Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, October 10^th, 2006

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 9:20 AM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Don Struck.

Commissioner Joan Frey was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

9:20 AM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session with Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Steve DiJulio via teleconference in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (i) to discuss potential and pending litigation in regard to the Housden case and also a SEPA appeal of a DNS (Determination of Non-Significance). Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman was in attendance during the first topic and Planning Director Curt Dreyer was in attendance for the second issue. It was noted that the session would last for 20 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 9:40 AM.

10:10 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith, Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Engineer Hedges stated that the NW Lincoln Street project is now underway with that portion from the city limits to El Camino Real now paved.

Engineer Hedges said that the Dot Road project is now one week into construction with both county crews and construction crews hired by the developer making a lot of progress.

Engineer Hedges stated that they have received a quote of about $14,000 for work on Washington Street, near the Pioneer Center in White Salmon. The work will involve adjustments of utility locations and the construction of a catch basin for storm water runoff.

Engineer Hedges said that the BST application (first shot of oil) for Hale Road that was tentatively scheduled for yesterday, October 9 was cancelled because temperatures were too low. He added that it is now unlikely that they will do any paving on the road this year.

Engineer Hedges said that they have received an inquiry from a land developer on whether the county was interested in paving a private road to county standards and then adding it to the county’s road system, with work to be reimbursed by the developer. Director Smith added that there is a mechanism that would include bonding to accomplish this, but the Board must also determine when it is obligated to accept a road into the county’s system. Chairman Thayer responded that he was not enthused about such a plan, especially since it is a challenge keeping up with the maintenance of roads already in the county’s system.

Chairman Thayer noted also that the county could be seen as taking business away from road construction companies. Commissioner Struck added that he was uneasy about entering into arrangements with private developers in matters such as this. Engineer Hedges responded that he would let the developer know that the county will decline their proposal.

Engineer Hedges said that they will need a supplemental to their 2006 Budget because of road projects such as Dot and Newell Roads. Director Smith added that there will be reimbursement coming back from wind power developers and therefore expenses are being balanced by revenues, but the budget still must reflect the increases in both revenues and expenses. Executive Secretary Cris McEwen responded that they should contact Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman soon, to be a part of the supplemental that is planned for early December.

Director Smith said that as a result of damage from the recent fire, the jail kitchen will need another stove at a cost of about $5,000. He added that they are working with the Safety Committee to schedule practice fire alarms and establish emergency procedures.

Engineer Hedges asked if the Board wished to enter into contracts for standby snow removal contractors as they did last year. The Board responded that they wished to go ahead with these contracts.

Engineer Hedges stated that they would like to get Board approval for a rock crushing contract with Rapid Ready Mix for a rock stockpile adjacent to Canyon Road; however they haven’t yet secured signature from the contractor. Executive Secretary Cris McEwen suggested that it could be carried over to Thursday, October 12, but the Board would wish to note this during their regular session today.

Chairman Thayer requested further information regarding the consulting agreement with Landslide Technology for assistance on the BZ Glenwood Highway landslide (Item 6 of the Consent Agenda), stating that the cost seemed high. Director Smith responded that they did not conduct a broad-based search for a contractor because Landslide Technology had done the initial Phase I work and it was probably most qualified for the Phase II contract. He added that the engineering percentage of 25% is about on average for projects of this sort.

Chairman Thayer said that he visited the Canyon Road overlay project last Saturday and was surprised that over three miles of the road had been included in this project. Engineer Hedges replied that he thought that they had provided advanced information on the scope of this project in a previous workshop session. Director Smith added that the department is making a major effort at road preservation making extensive use of overlays and chip-sealing.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, October 10, 2006 (Continued)

11:08 AM – Economic Development Update

Attendance: Economic Development Director Michael Canon, Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman, EDA member and consultant Miland Walling and county residents Daniel Lichtenwald and David Sauter.

Director Canon stated that PUD General Manager Tom Svendsen has drafted a meeting agenda regarding prospects for the Goldendale Aluminum Plant, though noting that a date for the meeting has not yet been selected.

Consultant Walling added that he met with Tom Fitzsimmons, Governor Gregoire’s Chief of Staff who has pledged support in the effort to locate a business to the Goldendale Aluminum Plant facility.

Director Canon provided further information on Initiative 937 which if approved by Washington State voters in November would require large utilities to obtain at least 15% of their electricity from new renewable resources, such as solar and wind, by 2020. Director Canon noted that the PUD Board of Commissioners will probably vote today in favor of a resolution endorsing Initiative 937 and they have invited support for the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners.

Director Canon asked if there were any Schedule 20 (Sales and Use Tax for Public Facilities - Rural Counties) projects submitted by Klickitat County for this year. Executive Secretary Cris McEwen responded that none have been submitted for 2005 or 2006. Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman added that $270,000 should be available by the end of this year.

Director Canon said that they have received requests for the county to write letters of support for the Broughton Landing Project in eastern Skamania County. Chairman Thayer replied that the Board is already aware of a request from Skamania County and the matter has been taken care of.

Director Canon stated that the amendment for the Air Sciences contract should be ready for Board consideration next week.

Noting that advertising has now started for the Economic Development Specialist position, Director Canon said that he will be working with Personnel Director Lori Wolford to set up interviews and fill the opening.

Director Canon briefly noted that he has been conferring with Port of Klickitat Executive Director Dianne Sherwood regarding another business that has expressed interest in relocating to Port property.

Director Canon discussed Thursday’s meeting in Yakima with representatives of Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen’s office and the Washington State Department of Ecology to discuss White Salmon water issues. Consultant Walling added that they are providing advance information on this issue to state officials.

Consultant Walling said that he will be talking to officials of the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport on potential projects. He also noted that Governor Gregoire’s office is working on a housing authority issue.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:30 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:04 PM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Don Struck.

Commissioner Joan Frey was absent.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with three changes: the elected official updates with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill and County Auditor Diana Pafford have been cancelled, and there is an add-on to consider a proposal to have the Sheriff’s Office provide security for the White Creek wind power project. Commissioner Struck also noted that there will also be a carry-over to consider a rock crushing contract on Thursday, October 12.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for September 26, 2006 as presented.

Citizen Comment

There was no one present wishing to provide public comment.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-14; Applicant: TP Development (Greg Haerr)

Accepted (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the road right-of-way dedication for future maintenance of Zelinski Road, North Harris Road and Counts Road and granting final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-14, the applicant being TP Development/Greg Haerr. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated in her staff review that this short plat is creating four lots.

Public Meeting: Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-29; Applicant: TP Development (Greg Haerr)

Accepted (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the road right-of-way dedication for future maintenance of Zelinski Road and granting final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-29, the applicant being TP Development/Greg Haerr. Planner Herrington stated in her staff review that this short plat is creating four lots.

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-24; Applicants: Tim Carse & Walter Muth

The public meeting to consider final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-24, applicants Tim Carse and Walter Muth was continued by Board consensus to 1:30 PM on Tuesday, October 17, 2006.

Bid Opening – 2006 Sanding Materials

Bids forwarded (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) to the Public Works Department for their review and recommendation of two bids received for 2006 Sanding Materials:

Bishop Companies, Inc., Goldendale, WA – $14,117

Mid Columbia Asphalt Company, Dallesport, WA – $15,925

Public Hearing – Consider the Watershed Management Plan for Western Water Resource Inventory Area 29

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) a joint meeting with the Skamania County Board of Commissioners at a date yet to be determined to consider approval of the Watershed Management Plan for Western Water Resource Inventory Area 29. Prior to the motion the public hearing proceeded as follows with Chairman Thayer opening the proceedings and noting the procedural sequence. He then asked for a staff review:

Planning Director Curt Dreyer stated that the purpose of this public hearing was to receive public testimony in regard to the Watershed Management Plan for Western Water Resource Inventory Area 29 (WRIA 29), which is that portion of WRIA 29 west of the White Salmon River and includes matters pertaining to water quality, water quantity and habitat.

Director Dreyer added that this area does not include any land within Klickitat County. However the county must participate in the plan approval process because planning was initiated for all of WRIA 29, which includes areas of both Skamania and Klickitat Counties, and Klickitat County hasn’t opted out of the planning process. So while this plan is silent on water resource issues within Klickitat County, it might be amended in the future unless the WRIA is split by an act of the Washington State Legislature.

Director Dreyer noted that an impasse developed within the planning unit for WRIA 29 and it was felt that this impasse could not be overcome before the statutory deadline to complete the watershed management plan. This resulted in a halt to planning east of the White Salmon River, while planning for the western part continued. The planning unit has now approved the management plan and forwarded it to the legislative authorities (the two Boards of County Commissioners) for final approval.

Chairman Thayer opened the proceedings to public testimony:

Skamania County Commissioner Jim Richardson requested that the Board allow this process to go forward, noting that the plan affects strategic areas of Skamania County.

Sherry Penney expressed disappointment that Klickitat County opted out of the planning effort that she was a part of and asked that the Board approve the plan. She noted that west-end residents are concerned about the impacts from growth in their area, adding that a geologist expressed concern that so many wells are being drilled down to the Grande Ronde Aquifer and potentially causing problems for existing wells.

Chairman Thayer asked for further testimony and getting no response, he noted for the record that there was no one else present wishing to provide public testimony. He then asked for Board comment or request for clarification:

Commissioner Struck said that he was pleased that this effort is going forward and disappointed that the county’s part of this couldn’t be completed. He then asked how they can resume the process for that part of WRIA 29 in Klickitat County. Watershed Project Coordinator Dave McClure responded that the state legislature could split WRIA 29 as had been previously mentioned, or it could also be restarted by amending the plan.

Chairman Thayer closed the public hearing and Commissioner Struck offered his motion.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda in its entirety:

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1. Small Works Contract RM-7005 (#C20206) between Klickitat County and King Hydroseeding in the amount of $16,164.00 for the seeding, fertilizing and mulching of various county roadsides and quarry sites.

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2. Professional Services Agreement (#C20306) between Klickitat County (Public Health Department) through the March of Dimes and Cheryl Patton to provide Tobacco Cessation Classes to pregnant women, women of childbearing age and their family members.

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3. Personal Services Contract Agreement (#C20406) between Klickitat County (Juvenile Department) and Lisa Bjelland, M.S.W. to provide individual/family/group counseling services to Juvenile Department clientele and/or their parents/guardians/custodians.

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4. Alternate Work Schedule for an Environmental Health Specialist position in the Public Health Department.

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5. State of Washington, Department of Trade and Economic Development A19-1A Invoice Voucher/Reimbursement Request #4 for the Klickitat Wastewater Project in the amount of $824,423.82 with the Klickitat County Public Utility District No. 1 being the subrecipient.

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6. Local Agency Standard Consultant Agreement (#C20506) between Klickitat County and Landslide Technology for geotechnical engineering investigation, design and construction assistance to treat and stabilize roadway embankment, and fill slope at the slide on the BZ Glenwood Highway.

Old Business

Update on Fish Recovery Plans

In an update of discussion from last week Planning Director Curt Dreyer and Watershed Project Coordinator Dave McClure discussed ways in which the county might respond to fish recovery planning efforts for Rock Creek, the White Salmon River and the Klickitat River. Mr. McClure noted that the draft of a letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service indicates that Klickitat County is frustrated with the much abbreviated schedule that the county has been given to respond to draft recovery plans for these watersheds. Director Dreyer suggested that it is important to convey that the county will no longer continue in the manner that they have but do reserve the right to make further comment and contribution.

2006-2008 Collectively Bargained Agreement with Council 2, Council of County and City Employees Covering County Deputy Sheriffs and Uniformed Employees

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Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the 2006-2008 Collectively Bargained Agreement (#C20106) between Klickitat County and Council 2, Washington State, Council of County and City Employees covering Klickitat County Deputy Sheriffs/Uniformed Employees.

Ordinance Approving Amendments to the Klickitat County Zoning Regulations Relating to Uses Allowed in the General Industrial District

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Adopted (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Ordinance #O101006 in the matter of supporting the Board’s decision made during the public meeting of Tuesday, September 19, 2006 to summarily accept the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Planning Commission and approve amendments to the Klickitat County Zoning Regulations relating to and clarifying uses allowed in the “General Industrial District”.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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Approved Warrants (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously):

Accounts Payable: (#159756 – 159961) $581,005.75

Combined Payroll: (#90772 – 91121, 159741 – 159755 & Electronic Transfer 364) $449,656.84

For a combined total of $1,030,662.59

Road Department Payments

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Authorized (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Progress Payment No. 2 and final to James Dean Construction, Inc., in the amount of $74,762.52, which includes $3,738.12 retainage for a net of $71,024.40 for the Saxton Bane/Woodland Road project.

New Business

Discussion on Security for the White Creek Wind power Project

Sheriff Chris Mace discussed a request his department received for his deputies to provide security at the White Creek wind power project site. Sheriff Mace noted that he provided the project manager an estimate of costs, but he would need to discuss salary and benefits details with Personnel Director Lori Wolford to obtain a more accurate quotation. Chairman Thayer responded that he is in favor of having the county assist in this matter, but it is important not to jeopardize the normal coverage that is provided by the Sheriff’s Department. Commissioner Struck agreed, stating that he favors allowing this if coverage isn’t spread too thin. Sheriff Mace stated that he would discuss the matter with Director Wolford.

Adjournment (3:45 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 10:30 AM on Thursday, October 12, 2006

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, October 12, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 10:30 AM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Joan Frey.

Commissioner Don Struck was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:30 AM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (d) to conduct an annual personnel evaluation. It was noted that the session would last for 90 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 12:00 Noon.

12:00 Noon – Lunch

1:30 PM – Consideration of Nuisance Abatement of Parcel Numbers 04-13-2350-1215/00, 05-16-2151-0014/00 and

04-13-2350-0412/00

Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Code Compliance Officer Joyce DeVries presented three nuisance abatement cases. In the matters involving Parcel No. 04-13-2350-1215/00, Gary J. Vanwambecke owner, and Parcel No. 05-16-2151-0014/00, Chad J. and Renee C. Powell owners, the recommendation was to proceed with abatement of these nuisances. In the matter involving Parcel No. 04-13-2350-0412/00, Darrell and Toni Geary owners, the recommendation was not to proceed with abatement as it appears that the property is not in violation of the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance. The Board directed them to prepare the appropriate resolutions in each of these cases.

2:00 PM – 2007 Budget Workshops and Department Organizational Issues

Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman reviewed issues involving the 2007 Budget. There was also discussion on strategic/long term planning and possible options to be considered by the Board.

Commissioner Struck Arrives & Commissioner Frey Departs

For the record, Commissioner Struck joined the meeting at 2:20 PM and Commissioner Frey left the meeting at 3:50 PM.

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, October 12, 2006 (Continued)

4:00 PM – Agreement to Purchase Rock

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) an Agreement to Purchase Rock (#C20606) between Klickitat County and Rapid Ready Mix, Inc. for a maximum of 10,000 cubic yards of crushed rock and stockpiling of said rock at the county stockpile site located in the east one-half of the northwest one-quarter of Section 34, Township 3 North, Range 12 East, W.M.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:05 PM.

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Reference Document on File