The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 15, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Motion – Appoint Roni Holder-Diefenbach – Economic Alliance
Commissioner Lampe moved to appoint Roni Holder-Diefenbach to serve as an interim representative for the county on the Economic Alliance Board. Motion was seconded and carried. (attachment)

Discussion – Salmon Recovery/Watershed Planning – Water Resources
Julie Pyper discussed various watershed planning and salmon recovery issues with the Commissioners.

Discussion – Snowmobile Grooming Program – Public Works
Rob McGaughey explained the budget for the snowmobile program. Commissioner Hover asked Murray McCory to ensure that whoever will be doing the snow grooming next year has the necessary training. Murray also explained that Coleen has the authority to privatize the program without approval of the county. Commissioner Hover stated that if Murray can work out some of the bugs in the program and get it to work more efficiently, then the county will not look a privatizing the program.

Report – Solid Waste – Landfill
Sue explained that there has been approximately a 2% increase in waste at the landfill. In trying to extend the life of the transfer stations the Twisp transfer station is being remodeled by moving the office so that the employees have a full view of the site as well as providing a satellite HAZMAT system. With the improvements it is anticipated that there could be another 8-10 years life expectancy. Two people are required to man the station. No fines were included In the ordinance for the disposal of bio-med waste. The illegal dumping of bio-med waste is still continuing. Karl is supposed to be working on an amendment to the Solid Waste Ordinance to cover the bio-med waste. The Commissioners will check with him as to its status.

Discussion – Trails – Public Works
Commissioner Peterson expressed concern that we stay within our scope of work for the Methow and the Similakmeen Trail. She cautioned Murray to not allow the trail system to expand beyond ?. She noted that the legislature is uneasy about our county expanding the trails. Commissioner Hover asked Murray to run any presentation he plans to give past the Commissioners before making the presentation.

Resolution 29-2005 – Parks & Recreation Superintendent – Parks and Rec Board
Commissioner Lampe stated that the Commissioners will be part of the performance appraisal process for the Parks and Recreation Superintendent for the Fairgrounds because the ultimate authority is the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 29-2005, Fair Parks and Recreation Superintendent position. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Motion – Grant Application - Jail
Commissioner Hover moved to approve and authorize the chairman to sign a grant application for Community Litter Cleanup. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 31-2005 – Supplemental Appropriation – Juvenile
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and noted that no public were present to provide comment. Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 31-2005, supplemental appropriation in the amount of $3700. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 32-2005- Promotion to Sergeant - Sheriff
Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 32-2005, sergeant position. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Equipment Purchase – District Court
Renee Townsley and Judge Edwards informed the Commissioners about the need to replace the teleconferencing equipment in district court and the new courtroom. They would also like to purchase a cellphone for the judges to share. (attached)

Discussion – Watershed Planning - DOE
Derek Sandison of DOE

Commissioner Peterson asked what the difference is between the "unit of government" and the "initiating governments". Derek stated that Initiating Governments is mentioned only in Phase I. The state’s interpretation is that the Planning Unit would have membership that would include a broader base that represents "units of government". It was explained that the cities felt they should be a higher authority than the business members on the Planning Unit. Mr. Sandison stated that it really depends on how the ground rules are structured.

Commissioner Peterson asked if for some reason the initiating governments would be obligated to pay back monies should the Planning Units not perform or a deliverables did not occur.

Derek explained that currently the funding situation is on a reimbursable basis as opposed to the way it originally started out with a lump sum for each phase. Under the current scenario there would be no obligation to pay back any monies if the decision was made to stop doing watershed planning.

Commissioner Peterson stated that the Planning Units have a concern about DOE having veto power. Derek said that it depends on how the membership interprets "units of government" as to whether a planning unit member has veto power.

Motion – Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-11. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

1. Approval Commissioners’ Proceedings of March 7 & 8, 2005
2. Contract WDFW Lead Entity – Planning
3. Contract Lake Osoyoos Sub-Area – Planning
4. Contract Premera Blue Cross – Benefax
5. Contract Amendment 11, 12 & 13 Jail Renovation Phase ll – Beaman
6. Franchise (8) Cattleguard Renewals – Public Works
7. Agreement Gravel Removal – Public Works
8. Grant Public Services Closeout Performance Report
9. Certification Annual 2004 – CRAB
10. A19-1A Housing Rehabilitation #10,12,13 & Public Services #2
11. Resolution # 30-2005 Surplus Equipment – Public Works

Letter – Support Letter for New Facility - OBHC
Commissioner Lampe moved to send a letter of support on behalf of OBHC. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Agreement – Dental Plan – Washington Dental Service
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the agreement with Washington Dental Service and instruct the chair to sign. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Letter – Comments of Designation of Critical Habitat – NMFS
The Commissioners addressed a letter to NMFS regarding the Washington State Farm Bureau’s comments on the Designation of Critical Habitat for certain species of fish. (attached)

Executive Session – Personnel – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session for 10 minutes at 4:35 PM to discuss personnel. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session Resumed at 4:45 PM