The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 17, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Executive Session – Negotiations - Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to go into executive session for 30 minutes at 9:30 AM to discuss negotiations. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 10:00 AM

Update – Planning
Greg Wilder and Ben Rough

Greg explained that Planning is in the process of obtaining a consultant for the Shoreline Development Plan. Two reputable firms are being considered and a supplemental questionnaire has been sent out for further evaluation of their qualifications.

The negotiations with Legends got a little testy over their obligation for water system design that Legends will have to pay. Some compromises were made without gifting any public funds to the project. Also the tasks and associated costs were also discussed.

Open Space – Tawks I & II – Planning
Stacy Smith explained that Tawks I and II Open Space applications are very similar--just different acreages. Commissioner Lampe mentioned that the Noxious Weed Board wants to make sure there is a weed plan in place and that it is made part of the conditions of approval. Commissioner Lampe asked if there is access for the public. Stacey replied that there is. Because there is an existing parking lot they will not be creating any additional parking. Stacey will work on getting the weed plan and bring the application back for a decision.

Open Space – Boyce – Planning
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Open Space Timber 2005-2, for Boyce subject to the attached Findings of Fact, Conclusions, and Conditions of Approval. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

MVEMS

Commissioner Lampe moved to adjourn as Board of County Commissioners and convene as the Methow Valley EMS District. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Lampe moved to approve vouchers in the amount of $30,000. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Lampe moved to adjourn as the Methow Valley EMS District and convene as the Tonasket EMS District. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Hover moved to approve vouchers in the amount of $7,180. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Hover moved to adjourn as the Tonasket EMS Distict and convene as the Board of Commissioners. Motion was seconded and carried.

Discussion – Financing Options – Jail
Del Shove, Leah McCormick, Frank Rogers, Joe Somday, Noah Stewart, Nan Kallunki, Bill? and the Commissioners discussed possible sources of funding and promotion of the Armory purchase and remodel.

Noah commented that the cities need to understand that if the county waits too long the cost to the cities and the county will be much higher. The facility would start with 96 beds at an approximate cost of 2- 2.5 million.

Del stated that it would be important to get the facility up and running as soon as possible. The county could do a short or long term bond, raise the county’s debt limit, since the county isn’t even close to the statuary amount, or in his opinion, this facility is exactly what the .08 funds should be used for because the facility would generate additional revenue, or a combination of some of each.

Frank noted that the cities need to realize that the county jail is only 2-3 years from being full and once that happens, the cost to the county and the cities will be much greater. It was noted that there are a few influential people who are opposed to the project and are providing negative comments throughout the county.

Noah also stated that if the facility does not happen, there would be more local felons housed and fewer trustees to provide some needed community service.

Commissioner Hover remarked that at least five elected officials support the project and they should work to bring together support from the community. Regardless, he believes it is in the best interest of the county to purchase and remodel the facility.

Noah remarked that several counties are facing situations where they will need added bed space. Currently the lowest amount being charged for jail beds in other counties is $56 a day.

Del again stressed that he feels that the funding, or at least some of it, should come from the .08 funds. Del and Nan will get together to put some facts together.

Preliminary Approval – Big River Long Plat – Planning
Ben Rough briefed the Board on the Big River Long Plat.

Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the Big River subdivision, Long Plat 2006-1, subject to the attached Staff Report including Findings of Fact, Conclusions and conditions of approval.