The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on August 15, 2006, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson with Chairman Bud Hover away at a Northwest Power Planning meeting in Spokane and Lanie Johns for Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Update Public Works
Verlene Hughes, Bob Breshears, and Frank Sautell

Verlene updated the commissioners about sprinklers and water on the counties roads. PW has recently put in the new road and the water is undermining new roads. A warning letter has gone out to warn the folks that the sprinkler water is hitting the road. Verlene explained that the 1^st letter is a warning letter and the 2^nd letter goes to sheriff’s office and then the case goes to the prosecutor’s office. Verlene informed the commissioners that both the resolution and the ordinance need to be updated. Commissioner Peterson wants Verlene to list the year that the original ordinance was adopted, which was 1978, and to provide the number so the public doesn’t think that this is a new ordinance. Commissioner Peterson suggested that the news release should state the standard of operations for the enforcement of these types of violations.

Gavin Road vacation was discussed and it was decided that a field trip should be taken to look at the road to determine the lay–out. The road will be better and safer. The state standard is a 90 degree angle onto the highway with a paved approach to Hwy 97.

Frank updated the commissioners about the dirt being taken from North School to the landfill.

The Omak Creek Bridge is right on schedule. The project may take around 45 days to complete. The Toroda Creek culvert is still on schedule. Belly dumps will be used on the road they will really need a turn lane to keep the road safe.

It was decided that a letter would be more effective at explaining the County’s position in the request to remove a large rock from Wayne Carpenters property line. It was determined that the rock would have to be blasted out and Public Works doesn’t think this is a feasible thing for them to do. The commissioners directed Frank and Bob to write a letter to Wayne Carpenter telling him that there is nothing more the county can do about the rock which Wayne feels the county is responsible for, back in the 1950’s. The letter will be sent certified mail to finalize the situation.

Update - Economic Alliance
Economic Alliance Executive Committee was present.

Terry Knapton updated the commissioners on the Kinross mine route meeting he attended. Adrienne Borgeous will be the facilitator and Terry will be a member. The group will meet at the Eagle Cliff Grange on September 14^th at 6 p.m. Terry explained that the Toroda Creek project needs to accommodate a turn lane for the large trucks that will be used to haul the ore to the Republic mine site. The County is still waiting for the Cultural Survey official results.

Salmon Air was discussed. They are to get a written proposal to Economic Alliance. Something should be published to promote Salmon Air. Salmon Air said they would put together a publication and forward it to Carolyn. Commissioner Peterson asked if there was a tribal representative that could help with the Enloe Dam project. Ronni answered that Vergil Seaman, who is Chairperson on the tribal council, was spoken to already and he is the representative and will be willing to help.

The executive committee is looking at getting some private funding to help fill the shortfall they have in their budget.

Terry requested that the commissioners help the Alliance by authorizing a $10,000 short term payment for time that has already been worked.

For 2007, the Economic Alliance is requesting $40,000 for the year and an increase of $10,000 over the 2006 budget.

Kinross has offered to obligate $5000 to Economic Alliance as a member donation and Terry is working to find other funds to match.

Commissioner Lampe was asked by a private business what benefits does the Economic Alliance offer for businesses already here. Terry answered that advertising, marketing and putting together a loan packet can used to help people already established. John Andrist mentioned that there are direct benefits to all businesses. Businesses don’t see the Alliance until they go around asking for money. Commissioner Peterson said that the local businesses should be listed and they should be made aware of what services are available.

Jim Martin thinks that there are businesses who are already established that feel threatened by new businesses moving into the area. Economic Alliance can help them by giving the businesses alternative ideas and marketing help. Stores need to find a niche that other stores don’t fill and a provide wares that are not in every store. New businesses will provide new jobs and more money that will benefit everyone. Commissioner Peterson wants to make sure that with the growth of the county that there are guides to the future so that the planning can be smooth.

Commissioner Lampe said that Ecomonic alliance is well worth supporting.

Motion – Economic Alliance - Contract
Motion was made by Commissioner Peterson to amend the contract for services, billing and hours from $30,000 to $40,000 and with the extra increase a billing/invoice showing the accountable hours retro to January 1^st, 2006. Motion was seconded and carried.

Bid Opening - Juvenile Re-Roof - Capital Improvements
Two bids were received for the Juvenile Re-Roof project

1. Icon Corp. from Spokane Washington bid on the Juvenile and Administration Re-Roof Project. Bid Bond was included.

Combined work (not including WA State sales tax) in the Amount of $39,500.00

The Combined work alternates, Alternate No. 1 Administration Roof in the Amount of $49,500.00

2. Hale and Long General Contractors from East Wenatchee, Washington bid for Juvenile and Administration Buildings Re-Roof Project. Bid bond included.

Combined work (not including WA State sales tax) in the Amount of $82,700.0

The Combined work alternates, Alternate No. 1 Administration Roof in the Amount of $122,500.00

The bids will be given to the staff to review before awarding the bids.

Motion - Consent Agenda
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-4. Motion was seconded and carried

MVEMS - Methow Valley EMS District
Commissioner Peterson 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 Peterson moved to approve the voucher for $30,000 for Emergency Management Services. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Peterson moved to adjourn as the Methow EMS Board of Directors. Motion was seconded and carried.

TEMS – Tonasket EMS District
Commissioner Peterson moved to convene as the Tonasket EMS District Board of Directors. Motion was seconded and carried.

Voucher Approval – Emergency Management Service – Tonasket EMS District
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the vouchers for $11,853.28 for Emergency Management Services. Motion was seconded and carried. Commissioner Lampe moved to adjourn as the Tonasket EMS Board of Directors. And re-adjourn as Okanogan county Commissioners. Motion was seconded and carried.

Motion – Employment Agreement – Robert Breshears
Commissioner Peterson moved to adopt the county engineer employment contract effective September 1, 2006. Motion seconded and carried.

Motion – Resolution 97 – 2006 -
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve Resolution 97 -2006 to appointing Bob Breshears as Okanogan County engineer. Motion seconded and carried

Motion- Approve Rural Arterial Program Prospectus Form
Commissioner Peterson made a motion to approve rural arterial program funding prospectus package as required by the County Road Administration Board. Motion seconded and carried.