The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on May 23, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Ordinance – Salmon Creek Speed Limit – Public Works
Commissioner Lampe opened the hearing to public comment.

Tom Hinger reported on the speed limit study for Salmon Creek Road. He noted that there is an average of 2 accidents per year, that they drove the road at different speeds and that Public Works recommends that the speed limit be set at 40 mph.

Herbert Lawson, who lives on Salmon Creek Road, asked why there isn’t a set criteria to determine speed limits throughout the county since they seem to vary, although he said that he felt 40 mph seems appropriate. Tom further explained the criteria and process for determining what a speed limit should be set at.

Mr. Lawson stated that most of the danger on Salmon Creek Road exists from vehicles parking along the shoulder of the road. He doesn’t believe that speed limits should be established based on a petition of homeowners along the road given that everyone would like to have vehicles go slow in front of their own properties; but should be based on a specific criteria.

Tom Hinger explained that, by statue, gravel roads are set at 50 mph but Public Works felt that this was not appropriate and held public hearings and reduced them to 35 mph.

Commissioner Peterson suggested that Mr. Lawson provide a list of roads that he is concerned about so that Public Works can evaluate the speed limits.

Commissioner Lampe closed public comment. Commissioner Peterson agreed that 40 mph would be appropriate given the number of accidents, the narrowness of the road and the curves. In addition, the sheriff should be notified that vehicles are parking along the shoulders.

Commissioner Peterson moved to approve Ordinance 2006-2, setting the speed limit on Salmon Creek Road from 50 mph to 40 mph beginning at milepost 0.662 and continuing to milepost 4.204. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Budget – State Auditor
Brandi Pritchard, Leah McCormak, Peggy Robbins, Judy Erbele, Lori Beetchenow

Brandi Pritchard explained and clarified budget procedures and applications for those present. Specifically, budgets do not have to balance at 0. Only real anticipated amounts should be budgeted. Any unbudgeted carryover should be placed into the ending fund balance. Certain non-expenditures (580 funds) cannot be used to cover other line items.

Resolution 55-2006 – Extension of Emergency Declaration - Commissioners
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve Resolution 55-2006, extending the emergency declaration to May 31, 2006. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Motion – Consent Agenda - Commissioners
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the consent agenda items 1 – 13. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – City of Pateros Inspection – Building
Bob Gorski explained that the City of Pateros wants to contract with Okanogan County to do their building inspections. He stated that several projects already underway in Okanogan County will increase the workload in the Building Department. He asked the Commissioners how they feel about it. Commissioners said to wait until this fall because they already have an inspector until then.