RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OKANOGAN COUNTY

SEPTEMBER 4, 2018

The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met for its regular session on September 4, 2018, with Commissioner Jim DeTro, Chairman, Commissioner Chris Branch Vice-Chairman; Commissioner Andy Hover, Member and Laleña Johns, Clerk of the Board, present.

George Thornton member of the public taking hand written notes.

Commissioners’ Staff Meeting
Stella Columbia, Joe Poulin, Perry Huston

Ms. Columbia asked when the county began advertising the RV camp ground at the fairgrounds. The Clerk of the Board believed it wasn’t advertised until Maurice Goodall took over the grounds. Ms. Columbia stated there was a Show Works hiccup that will create challenges, but Eric Fritts believes it can be handled. The board discussed the Thursday school fair day and how the school chaperone tickets would be handled. Students get in free that day as part of their school field trip. Ms. Columbia noted that the Yaksic cleaning company will have a four wheeler they will use for contracted bathroom cleaning work. Ms. Columbia stated she does not yet have time to complete the LTAC applications for fairgrounds capital improvements and marketing and promotion applications for 2019 funding. She said she would try and complete by the end of the day and submit. Commissioners DeTro and Hover commended her about how things are being handled at the fairgrounds. They have received no complaints and that means staff must be doing a good job.

Mr. Poulin updated the board on maintenance of the county complex. He noted one of the two compressors to be replaced on the fairgrounds Annex cannot be replaced. One will be replaced and the other to be replaced at another time.

Director Huston followed up on the Similkameen trail issue apparently Jerri Timm is sliding into that spot and she asked that it be pushed off until the beginning of the year. Jurisdiction determination may still be needed. Director. Huston will follow up on that.

Director Huston gave his staff report where he discussed the latest environmental reviews he has performed for the various code updates his is charged with including water code.

Director Huston stated an application for 68 acre pit was received. He requested additional info from the applicant on the site scope. Another comment period will happen on the project.

Commissioner Branch brought up an issue that he was recently made aware of in his district noting a recent newspaper article that also addressed the issue. Coulee Dam is moving forward with the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility. Elmer City’s wastewater utilizes the Coulee Dam wastewater for its treatment via a lift station that is apparently located within County Right of Way. Apparently, there is concern that the lift station will not function properly due to the change in location of the Coulee Dam facility. He asked Public Works staff to research the location and franchise history finding that there are some franchised utility pipes in the County ROW but a franchise for the lift station does not appear to exist. Commissioner Branch was concerned regarding County liability and suggesting the County reach out to Elmer City on the matter. If funding were an issue we may be of some help in finding a funding source. He understood that Coulee Dam had proposed to include the lift station in their financing strategy but could not come to an agreement with Elmer City. Director Huston will make contacts for further information.

Update–Human Resources/Risk Management–Tanya Craig and/or Debi Hilts
Ms. Craig explained she will review the building inspection contracts that she received from Pateros, Riverside, and Brewster. Ms. Craig stated one item was previously discussed by the board with Mr. Gecas, was not included in the contracts. It doesn’t address the motor vehicle insurance requirement as the county does not provide vehicle insurance. She can call the city to have them strike out that language in keeping with the property damage policy. She cannot sign the contract with that language included. Either make the change now or amend it later.

The city of Brewster would like to come to the table to discuss the cities Criminal Justice Billings. The meeting will be set up so Police Chief Carriker and Commissioner Branch can discuss the ideas. Other city administrators may also be interested in discussing the cost sharing.

Ms. Craig reported that some more Jail bunk beds were ordered to address some safety issues in the jail. Five bunks are going in A-Tank and five are going in B-Tank, but maintenance has not had time to assemble and install them yet. Commissioner Branch stated noted that recently he met with staff at the jail and discussed challenges in separation of inmates and recognized the need for space. He reported that this contact was to prepare for a meeting he later attended the North Central Community Partnership for Transition Solutions.

Ms. Craig explained there were pamphlets at Lost Lake from the Audubon society, she thought the commissioners would find them interesting.

Ms. Craig asked if the board expected her to sit at the fair and help Eric Fritts count checks and other things over the weekend. Commissioner Hover asked her to create a list of tasks she is involved with. She said she could do that.

The county organizational charts were discussed. She asked what the board would like to do with those. Commissioner Branch replied he would like further discussion about the organizational charts and what individual actually do in various positions. Ms. Craig also thought a discussion about the county’s marijuana policy should occur to discuss whether it should be strengthened. Yakama County looks at it in terms of federal funding and how their policy would affect their ability to apply for federal funding.

Motion Closed Session RCW 42.30.140 (4)(b)
Commissioner Hover moved to go into Closed Session at 10:45 a.m. for 10 minutes to discuss with Tanya Craig Union negotiations which may include contract negotiations, grievance meetings, or strategies the governing body may take during the course of negotiations or proceedings. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.

Closed session ended at 10:55 a.m. no decisions were made.

Motion Executive Session RCW 42.10.130 (1)(b)
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session at 11:05 for 10 minutes inviting Josh Thomson and Ben Rough to discuss the minimum price at which real estate will be offered for sale or lease when the public knowledge would cause a likelihood of increased price. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.

Executive session ended at 11:15 a.m. no decisions were made.

Update – Public Works – Josh Thomson & Ben Rough

Ben Rough provided his agenda and discussed the items listed there.

Open Positions
Part time finance tech position was discussed. The union contract says the county will pay for medical insurance to all union employees so the cost of the .5 FTE would be very high with take home pay being around $500. If bumped up to .75 the cost would be reduce.

Mr. Rough discussed the rest of the current open positions within Public Works.

Apple Maggot Status
The meeting last week was productive and gave the chance for everyone to get on the same page. There were some things left without answers. A lengthy discussion happened about what constitutes home grown fruit and what will be accepted or not. Waste Wise will need to modify their routes for these types of food waste. It is a real burden to implement the rules Dept. or Ag. Definitive timeline and order will be needed with a one month implementation schedule. Mid October is when it is expected to be signed. Hauling the waste out of the county may be the most affordable disposal option.

Commissioner Hover asked if we looked into a digester for disposal. He explained how it is used.

SWMP Process Update
Mr. Rough discussed the comment period and what will follow prior to commissioners’ adoption of it if comments are received.

Adding to the previous discussion, Commissioner Branch encouraged solid waste to look into the digester or similar options.

Landfill Leachate Pond Update
There are three leachate ponds with one completely empty and another one that is almost empty. The third pond is really shallow and evaporation is happening quickly. The first time the liner has actually been cleaned.

Engineer Thomson provided his agenda and discussed the items listed there.

Engineer Thomson is addressing the burned area road issues in District #2. Commissioner Hover stated many of those roads are forest service roads. He isn’t sure if an agreement with Forest Service is needed for those affected areas where the county road and forest service roads are going to be an issue.

Engineer Thomson stated an agreement was being worked on but FS ran out of money and stopped contract negotiations. Commissioner Hover replied he would have a conversation with Forest Service.

Buffalo Lake
Buffalo Lake may be about a month out.

Peter Dan
Still working with traffic control with about a 15 minute delay scheduled.

Hwy 7 Tonasket Bridge S
Paving repair tomorrow where irrigation line came through. They will wait till irrigation is turned off before completing.

Guardrail project schedule was discussed.

Commissioner Branch reported that he would not did not return after lunch due to attending a meeting with the PUD on the Enloe Dam project to inquire regarding the schedule for the project, and the financial impacts to the ratepayers including Okanogan County.

Citizen Comment Period
George Zittel asked about the marijuana operations code draft and whether it had been adopted. Commissioner DeTro stated it was remanded back to Planning Commission to address the concerns the board learned about during the public hearing. Mr. Zittel asked if a buffer was being concerned, the board said yes. Is it more than 25 feet? Commissioner Hover asked what the interpretation of a buffer was. Mr. Zittel stated it had to do with odor either it is grown in doors with little or no odor but when grown outdoors there should be a buffer or a distance between residential properties. Place the operations in agricultural areas away from residents. A 25 foot buffer is not enough and hopes the commissioners will address this concern. Commissioner DeTro stated the advisory committee is only to advise, the commissioners are not required to adopt the committee’s recommendation. The advisory committee was told their decisions would be considered. The majority of the people want to see some kind of buffer of some kind. What matters most is how it can be here and work in harmony as much as possible.

Commissioners discussed how to establish a buffer for the various areas with different zoning etc….

Maurice Goodall informed the commissioners about an emergency exercise the commissioners will be notified of. It is only partial engagement with the other agencies, but he is going along with it as there are earthquake predictions and he wants to practice.

Discussion – Sales Tax Fund 160 – Dennis Rabidou
Sabrena Smith

Mr. Rabidou thanked the commissioners for their time. He wanted to clarify on the process for use of the Sales Tax fund 160.

He is getting quotes for a project and needs to know how the funds can be utilize. Was it budgeted for this year? There are projects for detention center when the sewer leaked in and ruined the carpet. There are other projects that need to be addressed such as the outdoor stairs. Commissioner Hover explained what the budget was based on and he wants to be sure he can pay back current expense and next year have the full amount to use with 50% perhaps being budgeted for the stairs etc.… projects. This year sales tax is uncertain and he hasn’t seen the amount coming in or going out. $118,000 over the last two months, Ms. Smith stated. She has paid back $50,000 so far for the vehicle. Commissioner Hover explained Jail medical expenses were budgeted for. Mr. Rabidou said he is just here to receive direction for processing bills he has.

Joe Poulin was contacted via telephone conference to discuss Juvenile Detention quote for carpet. Commissioners directed him to proceed with getting the carpet fixed. Mr. Poulin wasn’t sure how that was to be approached. The project is a maintenance project and would be handled like other projects. Mr. Poulin will need from Mr. Rabidou the budgetary maintenance portion for projects so he knows from the beginning what the department is planning to do. Mr. Rabidou asked the board to discuss the work to be done with Mr. Poulin.

Discussed was how to bill fund 160 for current expense maintenance costs of the Juvenile Detention and Jail. Commissioner Hover stated he only budgeted for Jail medical costs not for Jail maintenance costs.

Approve Consent Agenda
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda items excluding item #1, Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.

1.Commissioners Proceedings Aug 27 & 28, 2018
2.Special Occasion Liquor License #353657–Revised Date–Oct 6 Tonasket Comancheros Rodeo Grounds – Montanye
3.Contract – 2018 County Fair – Parking Attendants – Oroville High School - $2,500
4.Contract – 2018 County Fair – Beef Judge – Clint Sexson - $960
5.Final Prospectuses –Old 97 R3 Loomis-Oroville Rd Project & Salmon Cr Drainage Project-PW

Motion - Voucher Approval - Commissioners
Vouchers certified and audited by the Auditing Officer as required by RCW 42.24.080 and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090 have been recorded on a list, and made available to the Board. As of this date, the Board did vote, by unanimous vote of those present, to approve the regular vouchers in the amount of $430,588.55 and Payroll vouchers in the amount of $1,062,610.59. Warrant numbers as cited on the attached blanket voucher list. Motion seconded and carried.

Motion Public Health Voucher
Commissioner moved to approve the Public Health Vouchers in the amount of $47,015.10. Warrant numbers as cited on the attached blanket voucher list. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.

Motion 2018 Fair Vouchers Approval
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the vouchers and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090 have been recorded on a list, and made available to the Board. As of this date, the Board did vote, by unanimous vote, to approve the County Fair warrants in the amount of $58,700. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.

Motion 2018 Fair Vouchers Approval
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the 2018 Fair contract with Herriman for porta pottys and hand washing stations in the amount of $2,000 and authorized the Chairman to sign. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.

Motion 2018 Fair Vouchers Approval
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the 2018 Fair contract with Carol Sivak for Horse Racing purse money in the amount of $10,000 and authorized the Chairman to sign. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.

Motion 2018 Fair Vouchers Approval
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the 2018 Fair contract with Howell Stage and Studio Productions in the amount of $1,800 and authorized the Chairman to sign. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.

Motion 2018 Fair Vouchers Approval
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the 2018 Fair contract with Amanda Yaksic for providing cleaning services for fairgrounds bathrooms in the amount of $3,000 and authorized the Chairman to sign. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.

Motion 2019 Fair Warrants
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the vouchers and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090 have been recorded on a list, and made available to the Board. As of this date, the Board did vote, by unanimous vote, to approve the County Fair warrants in the amount of $4112.03. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.

The Clerk of the Board discussed correspondence received from Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition requesting letters of support for grant applications to WSDAOT for funding 7/2019 through 6/2023. The three letters of support would be for: Demand Response door to door service, Commuter Routes, and Fleet Replacement. Commissioner DeTro did not wish to support the grant applications at this time because he feels the transportation tax that was voted on should actually be used to help provide funding for these services, since OCTN was providing the transportation service before the 4/10th of 1% sales tax was voted in.

The board adjourned at 5:00 p.m.