The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on August 29, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Lanie Johns for Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Update Public Works
Frank Sautell and Bob Breshears updated the commissioners on several issues.

Frank submitted a Local Agency Agreement (#LA 5574) Supplement #2 to rebuild the Ellisforde railroad crossing. On September 22, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. the crossing will be closed. It will open again September 23, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. A public notice will be sent to the paper and signs will be posted in Tonasket, Oroville, on Highway 7, and on Highway 97. Commissioner Peterson noted that she received a few calls from people who have had some very close calls with the trains at that crossing. The Commissioners asked if there could be a stop sign installed and some of the trees trimmed back as well. Bob and Frank will research the options for signage. Buck Workman will be contacted regarding the trimming of the brush and trees.

Bob said that Fish and Wildlife require Fish gravel/rocks to be used for the Omak Creek Bridge because they don’t like the material used for the culvert.

Area 1 & 2 shops are moving along with discussions with the architect.

Toroda Creek project is waiting on the cultural survey.

Available gravel for crushing pits was discussed.

Motion – Approve Local Agency Agreement (#LA 5574) Supplement #2 – Public Works
Commissioner Lampe made a motion to approve the Local Agency Agreement (#LA 5574) Supplement #2 for the Ellisforde railroad crossing in the amount of $179,900 and authorized the chairman to sign the agreement. Motion was seconded and carried.

Motion Consent Agenda
Commissioner Lampe made a motion to approve the consent agenda items 1-4. Motion was seconded and carried.

Forest Service Fire Update
Introductions were made. Several state agencies updated the commissioners on the Tripod Fire Complex, 8-Mile fire, and the Mazama fire. The Mazama fire is located in a very remote area which makes it extremely difficult to fight. A large battalion of military fire fighters have been deployed to fight that fire. The Cedar Creek fire is very difficult to fight as well. They are putting water on it which is holding it back, but it could be another month before it is contained. There were various other smaller fires which have converged. Canadian crews are concerned that the Tripod Fire Complex may reach the border as it is only about 7-8 miles from the there now.

Commissioner Peterson asked how far into the Loomis forest the Tripod fire is reaching? The reply was about 9,000 acres have now burned into the Loomis forest. The fire will continue to burn into the wilderness.

Commissioner Peterson explained the county’s fear that, with the Forest Service’s proposal to make more roadless areas, fires in the forest would be even more catastrophic to fight. It was replied that only certain forest areas may meet the definitions of a roadless area. Not all of Okanogan County forests will meet that definition.

Commissioner Hover would like to have another meeting in Mazama to keep the town folks informed about the fire’s threat to their town. It was planned for Labor Day weekend on Friday September 1, 2006, at 6:00 p.m.