RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OKANOGAN COUNTY
MAY 5, 2020
The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular
session at 123 5th Avenue North, Okanogan, Washington on May 5, 2020, with
Chairman, Commissioner Jim DeTro; Vice Chairman, Commissioner Chris Branch;
Member, Commissioner Andy Hover and Laleña Johns, Clerk of the Board, present.
Briefing Among Commissioners
Mike Worden
Mike Worden explained there were three licenses that are
being liquidated so there are three frequencies available. AdCom was used for
the study of those frequencies about what the limitations are and what we can do
with them and the types of communications to be used. The info came back and we
can get three frequencies. Gaining the additional VHF for the system will only
benefit the system in the long run. We cannot just go to market place to
purchase you go through the FCC and in that case we get them or we don’t and may
be limited. The purchase was determined to be a sole source situation. The price
is $100,000 for all three but no terms or negotiations have been discussed. The
resolution will =allow the negotiations to begin. Commissioner Hover asked if
adding the VHF channels would the other entities need to change their radios. If
we get more then no one has to change radios then right. Mike said no there
would not be a need to change the radio. The three do not fill the total need
for your system. WE are not sure how many more we will need but this would be
progress towards what we need. These frequencies will work on the current radio
systems. We will need to figure some things. It seems to be a sellers’ market,
we could resell them to someone else. The licenses are from Canada to Oregon so
there are many agencies who could use them.
Commissioner Branch said the dispatch advisory board
discussed and recommended the purchase. The board did vote to recommend the
purchase to the commissioners, stated Mr. Worden.
Motion
Commissioner Hover moved to approve resolution 56-2020 a
sole source resolution for the purchase of three frequencies from Spectrum
Communications Inc. Motion was seconded all were in favor, motion carried.
Once sales tax comes through a journal adjustment can be
done to replace funds initially used for this, said Mr. Worden.
Commissioner Hover stated the county’s resolution declaring
an emergency expired yesterday May 4. Does the board wish to renew? We should
base on funding allocations. Commissioner DeTro said funding is a reason for
extending the declaration.
Maurice Goodall was consulted about extending our
declaration to be in place until further notice. He will send the extension to
the Governor’s office. We are still operating under the Governor’s order but the
county should acknowledge to citizens that we are still under a state of
emergency.
Motion Staff Direction
Commissioner Branch moved to direct the Clerk to draft a
resolution to extend the declaring of emergency resolution 50-2020 until further
notice. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
Motion Tonasket EMS District
Commissioner Branch moved to adjourn as the BOCC and
reconvene as the Tonasket EMS District. Motion was seconded all were in favor,
motion carried.
Commissioner Branch 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 April Services. Motion was seconded, all were
in favor, motion carried.
Commissioner Branch moved to adjourn as the Tonasket EMS
District and Reconvene as the Oroville Rural EMS District. Motion was seconded
all were in favor, motion carried.
Motion Oroville Rural EMS District
Commissioner Branch moved to approve the Voucher
certification and authorize the Oroville Rural EMS District vouchers to be paid
in the amount of $9860 for April Services. Motion was seconded, all were in
favor, motion carried.
Commissioner Branch moved to adjourn as the Oroville Rural
EMS District and Reconvene as the BOCC Motion was seconded all were in favor,
motion carried.
The Clerk provided a draft joint letter that Commissioner
Laura Osiadacz of Kittitas County sent around to other counties for review. It
was regarding opening the state economy. (attached)
Commissioner Branch stated in his opinion the letter was
sending a mixed message especially when Kittitas County was going to ask for a
variance. The letter was not lending well to that request. It is difficult
because if we are contrary to what others are saying, it doesn’t acknowledge the
letters from counties that have already communicated with the governor’s office.
There were changes made to the original letter that now sends mixed messages.
Commissioners felt the letter already sent from Okanogan County relayed
everything the board wanted to say. The hope was to expedite local authority,
but our letter and include accountability.
Commissioner Hover said he was sent the WA State Emergency
Management plan and looking through it, bullet point 9 contemplates the loss of
rights and liberties during a pandemic. Commissioner Hover read that section.
Commissioner Branch discussed whether it was a constitutional violation or not.
The AG’s were looking to ensure that line was not crossed. If we think we can do
a better job in our rural communities, then creating more anxiety by taking
people to task, then we need to demonstrate that. Spending time on creating
challenges is not a good effort.
Commissioner Hover thought an additional letter to thank
the Governor’s office for doing what the counties requested. We do need to
discuss how to meet the criteria laid out by the Governor for going into Phase
II. Our numbers will need to show no new cases in a three week time. The Board
discussed the controversial one size fits all that does not quite dial into what
we experience on the ground.
Motion Resolution 57-2020
Commissioner Hover moved to approve 57-2020 extending
Okanogan County’s Declaration of Emergency. Motion was seconded, all were in
favor, motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Commissioner Hover moved to approve the consent agenda
items 1-5. Motion was seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
1. Letter Appointment LTAC – At Large Rachell Haven
2. CERB Grant -A19 Voucher Request #1-ACRS
3. LTAC Amended 2020 Allocations
4. Consulting Contract-Parametrix Supplement-Professional
Services
5.Resolution 54-2020 Amending LTAC Membership
Commissioner Branch will touch base with Economic Alliance
to discuss the work they have provided to businesses as a response to COVID-19.
The board adjourned at 11:30 AM.