The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on June 5, 2006 with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Peterson and Lanie Johns for Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Del Shove dropped in the talk to commissioners about reservoirs and flooded areas. Del commented that the docks have not been touched by water in about 10 years and are now nearly fully submerged.

Update - Planning
Greg Wilder explained that the bids were opened on the Eastlake Sewer Project. An announcement will be made when the final bid calculation is tabulated. The apparent low bidder is IMCO Construction. A list of bidders is attached.

Greg Wilder is not recommending an award this week because of the conversion of existing polluters.

Greg Wilder asked if some of his employees could start their day earlier. He suggested staggering their in and out time. Greg explained that Sandy Cox position is filled and that Sandy will be taking the entry Planner I position.

Commissioner Hover explained that people have expressed concern about promises that were made regarding the right-a-way donations and agreements for the Methow trail system. It was noted that agreements between MVSTA and the county need to be clarified regarding the trails. There is concern about the ownership and liability of the trail system and the commissioners instructed Greg Wilder to look in to the matter and report back to them.

The issue of liability is of great concern. Commissioner Peterson commented that the condition of the agreements that are in place have eroded to the point where there is no understanding between the parties.

Resolution 61-2006 - Supplemental Appropriation – Infrastructure
Commissioner Hover opened the hearing and noted that no public were present for comment. Commissioner Peterson moved to adopt Resolution 61-2006 supplemental appropriation for Infrastructure Fund in the amount of $630,920. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion - Jail Contracts & Bed Space - Noah Stewart
Noah Stewart and Joe Somday were present. Noah Stewart would like to place 13 additional beds into the jail which would bring the total to 187. Noah suggested that the beds be put in by either Craig or Ellie and himself. Commissioner Peterson reminded Noah that Craig and Ellie are the only maintenance personnel. Noah said contracts for the bed space have already been arranged. Noah said he would be willing to put his jeans on and help put the beds in. Overtime for Craig or Ellie is comparable with contracted help at $55 dollars an hour. Commissioner Peterson does not want this project to take up a lot of time. A 10% increase in revenue is expected for the rental of the beds, and they are already filled by Skykomish. Commissioner Peterson noted that it is more than just the cost of the extra employees; it also puts stress the buildings kitchen, laundry and toilets facilities. Commissioner Peterson asked if the jail Physicians Assistant, Kevin Mallory, would be affected by the increase in inmates. Noah said that Kevin Mallory is not working for the Omak Clinic anymore, which gives him more time for any additional work load at the jail. Noah talked to Kevin Mallory about how the extra work load would affect him and Kevin Mallory said that it would be worked out when his contract is reestablished. By adding the three new employees, the officers per inmate ratio (historical average) would not be changed. Commissioner Hover wants to maximize available space.

Noah stated that a new washer will be needed soon. The kitchen stove is still necessary this year as the county has spent over $10,000 over the past few years to repair the stove. Noah said that he has repaired and replaced many of the control room call buttons and some of the switches to save money. The additional switches were purchased from the companies when the switch board was put in. None of the local electricians would give him a bid for this type of work because the switches are so outdated. Commissioner Peterson said that we will need to budget an additional $110,000 into the jail budget.

Motion – Additional Jail Beds and Correction Officers
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the 13 additional beds to the jail including three additional correction officers to accommodate contracts that are already in place. Commissioner Lampe seconded the motion. Motion carried. Noah assures the board that this is the maximum capacity of the jail. However, there is an area in the control room that could be made into a holding area where the sergeant office was. There is a sink and a toilet. It may be something to plug into the budget for 2007.

Motion-Purchase of Stove for the Jail Kitchen
Commissioner Lampe moved to allow Noah to expend up to $7,000 to purchase and install a new stove. Funds are to come from current expense. Motion was seconded and carried.

Noah discussed the idea of a regional jail, combining several counties that would hold overflow of inmates. Noah recommends talking with the legislature. Commissioner Peterson commented that it is good to be able to talk about these things so that when issues do go to legislature the commissioners can back up what it is they are asking for.

Open Public Comment Period
No Public comments

Discussion - Personnel Staffing - Noxious Weed
Anna Lyon was present to ask the commissioners if she could move Janet Nelson up to the field supervisor position for $3800 more a year which would be grade 23 step 4.

Commissioner Lampe said Anna Lyon should talk to Nan Kallunki about a resolution giving Janet the extra 5% pay increase for doing the extra work of field supervisor. Anna was told by Nan, earlier this year that everything needed to be settled before she started moving employees around.

It was noted that Janet’s starting salary should start at the bottom of the promoted salary range at an additional $1800 a year so she has some where to work up to. Commissioner Hover said the fact that she would be promoted is incentive enough, and if she doesn’t agree then the job should be processed as it is stated in the personnel manual.

Anna Lyon noted that the Weed board is willing to put Janet Nelson in the field supervisor position at Grade 23 step 4 pay rate. Letters were written by the weed board recommending the increase. Commissioner Hover stated that the policy needs to be followed and that no exceptions should be made.

Executive Session – Heidi Smith – Possible Litigation
Commissioner Peterson moved to go into executive session at 2:30 PM for 30 minutes to discuss possible litigation. Motion was seconded and carried.