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

Executive Session – Union Negotiations – Human Resources
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session for 15 minutes at 9:45 AM to discuss union negotiations. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session Resumed at 10:00 AM

Motion – Package Proposal – Public Works
Commissioner Hover moved to accept the Professional/Technical/Clerical Employees package proposal and eliminate the safety officer out of the appendix A. Motion was seconded.

Motion – Legal Representation for Rob McGaughey – Public Works
Commissioner Lampe moved to authorize Rob McGaughey to be represented by Peg Calloway, Attorney, for the work place investigation at Public Works. Motion was seconded and carried.

Discussion – Okanogan Watershed Planning – Conservation District
Mayor Sparber, Tom Scott, Chad Short, Bob Clark, Craig Nelson

Bob Clark presented a scope of work for Phase II of WRIA 49, Okanogan River Basin, that the Planning Unit has developed along with a list of members. The Irrigation District is against setting in-stream flows, however, if the Planning Unit is ok with this since his understanding is that if in-stream flows were not addressed, within 2 years, Department of Ecology would address them. He feels that it is in our best interest to address in-stream flows. Mayor Sparber explained that the cities are still dependent on the river for some water.

Commissioner Peterson reported that she heard from DOE that water storage will be and option on Watershed Planning. Vacant positions on the Planning Unit were also discussed. The Conservation District will continue to facilitate Phase II.

Discussion – Sub-Basin Plan – Water Resources
Julie Pyper and Greg Wilder

The county’s priority list for sub-basin planning was discussed. The Commissioners will draft a letter expressing their general concerns.

Discussion – Sub-Basin Plan – Water Resources
Julie Pyer and Joe Peone

Commissioner Hover expressed concern that some the sub-basin plan will effect some industries. Also, that this plan would be used as a basis for making future decisions without county input. There was nothing in the plan that addressed these issues of concern. He feels that there may be a conflict of interest with Keith Wolf drafting the plan because he works for the Tribe as well. Timelines in place forced the creation of the plan in such a short time. He is particularly concerned about how agriculture is portrayed in the Sub-Basin Plan. Commissioner Peterson stated that the comprehensive plan of the county should be the umbrella over these water plans, however, things in the sub-baisn plan would conflict with the county’s comprehensive plan. It is not that the Commissioners think that the plan is unimportant. She feels that there should be some kind of compromise with some of the issues in the plan. It is too long and too complicated for the layperson. Too many lists, too many species and not representing the foundation of our county.

Joe Peone stated that the Sub-basin plan is the result of many years of various plans. Commissioner Peterson stated that there are so many other plans that this plan will be a guideline for all fish recovery projects and there are many things that are contradictory to county codes and plans.

Commissioner Hover noted that if it is in conflict with our watershed plans there is a real problem. The commissioners stressed their desire to work together. Commissioner Hover commented that as it sits he cannot support it because of the long term ramifications. For example the Subbasin Plan states that grazing is one of the detriments to fish habitat.

Joe Peone stated that the US vs Oregon Group sets the harvest amounts. He feels that the new administration is more open to volunteer contributions. Counties need to set down with Bob Long and express the needs of their constituents. The county has submitted comments and concerns for the last two years. Commissioner Hover stated that while the current administration is favorable the Sub-basin plan will outlive administrations. The county may undermine itself if they sign on to the plan.

Julie stated that the county commented during the development of the plan that were not considered and have commented since as well. Yet no kind of compromise has been achieved.

Discussion – Snowmobile Program – Public Works
Murray McCory, Rob McGaughey, Gary Allard.

Murray explained the problems with privatizing the snowgrooming program. Ron Macke has showed an interest in doing the grooming. Since Ron Macke can acquire a state groomer and is bonded he could do the grooming.

The snowplow fell off the truck and caused damage to the track. The state said it will not be fixed until it is inspected.

Rob McGaughey feels that it would be beneficial to pursue a private program. Gary Allard stated that he is not in favor of privatizing the grooming program. He believes that the public deserves a benefit for their fees and taxes. There will not be any expansion of the current trails because of the lynx and other endangered species. He explained that there have been many hours of work done by volunteers. Gary said he wouldn’t want to donate his time for the benefit of a private business. The Butte Busters Snowmobile Association has donated in excess of $100,000 of labor this year. There is currently 384 miles of trails in the county.

Discussion – Fingerprint Machine – Corrections
Frank Rogers, Joe Somday and Noah Stewart

Noah stated that there are no grants available for fingerprint machines. The Commissioners will get with Central Services about the use of the equipment reserve fund.

Commissioner Hover moved to authorize the purchase of a fingerprint machine in the amount of $18,759.83 to be taken out of Equipment Reserve Fund 196. Motion was seconded and carried.

Executive Session – Personnel – Human Resources
Commissioner Lampe moved to go into executive session for 30 minutes at 4:10 PM for personnel. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 4:40 PM