The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 13, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Resolution 1-2006 – Bilingual Stipend – District Court
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 1-2006, to increase Patricia Nevins stipend from $75.00 to $125.00 retroactive to January 1, 2006. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Staffing Levels – District Court
Renee Townsley, Judge Culp, Jan Manino

Rene explained that District Court would like the Board’s authorization to hire two fulltime employees. Both positions would be under District Court and one would be shared with the Probation office. She provided statistics demonstrating the need for the positions and suggested that the salary of approximately $36,000 per position could be paid out of the Trial Court Improvement Fund 195. There is approximately $60,000 in that fund. This fund would cover the short term costs and it is anticipated that in the long term the revenues would increase as a result of the recent law changes. Commissioner Peterson asked if the statute that established the Trial Court Improvement revenue allows salary and benefits. Renee stated that they do not want to tie up the Trial court Improvement Account with staff costs. Commissioner Peterson asked that the positions not start until April. The Commissioners explained and it was understood that the positions would be eliminated if revenues are not realized by District Court after this year. Judge Culp explained that without the staff there would not be much enforcement which is necessary for the collection of fines and if there is no follow through then his rulings aren’t effective.

Commissioner Peterson would prefer that one position be in District Court and the other in Probation.

Commissioner Hover feels that the county should try to fund both positions but one in each department in lieu of both in DC.

The Commissioners asked Renee to prepare a resolution for the two positions.

Open Space Timber – Boyce – Planning
Stacy Smith presented the background information and changes since the last meeting. The Commissioners were concerned about the need for a timber management plan with a timeline and a noxious weed plan. Stacy explained that a spring onsite inspection will be done, however it is difficult to access at the moment. Commissioner Peterson said that the letter submitted is not a plan. Stacy explained that the Noxious Weed Office agreed with the letter since it is difficult to get out to the site because of the winter. The Commissioners would like a more detailed management plan.

Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the Open Space Timber 2005=2, subject to the providing a more detailed Noxious Weed and Forest Management Plan. Commissioner Peterson withdrew the motion.

Commissioner Peterson moved to deny the tax classification application until a more detailed Noxious Weed and Forest Management plan are provided. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Update – Legends Resort - Planning
Greg Wilder stated that he is having a meeting with Legends tomorrow. Nothing has changed, although Planning does have a new plat. Commissioner Hover asked if the money that has been collected off the sale of the lots is in escrow etc., and if not is the county is under any obligation to those purchasers. Greg replied that the county has no obligation. The Planning Department has given the developer language that has to be included in any transactions. The issue will not come before the Board until Legends has a bond. The county is still not getting the information it needs. Permits cannot be issued until the PD is approved and that cannot be completed until the developer provides the additional information.

Regarding road construction it is still up in the air. Commissioner Peterson asked Greg to get with Frank Sautell and Verlene Hughes to get them onboard. There isn’t much success in getting the right-of-ways needed.

Public Hearing – Comer Short Plat Vacation – Planning
Commissioner Hover opened the hearing and noted that Susie Ives was in attendance. Stacy Smith provided the staff report. They want to create one lot with two dwellings. Commissioner Hover asked if once this was approved if the property could be split it again. Stacy said that once the property is back to one piece the setback would be 50’ instead of 200’ for the common area. No opposing comments have been received. Commissioner Hover asked Susie if she would like to comment. She responded that she did not. Commissioner Hover closed the hearing to public comment.

Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the Channing Short Plat Vacation subject to the findings of fact, conditions of approval and conclusions. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Lampe left for the remainder of the day

Bid Opening – 2006 Crushing Contract – Public Works
Frank Sautell and Rose Clements

Commissioner Hover closed the time to receive bids at 1:30 PM. Three bids were received as follows:

Tommer Construction, Ephrata $285,800.00

Tunnel Hill 277,955.00

DeAtley 274,590.00

Bid Award – Mass Causality Incident Trailers – Emergency Services
Scott Miller reported on the discount corrections that were made and recommended that the Mass Causality Incident Trailers be awarded to Ferno-Washington, Inc.

Commissioner Peterson moved to award the bit to Ferno-Washington, Inc in the amount of $89,126.22 for three Mass Causality Incident Trailers and delivery to Okanogan County. Motion was seconded and carried.

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

Voucher Approval – Emergency Management Service – Tonasket EMS District

Commissioner Hover moved to approve the vouchers in the amount of $2967.10 for Emergency Services. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Hover moved to authorize the payment of payroll and quarterly taxes in the amount of $ 13,088.89.

Commissioner Hover moved to approve the Personal Services Agreement and Amendment #1 between Okanogan County and the North Valley Hospital. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

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