Minutes - Meeting of Monday, April 14, 2003

Topic

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Monday, April 14, 2003

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 10:07 AM.

Commissioners Present: Ray Thayer and Joan Frey.

Commissioner Don Struck was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:07 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director Larry Nicholas, Port of Klickitat Executive Director Dianne Sherwood, Economic Development Director Dana Peck, Business Recruitment & Retention Specialist Tom Seifert and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Director Nicholas said that he invited Executive Director Sherwood and Director Peck and Specialist Seifert here today to discuss the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that they intend to compose for the various involvements between the Port and Klickitat County. Director Nicholas proposed that the first MOU would deal with engineering and would clarify the responsibilities of both parties. Participants tentatively scheduled a work session for April 21 to include the Port commissioners.

Director Peck added that he is working on the drafts of two other MOUs, one being involved with Port marketing activities and the other with SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) issues for the Dallesport Industrial Park. Director Sherwood remarked that the Port would be very appreciative of help with SEPA issues, noting that this was a stumbling block when the Port tried to move forward with construction at Bingen Point.

Director Nicholas said that the bid specifications for the lowboy trailer used for the bid opening two weeks ago mistakenly specified a 35-ton load capacity, which is too low for some of the loads they wish to transport. He added that further research revealed that Wasco County, Oregon purchased a three-axle, 40-ton capacity trailer for approximately $48,000 and recommended that the Board approve purchase of this model. Director Nicholas noted that the Class 8 truck purchase was $2,000 less than anticipated because a reconfiguration was not needed and, in balance, the combined purchase is now about $27,000 over budget. The Board reached consensus to allow and Director Nicholas said that he would prepare the resolution authorizing the lowboy purchase.

Director Nicholas recommended that the county pursue a formal agreement with the Alderdale Rural Fire Department for their use of the county’s Alderdale road shop. He noted that an informal agreement has been in effect for some time. Chairman Thayer agreed but noted that the fire district would not be able to afford a significant amount for rent. Director Nicholas said that he simply wants to formally agree to terms with the fire district.

Director Nicholas stated that the Sonova Road paving is now complete and the only remaining task is to pull shoulder rock back onto the unpaved portion of the roadbed. Chairman Thayer, noting his earlier comments that the project was consuming a large amount of crushed rock for driveway approaches, stated that it appears much of this additional rock has been used for the section of Sonova Road that was previously paved.

Director Nicholas said that they are ready to pave the Klickitat-Appleton "missing link" (that portion that remains unpaved).

Director Nicholas asked for details of the lease agreement with the City of White Salmon for office space for use by the Health Department in the Park Center (Item 2 of the Consent Agenda). Specifically, he wanted to know if it includes fire extinguishers, or whether the county must supply their own. Chairman Thayer suggested that Buildings & Grounds Manager John Ihrig would probably know, considering his involvement with leasing agreements in the past. Director Nicholas said his other concern is that the county not enter into any long term leases for west end office space because the West Klickitat County Pioneer Center will become available fairly soon. Executive Secretary Cris McEwen noted that this lease is only until the end of 2003.

Director Nicholas said that he had a preliminary meeting on the Pioneer Center with Mayor Roger Holen of White Salmon and staff, as well as the architect. Director Nicholas noted also that a kick-off meeting would be held on April 30 at 6:00 PM, if a committee can be formed by then.

Director Nicholas asked for further information on the contract with Aramark to provide food service to the jail (Item 9 of the Consent Agenda). He stated that they have received a request for lockable storage space and questioned whether the kitchen is to be reactivated and who will be in charge of meal preparation operations. The Board stated that they have questions also and expect Sheriff Mace to be present during consideration of the Consent Agenda to provide answers.

Director Nicholas said that the lawn near the fairgrounds arena is in the process of being restored and they have received several estimates to provide a protective border, including a four-foot tall chain link fence and a two-rail split cedar fence, which he favors. He said that the previous suggestion of placing boulders along the perimeter would be inexpensive as it only involves labor and equipment costs of placement, but maintenance costs of mowing and trimming around the boulders would be high. Commissioner Frey said that she would like to pay a site visit before making a decision.

Director Nicholas said that there is $30,000 budgeted for a 4-H fairgrounds storage building and he wants Board concurrence to proceed with a small works roster bid. He added that he would prefer that the bid be ‘generic" so as to include various building techniques, including conventional "stick built", as well as pole buildings. Commissioner Frey asked where the building would be erected and Director Nicholas said he would find out.

Director Nicholas asked for approval to make an addition to today’s meeting agenda: a Request for concurrence to award a contract to Mid-Columbia Paving Company for improvements to Rattlesnake and Oak Ridge Roads in the amount of $633,506, not including WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) inspection and contingencies. The Board reached consensus to allow.

Chairman Thayer asked about the present status of the Canyon Road project. Director Nicholas replied that plans are not complete and noted that this will be a late summer project.

Chairman Thayer then asked about the Depot Road project. Director Nicholas responded that the county is ready to go but plans haven’t come back from WSDOT.

Director Nicholas stated that WSDOT would provide a $250,000 grant to rebuild a railroad crossing at Avery. He added that WSDOT’s decision was unexpected and construction would not start for a couple of years.

Commissioner Frey stated that there is a walnut tree on Seventh Street in Lyle that appears to be in the county right-of-way and also seems to be in poor physical condition. She asked Director Nicholas to evaluate the situation.

Director Nicholas said that he is going to Pasco tomorrow to meet with representatives of Burlington Northern and Holter Services to discuss relocation of the Great Northern 2507 Steam Engine. He also noted he is meeting with Paul Parish of Lampson International that same day.

Chairman Thayer recalled discussion of a few weeks ago on miscellaneous projects and stated that the Board should be providing some input on what projects are selected. He also expressed concerns about road log documentation, specifically how road log changes are justified. Chairman Thayer noted that there used to be separate CRP (County Road Project) designations for each miscellaneous project, and this may have prevented a situation of a few years ago where several road sections were found to have been paved without documentation.

Chairman Thayer also said that he has not seen a copy of the yearly construction report that is submitted to the County Road Administration Board (CRAB).

Commissioner Frey said that she has a constituent interested in information on how to set up a Road Improvement District (RID). Director Nicholas responded that he has sent the information out to a few individuals, but noted that the process is very involved. He stated that he usually provides an estimate of the costs involved, at which point the parties lose interest.

11:45 AM – Amendment to Nuisance Ordinance to include Abatement of Dangerous Buildings

Attendance: Building & Compliance Director Skip Grimes, Code Compliance Officer Jody Fleury and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Director Grimes noted the resolution for consideration on today’s Consent Agenda that would set a public hearing to consider an amendment to the county’s Nuisance Ordinance that would add a section addressing the abatement of dangerous buildings. His recommendation was to approve the amended ordinance. He also noted the strike and underline draft provided the Board in their packet and called attention to the exemptions found in the Definitions Section (15.38.030) that do not apply to special outbuildings.

On that related topic, Director Grimes said that there has been abuse of the special outbuilding permits and that they have compiled a short list of what these buildings are being used for (besides agriculture). He noted that the department can do nothing about complaints received about a dangerous building if it is a special outbuilding unless there is also a complaint about the special outbuilding being used for other than agricultural purposes.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Monday, April 14, 2003

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:24 PM.

Commissioners Present: Ray Thayer and Joan Frey.

Commissioner Don Struck was absent.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with two additions: Consideration of a proclamation designating April 21 through 26 as Workforce Week and a bid award for improvements to Rattlesnake and Oak Ridge Roads.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for March 17, 2003 as presented.

Citizen Comment

There was no one present wishing to provide any public comment.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting – Consider Acceptance of Planning Commission Recommendation for SUB2002-00007 (Husum Hills Subdivision); Applicant: Six S Co. Represented by Tom Stevenson

Chairman Thayer opened the meeting and asked for a staff review:

Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated that this is a division of Lot 4, SP-99-36, totaling 20 acres, into 16 residential lots. Of particular interest was the fact that the applicant has requested a variance to allow the spur road to be built to a 12-foot width, instead of the 20-foot width required by county ordinance. The applicant asked for a second variance to allow a 30 foot wide easement for the spur road. Planner Herrington noted that the Planning Commission reviewed the requests and determined that the necessary criteria were not present to grant the variances. Therefore, if the Board accepts the Planning Commission recommendation, the applicant will have to construct the spur road to the 20-foot width and also provide for a 60-foot wide easement. Alternatively, the Board may choose to schedule its own public hearing to modify the Planning Commission’s recommendations or if it determines that there is inadequate information to support those recommendations.

Chairman Thayer then opened the meeting to testimony from the applicant and Six S. Company representative Tom Stevenson offered a clarification stating that they proposed a variance of a 16 foot rocked road surface for the spur road, not the 12 foot width as reported in the staff review.

Chairman Thayer, noting the absence of any others wishing to testify, stated for the record that there was no further testimony for or against the proposal.

There followed considerable discussion wherein Mr. Stevenson requested clarification regarding the need to provide two accesses and to finish the road lying between the access points. He noted that part of this route is not within his subdivision and suggested that his company should not have to bear the expense of laying the required top course on road sections not in his subdivision. The Board expressed uncertainty regarding their options with Commissioner Frey stating that she would be inclined to move to accept the Planning Commission recommendation (if this was the direction Mr. Stevenson wished to go).

Planner Herrington offered clarification that the Board must either adopt the Planning Commission’s recommendation in totality, or schedule its own public hearing. However, should the applicant choose to appeal the Planning Commission recommendation, then no public hearing should be set. She then explained to Mr. Stevenson that he has two options. He can either appeal the Planning Commission recommendation (requiring three inches of top course rock on the entire length to the second access). Or he can accept the Planning Commission recommendation as it would be adopted by the Board, in which case he may wish to ask for a bond that would guarantee completion of the road through his neighbor’s property.

Mr. Stevenson stated that he would appeal the Planning Commission recommendation. Planner Herrington then noted that the Board should make no motion and simply allow the appeal process to go forward.

Opening of Request for Proposals (RFPs) for Provision of Substance Abuse Programs

Request for Proposals Returned (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) to the Klickitat County Public Health Department for their review and recommendation of three RFPs received from:

• Kick It Counseling and Support Services, Goldendale

• Quest Counseling Services, Inc., FKA White Salmon Counseling, Goldendale
• Dependency Health Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health, Yakima

Chief Financial Officer presented the three proposals and recommended they be forwarded to the Public Health Department.

New Business

Centennial Clean Water Fund Statements of Agreed Priority for Water Projects in WRIA 30 and WRIA 31

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) two Statements of Agreed Priority for Centennial Clean Water Fund Projects in WRIA (Water Resource Inventory Area) 30 and WRIA 31. Prior to approval of the motion, Watershed Project Coordinator Dave McClure stated that there are two grant applications for money from the Centennial Clean Water Fund:

1. The Klickitat County Public Utility District has submitted the "Lyle Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement, Phase III" project for WRIA 30. (Lorraine Reynolds and Doug Miller were present to represent the PUD.)
2. The Benton Conservation District has the only submittal in WRIA 31: the "Glade Creek Salmon Protection" project, which addresses the problem of dust from croplands being blown into Rock Glade.

Mr. McClure stated that the Board is being asked to prioritize these projects by documenting that they either approve or do not object to the prioritization. He also noted that the applications must be submitted by April 30 and so there isn’t sufficient time to send the applications through the alternative process of going through the respective WRIA planning units.

Chairman Thayer asked why the PUD chose the Lyle project over the (community of) Klickitat Wastewater project. Ms. Reynolds responded by stating that the engineering is complete for the Lyle project and has not been started for the Klickitat project.

Proclaiming April 21 through 26 as Workforce Week

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Adopted (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Resolution #08103 proclaiming the week of April 21 through 26, 2003 as Workforce Week in Klickitat County. This was adopted at the request of the Tri-County Workforce Council that is working in partnership with various community aspects to create a comprehensive workforce system and keep business competitive within Yakima, Kittitas and Klickitat Counties.

Request for Tuition for Judicial Training

East District Court Judge Brian Altman presented a request of $995 for his tuition to a judicial training conference to be held September 15 through 21at Thunderhead Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming. Judge Altman explained that this is a "special, intense educational opportunity" presented by noted trial lawyer Gerry Spence. He stated that after he talked to a superior court judge in Seattle , he believes that this experience will make him a better judge.

Chairman Thayer asked if funding had been allocated for this and Judge Altman replied that it had not. Therefore this would be in addition to what had been budgeted this year.

Commissioner Frey said that she sees merit in this request and the Board reached consensus to allow.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda in its entirety. It was noted that Item 9 has been changed to remove all references that ARAMARK would furnish meals to "staff and visitors" thus leaving just "inmates".

Prior to approval, there was considerable discussion of Item 9 with County Sheriff Chris Mace. Sheriff Mace stated that his department will be expending about the same amount for inmate meals prepared onsite by ARAMARK as they are presently spending for the frozen meals being brought into the jail. He added that the major benefit is less staff time needed for inventory and ordering tasks and noted that there will be no staff supervision duties for those trustees preparing the meals.

Chairman Thayer asked about the costs to purchase a freezer when then Sheriff Kindler chose to purchase frozen meals. Sheriff Mace responded that the freezer would still be utilized.

Chairman Thayer then asked about the jail’s inmate capacity, noting that he hasn’t seen documentation he believes is sent to the state on inmate population. He also stated that he is aware of reports that the jail facility’s capacity could be much higher (which could justify the pursuit of higher revenues by accepting inmates from other municipalities). Sheriff Mace responded that he isn’t aware of documentation on jail population going to the state, as he is not involved with the preparation of this.

Chairman Thayer questioned Sheriff Mace on the process used to select ARAMARK as a vendor and stated that he understood that they have already started providing meals (even though there is no contract signed by the Board). Sheriff Mace responded that ARAMARK came to them with a proposal. He also noted that they have started meal preparation, but only on a trial basis and their continuing is dependent on Board approval.

Chairman Thayer stated that the Board is concerned that contract language indicates that meals will be available for visitors and staff. Sheriff Mace responded that it was his intent to allow staff to be able to purchase meals, but they would not provide meals to visitors under any circumstances.

Chairman Thayer asked Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman for any concerns he may have regarding the selection process. Mr. Chipman stated that there might be difficulties since the department did not go through any bid process to select this vendor. He acknowledged however, that there is probably no other local business that would offer this service. Mr. Chipman also asked about the status of the vendor who furnished the frozen meals. Sheriff Mace replied that there is an "opt out" clause in their contract with that vendor.

Chairman Thayer asked if there was sales tax applied to the cost of these meals and Sheriff Mace stated that he was not aware if it was or not. Chairman Thayer then noted that the ARAMARK agreement references a "county liaison" (with a share of the responsibility for determining the number of inmate workers required). Sheriff Mace replied that he did not know who this referred to.

Commissioner Frey said that she has concerns about adequate training for all those personnel interfacing with prisoners.

In regard to Item 10, Chairman Thayer asked if the hourly rates for timber and livestock patrol officers remained the same as last year and Sheriff Mace said that it was.

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1. Agreement (#C08103) the City of Bingen for use of the Klickitat County Adult Correction and Detention Facility.

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2. Lease agreement (#C08203) between the City of White Salmon and Klickitat County for 2,541 square feet of office space occupied by the Public Health Department.

3. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting for 1:30 PM on Monday, April 21, 2003 to consider acceptance of road right-of-way dedication (Pine Forest Road), Short Plat No. SPL2002-00040; Applicant: Tara, LLC.

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4. Agreement for Digital Data Sharing (#C08303) with Boise Cascade Corp. with data to be used for cartographic purposes.

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5. Resolution #08203 scheduling a public hearing for 1:30 PM on Monday, April 28, 2003 for the purpose of considering amendments to Klickitat County Code Title 15.38 (Nuisance Ordinance) to include the abatement of dangerous buildings.

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6. Letter accepting resignation of Dean Hostetter from the Klickitat County Tourism Advisory Board and certificate of appreciation for his past service.

7. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling public meetings for 1:30 PM on Monday, April 21, 2003 to consider approval of alteration to Lot 4, BLA-98-03; Short Plat No. SPL2002-00015; Applicant: David Woodruff; and to consider approval of alteration to Lot 1, BL-97-05 and Lot 2 BLA2001-00002; Boundary Line Adjustment BLA2003-00004; Applicants: Aman and Gross.

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8. Buildings/Grounds Department recommendation and request to accept the bid from DIVCO, Inc. to relocate the AHU control panel in the County Corrections Facility.

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9. Operating Agreement (#C08403) with ARAMARK Correctional Services Inc. to have the exclusive right to provide food service at the Klickitat County Jail.

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10. Independent Contracts for Law Enforcement Services between Klickitat County and Welch’s Livestock and Timber Patrol Inc. (#C08503), and Robert L Songer (#C08603) both effective April 15, 2003 through November 30, 2003.

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11. Recommendation and request for concurrence to award bid for construction of Herion Bridge, CRP#207, to James Dean Construction Inc. for $397,615.70.

Road Permits

Permits Approved:

P041403 and P041403-1

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P041403

Northwest Natural Gas Company, The Dalles, OR – Bury and maintain a service to 1412 North Main on the west side of Snowden Road, County Road No. 11000, at M.P. 0.94.

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P041403-1

William R. Clack, White Salmon, WA – Construct an approach to the east side of Tunnel Road, County Road No. 11320, at M.P. 1.26.

Old Business

Bid Award – Improvements to Rattlesnake and Oak Ridge Roads

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer, Passed unanimously) a Request for Concurrence to Award a bid of $633,506, not including WSDOT inspection and contingencies, to Mid-Columbia Paving Company for the Rattlesnake /Oak Ridge Roads project. Chairman Thayer noted that this was the only bid received.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#122249 – 122536) $375,522.83

Combined Payroll: (#066924 – 067192, 122235 – 122248 & Electronic Trans. # 280) $393,442.73

For a combined total of $768,965.56

Board Pending

Transfer of Temporary Road Department Hire from Flagger to Engineer’s Assistant

Personnel Director Lori Wolford discussed a situation in which the Road Department hired an individual for a flagger position, but would now like to move this person to an engineer’s assistant position at the higher rate of pay. Director Wolford noted that this person had worked as an engineer’s assistant last year. The Board reached consensus to allow the move.

Adjournment (4:35 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 16, 2003.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Wednesday, April 16, 2003

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 10:30 AM.

Commissioners Present: Ray Thayer and Don Struck.

Commissioner Joan Frey was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:40 AM – Columbia River Gorge Issues Update

Attendance: Consultant David Sauter, Kenn Adcock, Klickitat County representative on the Columbia River Gorge Commission, Planning Director Curt Dreyer and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Mr. Sauter briefed the Board on the March 25 and April 8 Gorge Commission Meetings. The March 25 meeting included work on Plan Review priorities, some of which are to be completed this summer. These include the issue of siting to minimize visibility, an implementation handbook, "ancient" subdivisions, and SMA (Special Management Areas) forest practices and agriculture land. Issues to be considered at a later date include key viewing areas and agricultural issues in general.

12:10 PM – Lunch

2:00 PM – Public Hearing: Reclassification of Real Property owned by Daniel and Carla Chalmers

Continued (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the public hearing to May 5, 2003 at which time a decision will be made.

Attendance: County Assessor Van Vandenberg, Deputy Assessor (Programs) Crista Schroder, Faith Chalmers (representing the applicants) and Mansor Chitsazan.

Chairman Thayer opened the public hearing and advised that the purpose of the hearing is to consider an application by Daniel E. and Carla E. Chalmers for reclassification of four parcels. Two parcels (# 04-14-3400-0002 and #04-14-2700-0004 of 80 acres each) are currently in Regular Taxation, and two parcels (#04-14-3300-0002 of 35 acres and #04-14-3400-0003 of 400 acres) are currently Farm and Agriculture. The application is to reclassify all four parcels to Open Space/Farm and Agricultural Conservation Land Current Use, involving 596 acres total.

Chairman Thayer asked for disclosure and neither he nor Commissioner Struck reported any ex parte contacts or potential conflicts of interest. Chairman Thayer did note familiarity with the property, having hauled numerous loads of hay from these parcels in the past.

During the staff review Assessor Vandenberg stated that there is provision in state statute for the transfer of parcels to this classification that has been "traditional farmland" in the past. Deputy Assessor Schroder noted that there has been no verification that the two 80 acre parcels were used for farm activities, while there is verification for the 35 and 400 acre parcels.

Faith Chalmers provided the applicant’s testimony and indicated that the applicants have no specific plans but are exploring various agricultural options, and are considering planting some trees.

Chairman Thayer noted for the record that there was no one else present wishing to provide testimony for or against the application.

During concluding discussion Assessor Vandenberg stated that he has no evidence to oppose this application and noted that should the application be successful, taxes collected by the county would actually increase by approximately $314. Participants noted that the only unresolved issue was whether the two 80 acre parcels had been used for agricultural purposes and Chairman Thayer stated that he would discuss the matter with others who may know the history of these parcels.

2:30 PM – Public Hearing: Reclassification of Real Property owned by Van Gelder Kellems II

Continued (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the public hearing to May 5, 2003 at which time a decision will be made.

Attendance: County Assessor Van Vandenberg, Deputy Assessor (Programs) Crista Schroder, Van Gelder Kellems II and Sarah Sedgwick (Mr. Kellem’s fiancée).

Chairman Thayer opened the public hearing and advised that the purpose of the hearing is to consider an application by Van Gelder Kellems II to reclassify a parcel (#04-10-3400-0004/00) presently classified as Farm and Agriculture to Open Space Timber Land Current Use. This involves 75 acres (76 acres minus a 1-acre homesite).

Chairman Thayer asked for disclosure and neither he nor Commissioner Struck reported any ex parte contacts or potential conflicts of interest.

Deputy Assessor Schroder noted in the staff review that the applicant has submitted a forest management plan and the applicant and his fiancée have taken the forest management class offered through the WSU Learning Center. She added that this had previously been part of a much larger parcel and must undergo some sort of reclassification as it no longer qualifies as Farm and Agriculture. She stated that the assessor’s Office recommends approval of the application for reclassification.

Chairman Thayer noted for the record that there was no one present wishing to provide testimony for or against the application.

In concluding discussion Assessor Vandenberg said that the forest management plan is very well done and it is obvious that they understand their responsibilities and obligations. He stated that he highly recommends Board approval.

3:00 PM – Consideration of Nuisance Abatement of Parcel No. 05-18-3100-0001/00

Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Code Compliance Officer Jody Fleury presented a nuisance abatement case involving Parcel No. 05-18-3100-0001/00, the owner being Dale Lowrie. The Board directed them to prepare the necessary resolution authorizing commencement of nuisance abatement proceedings of this parcel.

3:30 PM – Dalles Mountain Ranch Planning Update

Attendance: Peter Herzog, Selma Bjarnadottir and John Scarola of Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Columbia River Gorge Commissioner Kenn Adcock, Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald and Dallesport resident Mike Smith.

Discussion centered on development options for the Dalles Mountain Ranch State Park with topics including a facilities master plan and a park master plan. Also discussed were zoning and boundary issues. State Park representatives stated that they are working toward a final staff recommendation that will be presented to the State Parks Commission on June 19. Development possibilities include trails, housing rentals, an interpretive center and perhaps a launch site for paragliding. Representatives also discussed improvements to Horsethief State Park.

Chairman Thayer expressed concerns regarding their plans to develop the park because of the additional visitor traffic on Dalles Mountain Road. He noted that State Parks has not addressed the issue of higher road maintenance costs and requests for road improvements that would result from increased traffic.

Gorge Commissioner Kenn Adcock questioned why more advertising wasn’t done to inform the public about past meetings regarding Dalles Mountain Ranch and asked how improvements will be financed. Commissioner Adcock also expressed concerns regarding National Scenic Area issues and how State Parks will address fire dangers.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 PM.

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Reference Document on File