RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OKANOGAN COUNTY
OCTOBER 15, 2018
The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met for its
regular session on October 15, 2018, with Commissioner Jim DeTro, Chairman,
Commissioner Chris Branch Vice-Chairman; Commissioner Andy Hover, Member and
Laleña Johns, Clerk of the Board, present.
Discussion – Civil Service Board – Debi Hilts
Ms. Hilts explained she advertised for the vacant Civil
Service position vacated by Ada Ward’s recent resignation. One response was from
Celeste Pugsley. The Civil Service commissioners are in favor of appointing her
but won’t’ be meeting until later this week. The County Commissioners have the
authority to appoint Celeste to the Civil Service Commission, the RCW was
provided. Ms. Hilts stated she will draft a letter from the Civil Service Board
recommending Ms. Pugsley be appointed with their blessing if the County
Commissioners are in favor of the appointment. The Board will consider the
appointment once the letter from Civil Service has been received.
Public Hearing - Supplemental Appropriation –
Vehicle Reserve Contingency Reserve
Commissioner DeTro opened up the hearing calling for staff
report, seeing no one to report he closed staff and opened up the hearing to the
public, seeing no public to testify he closed public and opened up to
commissioner discussion.
Motion Resolution 107-2018 Supplemental
Appropriation Vehicle Reserve and CJTA Fund 160
Commissioner Hover moved to approve resolution 107-2018 a
supplemental appropriation to the Vehicle Reserve Fund in the amount of $30,619.
Motion was seconded all were in favor, motion was carried.
Public Hearing - Supplemental Appropriation –
Edelweiss Sewer Fund
Engineer Josh Thomson, Perry Huston
Commissioner DeTro opened up the hearing calling for staff
report, Engineer Thomson reported these funds were necessary to pay for
necessary maintenance and operation expenses for winterization of the system.
There were some issues with one line that freezes in the winter. At the end of
last year the work was planned for this year but only the PS&E was able to be
accomplishes. There is plenty of funding in the ending fund balance to pay for
the work. Commissioner DeTro closed staff and opened up the hearing to the
public, seeing no public to testify he closed public and opened up to
commissioner discussion.
Motion Resolution 108-2018 Supplemental
Appropriation Edelweiss Sewer Fund
Commissioner Hover moved to approve resolution 108-2018 a
supplemental appropriation to the Edelweiss Sewer Fund 408 in the amount of
$4,000. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
Discussion Broadband Planning & Agency Partners for
Rural Washington
Mario Villanueva
Mr. Villanueva thanked the board for the time today to
discuss the broadband program. He explained the work allows them to connect to
those rural communities in the state regarding provision of broadband in those
areas. Capacity is needed, budgets tight, and staffing small so he met with
Mayor Sue Ing-Moody of Twisp. The town of Winthrop has also been involved
working on this. They are now looking at info to try and understand what gaps in
technology are need to be fulfilled. Internet service provider meeting helped
identify gaps in infrastructure, technologies, and where gaps need to be filled
to be able to provide Broadband. Elements of the study were discussed. There
were several meetings in the Twisp area by citizens and businesses in order to
begin gathering the info.
Mr. Villanueva now needs to look into broadband network map
with cooperation with ISPs. There were some HOA’s very interested, but at the
end of the day a broadband engineer is needed. There is funding through
Community Economic Revitalization (CERB) and they do required a match of 25%. He
has been working under a couple grants Commerce and Spokane Public Diesis??. The
work he provides can be used as a match with no out of pocket dollars for the
study.
The MOU does not require funding it is merely a statement
of roles each agency agrees to. He asked the Board if they would be willing to
sign onto the MOU in support of the Broadband Planning for Methow Valley. If the
demand is shown they could apply again for additional funding to complete the
project and include all of the school district which is the defining area.
He has been consulting with Brewster and Pateros for
possible providing the same. The infrastructure funding will need to be
different. Commissioner Hover asked about the infrastructure portion going
through the Okanogan PUD when there is another company providing the utility
such as the co-op. He responded that they would carry the back bone in the
Methow Valley region so the internet service providers provide services via that
back bone. It seemed because they are already in the business of providing the
service elsewhere it seemed to fit. Mr. Villanueva stated they are still trying
to figure out certain infrastructure design and capacity and trying to figure
out the best course to provide back bone to the area ISPs. ISP’s need to be
involved too, so Mr. Villanueva said they are being as agnostic as possible.
Commissioners discussed the downsides to signing onto the
MOU. Commissioner Hover stated retail competition could be a downside.
Commissioner Branch wondered about the service level and at what level are we
looking at. If 100mb download and 100mb up load is not obtainable, Commissioner
Hover wondered. This is for the common good as not everyone will get fiber to
the end of the road. The study will be for providing a recommendation that
strengthens internet provision in the area and provides ideas for affordability
also. The cost is high and new infrastructure costs are higher. Seniors and
disabled persons would be given a discount and those that can afford a higher
cost helps those who cannot.
Planning Grant sponsorship would be through the county does
not required additional funding from the county. Mr. Villanueva sated a letter
of support would be needed and that would outline and state what would be used
as match. The commitment would be we would authorize the chair to sign a letter
being the recipient of the grant Mr. Villanueva’s time would be used for match
of the planning grant.
Chief Civil Deputy Gecas did have some questions of the MOU
in terms of paying back loan money the county may be applying for how would that
be paid back or is there a lease of some sort. Mr. Villanueva said that would
not pertain to the planning grant. Design and recommendation is what the MOU
allows. CERB funding would be separate funding for infrastructure than the
Planning grant funding. Commissioner Hover discussed the county’s emergency
communications responsibilities and dispatch needs, and recommended Mr.
Villanueva consult with Mike Worden to collaborate on this with him.
Director Huston commented that if there is enough money and
contractor has necessary credentials to compose an evaluation of where the choke
points are, he said it was and expensive endeavor in the past and prohibitive.
The scope of work is critical and there is enough funds in the grant to
accomplish. Mr. Villanueva said with the CERB funding it can be phased project,
he wants to get his arms around a holistic plan id the number, then call that
out from the get go, then apply for phase one then apply on down the line for
the rest.
Commissioner Branch discussed what happens when the back
bone isn’t there and what amount of funding is needed to provide it in remote
areas. In the meantime this study will determine where the infrastructure is
lacking, who is to provide it, who is interested in providing it, and the study
will help determine that, because the public sector isn’t always going to say,
whereas the Okanogan PUD has to be transparent. He said the MOU makes sense.
There isn’t an obligation at this point as long as there is a good study and it
is a prerequisite to getting in on the infrastructure funding process. Mr.
Villanueva said to give out good information now about what is possible, the PUD
rates are available publically, but the more you want the more you pay.
Commissioner Hover said he was willing to sign the MOU as
long as county dispatch is included in the discussion. The work can be
accomplished by December 31, 2018. Commissioner Branch stated the board would
like to see the grant application.
Motion Planning MOU Broadband Planning
Commissioner Branch moved to approve the MOU between Town
of Twisp, Town of Winthrop, Okanogan County and Partners for Rural Washington
for Broadband Planning for the Methow Valley and authorized the chairman to
sign. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
Mr. Villanueva explained he would provide the signature
pages of the other party to the MOU once those were in hand.
Director Huston anticipates being involved with the
planning application draft. It is planning and community development so he felt
it fitting that he manage the work involved. Commissioners were in favor of his
involvement.
Mr. Villanueva explained the next steps and timeline. The
commissioners thanked him for making time.
Budget Work Session – Central Services
Randy Clough, Cari Hall
Director Clough explained his 2019 budget requests.
Commissioner Hover asked about wage increases for all three employees, Director
Clough stated he thought it would be around $26,000-27,000 additional funds
needed over existing budget. He said with the new classifications he made those
fall right in the middle of those surveyed. Commissioners asked for the survey.
His total budget would be around $575,000. The wage request was entered along
with the benefits. The other thing is the pay scale of the PUD as Steve Rowe
manages all three systems for Okanogan County and is paid much less where PUD
utilizes three people to manage their three systems. The PUD has an attractive
salary structure the commissioners might consider. Director Clough will provide
the survey info to the board for additional consideration.
The Central Services 2019 expected revenue was reviewed. So
far he has collected $862.94 received with a projected revenue amount of $1600
by year end. He explained some changes in terms of charging for services. Charge
and track services provided to outside entities, but last two years he hasn’t
billed. Ms. Hall reminded him there is an RCW that requires certain funds not
benefit others.
Due to the phone system being extended to Public Works the
phone software line item was used for that and was slightly over the budgeted
amount for 2018. The fairgrounds system is in test mode right now and isn’t full
blown yet. Next year, everyone should be on the phone system.
The software expenditure lines were discussed and reviewed.
Fund 196 Equipment Reserve fund was reviewed. The sheriff
has funds for outfitting new sheriff vehicles and Commissioner Hover asked if
that line included costs related to new laptops. Director Clough said no, that
budget is likely for light bars and decals etc.… not laptops. He said the
Equipment Reserve fund was budgeted $50,000 for the laptops and accessories. We
are at the five year mark with our current laptops and they are beginning to
have problems. He said a staggered process could be used to purchase over the
course of 2-3 years to reduce the cost. Windows 10 update is required going into
2019 so that will play into expense. Director Clough recommended we replace 50%
of the old laptops so old laptops can be used for parts.
Director Clough discussed succession and providing a solid
date for retirement. He is shooting for December 31, 2019, but it depends on his
wife. The numbers he gave the board earlier do not include bringing on anyone
else to the department. He discussed options for filling his position from the
bottom up or some other way???
Director Clough explained current software costs for the
Aronson OnGuard system. The thought the cost should come from Non-departmental
as the software benefits all departments. He builds into the budget around 10
replacements. There are some hand-me-downs that can get us by without using the
$10,000 he budgeted for this year for replacements. Budget for it next year.
Public Hearing – McKinney Ridge Planned Development
Agreement – Char Schumacher
Director Perry Huston, Angie Hubbard, Char Schumacher,
Member of the public, Emily Sisson, taking notes
The audio recorder was turned on.
Commissioner DeTro opened the hearing up to staff. Char
Schumacher provided the staff report. She stated this hearing was sought for the
purpose of approving the development agreement of the McKinney Ridge Planned
Development minor modification. Mr. Whitaker is changing the name of the
project. The agreement specifies that the developer will have a noxious weed
prevention plan to be in place and that will be a private undertaking.
The applicant and developer were in attendance. The minor
modification is the way the lots are laid out with the same number of lots.
Currently served by a class A sewer system. Johns Sunderlund stated he is in the
process of acquiring a group A from the state. The plan requires substantially
more documentation because the laws have changed.
Commissioner DeTro opened to the public, seeing no public
he opened up to the board. The board reviewed the documentation.
Motion Ordinance 2018-15 McKinney PD Minor
Modification Development Agreement
Commissioner Hover moved to approve Ordinance 2018-15
adopting a modification to the McKinney Ridge PD development agreement. Motion
was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
To Follow Update – Planning – Perry Huston
Public present: Emily Sisson, Jon Wyss, and Chris Erlandsen
Director Huston explained some postage challenges with
regards to Pitney Bowes and securing a service agreement. He wanted to discuss
but will skip it today, so that will be discussed another time.
WRIA 49
Director Huston stated the WRIA 49 membership request poses
some challenges. The revised membership list and it was handed out. The group’s
list section was revised since the last discussion. Director Huston explained
Organizations selected by entity were the folks he added. The Water Rights
Holders-Private membership section was discussed.
The commissioners reviewed the Technical Advisory Advisors
membership. Commissioner Branch proposed to remove the Osoyoos Lake Water
Quality Society-British Columbia. They were tasked with water quality on the
lake. It was suggested that some listed be asked whether or not they wish to sit
on the planning unit membership. It was suggested to add Okanagan Water Board
(Canada).
The commissioners are charged with sending in the work
product as initiating government. It is the commissioners’ decision as
initiating government to send the projections, project lists, and legations if
it wishes in consultation with the workgroup.
Commissioners discussed the Interests Groups section that
commissioners appoint. Director Huston stated he is getting various levels of
interest from the cities as municipal water right holders. Director Huston will
continue to solicit and email those interested the provide feedback to the
board.
Voluntary Stewardship Program
Director Huston stated Mr. Nelson, with the Okanogan
Conservation District, provided him some info on projected costs. Director
Huston said he is going through the Planning budget, not including salary and
benefits. An addendum for the contract and implementation will be drafted and
submitted later for consideration.
OCC 16 Subdivision
An amended draft was provided to the board for reviewed. It
would in WRIA 48 closed basins they would be required to submit with application
materials letter from DOE giving permission to drill the well with info on why,
statement they can use the well for the purpose and conditioned on subsequent
review that the proposed well is not in hydraulic continuity. If the
commissioners are interested in pursuing that discussion then it can be adopted
as interim control and set the public hearing. He isn’t sure what danger lies
ahead in terms of vesting.
Motion Tonasket EMS District
Commissioner Hover moved to adjourn as the BOCC and
reconvene as the Tonasket EMS District. Motion was seconded all were in favor,
motion carried.
Commissioner Branch moved to approve the Voucher
certification and authorize the Tonasket EMS District vouchers to be paid in the
amount of $21,700. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
Commissioner Branch moved to adjourn as the Tonasket EMS
and Reconvene as the BOCC Motion was seconded all were in favor, motion carried.
Lake Management District #1
Director Huston said he is working with treasurer to
certify the roles. There is one more public hearing needed and info needed for
the notice. The commissioners will sit as the equalization board as the statute
is written around that we provide a public hearing on the charges provides
opportunity to for testimony for or against the charges. Commissioner Branch
asked if this is a onetime hearing, yes. That hearing will be scheduled sometime
in December.
Champerty Shores Sewer Extension
Director Huston provided some proposed engineer estimate of
costs for the upgrades. It shows a description of work and materials in the
amount of $472,200. He relayed coordination efforts that were requested with the
city of Oroville. Director Huston is scheduled to meet with the City of Oroville
and will propose the consultation with Oroville. There are some costs not
identified on the engineers estimate.
Director Huston discussed a draft proposed resolution
reconstituting the Parks and Recreation board. The resolution reorganizes it
with oversite of the trails. Timing is whatever the commissioners want it to be.
The two north end trails, and some other things that would fall under the group.
He suggested the board will look at the mission statement and purpose.
Comp Plan
Director Huston discussed the three alternatives created
using mid-range projections. He tried to make them as distinctive as possible.
The commissioners received the draft and maps. He read from the draft plan
projected on the screen the language from the three alternatives.
Brief
Commissioner Hover explained a request for support letter
from Methow Valley Back Country Horsemen for a NOVA Development grant phase II
of the north summit horse campground. The deadline is October 31, 2018.
Commissioner Hover asked the Clerk of the Board to draft a letter of support for
commissioners’ consideration.
Executive Session – RCW 42.30.110 – Tanya Craig
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session at
3:10 p.m. for 45 minutes inviting Ben Rough and Tanya Craig to receive and
evaluate complaints or charges brought against a public officer or employee.
Commissioner Branch stated upon receiving a request of such officer or employee,
a public hearing or a meeting open to the public shall be conducted upon such
complaint or charge. No request was given for the meeting to be conducted via
open meeting. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
Executive session ended at 3:55 p.m. no decisions were
made.
Budget Work Session- Coroner – Dave Rodriguez
Coroner Rodriguez provided a snap shot of his budget. He
explained some amenities that have been working out great. There is no need for
anyone to wait for the funeral home to take someone. He can transport to
Wenatchee now but only after consulting the funeral homes. Commissioner Hover
asked about revenue that can be generated. Coroner Rodriguez explained what
options there are for generating revenue and what we are dealing with.
Commissioners believe he has done a great job juggling the challenges.
Commissioner Hover asked why transport costs are less.
There were some line items rolled up into other lines. He is not confident his
fuel line will be sufficient.
Coroner Rodriguez explained he had to purchase some
equipment for his transport truck, but he has come in under budget. Each autopsy
is around $2,000 and he budgeted for 12 and he would go no less than that. There
will still be some costs associated with special situations. There are also
things he may need to be covered for but the cost is not known at this time. He
hasn’t been taking much time off so the line item where coverage would be paid
has not been used much. He would like to be able to take vacation so that line
should have funds.
The board adjourned at 4:40 p.m.