Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, February 20^th, 2007

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 10:06 AM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and David Sauter.

Commissioner Don Struck was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

9:32 AM – Legislative Update

Lobbyist Jim Potts said that SB5074, which would split WRIA 29 into eastern and western portions is now in the State Senate Rules Committee and should come to the Senate Floor very soon, noting that it must pass the Senate by mid-March. He added that chances are very good for full passage though funding could be a problem near the very end of the process.

Lobbyist Potts stated that there is bipartisan support for a bill that would eliminate the state portion of property taxes, eliminate the Business and Occupation Tax, reduce the state sales tax and establish a modest state income tax.

Lobbyist Potts said that he continues to monitor the progress of HB1342 and its companion bill SB5647 which seek to clarify the use of hotel/motel tax revenues for tourism promotion.

Lobbyist Potts concluded by noting that the legislature is now in its seventh week and a week from tomorrow most bills will need to be out of their initial committee in order to survive, and this will eliminate a large number of bills.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, February 20, 2007 (Continued)

10:05 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith and Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges.

Engineer Hedges apologized for a “poor answer” that he provided last week to Chairman Thayer’s concerns regarding the very rough and bumpy pavement on Old Highway 8. He noted that they are trying to solve this problem and one solution may be to re-roll the pavement when temperatures get over 100 degrees. In addition, the laydown machine is currently in the shop where they are installing a screed lock and adjusting the screed angle of attack. Chairman Thayer responded that he continues to believe there are mechanical problems with the laydown machine and Engineer Hedges replied that they will continue to make adjustments.

Engineer Hedges stated that contract work on the Dot Road project is now complete but some work, such as reconstruction of field approaches, will have to wait until dryer conditions. He added that notice is being sent to landowners and they are working on a settlement agreement with the Powers family to postpone the replacement of about 4,500 feet of fence along their property.

Engineer Hedges said that preliminary information that they have recently received indicates that sidewalk projects for White Salmon and Dallesport are not going to be funded at this time.

Engineer Hedges stated that a preliminary meeting was held on February 14 to discuss haul routes for the tire shredding operation at the Tire Shredders location southwest of Goldendale. Director Smith added that the Washington State Department of Ecology may be willing to pay for a dust palliative to reduce the effects from about 400 truck loads of shredded tires that will have to use some stretches of the county’s gravel and dirt roads.

Engineer Hedges said that weight restrictions are still on and they are probing county roads today to determine if the restrictions still need to remain.

Engineer Hedges briefly discussed the ongoing search for a rock source in the upper Snowden area. Director Smith stated that the department needs rock for both construction and maintenance. Chairman Thayer suggested a continuation of the discussion next week when Commissioner Struck returns.

Director Smith provided a memorandum detailing the present situation regarding road construction projects. He noted that the Fisher Hill Road project, which is scheduled for 2008, is the most costly project in the 2007-2008 timeframe and could cost $700,000 more than budgeted. He suggested that either the Glenwood Highway overlay or the Oak Ridge Road project be deferred, at least until a better estimate is available for the Fisher Hill Road project. Chairman Thayer responded that there is still $142,000 in ER&R funds available for construction because this went to another use. Director Smith replied that he would research the issue and it was agreed that discussion on this matter would be tabled for now.

Chairman Thayer stated that there is still some debris at the Goldendale Golf Course that should have been cleaned up after the Road Department used a chipper to dispose of tree limbs. He asked them to look into the situation.

Director Smith said that they are working with the Sheriff’s Office to enforce load restrictions. It was noted that the issue will be discussed at a workshop next week.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, February 20, 2007 (Continued)

11:05 AM – Economic Development Update

Economic Development Specialist Denny Newell said that he was filling in for Economic Development Director Michael Canon who was ill today. He began his briefing by stating that the county received an inquiry from a firm interested in locating a server farm and requires 15 to 20 acres, with the possibility of up to 200 acres later on. He added that Director Canon prepared a response to the firm suggesting the Dallesport peninsula and the Port of Klickitat was also copied, but the Port did not get it because their email inbox was full.

Specialist Newell said that they are preparing for a Small Business Development Workshop to be held in Goldendale on Tuesday, March 13 with the Greater Goldendale Chamber of Commerce and the WSU Extension Office being cosponsors. He noted that there will be an emphasis on customer service considerations.

Specialist Newell said that the Economic Development Authority Community Development Grant requests have been received and processed by the department. Executive Secretary Cris McEwen responded that the requests must now be reviewed by Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill and County Auditor Brenda Sorensen. Specialist Newell replied that they would be sent to the two departments.

Specialist Newell stated that SB5557, which would authorize a higher sales and use tax rate for economic development, appears to have a good chance of passage this legislative session. He noted that it would raise the tax rate from 0.8% to 1.4%, which might increase county revenues from $80,000 to $140,000 annually. Chairman Thayer responded that the county should contact their legislators to let them know that they support the legislation.

Specialist Newell said that he recently met with the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Rural Development Area Director Randy Baird to discuss the availability of federal loans for business and economic development. He noted that Mr. Baird will talk to his colleagues to try to funnel more of these funds to Washington State.

Specialist Newell said that he will be meeting with the City of Goldendale’s Economic Development Committee today.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:48 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, February 20, 2007

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

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and David Sauter.

Commissioner Don Struck was absent.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with two changes: A report from Linda Schneider, Executive Director of Washington Gorge Action Programs (WGAP) on their programs has been cancelled. Also, there will be an add-on to consider new Timber/Cattle Patrol contracts.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for January 16, 2007 as presented.

Citizen Comment

There was no one wishing to provide any public comment.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-69; Applicant: Tao Berman

Granted (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-69, the applicant being Tao Berman. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated in her staff report that this is a re-division of Lot 2 of Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA-91-07 to create one additional lot.

New Business

Police Activities League Update

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Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) a Commercial Lease Agreement (#C04007) between Doug and Vickie Young and the Mid-Columbia Police Activities League (PAL) through the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office for lease of the building at 112 East Main Street in Goldendale for use by the PAL sponsored youth activities program. Prior to the motion to approve PAL Coordinator Crystal Dodge provided further information, noting that the landlords, Doug and Vickie Young have chosen to reduce the $700 per month rent by their donation of $200, resulting in rent in the amount of $500 per month. Coordinator Dodge also noted that the landlords will bill PAL for the water and sewer charges separately.

In another matter Coordinator Dodge said that the PAL program would like to apply for the Yakama Nation Legends Casino Sponsorship and Charitable Donation grant in the amount of $35,000. She added that if they are successful they are considering using the funds to purchase a bus and another vehicle for youth programs, and also to sponsor golf teams in White Salmon and Goldendale. The Board reached consensus to allow an application to go forward.

Department Update/Comment

Building Department Update

Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes requested Board approval to purchase a new Hewlett Packard Model No. HW 2430 DTN printer for use at the West End Services area in the Pioneer Center in White Salmon at a cost of $1,182.50, including sales tax. He referred to an earlier communication from County Assessor Van Vandenberg stating that the present “home” type printer is too small and slow for his use. The Board reached consensus to approve the purchase. Director Grimes stated that Technical Services would order and install the printer and his department would at some point need a supplemental budget to pay for this expenditure.

On another issue Director Grimes said that his $250 per month stipend for assigned extra duties is due for review. He noted that these extra duties, including management of West End Services, have not changed. Chairman Thayer responded that the Board would discuss the request to continue the stipend at a later date.

Elected Official Reports

Authorization to Hire an Administrative Assistant I in the Treasurer’s Office

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) an Authorization to Hire an Administrative Assistant I in the Treasurer’s Office at Range 9, Step A through D. Prior to the motion County Treasurer Dani Burton noted that this was the second resignation from her office in as many weeks and she would also like Board approval to hire former Deputy Treasurer Bess Hawes on a temporary basis to fill in because there are now going to be two vacancies. Director Wolford added that an Authorization to Hire on an emergency basis would be formally presented to the Board at a later time.

Authorization to Hire an Administrative Assistant I in the Assessor’s Office

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) an Authorization to Hire an Administrative Assistant I in the Treasurer’s Office at Range 9, Step A through D. Prior to the motion County Assessor Van Vandenberg stated that this is a hire to replace Debi Miller who is retiring from the office after over 30 years service to Klickitat County. He noted that there will be some shifting of various functions to make better use of the talents of present employees in the office.

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill stated that there was one coroner call in the preceding week. He also noted that he and Sheriff McComas will be discussing the jail contracts between the county and cities of White Salmon and Bingen.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:12 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (i) to discuss potential litigation in regard to Condit Dam. It was noted that the session would last until 3:20 PM.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:20 PM.

Consent Agenda

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

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1. Resolution #05007 in the matter of authorizing the Code Compliance Officer to commence proceedings to cause the abatement of the nuisance on Parcel No. 03-14-1800-0007/00 – Neatha S. Slate.

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2. Resolution #05107 in the matter of authorizing the Code Compliance Officer to commence proceedings to cause the abatement of the nuisance on Parcel No. 03-13-1100-0002/00 – James & Patsy Johnson.

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3. Resolution #05207 in the matter of authorizing the Code Compliance Officer to commence proceedings to cause the abatement of the nuisance on Parcel No. 04-13-2350-0108/00 – Mary Carey.

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4. Renewal of an existing Alternative Work Schedule for an Administrative Assistant III within the Public Works Department.

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5. Resolution #05307 in the matter of declaring two vehicles as surplus to be removed from the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office inventory to be disposed of through public sale or auction by the County Treasurer, AND Resolution #05407 in the matter of declaring three vehicles as surplus to be removed from the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office (Drug Investigations) inventory to be disposed of through public sale or auction by the County Treasurer.

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6. Resolution #05407 in the matter of appointing David M. Sauter to the Klickitat County Public Corporation Board of Directors.

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7. Memorandum concurring with fair market values for listed parcels and authorizing the Public Works Department to make firm offers for said parcels and begin negotiations with owners to secure road right-of-way for the Snowden Road Project, CRP 223, F.A. STPR-B201 (001).

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8. Professional Services Agreement (#C04107) between Klickitat County (Public Health Department) and Klickitat School for the purpose of providing substance abuse prevention services within the county.

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9. County Program Agreement #0563-73249, Amendment No. 1(#C04207) , between the State of Washington, Department of Social and Health Services/Health and Recovery Services Administration/Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse and Klickitat County (Health Department).

10. Authorization to Hire a Temporary Full-time Parks Attendant within the Buildings & Grounds Department at a Range 8, Step A ($11.19 per hour).

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11. Agreement Amendment No. 2, to the Agreement (GCA4457) entered into between the Washington State Department of Transportation and Klickitat County (Senior Services) reducing the amount of Competitive Rural Mobility state grant funds by $145,000 for reallocation to meet expenses elsewhere in the state.

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12. Amendment to the Personal Services Contract (E06-001) between Franklin County Emergency Management and Klickitat County (Emergency Management) providing funds to enhance the capability of state and local units of government to prevent, deter, respond to, and recover from incidents of terrorism involving the use of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive weapons.

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13. Resolution in the matter of authorizing Frances Kay Carr, Fair Board Treasurer, to request and direct the Klickitat County Treasurer to make investments at such time, for such period and in such amounts as will best serve the interest of the aforementioned fund during the 2007 calendar year.

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14. Amendment No. 1 (#C04507) to Interlocal Agreement C06606 between Klickitat County and Wishram School District #94 extending the contract to April 1, 2007 to allow payment of invoices in the amount of $14,927.22 which represents the balance of their 2006 community project grant.

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15. Agreement (#C04607) between the Washington State Department of Ecology and Klickitat County for the WRIA 30 Project/Water Availability Assessment and Water Banking Pilot Project, Grant No. G0700207, to support projects to implement strategies identified in the Klickitat Basin Watershed Management Plan.

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16. Request from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for authorization to allow the Budget & Technical Services Department to purchase on their behalf a personal computer, monitor, peripherals and software, and a telephone for use by the part time victim witness position at an estimated cost of $2,000.

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17. Two Contract Addendums with Mid-Columbia Medical Center to change the hourly rate for dietitian services for Wishram School (#C04707) and WIC (Women, Infants and Children program) (#C04807).

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18. Resolution #05607 in the matter of clarifying and establishing procedures for collecting and refunding monies for road approach permits.

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19. Agreement for Digital Data Sharing (#C04907) between Klickitat County and Granite Construction, Inc. for specific digital data compiled by the Public Works Department in an Arc View “shape” file format in consideration of a $250 fee.

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20. Business Customer Service Agreement (#C05007) between Klickitat County and the United States Cellular Corporation to provide the Senior Services Department ten cell phones to improve communication between drivers and the offices.

New Business

Timber and Cattle Patrol Contracts with Robert Songer and Welch’s Livestock

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Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) two Independent Contracts for Law Enforcement Services between Klickitat County and Robert L. Songer (#C05107) and Welch’s Livestock (#C05207) to provide for timber and livestock patrol services.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#163648 – 163806) $119,871.02

There were no payroll/benefits warrants requiring approval at this time.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:04 PM.

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Reference Document on File