The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on May 23, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Maintenance Position – Maintenance
Ellie Beach asked the Commissioners if she could hire the maintenance’s position vacated by Michael Doss. The Commissioners agreed that the existing position should be filled.

Discussion – Rail Car Repair Needs – North Cascades & Columbia River Railroad
Buck Workman and Senator Morton

Buck Workman, Manager of North Cascades & Columbia River Railroad, explained that the wood chip business is a large part of the rail business. Rail cars have a 40 to 50 year life cycle. Weyerhouser and Precision Pine are two of the customers. The railroad company has stated that the cars are not worth rebuilding given the small profit made from hauling wood chips. There may be the potential to create a repair shop in Okanogan County. Buck stated that there is a need for 200 cars in order to continue with the current loads. There are some emergency funds available in the DOT budget. If the chips could not be hauled via rail it would increase the truck traffic on the state highways. New cars would cost upward of 17 million dollars. Buck suggested that it would be advantageous to provide a tax incentive for donating rail cars. Commissioner Peterson stated that perhaps this issue should come before the RTPO, of which she is currently the chair. Commissioner Peterson asked if they received $560,000 from DOT if it would be enough to keep them in business.

Commissioner Lampe suggested that Buck Workman also contact the Tribe who may have some access to funds that the county and state do not have.

Senator Morton stated that the state has a rail budget and it sounds like it would be profitable for the state to purchase some chip cars. Senator Morton also stated that the legislature might address the issue next legislative session.

Resolution 48-2005 – Supplemental Appropriation – Jail
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and noted that no public were present. Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 48-2005, in the amount of $109,186 to the Current Expense fund Jail Budget. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 49-2005 – Supplemental Appropriation – Sheriff
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and noted that no public were present. Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 49-2005, in the amount of $2000 to the Current Expense fund Sheriff’s budget. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 50-2005 – Supplemental Appropriation – Jail
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and noted that no public were present. Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 50-2005, in the amount of $20,392 to the Current Expense fund Jail Budget. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

MVEMS - Methow Valley EMS District
Commissioner Hover moved to recess as the Board of Commissioners and convene as the Methow Valley EMS District Board of Directors. Motion was seconded and carried.

Voucher Approval – Emergency Management Service – Methow EMS District

Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the voucher for $40,000 for Emergency Management Services. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Commissioner Lampe moved to adjourn as the Methow EMS Board of Directors. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session Resumed

Bid Award – County Legal Publications - Commissioners
Commissioner Hover explained that he asked the auditor’s office to provide some payment history for county publications over the last several years. He noted that the figures he received demonstrate that public notices are being placed in other newspapers when the matter is germane to the area covered by a paper other than the county’s paper of record. He pointed out that it appears that the county has experienced a cost savings of approximately $8,000 between 2003 and 2004.

Commissioner Hover moved to award the county legal bid to Prairie Media. Motion was seconded and carried.

Discussion – Extension Office Programs - Agent
Margaret Viebrock, Interim Agent, requested $ 2,000.00 dollars for the agent’s budget for the Food Sense Program. The Commissioners explained the use of Title III funds for the after school Forestry Education Program.