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Monday, July 09, 2001


Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes - Meeting of Monday, July 9th, 2001

Topic

 

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

   

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session - Monday, July 9th, 2001

 

Chairman Don Struck called the meeting to order at 10:10 A.M. Commissioners Present: Don Struck, Joan Frey and Ray Thayer.

   

Workshop Session Agenda

   

10:10 A.M.

SFG Update/Pending Issues

County Auditor Diana Housden and the Board of Commissioners reviewed notes taken from the initial May 30th, 2001 workshop for clear interpretation and agreement on intent. Further discussion was held between Auditor Housden and the Board regarding remaining SFG control issues requiring resolve as well as financial service duty assignments for specified Central Services staff.

In conclusion, it was agreed that the notes from the meetings would be combined and formalized for review by legal counsel.

Lunch Recess

 

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

   

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Monday, July 9th, 2001

 

Chairman Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 1:05 P.M. Commissioners Present: Don Struck, Joan Frey and Ray Thayer.

   

Agenda

Business Agenda

 

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with one addition under Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes: Consideration of approval of minutes for June 4th, 2001.

   

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

   

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for June 4th, and June 18th, 2001 as read and/or corrected.

   

Citizen Comment

   

Gene Herin – Asked if Klickitat County had a Conservancy Board and Chairman Struck responded that there is a Water Conservancy Board consisting of Dick Beightol, Bob Andrews and Brooks Heard. Mr. Herin then asked if this board reviewed the transfer of water rights for Calpine (the Goldendale Energy Plant) and Chairman Struck stated that he did not know. Mr. Herin then repeated criticisms of the Calpine project, saying it will degrade his view and pollute the environment, and should be located near the Columbia River rather than in Goldendale. On another topic, Mr. Herin stated that a fire came close to the Tire Shredder’s tire pile in Goldendale and asked if they were accepting any more tires. Chairman Struck responded that he didn’t believe they were. Mr. Herin then charged that the owners are making large profits from their tire operation and should clean it up.

Ed Thomas – Related problems with a tire pile fire in Everett, WA that was fought for two weeks before firefighters gave up. He stated that it burned for over a year and the poisonous residue had to be hauled out. On another topic, he stated that natural gas fired electrical turbines (such as the Goldendale Energy Plant) have very low pollution.

   

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Bid Opening – New Cab and Chassis With Service Body for White Salmon Road Shop

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Bids Returned (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) to the Road Department for their review and recommendation of three bids received for a new cab and chassis with service body for use at the White Salmon road shop (bid bonds enclosed):

Ray Schultens Ford, The Dalles, OR:

Stiff Chevrolet, Goldendale, WA:

Northside Ford, Portland, OR:

$34,191.70

$36,712.48

$35,449.00

less Trade-In

-13,300.00

less Trade-In

-8,000.00

less Trade-In

-13,874.19

$20,891.70

$28,712.48

$21,574.81

plus Sales Tax

+1,566.87

plus Sales Tax

+2153.44

plus Sales Tax

+1,618.12

Net Bid

$22,458.58

Net Bid

$30,865.92

Net Bid

$23,192.93

Bid Opening – Wash Water Treatment Oil/Water Separator

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Bid Returned (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) to the Road Department for their review and recommendation of one bid, with bid bond, received for a used wash water treatment oil/water separator for use at the Goldendale Road Shop:

AMB Tools and Equipment, Yakima, WA – $11,995.00 plus sales tax of $947.60, for a total of $12,942.60.

Public Hearing – Consider Amendment to Klickitat County Code to add Section Titled "Public Disturbance Noises"

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Continued (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) to 3:00 P.M. on Monday, July 30th, 2001 under Old Business, with proceedings closed to further oral testimony, but open to receipt of written testimony. Included in Commissioner Frey’s motion was instruction to contact the community councils to solicit their input.

Prior to the motion to continue, Chairman Struck opened the public hearing to consider an amendment to Klickitat County Code Title 9.00 titled "Public Peace, Morals and Safety" by adding a new Section 9.15 to be titled "Public Disturbance Noises". He noted that there has been considerable support in his district for a noise ordinance and asked for a staff report:

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill stated that research was done regarding other county’s noise ordinances. An extremely technical approach was taken by some, while others used a more common sense approach, which Mr. O’Neill favored. He noted that Klickitat County is agricultural and somewhat remote with residents who value peace and quiet. Balancing this is the desire of many residents to do whatever they wish on their own private property. Drafts have been composed and distributed to parties inside and outside the county which include broad exemptions for agricultural and development activities. He noted that they have received comments back from the Building Inspection Department, but none were received from industries located within the county.

Chairman Struck then asked for testimony either for or against, noting there was only one member of the public present:

Ed Thomas stated that he moved to Klickitat County a few years ago and is a registered firearms instructor, though his regular employment with Scott Paper was with asbestos and noise abatement. He added that he has a 100 yard shooting range on his property and has concerns about the effects of this proposed ordinance on shooting activities.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill stated that the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 173.60.050) lists exemptions from noise statutes including the discharge of firearms at shooting ranges and when engaged in hunting. He suggested that language from this WAC could be incorporated into the proposed ordinance.

Ed Thomas said that there is a need for a local shooting range for law enforcement officers, noting that officers and officials from both Klickitat County and the City of Goldendale have visited his range and expressed approval for his facility. He did not, however, want to be forced into a permitting process as those who make the decisions on whether to permit may not have the necessary background to be qualified.

Chairman Struck stated that he would rather live in an under regulated county than an over regulated one.

Deputy Prosecutor O’Neill stated that upon review of the proposed ordinance that he saw no reference to shooting activities, therefore the ordinance would have no impact.

Commissioner Thayer asked Mr. Thomas if there was the potential for growth in his neighborhood.

Mr. Thomas replied that minimum lot size is 20 acres with just a few large landowners that appear unlikely to sell, so he did not see this as an issue at this time.

Chairman Struck asked if the community councils should be contacted regarding this proposed ordinance.

Executive Secretary Cris McEwen responded that it is not customary to contact the councils on such matters.

Deputy Prosecutor O’Neill stated that in regard to this issue, however, it might be appropriate.

Chairman Struck stated for the record that the Board had received phone calls from Chuck Jacobs and LaRay Vaughan who could not attend today. He also noted the receipt of an anonymous letter from a property owner concerned about truck drivers causing disturbances at night by using their exhaust brakes.

   

New Business

Multidisciplinary Community Advisory Team for Youth-at-Risk (MUDCAT)

*

Prosecuting Attorney Jim Hagarty, Juvenile Court Administrator Keith Anderson, Central Services Director Glen Chipman, Chemical Dependency Coordinator Steve White and Les Porter from Quest Counseling Services came before the Board to discuss a Multidisciplinary Community Advisory Team for youth-at-risk (MUDCAT) grant application.

Prosecuting Attorney Hagarty began by explaining that these grants are available through the United States Department of Justice to create community-based outreach programs for youth in rural communities. It is a prevention and intervention program to be collaboratively directed by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Juvenile Department and Quest Counseling Services. He added that his office has noticed a significant increase in youth offenses and chemical dependency and plans were formulated to address the issue. However, a meeting they attended in Portland made them realize that their focus was too broad and they decided to concentrate their efforts initially in just one community.

Les Porter added that MUDCAT works with specific youth to reconnect them to community and/or family and uses an "itinerant prosecutor" concept.

Prosecutor Hagarty stated that local boards are set up with the idea being that they are the ones who know which youths are at risk and require intervention. In response to inquiries by Chairman Struck, Mr. Hagarty stated that the program will start with Goldendale because of its close proximity to Quest and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Keith Anderson said that he had some concerns and questions, especially with the funding aspects. However, he was not opposed to the program, stating that grant monies need to be pursued when available.

Mr. Porter stated that no county match is required and no other county programs will lose money because of MUDCAT. However there is an in-kind match, with the Prosecutor’s Office keeping track of county employee hours spent on the project.

Discussion continued with Prosecutor Hagarty noting that the program would be administered through his office but that Mr. Porter of Quest Counseling would be the coordinator. When Steve White asked who would have the responsibility of identifying the at-risk youths, Mr. Hagarty replied it would be the job of the local boards. Mr. Anderson stated that this was a concern, as he did not want to see the community "pointing fingers". Mr. Porter replied that things were still in the planning phase with questions about referrals and who does them still needing to be finalized.

Chairman Struck expressed his interest in the program, suggesting that another meeting should be held in 45 to 60 days.

   

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Special Use Agricultural Tax Deferral Issue

 

Real Estate Agent Georgia Murray came before the Board as a representative of Robert and Arlene Allen of White Salmon regarding a special use agricultural tax deferral issue. The Allens are selling a parcel of land, part of which has been set aside in an open space classified category, to the federal government. Ms. Murray is contending that the compensating tax that would normally be due upon the sale is, in this case, not collectable because of a statute that exempts property sold to the federal government that is to remain in open space.

After considerable discussion with Ms. Murray, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill and County Assessor Van Vandenberg, Mr. Vandenberg indicated that he would make a decision after reviewing information from the RCWs (Revised Code of Washington), Department of Revenue and the federal government. Chairman Struck asked that the Board be kept apprised.

   

Consent Agenda

   

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

 

*

  1. Amended Agreement to Purchase Rock and Stockpile Rock (#C14101) with Tom Amery.
 

*

  1. Resolution #14201 appointing Tim Furlong to the Stakeholder’s Committee.
 

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  1. Human Services Council, Southwest Washington Area on Aging Revised Contract (#C14201) #CI-SWAA-Klickitat County Senior Services (Multi-Service)-2001-02.
 

*

  1. Professional Services Contract (#C14301) with Gale Garrod to serve as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Project Coordinator.
  2. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting for 1:30 P.M. on Monday, July 23rd, 2001 to consider acceptance of road right-of-way dedication within SPL-2000-00038, the applicant being James Paul.

Permits Approved:

P070901 through P070901-4

*

P070901

Jack Burns, White Salmon, WA – Construct an approach to the east side of Cochran Lane at M.P. 0.20.

 

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P070901-1

Dwayne Person, Goldendale, WA – Construct an approach to the north side of Pine Forest Road at M.P. 5.69.

 

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P070901-2

Tom Amery, Lyle, WA – Construct an approach to the east side of Hartland Road at M.P.0.20.

 

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P070901-3

Tom Amery, Lyle, WA – Construct an approach to the west side of Hartland Road at M.P.0.60 and 0.65

 

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P070901-4

City of Goldendale – Construct a water and sewer crossing at M.P. 0.14 on West Darland Street.

   

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#103391 – 103493) $92,740.03

Combined Payroll: (#054963 – 055235, 103494 – 103508 & Electronic Trans. # 79) $367,910.85

For a combined total of $460,650.88

   

Executive Session

Executive Session – Personnel Issues

 

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:30 P.M. with Interim County Engineer Ed Hoyle, Assistant County Engineer Jim Amundsen and Personnel Director Lori Wolford to discuss two personnel issues.

The Board reconvened back into Regular Session at 3:55 P.M.

   

Department Update

Road Department Update

 

Interim County Engineer Ed Hoyle briefed the Board on numerous issues:

  • Selected Joe Smith to fill the position of Road Forman in Glenwood.
  • Stated that he has not yet had the chance to review the job descriptions for the Project Engineer and Office Engineer.
  • Hopes that the Board is actively recruiting a new County Engineer. Chairman Struck stated that the Board will discuss this at the July 11th workshop.
  • Said that Road Department management will continue to work on the issue of alternate work schedules.
  • Asked if the Board wished to have him prepare a department budget for next year. Commissioner Struck asked Assistant County Engineer Jim Amundsen what his involvement has been. Mr. Amundsen replied that he had primary responsibility with then County Engineer Jim Miller providing final oversight and approval.
  • Noted that the generator for the Goldendale Energy Project will have to be moved via Centerville Highway and Wing and Van Hoy Roads because a bridge on Highway 97 has too low a load limit. He will meet with the contractor tomorrow to determine a moving date.
  • Stated that there was a clarification issued because of an error in the legal notice for the BZ-Glenwood project.
  • Assistant County Engineer presented a flyer from organizers of the Gorge Games that stated that Tunnel Road would be closed on July 15th. However they haven’t contacted Klickitat County to get permission. Chairman Struck instructed the Road Department to contact them.
  • Mr. Hoyle stated that the Road Department had received a complaint from the Lyle Hotel regarding Lyle Tunnel closures and delays. Commissioner Frey suggested that Mr. Amundsen contact the Department of Transportation.
  • Presented two items for Board approval, the first item being a progress payment for James Dean Construction for the Hartland Area Roads project. The second was an Administrative Determination of Just Compensation for the Dallesport Wastewater project that is a correction of one presented last week.
   

Payment Approvals

Road Department Contract Pay Estimate Payments

*

Authorized (M/Thayer, S/Struck. Question: Thayer and Struck voted for the motion) a Progress Payment to James Dean Construction in the amount of $47,359.98 minus retainage of $2368.00, for a net of $44,991.98. (Commissioner Frey was momentarily away and did not vote.)

   

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Dallesport Wastewater Project Update

 

Interim County Engineer Ed Hoyle and Resource Development Director Dana Peck discussed aspects of the Dallesport Wastewater Project, specifically the operation of the facility upon its completion. Also discussed was the issue of contract administration.

   

Old Business

Administrative Determination of Just Compensation for Dallesport Wastewater Project

*

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Struck. Question: Thayer and Struck voted for the motion.) an Administrative Determination of Just Compensation for Randy and Linda Fields in the amount of $1764.00, for the Dallesport Wastewater project. This is a correction of what was presented last week.

Recess (5:45 P.M.)

 

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was recessed until 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, July 11th, 2001.

   

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Wednesday, July 11th, 2001

 

Chairman Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 10:30 A.M.

Commissioners Present: Don Struck, Joan Frey and Ray Thayer.

   

Workshop Session Agenda

   

9:30 A.M.

ProVal/Ascend Application Support

Attendance: County Assessor Van Vandenberg, County Treasurer Dani Burton, Central Services Director Glen Chipman, Information Services (IS) Manager Mike McKune, IS Technician Travis Amundson and Personnel Director Lori Wolford

Continued dialogue was held regarding the personnel needs of the Assessor’s and Treasurer’s Offices for application support of the ProVal and Ascend software package.

Directors Chipman and Wolford were requested to address details of the present personnel in IS in an effort to adequately assess and address the needs of the Assessor and Treasurer.

   

10:40 A.M.

Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session with Prosecuting Attorney Jim Hagarty to discuss a personnel issue.

The Board reconvened back into Regular Session at 11:00 A.M. with no decision issued.

   

11:00 A.M.

Nuisance Abatement

Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Compliance Officer Joy Fleury reviewed two separate nuisance cases as filed with the Building Department on Parcel No. 05-17-3469-0014/00 and Parcel No. 06-20-2151-0009/00 both located within Klickitat County. Staff has performed the necessary site visits followed by documentation regarding location of property, legal ownership, photos, maps, and zoning verification.

In conclusion, staff was directed to prepare a draft resolution for Board consideration at a later date authorizing the Code Compliance Officer to commence proceedings to cause the abatement of a nuisance on Parcel #05-17-3469-0014/00. The Board determined that Parcel #06-20-2151-0009/00 did not meet the established criteria of a nuisance, therefore, abatement would not be authorized.

   

11:30 A.M.

Buildings and Grounds Department Update

Attendance: Buildings and Grounds Director John Ihrig, Resource Development Director Dana Peck, Solid Waste Director Tim Hopkinson and Juvenile Court Administrator Keith Anderson

Director Ihrig provided a general update on the progress of projects. He also advised that some departments are not following the proper process regarding institution of capital improvement projects by his department and are not following the correct procedure to dispose of surplus equipment/office inventory. He noted that both situations are beginning to culminate and overwhelm his department. The Board stated that most items could be addressed through the budget process by discussion with the various departments.

The office space needs of the Juvenile Department was then discussed. Director Ihrig was requested to research the possibility of siting a modular office unit with the expectation that it would be utilized by the Solid Waste and Resource Development Departments as the most reasonable and cost effective solution. Relocation of both departments would allow the Juvenile Department total occupation of Annex III and solve their present and future office needs. Director Ihrig was requested to research availability of a modular unit and associated costs, noting it would be necessary to consult with the Solid Waste and Resource Development Director as to their specific space needs. Cost estimates will need to be provided to the Board for review once available units are located.

Lunch Recess

 

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:10 P.M.

   

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Wednesday, July 11th, 2001 (Continued)

 

Chairman Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 1:30 P.M. Commissioners Present: Don Struck and Joan Frey.

Commissioner Ray Thayer was absent due to attendance at the monthly Regional Transportation Committee meeting in Bingen. He returned to this meeting at 4:15 P. M.

   

Workshop Session Agenda (Continued)

   

1:30 P.M.

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) Resolution #14301 in the matter of temporary closure of Centerville Highway, County Road No. 22000 from Mile Post 26.06 to Mile Post 27.06 for a period of time from 7 A.M. on July 13th, to 11:00 A.M. on July 16, 2001 for road alterations to allow the transport of an oversized generator and overweight vehicle.

   

3:15 P.M.

Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session with Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill to discuss pending civil litigation matters.

The Board reconvened back into Regular Session at 3:45 P.M.

   

3:45 P.M.

Port Funding Issues

General dialogue took place with Resource Development Director Dana Peck and Business & Retention Specialist Tom Seifert regarding port projects. Documents were provided for review that reflected landfill dollars and the demands on those dollars. Discussion was informational only with no decisions being required or made.

Adjournment

 

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 P.M.

 

*

Reference Document on File

 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

Approved: Donald G. Struck, Chairman of the Board


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