The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 6, 2010, with Chairman, Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present. Commissioner Don Hover is attending a meeting in Portland.

Executive Session – Personnel Evaluations
Commissioner Peterson moved to go into executive session for 20 minutes at 9:40 AM. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 10:00 AM with no action taken.

Update – Sheriff
Noah Stewart explained that Corrections has received a grant for additional cameras for the jail. The matching funds will come from Fund 109. This is a sole source situation and a resolution will be prepared indicating the sole source justification.

Update – Public Works
Frank Sautell and Bob Breshears

Frank briefed the commissioners on the success of the cattleguard that was installed at Veranda Beach in preventing damage to crops from deer. The commissioners noted that the developer is willing to pay for the application of magnesium chloride on Blue Lake Road. Bob Breshears updated the board on current road projects.

Update – Veteran’s Board
Dale White and Michael Stewart

Dale mentioned that it appears that Tonasket Hospital will be getting the contract for the Veterans services since they were the only bidder. Dale presented the 2009 report of veteran’s activities. The flag boxes given out to family members have been much appreciated and they may request authorization to purchase more. Dale reported on the benefits that they have been able to obtain for local veterans. He explained that he would not be around very much but that he will be helping Michael via the internet. Michael will be chairing the Veteran’s Board Meetings when he is absent. Dale explained the need for the county to hire someone even part-time as a service officer in order to continue to help veteran’s with benefits that they may be entitled to. Commissioner Peterson said that they need to find a funding source other than current expense.

Public Hearing – Okanogan Watershed Plan
Craig Nelson, Bob Clark, Angela Hubbard and members of the public

Commissioner Lampe opened the hearing and called for the staff report. Angela Hubbard explained that the Okanogan Watershed Plan is the result of five years of work by the Okanogan Watershed Planning Unit. All legal publication requirements have been met and the Okanogan Planning Commission has recommended adoption.

Craig Nelson stated that the Colville Tribes were invited to take part in the the initiating governments but declined by resolution. Even though it was not required, the Planning Unit decided to take on all the elements of the plan. These goals were developed with the local customs and culture in mind. They also focused on keeping the water in the county. The plan was adopted by consensus and was submitted to the county for further action in June of 2009. Craig addressed the Ecology’s letter and concerns; #3 these items were presented the night of the adoption of the plan by the Planning Unit. #4 even if there is a conflict the law will trump the plan. #5 Ecology signed off on grants and copies were provided. #6 it was the intent from the beginning that DOE would not be a voting member. Many of the issues brought up in the DOE letter were discussed. Craig believes it is a very good document. The Planning unit had no time to respond to the DOE comments as they were up against the deadline.

Bob Clark said that throughout the process DOE was given the opportunity to comment and were requested to provide written comments but none were provided until the very end.

Angela read a letter from Perry Huston, Director of Planning responding to the DOE concerns.

Commissioner Peterson thanked Craig Nelson and the conservation district for sticking with the process and doing an excellent job, even though it was difficult. She asked the Planning Unit members to stand and commended them for their hard work and the valuable time they spent in seeing the plan to completion.

Jerry Barns, Chairman of the Planning Unit said there were things made this plan and process a success. It was completed by the members of the Planning Unit and not an agency with a lot of dedication by all the members. The process of consensus took longer than they would have liked. He urged the Board to adopt the plan as presented.

Mike Kelly stated that the group was quite diverse and there were doubts in the beginning that it would work, however, they did achieve a consensus. He commended Craig Nelson for his leadership.

Tom Scott thanked everyone that worked on the plan. He also thanked Craig Nelson, Bob Clark and staff on the way they communicated with the Planning Unit. He believes it is a document that we can be pleased with even though there are those who may disagree.

David Buckmiller, said that there were questions as to whether the Steelhead actually ever made it over the dam to the falls. He doesn’t believe that Steelhead were ever able to jump the falls.

Ray Clements, City of Okanogan stated he thinks the watershed plan had a lot to say about rural America. He believes that given the diversity of the group there was quite a learning curve. He thinks there has been a lot of information produced that needs refining. They were not able to complete everything they wanted due to financial constraints.

Craig Nelson, Okanogan Conservation District Manager, thanked Bob Clark, Sharon McKenzie, and Adrianne Kuzeck and other staff.

Commissioner Lampe closed public comment. Commissioner Peterson restated her appreciation to everyone. No comments were given in opposition to the document.

Motion – Adoption of the Okanogan Watershed Plan
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the Okanogan Watershed Plan (WRIA 49) and direct staff to prepare a resolution. Motion was seconded and carried.

Resolution 80-2010 – Authorizing Sole Source Purchase - Jail
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve Resolution 80-2010 authorizing the use of a sole source for jail cameras. Motion was seconded and carried.

Methow Valley EMS District
Commissioner Peterson moved to adjourn as the Board of Commissioners and convened as the Methow Valley EMS District. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Peterson moved to approve vouchers in the amount of $32,010.00. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Peterson moved to adjourn as Methow Valley EMS District and convene as the Board of County Commissioners.

Discussion – Whistler Canyon – Trig Culp and Dale Swanberg
Trig explained that BLM cannot purchase Whistler Canyon directly from Okanogan County. BLM could only purchase it from a Quasi Governmental agency and said that the Pacific Trail Association is willing to be that agency. Various methods to help the purchase along were discussed. Commissioner Peterson asked why work couldn’t begin. Trig stated that the orchard would have to be pulled out to build the facility but they can work on the strip. Steve Bozarth will be consulted as to how we could achieve the sale of the property to BLM.