The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 28, 2006, with Chairman, Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson, and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Motion – Consent Agenda - Commissioner
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the consent agenda items 1 through 9. Motion was seconded and carried.

Update – Public Works
Frank Sautell and Bob Bershears

Frank reported that there is a cattleguard that needs repair on the reservation. Public Works has asked the franchise holder for 6 years to get it repaired. This has the potential to be a liability issue for the county if it isn’t fixed. They will be sending out a 90 day notice to the franchisee. Commissioner Hover suggested that perhaps the Tribe would be able to help with some funding for repairs. Verlene Hughes will research the issue to find a solution. The Tribe also would like to make some improvements to the road to the Mission School although it is a county road. Work would meet county specifications and a permit may be given to the Tribe to allow the work to be done. Another way would be to turn the road over to the Tribe then back to the county after completion. Commissioner Hover asked if this would be because of funding requirements for the Tribe.

The Sheriff has asked Public Works to do some grading at the firing range. Frank stated that normally Public Works would charge them for the work. However, because of it being a safety issue it may be in the county’s best interest to do the work. The Sheriff’s office would pay for the fuel and a volunteer would do the work.

Commissioner Hover inquired if Frank had thought any more about providing a surplus vehicle to the Conservation District for support in lieu of cash. Frank explained that there are three vehicles that could be surplused and asked if the commissioners would authorize a replacement vehicle. However, the Conservation District has asked for continued maintenance on the vehicles which the county cannot do. The Board asked if there was funding to replace them. Frank explained that they could purchase one pickup as a replacement for two of the vehicles that would go to the Conservation District. The Commissioners agreed to surplus an Explorer and a Dodge Dakota with the intention of providing them to the Conservation District. They also authorized Frank to purchase a new pickup truck as a replacement.

Exit Conference – MVEMS District –
Commissioner Lampe moved to adjourn as the Board of County Commissioners and convene as the Methow Valley EMS District. Motion was seconded and carried. Scott Renick explained the audit and needed changes to the Board. There needs to be a contract with the ambulance service, a fee schedule adopted by the District Board (Commissioners) and a mutual aid agreement with the county to provide emergency services for search and rescue.