The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 31, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present. Commissioner Hover absent on personal business.

Motion – Expenditure Request - Planning
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve a voucher in the amount $3,794 to ESRI for mapping software license renewal. Motion was seconded and carried.

Discussion – Legends Resort - Planning
Greg Wilder reported on various options to provide match for the Public Works Trust Fund Loan for Legends Resort.

Discussion – Biomass Partnership – Okanogan County Conservation District
Laura Clark , John Newcomb and Mike Ferris

Laura Clark reported on the best process for removing woody biomass from the forests, find the most economical means of producing power, and creating a business plan to acquire project funds. Various grant applications have been submitted to secure funds for a feasibility study. A recent application to the CTED successfully brought $40,000, however, there is a need for matching funds of $40,000 as the grant application for the match did not get approved. They asked the county to contribute $20,000 towards the woody biomass feasibility study. Commissioner Peterson stated that the Commissioners will consider their request. Laura stated that they will need to know within the next couple of weeks.

Executive Session – Personnel – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to go into executive session for 30 minutes for personnel at 11:05 AM. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 11:35 AM

Discussion – Staffing for Jail – Jail
Noah Stewart, Frank Rogers, Joe Somday, Ernie Gahimer

Those present reviewed the Jail budget for 2006 to determine the number of positions that would be needed for the Jail. After discussion, the board directed Nanette Kallunki to draft a resolution defining the new positions for the Jail.

Resolution 106-2005 – Domestic Violence Revenue – Prosecutor
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 106-2005, Domestic Violence Revenue. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Motion – Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the consent agenda items 1 through 5 excluding item 3 approved by separate motion. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion Initial Government for Watershed Planning WRA 49
Craig Nelson discussed that the goals outlined in the initial plan are broadly defined and that some would like to see them refined. Refinement would allow for a larger profit margin in a 3 year forecast. Commissioners Mary Lou Peterson and Andy Lampe stated that it would slow the process down significantly. Craig Nelson explained that a consultant is involved in outlining the details and priorities that should be focused on. Craig will send out a detailed report when it is complete some time in January.

Update – Public Works – Commissioners
Commissioner Peterson would like the case with Steve Brown resolved as soon as possible.

Rob McGaughey, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Commissioner Andy Lampe discussed the proposed budget. Commissioner Peterson would like to see a breakdown of the revenues and expenditures on Eden. Commissioners would like Judy Eberle to crunch the numbers for the Public Works budget. Public Works would like to purchase a building off of Highway 97 near Brewster using the budget for new equipment, but Commissioner Lampe questioned the worth of the property.