The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on July 27, 2010, with Chairman, Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Update – Public Works
Frank Sautell reported that crews are filling dust holes, stripping, and chip sealing. The upcoming pit inspection was discussed. Bob stated that the projects are moving slowly.

Motion – Consent Agenda
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-13 as presented. Motion was seconded and carried.

1. Commissioners Proceedings July 12th, 13thth, & 19th, 2010
2. Appointment – Housing Authority – Teresa Hobbs
3. Appointment – Housing Authority – James Minahan
4. Appointment – Housing Authority –Bob Blank
5. Letter of Support Sinlahekin Ecosystem Restoration Phase 2
6. Resolution 184-2010 Transfer Corrections
7. Resolution 185-2010 Transfer Juvenile
8. Resolution 186-2010 Transfer Drug Task Force
9. Resolution 187-2010 Transfer Sheriff
10. Resolution 188-2010 Transfer Therapeutic Courts
11. Resolution 189-2010 Transfer Planning
12. Resolution 190-2010 Transfer Equipment Reserve
13. Resolution 191-2010 Transfer Noxious Weed Control

Motion Resolution 183-2010 Title II and Title III
Commissioner Hover moved to approve resolution 183-2010 setting aside15% for Title II and Title III where 11% is allocated to Title II and 4% is allocated to Title III. Motion was seconded and carried.

Motion Resolution 194-2010 Transfer #17 Public Works
Commissioner Hover moved to approve resolution 194-2010 a transfer in the amount of $2,000. Motion was seconded and carried. Motion – WDFW Letter Requesting Similkameen Valley Provision for National Scenic Trail
Commissioner Hover moved to approve a letter to the WDFW in regards to the North County Trail system. Motion was seconded and carried. Motion – Aronson –Software Upgrade & Complete Courthouse Security Doors
Commissioner Hover moved to approve two contracts with Aronson.

Motion was seconded and carried.

Discussion – Grant funded Victim Witness Part-Time Position – Prosecutor
Karl Sloan and Susan Hinger

Victim witness allocation funding ends and they have unallocated funds to hire a part time clerk to work under that grant through August to January 2011. Commissioner Peterson said that seemed low for a half time employee. She thought the $7000 wont cover it. Nan said they were hoping to fund the position without benefits. 16 hours a week without benefits. Benefits were on Karl’s spreadsheet but he didn’t mean for it to be. 96 hours grade 13 step one at approx $15 an hour. Commissioner Hover said if the money can only be spent there he doesn’t want to put a time line on this he would rather commit to the funding and when the funding runs out the person goes away. He doesn’t want to supplement it from somewhere else in order to meet the time line. Nan suggested creating a resolution that states this. This position is contingent on the grant money.

Commissioner Lampe directed Nan Kallunki to create a resolution establishing this position and stating that it goes away when the funding goes away.

Karl stated three people will be attending the Hirst-Pavek trial which will require travel funding as there are no hotels in Waterville they will have to go to Wenatchee for lodging. Nan asked if it was customary for the Clerk to send staff. Karl stated, usually

Judges don’t bring their clerks.

Discussion – Land Acquisitions – Washington Fish & Wildlife
Director Anderson,Director of Washington State Fish & Wildlife Dave Brittell, and Dennis Beich

Director Anderson thanked the commissioners for arranging this follow-up vistit to discuss land acquisitions and conservation easements. He has looked for ways to modify the land acquisition and conservation easement process in order to provide information to the county. A power point presentation (attached) was presented. Director Anderson explained that Fish and Wildlife (F&W) has duel responsibilities, i.e., protecting, restoring and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats and also to provide wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

Director Anderson pointed out that there are three areas of interest within the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area. They are the Sinlahekin, Chiliwist and the Dirscoll Island. He believes that F&W and the county have share the same concern; value for open spaces, value for working lands, outdoor recreation, a respect for private property rights and choices and willing sellers.

Various maps were displayed relating to target areas and the methodology on how these areas were determined based on risk and biodiversity as well as connectivity. Discussion surrounded the data that was input to develop the maps being presented. It was stated that the county disagrees with the data that was used. Commissioner Peterson pointed out that she knows the county extremely well, especially the area designated as high risk. Based on her experiences the data is flawed. She stressed that the county needs to be at the ground level in the discussions leading up to the designation of the areas of interest.

Commissioner Peterson noted that several million dollars have been received for purchases in the Methow. Dennis Beich stated that there are no specific lands designated for any specific land, they are just for the project area. Dennis confirmed that they were looking at areas where wolves are located. Commissioner Peterson asked how much of the funding is being set aside for land management. The reply was that it depends on the specific parcel and whether it was a land acquisition or easement. It also depends on if the grant allows for land management. Some do and other grants do not. Many times the funding for land management is just a onetime shot. They acknowledged that they do not have enough resources for land management. The current grant being submitted is for the Methow area.

Commissioner Lampe asked how the appraisals are being done. They explained that the appraisal is done using the Federal Governments "Yellow Book". Commissioner Lampe replied that the method seems to be skewed since the values seem to be determined on highest and best use, which doesn’t make sense. It should be determined based on the present use at the time of acquisition.

Commissioner Peterson stated that the commissioners should be consulted before the conservancies or the Trust for Public Lands because they are elected by the people.

Commissioner Lampe said that at some point there should be an economic analysis done to determine the impacts to the county and its citizens. He pointed out that this should have been done 15-20 years ago.

Perry Huston, Director of Planning, explained that the county is in the process of developing a comprehensive plan. In order to do this the county needs to know their final objective. Perry noted that it appears that F&W is creating a transnational corridor and asked them to join with the county in asking the federal government to do that level of planning.

Commissioner Peterson said that they need to work together regarding the Similakmeen and Whistler Canyon Trails. Dennis pointed out the restriction on guns in national parks and trails. Commissioner Peterson stated that people who have concealed weapons permits have a right to carry them anywhere.

Darlene Hajny inquired as to where funding was coming from for the McLaughlin Falls project. Dennis stated that some funds are from the Salmon Recovery Funding (SRF) and F&W is also working with the Colville Confederated Tribe. They will be submitted a grant application for RCO funding as well.

Commissioner Peterson stated that if F&W wants their lands to be leased and managed they need to lift some of the requirements, as they are so burdensome that ranchers do not even want to lease.