Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Chairman David M. Sauter called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, David M. Sauter and Rex F. Johnston.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:05 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Interim Public Works Director Jay Armstrong, Public Works Finance Manager Susan Gregson, Road Superintendent Bob Chapman, Building and Grounds Manager John Ihrig, Planning Director Curt Dreyer and Senior Planner Mo-chi Lindblad.

Planning Director Curt Dreyer reported that he and Interim Public Works Director Armstrong participated in a telephone conference call with Special Counsel Steve DiJulio concerning the mitigation of road damages caused by the construction and operation of energy projects and the possibility of charging fees for the damages up front.

Director Dreyer stated that the Planning Department will be doing environmental impact statements for each project which will identify specific roads to be used for haul routes, noting that the roads should be listed on the 6 year Construction Plan. Director Dreyer stated that Special Counsel DiJulio is preparing a packet for the Boards consideration that will be presented at a future meeting.

Road Superintendent Bob Chapman presented a map which laid out existing and proposed energy projects which identified possible haul routes and roads that would be affected for the Boards consideration and review.

Interim Director Armstrong stated that interviews for the Assistant County Engineer position are scheduled for June 19^th and 20^th, noting that the new Public Works Director, Gordon Kelsey will be involved in the interviews and will make the selection of the new Assistant County Engineer.

Interim Director Armstrong reported that Prosecutor O’Neill had recommended changes for his consultant agreement, adding that he would rather keep the contract simple. The Board agreed.

The Board had a discussion concerning the 2008 Construction Program, with Finance Manager Susan Gregson reporting that she had verified the dollar amounts from her previous report, noting that the end result was the same.

Interim Director Armstrong reported that the City of Bingen is considering turning the operation of the Dallesport Wastewater Treatment Facility over to the Klickitat PUD two (2) weeks early.

Interim Director Armstrong provided a brief summary of road issues caused by the development of energy projects and current road closures.

11:00 AM- Elected Officials Report:

Attendance: Sheriff Rick McComas, Undersheriff Erik Anderson, Chief Civil Deputy Eileen Porter, Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Brown and Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman.

Sheriff McComas advised the Board that the Klickitat County Interagency Fire Association had voted to remove the emergency dispatch services from the Sheriff’s Department and have it established as a separate entity.

Following the discussion, Sheriff McComas stated that he had been out talking with County residents regarding their concerns with emergency dispatch services, adding that he hoped that everyone can work together to resolve the public’s concerns.

Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman presented a comparable compensation report which included total compensation data from six other similar Washington counties for the Undersheriff, Jail Superintendent, Emergency 911 Coordinator, Chief Civil Deputy and Administrative Secretary positions.

Following the discussion, Sheriff McComas requested and received Board approval to review the comparable compensation data and come back to the Board with a proposal at a later date.

Executive Session – Personnel issue regarding qualifications of an applicant.

The Board convened into Executive Session at 11:31 AM with Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman and Sheriff Rick McComas in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) to discuss a personnel issue regarding the qualifications of an applicant. It was noted that the session would last fifteen minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 11:46 AM.

Sheriff McComas provided an update on the Police Activities League (PAL) program, noting the process of obtaining their 501(c) 3 non-profit status is progressing.

Sheriff McComas stated that he is working on a remodel project for the building the Sheriff’s Department plans to purchase from the sale of property that was acquired in a drug seizure. Sheriff McComas inquired if there was a provision that would allow the Sheriff’s Department to purchase the building and repay the funds once the drug seizure property has sold.

Following discussion the Board advised Sheriff McComas to speak with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Chairman David M. Sauter reconvened the meeting at 1:00 PM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Rex F. Johnston and David Sauter.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with three Add-ons, the first under New Business: County Assessor Van Vandenberg’s request for approval to promote an employee and under Unfinished Business: Contracts, Provisions and Plans for Snowden Road reconstruction and a resolution appointing a hearing examiner for the Miller Ranch Wind Power Project appeal.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approval of Meeting Minutes

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Approved (M/Thayer, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for May 27, 2008 as presented.

Citizen Comment

No one was present to offer citizen comment.

Consultant Miland Walling introduced Mr. Schuyler Hoss who is Governor Gregoire’s Public Liaison Officer serving Southwest Washington.

Following introductions, the Board and Mr. Hoss discussed County and regional issues, with Mr. Hoss stating that he looked forward to working with the County and being of assistance in any way possible.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Hearing: Consider a supplemental budget and amendments to the 2008 Budget for various funds in the amount of $1,314,155.00.

Adopted (M/Thayer, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously) Resolution #10808 in the matter of allowing supplemental appropriations and amendments for the 2008 Budget for various funds and departments in the sum of $1,314,155.00.

Prior to approval of the resolution the public hearing proceeded as follows:

Chairman Sauter noted for the record that there was no one present wishing to provide public testimony.

Chief Financial Officer Chipman provided a summary of the various appropriations and amendments involving the various departments and funds.

Public Meeting: Consider acceptance of road right-of-way (Pipeline Road), Short Plat No. SPL2008-13: Applicant: Terrence Atkins.

Granted (M/Johnston, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) to accept the road dedication as shown on Short Plat SPL2008-13 for future maintenance of Pipeline Road, and grant final approval for the short plat. Applicant: Terrence Atkins.

Assistant Planner Crista Schroder reported in her staff review that this is a short plat creating 4 lots, with all lots having frontage along Pipeline Road. Planner Schroder noted that the applicant is deeding 30 feet of right of way to the County for future maintenance of the county road and that a deed for the right of way has been submitted and will be filed with the final short plat. Assistant Planner Schroder advised that all conditions have been met and all required written assurances have been received.

Public Meeting: Consider approval of alteration to Lot 1, SP94-11 and surety/performance bond for Short Plat No. SPL2008-05; Applicant: Peter and Tammy Dennis.

Accepted (M/Johnston, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) to approve Short Plat SPL2008-05 and accept the bond for road construction, and grant final approval for the short plat. Applicant: Peter and Tammy Dennis.

Assistant Planner Schroder reported that Short Plat No. SPL2008-05 is a short plat creating 3 lots, (re-dividing Lot 1 of Short Plat No. SPL94-11).

Planner Schroder stated that an administrative review has been completed and a bond and letter of agreement accepted by the Public Works Department and the Prosecuting Attorney has been submitted for the private road construction.

Planner Schroder advised that signatures have been obtained from the Health Department, Road Department, Treasurer and the Planning Department and all conditions attached to preliminary approval have been met.

Executive Session – Personnel issue regarding qualifications of an applicant.

The Board convened into Executive Session at 1:58PM with Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) to discuss a personnel issue regarding the qualifications of an applicant. It was noted that the session would last ten minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 2:08 PM.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda with item No. 1 being pulled for further consideration.

1) Pulled: Purchase Authorization to allow the Natural Resources Department to purchase a Dell Latitude D830 Laptop Computer through the Budget & Technical Services Department at a cost of approximately $1,700.000, which includes applicable tax.

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2) (C13608) Amendment No. 1 to Interlocal Agreement C07008 between Klickitat County and Snowden Fire District No. 3 to change the Scope of Work from upgrade of communications system and addition of a storage unit to the upgrade of Fire District No. 3’s brush truck with a 300 to 400 gallon slip-in-skid unit and safety features. The grant amount will remain the same, effective June 3, 2008.

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3) Resolution #10908 in the matter of requesting authorization as required by RCW 29A.32.210, for the Klickitat County Auditor to provide a local Voter’s Guide to serve the interest of Klickitat County’s electorate for all future elections in Klickitat County and to also publish the local Voter’s Guide on the Klickitat County Web Site, effective June 3, 2008.

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4) Agreement (C13508) for Transfer of Entitlements between the US Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration, the City of The Dalles/Klickitat County for the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport allowing a waiver and reallocation of $3,000 of FAA AIP funds to be used as a match for a $30,000.00 State of Oregon Aviation Pavement Improvement Program Grant. The waiver shall expire on September 30, 2008 or when the availability of apportioned funds would lapse under Section 47117(b) of the Act.

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5) Memorandum of Understanding and Membership Agreement (C13408) with Washington Counties Select Retrospective Program for program year July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. This program is intended to benefit the member entities and their employees by providing a financial incentive for good safety practices, effective claims management, and programs that return workers to productive employment.

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6) Personnel Authorization to grant a one-time $500.00 stipend to Muriel Oberfell, Judicial Administrative Assistant within the Superior Court for additional duties performed during the absence of the Superior Court Administrator for the month of May, 2008.

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7) (C13308) Amendment No. 1 to Ecology Grant No. G0800490 between the Department of Ecology and Klickitat County (Natural Resources Department) to add $9,000.00 for a total, not to exceed amount of $39,000.00 to be used to fund watershed planning administrative support costs in WRIA 30 (Watershed Resource Inventory Area), effective May 1, 2008 and expiring June 30, 2009.

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8) Consultant and Compensation Agreement (C13708) between Jacob C. Armstrong and Klickitat County to retain Mr. Armstrong as Interim Public Works Director/County Engineer to perform all duties at an hourly rate of $60.00 per hour. The work performed under this contract will cease on the appointed new hire’s first day, except for a reasonable transition period as agreed upon between the Board, Mr. Armstrong, and the new appointee, effective June 3, 2008.

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9) Personnel Authorization to hire outside the pay schedule for the Project Engineer II position in the Public Works Department at Range 22, Step H ($27.15 per hour), with additional benefits.

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10) Resolution #10608 in the matter of approving a petition requesting annexation of certain properties into the boundaries of Klickitat County Fire Protection District No. 8 involving 40 acres. Fire Protection District No. 8 held a public hearing granting approval of the annexation request evidenced by their Resolution No. 1 dated May 12, 2008.

Elected Official Report/Update:

Prosecutor’s Update-

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill reported that he had received conformation from the State regarding the Victim/Witness grant, noting that the part-time Victim/Witness Administrator position will now be full-time.

Prosecutor O’Neill stated that he had received a request from the Sheriff’s Department to draft an amendment to the County’s Open Range Ordinance, limiting it to cattle only.

Following the discussion, the Board suggested that Prosecutor O’Neill request input from the Cattlemen’s Association before proceeding further.

Prosecutor O’Neill stated that he is working on closure for the New Hope Farms grant issue, noting that an answer from the State Auditor’s Office should be forth coming.

New Business:

County Assessor Van Vandenberg: Request for approval to promote an employee.

County Assessor Van Vandenberg provided a background for his request for approval to promote an Administrative Assistant I to an Administrative Assistant III, noting that the employee has been performing tasks above and beyond the duties of an Administrative Assistant I.

Following discussion, the Board agreed to take the matter under consideration, noting that they should have an answer by next Tuesday.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#178475 - 178588) for a total of $138,085.42.

There were no payroll/benefits warrants requiring approval.

Unfinished Business

Contract, Provisions and Plans for Reconstruction of Snowden Road -

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Approved (M/Johnston, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Contract (C13208), Provisions and Plans with Granite Northwest Inc. in the amount of $3,068,068.00 for reconstruction of Snowden Road.

Designating a Hearing Examiner/Miller Ranch Wind Project

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously) Resolution # 10708 designating Phil Lamb as hearing examiner to hear the appeal to the SEPA Determination and any subsequent appeals for the Miller Ranch Wind Energy Project approval. Appellants: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Discussion was held with Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman regarding a proposal to reorganize the Personnel Department by combining the Budget and Technical Services Department and the Personnel Department to create a new Administrative Services Department which would include converting the Personnel Director position to a Manager position. The Board expressed their support for the proposal but noted they would like additional time to consider the options and would follow-up with additional discussion during next weeks meeting.

Executive Session – Personnel issue regarding qualifications of an applicant.

The Board convened into Executive Session at 4:10 PM with Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) to discuss a personnel issue regarding the qualifications of an applicant. It was noted that the session would last five minutes

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 4:15 PM.

Adjournment (4:15 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 6:30 PM, Monday, June 9, 2008.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension for Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Chairman Dave Sauter reconvened the meeting at 6:30 PM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, David Sauter and Rex Johnston.

Consolidated Public Hearing Continuations

Public Hearing Continuation: Appeal filed by appellant Pat Arnold “and Friends of the White Salmon” to issuance of DNS (SEP2007-12) for proposed amendments to the Husum/BZ Corner Sub-Area Plan, zoning text and zoning map.

Moved (M/Thayer, S/Sauter. Passed Unanimously) to remand the proposed update to the Husum/BZ Corners Sub-Area Plan, zoning text and zoning maps to the Planning Department staff for further research and study with regard to the ground water resources and some of the wildlife habitat issues. Chairman Sauter stated a revised environmental report would be brought back for public comment once the studies have been completed and the additional data has been compiled.

Prior to the motion Chairman Sauter advised that the purpose of the hearing continuation is for the Board to discuss testimony that is on the record and to possibly make a decision. Chairman Sauter reminded that the record is closed to public testimony.

Chairman Sauter noted for the record that Commissioner Rex Johnston was not on the Board at the time of the September 6, 2007 hearing and therefore has recused himself from participating in the Board’s continuation.

Staff Present: Planning Director Curt Dreyer, Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill and Executive Secretary and Clerk of the Board Cris McEwen.

An attendance sheet has been included as part of the official record; noting approximately 60 members of the public were present.

Note: An audio record of the public hearing continuation is on file in the Commissioners office as part of the official record and available on Tape #2007-12(B) Tape No. 1.

Regular Meeting Extension for Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Planning Director Dreyer provided a brief staff report noting that the proposal would rezone approximately 1000 acres from “Resource Lands” (RL) to zoning which would allow 2-acre lots; allow lots in the RL zone that are less than 20 acres to be divided one time; and would revise the Comprehensive Plan for the area. Director Dreyer stated that the appellants provided testimony that the proposal would result in significant new residential development which would degrade the water quality and quantity, wildlife habitat, recreation and values of the White Salmon Wild and Scenic River. Director Dreyer further stated that the Husum/BZ Community Council provided testimony that they had held numerous public workshops over a period of several years and that the Planning Commission held two public hearings and since the proposal is legislative rather than approving development the Council asserts that the environmental review was adequate.

Chairman Sauter advised he has reviewed the record and testimony; noting valid points were made both for and against the proposal. Chairman Sauter stated that he does have concerns over the ground water resources as well as with some of the wildlife habitat issues that were raised; noting we need to know what resources are available and zone accordingly.

Commissioner Thayer stated that the appellants raised some valid concerns regarding ground water and wildlife habitat which should possibly be researched further. Commissioner Thayer further stated there was one group of landowners in the Husum area that expressed their concern with the RL designation and wanted to be able to withdraw their property from the proposal; adding this may need to be researched further.

Chairman Sauter and Commissioner Thayer extended their appreciation to the Husum/BZ Community Council for all of their time, effort and commitment over the years to bring this proposal forward.

Adjournment (6:45 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 6:45 PM.

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Reference Document on File