The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 16, 2010, with Chairman, Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Motion - Approve Consent Agenda
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda items 1-8 as presented. Motion was seconded and carried.

1. Approve Commissioners Proceedings for March 8th & 9th, 2010
2. Public Works Western States Asphalt Contract
3. Gwen Whitley – Parks & Rec Board Appointment
4. Steve Mitzner – Parks & Rec Board Appointment
5. Resolution 63-2010 Transfer Commissioners
6. Resolution 64-2010 Transfer Corrections
7. Resolution 65-2010 Transfer Drug Task Force
8. Resolution 66-2010 Transfer Building

Tonasket EMS District
Commissioner Hover moved to adjourn as the Board of Commissioners and convene as the Tonasket EMS District. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Hover moved to approve vouchers in the amount of $10,939.10. Motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioner Hover moved to adjourn as Tonasket EMS and convene as the Board of County Commissioners. Motion was seconded and carried.

Update – Sheriff
Shawn Messinger said he had a expense yesterday for refreshments and purchased them on the VISA card. He asked that the commissioners authorize the expenditure. The commissioners told him that he should have paid for it out of his pocket and put in a reimbursement request for the funds.

Motion – Food Purchase Approval - Sheriff
Commissioner Hover moved to authorize the expenditure for food on the county VISA account in the amount of $17. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lampe with Commissioner Peterson voting in opposition. Motion carried.

Dave Rodriquez reported that they had an officer resign. The Commissioners explained that there is a hiring freeze until the end of June and that they could do the preliminary work toward filling the field deputy position but that until the budget is reviewed at the end of June they cannot fill the position.

Commissioner Peterson reported that she had a call about dogs running free and the Sheriff’s Department told him to call her. The Sheriff explained that they can only do something if the dogs are dangerous and that they do not have funding to pay for any expense associated with dog control.

Bid Opening – Soil Stablizer – Public Works
Commissioner Lampe noted that two bids were received.

Roadwise Services, Tacoma, WA $138,340.65

Envirotech Services, Greely, CO $141,087.00

Bids will be evaluated by Public Works and returned for award this afternoon.

Update – Public Works
Frank Sautell, Bob Breshears

Commissioner Lampe asked about the complaint that was received about the work on Old Highway 97. Commissioner Peterson suggested that Public Works respond in writing.

Agreement – Old Highway 97 – CRAB – Public Works
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve an agreement with CRAB for Old 97 Project, Ophir Grade to Rattlesnake Point in the amount of $2,249,000. Motion was seconded and carried.

Update – Conservation District
Craig Nelson reported on the activities of the Conservation District. He said that there is increasing cooperation with Tribe. He commented about the Grazing Manual that was created by Ecology and noted that much of the information contained in the manual are things that the Conservation District is already recommending to ranchers. However, the Conservation District has had some flexibility. So, Ecology wants to update their agreement with the Conservation District but Craig doesn’t see any problems with the current contract. Ecology is either needs to do the technical aspects or Conservation should continue to work with the landowners. Craig noted the work being done on Bonaparte Creek and that the Conservation District is working with an irrigator along Salmon Creek to change the diversion. They are also implementing a number of live stock contracts.

Bid Award – Magnesium Chloride – Public Works
Commissioner Peterson moved to award the bid for Magnesium Chloride to Roadwise of Tacoma Washington in the amount of $138,340.65. Motion was seconded and carried.

Contract – Otis Elevator
Commissioner Hover moved to approve an elevator maintenance contract extension with Otis Elevator and authorize the Chairman to sign. Motion was seconded and carried.

Letter – U.S. Fish & Wildlife
The Commissioners addressed a letter to the US Fish and Wildlife regarding the county’s status as a coordinating agency and the requirements for NEPA and ESA.