The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 27, 2006, with Chairman Bud Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Executive Session – Litigation – Commissioners
Commissioner Peterson moved to go into executive session for 30 minutes at 8:30 AM to discuss possible litigation. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 9:05

Update – Planning
Greg Wilder and Nick Christoph

Greg reported that after Saturday’s meeting Legends Resort should know what the bonding needs are. He noted that they have finally submitted a good phasing plan. Approval has been received to expand the scope of the FCAP Grant to include the lower portion of the Simlkameen up to the dam. However, no funding was added but it may be by the end of the next cycle to finish the project. They asked the Commissioners to find citizens for the vacant seats on the Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment. Nick stated that the Methow Valley Planning Unit is gridlocked and that he has been suggesting that the Town of Twisp take over as the lead entity and manage the grant. The Commissioners agreed that this would be a good idea since Twisp has a vested interest in providing water for future growth.

Discussion – Available Grants – Treasurer
Del Shove asked the Commissioners about the notice that the Economic Alliance put out indicating that they will be prioritizing .08 projects. The Commissioners explained that even though there may be no funds available, Economic Alliance just prioritizes projects in the county very much like the old WACERT process. Del also stated that he and Carl Christensen had lunch with Barbara Engstrom to discuss grants for the Indoor Horse Arena and other projects. He reported that there is a HUD grant available for up to $300,000 that can be used for architectural as well as engineer services. He hopes to discuss this with the Parks and Recreation Board that they need to hire Barbara Engstrom by early April to get this done. All groups have committed funds to start the grant application process. The Commissioners agreed that it would be okay with them if the Parks and Recreation Board wanted to move forward with hiring the grant writer since enough funds have been pledged.

Motion – Support Letter Wildfire Protection Plans - Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a support letter for the Pine Forest and Edelweiss Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Jail Beds - Jail
Noah Stewart explained that the Yakima Jail facilities are full and it doesn’t appear that they will be opening a new facility. It is anticipated that other cities currently using Yakima will be sending out letters seeking another place to house their prisoners. Penny Bartley, Jail Administrator from Yakima will be in the area May 25^th and would like to meet with the Board. Commissioner Hover remarked that if the county could get long term commitments it would cover the cost of remodel of the Armory. Noah commented that even at 80 to 90 % occupancy the county could well cover the costs of the operation. The Commissioners will meet with her on that day.