The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 29, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Executive Session – Personnel – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to go into executive session at 8:00 AM on personnel issues for 30 minutes. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 8:30 AM

Executive Session – Litigation – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to go into executive session for 30 minutes at 8:30 AM to discuss litigation. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 9:00 AM

Discussion – Finance Report – Del Shove
Del Shove provided a portfolio history of investments. He also noted that some junior taxing districts are in the red and may have to go on interest bearing warrants. However, this is not unusual with junior taxing districts. Two of the districts are the Brewster and Tonasket Hospital Districts.

Discussion – Consulting Services – Mel Hartwig
Mel Hartwig introduced his consultant/engineering company and asked that it be solicited for future projects.

Discussion –Projects – Public Works
Rob McGaughey and Jerry Verstegen reported on various road and trail projects. Commissioner Peterson asked about the status of the Davis Lake Road LID and stated that it needs to keep moving. Rob stated that he is considering a lease/purchase equipment for road design work. This would eliminate the need for a temporary worker and would provide access to grant funds to purchase the equipment. Jerry presented the road maintenance report.

Motion – Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-9. Motion was seconded and carried.

1. Approval Commissioners’ Proceedings of March 21 &22, 2005
2. Franchise (5) Cattleguard Renewal – Public Works
3. Resolution 37-2005 Adopting CRP 9114-05 and CRP 9495-08–Public Works
4. Certification Road Fund Expenditures – Public Works
5. Agreement Street Closure and Indemnification – City of Okanogan
6. Agreement 5 Year Agency Reimbursable – City of Okanogan
7. Agreement Jurisdiction and the Operation – NCWN Task Force
8. Appointment 911 Coordinator Military and Emergency – Dave Rodriguez
9. Ratify Open Space Taxation Agreement – Planning

Discussion – Emerging Opportunities – Economic Alliance
Terry Knapton presented an update on projects including the Highway 97 project. He stated that Canadians have approved to the adopted Logo and are moving forwards with their plans. He presented a request for .08 emerging opportunities funds to purchase equipment necessary to complete the signage currently being constructed for the Pateros downtown mall project.

Gale Howe introduced Lake Pateros Rentals Sweet Bakery and Chevron Super Stop. The request is for a message digital reader board. Pateros is one of the fist communities that a visitor may see coming into Okanogan County. Because of this other county events may be displayed on the reader board as well. It is anticipated that the sign would be completed by Memorial Day.

Commissioner Hover asked how this is tied to emerging opportunities. Terry stated that both committees asked the same question. Terry explained that it is similar to the restrooms at the Omak Stampede in that it markets the whole community. Commissioner Hover asked if any studies have been done. Terry explained that none have been conducted. Commissioner Peterson asked if this is included in the city’s capital facilities plan. They stated that it is in the city’s business plan. The request is for $38,785.

Commissioner Hover moved to approve the request for funds from the emerging opportunities fund in the amount of $38,785 for the digital signing with the understanding that the sign will be operational by Memorial Day 2005. Motion was seconded and carried.

Update – Juvenile
Bruce Moran presented statistics on juvenile offenders in Okanogan County as compared to State levels. Bruce explained that only a small percentage of tribal offenders would be sent to the tribal juvenile facility once it opens. Another report addressed the number of probation cases per officer. Okanogan County has 80 juveniles per case worker which is twice the state average.

Discussion – Water Resources
Julie Pyper reported that there are a few candidates for the Planning Unit Secretary. She feels that the Planning Unit should interview the candidates. Commissioner Hover asked how long before the GAP analysis can be put together with the plan. Julie stated that next week a group will be going over the matter. Julie provided a graph showing funding for her position as requested.

Commissioner Hover said he had heard concerns about the migration pattern. Julie will provide this information next week. Greg remarked that Okanogan County’s approach, in a ways to bring plans all together under one SEPA plan. Greg stated that we have to do the Land Use and Critical areas planning. He stated that Julie and Sandy are budgeted as Planning Department employees and even if grant funding goes away they have become an integral part of the Planning Department.

Regarding the Salmon Recovery Plan Commissioner Hover stated that he would like to see harvestable populations addressed separately from "viable and harvestable populations". It was his recollection that the statement should read "viable and sustainable". Julie stated that she does not understand when that change came about but she will research it and find out when the wording changed.