RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OKANOGAN COUNTY
MARCH 3, 2020
The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular
session at 123 5th Avenue North, Okanogan, Washington on MARCH 3, 2020, with
Chairman, Commissioner Jim DeTro; Vice Chairman, Commissioner Chris Branch;
Member, Commissioner Andy Hover and Laleña Johns, Clerk of the Board, present.
George Thornton, member of the public taking hand written
notes for Okanogan Watch Group.
Commissioners’ Staff Meeting
Naomie Peasley, David Gecas, Joe Poulin, Angela Hubbard
Chief Civil Deputy David Gecas asked for executive session
to discuss legal matters.
Motion Executive Session RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session at
9:05 for 10 minutes inviting David Gecas and Angie Hubbard to discussion legal
matters to which the county may or may not be or become a party where discussion
may result in an adverse legal or financial consequence. Motion was seconded,
all were in favor, motion carried.
Executive Session was extended at 9:15 for five minutes.
Executive Session ended at 9:20 a.m. no decisions were
made.
Ms. Hubbard provided her update. There is a special meeting
on March 9 for Planning Commission. She is working on the draft comp plan which
they will review. The Eastlake Sewer billing system had a tracking system which
was discontinued, but Ms. Hubbard said with the repopulation of the data base
back six years, we’ll now have a better idea of who has paid and how much.
Commissioner Branch asked if the Department Health also receives what they need?
Ms. Hubbard was not sure. Veranda Beach has a tracking mechanism. She will check
with Dan to see how that info is collected and who gets it.
Joe Poulin explained he is waiting for another bid to move
the fence, but it looks expensive at around $16,000 to $17,000 to move. He will
explore other options.
Divco quote of $170,935 was received for the Courthouse
Split System replacements using existing ducts. A couple other vendors may be
contacted for quotes. Commissioner Hover asked if geothermal uses radiators, yes
inside the courthouse, but the Jail uses it for heating and cooling and works
with a heat exchanger. Mr. Poulin explained the existing system. We may need an
addition injection well. The eight units on top of the roof serving the Annex
are to be replaced and each area would still have its own zone like it is now.
If we expanded Geothermal into the Annex the cost was around $700,000.
Commissioner Branch asked about efficiencies and
effectiveness of the proposal.
Mr. Poulin asked about hiring a half time custodian for the
Courthouse Complex. He provided the cost data to the commissioners. (attached)
This additional position will help with the cleaning.
Mr. Poulin discussed the boiler replacement at the Agriplex
for heating with only one working right now. There is only one working HVAC for
cooling.
Ms. Peasley explained a plan to replace the divider covers
with fabric. A check of $1500 was cut by Hamilton for the fabric and deposited.
Commissioner Hover asked that the description in Eden shows what the donation is
for. She is looking into the internet connection to ensure strong enough
connections because WiFi is offered but no one uses it because it is not
sufficient.
Is the Fair being charged $55,000 for the use of the
grounds for 2020 fair? Commissioner Hover said it is a county function and he
feels it is sufficient. Commissioner Branch wanted to know what that amount
includes and how it shakes out. We are contributing to a community function that
the county contributes to and we should capture that somewhere so people can
see. The Fair revenue goes straight back to the Fair fund not the county general
fund. Commissioners felt the community should be made aware of the contributions
the county has made to the grounds. It was posted on Facebook about the two
funds, Fair Fund 112, and Fairgrounds Fund 001.028. A new Pole Barn was
discussed for the race horses.
George Thornton suggested a succinct statement to spread
around.
There are three businesses willing to pay for projects in
trade for banner space. Commissioner Hover explained the difference between
donated money for a specific thing versus donated work in trade. Some businesses
will donate the work and some will donate money for the work to be done.
Commissioner Branch thought if we had a detailed program laid out, and value
established for the advertising, then it would make it simple and consistent
among the donors. Ms. Peasley explained a concept to help youth. Commissioner
Hover asked that the concept be run through others like FAC.
The Queen will present the Little Beef Barn idea.
Commissioner Hover spoke to the big beef barn super and they do not want the
little beef barn as an additional barn as they feel it is theirs and they don’t
want little kids to be in in their own barn away from their siblings. Mr. Poulin
asked if it could happen for this year so the barn gets improved, then next year
we can put a venue in there like exotic animals. Commissioner Branch said that
is taking a middle ground approach. Commissioner DeTro liked the idea. Most
other fairs have bottle baby barn. The Queen has other plans for the barn if the
bottle baby idea doesn’t happen, FFA is currently working on things for the
barn. The two Beef Barn superintendents of 18 years are not willing to budge on
this. Commissioner Hover said a decision will be made at the FAC tonight on
this.
Ms. Peasley is advertising and promoting the different
events on the Fairgrounds Facebook and website.
Update Risk Management/HR-Tanya Craig
Joe Poulin
Joe Poulin explained the need for ½ time maintenance
custodian.
Motion HR Direction Half time Custodian Position
-Maintenance
Commissioner Hover moved to direct HR to prepare a ½ time
custodian position for the Maintenance Department. Motion was seconded, all were
in favor, motion carried.
Ms. Craig provided her staff update The M-Tank project will
begin March 30 with a 14 day window to complete. Friendship diversion services
were explained. Ms. Craig will meet with someone from Olympia on this matter.
Commissioner Branch asked about the WorkSource program
resources and whether the county works with them on skill building for
inexperienced employees for work force development.
Bid Opening-Liquid Asphalt-Public Works-Shasta
Stidman
Engineer Thomson
Commissioner DeTro stated the time for receiving bids is
here. The bids were read.
Idaho Asphalt
Total Base Bid $897,350.21
Western State Asphalt, Spokane
Total Base Bid $1,028,370.67
The apparent low bidder was Idaho Asphalt. The Engineer
will review the bids and provide a recommendation for award at a later date.
Bid Opening-Soil Stabilization-Public Works-Shasta
Stidman
Engineer Thomson
Commissioner DeTro stated the time for receiving bids is
here. The bids were read.
EnviroTech Colorado
Per ton price $185
Total Base Bid $141,320.02
RoadWise Spokane
Per ton price $179.24
Total Base Bid $136,920.00
Update - Public Works – Engineer Josh Thomson
Kent Kovalenko
Engineer Thomson provided his agenda and discussed the
items listed there.
Solid Waste Update
Mr. Kovalenko provided his Solid Waste personnel update. He
explained transport along highways that the material can be transferred upon. We
don’t have to worry about it this year. There is a group in the Methow working
on a community composting program which he has sat in on meetings. They asked if
the commissioners would be supportive of a program like that. It isn’t a county
entity and we are not committed to being involved.
Maintenance Road Conditions
Things are drying out with some restrictions being lifted.
The thaw has been pretty easy this year.
A draft policy on interactions with the Sheriff Department
was drafted for review. Another one will be developed for Solid Waste that will
be worked on.
Corona Virus was discussed. A meeting will be held by
Emergency Management and Public Health Department tomorrow on the virus
protocol.
Commissioner Hover discussed providing the Clerk of the
Board direction to email departments about providing policy on how to handle if
someone is sick.
Statler Bridge Replacement Project
Engineer Thomson explained the progress of the project and
issues delaying the completion with the girder bearings. DOE inspected the site
which looked good, but the contractor did not have the paperwork completed, so
DOE is helping with that.
Surplus auction items are being tracked for minimum bid
amounts. Engineer Thomson explained what he found. He is thinking the graders
would be best posted online.
The board adjourned for lunch at 11:45 a.m.
George Thornton member of the public taking notes for
Okanogan Watch Group.
Citizen’s Comment Period (may call-in 509-422-7105)
No citizens called or came in to comment.
Motion Superior Court Food Purchase Approval
Commissioner Hover moved to approve and authorize the
chairman to sign the request of Superior Court to purchase food for a business
meeting with the Attorney General’s office on March 12, 2020 not to exceed $200.
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 $675,360.37 and Payroll vouchers in the
amount of $1,086,139.66. 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 $45,387.59 and regular vouchers in
the amount of $16,978.08. Warrant numbers as cited on the attached blanket
voucher list. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
Commissioners discussed moving the consent agenda approval
to an earlier time. Commissioners would like to review clarifications to the
meeting minutes before approving. Commissioner Branch would like the public
hearing held on February 24 to be verbatim meeting minutes. The Clerk of the
Board stated that it may take several hours at one time to complete based on the
recorded hearing.
Approve Consent Agenda
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda
items as presented. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
1. Local Agency Agreement & Prospectus 2020 Countywide
Chipseal
2. Cattle Guard Franchise Renewals: Spence N-230; Spence
12-76; WRID 12-81; Turner 3-90;
MV Ranger 01-05; Soriano 1-98; Soriano 20-98; Barnes 10-73;
Barnes 11-73; Townsend 5-76
3. Credit Application-Western State Design-Maintenance
Dept. Laundry
4. Interlocal Agreement-Building Inspection Services- City
of Brewster
5. Support Letter-GCI Communications Inc-Video Tour
6. Agreement-2020 County Video Program- GCI Communications
Inc
7. Marketing Contract-Lodging Tax LTAC 20-018-Omak
Visitor’s Center
8. Operations Contract- Lodging Tax LTAC 20-019-Omak
Visitor’s Center
9. Contract-Law Enforcement Services -USFS & Okanogan
County
10. SEPA Certification-Finding of Categorical Exemption
Form 6-H(1) -CDBG Grant OHA Sewer Project
11. NEPA Environmental Assessment- Form 6-F (1)- CDBG Grant
OHA Sewer Project
12. Resolution 34-2020 Budget Adjustment Sheriff $14,000
Planning Director Interview-Possible Executive
Session RCW 42.30.110(1)(g)
Commissioner Hover moved to go into executive session at
2:00 p.m. for 60 minutes, inviting HR Director Tanya Craig and Planning
Commission Member Verlene Hughes to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant
for public employment. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
Auditor Hall came to discuss a matter with the
commissioners but commissioners asked her to come back tomorrow at 10:20 a.m. as
the board previously indicated to George Thornton that they would adjourn after
the interview.
Approve Commissioners Proceedings – February 18, 24
& 25, 2020
The commissioners would like the public hearing to be taken
down verbatim. The Clerk will work on the draft.
The board adjourned at 3:00 p.m.