Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, January 3^rd, 2006

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, January 3, 2006

Chairman Don Struck called the meeting to order at 10:05 AM.

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

Workshop Session Agenda

10:05 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith, Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Engineer Hedges stated that there is a meeting tomorrow to discuss a request from Blattner, a subcontractor for the Big Horn wind project, to enter into a separate haul agreement. Engineer Hedges added that they would agree to fix potholes and cracks over 1.6 miles of county road and would also provide a $75,000 bond. Director Smith stated that he has just become aware of this and requested Board approval for the department to explore the proposal, with approval of an agreement possibly later. The Board reached consensus to allow.

Related to this Engineer Hedges stated that a 640,000 pound generator for the Big Horn wind project is tentatively scheduled to be moved over Roosevelt Grade Road and Middle Road on Sunday, January 8.

Engineer Hedges said that Clark County will no longer do road striping for distant agencies (those jurisdictions far enough away so that their crews must find overnight accommodations) such as Klickitat County. He stated that if they cannot find another county they will have to go out to bid for a private contractor.

Engineer Hedges stated that the Klickitat County Public Utility District has formally submitted a permit application for work on their wastewater system in the community of Klickitat. He noted that the work will be aimed at eliminating leaks in the collection system that allow stormwater to infiltrate. Therefore the county may wish to put in their own stormwater collection pipes while the PUD has their trenches open. Commissioner Thayer asked if there would be any pavement damage and Engineer Hedges responded that there certainly would be, although about 80% of their lines are located in the alleys of the community. He added that the PUD will use asphalt patches to repair cut pavement.

Engineer Hedges noted that a new job description for the Permit Technician has been provided for Board review.

Engineer Hedges stated that road restrictions will be enforced on a number of paved county roads, starting tomorrow.

Engineer Hedges presented an additional quote for snow removal, this one for the Jenkins Creek area. Director Smith added that they are very interested in having local contractors do roads in their own areas and noted that their rates are usually quite reasonable.

Engineer Hedges stated that the community of Klickitat has requested approximately 15 timbers of various sizes from the Mill Site for making community signs. He added that community members have sorted and picked out the requested pieces.

In response to Commissioner Frey’s inquiry Engineer Hedges stated that there has been some vandalism at the Pioneer Center, including graffiti on the sign in front of the building.

Engineer Hedges said that there have been problems related to the recent heavy rains, including the appearance of a sinkhole where the City of White Salmon recently installed a sewer line. He noted that an air handler on the jail roof has rusted out, causing water to leak into the jail. He added that the air handler is scheduled for repairs (replacement of the bottom sheet metal tray) this year. Engineer Hedges stated that overall there has been little significant damage to county roads, though water over roadways has caused some cosmetic damage. Commissioner Frey relayed the concerns of a Johnson Road resident who would like a culvert installed so that water doesn’t run down her driveway. She added that there may be a culvert in place that simply needs to be cleaned out.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, January 3, 2006 (Continued)

11:04 – Programs for Peaceful Living Update

Attendance: Programs for Peaceful Living representatives, including Executive Director Lisa Bjelland and Advocates Vye Strode and Terrie Schafer, Public Health Director Kevin Barry and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Director Bjelland stated that 2005 was a busy year, as usual, for Programs for Peaceful Living and they were able to help quite a number of clients, including nearly 350 new ones. She noted that they relocated a number of families in order to provide a better and safer family setting.

Director Bjelland said that they plan to do a community education conference in White Salmon on domestic violence this coming March with Mark Wynn as the major presenter. Also, the parenting classes that they offer were deemed a success and Director Bjellund also stated that they would like to offer a divorce recovery program.

Director Bjelland stated that the methamphetamine epidemic seems to be a factor in all problem areas, including sexual assault.

Director Bjelland noted that there is some uncertainty about funding for their agency, as it is generally on a year to year basis. She added that she is looking for grants that can be applied for, stating that it would be good to have secure funding for multiple years.

Director Bjelland closed by stating that their crisis line is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and they respond within 20 minutes.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:40 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, January 3, 2006

Chairman Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 1:08 PM.

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

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2006 Calendar Year

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2006 Calendar Year

Motion by Frey to nominate Thayer to be Chair for 2006. Seconded by Struck. Voting in favor: Frey and Struck. Thayer abstained. Motion passed.

Motion by Thayer to nominate Struck as Vice-Chair for 2006. Seconded by Frey. Voting in favor: Thayer and Frey. Struck abstained. Motion passed.

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(Motions are reflected in Resolution #00206.)

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with two additions. The first is consideration of relocating polling places in the communities of Lyle and Wishram and the second is a resolution authorizing investment of the County Fair Fund #116.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for December 13, 2005 as presented.

Citizen Comment

There was no one present wishing to provide public testimony.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Hearing – Consider Variance to Reduce Right-of-Way Requirements for Proposed Short Plat SPL2005-30; Applicant: Carl McNew

Approved (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) a reduction for the required 60 foot right-of-way to 30 feet for proposed Short Plat No. SPL2005-30, the applicant being Carl McNew. The motion also directed the Planning Department staff to prepare findings in support of the decision. Prior to the motion the hearing proceeded as follows with Chairman Thayer opening the hearing and asking for disclosure: Commissioner Struck stated that he knows the applicant, but has not discussed this matter with anyone, including the applicant. Neither Commissioner Frey nor Chairman Thayer reported any ex parte contacts or potential conflicts of interest. Chairman Thayer then asked for a staff review:

Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated that the applicant has submitted a short plat to divide Lot 1 of Boundary Line Adjustment BLA2004-08 into two lots, thus creating one additional lot, and has requested a reduction of the required 60 foot easement to 30 feet. She added that none of these lots can be further subdivided.

The applicant, Mr. McNew stated that he is attempting to maintain his property as much in its present condition as possible and believes that a 30 foot easement is adequate. He added that he doesn’t believe that this will ever become a county road. Mr. McNew was also supported by several of his neighbors who were in attendance.

Chairman Thayer noted for the record that there was no one in attendance wishing to provide testimony against the request.

Public Hearing – Consider Variance to Reduce Right-of-Way Requirements for Proposed Short Plat SPL2005-38; Applicant: Mary Salter

Approved (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) a reduction for the required 60 foot right-of-way to 30 feet for proposed Short Plat No. SPL2005-30, the applicant being Mary Salter. The motion also directed the Planning Department staff to prepare findings in support of the decision. Chairman Thayer then asked for a staff review:

Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated that the applicant has submitted a short plat to divide Lot 3, Block 1 of Sunridge Terrace Subdivision into two lots, thus creating one additional lot, and has requested a reduction of the required 60 foot right-of-way to 40 feet. She added that there is vegetation, including trees, within the right-of-way proposed to serve the newly created lot and the applicant does not wish to remove all of the trees.

The applicant, Mary Salter stated that she wishes to access the new lot through the lot that her house is located on.

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

New Business

Appointment of Acting Klickitat County Auditor

Appointed (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Diana Pafford as Chief Deputy Auditor and also acting Auditor until such time as an interim County Auditor is appointed to complete the current term of Diana Housden who has retired. Prior to the motion Commissioner Struck noted that there was some uncertainty to the present situation because Diana Housden’s retirement was effective on December 31, 2005, which was the same day that former Chief Deputy Auditor Jerri Atkins retired. (Ms. Pafford was selected to be promoted to Chief Deputy Auditor by Auditor Housden before she retired.) Commissioner Struck said that it was his understanding that Ms. Pafford would be getting the salary of Chief Deputy Auditor, to be set at Range 18, Step C (instead of Step A, because of her prior experience) and would also receive a temporary stipend of $500 per month additional, so long as she was acting Auditor. The Board reached consensus on the matter. Executive Secretary Cris McEwen stated that she would work with the Personnel Office to get the proper paperwork for formal Board approval later this afternoon.

Discussion on Relocation of Polling Places in the Communities of Wishram and Lyle

Elections Administrator Lisa Shupe stated that the Auditor’s Office has found that polling places in Wishram and Lyle are not ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant and they are looking for alternative locations. Acting Auditor Pafford noted that ADA compliance is federally mandated this year and there are school levy/bond issues for several school districts on February 7. Commissioner Frey suggested that the old elementary school in Lyle might be a possibility and they may wish to contact Superintendent Martin Huffman of the Lyle School District.

Authorizing Investment of the County Fair Fund #116

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) Resolution #00106 authorizing and directing the Klickitat County Treasurer to make such investments as will best serve the interests of the Fair Fund #116.

Consent Agenda

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

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1. Small Works Contract (#C00106) with Jay Holtman, Inc. for snow removal at the White Salmon Pioneer Center.

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2. Resolution #00306 in the matter of granting a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2% for non-represented employees and elected officials, excluding the Superior and District Judges and the Board of County Commissioners.

Old Business

Collectively Bargained Agreements for the Road Department

Consideration of two Collectively Bargained Agreements for the Klickitat County Road and Survey Crew, and Road Department Supervisors were postponed for one week at the request of Chairman Thayer who stated that he had not seen the final contracts and wished to compare the old and new documents.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#151390 – 151478, 093333 and cancelled warrants # 150922, 130573, 130648, 131831, 132230, 134199, 134269, 134944, 135548, 135600, 135785, 136084, 136449, 138145, 138707, 138829, 138928, 139056, 139318 & 139984) for a net of $556,560.65

There were no payroll or benefits warrants requiring approval at this time.

Road Department Payments

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) a Release of Retainage to James Dean Construction, Inc., in the amount of $8,087.56 for the Courtney Road project.

Elected Official Report/Update

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill discussed the need to replace former County Auditor Diana Housden, stating that state statute requires that the Board of Commissioners make an appointment within 60 days of the vacancy. In response to an inquiry from Executive Secretary Cris McEwen he said that he would research whether the county party organization of the outgoing elected official (in this case the Democratic Party) had 30 days from the vacancy to submit the names of three individuals for Board consideration.

Prosecutor O’Neill said that he has been in consultation with Special Counsel in regard to a proposed agreement with PPM Energy, Inc. regarding compensation to the county for their use of county roads for hauling equipment and materials.

Prosecutor O'Neill stated that he is exploring alternatives to the ongoing boarding, at county expense, of several horses that were seized in an animal cruelty case.

Finally, Prosecutor O’Neill stated that the City of White Salmon has agreed to a new contract for use of county jail facilities. He added that the other two municipalities, Bingen and Goldendale are covered because they have agreed to an extension of the old contract while a new contract is being negotiated.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:18 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (i) to discuss potential and pending litigation in regard to Condit Dam and former County Auditor Diana Housden. It was noted that the session would last for 10 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:28 PM.

Old Business

Authorizations to Pay Outside of the County Base Rate

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) an Authorization to Pay Outside the Base Rate, authorizing placement at $3,364.00 per month (Range 18, Step C) of the 2006 County Pay Plan Schedule for Chief Deputy Auditor Diana Pafford, effective January 1, 2006.

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) an Authorization to Pay Outside the Base Rate, authorizing a temporary stipend of $500.00 per month for acting Auditor Diana Pafford, effective January 1, 2006 and ending upon the appointment of an interim County Auditor to complete the current term of Diana Housden.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:00 PM.

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Reference Document on File