The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on November 14, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Greg Wilder stated that any delays that are being made are Legend delays not ours.

Commissioner Hover wants to make sure Legends is faithful in their commitment. Commissioner Peterson stressed that the cities must be paid back first. Greg stated that they would. Commissioner Peterson commented that we are at a real delicate stage in getting the third party agreement signed.

Sub Area Planning meeting went favorably well. There were many good issues presented and the feeling was that people were comfortable with the outcome. Greg Dorn was complimented on his presentation.

Commissioner Hover discussed his concerns about being in the "driver’s seat" of the Salmon Recovery Plan and that he wants to be sure we are the ones making the decisions. He expressed concerns that land owners will be giving their rights away to the Federal Government. Nick Christoph noted that if the data is the most updated, and the best science we can obtain, then we could use it in the plan.

Open Space Open Application - Barbara’s Legacy - Planning
Stacy Smith, and Andre presenting

Barbara’s Legacy submitted an application for an Open Space Open Space tax classification for the preservation of open space, wildlife habitat, and a tax reduction. Points were made about property ownership of the easements and the benefits to the public. Stacy Smith commented that there would be a 45% reduction in taxes to the property owner on the 189.4 acres. Commissioners would like more information before signing the application. Commissioner Hover would like to know about the benefits to the public. Planning commission recommended approving the application. Commissioner Lampe moved to table discussion until December 12, 2005 due to further research needed. Motion was seconded and carried.

Resolution 117-2005 - Public Hearing-Supplemental Appropriation-Building
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and noted that no public were present for comment. Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 117-2005 supplemental appropriation in the amount of $7,378.00 for Current Expense Fund/Building budget.

Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 118-2005 - Public Hearing for Supplement Appropriation-Superior Court Clerk
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and noted that no public were present for comment. Commissioner Hover moved to approve supplemental appropriation Resolution 118-2005, Current Expense Fund/Clerk in the amount of $9,000.00. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Bid Review/Award - MCI Kit Bids - Emergency Services
Emergency Services initial bid to purchase four trailers from MCI at an affordable price was returned by MCI at a higher price for three trailers. Commissioners asked Scott to get legal advice from Heidi Appel to negotiate the original bid price for the four trailers. Scott Miller will consult with Heidi Appel to renegotiate pricing and will return to speak to the Commissioners once a decision is made about the bid prices.

Consent Agenda - Commissioners
Commissioners delayed approval of the consent agenda until late afternoon.

Update – Public Works
Rob McGaughey explained that they are drafting a PWTF loan preconstruction loan application for a new county shop. A construction loan, if awarded, would not be available until April 2007. Commissioner Peterson asked Rob to look into the reseeding and shrubbery for the Robinson Canyon Road Project because she has been told the request for quotes is confusing due to the number of change orders.

Discussion – Bonaparte Road
Patti and Tom Hageman, Al Munce, Bill Cotrell,

Commissioner Peterson explained that she thought there was an agreement to plow the Bonaparte Road until the County could accept the road from the Forest Service.

Approximately 2 miles of the Bonaparte Road belonging to the Forest Service needs to be plowed. Commissioner Peterson explained that there have been two deaths on the road in the past few years.

Tom who represents several families (4 fulltime families and 3 part-time families) read some background information regarding the road. He explained that the road was plowed a couple years because of medical conditions. He noted that he was told by Public Works employees to sue the county, and if the county loses, the road will be plowed. He explained that Bill Cotrell served as the county engineer and affirmed that the road had been plowed during his tenure. The state law RCW 36.82 addresses the county’s authority to plow such roads. He stated that he believes that the snowmobile club has a strong influence with the Public Works Department and whether or not the road gets plowed. He noted that during the first snow of this year the road was not plowed except for up to the resort, which under the same reasoning should not be plowed. The next day the road was still not plowed so he plowed it. He on behalf of the residents of Bonaparte Road, he requested that the county make it a permanent practice to plow and sand the road. Al Munce said that the road was deeded to the county in the early 1900’s and asked how can Biles Colman could provide a deed to the Forest Service if he doesn’t own it? Rob McGaughey stated that a portion of the road is on the county road log. Bill Cotrell asserted that the road is a county road and has been since he was engineer. He noted the loss of revenue to the county over the years as a result of this situation.

Commissioner Hover moved to direct Public Works to do winter maintenance on Bonaparte Road for an additional 2.2 miles beyond the resort until further notice. Motion was seconded and carried 2-1 with Commissioner Lampe abstaining.

Resolution 119-2005 – Supplemental Appropriation – Superior Court
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and noted that no public were present for comment. Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 119-2005, supplemental appropriation in the amount of $36,450 for Current Expense/Superior Court budget. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Fair Budget – Fair
Carl Christensen and ? presented the fair 2006 budget and reviewed it with the Commissioners.

Commissioner Hover asked ? what the problem is with the Parks and Recreation Board not coming to the Commissioners with their concerns and requests before writing letters to the paper. He noted that to his knowledge, the Parks and Recreation Board has not come to the commissioners to present any of their needs or concerns. Although money can cure a lot of ills, the money wasn’t available to budget this year. Although It was noted that there were several projects that were not budgeted which received funding mid year.

Update – Marketing Board
Robin Stice and Diane Parker presented several brochures and explained all the projects that the Board has accomplished since its inception. They asked the Commissioners to revisit the resolution that established the Marketing Committee to include some authorization to ??? There was also discussion about contributing to Economic Alliance for Carolyn’s work and operating costs. The Marketing Board will get with Economic Alliance to discuss the funding request.

Motion - Consent Agenda
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the consent agenda items 1, 4, 5, 6 & 7. Item 3 is withheld pending additional information. Motion was seconded and carried.

Motion – Appraisal for New Shop – Public Works
Commissioner Lampe moved to direct the Public Works Director to precede with an appraisal for a proposed acquisition of a new area 4 shop and bring back to Commissioners for review and further direction. Motion was seconded and carried.

Change Order #4 – Courthouse Re-Roof – Hale & Long
Commissioner Hover moved to approve change order #4 for Hale and Long adding additional time for materials. Motion was seconded and carried.