The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 3, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Planning Update
Greg Wilder spoke about his conversations with Chris Branch and the Attorneys regarding some of the legal issues with Eastlake sewer project. There are some questions about insurance if there should be a flood or natural disaster. Does the county have coverage? Commissioner Peterson recommended that Greg talk with Nan about the coverage. Excess money’s collected from the sewer hook-ups will be spent at the commissioners’ discretion. It doesn’t have to be spent in Oroville. The risk of the loan is solely on the commissioners’ shoulders. Greg read some of the language in the agreement to help clarify why some of the questions are coming up.

Update Public Works
Bob Breshears and Frank Sautell were present. Frank Sautell updated the commissioners about what updates will be taking place on the Public Works Web site. It needs to be reviewed and approved by the commissioners. The chipper that was budgeted for this year will not be purchased until next year. The commissioners said that would be fine but to make note on the budget that that amount will be carried over into 2007.

They explained that a request has been made to change the 50 mph speed limit sign on Rodeo Drive, in front of the Sports Complex to 35 mph. Bob Breshears noted that the proper thing to do is to hold a public hearing and adopt an ordinance. An engineering and traffic observation study also needs to be conducted. Commissioner Hover asked them to do start the process.

The surveyor has indicated that nothing was found during the cultural survey at Toroda Creek. Kinross and Tribe may drop the requirement for a fish passage. However, Fish and Wildlife have not given its input on this. The culvert may not be necessary now.

Jessie Clark’s situation has not been changed. Commissioner Peterson noted that his basement floods when the drain is plugged up.

Frank explained no one could locate Riddle’s claim for a windshield. The issue needs to be resolved. Frank noted that he did not have the facts of what occurred. Rose Clements does not have any history of the claim.

Commissioner Hover mentioned vouchers for six computers that were purchased by John Freibus. Commissioner Hover reiterated how the policy works and why Central Services needs to be contacted so that the equipment is inventoried and compatible with all the other county equipment. Frank specifically remembers talking with Steve Rowe about this purchase and Public Works was billed for them.

Discussion - Economic Alliance - Terry Knapton
Terry Knapton presented a contract amendment to the Board for approval for additional work.

The EDD has asked for the top three projects that need funding. Terry said that they are:

Everyone discussed past efforts to open a mine in the Toroda Creek area and how much the mine will contribute to the economic stability of the communities and the county.

Terry noted that Salmon Air is not ready to come into the area for different reasons. They are not ready to come to the area and the reasons are not known.

A boat manufacturer is looking to locate in our area. He showed up on Terry’s doorstep. The man had spoken to the tribe about the possibilities. The lack of space may be a big disadvantage to getting these manufactures in the area. The man wants to move on this very soon as this is his second trip here. He wanted to know if there are 100 people ready to work.

Commissioner Hover expressed concern that Homemovies.com may pull out of Okanogan County due to the owner’s health. Terry will look into the situation.

The business incubator is going well. Terry did send out the call for bids. It looks like the building will be able to hold about eight businesses’. A meeting will be held on the 12^th with the consultant. Terry noted that there has been a good turnout in attendance at the meetings.

Resolution 112-2006 - Supplemental Appropriation – Coroner
Commissioner Hover opened the public hearing for comment. No one was present to comment so Commissioner Hover closed the public hearing.

Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the supplemental appropriation for $12,000 to be used for Professional Services and Deceased transport from USD PILT. Motion was seconded and carried.

Resolution 114-2006 - Supplemental Appropriation – Emergency Services
Commissioner Hover opened the public hearing for comment. No one was present to comment so Commissioner Hover closed the public hearing.

Joe Somday and Scott Miller explained the request for a supplemental. Commissioner Peterson asked how much of the costs associated with the fires will be reimbursed by Forest Service. Approximately $68,000 will be reimbursed to Emergency Services for the Fire and will be split between Brewster and Omak. Commissioner Peterson wants a copy of the expenditures made on the forest fire.

Scott noted that the money will be used for direct expenses of the flooding for hydro seeding that have depleted Fund 121. It was stated that the Sheriff’s office needs a buffer in the fund because last years Current Expense funds were never transferred into Fund 121.

Joe said that FICA and Medicare would need to be supplemented because there was not enough money after Judy made the adjustments.

Commissioner Peterson explained that she needs the information for her testimony before the congressional hearing on the fires. Scott had indicated that the supplemental was for both the flood and fires. However, when she asked for this information Scott told her that there were no county costs associated with the fires. Joe reported that there were so many fire camps to oversee and the sheriff staff was short handed. Joe said about $77,000 will be billed for over time. Joe noted that Scott’s time can not be reimbursed by the Forest Service. If we were approved for a FEMA grant, Scott’s costs would have been reimbursed to some degree.

Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 114-2006 in the amount of $18,000 to supplement the Emergency Services Fund 121. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Eric Mudgett has a spreadsheet showing the breakdown of the hours spent on the fire that were not reimbursable at $44.06 per hour and .66 cents a mile.

Vouchers certified and audited by the Auditing Officer as required by RCW 42.24.080 and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090 have been recorded on a list, and made available to the Board. As of this date, the Board did by unanimous vote approve the vouchers in the amount of $571,018.64 and payroll in the amount of $1,437,262.77 warrant numbers 58908 through 59118.

Motion – Consent Agenda
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the consent agenda items 1 through 7. Motion was seconded and carried.

Agreement – Settlement and Release
Commissioner Lampe moved to accept the settlement and release agreement between Bruce Moran and Okanogan County. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Contract Amendment – Economic Alliance
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve a contract amendment #3 between Okanogan County and Economic Alliance. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Festival Permit – Family Faire 2006
Julie Greenwood, Peter James and other Family Faire coordinators presented documentation for the Faire’s permit. JJ Bellinger said that the Health District permit is ready. The Faire drilled a water well last year and it has sufficient volume however, it still needs approval to use at this point. The Coliform test is in process. They will still be transporting water via the tankers throughout the faire area. Vendors are applying for their food service permits. Health District staff is set up to do inspections. There will be 86 Porta-potties for the event. The Faire will be held the 12-15^th of October. Sheriff Frank Rogers stated that they have been working closely with the Faire and everything is in order. Commissioner Hover read the written comments from the Noxious Weed Board that has to be complied with. They explained that they are planning on 300 campfires and have approval from DNR for low to moderate fire danger. They requested that the Commissioners designate them as a private campground to enable them to have their fires if the county has not lifted the fire ban. The Commissioners explained that there is a possibility that the ban will be lifted by next week. The permit will be faxed to them once that is determined.

Commissioner Lampe moved to approve a festival permit for the Family Faire 2006. Motion was seconded and carried.