Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, February 7^th, 2006

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, February 7, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 10:08 AM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Don Struck.

Commissioner Joan Frey was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:08 AM – Public Works Department Update

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

Engineer Hedges stated that they hope to have an agreement by next week with PPM Energy, Inc. to present to the Board. This would offer compensation to the county for use of county roads for the Big Horn wind energy project.

Engineer Hedges said that they are working on a small works contract for guardrail repair and replacement at five or six locations.

Engineer Hedges stated that there have been two recent meetings to address concerns that the Columbia River Gorge Commission has expressed over the recently completed Canyon Road project. He stated that the department will address these concerns by engaging in vegetation restoration projects and also cooperate in discussions with a landowner who has established a spoils deposition site on his adjoining property. Director Smith added that there was erosion from recent heavy rains even on some slopes that had remained undisturbed during last year’s reconstruction project.

Engineer Hedges said that those part-time, temporary employees hired for snow removal operations will undergo employment orientation this Thursday, February 9. This will include a drug test and equipment proficiency testing.

Director Smith stated that they are now interviewing applicants for the Senior Engineering Technician vacancy, noting that they received only four applications.

Director Smith noted a request that he made to acting Auditor Diana Pafford to amend the county’s credit card policy to allow the department to purchase online items not exceeding $2,500. He stated that the department can purchase a device that assists equipment operators in backing up for $600 online, while going through more conventional vendors would cost $900 for the same item. The Board said that they would talk to Auditor Pafford.

Director Smith stated that they have received more complaints regarding subcontractors on the Big Horn wind energy project. He noted that they have sent a letter to the contractor, PPM Energy, Inc. detailing problems with overweight loads on county roads.

Director Smith said that the policy on sanding gravel roads has been circulated to the road supervisors. This policy lists seven specific road segments that may be sanded as conditions warrant.

Director Smith proposed installation of a conduit and cable to connect the White Salmon mechanical shop to the Pioneer Center and thus provide the mechanical shop access to the county’s financial/accounting system for inventory management and internet access for vehicle repair and equipment purchasing capabilities. He estimated the cost at $12,000 but said that it could easily be more. Chairman Thayer responded that this seemed to be a large amount of money.

Director Smith stated that the state county engineer’s association is keeping them apprised of legislative bills that might impact public works departments. He noted one bill that is opposed by the association would limit the ability to cancel the bid process for public contracts. Chairman Thayer responded that he thought that this would only affect the larger counties and Director Smith said that he would do some more research. Director Smith also noted a bill, which they support, that would limit motorcycle warning signs to paved roads.

Chairman Thayer returned to the State Route 142 closure issue and whether Horseshoe Bend Road was suitable as a detour route. He suggested that perhaps the Washington State Department of Transportation might be willing to provide Jersey barriers on some stretches where there is a significant drop off to one side. Engineer Hedges replied that Jersey barriers reduce the width of the road by perhaps three feet and suggested that robotic/automatic flagger devices might be purchased, adding that this type of equipment can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. He noted that these devices sense the presence of vehicles and then, when appropriate, provide a green light to indicate that the road ahead is clear and open to travel.

Also related to this topic, Director Smith stated that they have drafted a plan as was discussed last week for use of Horseshoe Bend Road during closure of SR 142, and if the Board is in agreement, they can go forward with implementation. Chairman Thayer responded that he has concerns with requiring residents to get permits to use Horseshoe Bend Road, suggesting that this may be very difficult to enforce. He stated that he is more inclined to support another alternative discussed last week that would restrict traffic on the road to one-way use, with the direction of travel alternating according to scheduled times of the day. Director Smith responded that they would revise their plan to remove the permitting requirement.

Engineer Hedges said that there seems to be some confusion as to whether the Board needs to sign the road levy certification that is submitted annually by the state’s County Road Administration Board, noting that the Board did not sign the document last year but did the year before. Director Smith stated that the Board should sign and Engineer Hedges said that he would send the document over for Board signature.

Director Smith revisited earlier discussions on storm water runoff noting that he will talk to Planning Director Curt Dreyer regarding complaints by citizens.

Building and Grounds Manager John Ihrig requested Board direction regarding a structural engineer to assist with the project to remodel the old jail, scheduled for this year and next. Director Smith stated that they need to know which departments would be utilizing this space and how it was to be divided up. Manager Ihrig noted that three departments have inquired about the space which is now used by the Sheriff’s Office for storage, adding that the Prosecutor’s Office is especially interested in adding space to their department.

Chairman Thayer stated that it was his understanding that the Adult Probation Department was to relocate back to the Courthouse by making use of part of the old jail. He also noted that the Board of Commissioners had requested some time ago that the engineering firm that evaluated the grandstand at the fairgrounds (Kramer Gehlen and Associates) be used to do the structural assessment of the old jail. Manager Ihrig responded that they were not used. Director Smith stated that they would prepare a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a structural assessment.

Manager Ihrig stated that a group that uses the ball field north of the Dallesport Community Center would like to expand that facility and has requested that the county perform some surface grading, after which they would complete the rest of the work. Chairman Thayer suggested that the matter be tabled for the time being.

Manager Ihrig provided some background information on the project to replace grass in front of Annex I with concrete (item 3 of today’s Consent Agenda) noting that the other businesses along this block were also doing the same. He added that the irrigation system will be modified in order to irrigate trees to be placed in planters.

Manager Ihrig stated that they are refinishing the floor of the cafeteria at the Pioneer Center and the project should be completed in a couple of days.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, February 7, 2006 (Continued)

11:10 AM – Elected Official Update – Auditor’s Office

Acting Auditor Diana Pafford began her briefing by stating that she will be ordering touch screen voting machines (DREs) this week, unless the Board had second thoughts about continuing to offer voting at polling places as well as by mail. She noted that King County will probably be voting exclusively by mail by 2007 and the State of Washington may follow soon after, which would make voting machines obsolete. Commissioner Struck replied that the Board, and most especially Commissioner Frey, continues to support a choice of voting methods for county citizens.

Auditor Pafford noted that she also intends to order a laptop computer, projector, screen and related materials for voter and election worker training. Chairman Thayer questioned the purchase of the screen and laptop computer, stating the county has these items already, including five laptop computers. Auditor Pafford responded that she was not aware that there were that number available for their use, but if they could be guaranteed that this equipment was available, then she would defer purchase of these items. The Board stated that they would talk to the Public Health Department and the Prosecutor’s Office to confirm that the equipment was available.

Auditor Pafford stated that they had some voting problems this morning (school levy elections were held in several communities) with many voters using the Pioneer Center’s Senior Center entrance, rather than the main entrance to the building. It was noted that additional signs will be installed and this will help to solve the problem in future elections. She also noted that it was requested that she drive to White Salmon to close the Pioneer Center this evening after voting activities had ceased. After discussion, Commissioner Struck said that since he had both keys needed (and lived much closer) he would close the building.

Returning to an issue from last week, Personnel Director Lori Wolford provided information to increase the wages for certain election workers, depending upon duties and longevity. This involved an expansion of Range 1 to include four steps instead of just one. Auditor Pafford again reminded that, except for the site supervisors, polling place workers would continue to earn minimum wage. The Board reached consensus to approve and Director Wolford stated that they would draft a resolution to that effect.

Finally, Auditor Pafford discussed Public Works Director Scott Smith’s request to use credit cards to purchase items on the internet, stating that she had several concerns, including security. She added that there are often other potential expenses such as return fees and restocking charges that may amount to 20 to 30% of the purchase price. Chairman Thayer replied that Director Smith had earlier explained to them that he could purchase an item for the department for $600 on the internet when it was sold conventionally for $300 more and therefore he would consider changing the policy if there could be some standards. Auditor Pafford responded that she could accept the concept with proper guidelines. Mr. Lichtenwald offered that internet purchasing is often risky, with inventories being kept at another location and after-sale service being questionable in many instances.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:42 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, February 7, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:11 PM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Don Struck.

Commissioner Joan Frey was absent.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda as presented.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for January 17, 2006 as presented.

Citizen Comment

There was no one present wishing to provide public comment.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2005-34; Applicant: Larry Clark

Granted (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2005-35, the applicant being Larry Clark. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated in her staff review that this is a re-division of Lot 1 of SP-86-11 and Lot 1 of WS-18 into four lots. She noted also that this involves a very minor boundary line adjustment.

Public Meeting – Consider Approval of Boundary Line Adjustment BLA2005-07: Applicant: Gene Cyrus

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA-2005-07, which alters the boundary lines of Lots 11, 12 and 13 of Mt. View Orchards, Tract II, the applicant being Gene Cyrus. Planner Herrington stated in her staff review that the applicant did not indicate on his application the reason for this adjustment.

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2005-38; Applicant: Mary Salter

Granted (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2005-38, the applicant being Mary Salter. Planner Herrington stated in her staff review that this is a re-division of Lot 3, Block 1 of Sunridge Terrace into two lots.

Consent Agenda

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

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1. Resolution #02106 revising the organizational chart and adding a Case Manager Position in the Adult Probation Department.

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2. Resolution #02206 revising the organizational chart for the Public Works Department, changing the job description of CADD Operator to Utilities Facilities Specialist, adding a Custodian position for the Pioneer Center (Building and Grounds Division), and adding a Facilities Maintenance position (Building and Grounds Division).

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3. Recommendation and request from the Building/Grounds Department to accept the proposal submitted by Burgess Construction to replace the existing grass landscaping in front of Annex I with concrete in the amount of $3,297.20.

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4. Professional Services Agreement (#C02106) between Klickitat County (Public Health Department) and White Salmon School District for the purpose of providing substance abuse prevention services within the county.

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5. Agreement (#C02206) between Klickitat County (Health Department) and Challenge Day to provide services, people and materials for (3) Challenge Days Programs to be held at the Trout Lake School, Klickitat High School and Goldendale Middle School on specific dates.

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6. Contract (#C02306) between Klickitat County (Health Department) and the City of Goldendale/Goldendale Domestic Violence Task Force to provide substance abuse prevention services by implementation of the Public Adventures After School Program and Youth Council.

7. Resolutions approving 2006 county road projects as follows:

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a) Resolution #02306 to improve 0.81 mile of NW Lincoln Street, County Road No. 10880, County Road Project No. 252, Road Program No. 2006-06, by selectively widening and placing a hot mix asphalt overlay.

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b) Resolution #02406 to improve 2.65 miles of Snowden Road, County Road No. 11000, County Road Project No. 223, Road Program No. 2006-07, by widening, placing a hot mix asphalt overlay, and installing guardrail.

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c) Resolution #02506 to improve 6.35 miles of Snowden Road, County Road No. 11000, County Road Project No. 264, Road Program No. 2006-08 by installing guardrail.

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d) Resolution #02606 to improve 1.15 miles of Woodland Road, County Road No. 34320, County Road Project No. 271, Road Program No. 2006-09, by grading, installing drainage, surfacing, and a light bituminous surface.

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e) Resolution #02706 to improve 0.75 mile of Bristol Road, County Road No. 11670, County Road Project No. 267, Road Program No. 2006-10, by grading, installing drainage, surfacing, and a light bituminous surface.

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f) Resolution #02806 to improve 0.84 mile of Saxton Bane Road, County Road No. 34100, County Road Project No. 263, Road Program No. 2006-11, by grading, installing drainage, surfacing, and a light bituminous surface.

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g) Resolution #02906 to improve 0.73 mile of Thompson Road, County Road No. 26920, County Road Project No. 270, Road Program No. 2006-12, by grading, installing drainage, surfacing, and a light bituminous surface.

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h) Resolution #03006 to improve 0.80 mile of Jenkins Creek Road, County Road No. 28100, County Road Project No. 269, Road Program No. 2006-13, by grading, installing drainage, guardrail, surfacing, and a light bituminous surface

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i) Resolution #03106 to improve 1.11 miles of Adams Loop Road, County Road No. 34290, County Road Project No. CC-23, Road Program No. 2006-14, by installing drainage and an asphalt overlay.

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j) Resolution #03206 to improve 1.40 miles of Six Prong Extension, County Road No. 45890, County Road Project No. 265, Road Program No. 2006-15, by grading, installing drainage, surfacing, and a light bituminous surface.

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k) Resolution #03306 to improve 8.91 miles of Canyon Road and Fisher Hill Road, County Road Nos. 13000 and 13550, respectively, County Road Project No. 250, Road Program No. 2006-16 and 17, respectively, by grading, installing drainage, surfacing, and a light bituminous surface.

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l) Resolution #03406 to improve 9.89 miles of Dot Road and Old Highway 8, County Road Nos. 38000 and 37000, respectively, County Road Project No. 266, Road Program No. 2011-93 as follows: Dot Road by grading, installing drainage, surfacing, and a light bituminous surface; Old Highway 8 by installing drainage and an asphalt overlay.

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m) Resolution #03506 to improve miscellaneous county roads, County Road Project No. 120, Road Program No. 2006-20 by grading, installing drainage, surfacing, and a light bituminous surface.

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n) Resolution #03606 to improve .06 mile of Horseshoe Bend Road, County Road No. 22140, County Road Project No. 272, Road Program No. 2007-36 by replacing the Wahkiacus-Big Klickitat Bridge, Structure No. 08258800.

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o) Resolution #03706 to improve .20 mile of Harms Road, County Road No. 21710, County Road Project No. 273, Road Program No. 2007-35 by replacing the Harms Road Bridge, Structure No. 08347400.

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p) Resolution #03806 to improve .16 mile of Bickleton Highway, County Road No. 34000, County Road Project No. 274, Road Program No. 2007-34 by replacing the Rock Creek Bridge, Structure No. 08117400.

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8. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 to consider approval of alteration of Lots 1 & 3, Boundary Line No. SP-87-10; BLA2005-13; Applicant: Randy Knowles.

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9. Contract (#C02406) between the Whitson Elementary Parent Teacher Organization and Klickitat County to provide grant funds to pay for transportation services for students participating in the “Project Open Door” after school tutoring and enrichment program (White Salmon/Bingen and BZ-Corners area); AND Contract (#C02506) between the Henkle Middle School Parent Teacher Organization and Klickitat County to provide grant funds to pay for transportation services home for students participating in the “Project Open Door” after school tutoring and enrichment program (Husum/BZ-Corners area).

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10. Resolution #03906 calling for bid proposals and scheduling a bid opening to be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 to designate the official county newspaper for advertising of all legal notices and delinquent tax lists as well as all notices to be published by newspapers of general circulation in Klickitat County per the RCW.

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11. Amendment No. 1 (#C02606) to the Technical Services Agreement (C24803) between Klickitat County and Watershed Professionals Network to provide technical support and services related to subbasin planning, western gray squirrels and other matters extending the expiration date to December 31, 2006.

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12. Resolution #04006 declaring a 1948 Dodge Water Truck, Serial #85600599, License #33752C as surplus to be removed from the inventory of the Building & Grounds Department for disposal through public sale/auction by the County Treasurer.

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13. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 to consider approval of a boundary line adjustment BLA2005-12; Applicant: George Unger.

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14. Agreement for Digital Data Sharing (#C02706) between Klickitat County and Shawn Montee Timber Company for specific data (parcel lines/parcel data) to be used to determine adjacent property lines in cases of dispute.

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15. Interagency Agreement (#C02806) between State of Washington/Washington State Patrol, Agreement No. C060816/FED, and Klickitat County (Department of Emergency Management) to provide equipment to law enforcement (Klickitat County Sheriff, Goldendale Police Department, and Bingen/White Salmon Police Department) for enhanced capabilities for detecting, deterring, disrupting and preventing acts of terrorism.

Elected Official Report/Update

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill began his briefing by noting that about two weeks ago his office was involved in 20 felony cases since the first of the year and now that number has doubled to 40.

Prosecutor O’Neill stated that there was a recent hospital death in the county and the family refused to pay for the funeral expenses. As a result, the $1,400 expense was billed to Klickitat County, even though this was a non-coroner matter. Commissioner Struck responded that he believes that there is an agreement with the two funeral homes in the county where, in the case of the death of an indigent, the county agrees to reimburse up to $1,500 for funeral expenses.

Prosecutor O’Neill was made aware that the Klickitat School District hasn’t received a fulfillment deed to the Klickitat mill site office property that they have now made full payment on. He stated that he would draft the necessary instrument.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:22 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 former County Auditor Diana Housden and a matter involving a county road. It was noted that the session would last for 5 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 2:27 PM.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#152354 – 152491 and cancelled warrants # 151847 & 151795) for a net of $188,388.99

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

Old Business

Reducing the Stipend for the Building and Compliance Director

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Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) an Authorization to pay outside of the base rate, adjusting the temporary stipend for Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes from $500 to $250 per month, noting that certain additional duties that had been assigned at the time the original stipend had been approved will not be occurring.

Executive Session – Union Negotiations

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:53 PM with Personnel Director Lori Wolford to discuss union bargaining negotiations. It was expected to last 15 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:08 PM.

Adjournment (3:08 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 10:30 AM on Thursday, February 9, 2006

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, February 9, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 2:10 PM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Don Struck.

Commissioner Joan Frey was absent.

(The workshop to discuss Economic Development Department projects and prioritization with Interim Director Wayne Wooster scheduled for 10:30 AM was cancelled.)

Workshop Session Agenda

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, February 9, 2006 (Continued)

2:10 PM – Consideration of Nuisance Abatement of Parcel Numbers 02-12-0358-1707/00 and 04-13-2350-1311/00

Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Code Compliance Officer Joyce DeVries presented two nuisance abatement case involving Parcel Number 02-12-0358-1707/00, Della M. Smith, owner, and Parcel Number 04-13-2350-1311/00, Nick Fediay, Trustee. Officer DeVries recommended abatement of Parcel Number 02-12-0358-1707/00, but not Parcel Number 04-13-2350-1311/00, as the nuisance no longer exists. The Board agreed with both recommendations and directed Officer DeVries to prepare the necessary resolutions to that effect.

2:25 PM – Security at the Pioneer Center

Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Building and Grounds Manager John Ihrig discussed security issues at the Pioneer Center in White Salmon, including how to better monitor the building and changes to lock-up procedures. Possible solutions included having a deputy from the Sheriff’s Office lock the building at night, or perhaps the new custodial position to be hired for the Pioneer Center might be given the responsibility of checking/locking the building. Commissioner Struck stated that he might be available to respond should circumstances warrant, adding that he would also talk to Sheriff Mace about these issues.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:00 PM.

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Reference Document on File