Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes - Meeting of Monday, July 21, 2003 

Topic 

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition 

Call to Order/Roll Call 

Morning Workshop Session – Monday, July 21, 2003 

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

Commissioners Present: Ray Thayer and Joan Frey.

Commissioner Don Struck was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda 

10:10 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director Larry Nicholas and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald. 

Director Nicholas stated that last Thursday’s maintenance rodeo was a success and noted that Commissioner Struck was in attendance and did very well in the backing up competition. Chairman Thayer expressed his regrets that he wasn’t able to attend and Commissioner Frey stated that the competition is a positive thing for morale. 

Responding to earlier concerns expressed by Commissioner Frey, Director Nicholas said that he would pay another visit to Dallesport Avenue to assess the loose rock that had caused washboarding. 

Director Nicholas stated that the Klickitat County Public Utility District Board of Commissioners will probably adopt an ordinance requiring mandatory hookups to water and sewer systems that exist within the county’s unincorporated areas. He added that the PUD Commissioners will request Board adoption also. Director Nicholas stated that there is some merit to the idea but noted that it would certainly be controversial. 

Director Nicholas said that a contract would be prepared for HTP Security to provide protection for the 2507 steam engine in Wishram. 

Director Nicholas reported that grading within the Dallesport Industrial Park should be completed today or tomorrow and the department has received numerous compliments about the improved appearance. He noted also that there has been a resolution to the wetlands grading issue in Dallesport. 

Chairman Thayer discussed the purchase of a new lab trailer (Item #1 of today’s Consent Agenda), asking if there would be expenses for the purchase of additional equipment. Director Nicholas responded that further expenses shouldn’t be significant, as they will utilize equipment from the old trailer as needed. 

Chairman Thayer asked for an explanation as to why there is a change order of approximately $1,500 to the Old Highway 8/Hoctor Road Guardrail project to adjust for federal wage rates. Director Nicholas replied that he was uncertain and speculated that the contract may have published last year’s wage scale instead of the current one. 

Chairman Thayer brought up the issue of a county employee living in the newly renovated trailer at the fairgrounds. Commissioner Frey stated that the Board was expecting (and had asked for) an estimate of the renovation costs before any action was taken, adding that the Board has concerns that if an employee is inhabiting the trailer (and providing part-time security) there may be an overtime issue. Director Nicholas responded that it was his understanding that all previous occupants of the trailer have been county employees and added that renovations cost about $8,000. Discussion concluded with the Board requesting an agreement with the employee occupying the trailer and Director Nicholas said that he would have an agreement drafted.

Morning Workshop Session – Monday, July 21, 2003 (Continued) 

11:05 AM – Sheriff Department Issues

County Sheriff Chris Mace stated that he attended a 911 Advisory Board conference and is now preparing domestic preparedness allocation grants to receive new portable radios. In the process he has learned that the federal government has mandated a change to a narrow band communications standard by 2012, though Sheriff Mace noted that it would be wise to make the change to new equipment much sooner than 2012, as state agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources and the State Patrol are already switching over to narrow band.

Sheriff Mace said that the county would be able to make the transition with no problems, but rural fire districts may have financial difficulties during this switch from broad band to narrow band. This is because the Sheriff’s Department usually surpluses out their old communications equipment to the rural fire districts, but since these old radios will be broad band, they will no longer work and the fire districts will have to buy their own new narrow band equipment in this instance. Sheriff Mace said that he is urging the rural fire districts to make the purchase of narrow band radios a priority. Commissioner Frey stated that the Board would also raise the issue when the opportunity presented itself. 

Sheriff Mace also discussed the 311 telephone system that provides public information of a non-emergency nature, such as road construction closures. He stated that he sees a value to the system, but noted that there seemed to be little support for the 311 system from other counties on the Advisory Board. He added that the cost is about $300,000 but there is grant funding available.

11:35 AM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session with Sheriff Mace to discuss personnel issues.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 12:10 PM.

Lunch Recess 

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:10 PM. 

Call to Order/Roll Call 

Regular Meeting for Monday, July 21, 2003 

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:08 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 three additions: approval of meeting minutes for June 23, and June 30, 2003, designation of mental health professionals, and a request to advertise for an open position in the county Treasurer’s Office.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes 

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for June 23, and June 30, 2003 as presented.

Elected Officials Report 

Request to Advertise and Fill a Position on the County Treasurer’s Office 

County Treasurer Dani Burton came before the Board to request approval to advertise and fill a soon-to-be vacancy in her office. She stated that one of her deputies is relocating to another state. Chairman Thayer responded that the Board approves the request. 

Citizen Comment 

Mike Smith brought up the aggregate overlay issue again. Chairman Thayer responded that he has discussed this with Planning Director Curt Dreyer but is still uncertain what might be causing the delay in developing an aggregate overlay. Mr. Smith then offered to compose a brief summary and noted that an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) isn’t required to implement an aggregate overlay.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings 

Public Meeting – Consider Approval of Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA-2003-11; Applicant: Terry Beeks 

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA-2003-11, altering the boundary lines of Lots 2 and 3 of SP-WA-39 and the approximately 21 acre lot adjacent to the property, the applicant being Terry Beeks who owns all the lots. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated in her staff review that the purpose of this adjustment is to combine Lots 2 and 3 and increase their total acreage.

Public Meeting – Consider Approval of Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA-2003-08; Applicant: Tom Burns 

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA-2003-08, altering the boundary line of Lot 2 of SPL2002-00010, the applicant being Tom Burns. Planner Herrington noted in her staff review that when the short plat was filed in 2002, Mr. Burns intended to transfer property to the adjoining landowner to the east, but it never was accomplished. This adjustment is being recorded to reflect the true ownership.

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2000-00011; Applicants: Richard and Georgiana Murray 

Granted (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2000-00011 which is a re-division of Parcel A of the Newcastle Subdivision into three lots, the applicants being Richard and Georgiana Murray. Planner Herrington stated in her staff review that the reason this short plat was in process longer than the normal two year time frame is that legal action was taken against the applicants regarding the status of one of the wells on this property. The court rendered a verdict on January 18, 2002 at which time the applicants then had an additional two years to complete the short plat.

Department Update 

Request to Reclassify Senior Services Drivers to Full-Time Status 

Senior Services Director Roger Gadway presented a proposal to the Board reclassify two casual drivers in his department to full time status at 35 hours per week. He noted that this would alter the present configuration of two full time drivers at 40 hours per week, to four full time drivers at 35 hours per week each. Director Gadway stated that the previous loss of an intracity transportation grant prompted him to reduce overall driving hours in his department, but now that funding has been increased he would like to see the additional driver hours. He added that he has a difficult time keeping casual drivers if they don’t receive enough hours, resulting in the county losing the money expended to train them. He suggested that this is essentially a "fairness" issue. 

Chairman Thayer asked if the department was still utilizing volunteer drivers and Director Gadway replied that they are still using these volunteers, but there are many situations where the volunteers cannot be used. Chairman Thayer then suggested that the department was "top heavy", noting that Senior Services has a transportation manager and two transportation coordinators, while employing only two full time drivers. Director Gadway responded that there are many management responsibilities, including drug testing, training and other tasks they must comply with to fulfill program requirements. 

Commissioner Frey asked how secure transportation funding was. Director Gadway replied that it is secure for at least the current biennium and Commissioner Frey expressed surprise considering the present state budget crisis. 

Chairman Thayer suggested that Director Gadway work with Personnel Director Lori Wolford to prepare paperwork (a resolution) for Board consideration.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments 

Washington State Department of Natural Resources Update 

Attendance: Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Natural Areas Manager Jeanne Demorest, DNR Growth Management Coordinator Dick Wedin, Associate Planner Brian Frampton and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Jeanne Demorest began the briefing by presenting to the Board the Preliminary Draft for the Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve (NAP) Management Plan. She stated that they would like to receive Board comments about the plan by August 11, adding that there is an internal review going on at the same time. Then another preliminary draft incorporating these most recent comments would be made available to the public by August 22 and they would take public comment until September 11 when they plan to schedule a public meeting at the Lyle Lions Club. Ms. Demorest also noted work on a weed plan for this NAP which will be provided to the Board when ready. 

Ms. Demorest then discussed the Trout Lake NAP, stating that they would like to purchase a little more property to gain the entire boat launch area and add more parking space. She added that public toilets have been put in place and interpretive signs are ready to be placed. Commissioner Frey asked about the condition of the lake and Ms. Demorest responded that it appears to be transitioning to a marsh, though there is considerable use of the lake by canoeists. Commissioner Frey then questioned the distribution of brochures, suggesting that the DNR might not wish to promote the Trout Lake NAP because of the adverse effects of human influence on that ecosystem. Ms. Demorest replied that the brochure isn’t meant to promote a greater number of people visiting but to provide information to those who do. Ms. Demorest also noted that a public use plan is nearing completion and will be sent to the Board to solicit comment. She stated that she has met with the Heritage Council and they have recommended no hunting in the Trout Lake NAP, though she herself has suggested an archery season. She added that Commissioner of Public Lands Doug Sutherland would ultimately decide the issue and that she will keep the Board informed. Commissioner Frey noted that large elk populations could adversely affect Trout Lake’s water quality and contribute to erosion. Ms. Demorest agreed and added that there are safety issues as well. She stated that they will continue to monitor the situation and one possibility is to allow hunting to reduce elk numbers. 

Ms. Demorest stated that the DNR is drafting an interim fire management plan for the Monte Cristo area in western Klickitat County that should be done this fall. 

Ms. Demorest also discussed the Klickitat River NRCA (Natural Resource Conservation Area), noting that although it is in Yakima County, it is accessed through Klickitat County. She added that there are public hearings scheduled to be held in Yakima County, but the DNR is involved in a public outreach effort in Klickitat County to solicit written and in-person comment. 

Dick Wedin commented that the DNR is changing its operating emphasis and wants to increase cash flows from timber trust lands. He noted that they are more understanding of the position that Klickitat County and other local governmental agencies find themselves in. The meeting concluded with Ms. Demorest stating that she would continue to provide information on DNR activities and programs.

Consent Agenda 

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda except for Item 2. Chairman Thayer stated that he would like to obtain further information as there are still unresolved issues regarding the HVAC system for the correctional facility. 

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1. Resolution #12003 authorizing the Road Department to purchase a new lab trailer from I.T.E.C. Inc. as bid for the amount of $27,730.30 to be added to the Road Department ER&R Fund. 

2. (Pulled) Recommendation and request from the Building/Grounds Department to accept the proposal submitted by DIVCO, Inc. for installation of a split system heat pump in the Correction Facility at a cost of $11,820.00, which includes sales tax. 

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3. Agreement for Digital Data Sharing (#C15703) with the Underwood Conservation District to utilize Klickitat County GIS (Geographic Information Systems) data for use in the Conservation District’s GIS database which is used for mapping District work projects and monitoring sites. 

4. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling public meetings and hearings as follows:

Public Meeting: Monday, August 11, 2003 at 1:30 PM:

Consider final approval of Subdivision No. 2002-00006 (Panorama Point); Applicant: Del Matthews.

Consider final approval of Subdivision No. 2002-00006 (Panorama Jamma); Applicant: Mike Rockwell.

Consider acceptance of road right-of-way (Struck Road), Short Plat No. SPL2003-00007; Applicant Joe Bird

Consideration for vacating the Husum/BZ Corner Zoning Comprehensive Plan Update

Consider approval of Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2003-00006; Applicant: SDS, Backus, Spadaro.

Road Permits 

Permit Approved: P072103 

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P072103 Joseph A. Hughes, Goldendale, WA – Construct an approach to the east side of Fenton Lane, County Road No. 33610, at M.P. 3.19.

New Business 

Designation of Mental Health Professionals 

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Resolution #12103 making changes to the list of County Designated Mental Health Professionals.

Payment Approvals 

Road Department Payments 

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Change Order No. 1 to Frank Gurney, Inc. adding approximately $1,500 to the contract for guardrail installation along portions of Hoctor Road and Old Highway 8. Chairman Thayer noted that the wrong wage scale was used in the earlier calculation of contract costs. 

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Change Order No. 1 to James Dean Construction, Inc., in the amount of $705.24 for the Herion Bridge project. There were changes to the sizes and quantities of culvert pipe used for this project. 

Voucher Certification and Approval 

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

Accounts Payable: (#125397 – 125580) $536,586.15

Adjournment (3:25 PM) 

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 2:30 PM on Wednesday, July 23, 2003. 

Call to Order/Roll Call 

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Wednesday, July 23, 2003 

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 2:30 PM.

Commissioners Present: Ray Thayer and Joan Frey.

Commissioner Don Struck was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda 

2:30 PM – Gorge Commission Issues and Activities Update

Attendance: Gorge Consultant David Sauter, Planning Director Curt Dreyer and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Mr. Sauter provided an update on the July 22, 2003 Gorge Commission meeting:

Ann Squire of Multnomah County was reelected as Chair and Wayne Wooster of Klickitat County as Vice-Chair. The vote in each case was unanimous.

The Gorge Commission decided that commercial events, such as wedding receptions would not be allowed in the GMA (General Management Area).

There is an upcoming hearing on the draft management plan.

Oregon and Washington States’ proposal to streamline the process of economic development grant and loan certification was turned down.

Executive Director Martha Bennett proposed no staffing changes.

The National Scenic Area Manager issued a report on permitted agricultural activities within the Special Management Areas.

Mr. Sauter also provided a briefing on the Transportation and Utility Workshop held on July 11, 2003. The issue of what uses would be allowed outright and whether to allow an expedited review of repair and maintenance activities were discussed.

3:30 PM – WSU Extension Office Update on 4-H Programs

Susan Kerr and Linda Williams from the WSU Extension Office presented an update on changes to 4-H programs, specifically including after-school programs

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Wednesday, July 23, 2003 (Continued) 

4:45 PM – Request for Variance to Allow Pit Barbecue at Klickitat Canyon Days

Allowed (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) a variance from the Klickitat County outdoor burning restrictions to allow a pit barbecue as part of the community of Klickitat’s Canyon Days celebration on July 26 and 27, 2003.

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