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

Discussion – Salmon Recovery – Planning
Nick Christoph reported that the SRF Board is putting pressure on the County to implement projects. Commissioner Hover expressed concern that not all projects are being funded because the SRF Board only selects projects that fit with their philosophies. The big problem with the recovery plan is that the opinions are only solicited from biologist and technical advisors and do not even consider the opinions of the citizens who are impacted. The review panel doesn’t understand what the benefits are in the local areas. Commissioner Peterson stated that this is something that the COG should address with the legislators. Nick feels the decisions should be more citizen based. Commissioner Peterson asked Nick to make a list of who is on the committee and draft a letter addressing these concerns. Also the letter should be cc’d to the Governor and the state legislators.

Update – Public Works
Rob McGaughey and Rex Boyd, Mr & Mrs Daharsh

Rob handed out information regarding the Summit Lake road. Rob noted that the road is on the county road system but is classified as a primitive road. The road was part of a plat created in 1969 or 70. There have been people moving in and Rob stated that at this point we should start looking at doing some maintenance and improvements.

The road needs surfacing and drainage. Mike Daharsh explained that when the Okanogan River Ranches Plat was created the road was a county road. Commissioner Hover is concerned that it could set a precedent if it was part of the plat requirements that the homeowners association was to maintain the road and then have the county take on the responsibility. Rob stated that he doesn’t believe this to be the case. Rob would like to know how many people live in the area. Judy Daharsh will provide that information to Rob within a week. Rob also stated that Public Works will start looking at other primitive roads to determine where developments are impacting the roads so if warranted; the county can extend service to those areas. Commissioner Peterson stated that having a plan to phase in road maintenance/improvements is needed. She noted her pleasure with Public Works for reconsidering this issue as it shows an improvement. Commissioner Hover stated that he agrees that the county needs to recognize the growth and should address the needs for road improvement for the 2.2 miles on Summit Lake Road and present it to the commissioners. All Commissioners agreed.

Discussion – Road Maintenance – Public Works
Rex Boyd briefed the Board on the road maintenance and the snow plowing that has been done due to the snowfall last night. It was noted that the county roads are now in better shape than the state and city roads. Commissioner Hover said he would like to see the crushing contracts out early as discussed last year. Rob said that we should be crushing in February. Commissioner Hover said he would like the contracts out in January.

Update – Economic Alliance
Terry Knapton and Carolyn Davis

Terry discussed the cities .08 projects and noted that a couple, Tonasket and Twisp need an additional small amount to complete their Airport projects. Terry and the Commissioners agreed that the dust should settle on the infrastructure projects and then see what kind of .08 funding may be available in the future. Commissioner Lampe noted that when infrastructure projects are considered in the future a covered horse arena should be considered. Terry noted that it is very difficult to find funding for a covered horse arena as several others have tried to build one. He also reported that Economic Alliance did not get the "bring back the kids grant".

Update – Central Services
Mandy Hancock presented a status report on work being done by Central Services. She explained the need for a fulltime IT person under Central Services to provide assistance to the Public Works department. Commissioner Lampe directed Mandy to discuss this with Rob McGaughey.

Commissioner Hover moved to authorize Central Services to purchase Laser Fiche Track-it, and LF Toolkit upgrades not to exceed $11,187.59 out of Non Departmental. Motion was seconded and carried.

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 21^st and 22nd, 2005
2. Approve PSA Amendment with Golder Associates-Phase 1 CFHMP Project
3. Approve P6-Sweet Pit Agreement

Agreement – Air Quality Test – Clayton Group Consulting Services
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve an agreement with Clayton Group Consulting Services proposal PR-75OH06.150 in the amount of $2,400 for air quality testing. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Agreement – Air Quality Test – Clayton Group Consulting Services
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve an agreement with Clayton Group Consulting Services proposal PR-750H06.149 in the amount of $1,640 for air quality testing. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

MVEMS - Methow Valley EMS District

Commissioner Lampe 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 Lampe moved to approve the voucher for $30,000 for Professional Services of the EMS district.

Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 1-2005, establishing the regular levy rate of $295.446 plus a 1% increase in the amount of $11,129, for the Methow Valley EMS District. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Lampe moved to adjourn as the MEMS District and convene as the Okanogan County Commissioners. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed

Letter – Lorna Stone – Health District
The Commissioners signed a letter to Lorna Stone of the Washington Health Foundation supporting the County Health Districts efforts to obtain funding for a Comprehensive Fall Prevention Program for Senior Citizens. (attached)

Letter – Derek Sandison – DOE
The Commissioners signed a letter requesting that the Washington Department of Ecology issue a final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and complete the permitting process for the Buckhorn Mountain Project. (attached)