appraise for the Omak Bridge Project.

Discussion – Ellisforde Transfer Station – Public Works
Commissioner Peterson said that the Commissioners have asked Sue Christopher to get a proposal together for a water supply and other improvements as recommended by the Solid Waste Advisory Board. at the Ellisforde transfer station. A feasibility study could take up to 9 months and can be done later to cover all the transfer stations in the county.

Discussion – Off-Road Vehicles –Non Highway Use – Public Works
Verlene Hughes explained that the only roads in the county that would fall under the new legislation would be Forest Service and DNR roads. Roads that are maintained by fuel tax cannot be used. Verlene said she has a call in to Paul Parker to point out the problem. Heidi explained that the new statue only applies to non Highway roads and since the county’s roads are all serviced by fuel tax the statue would not apply. It was noted that the Forest Service will never allow paved roads to be used by OVR. The House Bill did not accomplish what was intended.

Motion – Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the Consent Agenda items 1 & 2. Motion was seconded and carried.

1. Approval Commissioners’ Proceedings of May 31, 2005
2. Contract Selland Construction for Robinson Canyon – Public Works

Commissioner Hover moved to direct the clerk of the board to make the needed corrections to the veteran’s manual imposing a lifetime limit of $1500 for emergency assistance per applicant from the Veteran’s Relief Fund. Motion was seconded and carried. Commissioner Peterson abstained due to not agreeing with a "lifetime limit" on assistance since the current policy gives the veteran’s board authority to limit abusers of the system.

Executive Session – Negotiations – Human Resources
Commissioner Lampe moved to go into executive session for 10 minutes at 1:50 PM to discuss union negotiations. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 2:00 PM

Discussion – Addressing – Planning
Greg Wilder, Gene Wylson, Ted Murray, Codie Bonin, Andre Stone

Greg Wilder explained the addressing process and the cost involved with changing the process. The complaint received from Steve Hardy yesterday was discussed and the application received by Creig Heddington. The Planning Department will resolve the situation.

Executive Session – Union Negotiations – Human Resources
Commissioner Lampe moved to go into executive session for 10 minutes at 2:30 PM to discuss union negotiations. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 2:40 PM