Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, January 9^th, 2007

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 9:15 AM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Don Struck and David Sauter.

Workshop Session Agenda

9:15 AM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session with Special Counsels Steve DiJulio and Susan Drummond of Foster Pepper PLLC (via teleconference), Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill, Planning Director Curt Dreyer, Natural Resources Director Dave McClure, and Public Health Director Kevin Barry in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (i) to discuss potential litigation, some of which may involve subdivision regulations and policies of Klickitat County that may conflict with state water right requirements. It was noted that the session would last for 40 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 9:55 AM.

10:05 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith, Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges, and Office Engineer Keith Grundei who was present for just the first item.

Director Smith provided a memorandum requesting that the Snowden Road reconstruction project be reduced in length by 0.68 mile (MP 0.95 to MP 2.92 instead of MP .095 to MOP 3.60) in order to constrain project costs to the amount that has been budgeted. He stated that several factors have contributed to cost increases, including higher than expected right-of-way acquisition costs and new compliance standards that will require a width of 36 feet, rather than the originally specified 28 feet. All three members of the Board stated that they were against shortening the project, with Commissioner Sauter stating that the section proposed to be eliminated is a crucial problem area. Chairman Thayer asked if STP funds (funding from the federal Surface Transportation Program) could be transferred from other projects to this one and Director Smith responded that this was an option, though there would probably be an overall loss of STP funds. The Board requested that Director Smith research the possibility of transferring STP funds and then report back to the Board.

Chairman Thayer requested clarification regarding the Lyle Sidewalks project, noting that Item 5 of today’s Consent Agenda indicates a total project cost of $91,500 while the 2007 Annual Construction Program states that total expenditures will be $110,000. Director Smith replied that there is probably an error in the figure from the Annual Construction Program.

Engineer Hedges said that he was surprised that Washington State has still not reached the $700,000 damage threshold to allow emergency relief funds to reimburse for the December 14, 2006 windstorm.

Engineer Hedges stated that a letter has gone out to Mr. Van Kellem and the SDS Company regarding Little Buck Creek Road, a portion of which was vacated in Skamania County by their Board of Commissioners, and is now the source of some concern for the SDS Company which has used it as a haul road for its logging trucks.

Engineer Hedges stated that a company named Entec has been awarded a contract by the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) to shred tires at the Tireshredders, Inc. tire pile southwest of Goldendale. However the shredded tires must be trucked out in the next three months, which will necessitate extensive improvements to Wing and Van Hoy Roads due to winter conditions. Engineer Hedges recommended that Klickitat County explain to DOE that they will have to wait until the spring when road conditions improve. The Board agreed.

Engineer Hedges said that they have notified utility companies that most utility installation work has been halted, including all underground lines as well as all overhead work unless it is in the right-of-way on roads with no weight restrictions.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, January 9, 2007 (Continued)

11:05 AM – Economic Development Update

Economic Development Director Mike Canon discussed preparation for this Thursday’s Klickitat County Public Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting where Community Development Grant requests will be presented. Responding to Chairman Thayer, Director Canon stated that he has requested that EDA members RSVP so they have a better idea of who will attend and how much food needs to be catered, but response has been generally slow.

Director Canon stated that Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Brown has provided information regarding a Community Development grant request from the Hell Roaring Irrigation District to repair flood damage that impacts the community of Glenwood. Director Canon added, as had been noted previously, that the request does not qualify for Community Development funds, so they will have to look for funding elsewhere.

Director Canon said that a report of the department’s work plan, as will be carried out by staff and Consultant Miland Walling has been drafted and will shortly be shared with the Board.

Director Canon stated that in light of new efforts to establish wind power projects, production limits set forth in the county’s Energy Overlay Zone will need to be addressed soon, though he noted that the KPUD has interpreted the limits differently. Commissioner Struck responded that they are awaiting information from special counsel that will present some options for the county.

Director Canon said that they have received and replied to three referrals of businesses considering relocation to the county. He added that they are preparing a “Response Packet” of up-to-date county information that can be emailed in reply to inquiries, and this will allow a very rapid and comprehensive response, as is often needed, especially when staffing is short-handed at the Port of Klickitat.

Director Canon stated that Economic Development Specialist Denny Newell is at the Columbia River Gorge Commission meeting this morning where there is a public hearing on Plan Amendment PA-06-04, which deals with commercial recreational development, such as the current Broughton Landing proposal.

Director Canon stated that he and Specialist Newell will be attending the January 19, 2007 CERB (Community Economic Revitalization Board) meeting in Olympia, and will also meet with other state officials including representatives from CTED (Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development), Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen’s office and the DNR (Washington State Department of Natural Resources).

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:50 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:03 PM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Don Struck and David Sauter.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with one addition: a discussion with Sheriff Rick McComas regarding the Police Activities League.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Question: Thayer and Struck voted in favor, Sauter abstained. Motion passed) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for December 12, 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. SPL2006-71; Applicant: Paul Fasnacht

Accepted (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) the road right-of-way dedication for future maintenance of Austin Road and grant final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-71, the applicant being Paul Fasnacht. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated in her staff review that this short plat is creating three lots.

Public Meeting – Consider Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-68; Applicant: SDS Lumber Company, LLC

Granted (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-68, the applicant being SDS Lumber Company, LLC. Planner Jannette Herrington stated in her staff review that this short plat is a re-division of Lot 3 of P-99-05 (Jewett Heights Subdivision) to create four lots.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Presentations to Joan Frey

Pete Keller the District Manager for Allied Waste Industries, Matt Henry, General Manager of Allied’s Roosevelt Regional Landfill, Solid Waste Director Tim Hopkinson, other department heads, and a number of other county employees were on hand to present former Klickitat County Commissioner Joan Frey with various gifts to commemorate her sixteen years as County Commissioner. She was presented a belt buckle from Klickitat County employees and elected officials and a special commemorative “crown” from representatives from Allied Waste Industries for her part in creating the Roosevelt Regional Landfill.

Introduction of the Horizons Program

Kimmie Meinecke, Pastor of Goldendale’s Christ the King Lutheran Church, and Levi Mason, also of Goldendale, introduced themselves as facilitators of the Horizons Program, with Pastor Meinecke being the coordinator for the Goldendale area. Pastor Meinecke stated that the Horizons Program is a creation of the Northwest Area Foundation and has the goal of reducing rural poverty. She added that the program is offered in 200 communities in an eight-state region, including Washington and Oregon, adding that the Washington State University Extension administers the program in Klickitat County. She noted that Goldendale will start the “Study Circles” phase of the program with a kick-off meeting the evening of Thursday, January 18, with several other communities in the county having their opening meetings on other dates. Pastor Meinecke said that they hope to attract at least the minimum 80 people to Goldendale’s Study Circles where participants will be involved in a community dialog process to explore poverty issues. She noted that Goldendale has already received a $10,000 grant, and will be eligible for more upon successful completion of additional steps, but added that the Horizons Program is purposely not a giveaway but focuses on leadership training and getting people to take responsibility.

Consent Agenda

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

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1. Agreement for Digital Data Sharing (#C00407) between Klickitat County and the NAVTEQ North America, LLC. for specific digital data compiled by the Public Works Department in an ArcView “shape” file format in consideration of a $250.00 fee.

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2. Settlement Agreement (#C00507) between Klickitat County and William H. Zimmerman for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road.

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3. Renewal of an existing alternative work schedule for the Landfill Compliance Officer position within the Solid Waste Department.

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4. Professional Services Contract (#C00607) between Franklin County Emergency Management and Benton, Walla Walla, Yakima and Klickitat Counties and the Yakama Nation.

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5. Washington State Department of Transportation Local Agency Agreement for the Centerville Highway-Lyle Path project.

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6. Resolution #00707 in the matter of temporarily closing Dot Road, County Road No. 3800, between Old Highway 8 and Newell Road (Mile Post 0.00 to 5.09) and Newell Road, County Road No. 37660 from Dot Road – West (Mile Post 8.94 to 5.59 during the road construction process in 2007.

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7. Resolution #00807 in the matter of combining multiple construction projects into tied bids as allowed pursuant to Federal guidelines for multiple construction projects involving Rock Creek Bridge and Harms Road Bridge with Federal funds.

8. Request from Klickitat County Auditor Brenda Sorensen to replace four (4) 8-button telephones with four (4) 16-button, hands-free telephones.

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9. County Program Agreement Amendment (#C00807) between Klickitat County (Public Health Department) and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services for Alternative Response System Services.

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10. Resolution #00907 in the matter of interim appointments to the Klickitat County Planning Commission.

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11. Amendment to Agreement (#C00907) Between Klickitat County and Windtricity Ventures, LLC for Reimbursement of Costs and Fees.

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12. Agreement (#C01007) between Klickitat County and Sundoon Property Group, LLC for Reimbursement of Costs and Fees.

Old Business

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-57; Applicant: Jeff Berend/Flying L Ranch

Granted (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-57 and also accepting a bond in the amount of $60,000 for a period of one year, in lieu of constructing the private road at this time. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated that the applicant has stated that a contractor will make the necessary road improvements, which involves widening the existing 12 foot wide road to 20 feet wide, when weather improves.

Department Update

Request for Unpaid Maternity Leave

Public Health Director Kevin Barry presented a leave request for a public health nurse, noting that this employee will need to use unpaid leave for a portion of her maternity leave because she hasn’t accrued enough vacation. Personnel Director Lori Wolford stated that the leave request would not be necessary because the employee qualifies for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act.

Elected Official Reports

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill began by discussing proposed changes to the contract with Special Deputy Prosecutor David Trefry, suggesting that a fixed, monthly amount would be appropriate. Chairman Thayer responded that it might be less expensive to pay on an hourly basis. The Board requested further information, including the actual amount they propose to pay.

Prosecutor O’Neill stated that he has received some inquiries regarding Klickitat Valley Health that he will respond to.

Payment Approvals

Road Department Payments

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Approved (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) a Change Order in the amount of $31,850.00 to James Dean Construction, Inc., for the Dot and Newell Roads project.

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#162362 – 162396) $129,913.72

Combined Payroll: (#092720 – 093005, 162397 – 162410 & Electronic Transfer 374) $446,634.51

For a combined total of $576,548.23

Elected Official Report

Sheriff’s Department Update

Klickitat County Sheriff Rick McComas began by requesting Board approval to pay outside the base rate to allow the promotion of a present employee of the Sheriff’s Department to Undersheriff. He noted that the individual is a commissioned officer with extensive road experience and would like to offer the post at Range 21, Step C. Commissioner Struck replied that the Board would like to discuss the issue with Personnel Director Lori Wolford first.

Sheriff McComas then discussed the Police Activities League (PAL) which provides a variety of youth activities, including Family Bowling every second Saturday night at Goldendale’s Golden Lanes, Brainstorm Time at the Goldendale Library, and a learning program called Palatics, which provides information on government and how participants can help their community. He requested Board approval to hire an Administrative Assistant I (Range 9, Step B) to help run the PAL program. The Board expressed support and Sheriff McComas stated that he would discuss details of his proposal with Personnel Director Lori Wolford.

Adjournment (4:50 PM)

Motion by Struck to adjourn the meeting until 1:30 PM on Thursday, January 11, 2007. Seconded by Sauter and passed unanimously.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, January 11, 2007

Chairman Pro-Tem Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 1:45 PM.

Commissioners present: Don Struck and David Sauter.

Chairman Ray Thayer was temporarily delayed by other county business and joined the meeting at 1:50 PM.

Workshop Session Agenda

1:45 PM - Consideration of Nuisance Abatements of Parcels 06-20-2250-1603/00, 04-12-1151-0031/00 & 03-10-0251-0229/00

Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Code Compliance Officer Joyce DeVries presented three nuisance abatement cases. In those cases involving Parcel 06-20-2250-1603/00, Max and Chris Taylor, owners, and Parcel 04-12-1151-0031/00, John Hause, owner, they recommended proceeding with abatement. In the case of Parcel 03-10-0251-0229/00, Darold E. Ward, owner, they recommended no abatement. The Board agreed with all three recommendations and directed them to prepare the necessary resolutions as appropriate.

1:52 PM – Authorization to Hire in the Auditor’s Office

Approved (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) an Authorization to Hire an Administrative Assistant I – Licensing, in the Auditor’s Office at Range 9, Step A.

Recess (1:55 PM)

The Board recessed for approximately one hour to attend a meeting of the Klickitat County Board of Health.

2:52 PM – Sheriff Department Update

Klickitat County Sheriff Rick McComas introduced Erik Anderson, his choice for Undersheriff. On another matter Sheriff McComas revisited the discussion begun on Tuesday regarding the Police Activities League, with the main topic being proposed expenditures for the program. He stated that he would revisit the issue when he had more information to share with the Board.

3:05 PM – Emergency Management Executive Board Meeting

Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Brown, Goldendale Mayor Mark Sigfrinius and Sheriff Rick McComas were in attendance. Among those topics of discussion was an overview of the Emergency Management Department, information on the 211 Information and Referral Center, and department expenditures for emergency and law enforcement supplies.

4:12 PM – Stormwater Runoff Policy Discussion

Public Works Director Scott Smith and Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges discussed stormwater runoff issues. Also present were Planning Director Curt Dreyer, Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Associate Planner Jannette Herrington. Director Smith discussed the general issues and provided examples of problem areas. Director Dreyer discussed present county policy as opposed to other counties and recommended that the issue be addressed in the subdivision ordinance. Director Grimes presented ideas on how the issue is addressed by the building code.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:10 PM.

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Reference Document on File