Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, April 17, 2012

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

Workshop Session Agenda

10:00 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey and Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter. Public Safety Advisory Board (PSAB) Chairman R. David Kincaid and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman joined the audience near the end of the Public Works Department update.

Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey presented a department update which included a review of one Consent Agenda item, a construction program update and a road maintenance report.

Director Kelsey provided updates on facilities work which included the fairgrounds exhibit hall, dispatch center, the Annex 3 waterline repair and the Pioneer Center insulation project. This weekend the Home & Garden show will be held at the fairgrounds followed by the Washington State Search & Rescue Convention in May.

Director Kelsey reported that Public Works is working with PacifiCrop to finalize the Northwestern Lake Bridge supplemental agreement and preparing a grant application requesting federal funds through the Washington State Department of Transportation to paint the BZ Corner Bridge.

The Board had a brief discussion about the Industrial Park property with Director Kelsey indicating that the closing documents are ready for Board signature.

Director Kelsey noted that as a trade for use of the Trout Lake Park for their annual fishing derby the US Forest Service uses convict labor from Skamania County to clean the park prior to the official opening of the park. This year Public Works is coordinating with Skamania County to do more clean-up work due to the number of downed trees resulting from the winter ice storm.

Director Kelsey advised that two (2) mechanics who work out of the White Salmon shop will be retiring and justification to rehire for the positions will be prepared for Board consideration and discussion next week.

The Board held a discussion regarding a request to name the fairgrounds livestock barn in honor of Bruce Cameron. The Board asked Director Kelsey to present the idea to the Fair Board at their next meeting.

Commissioner Sauter inquired about high speed internet fiber optics being installed along Horse Shoe Bend Road, with Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman explaining that Saw.net has been building a high speed internet backbone funded by federal ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) grant funds. Saw.net has an agreement with Gorge.net to provide internet service to the public.

Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman: Radio project status update.

10:45 AM – Department Update/Comment

Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman, Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey, Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter and PSAB Chairman R. David Kincaid.

Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman provided a Radio Project update, noting that ADCOMM has committed to have an equipment list to the County by the end of the month.

Director Chipman reported that Personnel Manager Randi Post will be providing an update on the Emergency Management Director position salary classification and recruitment ad, noting that the ad will be out in May with interviews planned for June.

The Board had a discussion concerning radio coverage in the Klickitat Canyon and the pros and cons of purchasing vs. leasing property for the Klickitat radio site. The Board noted that they would wait for a cost analysis and recommendation from ADCOMM before making a decision.

Following further discussion about possible alternate Klickitat sites, Director Chipman suggested and Commissioner Johnston agreed to meet Radio Project Lead Steve Brown to look at two back up sites.

Director Chipman reported that small works contracts for radio communications improvements for the Arlington, Juniper Point and Kayser Ridge radio sites are on today’s Consent Agenda.

Commissioner Johnston requested and received clarification from Director Chipman regarding back up protection for the radio sites in the event a power outage occurs.

Personnel Manager Randi Post: Discuss the Job Classification Committee’s recommendation for the salary placement of the Director of Emergency Management position.

11:00 AM – Department Update/Comment

Attendance: Personnel Manager Randi Post, Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman and PSAB Chairman R. David Kincaid.

Personnel Manager Randi Post provided an overview of the Emergency Management Director position pay grade placement and classification process. Job Classification Committee members, Commissioner Thayer, Executive Secretary Cris McEwen and Manager Post reviewed the duties, responsibilities and annual compensation of similar positions in Adams, Asotin, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Pacific, Skamania, Walla Walla, Whitman and Yakima counties, with Pacific county being the most similar.

Following discussion, Manager Post recommended a grade placement of 71 which the Board supported. Manager Post will follow up with a Personnel Authorization for inclusion on next week’s Consent Agenda to begin the advertising process to fill the new Emergency Management Director position.

Manager Post provided a wage structure and organizational chart for the new Emergency Management Department for Board consideration and discussion. Commissioner Sauter advised that he would like more analysis, noting that there appears to be an extra box on the chart.

PSAB Chairman R. David Kincaid provided clarification as to the Public Safety Advisory Board’s vision of the hiring, firing and disciplinary roles of the director and supervisor positions. Commissioner Sauter provided an overview of the Board’s vision of the department and the interactions between positions.

The Board had a brief discussion regarding the Emergency Management Director position and the current moratorium on placing newly hired employees at step 1.

Family Planning Advisory Committee Meeting

At 11:30 AM the Board recessed from the regular workshop to proceed with the Family Planning Advisory Committee Meeting.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, April 17, 2012

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

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): the Business Agenda as presented.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approval of Meeting Minutes

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Approved (M/Johnston, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for April 3, 2012 as presented.

Citizen Comment

No one was present to offer citizen comment.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Hearing: Consider Application #OS-OS-2012-01 which is an application for reclassification from Open Space Farm and Agriculture Current Use Classification to Open Space Open Space for Current Use Assessment under Chapter 84.34 RCW.

Continued (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): Public Hearing to Tuesday, May 15, 2011 under Unfinished Business for Board deliberations to consider the application for reclassification from Farm and Agricultural Current Use Assessment to Open Space Open Space Current Use Assessment; application No. OS-OS-2012-01; Applicant/owners: David Simon, June Reznickoff, Jim Ruppa and Barbara Simon.

Chairman Thayer declared the public hearing open and noted that the purpose of the hearing is to consider an application for reclassification from Farm and Agricultural Current Use Assessment to Open Space Open Space for Current Use Assessment, Application No. OS-OS-2012-01, Parcel No. 03-13-0500-0015/00 (80 Acres); Applicant/Owners: David Simon, June Reznikoff, Jim Ruppa and Barbara Simon.

Chairman Thayer requested disclosures, i.e., ex-parte contacts or potential conflicts of interest which the Board members may have specific to this application. There were none.

Assessor’s Office representative Debbie Jetter provided an explanation of the current use program applied for. Chairman Thayer asked if the Assessor’s Office had a recommendation to offer of whether or not the application meets the program criteria. Ms. Jetter stated that they did not.

Chairman Thayer opened the public hearing for testimony beginning with the applicant’s testimony.

David Simon, co-owner of the property stated that he lived at 2208 SE 22^nd Ave in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Simon indicated that the owners of the property would like to preserve the natural habitat and scenic values of the property. Mr. Simon noted that it is very steep in some places and estimated that between 35% and 40% of the parcel is accessible.

Mr. Simon stated that their agricultural relationship with the farmer fell through and the property had not been grazed for a number of years. The owners of the property would like to be good stewards of the property and enhance the oak trees, protect streams and the natural habitat.

Jim Ruppa also a co-owner of the property who resides at 4712 SE Rex Drive, Portland, Oregon stated that they want to keep the property in its natural state. They are willing to pay the regular tax amount but don’t want to have to pay the compensating tax and associated removal fees.

Dallesport area resident Dennis Beeks spoke in support of the property owner’s stewardship efforts and care of the land, noting that there is a seasonal stream on the property.

Chairman Thayer inquired if there was any further public comment, hearing none he closed the public hearing to further public testimony and called for Board discussion.

Commissioner Sauter advised that Open Space Open Space current use assessment requires public access to the property and asked if they were aware of this. Mr. Simon indicated that he wasn’t aware that this was mandatory.

Following discussion and a round of questions and answers, the Board concurred to defer their decision until further review of the findings.

Chairman Thayer advised the applicants that they will receive written notice of the Board’s decision. If the application receives a favorable decision in whole or in part they will be sent an “Open Space Taxation Agreement” which may contain conditions as imposed by the Granting Authority. It will be necessary to sign and return the agreement within the stated time line.

Public Hearing: Consider Application #OS-OS-2012-02 which is an application for reclassification from Open Space Farm & Agriculture Current Use Classification to Open Space Open Space for Current Use Assessment under Chapter 84.34 RCW.

Continued (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): Public Hearing to Tuesday, May 15, 2011 under Unfinished Business for Board deliberation to consider the application for reclassification from Farm and Agricultural Current Use Assessment to Open Space Open Space Current Use Assessment; application No. OS-OS-2012-02; Applicant/owners: Mark Enloe/Susan Walsh-Enloe.

Chairman Thayer declared the public hearing open and noted that the purpose of the hearing is to consider an application for reclassification from Farm and Agricultural Current Use Assessment to Open Space Open Space for Current Use Assessment, Application No. OS-OS-2012-02, Parcel No. 03-13-0500-0017/00 (139.59 Acres); Applicant/Owners: Mark Enloe/Susan Walsh-Enloe.

Chairman Thayer requested disclosures, i.e., ex-parte contacts or potential conflicts of interest which the Board members may have specific to this application. There were none.

Assessor’s Office representative Debbie Jetter provided an explanation of current use program applied for. Chairman Thayer asked if the Assessor’s Office had a recommendation to offer of whether or not the application meets the program criteria. Ms. Jetter stated that they did not.

Chairman Thayer opened the public hearing for testimony beginning with the applicant’s testimony.

Owner Mark Enloe was present for the hearing; his wife was not able to attend. Mr. Enloe read a statement prepared by Mrs. Enloe urging the Board to approve the application granting open space designation.

Mrs. Enloe’s letter stated that the property boarders the east side of the Klickitat River for one quarter mile and rises nearly 1000 feet up a steep slope to an oak forest bench. Both the slope and the bench land are unique habitat for may species of birds, reptiles, mammals and vegetation, the land offers recreational uses, fishing, hiking, and birding. Together with their neighbors they would like to promote conservation and long term stewardship of the property to preserve and enjoy it long into the future. Mr. Enloe’s letter also stated that the property was not suited to graze cattle and that the slope was too steep for cattle.

Chairman Thayer inquired if there was any further public comment, hearing none he closed the public hearing to further public testimony and called for Board discussion.

Following discussion and a round of questions and answers, the Board concurred to defer their decision until further review of the findings.

Chairman Thayer advised the applicants that they will receive written notice of the Board’s decision. If the application receives a favorable decision in whole or in part they will be sent an “Open Space Taxation Agreement” which may contain conditions as imposed by the Granting Authority. It will be necessary to sign and return the agreement within the stated time line.

Elected Official Report/Update

Executive Session: Pending litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:00 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Lori Hoctor and Senior Planner Mo-chi Lindblad in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(l)(i) to discuss pending litigation. It was noted that the Executive Session would last for five (5) minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:05 PM.

Prosecuting Attorney Lori Hoctor provided clarification for the Board concerning liabilities issues associated with Open Space Open Space for Current Use Assessment classification.

Unfinished Business

Public Hearing Continued/Closed to further public testimony: Board deliberations to consider a petition to establish a stock restricted area.

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): Public Hearing Continued/closed to further public testimony to consider a petition to establish a stock restricted area in portions of Section 31 and 32, Township 4 North, Range 12 east. W.M. and Sections 4 and 5, Township 3 North, Range 12 east, W.M. (Lyle-Snowden Vicinity) to an unspecified date in the future for Board deliberation and discussion..

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): the Consent Agenda.

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1) Letters and Resolution No. 07112 in the matter of re-appointing Mike Sandlin and Ron Gunkel to the Klickitat County Horticultural Pest and Disease Board for additional two (2) year terms, effective July 1, 2012 and expiring June 30, 2014.

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2) Resolution No. 07212 in the matter of a proclamation to recognize the week of the young child and to formally declare April 22 – 28, 2012 “The Week of the Young Child” in Klickitat County and to encourage all citizens to join in honoring and recognizing the efforts of families, caregivers and teachers of young children.

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3) License Assignment Request Form to consolidate the County’s licenses for all Symantec Products under one contract (C07612) for ease of administration.

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4) Concurrence to Award Bid and Small Works Contract (C07712) between Crestline Construction Company LLC and Klickitat County (Radio Project) for the “Arlington Wireless Communication Site AWC306 Project” for the total bid amount of $213,869.00.

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5) Concurrence to Award Bid and Small Works contract (C07812) between Allyn’s Building Center and Klickitat County (Radio Project) for the “Juniper Point Communications Site Building JPB306 Project” for the total bid amount of $19,377.70.

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6) Purchase Authorization to allow the purchase of an 800 Series self-supporting tower for the Klickitat County Communications Improvement Project - Juniper Point Site from Valmont Industries, Inc. under WSCA Contract #02702 for the total amount of $281,430.00.

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7) Washington State Community Development Block Grant Application through the Office of Trade & Economic Development Rural Washington Loan Fund for funds in an amount of $1,000,000.00 on behalf of Phoenix Rising Investments, LLC for the purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements.

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8) Washington State Community Development Block Grant Application through the Office of Trade & Economic Development Rural Washington Loan Fund for funds in an amount of $530,000.00 on behalf of Custom Interface, Inc. for the purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements.

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9) Concurrence to Award Bid to purchase one (1) 40 foot by 8 foot connex metal storage container for dry storage at the Klickitat County fairgrounds, N12019 from Affordable Storage Container, Inc. of Yakima, Washington in the amount of $3,477.50, which includes sales tax.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#220874 – 221065 & #221136 - 221138; Cancelled Warrants #220784, & 220742) for a net of $162,612.61.

Combined Payroll: (#129154 – 129413, County Benefit Warrants #220860 - 220873, Electronic Transfer #583) $555,025.93.

For a combined total of $717,638.54 for the date ending April 16, 2012.

Adjournment

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:55 PM.

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Reference Document on File

Please Note: The Board of Commissioners’ minutes are action minutes. An audio record is on file as part of the official record and available on Tape #2012-04, Tape Count 2101 through 3617 and Tape #2012-05, Tape Count 0 through 1803.