RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OKANOGAN COUNTY
JUNE 29, 2020
The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular
session at 123 5th Avenue North, Okanogan, Washington on June 29, 2020, with
Chairman, Commissioner Jim DeTro; Vice Chairman, Commissioner Chris Branch;
Member, Commissioner Andy Hover and Laleña Johns, Clerk of the Board, present.
Review Commissioners Agenda and Consent Agenda
The Clerk of the Board stated DNR confirmed a meeting with
the board for tomorrow at 2:15 p.m. to discuss fire season.
Commissioner DeTro explained that he was in in Idaho last
week where the state is open. He said it was a relief not to discuss the
COVID-19 every day. He felt like he was coming back to communist Russia when he
came back home. The whole group expressed feelings of depression heading home to
the COVID.
Commissioner DeTro said a restaurant owner had asked him if
customers were required to wear a mask and whether he as a restaurant owner must
enforce the mask wearing by his patrons. Commissioner Hover said it is up to the
business owners and businesses owners are requiring masks. There has been a
spike in cases in the county and many people won’t go into a business if they do
not feel safe to do so.
Commissioner Hover explained the FAC is meeting tonight to
discuss this year’s Fair, all other county fairs in the state have been
cancelled. He said FAC only provides advice on the fair itself and the running
the fair. The counties that can apply for Phase IV won’t even be able to hold
their fair’s due to COVID-19. Commissioner Hover said the onus should not be put
on the FAC to decide, it is up to the commissioners to decide. Commissioner
Hover learned that the Para Mutual money the county receives will take a hit.
There won’t be any added revenue from the fair if the county cancels the fair.
Funds received from fair help operate and maintain the grounds during the rest
of the year. Commissioner Hover said auctioneer Larry Campbell provided Laurie
Jones a safety plan for holding surplus auctions, so the process for auctioning
off fair animals could perhaps utilize the plan.
Commissioner Hover explained someone contacted him about
the draft proclamation where the second amendment was mentioned and the person
was not happy about that language being in there. The point of the caller was
that why would we pit the second amendment against civil rights. He thought the
proclamation should not need to speak to one event or one thing. Commissioners
reviewed the Proclamation draft together. Commissioner Branch would rather not
get into the discussion about minutia. His point was that in drafting the
proclamation it was not to be in opposition at all to one or the other, as both
exist, and everyone on the streets looks at it a different way. It does exist,
the second amendment can be interpreted lots of different ways, but something
happened that was really radical in the country, and it troubles people. He
recognizes everyone’s rights, to being able to make a statement about stuff, and
recognizing people have rights. Commissioner Hover said it is more than just
rights it is trying to get out there the recognition to be nice to one another.
Treat others like you want to be treated.
Commissioner Branch read from a redraft of the
proclamation. Commissioner Hover said deep down all three commissioners believe
the same thing and are not racists. Commissioner DeTro said he has several
Native Americans and African Americans in his family. Commissioner Hover said it
isn’t about who is in your family it is about you individually and how you show
respect for others. It has nothing to do with race, it is how you treat people,
and it doesn’t matter what race you are. Commissioner Hover was not aware that
the draft had been included in the paper. Commissioner Branch noted that he
fully read the draft proclamation in a public meeting and the reporter who was
attending the virtual meeting asked in “Chat” that he send it to verify that her
quote of him was correct. However, the unapproved draft version of the
proclamation was in the newspaper. Commissioner Branch pointed out that the
reporter was actually writing the language the board discussed in an open public
meeting as she was attending the meeting. He wondered if a public record request
was actually necessary in such a circumstance when the information was already
provided verbally.
Commissioners discussed how the county handles public
records requests and how the commissioners should handle requests. The Clerk of
the Board stated it is difficult to manage public records requests when staff
designated as the public records officer isn’t aware of requests the
commissioners receive. She displayed the county’s public records ordinance and
commissioners thought it may need to be revised to be more in line with how the
county actually handles public records requests.
Briefing Among Commissioners’ – Discuss Individual
Weekly Meetings & Schedules
Commissioners discussed their meeting schedules.
Update-Veterans Relief Board-Pam Y
Perez—Commissioners’ Hearing Room
This meeting was set as a reoccurring update, but was not
attended at the time scheduled.
Discussion GCI Communications Video-Eric Foit
Video production process steps was explained and who we
will work with. What does the county wish to highlight and what topics to
include. Will send email with contact info.
Up to five videos, one welcome, two education, health
services, tourism, fifth either economic development or quality of life.
1st step scripting version James Palmary rough draft script
sent within the next 2-3 weeks.
Send links or materials for GCI to look at to get ready for
scripts. Once scripts are reviewed get back to James, if there are adjustments
needed, work with James on those. Final approval, then scripts will be voiced
over and recorded over and situated beforehand. Once laid out, it is the basis
and foundation for doing the videos.
2nd step, Shot List script will be used to produce visuals.
Shot list t to Lanie about 2-3 weeks prior to shoot. Suggested visuals that
coincide with script.
If there are issues with filming, we can provide material
footage to help and high definition photos that can be used to incorporate into
videos.
3rd video shoot date. From today he likes to schedule about
6-7 weeks out beginning of August and use 2-3 days for filming, back to back
shoots.
Eric asked if someone or several people would like to
attend the shoots with GCI videographer. Is there someone else in mind the
commissioners would like to enlist to attend? A few locations would help as well
and would make it easier to have a guide person. Enlist folks to go to shoots
once the topics are selected. It will depend on what is to be highlighted will
give a better idea of what locations will be needed.
Commissioner Hover reminded that Okanogan County is very
large. GCI understands and they have done large counties before. That is why
footage we already have could be used. OCTC the county’s DMO, may have footage
to share.
If people speak on camera, they do ask that a release form
be signed, which gives GCI permission.
4th step, video editing timeline does vary, somewhere
between 5-9 weeks after the shoot is complete. Editor goes through all the
materials, and once ready it will be forwarded the edits video proof to review
before finalization. Provide feedback about images and video, make adjustments
or changes on all five videos. Once we are happy and finally approved, then they
will be ready to link up to our website. Casey will help with set up on our end.
Eric went through the five highlights to focus on and asked
questions to gather some details about each to focus on. Education 8-9 school
districts, Wenatchee Valley College North,
Contact the schools to see if any have high ranking test
scores, sports, prominent programs etc… shoot an email to Eric, call and ask.
Health services- four hospital districts, do any provide a
specialty care services, Mental Health organization OBHC.
Tourism, what are the popular destinations, OCTC has a lot
of information, Commissioners suggested sorting through there. Pateros is the
gateway to a couple scenic byways within the county giving the option to explore
both valleys of Methow Valley to North Cascades and Okanogan Valley up to
Canada.
The video press release was discussed. A template script
will be sent, similar to the business letter to post on the website to promote.
A video press release would provide information to the public of what it talks
about. Approve the video press release.
Follow up Phone Call GCI Communications Nicole Hunt
GCI
Maurice Goodall, plus the virtual attendees. Nicole Hunt
vice president of GCI Communications From upstate New York
Ms. Hunt provided her back ground noting she has been with
GCI for 17 years. She covered what to expect with GCI and business sponsorships.
The letter of introduction and video press release as it really answered a lot
of questions that business have.
List of businesses who we want to represent our community
in the video sponsorships.
Movement towards working to be resilient to unexpected
circumstances and be able to survive those events such as fires. We have fire
season coming up and businesses work hard to plan to survive those events. They
do have some stories.
Look forward to getting started in the next 2-3 weeks.
Update-Planning Director Pete Palmer
Josh Thomson
Ms. Palmer provided the commissioners and the Clerk an
agenda and documents for her discussion.
Ms. Palmer stated she invited Josh Thomson to discuss the
trail.
Motion
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the letter of support
to the City of Omak for an RCO grant for a skate Park. Motion was seconded, all
were in favor, motion carried.
Ms. Palmer said the well tracking scope of work is not
ready for approval but would like the commissioners to review it. The program is
being reviewed to ensure it is compatible.
Critical Areas ordinance changes that were presented in
2012. The reasons it was not brought forward again was because it was shared
with the board at the time and they decided not to act on it due to litigation
and comprehensive plan adoption. There was no action January 17, 2016 when it
was last presented to the board.
Pete asked for direction as to when to bring it up again,
after the comp plan is adopted or when. Commissioner Hover stated because of the
shorelines management and this has an overlap and we have current shoreline
program, we need to look for consistency and legal review on the CAO because he
was looking at the setbacks as opposed to shoreline and they are different, so
he would like to see a consistency review.
Commissioner Branch moved to check the draft critical areas
ordinance for consistency with the shorelines master program. Director Palmer
then asked about legal Review in house or out? Motion seconded
Commissioner Branch moved that the plan be reviewed by a
land use attorney. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
Commissioner Branch asked that the cost be provided to the board for this.
Commissioner Hover stated there was funding in the reserve account for special
planning costs.
SaTeekhWa Park: Reached out to Mayor for something in
writing to relay their interest in the park.
Met with Methow Advisory Group via zoom, Jon Haynes
provided lots of information on the trail easements. The county Value for the
matching grant was the only monetary consideration.
Mr. Beck keeps calling about marijuana farms going in on
either side. Walked his property and took note the fenced areas on southern farm
that was not permitted yet but have not done anything that would trigger the
need for a permit. They were contacted, met with Andres and he will provide a
tour of the grow. After meeting with the committee to come up with regulations,
and agreed on the process they feel another layer was added by Perry after that.
For marijuana farm they can do everything, clear the land, put up the fence,
construct huts for water control, not triggered for permitting until a building
goes up then triggers SEPA and site analysis, so the only time adjacent owners
could comment is at the SEPA process and only allowed to comment on the
environmental aspects of the grow. Mr. Beck is upset, and she wanted to give the
commissioners a heads up. The water rights were explored of the marijuana
operation to understand both sides of the farm so that the county might provide
additional information about their findings.
Legislation has proposed changes. Issues with concentrated
areas within residential areas, and she was told there was no ability without a
data base. Three data bases were necessary.
Address referenced on WSLCB notice isn’t an address that
has been set up and is causing problems with E911. A parcel number will be
requested on the notice. Issuing licenses for property without the land owner
even knowing. There are over 400 farms and 14 retail shops in Okanogan County.
Some are not licensed operations. The information in the WSLCB data base has the
actual site address listed for that operation. The majority of the notices we
are getting are operations that are moving from the west side over to here. The
more we learn about it the more we learn about areas that should be regulated
more. Director Palmer would like to revisit the process and rules. They are
largely inadequate. The commissioners discussed moratorium until rules can be
sorted out. There are many people concerned about the placement of the
operations within residential areas. Commissioner Branch thought coordination
with the state on the Suites and may have a problem as the county isn’t involved
with approving those. How many farms can fit on one parcel? There should be a
specific amount of required spacing between farms. Commissioner Hover would like
to know what that is between the fenced areas of each grow operation. Director
Palmer said many think once they have their state license they don’t need
anything from the county. Commissioner Hover explained there is the check and
balance. Director Palmer stated when Gebbers put in their last orchard in
Brewster, the county doesn’t have a grading and clearing ordinance and they were
moving mountains. She is concerned about what will happen when neighbors see
whole hillsides being flattened and irrigated and planted with no regulation in
place to mitigate.
Commissioner Branch discussed binding site plans to
partition a portion of the land out for leasing, but not subdivided, so there is
a process to doing that. There could be a missing element to the marijuana
operations regulation that would provide guidelines on multiple leases on one
parcel with more than one person.
Director Palmer explained she did some reaching out to the
Department of Defense about the agreement. This would be a good fit here because
only two airports went through a process to be included in the county’s zoning
ordinance, so that work could be completed using the grant funds. She thought we
would need to look at those areas for things such as lighting, communication
outreach with public about fly zones, realtors would need to disclose the fly
zone and its rules to potential buyers, look into a joint land use plan that
would be a long term plan used by the military and the county that would
regulate the fly zone areas. The other thing that would be needed in the comp
plan is a consultation section to ensure we are doing things that are compatible
with the Military fly zones and provide coordination among the agencies.
Director Palmer said she is doing research to find out what that is. She will
reach out to Military and provide our draft comp plan and prepare for the
consultation.
Commissioner Branch asked about the connection between the
county plans and military so land use activities are be compatible with those
uses.
Motion Executive Session RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i)
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session at
2:20 for 10 minutes inviting David Gecas and Pete Palmer to discuss legal
matters to which the county may be or become a party and when public knowledge
could result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency. Motion
was seconded all were in favor, motion carried.
Executive session ended at 2:30 p.m. no decisions were
made.
Discussion-Department of Archeological Preservation
Grant Application-Chris Moore
Commissioners Hover asked about maintenance and
deterioration of historical buildings and what other materials could be
substituted. Mr. Moore replied with what options we have to provide a different
material and reasons for using it. Some cases rehabilitation using historical
features and the grant helps offset the higher costs of the more preservation
procedures.
Mr. Moore went over the program particulars and where the
grant funds are intended to go. There are other programs that can play into it
because there is a match requirement. So if upgrades do not fit under the grant
those could be paid by match dollars.
Courthouse safety was discussed. Single point entry. The
proposal was on West side off the annex.
Architect fees cannot be included to be grant funded but
could be part of our match. Evaluation criteria of the program application was
discussed and what features and level of need that would be covered by the work.
Minimum county match is 25% of the total amount requested
so if request is $100,000 the match would be $25,000.
If county has expended capital funds between now and
January 2021 and are capital projects could count towards a match. If county
upgrades HVAC system to annex those dollars could be used as match. Progress and
project payment can be allowed in certain circumstances.
Standards of review were discussed.
5-year rehab consultation requirement will need to be in
place to require consultation with DAHP on any future capital projects for the
building.
Motion Proclamation Denouncing Racism and Excessive
Force
Commissioner Hover moved to sign the County Commissioners
Proclamation denouncing racism and excessive force. Motion was seconded, all
were in favor, motion carried. Submit as a news release
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 Hover moved to approve the Voucher
certification and authorize the Tonasket EMS District vouchers to be paid in the
amount of $21,700 to Life Line for February Services. Motion was seconded, all
were in favor, motion carried.
Commissioner Hover moved to adjourn as the Tonasket EMS
District and Reconvene as the BOCC Motion was seconded all were in favor, motion
carried.
Review Meeting Minutes
Commissioners reviewed their meeting minutes.
The board adjourned at 3:45 p.m.