The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on June 26, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Public Hearing – Off Road Vehicle – Public Works
Frank Sautell explained that there are public roads being considered for off road vehicles. Frank Sautell explained which roads are proposed for the ordinance. Heidi Smith gave details about how the roads will affect towns with a population of less than 3000. She explained that our standards can not be lower than the state’s. Some of the roads near Conconully are connected to the Forest Services roads and Michael Oberato and Mark Wood from the Tonasket Ranger District made note that some of the Forest Service roads are not opened for ATVs. The state claims jurisdiction over some of the roads, but the Forest Service says they built the Peacock road. Forest Services’ main issue is that it is clear which roads are okay for ATV use and which roads are not. There are county roads that are not open for ATV use. There is to be no ATV use on asphalt roads because of the speed restriction. People will need to be made aware of where they can or cannot ride. Dick Copock with government affairs of the ATV club noted that the pavement is closed to ATV use, but there are a number of roads posted that are accessed through state land.

Commissioner Hover pointed out that the purpose of the hearing is to educate the public about the roads that are proposed.

No other comments were forthcoming and Commissioner Hover closed the public comment period.

The ATV club and Public Works will work out who is to post the proposed roads. It was noted that the speed limit is not to be faster than what is posted or no more than 35mph, which ever is lower.

Commissioner Lampe emphasized the need for good visual signs showing the rules and maps of which roads are open for ATV use. Heidi suggested that the rules and downloadable maps be posted on our website.

Commissioner Peterson, via speaker phone, thanked the group and asked if the towns of Conconully and Loomis had been notified of the proposed roads. She suggested that perhaps the Motel and Hotel tax could be used to pay for the maps and signs.

Ordinance No. 2006-4
Commissioner Lampe moved to adopt ordinance 2006-4 designating certain county roads for off-road vehicle use and adopting regulations and penalties therefore. Motion was seconded. Motion carried.

Resolution 74-2006
Commissioner Lampe moved to adopt the resolution 74-2006 which provides for the opening up of specific county roads for dual use by off-road vehicles. Mary Lou seconded the motion, motion carried.

Agreement – BDK Engineering - Planning
Commissioner Lampe moved to authorize the chairman to sign a contract with BDK Engineering for the purchase of the design plans, specifications and construction contract documents for the Eastlake water main and authorize the Chairman to sign. Motion was seconded and carried.

Agreement – Construction Loan Agreement - Planning
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve a loan agreement for a Public Works Trust Fund Loan PW 06-962-032 and authorize the chairman to sign. Motion was seconded and carried.