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.

Update – Planning
Greg Wilder reported that the Board of Adjustment will be holding the hearing on the Kinross Mine this evening. He met with City of Oroville Council and presented the interlocal agreement, however, an additional meeting will have to take place before it is finalized. Greg explained the possible impact that I-933 could have on the county as relates to planning/zoning issues. The need for additional staff for planning was discussed, specifically in the natural resource area.

Public Hearing – Homeless Housing
Commissioner Hover opened the hearing and asked Lael Duncan to present the staff report. Lael stated that the plan will be a work in progress. SB2163 required a 10-year plan in order to access state funding. Five elements are addressed in the plan. Lael reported that Okanogan County has approximately 423 homeless persons; although many are not on the street, they are couch surfing sleeping where they can. She commented that if there were a 24-bed night shelter it would be filled especially in the winter. Currently, they provide for one night temporary housing. There has been quite a lot of input and collaboration with the housing authorities in drafting the plan. Commissioner Hover called for public comments. Susie Ives was in attendance but had no comment. Commissioner Peterson asked if she had the staff to implement the proposed programs. Lael noted that there would be a need for a grant writer to allow her to do the overall management. She would like to see some grant applications written in the near future.

Commissioner Lampe moved to adopt the HB2163 Homeless Housing 10-year Strategic Plan. Motion was seconded and carried.

Discussion – Auditor’s Purchase
Peggy Robbins explained that she was unhappy that the commissioners pulled back a contract for software for the recording system. Commissioner Hover noted that the $60,000 plus purchase was not budgeted. Peggy explained that her plan was to scan the documents in the back room and then the upgrade the recording system as it has been failing. Commissioner Hover asked if the purchase of the software was coordinated with the Central Services department. Peggy replied that the system is used by 29 counties. She explained that the Laser Fiche system does not meet the need to separate out the charges for recording fees. Commissioner Hover explained that the Board of Commissioners are trying to adhere to the established policies such as the two that establish that all computer/software purchases be approved by the Central Services Department to ensure compatibility with the county system and the resolution that requires that purchases over $25,000 be approved by the Board. Commissioner Hover stated that in order to keep the counties budget stable the commissioners have to approve these purchases. Commissioner Hover stated that Mandy Hancock, Central Services Director, has now had an opportunity to evaluate the request and believes that it is appropriate.

Motion – Consent Agenda
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the consent agenda items 1 through 6. Motion was seconded and carried.

1. Approve Commissioners’ Proceedings September 18^th and 19^th, 2006
2. Department of Fish and Wildlife Contract Amendment #1
3. Authorize P4-05 Boesel Pit Agreement – Public Works
4. Authorize Patti Arbuckle Thank you letter
5. Authorize Resolution 110-2006 Salary Classification
6. Authorize Letter Salary Schedule

Contract – Software Upgrade - Auditor
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve a contract with Tyler Technologies in the amount of $65,044 to be paid for out of the MARC Fund for the software and needed server for the Auditor’s recording system and authorize the chairman to sign. Motion was seconded and carried.

Public Hearing – Assessment – Conservation District
Commissioner Lampe opened the hearing and noted that no quorum was present and continued the hearing to October 2, 2006 at 11:00 AM. Motion was seconded and carried.