The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 1, 2010, with Chairman, Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, and Lanie Johns for Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present. Commissioner Don Hover was in D.C. for the NACO Conference.

Ted Murray updated the commissioners on current grant opportunities that he will be preparing grants for. The commissioners asked Ted to be creative in finding matches as there is no county money available for matches. Ted replied that the matches are being donated. The commissioners also would like Ted to pursue any grants that could be used for the trails. Ted will schedule time to show the board a slide presentation that will give an overview about what is happening with the trails. Commissioner Peterson commented that she would like to see the trail go through the tunnel.

Perry updated the commissioners on tactics used to encourage the State and Feds to coordinate with the county.

Perry asked whether the commissioners want him to move forward with submitting the petition to delist the wolf. The commissioners replied, yes, and directed him to do so.

The commissioners would like to know how many acres of land the acquisitions include, why the land transactions are taking place, how many tax dollars will be taken out of the tax roll compared to what the county received in PILT monies, and what is their programmatic position on the land acquisitions. A public records request will go out requesting all conveyance documents and conversations within the Lands 20/20 Group. The media should also be aware.

Becki Andrist explained that the state is starting to monitor the Bull Trout and its critical habitat. She further expressed how Okanogan County will be impacted. Economy and irrigation impacts within the areas should be of great concern. At this point, it is uncertain where the fish are coming from whether they’re swimming up the Columbia or coming down from the North. Under the endangered species act, an economic analysis of impacts to the county is required. Perry will prepare comment packet under the banner of coordination and habitat designation, so we have standing.

Perry updated the commissioners on proposed legislation.

Motion – Fixed Asset Certification
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve Okanogan County’s fixed asset list for 2009, as presented. Motion was seconded and carried.

Public Hearing – Supplemental Appropriation – Communications
Commissioner Lampe opened the hearing for staff, no staff present. Commissioner

Motion - Resolution 49-2010
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve resolution 49-2010 a supplemental appropriation to Communications in the amount of $12,000. Motion was seconded and carried.

Public Hearing – Supplemental Appropriation – Communications
Commissioner Lampe opened the hearing to staff, no staff present. Commissioner Lampe closed the hearing to staff and opened the hearing for public comment, seeing none he closed public comment.

Motion – Resolution 50-2010 Supplemental Appropriation Communications
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve resolution 50-2010 a supplemental appropriation to Communications budget in the amount of $20,120. Motion was seconded and carried.