The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on September 19, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the consent agenda items 1 through 3. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Dave Swanberg, President, Frank Oberg, Margaret Swanberg.

Dave explained that the Back Country Horseman have drafted a resolution addressing opposing the establishment of more wilderness or roadless areas in Okanogan County. The public comment period will be over September 29, 2005. They requested that the Commissioners adopt a resolution and send it to Margaret Hartzell. The Commissioners explained they already commented by letter and provided them a copy.

Mike Daharsh asked that the county take over the maintenance of the original road to Summit Lake. He stated that this road has never been vacated. There are about 50 families that use the road and it is classified as a primitive road.

Commissioner Peterson stated that she is aware that some primitive roads receive varying degrees of maintenance and asked Tom Hinger how Public Works determines when maintenance is done on primitive roads. Tom explained that it is based on the number of families, the Average Daily Traffic count, school bus use and mail delivery. There used to be an attempt to prioritize these roads.

Mike noted that the county is currently maintaining roads where there are only a couple of families who reside on the road. He also feels that the county is already paying the road crews for their work and the only added expense to fix the first mile and a half is the cost of the gravel.

Commissioner Peterson explained that each road project has its own budget. It will take quite a bit of time and labor to get the road in shape. She believes that although there isn’t a budget for this road, there should be a long term plan for improvement.

Mike stated that when the area was developed the home owners association was to have responsibility for the road maintenance, but that the road was a county prior to the development.

Commissioner Hover stated that it disturbs him that people are developing new areas and expect the county to pick up the cost of maintaining roads that the home owners associations were to have taken care of.

He agrees with Commissioner Peterson in that a long-term plan needs to be developed. Mr. Daharsh stated that he doesn’t expect immediate action but would like the county to start working on the road.

Greg Wilder and Nick Christoph updated the Commissioners on the Shoreline Master Program. Commissioner Hover commented that the county should be the ones to select the consultants for the plan. The county will work with the cities and all entities will have to adopt the completed plan as their own. The seven million dollar Public Works Trust Fund Loan is being renegotiated today for the detail to take to the legislature.

Commissioner Hover asked the Planning Department to draft a letter regarding the Salmon Recovery Plan and process. He stressed that the plan has to be one where the citizens’ concerns are addressed and accepted.

Don Garrett explained that Driscoll Island is part of the Sinlaheeken Wildlife Area. The Steelhead survey that just came out could be problematic. The Smilkameen River can no longer be crossed due to the Tribe notifying Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) of spawning grounds. He created a trail system that can be used as a walk around. WDFW wants to purchase 100 acres of land behind the vet clinic and build a bridge across the river to their trail system on Driscoll Island. The Commissioners suggested that WDFW partnership with the county on the Homan property, which the county owns, and use it as a public parking area and build the bridge at this site. WDFW said they had the funds secured to build the bridge. This plan would keep the land wanting to be purchased in private use and full taxes would be paid to the county. Don said they would consider it and talk to WDFW.

Commissioner Peterson opened the public comment period and requested that only new comments be presented.

Craig Nelson provided information that has been shared with the public as well as a letter showing the intent to assess state agencies. He noted that the Cattlemen’s Association was also briefed on the proposal. It was determined that the maximum assessment amount allowed would be need to be collected.

Albert Roberts said that although this may be an unpopular idea, the assessment would benefit agriculture and maintain open spaces which is what people look for in a community.

Commissioner Hover asked what the consequences would be if the assessment were not approved. If the Conservation District loses state and federal grants as well, services would be cut and the ability to help farmers would decrease.

Commissioner Hover asked if there would be any funding that could be used when the Salmon Recovery funds become available. It was noted that the administration and grant match are items that are needed before grants can be utilized. Craig stated that not all overhead costs are authorized in grants leaving some expenses not covered.

Commissioner Peterson asked if the end user pays anything for the services that the Conservation District provides.

Craig explained that the district is not allowed to charge the end user for anything. In some situations, the Conservation District looks for other funding sources to assist the farmer with their share of any costs. About 95% to 98 % of projects require a minimum of a 10% match by the person who receives a benefit.

Del Shove stated that if the Conservation District has the ability to do fee based work they should do so. If the Commissioners adopt the resolution, he hopes they use the one provided.

Randy Kelley explained that a number of years ago the congress established an agency to work with farmers followed by the creation of the Conservation Districts. Once that happened, a lot of conservation started getting being implemented. He has seen the district grow from a half time person to what it is today. He is strongly in favor of the assessment.

Mark Edson asks what the benefits of the proposed assessment would be. He is on a committee that is trying to figure out how to repair streets, etc. for the Town of Twisp. He doesn’t think it is fair for city folks since they receive little benefit. He noted the inequity between large land owners and small parcels. He commented that the cost involved would allow the Town of Twisp to keep its street lights on. When he asked about the services that would be provided, he was told that the only benefit for the cities would be the ability to purchase trees. Twisp annexed into this a few years ago but he would like to find a way for the Town to opt out of the district and doesn’t believe that it is beneficial to the towns.

Commissioner Peterson closed public testimony. Commissioner Hover moved to continue the hearing to Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 4:00 PM. Motion was seconded and carried.