The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 20, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Motion – Health District Rent - Commissioners
Commissioner Peterson moved to keep the PH District’s Rent at the same amount as it was in 2005. Motion was seconded and carried.

Update – Planning
Greg Wilder stated that he has spent time with a contract planner working on the homeless plan to discuss various concerns i.e., displacement of low to moderate-income individuals in the north area. This may become an issue as the north area becomes more affluent. It could also affect housing for workers in the Methow. It may need to be some social engineering to provide. There will be a housing stock displacement as the north county becomes more valuable. Upscale development will probably move east and south. It is best to plan to accommodate low to moderate income within the areas. In Okanogan County the watershed issue could be a problem as the county grows. Unless planning is done now over the next 20 years the economy may collapse. Greg stated that there are solutions that can be considered.

In addressing the Legends Resort Greg stated that the county would only be using approximately 3.5 million for the sewer system although there is access for up to 7 million. The City of Oroville, could utilize the remainder for needed improvements to upgrade the treatment plant through a contract with the county that would hold the county harmless. It is the Oroville/County agreement that is currently being drafted. Commissioner Lampe asked if the city of Oroville will need to upgrade their treatment plant to handle the ERU’s required. Greg stated that it is only a matter of time before the Department of Health recommends that Oroville upgrade.

Commissioner Lampe asked what the timeframe is for using the PWTFL. Greg answered that usually up to 2 years. Once the county has the funds, they can be invested and will create additional revenues that could be used for the project. Commissioner Hover asked if the interest would have to be used on the same project? Greg said that it has to be used as indicated within the scope of work. The loan would not be considered part of the county debt since it is a utility. Commissioner Peterson noted that the mayor of Oroville was complementary regarding the cooperation between the county and the city.

Commissioner Peterson reported that she attended a gray squirrel meeting and that the county needs to comment. She would like Nick to work on it as well as the Canadian Lynx issue. The Commissioners realize that the pressure on the Planning Departments time and shortage of personnel, however, it is necessary.

Discussion – Title III Funding – Conservation District
Laura Clark presented a draft of possible Conservation District projects to be funded with Title III funding. Commissioners asked that they submit a Title III application for their projects. Laura suggested possible funding for the Biomass project. Commissioner Peterson stated that she favors helping the whole organization rather than individual projects. Laura then asked about Current Expense Funds that may be available from the 2005 carryover. The Commissioners will have to look at this. Commissioner Peterson noted that there may be some options for in-kind matching rather than using carryover funds. Craig Nelson will make some contacts with other conservation districts to see how they are getting help from the counties.

Discussion – Finance Committee
Del Shove, Leah McCormick, Nan Kallunki, Heidi Smith, Peggy Robbins and the Commissioners

Del and Nan provided a report on the use of the county’s portion of the .08 funds and noted that the communications center remodel went over budget due to having to move the center upstairs. Del said that the arena committee met and that he visited a private facility in Wenatchee where they have a membership only arena and a public facility that charges for various events. The manure is also bagged and sold for fertilizer. The committee is trying to make some decisions by April the first as some grant opportunities will be missed if something isn’t ready this spring.

You can find prices ranging from $300,000 to $900,000. Del didn’t feel that the committee should worry about details such as heating at this time. He explained how some funds could be generated through endowments.

Public Works Trust Fund Loan

Del asked about how the 3.6 million PWTFL will be used and that the county has to be very careful not to go over the debt limitations. Del stated that he has a problem with using the money for a sewer system. Del expressed concern about how the funds will be paid back and that the county has not had very much luck with sewer systems in the past. He asked the Commissioners, "what if there aren’t enough connections to fund the payback?" Commissioner Hover thanked Del and explained that agreements are currently being drafted that will protect the county. He explained that the Board feels that the Legends Resort is something the Commissioners want to support and the economic benefits that will be realized by the county will far outweigh the minimum risks involved.

Resolution 27-2006 – Retention of Robert Beschears, Engineer – Public Works
Commissioner Lampe moved to adopt Resolution 27-2006, Retention of County road Engineer Robert Bescheers until a permanent director is hired. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Contract – Robert Beshears – Public Works
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve a professional services contract with Robert Beshears for Engineer services. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)