The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 1, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Watershed Planning/ Salmon Recovery – Water Resources
Julie Pryer and Greg Wilder

Julie reported on the Land Use Planning meeting held yesterday. The meeting was well attended. Greg stated that the sub areas will be actively involved in the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Peterson stated that she has had several phone calls from the Tunk Creek area asking that to rezone or change their district boundaries such as hospital, and schools. Greg advised the Board to contact the Elections supervisor. Julie and Greg will bring the vision statement and maps for the comprehensive plan next week.

Executive Session – Property Acquisition – Public Works
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session for 10 minutes at 10:10 AM to discuss property acquisition. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open session resumed at 10:20 AM

Discussion – Trail – Public Works
Murray McCory explained that the Larson property is being transferred to the county. They are trying to determine just what expenses will be involved to transfer the property. Park will remain in its natural state; no dogs or bicycles will be allowed in the park. Murray would like to see if the county would commit the inmates for the maintenance of the park.

Commissioner Peterson asked what "in its natural state" means and would weeds be controlled. Murray assured her that the weeds would be taken care of. Eventually, the park could be designated as a National Heritage Site. Commissioner Hover asked what would be done with the overhead power lines. John Hayes stated that the lines would be put underground. Commissioner Peterson urged that future requirements of a National Heritage Site be thoroughly researched before having it so designated. The taxes are around $7200, appraisal fees, closing costs ($3000) and survey are other costs ($5200) are all grant allowable.

Phase II of the Similakmeen will take place next January. It is hoped that within 3 years there will be enough grant monies to run the trail from Loomis to Scotch Creek.

Discussion – Update - Economic Alliance
Terry Knapton reported that a grant in the amount of $240,000 was received for the land and preliminary designs of the Incubator Project. He attended the meeting with Ferry County Public Works and Ken Ross Mine. He has some concerns about the total project cost. Only expects a federal appropriation of only about 20% of the total cost. He had a meeting with tribal staff at the University of Washington to discuss the areas where projects can be jointly worked on. Infrastructure committee worked with all the cities to determine if the projects will be completed in time. Approximately $99,000 is being turned back and the infrastructure committee, with assurances from the towns, are recommending a three way equal allocation of the turn back amount between Brewster Sewer System Improvement, Omak SR 97 Pedestrian/Equestrian Bridge, and Twisp Airport Infrastructure Development.

Short Plat Vacation – Storey Short Plat - Planning
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the Story Short Plat Vacation of Lot 1,2 & 3, SP 90-36, SPV 2005-1 subject to the attached Findings of Fact and Conclusions. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Motion – Appointments - TV District #1
Commissioner Hover moved to rescind a motion made on February 22, 2005, making appointments to TV District #1 pending further information. Motion was seconded and carried.

Motion – Consent Agenda - Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda items 1 – 8 listed below. Motion was seconded and carried.

1. Approval Commissioners’ Proceedings of February 22, 2005
2. Franchise (6) Cattleguard Renewal – Public Works
3. Resolution Travel for Volunteer Corner – Prosecutor
4. Form Organization Exempt From Income Industrial Development Corporation Tax
5. Delegation Canvassing Board Authority
6. Resolution # 24-2004 - Fund 124 – Sheriff
7. Certification Title Vl laws and regulations – Community Action
8. Agreement Professional Services - Carey Hunter

Resolution 26-2005 – Volunteer Advanced Travel Authorization – Prosecutor
Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 26-2005, authorizing advanced travel for volunteer coroner training. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Agreement – Law Enforcement Services - Twisp
Commissioner Hover moved to enter into an agreement with the Town of Twisp for Law Enforcement Services for a period of three (3) years in the base amount of $201,015.93 annually. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 28-2005 – Sheriff’s Deputies - Sheriff
Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 28-2005, authorizing three (3) sheriff’s deputies. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 27-2005 – Re-allocating Infrastructure Funds – Economic Alliance
Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 27-2005, re-allocation of Infrastructure funds. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Harassment – Karen Scriver
Karen Scriver, Frank Rogers

Karen Scriver stated that since December 2003, she has been plagued with a neighbor who constantly reports that her dogs are barking. She was subsequently cited for this and the case was closed for lack of evidence. It was noted that most of the neighborhood dogs are also barking. She feels this is harassment on the part of the person who calls. She cited the Right-to-Farm Ordinance and noted that she has been a long time resident of the area, before the complainant moved in. Frank Rogers entered and stated that he would research the problem and see what can be done.