The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 10, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Update – Planning
Greg Wilder and Ben Rough

Greg Wilder reported that the governor has signed the authorization bill for the Public Works Trust Fund Loan. Commissioner Hover explained that even though the county has the option of obtaining up to 7 million dollars it doesn’t mean that it will all be used. The city of Oroville may use some of it but will provide a guarantee to the county for the pay back of those funds.

Commissioner Peterson explained that there have been complaints received about a possible motor cross track going in outside Tonasket. The planning staff will do a site visit to determine if it is being used as a family activity. If not, the project will be required to go through the permitting process. Commissioner Peterson asked that they meet with Heidi Smith and Frank Rogers to discuss the problem. It was noted that the county needs an enforcement agent for these types of issues. Greg stated that Planning would share in the cost for a code enforcement officer.

Commissioner Andrew Lampe arrived at 10:30 AM

Ben Rough and the Commissioners went over possible changes to the exempt segregations code. (attached)

Discussion – Emergency Shelter Grant Application – Community Action
Lael Duncan

Lael reported that the findings are that there are 423 homeless in Okanogan County. Included in that figure is approximately 118 persons under age 20. There are 26 who live outdoors. A 10-year plan is being developed and is anticipated to be finished by September. Lael requested $3,600 for lodging and travel expenses for 9 people to attend homeless training in Yakima to be charged to the 2163 funds.

Motion – Expenditure Authorization – Community Action
Commissioner Peterson moved to authorize the use of up to $3600 for 9 people to attend a 4 day conference on the homeless in Yakima out of the 2163 homeless funds and authorize the chairman to sign. Motion was seconded and carried.

Public Hearing – Supplemental Appropriation – Fund 116 Flood Control
Commissioner Hover opened the hearing for a supplemental appropriation for flood control in the amount of $15,000. No public provided comment.

Resolution 31-2006 – Supplemental Appropriation – Flood Control
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve Resolution 31-2006, supplemental appropriation to the Flood Control Fund 116 in the amount of $15,000. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Executive Session – Litigation – Commissioners
Commissioner Peterson moved to go into executive session to discuss real property acquisition for 10 minutes at 11:45 AM. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session Resumed at 11:55

Update – Economic Alliance
Terry Knapton presented the newest Vacationland publication and stated that the publication has come a long way in the last few years. A draft of the request for proposals for a consultant to assist the Community Advisory Board on the Kinross Mine was discussed. Terry briefed the Board on various other potential economic projects. Terry requested that the Commissioners request from the Treasurer a reporting of the amount remaining in the un-bonded .08 monies. The Economic Alliance Board’s recommendation is to split the un-bonded amount in the same manner as the bonded monies. A 10% match is still needed for the incubator amounting to $130,000. Without this the project would not qualify for million dollar grant. He asked that the Economic Alliance’s 2006 Work Plan be adopted as part of the county’s comprehensive plan.

Discussion – Emergency Shelter Grant – Support Center
Margo Amelong explained that this grant now has to go through a competitive process.

Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the Emergency Shelter Grant Application in the amount of $60,000 from May 1, 2006 to April 30, 2007. Motion was seconded and carried.

Discussion – Bridge and SEPA Document – Roger Rylander
Mr. Rylander explained that he bought his property contingent on the road access to highway 20. He was the first one to buy a parcel in that area. A road access was being built behind his property and for four years he granted access rights to those property owners behind his property.

He explained that the road access off highway 20 is for a single family access. The Department of Transportation says that the judges do not have authority to grant access off state highways to access properties through the Rylander property. He explained that the Swartsel’s want to widen an existing road and he is concerned that it could damage the natural spring on the his property.

Commissioner Peterson asked if he has a legal easement from Zellman’s to his property. He said no but that he could obtain one. He indicated that although he removed the bridge it has since been rebuilt. Commissioner Peterson asked that he get with Nick Christoph and work through the issues. She explained that the other landowners have certain rights as well. Mr. Rylander asked that the county to put a red tag on the road to prevent the Swartsels from widening the road. Commissioner Peterson said that he should post "no trespassing signs" every so many feet. It was explained that although the proposed development has to go through Planning, they have no authority relating to the road as it is a civil issue. Mr. Rylander will get with Nick to work through the necessary paperwork.

Discussion – Impacts to Historical Properties – Richard Ries
Richard Ries explained that the Department of Fish and Wildlife has produced a list of properties to be destroyed as they feel that there is a liability issue. The Historical Society has sent letters to Fish and Wildlife and asked if the Commissioners could do something to help protect the sites. The Historical Society would like to do an assessment of the properties before they are destroyed. Fish and Wildlife will begin destroying these sites next week. The Commissioners agreed to write a letter to the Director of Fish and Wildlife addressing the matter.