The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 6, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Executive Session – Personnel - Commissioners
Commissioner Peterson moved to go into executive session for personnel for 1 hour at 8:20 AM. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Hover extended the executive session for 35 minutes.

Open Session resumed at 9: 50 AM

Update – Planning
Greg Wilder reported that Planning has interviewed for the vacant clerk and planner positions. Commissioner Peterson suggested that if he doesn’t find the right person for the job to re-advertise. The Department of Ecology (DOE) is pressuring the county to get the FCAP for the Methow finished. Greg stated that the consultants have been given notice to get it completed as the deadline is at the end of the month. Greg assured the commissioners that the work will be completed on time. He briefed the Commissioners on the Legends Resort progress and noted that they still do not have a phased plan developed or the fire, life and safety report. The alternative design has been worked out for the water system.

Discussion – Exempt Segregations/Boundary Line Adjustments – Planning
Ben Rough, Scott Furman, Rosella Swallom and Don Motes

Ben explained that parties have been using the exempt segregations and boundary line adjustments to circumvent the county code. He provided the Board with proposed language to revise the code and suggested that a public hearing be scheduled if it is the commissioners wish to make changes. Scott Furman confirmed the situation and provided on a couple examples where the boundary line adjustments have resulted in more lots being created. Commissioner Hover said that he would still like the option to provide a division of land for a family member. Don Motes noted that one reason these boundary line adjustments are being done is that they do not have to prove water availability. If every lot drilled exempt wells it could damage the aquifer. Commissioner Lampe asked if there should be an appeals process. Everyone agreed that there would need to be an appeals process. Commissioner Peterson stated that the situation also needs to be addressed in the County’s Comprehensive Plan. Ben will get together with Scott to draft some additional language to address the Board’s concerns and focus on the boundary line adjustments. Heidi also noted that we need to establish procedures to amend the subdivision ordinance as well.

Discussion – Engineering Procedures – Public Works
Public Works staff reported on the status of their projects for their various areas. Rose Clements presented a list of the current status of various contracts. Landscaping for the Robinson Canyon Road requires a change order. Sue Christopher stated that she has two contracts to be signed. Murray McCory explained that there are some changes to DOE requirements for gravel crushing.

Discussion – Methow Wildfire Plan – Conservation District
Craig Nelson, Laura Clark, Scott Miller

Laura Clark presented a draft Methow Wildfire Plan for the Commissioners’ review. Commissioner Peterson wanted to make sure that it addressed fuel reduction. The Commissioners explained that a countywide plan is in the works and this information will assist in addressing the specific areas of concerns in the Methow.

Commissioner Lampe moved to accept the Methow Wildfire Protection Plan. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Executive Session – Personnel - Commissioners
Commissioner Peterson moved to go into executive session for 10 minutes at 1:50 PM to discuss personnel. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 2:00 PM

All Hands Meeting – Public Works
Commissioner Hover explained that Rob McGaughey has submitted his resignation effective February 1, 2006. The purpose of the meeting is to brief the employees on the Board’s expectations of the Public Works staff.

Commissioner Hover addressed the crowd saying that he and fellow Commissioners are standing together to improve the Public Works Department. He pointed out that he and Commissioner Lampe will be around for at least another three years and that he is confident that Commissioner Peterson will also be re-elected. In speaking to all the Public Work’s employees present he pointed out that there have been problems at Public Works for many years. It is unacceptable to the paying public to have a unit of government that is not performing as it should. The Commissioners intend to take their time in replacing the Director to ensure that the quality of management will be at the level needed. He announced that Frank Sautell has agreed to serve as the interim director. Commissioner Hover explained that the Board values everyone in attendance but if they don’t feel like they can live with the changes as they are being developed then it is their choice to continue to work for the county or not. The Commissioners want the employees to look forward to coming to work each day. The Board wants to ensure them that the personnel policies and union agreements will be followed. If this isn’t the case, the shop stewards should to go to Nan and report any problems. If employees do not meet the Board’s expectations their supervisors will indicate that in their performance reviews. Otherwise, it will be reflected in the supervisors’ evaluation. He remarked that if someone has a problem there is a chain of command that needs to be followed. Speaking directly to the supervisors he said, "you have a responsibility to those under you to evaluate them fairly and objectively. The only way that an employee will get better at their job is to have a fair and objective appraisal." As county employees, you have a job that many people desire and you have a responsibility to the county as does the county to its employees. As Commissioners, we have an obligation to manage the county’s finances wisely. The Board will be looking at many options, including the option to privatize some services. Because improving the Public Works department is a high priority, the Commissioners are looking at organizing the department in such a way as will best accomplish it’s responsibilities to the public. There will be desk audits performed to see where things could be improved. From a management standpoint, the Commissioners are going to fulfill all the policies that are in place. Just because the Director has resigned doesn’t mean that everything stops. The Board has confidence in everyone that they know their jobs and will continue to do their work.

Commissioner Peterson thanked everyone for coming since many have already put in their 8 hours. This is a change, but things will move along. Many things are being done to improve the various Public Works divisions. She noted that there have been 5 directors just in the last few years. This is the Board’s opportunity to make things better. It is up to all of us to work together. We welcome your suggestions as we move forward.

Commissioner Hover said he would like to work with the union to have good quality workers. Frank Sautell, as the shop steward, said we are looking for to a better work environment. Commissioner Peterson asked that they do not resist change but work together to make things better.

Verlene Hughes noted that many counties like ours have consolidated their Planning and Public Works Departments and asked if this might be considered.

Commissioner Hover replied that the Board is looking at that as a possibility as well as looking at reconfiguring the county facilities to accommodate needs. Whatever is the most proficient and cost effective is what will be considered. The Commissioners are not necessarily looking at eliminating anyone, but at what would be the most cost efficient and beneficial. The Board has already agreed to build a new area 1 & 2 shop and are looking at purchasing a building for the Brewster area as well.

One employee asked Commissioner Hover what his expectation is for providing service to the ever increasing growth. Commissioner Hover replied that there would be assessments to determine if there are adequate personnel to provide service to the various areas.

Commissioner Peterson stated that road safety is a high priority. When the subject of the levy shift came up the Commissioners remarked that it is their hope to eliminate the road levy shift.

Commissioner Hover did note that Public Works is the largest department but that the Commissioners will be working to improve all departments under their control. Commissioner Hover commented that he values people who can think out side the box but that the chain of command still needs to be followed. It is important to realize that the final decision is up to the Commissioners, and they answer to the public.

Frank plans on getting with everyone to listen to their concerns. Frank explained that he hopes everyone will work together to get things in shape before the next director is hired.

Rose Clements stated that office policies and procedures were rescinded several years ago.

Commissioner Hover stated that when a new director is hired the Board will give him/her time to develop his management policies. Thank you for coming and we hope that we can serve the citizens and make things better for everyone.