RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OKANOGAN COUNTY
MAY 6, 2020
The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met remotely in
regular session at 123 5th Avenue North, Okanogan, Washington on may, 2020, with
Chairman, Commissioner Jim DeTro; Member, Commissioner Andy Hover and Laleña
Johns, Clerk of the Board, present.
Vice Chairman, Commissioner Chris Branch was absent due to
attending a different meeting.
Discussion County Offices
The Clerk of the Board asked for direction on whether the
board wanted to set their regular schedule to include departmental updates that
would be remote attendance by the public but physically attended by department
heads with proper social distancing and hygiene. Commissioners discussed the
need to keep abreast of the information provided by those departments.
Commissioner Hover believes we should get back to our
regular schedule because the board needs the information to make educated
decisions about things and regular briefings are necessary. It was suggested the
meeting be done by Zoom for public participation to protect our staff. For
department heads who wish to be present we can ensure proper COVID-19 protocol.
We rarely have more than 10 people in the room at one time and our room is large
enough to practice social distancing. The Clerk will notify the departments of
the return to regular scheduling.
Commissioner DeTro explained his thoughts on the Governor’s
Order and the confusion with the variances. He would like to discuss this with
Public Health on Monday. The Clerk of the Board stated Public Health had
contacted her to schedule the discussion.
Motion
Commissioner Hover moved to direct the Clerk of the Board
to inform Planning that the Tonasket EMS district and all relative business of
Tonasket EMS be brought back under the commissioners’ office. Motion was
seconded, all were in favor, motion carried.
Fairgrounds opening discussion will happen Monday, said
Commissioner Hover. The north end fairgrounds is open for day use. Commissioner
DeTo discussed
Commissioner DeTro is going to contact Commissioner Skoog
because she indicated as chair EWCOG to band together the eastern counties who
are allowed to do a soft opening.
The Board discussed Phase I bullet points and what is
included in the phase I approach.
Ecology is holding a water banking meeting and Commissioner
Hover was invited attend.
Commissioner DeTro stated his wife started an idea to help
provide funds to distressed businesses. The idea was to create T-shirts that
says “I am a COVID-19 Survivor” and with the funds disburse to distressed
businesses from the funds. On Friday at the property there will be a drive
through for people to pick up their T-shirts.
Auditor has been overwhelmed with calls about the election.
The board adjourned at 2:00 p.m.