The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on July 11, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Lalena Johns for Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Update Public Works
Frank Sautell, Bob Breshears and Susie Ives

Frank Sautell and Bob Breshears updated the commissioners on the Omak Creek Bridge informing them that it is still on time and should be complete somewhere around August 15. It appears everyone is cooperating to get this project done.

Public Hearing - Supplemental Appropriation - Jail
Commissioner Hover noted that no Public were present for comment and closed the public hearing for comment.

Resolution 82-2006 – Supplemental Appropriation - Jail
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $71,547 to be used for three additional correction officers’ salary and benefits due to the additional 13 bed spaces in the jail. Motion was seconded, motion carried.

Public Hearing - Supplemental Appropriation - Prosecutor
Commissioner Hover noted that no Public were present for comment and closed the public hearing for comment.

Resolution 80-2006 – Supplemental Appropriation - Prosecutor
Commissioner Lampe motioned to approve Resolution 80-2006, supplemental appropriation in the amount of $2800 to be used for temporary clerical assistance in the prosecutor’s office. Motion was seconded and carried.

Discussion - Economic Alliance - Terry Knapton
Terry Knapton Jim Martin, Bob Riesinger and Susie Ives reporter for the Omak Chronicle was present

Terry Knapton updated the commissioners regarding the Buckhorn Mountain meeting. This weekend, on Saturday, a group of kids will stuff goodie bags for the golf tournament. There are a lot of teams for the golf event involved.

Economic Alliance is concerned about its financial situation. A plan needs to be established and layoffs may need to be made in September if no additional funding is realized. Jim Martin commented that the contractual obligations for funding are in place and they need to be met. The board has the obligation to see the projects through. Bob Riesinger superintendent with Omak School District expressed concern regarding the decline in student population due to people leaving the area. Terry noted that economic development can help to stabilize the school attendance. Commissioner Peterson commented that the current economic disaster (crop damage) for the agriculture industry could reduce employment opportunities in the county that could impact the population as well. The Kinross Mine and Veranda Beach will help create new jobs and secondary jobs down the line. Commissioner Hover asked if there are solutions to the problems that the Economic Alliance is facing. Terry will come back to the board with some proposals. Commissioner Peterson wants to see Terry Knapton scheduled for an hour instead of only half an hour.

Motion - Voucher Approval - Cmrs.
Vouchers certified and audited by the Auditing Officer as required by RCW 42.24.080 and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090 have been recorded on a list, and made available to the Board. As of this date, the Board did by unanimous vote approve the vouchers in the amount of $568,265.45 warrant numbers 56195 through 56406 and a current expense voucher in the amount of $1920.00 warrant number 56430 and payroll in the amount of $1,333,303.14 warrant numbers 16046 through 16201.

Motion – Consent Agenda - Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the Consent Agenda items 1 – 11. Motion was seconded and carried.

Contract – Collective Bargaining Unit - Sheriff Office
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the contract agreement by and between Okanogan County Sheriff Employee Association and Okanogan County.

Motion seconded, motion carried.

Resolution 83-2006 – Disaster Declaration - Commissioners
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve Resolution 83-2006, Disaster Declaration for agricultural crop damage. Motion seconded and carried.

TEMS – Tonasket EMS District
Commissioner Lampe 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 voucher for $8466.74 for Emergency Management Services. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Hover moved to adjourn as the Tonasket EMS Board of Directors and reconvene as the Methow Valley EMS District Motion was seconded and carried.

Voucher Approval – Emergency Management Service – Methow EMS District
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the voucher for $30,000 for Professional Services. Motion was seconded and carried.

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

Public Comment Period
A citizen came in and commented on the speed limit on Lower Beaver Creek Road, DOT has temporarily posted the road at 35 mph, it changes back to 50 mph when DOT is finished. The county engineer has the authority to reduce the speed limit.