The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on November 22, 2005, with, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present. Chairman Mary Lou Peterson out on personal business.

Discussion – Legends Resort Project – Planning
Greg Wilder briefed the Board on requirements and process for Legends Resort to collect late comers’ fees for the sewer system. (attachment)

Motion – Expenditure Request – Planning
Greg explained that there is $25,000 available from the Bureau of Reclamation to be used within the Planning or Water Resources department and they would like to purchase a copier for large documents and 2 additional PDA’s.

Commissioner Lampe moved to authorize Agenda bill #P2005-046 to expend $14,000 for equipment. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Letter – Western Gray Squirrel - Planning
The Commissioners signed a letter providing their comments on the WA State Recovery Plan for the Western Gray Squirrel. (attached)

Discussion – Road Detour – Public Works
Rob McGaughey, Murray McCory

A Winthrop area spokesperson addressed areas of concern and the impacts involved regarding Salmon spawning in the culvert and how the salmon would be affected by the road construction. Commissioner Lampe remarked that signs should be installed warning drivers about the construction. The speed limit should be reduced as well. Rob McGaughey said he would look into that.

Commissioner Hover commends Public Works for involving the board every week.

Murray McCory gave a report about the snow grooming machine. Lyle and Frank became certified mechanics so they could check and repair the equipment. Gary is pushing to get the groomer back. Rob McGaughey explained that the mechanic is trying to push the repairs back until next week because of their work backlog. Their contract starts November 30^th. Commissioners would like a contact with the state for snow grooming until ours gets fixed. Our snow groomer would not be loaded until Dec. 5. Rob McGaughey recommends contracting the work out for a groomer. Commissioners Lampe and Hover both agreed that contracting with the state for snow grooming services would be a good idea. Murray McCory will get back to the board regarding the snow groomer.

Rob McGaughey is drafting a contract pertaining to the Smilkameen trail. Commissioner Lampe wants to make sure this is done correctly so it can be used as an example for the future. Commissioner Hover expressed reasons not to permit dogs on the trail; it is a big safety issue with some people, but some still do not understand why dogs may not be permitted.

Motion – Loan Application – Public Works
Rob McGaughey said the package was already sent in. Commissioner Hover warned about putting the cart before the horse. Motion was seconded and carried. Commissioner Lampe made a motion to approve the Public Works pre-construction trust fund loan application for Area 1 and 2. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Hover asked if there were considerations we would have to abide by on the reservation. Rob McGaughey explained that there were not, only the Tero?? Taxes.

Rob McGaughey reported that Robinson Canyon is a complete project. It came in on budget. Trees will be planted next spring so they have a better chance at surviving the winter.

Rob will draft a letter of appreciation to the contractors of the Robinson Canyon project.

Discussion – Courthouse Re-roof – Facilities
Nan Kallunki, Michael Beaman, Jerry Sutton of Hale & Long, Heidi Appel

Nan explained that there are a couple options for finishing the roof 1) shut down the project until spring, 2) extend work period.

Michael Beaman explained that there have been two timeline extensions to date for materials, and because of finding of two rotted beams. He stated that some problems with leaks were preventable. A conference was held last week and all are concerned. Michael would rather have the roof completed now. Commissioner Hover explained that he just wants a good quality job. Heidi noted that there are no legal problems with extending the contract. Michael explained that if there is proof that the delays have been due to the weather then liquidated damages would not be charged. Jerry said he too would prefer to move ahead. Commissioner Hover doesn’t have a problem with giving a 6 month extension. Nan and Michael will prepare a list of water damage and Hale and Long will reimburse for those damages. Michael recommended that there be an air quality test by L&I for the District Court leak. A change order will be done.

Motion – Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-3. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

1. Approve Commissioners’ Proceedings November 14^th, 2005
2. Approve-Resolution 120-2005 Annual Road Construction Program 2006
3. Interlocal Agreement-Okanogan County and City of Tonasket-Jail Services

Motion – In-County Meals – Central Services
Commissioner Lampe moved to deny the in-county meal request for the retirement cake for Central Services because it is against the county’s written policy to charge meals on the county credit card and not allowed for employee functions. Motion was seconded and carried.

Motion – In County Meals - Planning
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve in-county meals for a comprehensive planning meeting with the warning that in-county meals are to be pre-approved. Motion was seconded and carried.

Resolution 124-2005 – Employee Promotion – Central Services
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 124-2005, classifying Stephen Rowe as a network Analyst grade 27, step 1. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)