The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on June 28, 2010, with Chairman, Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Motion - Approve Consent Agenda
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-10 as presented. Motion was seconded and carried.

1. Approve Commissioners Proceedings -June 14th June 22, 2010
2. Resolution 142-2010 Promotion District court Deputy PA
3. Resolution 143-2010 Reclassification Planner I positions
4. Resolution 144-2010 Compensation Working out of Class
5. Resolution 145-2010 Reclassification Substance Abuse Intern
6. Resolution 146-2010 Budget Transfer – Clerk
7. Resolution 147-2010 Budget Transfer – Maintenance
8. Resolution 148-2010 Budget Transfer #14 – Public Works
9. Resolution 149-2010 Budget Transfer – Sheriff
10. Resolution 150-2010 Budget Transfer – Clerk

Discussion – Staffing - Treasurer
Leah McCormack, Pam Johnson, Lisa Miller, Diane Cline and Nan Kallunki

Leah asked the commissioners if they would extend Diane Cline’s employment beyond July. Diane was scheduled to be laid off at that time as a result of the budget reductions for 2010 as was initially recommended by her. Leah noted that she had heard that the commissioners were reinstating some budget items such as the person in the Assessor’s office. Commissioner Peterson explained that Scott Furman was able to obtain additional funds for the county and that the board has had to set priorities since the budget is still tenuous. It is the commissioners’ first priority to reinstate employees when possible. The budget will be reviewed again around September. Commissioner Lampe stated that his opinion is that she should go ahead and lay that person off as planned and it can be considered during next year’s budget. The BARS code will remain in the Treasurer’s budget as unfunded and the position can be considered next year.

Contract – Similakmeen Trail Fencing
Ted Murray stated that he received three (3) quotes for the fencing at the Similakmeen Trail. Fiddler fence was the low quote at $ 33,877.04.

Commissioner Peterson moved to award the contract bid for fencing on the Similakmeen in the amount of $ 33,877.04 tax included. Motion was seconded and carried.

Update – Planning
Perry Huston, Director of Planning, asked about the status of his request for staffing changes. Commissioner Lampe stated that the commissioners would be looking at that in the 2011 budget. Revenues are very close and it is better to be cautious than to get ahead of our selves.

Perry reported that the person who was interested in providing green hydropower has gotten PERC to give him an extension. Perry will get back with commissioners on that.

The critical habitat has been in place for some time on the bull trout. The impacts to the county were not considered. Commissioner Lampe stated that the water to the irrigator’s was not considered at all. A recent court ruling stated that economics were not something that is required by the Endangered Species Act. Perry thinks that the Supreme Court will not agree with that.

Perry referred to a conservation NW website saying that they are putting together a proposal to designate Shanker’s Bend as a National Park. Perry reviewed the National Park Service codes to see how coordination applies with local government. Their economic analysis is flawed and no statement was included about local conditions. They do not deal with the issue of what the economic loss to the county would be.

Commissioner Peterson referenced an upcoming meeting that someone should attend regarding the Obama Great Ourtdoors Initiative in Seattle on July first. Perry said he would try to attend.

Commissioner Peterson said that the COG has requested notification from DOE on all water transfers. They have received confirmation from DOE that they will have a 30 comment period.

Update – North Valley Hospital Registered Warrants
Lael McCormack, Laurie Thomas, Helen Casey, Jana Symonds, Bomi Bharucha, Herb Wandler, Lael Duncan.

Leah thanked everyone for coming today to the monthly meeting regarding the North Valley Hospital Registered Warrants.

Bomie provided a financial statement and explained the projected revenues for June through December. Union contracts have been extended for another year. There are a lot of things outside the union contract that can be worked on. The senior management team has been working on the cash flow ideas. The self funding issue was going to cost too much. Coast to Coast contract will cover 24/7 full time. Two positions are leaving and those salaries are being taken out of the budget.

Resolution 152-2010 – Supplemental Appropriation - Infrastructure
Commissioner Lampe opened the hearing and noted that no public were present for comment.

Commissioner Peterson moved to approve Resolution 152-2010, supplemental appropriation to the Infrastructure Fund in the amount of $313,000. Motion was seconded and carried.