RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OKANOGAN COUNTY
JANUARY 14, 2020
The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular
session at 123 5th Avenue North, Okanogan, Washington on January , 2020, with
Chairman, Commissioner Jim DeTro; Vice Chairman, Commissioner Chris Branch;
Member, Commissioner Andy Hover and Laleña Johns, Clerk of the Board, present.
9:00 a.m. Because there is no public comment period, George
Thornton commented now that an individual who has been arrested several times,
had a psych evaluation and just keeps being arrested and released back into the
county. He gets right back into the routine and commits the same crimes over and
over and over again. Mr. Thornton felt the reason is due to the current
prosecutor. David Gecas said AOC is where complaints of this nature can be
submitted. AOC then investigates the situation and with this particular
individual appearing to be a mental health issue it could be resolved sooner
rather than later.
Commissioners’ Staff Meeting
David Gecas, Joe Poulin, Dan Higbee
David Gecas explained interviews are happening among the
cities for building officials. The only changes to the agreements was the dates,
instead of recording with the auditor, it can instead be posted online on our
website. He worked on public records requests. He discussed that what we are
doing is consistent with the law in terms of the charges departments make for
the copies.
Commissioner DeTro stated he talked with Senator Shelley
Short last night and she said she would look into the wolf situation and he
discussed the marijuana issues.
Commissioner Branch brought up the issue of emerging issues
affecting short subdivision guidance to applicants especially in the Methow. A
process to address ongoing and evolving understanding of our own subdivision
rules needs to be established in these uncertain times especially where
departure of the previous planning director left such a gap in regard to
interpretation of the code. Most of this is relative to water availability. He
warned that we should be ensuring that the planning department has clear
policies in place where administrative authority is in the hands of the director
and interim director. He also stressed that an understanding of our own process
as set forth in code in necessary to determine if the public is being served in
a predictable manner. Code amendments may be necessary in the short term.
Commissioner Branch asked if the board understood his concerns.
Joe Poulin said Daniel Haven was hired to fill the
custodian position vacancy. He is still working on obtaining quotes for a sand
filter for the fairgrounds water system.
Cost estimates were provided for a part-time permanent
custodian and the cost would be $23,758 with medical and $19,231 if they waive
medical. He has someone in mind.
The heating and cooling system for the jail was discussed
as there was a failed compressor and heat exchanger. The quote included two
options, one with prevailing wage and the other at regular wage. Mr. Poulin
explained what he thought the issue was versus what Salcido said it was. It is a
new system and already
Dan Higbee explained he has four trucks, with one being
surplussed. One is brand new the other is a 2004 pickup truck with 200,000 plus
miles on it and the other is a 2007 pickup truck with about 184,000 miles on it.
He isn’t sure which he would surplus.
Motion Authorizing Building Dept. to Obtain bids
Commissioner Hover moved to authorize the building official
to go out for bids on a new vehicle to replace one of the aging trucks. Motion
was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
The rent for the Hancock Building was discussed at $0.59
per square foot for the professional space. The county would pay Water, Sewer,
and Garbage. The county would charge $0.30 per sq. foot for storage space which
would be about 750 sq. feet. Commissioner Branch has been working with Aging and
Adult care to relocate their office space since they had been exploring other
options to satisfy their current needs in Omak while resources for the agency
begin to dwindle. Commissioners are looking to rent the building rather than it
just sitting. It does have fiber to the building. This group provides services
to the aging population, this space would allow more funding to go to the needs
of the elderly rather than rent. Commissioners believe that $0.59 per sq. foot
is a fair rate for the upper floor. It doesn’t look like Aging and Adult care
can relocate until June.
Motion Direct Clerk of the Board to Draft
Resolution to Amend Resolution 144-2017
Commissioner Hover moved to direct the Clerk of the Board
to amend the building rent fee schedule to include the rent for the Hancock
building at $0.59 per square foot for the professional space and $0.30 per
square foot for the storage space in the basement. Commissioners discussed why
the rate is different from the Public Works building rent, and it was because
the Hancock building is a stand-alone building rather than a space within a
bigger building like Public Works. Motion was seconded, all were in favor,
motion carried.
We need to amend the rent fee schedule to include the
Hancock building.
Update - Human Resources / Risk Management - Tanya
Craig
A preconstruction meeting with Halme Construction is
scheduled this week. The contractor paperwork is all in order. Commissioner
Branch asked about the contract that was signed and whether we went out for
architect services at that time or whether we already had quotes on file. Ms.
Craig said she isn’t sure as she inherited the project from previous Planning
Director. IF we did not we should for general architect services for the year.
Commissioner Hover said Public Works may have already published for the annual
needs for architect services. Ms. Craig will look into it and get back with the
board.
New hires for Planning Director and Fairgrounds Coordinator
positions were discussed with finalized offer letters, setting the start date
etc… would be drafted for commissioners’ approval.
Every year OPD provides “grant” funds for some of the
public defense costs. The amount for 2020 is $52,274. Commissioner Hover thought
a serious business discussion should happen as the funds hardly cover anything.
Ms. Craig said a bill is to be considered in 2020 session regarding this matter.
Commissioner Branch asked why someone would keep being
released from jail even when there are available beds, after committing and
being charged with the same crimes over and over again. He said this issue came
to his attention at the OCOG meeting. He thought when a conversation/meeting
happens to discuss jail fees with the Cities that we include the prosecutor and
other in the system.
Commissioner Branch moved to direct Ms. Craig to schedule a
meeting with the stakeholders regarding jail fees and services. Motion was
seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
Memorialize the selection of the company to upgrade our
website. The vendor wishes to contract now, with payment due April 30 so the
work can begin now and we pay later.
Commissioner Hover read from RCW 39.04.270 which requires a
notice to be published. Commissioner Hover asked that correct procedures be done
to secure the bids.
Motion Closed Session Union Negotiation Sheriff’s
Guild RCW 42.30.110(4)(b)
Commissioner Hover moved to go into closed session at 10:20
a.m. for 5 minutes inviting Tanya Craig to discuss Union Negotiations. Motion
was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
Update – County Auditor, Cari Hall
Jamie Groomes
Auditor Hall updated the board on items she is assisting
departments with. The budget is good with payroll manually updating the changes
due to the recent LOA’s. Budget adjustments are to come out of contingency
reserves. Auditor Hall doesn’t want to forget so sometime in February the
adjustments will be calculated.
Recording is going well, with no new bills introduced this
year. The auditors across the state want to see uniformity across the state
among the auditors. We tend to follow Spokane’s lead as we have the same
software.
A customer came to the county’s Department of Licensing who
was upset that her manufactured home that was set on someone else’s property,
but she was not happy with the county’s response. The customer continues to be
unhappy with the process and information relayed. Auditor Hall did not want the
commissioners blindsided.
Elections is the big topic this year with multiple bills
being reintroduced. Auditor Hall explained ballot box legislation that includes
the election date. The other one is about 17 year olds being allowed to vote.
She has no concerns with it. She will keep the board informed. The other thing
is right choice voting which requires ranking of candidates which then goes
forward. There is only one vendor in the state who can make the change. Willing
to do it, but with a complete system overhaul the auditors in the state are
pushing for the funding to do this. She isn’t sure what the purpose is behind
the right choice voting. The cost involved appears to be an unfunded mandate.
There is another 13 bills coming down on top of these.
Commissioner Hover said it appeared Elections revenue went
way down, did something happen? Ms. Hall isn’t sure why, she looked at it, but
thinks it was just that revenue was down with high budget projections that could
not be met.
The staffing levels were discussed. One elections new hire
does sit on the city council of Bridgeport in another county, but after
consulting with David Gecas it doesn’t appear to cause a problem.
Security concerns were discussed as daily emails are
received regarding safety during the election. We have to be open until 8:00
p.m. she is requesting some security during the presidential primary and
election night. She is willing to discuss the needs with the Sheriff, and she is
willing to pay the overtime of whomever provides. Commissioner Branch suggested
a written request. A meeting among those involved to ensure everyone is on the
same page would be good. She will make the arrangement for the meeting.
Ms. Groomes gave her elections update. We are two school
districts short of having an election. Primary ballots are being proofed right
now to be mailed out the 24th of January.
Fire District #10 did not get the 60% signatures needed to
do away with an election for annexation. She spoke to Virgil Newton about the
issue, but he was out of county. A parcel may have been included that should not
have been that could be recalculated. The assessor’s office creates a list of
the parcel numbers which the auditor checks. She has been working with the
district and David Gecas to provide the needed assistance to the district.
If anyone wants to come observe the elections process this
year, the presidential process is very exciting and different. Observer rules
would need to be signed by anyone wishing to observe. No longer allow people in
the vault while scanning the ballots, can no longer have a cell phone in the
elections room, but the more people who know the process the better
understanding they will have about the process.
Update - Public Works – Engineer Josh Thompson
Maintenance and Road Conditions
Engineer Thomson said the snow drifting due to the wind has
been a challenge.
Windows Invoice
Commissioners discussed paying the invoice from Capital
Improvements fund 134. A BARS for public works would be needed and a subsequent
budget supplemental. Commissioners discussed update of the capital improvement
plan to incorporate. The project was added to the draft plan that previous
Planning Director Huston had written, but he left county employment prior to the
plan being adopted. The Clerk of the Board is working to reconcile the plan for
adoption.
Johnson Creek CCT Proposed Culvert Project
Engineer Thomson explained the CCT has secured fish passage
funding to replace the county culvert carrying Johnson Creek under Green acres
road. He explained the three alternatives originally developed. The one selected
was the one with a 20’ wide concrete box. He said it looked reasonable to him
although he had questions about maintainability that he would ask.
Commissioner Hover discussed net ecological benefit.
Commissioner Hover said Trout Unlimited and the Tribes are involved. There are
conditions and mitigations, but it depends on what the project looks like. He
said the net ecological benefit is a nebulous, if BPA were paying for the entire
project because they get all the mitigation credits then we may not be able to
receive the net ecological benefit.
Miller Pit
Engineer Thomson explained the conditions proposed were
discussed with MRSC and David Gecas. There were concerns relayed about the BOCC
putting conditions on the pit proposal on something the Hearings Examiner is
responsible to do. Commissioner Branch noted that a tangible Conditional Use
Permit should be issued based on the conditions of imposed by the Examiner.
Added commitments should be addressed as the Resolution of the BOCC.
Statler Bridge Replacement
Engineer Thomson said they will run out of working days
February 28, but additional work to complete will be a couple weeks beyond. They
are building a good bridge but timing has become critical.
2020 Budget
Ending fund balance in Road Fund was much higher carryover
than what was budgeted it was around $1.3 million more.
The purchasing policy draft was sent out. Does Public Works
have a list of architects it has run RFQs for anything. Publishing the county’s
needs for architect services annually was discussed. Engineer Thomson said he
has to be specific when federal dollars are used and we are not allowed to use a
general architect that we secure annually we need to bid specifically for the
particular service. Commissioner Branch acknowledged the situation for grant
funding but suggested that periodic RGQs for the BOCC architectural consulting
needs to be done.
Engineer Thomson contacted MRSC and others to see what
their purchasing policy includes in terms of purchases during emergencies and
declaring an emergency. Some response were received, but some have a purchasing
department. Further discussion included whether or not the Public Works Engineer
can declare an emergency. Engineer Thomson relayed who in those other counties
have been designated who can declare an emergency. Commissioners relayed they
would like the Sheriff as the number one after not being able to contact the
BOCC. He read the order of who would be authorized to declare. Commissioner
Branch would like the Sheriff and Emergency Manager to be consulted with on this
protocol.
Purchasing authority was discussed and the limits that
should be covered. He wasn’t sure if language should be included in the
emergency section or not. Commissioner Branch thought the emergency plan might
also articulate protocol.
Commissioner Hover thought the county engineer should be
authorized to spend during emergencies as much as what was budgeted.
Commissioner Branch agreed as it is important to be able to address the
emergency as expeditiously as possible.
Commissioner Hover relayed a concern about three fatalities
that happened over the years on Goat Creek Road. He relayed where there is a
portion of the road that drops off without a guardrail. He asked if Engineer
Thomson would check out that section of road.
George Thornton commented on Fancher Dam as an example,
that should it collapse one day, it would create a major emergency and raise a
big bill. The tribe is looking at several lakes and their dams.
Board of Health Meeting – 1234 S 2nd Ave, Okanogan
Commissioners’ attended the public health meeting. The BOCC
returned at 3:00 p.m.
George Thornton, member of the public, returned to take
hand written notes for Okanogan Watch Group.
Discussion – Wildlife Populations Data – WDFW – Jim
Brown, Regional Director
Scott Fitkin, Wildlife Biologist, Kit Arbuckle
Motion Authorize Letter to WDFW Regional
Director-Jim Brown
Commissioner Hover moved to approve a letter to Jim Brown
regarding Okanogan County’s stance on land acquisitions. Motion was seconded,
all were in favor, motion carried.
WDFW Regional Director Jim Brown stated this meeting was
set to go over the wildlife population data of WDFW for Okanogan County.
Mr. Brown received a letter from the Republican Party Chair
Christa (Teagan) Levine, via Mr. Arbuckle that had several questions posed to
Mr. Brown. (attached)
Mr. Brown noted the wolf status and close to recovery if it
happened only in the Eastern zone. They are trying to get their arms around
uniform distribution in all three recover zones. North of I-90 there is a
distribution occurring through this area but not southwest of the state. The new
annual report will be coming out the end of March with the latest count data.
Mr. Brown Data on depredations on deer moose, and elk due
to wolves. There is a study right now on that with some data sets, but nothing
that can be used right now. In this area he is seeing large numbers of deer such
as there was before the fires. He has seen the numbers coming back.
Scott Fitkin provided a wildlife status presentation. The
presentation showed the results of Mule Deer monitoring and status of Okanogan
County as the commissioners had indicated interest in this data.
Western two thirds of Okanogan is the focus of this meeting
as the Eastern side is difficult to obtain info from. Mr. Fitkin showed the
presentation slides and provided an overview of population influences. The
primary driver for deer population fluctuations is habitat, habitat quality, and
weather. Fire affects the habitat quality and is a big factor. There are also
secondary drivers such as predation, roadkill, disease/parasites which often
affects the trend of recovery. He had no example of an area here where this is
happening here specifically.
We have high quality summer range for deer, so the typical
scenario is that Okanogan County has many fawns. But we also have moderate
winter fawn mortality. When we have a tough winter it seems to affect the fawns
most over the adult population.
We do post aerials classification surveys which identify
buck; doe, fawn; doe ratios to give him an idea of the population for the year.
He explained the mule deer population’s formula which determines the trend.
140-160 spring fawns per 100 does at ~ 50/50 sex ratio
~50% summer mortality
=76 fawns on Dec 1
=38 female fawns
~50% winter mortality
=19 female fawns Apr 15
~15 =avg annual doe mortality
19-15=4 added females per 100 does annually
Modest annual growth on avg.
Variable average with a slow growth curve. Mr. Fitkin
showed a post fire season graph from 2010 through 2019 to show the post season
fawns per 100 does. Summer forage is a big factor to having many twin fawns. The
graph showed a big dip in mortality during the 2014/2015 fire seasons but then
after 2016/2017 showed a higher trend. Winter range takes longer to recover than
summer range, so patience is required while those winter shrubs recover.
Mr. Brown explained that surveys are done to find out what
people want.
Mr. Fitkin discussed harvest management
Healthy well distributed deer
Sustainable harvest
Watchable wildlife opportunities
Maximize hunter opportunity
General season, over the counter tags
Some area/season managed for quality
Adequate buck escapement-15 buck per100 does ratio
Efficient Breeding
Better hunting experience
Viewing opportunities
Relatively stable buck numbers.
Having enough bucks around to breed efficiently was
discussed. Hunters like seeing bucks in the field so the ratio of 15:100 allows
for them to be seen. They don’t want to see big swings in the buck numbers but
they do want a decent hunting season. Buck escapement data was discussed. He
thinks they are able to sustain the numbers.
10-year harvest data was provided. GMUs 203, 209-242.
The numbers harvested in 2014 and 2015 showed a big spike
in deer harvested, but he doesn’t think the fire played into the numbers being
harvested during that time frame. We will see more deer on the landscape. For
deer managers it is really hard to count all the deer. Mr. Fitkin explained how
deer census is calculated. He discussed the variables. In addition to sampling
and extrapolating they have to have an estimate of what is missing. Depending on
where you are at, deer will be more or less visible for taking accurate
estimates.
Mr. Fitkin went over the population model that was created
to show population abundance estimates which showed polygons where populations
were identified then they are flown over and the lines indicate the flight path.
Sight ability surveys pros and cons were reviewed. Helicopter charges are about
$1000 per hour and is one of the most dangerous ways to detect trends.
Experienced consistent observers are required.
Sightability model was discussed. The collared data is
really important to being able to survey populations. The deer you don’t see
help build the model. It is difficult to do in real time and pushes the team to
its limits to do this.
Motion Resolution 9-2020 Amending Jr Taxing
District Levy Resolution
Commissioner Hover moved to approve resolution 9-2020 an
amendment to resolution 161-2019 to adopt corrected 2020 taxing district levy
amounts of the town of riverside and Fire District #7. Motion was seconded, all
were in favor, motion carried.
Motion Conditional Employment Letter-Peasley
Commissioner Branch moved to approve the Final Fairgrounds
Event Coordinator position conditional offer letter to Naomie Peasley. Motion
was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried. Ms. Craig explained she will
meet with HR, but how would the board wish to proceed in relaying what has been
going on over at the fairgrounds. Kelly Ross
Motion Notice to Proceed-Halme Builders
Commissioner Branch moved to approve the notice to proceed
to Halme Builders for the work to commence on the Jail M-tank ceiling project
and authorize the chairman to sign. Motion was seconded, all were in favor,
motion carried.
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, to approve
the regular vouchers in the amount of $294,077.33. Warrant numbers as cited on
the attached blanket voucher list. Motion seconded and carried.
Motion Public Health Voucher
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the Public Health
Vouchers including payroll in the amount of $554.56. Warrant numbers as cited on
the attached blanket voucher list. Motion was seconded, all were in favor,
motion carried.
Approve Commissioners’ Proceedings – December 30 &
31, 2019 and January 6 & 7, 2020
Commissioner Hover moved to approve all four dates.
Motion died for lack of second and all were opposed.
Approve Consent Agenda
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda
items 1-16, motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
1. Appointment – Steve Kirkhue to Serve on the Snowmobile
Advisory Board
2. Appointment – Adam Osin to Serve on the Snowmobile
Advisory Board
3. Appointment – Bob Adams to Serve on the Snowmobile
Advisory Board
4. Re-Appointment – Mike Olmstead - to Serve on the
Snowmobile Advisory Board
5. CDBG Public Services Grant Request #6 December 2019 -
$2058.75
6. Fairground Facility Use Rental Contract – Northwest
Wholesale Growers Meeting
7. Fairground Facility Use Rental Contract – Corey McCrarey
Wedding
8. Acknowledgment of Receipt – 2019 Refunds Made to
Taxpayers
9. Cattle Guard Franchise Renewals – Various, See Agenda
Bill for Names and Guard #’s
10. Public Works Request to Purchase – Volvo Tandem Axle
Dump Truck
11. Resolution 3-2020 – 2020 Road Restrictions
12. Resolution 4-2020 – 2019 Speed and Striping Study
13. Resolution 5-2020 – 2019 Countywide Guardrail
Installation
14. Resolution 6-2020 – Personal Vehicle Mileage Rate set
at $0.575
15. Resolution 7-2020 Staff Writer Appreciation
16. Resolution 8-2020 Declaring Four iPads Surplus Transfer
to SRT
The board adjourned at 5:15 p.m.