The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 14, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Fish Passage Twisp River Road – Forest Service
Frank Sautell, Verlene Hughes, Dana Bardsley, Keith Rowland, Wenatchee National Forest, Dame McCormick, FS,

Dana Bardsley explained that they would like the county to work with the Forest Service on the Fish Passage Improvement Project for the Lower Little Bridge Creek on the Twisp River Road. The cost is estimated at $10 million per year for the next 6 years. They need help to temporarily relocate utilities and temporary easements. Verlene explained that the Forest Service has a one lane bridge and the county would do a temporary easement for the one lane bridge and lighting. The Average Daily Traffice count (ADT) is around 120. Verlene explained that there would be minimal costs for the county. It was noted that there are many places where the road crosses back and forth over forest service property. The county currently does maintenance on the road so that the inclusion of that in the agreement would not change who would do the maintenance. Verlene remarked that it is a win-win situation.

Commissioner Hover asked about the buying up range rights. Keith Rowland explained that there have been several requests from people asking to buy out range rights. He explained that just because someone buys the grazing rights doesn’t mean that the Forest Service couldn’t reissue a grazing permit, it is just that a NEPA would have to be done. Commissioner Peterson stressed that it is urgent that those lands be grazed. Commissioner Hover noted that the grazing allotments are important to the county’s economy. The commissioners are concerned that this is being held over the county’s head to prevent the Kinross Mine. Keith explained that a list will be published in the Federal Register for those parcels being turned back to non-Forest Service lands. The Commissioners will want to watch this as it will effect the Rural Schools funding. (attachments)

Update – Public Works
Frank Sautell, Bob Parten, Sue Christopher

Frank explained that they are looking at changing the weekly road update and want the Commissioners input. Commissioner Peterson said they would like to know more about the complaints and accidents rather than the same stuff each week. The Commissioners would like to hear how complaints were resolved as well. The would also like to see the small claims that are being processed through Public Works

Sue briefed the Board on the contract with Parametrix that is before the commissioners for approval. The Ellisforde improvements are moving along. The County’s Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan has been approved by Department of Ecology.

Bid Award – 2006 Crushing Contract – Public Works
Commissioner Peterson moved to award the crushing bid to DeAtley Crushing Company in the amount of $274,590. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Contract – Loomis-Oroville Road Project – Public Works
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve a contract with Hammon, Collier and Wade for technical services on the Loomis-Oroville Road Project in the amount of $24,998.16. Motion was seconded and carried. (attachment)

Discussion – Mobile USDA Meat Processing – Partnership Sustainable Methow
Jean Bernie, Carey Hunter, Keith Rowland

Carey Hunter explained that they are seeking support for their proposed USDA Meat Processing Plant. The will be submitting a grant and would like a letter of support as well as funding that could be used for a match. The amount that they would be asking for is $100,000. Without a cash match Carey doesn’t feel that the grant application will be very successful. Having been in the business before, Commissioner Peterson explained that it takes a lot of work. The Commissioners will provide a letter of support.

Motion – Consent Agenda - Commissioners
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-18. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)