RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OKANOGAN COUNTY

AUGUST 5, 2020


The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 123 5th Avenue North, Okanogan, Washington on August 5, 2020, with Chairman, Commissioner Jim DeTro; Vice Chairman, Commissioner Chris Branch; and Laleña Johns, Clerk of the Board, present. Member, Commissioner Andy via zoom,

Discussion and Approval COVID Surge Proclamation
Commissioners convened the board at 2:30 PM. The draft Proclamation was provided via screen share and was discussed by the commissioners. Commissioner Hover thought section 1 should include specific health care official concerns as expressed to the commissioners. Commissioner Branch said he thought about adding that but he wanted to keep the Proclamation on one page and to the point.

Commissioner Hover asked if Proclamations received a number like resolutions and ordinances. The Clerk of the Board responded that they are referred to by date signed and purpose.

Member of the public, Patti Cofield, via zoom, commented that commissioners were approaching the Proclamation the wrong way and suggested language noting that people in Okanogan County are “Okanogan Strong” and when called together to help each they can beat the common foe if they all do their part. An example of Okanogan Strong was shown during the 2014 and 2015 fires.

Commissioner Branch explained the message was straight forward in a simple way and directly spoke to the public from the County Commissioners. He said the Commissioners plan to continue the message after this through other means and news releases. But this was their message to continue those conversations.

Commissioner DeTro suggested adding to his quote that if people are mask compromised that they use curb-side pick-up services. The Clerk added the suggestion.

Motion
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the Proclamation to implement greater safety measures. Motion was seconded Discussion to reformat the document for signature. All were in favor, motion carried.

Motion
Commissioner Hover moved to direct the Clerk of the Board to format the document to prepare it for signature and once signed to send to all media outlets today. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.

Commissioners briefly discussed voter turnout being right about 60% for the Primary.
Commissioner Branch stated the Forest Collaborative meeting is moving along the amicus brief and discussed a news release going out about that by the group.

The board adjourned at 2:43 p.m.