The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 4, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Audit Exit – Payroll - Auditor
Scott Renick, Brandi Pritchard provided a letter to the Commissioners on the results of the county payroll system. It was reported that some of the longevity and annual leave is being miscalculated. The Commissioners will review and adjust the policy for clarification. (attachment)

Update – Planning
Greg Wilder, Ben Rough and Char Beam

Greg Wilder briefed the Commissioners on the status of the Shoreline Master Program. Legends Resorts has finally provided a plan set. He asked for commissioner direction on a few issues prior to final approval. When applying for phase II Projects the developer will have to provide documentation as to how the new phase will effect phase I in terms of storm water run off, etc. Other provisions have been included to give notice that the county is not responsible for other items that may be determined by other agencies. Some of the City of Oroville’s specifications will need to be followed such as the size of the pipe. Grading of building sites and fill will need to meet certain standards and will have to be inspected. No occupancy of any structure will be granted until property has been dedicated for the reservoir. A letter has been received from the City of Oroville to dedicate the needed amount of water for the project. Greg believes that all of the Health District’s concerns have been dealt with and, in his opinion; it comes down to whether the Health District agrees or not with the engineer. The State Department of Health has approved the project.

Highlands Associates and Entrix have been selected to provide services for the Shoreline Master Program. The county and several cities (Omak, Okanogan, Brewster and Pateros) have been successful in obtaining about three-quarters of a million dollars to rewrite the Shoreline Master Program. The first thing is the scope of work but various boards and committees have already completed much of the work. It’s important to get the public involved early on. A series of workshops will be held around the county. This is required by 2014 regardless whether we are a GMA county or not. Also, the county is being required to update its critical areas ordinance. Commissioner Peterson expressed concern that whatever is done with the SMP that it doesn’t impact other projects. The Commissioners stated that they do not want the grant funding to be driving how the plan is developed. Commissioner Hover asked how much of the plan is being dictated by the state. About 50% of the plan is mandated by the state, but how we get there is the county’s call; we have to use "best available science". Commissioner Hover explained that the county wants to be able to get its own science because many times the "best available science" does not accurately reflect the data.

Kurt wants to set up an advisory committee made up of elected officials and stakeholders. Commissioner Hover stressed that he wants the committee’s work to be meaningful and that the work they put into it is not set aside.

Update – County Medical Experience – Benefax
Ward Sandberg, Monica Kersey and Nanette Kallunki discussed the county’s medical experience to date as well as other options for providing medical coverage to employees. (attached)

Public Hearing – Supplemental Appropriation – Lumbering Employees Trust
Continue Public Hearing to 3:00 PM this afternoon. Motion was seconded and carried. Motion was seconded and carried.

Resolution 48-2006 – Supplemental Appropriation – Planning
Commissioner Hover opened the hearing and noted that no pubic comment was given. Commissioner Peterson moved to approve Resolution 48-2006, supplemental appropriation in the amount of $493,000 for the Simlkameen Connector Phase I. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Burning Regulations - DOE
Maureen McCormick explained that in 2007 new burning laws come into effect that will apply to urban areas. She noted however, that Okanogan County’s comprehensive plan does not as yet set out urban areas. She provided some informational handouts regarding burn regulations.

Commissioner Peterson asked that DOE provide additional information to the public via radio and newspaper.

Resolution 47-2006 – Supplemental Appropriation – Lumbering Employee’s Trust
Commissioner Hover opened the hearing for the supplemental appropriation for the Lumbering Employees trust fund in the amount of $14,000.

Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 47-2006, supplemental appropriation in the amount of $14,000 for the Lumbering Employee’s Trust Fund 150. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Bid Award – County legal Paper – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to award the bid to Prairie Media as the County’s legal paper. Motion was seconded and carried. (attachment)